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| Photo by Andrew Gillen- Philliedelphia |
Last night was Kyle Kendrick's last start as a Philadelphia Phillie, though I hope it's not his last appearance. Kendrick is at 199 innings on the year, so I hope that Ryne Sandberg finds a way to get him an inning in the last four games.
Kendrick by no means had a good year, but he does lead the team with ten wins on what was a durable season, if nothing more. After bursting onto the scene in 2007 and being a huge part of the 2007 and 2008 runs, Kendrick took a step back to AAA in 2009, before returning and playing a big role in 2010 and 2011. Kendrick was never a great pitcher, but was able to take the ball every fifth day, stay healthy, and turn in respectable, inning-eating appearances.
Kendrick won't be the first name that rolls off of our tongue when asked about the five year run of greatness the Phillies put up, nor should he be. Don't forget him though as he leaves after this season, as the contributions he put up were really important to this team having the success that it did. There's a lot to be said about a healthy, durable fifth starter type. Kendrick fits that mold, and did so without ever causing any issues in Philadelphia.
