Updated at 7:03 p.m., Monday, July 16, 2007
Maui's Suzuki in starter's role after Kendall trade
Advertiser Staff and News Services
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Suzuki, who joined the A's earlier this season, is a Baldwin High alum. He went 0 for 3 including a walk tonight in a 4-1 loss to Texas.
"We've always been an organization that's given young guys a chance, and we think Kurt deserves a chance right now," A's general manager Billy Beane told MLB.com.
Suzuki was batting .269 in 10 games with Oakland through Sunday.
Kendall was traded for catcher Rob Bowen and minor league pitcher Jerry Blevins.
Kendall, a .298 career hitter in 12 major league seasons with Pittsburgh and Oakland, was batting only .226 for the A's this season with two homers and 22 RBIs. He was a three-time All-Star with the Pirates and is known for his ability to get on base. He has more walks than strikeouts during his career.
The 33-year-old Kendall has been praised for his durability despite his inconsistencies on offense.
Last month, the A's announced Mike Piazza would be a catcher again once he recovers from a shoulder injury — so he could be Suzuki's backup while also doing some work as designated hitter. Kendall has caught at least 143 games in each of the past seven seasons and 150 or more in four of those years.
"To sort of not acknowledge Jason's impact on the pitching staff, it'd be foolish to say," Beane added.
"The pitchers will tell you, the coaching staff will tell you. But that's something that's learned anyways and that's part of becoming a major league and part of the process for Kurt. It's something that has to happen at some point."
A's closer Huston Street said he was saddened to see Kendall go.
"He's a tough guy to lose. That was our rock right there," Street said. "Organizations have transitions. Unfortunately for a lot of us who trusted him, it's going to be a big transition."
Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said Kendall would do his best to join the Cubs for tomorrow night's game against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field.
MLB.com and Associated Press contributed to this report.
