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Kennedy Capitalizing On Chance To Showcase His Talents

The Associated Press

Kennedy knew he would be comfortable playing for Manager Joe Maddon after the time they spent together with the Angels.

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By MARC LANCASTER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 24, 2009

Updated: 03/24/2009 12:41 am

BRADENTON - The Rays have given Adam Kennedy exactly what they promised him when he agreed to a minor-league contract shortly before spring training opened. The question now is what comes next for the veteran second baseman.

Cut loose by the Cardinals in a surprising move days before he was to report to camp last month, Kennedy saw a chance to showcase himself with the Rays.

He knew he would be comfortable playing for Manager Joe Maddon after the time they spent together with the Angels and he knew playing time would be available with Akinori Iwamura absent from the beginning of spring training to participate in the World Baseball Classic. And that's exactly how it has gone down.

"It's been a real productive spring," Kennedy said. "Nothing's changed as far as expectations from what I thought coming in. I've just been thankful that Joe has been getting me in there a bunch and the playing time's been great."

Kennedy has seen action in 16 of the Rays' 22 Grapefruit League games, playing primarily at his natural position but also logging 17 innings at third base and seeing his first action at shortstop Monday. He also played the outfield in a minor-league game last week.

Moving around to other positions can only increase Kennedy's marketability, and he's on board with whatever the Rays ask.

"I'm willing to do whatever, wherever," he said. "It's just nice to get out there and be playing on a daily basis."

But where will he be playing in two weeks when the regular season gets under way? It could be Tampa Bay, if the Rays want to get creative with their roster management. Maddon said after Fernando Perez suffered a wrist injury that will sideline him to open the season that it was a possibility Kennedy might make the team if the Rays use Ben Zobrist primarily as an outfielder.

That still could happen. Or, the Rays could be approached by a team in need of an infielder and trade Kennedy. They have made it clear they won't stand in Kennedy's way if an opportunity to play elsewhere in the majors presents itself.

If nothing comes through, though, Kennedy said he would be willing to open the season in Durham and see what happens.

"Absolutely. I'm not opposed to doing that," he said. "Better that than sitting at home and not being ready in case something was to happen with somebody."

Reporter Marc Lancaster can be reached at (813) 259-7227.

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