Kendrick Signs Free Agent Contract

Middle Tennessee second baseman Wayne Kendrick has signed a free agent contract with the Cincinnati Reds after reporting to the organization's Spring Training headquarters in Sarasota, Fla. (MT)

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee second baseman Wayne Kendrick has signed a free agent contract with the Cincinnati Reds after reporting to the organization's Spring Training headquarters in Sarasota, Fla.

Kendrick made the 12-hour drive from Murfreesboro to Sarasota on Tuesday before signing his contract on Wednesday. He will take a physical on Thursday and join the Reds' Gulf Coast League team in Sarasota.

Kendrick said it's an exciting time and one he's dreamed about for a long time.

"I think every kid dreams of playing in the major leagues and I've had that dream since I was a little kid," Kendrick said. "Now I have the opportunity. I couldn't ask for a better dream."

Kendrick led the Blue Raiders in five offensive categories in 2007, batting .405 with 62 runs scored, 22 doubles, three triples and 100 hits. He was also second on the squad with 29 walks and 45 RBIs and struck out just 14 times in 247 at-bats.

He set the single-season hits record at Middle Tennessee, becoming the first player in program history to reach the century mark, while his batting average is tied for fifth for a single-season and his doubles total ranks third all-time for one season.

Kendrick said he was a little disappointed he wasn't drafted by an organization but he's very excited the Reds moved so quickly with a free agent contract.

"I was a little disappointed with the draft, but I tried not to get my hopes up too much because I knew there was a possibility that I wouldn't get drafted," Kendrick said. "But the Reds called almost immediately after the draft was over and now I've got a spot in the Gulf Coast League. I'm definitely excited to find a team to give me a chance."

Many people ask why Kendrick wasn't drafted by a Major League team. The biggest reason of all may be his smaller stature, 5-foot-6, which used to be a big factor in Kendrick's motivation for the game.

"I used to worry about my size a lot. I think my junior year at Middle Tennessee I tried to prove a point, but I didn't really worry about it this year. I just wanted to go out and play well everyday and not worry about anything else."

Kendrick's teammate, Matt Ray, was selected in the 18th round of the Major League Baseball First Year Amateur Draft by the Oakland A's, while Blue Raider signee Bryce Brentz was selected in the 30th round by the Cleveland Indians.