By Ed Condran

You can't say Kyle Kendrick lacks a sense of humor.

The strains of Jane's Addiction's 'Been Caught Stealing' emanate from the Citizens Bank Park PA when Kendrick warms up to start a ballgame.

'Been Caught Stealing' has been Kendrick's song since May when police uncovered his stolen 2008 World Series ring, which was taken during a robbery of his Washington state home in April

"Few people have noticed the 'Been Caught Stealing' connection," Kendrick said. "One other guy said something about it. It's a cool song. It works for my situation. I got the ring and I can laugh about it now. But I still like warming up to that song. I really like Jane's Addiction."

Kendrick hasn't heard his song at Citizens Bank Park that often. He hasn't opened a game in nearly a month.

"It's not a big deal for me," Kendrick said. "I'm a starter and I can come back in that role anytime they need me. I'm very comfortable going out there kicking off a game and pitching as many innings as I can. Since I came up here (in 2007), I've had a lot more starts than relief appearances."

However, Kendrick figures to be part of the pen during the playoffs. "That's fine," Kendrick said. "I'll do whatever I can do to help the team. I just want to go out there and get outs."

Kendrick wouldn't mind experiencing Jane's Addiction, who will perform October 21 at the House of Blues in Atlantic City. However, Kendrick hopes to be a little busy then since that show will be right in the middle of the World Series.

"I'm not making any plans in October but to play baseball," Kendrick said. "It's all about winning again. I would love to win another ring. So I hope we play deep into October and I'll focus on other things in November."

Since emerging as an unheralded prospect in 2007, Kendrick has had a knack for winning. He is 42-30 lifetime, despite a 4.45 ERA.

So Kendrick has averaged 13 wins a season, not bad for a bottom of the rotation starter/middle reliever.

"I can't complain," Kendrick said. "It was great getting the opportunity in 2007 and to remain on a team that just has its priorities straight. We just win and don't get too high with each victory or too low with a defeat. It's great being part of something like this."

The Phillies offense has been particularly kind to Kendrick. "There's no doubt it's great to be on a team that generates the kind of run support," Kendrick said. "But you look at this lineup, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and you just go on from there. What pitcher wouldn't want to be part of something like this? It's been awesome since I arrived and it's still awesome."

 

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Versatile Kyle Kendrick Will Start It Off or Serve as Middle Relief For Phils