Categories: 2010 Player ReviewsAnalysisNewsOpinionPosts

Year in Review: Kyle Kendrick

“They are who we thought they were.” – Dennis Green, Arizona Cardinals Head Coach talking about the Chicago Bears.

Dennis Green’s epic explosion following the Cardinals second half collapse against the Bears in 2007 sheds some light on Kyle Kendrick, somehow. Kendrick is who we thought he was. He is mediocre and not much more. Green would have hit the nail on the head had he been talking about Kendrick.

No one ever believed Kendrick to be anything more than a fifth starter, the role he has filled the past four seasons with the Phillies. His numbers prove as much – Kendrick has a career ERA of 4.69 and a WHIP of 1.425. In 2010, KK put together a 4.73 ERA with a 1.37 WHIP and for the third time in four years won double-digit decisions. Clearly he was aided by the offense due to his fifth day start, however, his numbers are on par with other rotation fillers.

Peeking at Kendrick’s WAR, he is who we think he is – and was last season, too. His -0.3 Wins Over Replacement Player proves his worth as your run-of-the-mill starting pitcher in the majors.

At times, KK flashed some talent, but never over any lengthy period. His best outing of the 2010 campaign was probably his complete game win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 3. Even his finest performance left much to be desired. Over those nine innings, Kendrick allowed 10 hits and two earned runs. That’s about as good as you could ask for out of Kendrick.

In 2011, he’ll once again get an opportunity to be a part of the pitching staff due to his cheap contract and ability to be either a long-man or final starter. That decision is riding on Joe Blanton begin a part of the club.

Kyle Kendrick is what is he and probably always will be. He’s not a hard thrower and works off his control, so if that’s absent, it’s usually a long day. He’s adequate on the hill. He’s Kyle Kendrick.

PAT’S GRADE: 4.4/10

Pat Gallen

Pat joined Phillies Nation in July 2009, coming over from Examiner.com. As a previous employee of both Comcast SportsNet and the National Basketball Association, Pat prides himself on being a well-rounded individual when it comes to sports. However, the Phillies are first on the list. You’ll usually find Pat chiming in on the Phillies Nation Facebook or Twitter account, weekdays on 97.3 ESPN radio or hosting Phillies Nation TV. He’s also a Senior Writer for the site, and in his free time is a music enthusiast and Will Ferrell movie-follower. His favorite beer: Philly’s own Yards. In 2015, Pat moved on from Phillies Nation as a sports anchor and reporter for CBS-3 in Philadelphia.