Kendall Inks One Year Deal with Brewers

The Brewers are hoping that Kendall is an upgrade over Johnny Estrada, who played injured through most of 2007.

Jason Kendall became a Brewer on Wednesday, signing a one-year contract that includes a vesting option for 2009. Photo courtesy: Oakland A's

MILWAUKEE - Jason Kendall became a Brewer on Wednesday, signing a one-year contract that includes a vesting option for 2009 and attending a press conference introducing him as the club's new catcher.

The 33-year-old's contract terms were reported by The Associated Press on Tuesday night.

Kendall will earn a $4.25 million base salary in 2008 with up to $1 million in performance bonuses: $100,000 for 110 games, $150,000 each for 120 and 130 games, $150,000 for 115 starts and $250,000 for 130 starts.

The option for 2009 would kick in at $4.25 million should Kendall reach the 110-start threshold, $4.35 million for at least 120 starts or $4.6 million for 130 starts.

According to the AP, any 2008 bonuses based on games played would be added to his 2009 salary. The bonuses based on starts would be paid in 2008.

The Brewers are hoping that Kendall is an upgrade over Johnny Estrada, who played injured through most of 2007 and was traded to the Mets this month for reliever Guillermo Mota.

Kendall hit a career-worst .242 last season for Oakland and the Chicago Cubs with three home runs and 41 RBIs. He is a career .297 hitter in 12 seasons with a .375 on-base percentage.

Finalizing the Kendall deal scratches one item off general manager Doug Melvin's to-do list before next week's Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tenn.

The Brewers' biggest needs are in left field, where they are looking for a successor to departed free agent Geoff Jenkins, and the bullpen, where closer Francisco Cordero must be replaced.

Story by: Adam McCalvy

Courtesy: MLB.com

Adding comments to these stories has been disabled. View the current sports stories Salem-News Sports