Padres To Go After Kendall

The Padres catching situation is in limbo with Michael Barrett on his way out, and Colt Morton not quite ready to take over. Padres GM Kevin Towers told me he would keep his options open whether it is Barrett, Kendall, Lo Duca, or Morton, but it is widely agreed that he is enamored by Kendall and has been interested in bringing him in for years. In 57 games with the Cubs, he batted .270 with 1 HR and 19 RBI. I think he is so interested in Kendall is not because of his success in the NL this season compared to previous years, but because he is a defensive specialist who is now familiar with more teams and pitchers in the National League. He would not cost much, and he would be able to help Morton develop into a good catcher to eventually take over that spot. He has not filed for free agency yet, and is still interested in staying with the Cubs, but Geovany Soto and Henry Blanco seem like the guys behind the plate in 2008.