MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Jason Kendall was guaranteed $4.25 million under the one-year contract he and the Milwaukee Brewers finalized Wednesday.
''Jason is one of the most durable catchers in the game,'' general manager Doug Melvin said. ''He brings a hard-nose attitude and ability to get the most out of his pitching staff. Offensively, he works the count and will give you good at-bats.''
In addition to his base salary, Kendall can earn $1 million in performance bonuses next year: $100,000 for 110 games, $150,000 each for 120 and 130 games, $150,000 for 100 starts, $200,000 for 115 starts and $250,000 for 130 starts.
The deal includes an option for 2009 that would become guaranteed at $4.25 million if Kendall starts 110 games next year, $4.35 million if he starts 120 games and $4.6 million if he starts 130 games. Any 2008 performance bonuses that he earns based on games -- but not starts -- would be added to his 2009 base salary.
Kendall hit .270 with 19 RBIs in 57 games with the Chicago Cubs this year after a midseason trade from Oakland. Before the deal, he batted .226 with 33 RBIs for the Athletics.
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Kendall earned $13 million this year, the final season of a $60 million, six-year extension he agreed to with Pittsburgh in November 2000.
