Howie Kendrick

2013

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2012

Injuries limited Kendrick to 140 games last season, but that didn't stop him from hitting a career-high 18 home runs and posting an .802 OPS. Kendrick also added 14 stolen bases and 86 runs, a number that could go up significantly if he is used in the two-hole in front of Albert Pujols. Kendrick has steadily improved the last couple seasons, and 2012 could wind up being his best yet provided that his trade of contact for power is sustainable.

2011

Kendrick played a full season for the first time in his career, but didn't deliver the high batting average or overall production many thought was possible if he could just stay healthy. Kendrick posted strong batting averages in the minor leagues, but he hasn't been able to duplicate that success in the majors due to a low walk rate that didn't get any better last season. A below average BABIP last season suggests he could improve and he'll be entering his prime at age 27, but his upside may not be much more than last year's numbers.

2010

After 1,300 at-bats, it's becoming clear that Kendrick is what he is, a legitimate .300 hitter with some other skills, none of which includes drawing walks or staying on the field. He's Robinson Cano without the power or durability, but the power is coming along a bit. He should be helped by Chone Figgins' departure, which may get Maicer Izturis out of his way. Big postseason hits may keep him from being a true sleeper on draft day, though.

2009

Kendrick batted .306 with three home runs and 37 RBI during a 2008 season in which he only played in 92 games. Kendrick battled injuries again last season, most notably a slow-healing hamstring injury; hopefully this doesn't turn into a yearly problem for the young second baseman. Kendrick has the tools to be a very good player; and if he can stay healthy next season, he should finally prove to be one of the better second base options in fantasy baseball.

2008

Kendrick was supposed to have a breakout season in 2007, but he suffered a broken finger early in the season and never completely recovered. Kendrick proved that he could hit major league pitching by hitting at a .322 clip over the course of the season, but he only saw action in 86 games and couldn't contribute as much as the Angels had hoped. Still, Kendrick should be healthy heading into next season and his numbers should improve simply by playing more games. With that in mind, expect Kendrick to emerge as a post-hype sleeper and deliver in 2008.

2007

Beware. Despite a pretty stat line and a beautiful swing, Kendrick's indicators went haywire last year. His strikeout rate jumped more than 20%, as did his K/BB. He's eventually going to meet expectations, but with just one season above Double-A, there's good reason to believe it won't happen in 2007. Still, he's likely to enter next season with the everyday job at second base.

2006

Injuries limited Kendrick to just 75 games in A-ball in 2004, but he hit a loud .367/.398/.578 in those 75 games, positioning himself for a breakout in '05. Breakout he did, battering the California League and the Texas League, hitting .384 at his first stop, and a mere .342/.382/.579 in Double-A. It's for real, folks: Kendrick may have the quickest wrists in the minor leagues. Like most Angels prospects, he doesn't draw many walks, but he makes hard contact against everything the pitcher can throw up there. He's improved his defense considerably at second base, and he'll be able to hold down the position long-term with a bit more polish. Kendrick's bat is ready for the majors right now, he only needs to tighten up the defense a little more. Look for him sometime in '06, possibly pushing Adam Kennedy out of a job.

2005

Kendrick had a strong season at low Single-A Cedar Rapids, giving the organization another second baseman behind Alberto Callaspo with high offensive potential. Look for continued growth at high Single-A in 2005.

2004

Kendrick had a strong season at low Single-A Cedar Rapids, giving the organization another second baseman behind Alberto Callapson with high offensive potential.