He's terrible. Then he's wonderful. Then he's really terrible. Then he's really wonderful. I've supported Kendrick through some criticism. I've also suggested the Phillies finally cut his rotation spot for good. Up, down, up, down, up down.
That has been Kyle Kendrick for the Phillies this season. Today was one of the brilliant ones, as Kendrick and Michael Schwimer combined to shut out the Milwaukee Brewers, following another brilliant 7-inning, combined shut out against the Miami Marlins last week. Let's look at some numbers.
Kyle Kendrick ERA by Month
April: 6.59 ERA
May: 2.89 ERA
June: 6.96 ERA
July: 0.00 ERA
August: 5.02 ERA
Yes, even after Kendrick's 15-inning scoreless run, his August ERA is 5.02. And no, Kendrick did not give up a single run the entire month of July in one start and seven appearances out of the bullpen. So Kendrick is brilliant sometimes, and some months he is just THAT bad in spots that he can destroy an ERA.
The Brilliant:
5/26 vs. St. Louis: 9.0 IP, 0 R/ER, CG
7/6 vs. Atlanta: 7.0 IP, 0 R/ER
8/14 at Miami: 7.0 IP, 0 R/ER
8/19 at Milwaukee: 8.0 IP, 0 R/ER
Factor out these four starts, Kendrick would have a 5.83 ERA.
The Ugly:
4/23 at Arizona: 3.0 IP 7 ER,
5/9 at New York Mets: 1.0 IP 5 ER (relief appearance)
6/12 at Minnesota: 4.0 IP, 6 ER
8/8 vs. Atlanta: 3 1/3 IP, 6 ER
Factor out these four appearances, Kendrick would have a 2.52 ERA.
He Drives Me Crazy
So four appearances in either extreme really seem to have to have defined Kendrick's season. With all eight factored in, Kendrick is 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA. We never know which Kendrick we are going to get.
Kyle Kendrick is the sixth starter. He's getting a shot with the departure of Joe Blanton, but going forward he could easily find himself back in the bullpen as long man and spot starter. Having one that can be as brilliant as he was tonight is okay with me. But, Kyle, you'll drive me crazy.
