Thumbnails | Next player Leading Man: The Pirates look to an unlikely source to fill their leadoff spot, putting emerging superstar catcher Jason Kendall (.345 with 21 stolen bases at the end of June) at the top of the order. "You've got to understand: I'm the most laid-back guy in the world most of the time, but when I'm playing, I'm all business," he says. "I don't give a f--- who you are. I don't give a f--- how much money you make. I want to beat your ass. I'm going to do anything I can to beat you." Kendall, twice a National League All-Star in his three seasons with the Pirates, provides more ways to beat you than do most catchers. To the toughness and intensity that are typical in a good backstop, he adds the unusual attributes of speed and an uncanny ability to get on base. Last season Kendall was fifth in the league in hitting (.327) and seventh in on-base percentage (.411). He was hit by pitches a major league-leading 31 times, and he set a league record for catchers with 26 stolen bases. "Every base he stole meant something," says Pittsburgh manager Gene Lamont. "I don't think he cared about the record at all." -- Gerry Callahan Issue date: May 3, 1999 Photograph by Robert Beck Sports Illustrated on Baseball | Team-by-Team Reports Rookie of the Year Watch | SI's Inside Baseball Archive

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