Dodgers were free agent Kendrick's preference, but D-backs a 'really good fit'
Free-agent second baseman Howie Kendrick would have preferred to remain with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he could also see himself meshing well with another NL West team in 2016.
Kendrick has recently been linked to the Arizona Diamondbacks, a team that has made a big splash this offseason by revamping its rotation with the signings of righties Zack Greinke and Shelby Miller.
The veteran second baseman told MLB.com he hasn't received a lot of attention this offseason apart from the D-backs reports, but he is confident he'll get picked up by an interested team.
"There hasn't been a lot of dialogue as far as I know, but I'm not concerned," Kendrick told MLB.com. "I just want to be in a good environment, with a team that's committed to winning. I think I mesh well wherever I am."
With Kendrick's solid résumé, he needn't be the slightest bit concerned about finding a suitor in the next couple months.
The 32-year-old infielder, who holds a .293/.333/.423 career split, has been one of the most consistent hitters in MLB over the past seven seasons, posting a batting average at .279 or above with 54 or more RBI in every year since 2009.
Not only has been consistent, but Kendrick has been clutch as well, hitting .360 with 44 RBI with runners in scoring position this past season with the Dodgers.
"Playing with the Dodgers was fun," Kendrick said. "I was hoping to go back there. I just want to be in a winning situation. The Diamondbacks are a team that's going to be really good."
Although there's still a possibility that the Dodgers could re-sign Kendrick, Los Angeles currently has a handful of options at second base, including re-signed veteran Chase Utley, utility man Kike Hernandez, and recently acquired touted prospect Micah Johnson.
Kendrick was extended a one-year qualifying offer from the Dodgers after the season, but he rejected it.
Now likely moving on from Los Angeles, Kendrick could envision himself settling in nicely in Arizona, where he maintains his offseason home.
"[The D-backs are] a really good fit for what I'm looking for in a team," Kendrick said. " … They have a lot of good players who play the game the right way -- guys like Paul Goldschmidt and A.J. Pollock. I also know what Greinke can do for a team. They have a lot of pieces. I think I can bring a lot to any team."
