The Brewers have signed Jason Kendall to a 1-year contract with a vesting option for 2009. Kendall had an off season in 2007 as he played in 137 games for the A’s and Cubs. Kendall was 113 for 466 (.242 avg) with 45 runs scored, 3 homers, 41 RBIs and 3 stolen bases. The Brewers hope that Kendall can rebound and produce like he has earlier in his career. Kendall has now played in 1,682 games in the majors and he is 1,848 for 6,225 (.297 avg, .769 OPS) with 897 runs scored, 71 homers, 615 RBIs and 162 stolen bases.

The Brewers have acquired relief pitcher Guillermo Mota from the Mets for catcher Johnny Estrada. It seems as if the Brewers are trying to collect relief pitchers who suck and Mota qualifies. Mota has already been suspended once for drug abuse (50 games) so the Brewers better hope he can stay clean. Mota pitched in 52 games for the Mets last season and he was 2-2 with a 5.76 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. Mota has now pitched in 490 games in his major league career and he is 28-29 with 7 saves, a 3.91 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. I wonder if Omar Minaya (Mets GM) could hide the laughter when he made this trade?

The Brewers have signed lefty reliever Randy Choate to a 1-year contract. Choate pitched in two games for the Diamondbacks last season and he didn’t record an out while allowing three hits. Choate has pitched in 196 games in his major league career and he is 5-7 with a 4.64 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP. He has pitched 165 innings and he has allowed 157 hits, walked 87 batters and whiffed 129. Don’t expect much out of Choate who should thank God every night that he was born left-handed.