Kendrick To Stick Around?

Just ask any Phillies Phan. We all know the story of Kyle Kendrick. This is the story of a kid who was extremely unknown, but got his call up for one start and made a lasting impression. Kyle was not overly impressive in the minors, we just needed a guy to fill in for a week or two, but KK decided it was not in his plans to return to Reading. He finished the season as a hero. Unfortunately for him fame left as quick as it came. In 2008 he floundered pretty badly with an ERA over 5. In 09 he made his return as a relief pitcher to many fans dismay. But in a shocking fashion he produced a mid 3 era. So why are fans not all over him? Fool me once, shame on you but fool me twice, shame on me.

So why am I writing about him? Well much like other Phillies fans I am taking strong notice of his Spring. Kyle Kendrick has thrown 9 innings without letting up a single run. So what, who cares. Chan Ho Mania was thriving last spring how did that work out? Yea well Chan Ho Mania wasn't entering spring with a new pitch or two. Kyle Kendrick has showcased and admitted to working on some pitches and in great fashion he put those pitches to work. We are seeing more movement out of him than ever before. If anything, maybe this new pitch and tweak to the others will give him one more season of mild success and fool a few hitters. To be honest, I will not be overly upset if KK comes in does his thing and is done again. Our farm is thriving with prospects, many in the lower levels, that maybe all we need is one more decent season out of him.

Overall I think KK will have a pretty nice season. I am not going ape shit over him but i do not think a 10 win 3.80 ERA season is too far out of reach. I think he was destined for the relief role but i feel confident with him going into 2010 as our starting number 5, i mean after seeing Moyer last season how much worse can it get? I will be calling for 1 last HURRAH season out of him before he is subjected to the likes of a mediocre career pitcher(4.25 ERA)