Inside Dish: Cubs are trying to lure a catcher

[Baseball Guru]

By Ken Rosenthal - SportingNews.com



After striking out in trade talks for C A.J. Pierzynski, the Cubs are considering a run at Pirates C Jason Kendall. The Cubs would entertain a deal only if the Pirates picked up a significant portion of the remaining $42 million on Kendall's contract, which runs through 2007. . . .

[sparky]

I want them to get pudge rodriguez. He can definitely help the cubs win the world series.

[JonAL28]

I also would rather see the Cubs pick up one of the big two free agent catchers rather than get Kendall. from what I have read online, the Padres tried to get Pitt. to pay on Kendall's salary but they wouldn't go for it. So why would they for the Cubs? Besides, I want to be a Cub fan, not a Pirate fan. How many more of their players are they gonna get? I wish they would have gotten the best one, Giles, before San Diego got him. He would have filled that spot in LF nicely. Moises needs to go. He did good for us, but he is past his prime. I sure hope they don't try to resign him next year.

[bd811]

I would not mind seeing them sign Kendall. Especially if they dont bring back Grudz, because then Kendall would fit nicely in the 2 spot in front of Sosa, Lee, Ramirez, Patterson, and Alou.

For a deal to happen Damian Miller would have to be sent to Pittsburgh, or else the Cubs would have to have another deal lined up to trade him.

Plus Kendall would obviously have to waive his no trade clause, and I would hope Pittsburgh would pay some of the money, but I dont think that is necessary in order for a deal to happen.

I would prefer Pudge but he would not come at a cheaper price, plus I think Kendall would really fit into our lineup better. We have enough sluggers, we need an OBP-contact guy in front of them, which Kendall is.