Jason Kendall traded to Cubs! A's get Blevins, Bowen

[FNQ]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=t ... &type=lgns

The cost-cutting begins... this makes Suzuki our #1

[FNQ]

Blevins is a decent minor league prospect, most likely an Alan Embree type as a ceiling, possibly a prime Arthur Rhodes.

Bowen of course is a journeyman C, he'll likely backup Suzuki.

The effect this has on the pitching staff should be interesting.

[HMFFL]

I'm fine with this. I wish Jason the best but we all knew his days were going to be numbered.

[marciulionis13]

yes! Can't wait to see what Kurt can do with consistent playing time, it's been a long time coming.

[Scott T]

Whatever, the main positive is obviously getting Suzuki some experience this year. I don't know anything about the two guys coming over, but more times than not the A's get the better end of the deal in trades like this.

[TSC25]

JERRY BLEVINS, LHP

Proper Name: Jerry Richard Blevins
Born: Sept. 6, 1983 in Dayton, Ohio
School: Dayton Ht.: 6-6 Wt.: 185
Bats: L Throws: L

Individual Pitching Stats
Club (League) Class W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H R ER HR BB SO WP BB/9 SO/9 AVG WHIP STR%
Daytona Cubs (FSL) Hi A 1 0 0.38 15 0 0 6 23.2 13 1 1 0 5 32 0 1.90 12.17 .159 0.76 .833
Tennessee Smokies (SL) AA 2 2 1.26 22 0 0 3 28.2 20 4 4 0 8 37 1 2.51 11.62 .196 0.98 .900
MINOR LEAGUE TOTALS 3 2 0.86 37 0 0 9 52.1 33 5 5 0 13 69 1 2.24 11.87 .179 0.88 .875

[TSC25]

I'm fine with this. I wish Jason the best but we all knew his days were going to be numbered.

I agree,and I also think to the Brewers better be worried,Jason will do great things with the Cubs pitching staff.

[HMFFL]

Is trading Kendall a signal?

Asked if he was done making moves, Beane said, "I hope not. We're always looking to try to do something to push us in the right direction. That's not to say there's anything imminent."

Beane said Kurt Suzuki, a 23-year-old from Cal State Fullerton, will be the everyday catcher and Bowen will be the backup. Blevins, a 17th-round pick in 2004, was 2-2 with a 1.53 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 29.1 innings at Double-A Tennessee.

"He's certainly going to be a major leaguer," Hendry said of the 6-foot-6 reliever. "Billy's scouts did a good job. You're not going to fool the Oakland A's on your prospects or his."

Hendry said he talked to Kendall, "and obviously he's thrilled."

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.c ... R1N7M1.DTL

[TSC25]

Blevins, 23, signed as a 17th-round pick out of Dayton in 2004. He has little success in full-season leagues before 2007, when he has gone a combined 3-2, 0.86 with nine saves in 37 games at high Class A Daytona and Double-A Tennessee. In 52 innings, he has a 69-13 K-BB ratio and has held opponents to a .179 average and no homers. His best pitch is a sinker that has added velocity this season, with Blevins now working at 90-93 mph. He also has a curveball and changeup. Blevins projects as a middle reliever.

[Silver Man]

I don't mind this trade at all. Jason was not doing very good this year, and is getting old. We get a few young players so I'm fine with this trade.