Jason Kendall (.182 AVG, .227 OBP, .194 SLG, 0HR, 12 RBI) - D-

In case you were wondering how on earth a player could possibly score a .194 slugging percentage in a major league season, that would be two extra base hits on the year, both of them doubles. The only reason to give Kendall a grade slightly higher than failing is on the off-chance that he does manage the pitching staff well, and calls a good game. There is reason to suspect just this, since the A’s starting pitching is fighting for the league lead in ERA, but in every other important area of the game; base hits, getting on base, offensive power, throwing runners out; Jason Kendall is failing spectacularly. He is no better than a pitcher hitting in the ninth spot, assuming that pitcher is Barry Zito; we can certainly name a handful of pitchers that hits better than he.

Catchers