A'S CATCH KENDALL
The Oakland Athletics acquired catcher Jason Kendall and cash considerations from the Pittsburgh Pirates for pitchers Mark Redman and Arthur Rhodes.
What does it give the Oakland Athletics
An outstanding acquisition for the A's, since Kendall will log a huge amount of playing time behind the plate and possibly serve as the team's leadoff man to boot. Yes he's rather expensive (3 years, $34 million left on his contract), but Kendall should be worth it because of Oakland's team needs. Furthermore, they wanted no part of Rhodes any longer and are happy to be rid of his contract. Redman was expendable as the No. 5 man in Oakland's rotation. An outstanding move by GM Billy Beane.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Pirates
It's getting harder to be a fan of the Pirates franchise these days. Kendall spent nine seasons as the heart and soul of the clubhouse, but was shipped out in exchange for a serviceable veteran left-handed starter and overpaid southpaw reliever. While Redman will help, the Bucs are deep in young left-handed starting pitching. Meanwhile, Rhodes will be a first-time National Leaguer at age 35, and is coming off a terrible first season in Oakland. A terrible deal for the Bucs and their fans.
Fantasy impact
