Over the next 28 days Philly Pressbox (https://phillypressbox.wordpress.com) (@phillypressbox) will be doing a review and analysis of each Phillies player, Manager Charlie Manuel and the coaching staff leading up to Opening Day 2012.  On Day 18 we preview, Kyle Kendrick.

Kyle Kendrick – Kendrick has had an interesting career in the Phillies organization since being drafted in the 7^th round of the 2003 amateur draft out of Mt. Vernon, Washington, High School. Kendrick spent from 2003 – 2007 working his way through “A” and “AA” ball. He posted a minor league record of 26-44. He never pitched at the “AAA” level before being called to the big leagues on June 13, 2007. Kyle immediately joined the Phillies rotation, starting 20 games and compiling a 10-4 record with a 3.87 ERA in 121 innings at the age of 22. 2008 was not as kind to Kendrick. He remained in the starting rotation and added 11 wins in his 30 starts but suffered from inconsistency that led to his 5.49 ERA. He also posted 57 base on balls, 14 hit batters and 23 home runs allowed in 155.2 innings of work. As a result Kyle was not included on the 2008 post season roster that won the World Series. 2009 brought more struggles until Kyle was finally sent to “AAA” Lehigh Valley to work on his game. He pitched in only 9 major league games in 2009. 2010 brought improvement; Kyle was back in the starting rotation for the Phillies. He started in 31 of his 33 appearances, compiling an 11-10 record with a 4.73 ERA. His command was better and all indications were that he was on the right track. 2011 saw Kyle take an entirely different direction. He was moved to the bullpen and was very effective. He came on in relief in 19 of his 34 appearances. He posted an 8-6 record with a career best 3.22 ERA working primarily as a long reliever. Kendrick seems like he’s been around for a long time, however, he’s only 27 years old. His best days are ahead of him. The Phillies organization has been very patient and continues to develop him. This off season Kyle signed a 2 year – $7.5m contract.

Personal Analysis:

Kendrick came in to Spring Training in a three way competition with Vance Worley and Joe Blanton for the last two spots in the rotation. With one week left before breaking camp it appears that Worley and Blanton will get those spots. We won’t go so far as to stay Kendrick lost the job in Spring Training. To date he’s pitched in 3 games, 8.1 innings, 4 hits, 0 runs 0 walks and 9 k’s. A pretty impressive Spring thus far.

Call me crazy but I see Kendrick possibly developing in to the 8^th inning set up man and ultimately a closer if he continues in the bullpen much the same as Ryan Madson did. One of the biggest challenges in that role is being able to pitch often and having the mindset to put the last game, good or bad, behind you. It takes time and is easier said than done. In the meantime, Kendrick is a luxury as a 6^th starter, if needed. In today’s baseball you can never have enough quality arms. We look for Kendrick to have a solid year and continue to improve. Depending how his role evolves he may not win a lot of games but could eat up some innings and not give up a lot of runs.

Tomorrow we will preview Antonio Bastardo.

The series: Day 1, Charlie Manuel. Day 2, The Coaching Staff. Day 3, Roy Halladay. Day 4, Cliff Lee. Day 5, Cole Hamels. Day 6, Vance Worley. Day 7, Joe Blanton. Day 8, Carlos “Chooch” Ruiz. Day 9, Ryan Howard. Day 10, Chase Utley. Day 11, Jimmy Rollins. Day 12, Placido Polanco. Day 13, John Mayberry, Jr. Day 14, Shane Victorino. Day 15, Hunter Pence. Day 16, Brian Schneider. Day 17, Jim Thome

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