Catcher Kendall, Brewers reach preliminary deal
MILWAUKEE -- Catcher Jason Kendall and the Milwaukee Brewers reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday on a one-year contract.
The deal, which includes a 2009 option that could become guaranteed, is subject to Kendall passing a physical. Milwaukee made the move one day after trading catcher Johnny Estrada, to the New York Mets for reliever Guillermo Mota.
Kendall hit .270 with 19 RBI in 57 games with the Chicago Cubs after a midseason trade from Oakland. Prior to the trade, Kendall batted .226 with 33 RBI for the Athletics.
Estrada, who was acquired in a trade with Arizona last offseason, hit .278 with 10 homers and 54 RBI for Milwaukee last season but was considered a defensive liability.