Jason

Kendall

Sources said a Kendall trade is more likely occur in the offseason.

Ryan Klesko, who is owed $16 million over the next two years, could be sent to Pittsburgh for Kendall and cash, making Ramon Hernandez trade bait. The Padres must figure they’d have a better chance of getting a quality center fielder or starting pitcher for Hernandez than they would for Klesko.

The AP reports that the sides are still discussing how much cash will be included in the deal, which would also involved Mark Redman and Arthur Rhodes. Also, the report adds that Kendall’s agent has informed the Pirates that the catcher would waive his no-trade clause to go to Oakland.

Ken Rosenthal seems to indicate that no cash would be involved in the deal, but that’s unrealistic. The A’s would be taking on an extra $18 million over the next three years if no money changes hand. Kendall is worth $6 million per season, but he’s not worth that much above and beyond what Redman and Rhodes make. The fact that the A’s are down on both left-handed pitches doesn’t make them worthless.

Kendall had a cortisone shot earlier in the week and has been getting therapy.

The Pirates remain willing to pick up a portion of the $42 million Kendall is owed, so he probably won’t finish next season in Pittsburgh.

If the Pirates would close to half of the $42 million owed to Kendall over the next four years, the Cubs could consider taking him in exchange for Damian Miller. Since neither the Cubs nor the A’s seem to be especially interested in making the trade, it appears likely that Kendall will remain with the Pirates next season.

Ben Davis and Jeff Cirillo for Kendall? It could be a possibility, though since Kendall is owed $42 million to Cirillo’s $15 million, the Mariners might want the Pirates to throw in some money.

The Pirates would receive Ramon Hernandez and Jeff Cirillo. The scary thing is that Cirillo could be handed a starting job by the Pirates. If that forces Chris Stynes to second base, Freddy Sanchez, who would be one of the team’s better hitters, might be sent back to the minors.

Kendall could have his three-game suspension reduced to two games, but be prepared for him to miss some time this week. The Pirates plan to recall catcher Humberto Cota from Triple-A Nashville to have him available while Kendall is out. After Kendall returns, Cota will return to Triple-A and the Pirates likely will activate Mike Lincoln from the DL.