STLtoday: Adam Kennedy seeks trade for ‘09

Convinced manager Tony La Russa no longer considers him an everyday player, Cardinals second baseman Adam Kennedy has asked that the club trade him rather than bring him back for the final installment of his three-year, $10 million contract.

“I’ve never played on a baseball team where I haven’t had a role, whether it was everyday or something else. That’s the toughest part, not having a role. I realize it’s not going to happen here,” Kennedy said before Thursday night’s series finale against the Cincinnati Reds.

..."There were times this year I thought I was playing great, then I wouldn’t play for a while,” Kennedy said. “When that happened, it pretty much confirmed what was going on. That’s it. I don’t fit in the plans here now or for next year.”

..."Tony’s won a lot of baseball games,” Kennedy said. “He writes the lineup and I’m not in it. That’s fine. There’s no argument. That’s his opinion and he’s the manager. Last year, I compounded the problem by not accepting the role and not being ready. This year, I’ve sucked it up and made sure I’m ready if I’m not in there. Now I’m to the point where I have to look out for my career as well. It’s been two years. I didn’t play well last year but I thought I’d done my part this year. But I don’t see (increased playing time) happening.”

Jeez, even the Kennedy Gold Mine has had better production lately…