.c The Associated Press
By ALAN ROBINSON
PITTSBURGH (AP) - Jason Kendall wants to return in 1999. The Pittsburgh Pirates will be satisfied to get their All-Star catcher back in 2000.
Kendall, who shattered his right ankle and tore all of his ankle ligaments in a scary accident at first base Sunday, told several teammates Monday that he wants to play a few games in September.
But while the Pirates aren't discouraging Kendall's plans for a speedy recovery from the frightening injury, they also won't jeopardize his career by rushing him back prematurely.
``I think Jason Kendall thinks he's going to play again this year but, realistically, he's not,'' manager Gene Lamont said Monday. ``When he gets back, he'll realize how tough it is.''
``I'll be real happy if he's ready to go in spring training,'' trainer Kent Biggerstaff said.
Jack Failla, the team orthopedist who assisted in Kendall's surgery, said Kendall needs at least three months of rest and rehabilitation to return to normal.
``From a medical standpoint, it is unlikely we would recommend coming back before the end of the season,'' Failla said.
In addition to dislocating his right ankle and fracturing a 1/4-inch by 3/8-inch piece of bone, Kendall also tore three outside ankle ligaments and one inside ligament.
``Every single ligament in the ankle was ruptured,'' Failla said. ``I've never seen anything quite like this.''
The All-Star catcher's right ankle snapped nearly in two as he tried to beat out a bunt Sunday against Milwaukee, causing his fibula to jam its way through his skin - a gruesome sight that left some players nauseous.
Kendall's ankle crumbled as he struck the front inside edge of the bag, rather than the top. Kendall needed several steps to catch his balance, putting more stress on the badly injured ankle and possibly causing more damage.
Still, Failla said the injury isn't necessarily career-threatening. Bobby Bonilla had a similar-style fracture during a mid-1980s as a Pirates farmhand and recovered to become an All-Star.
Robin Ventura, then with the White Sox, snapped his ankle in similar fashion during a home plate collision in spring training two years ago and returned four months later.
Also, Kendall is one of the Pirates' hardest-working players, and Failla said motivating him during his rehabilitation won't be necessary.
``Knowing Jason Kendall, we'll have to hold him down for a while to protect the repair,'' Failla said.
Kendall will remain hospitalized for another 2-3 days to receive intravenous antibiotics, then will wear a protective cast for six weeks. He will lift weights and do other exercises during that time to maintain his upper body strength.
Kendall's parents, including father Fred, a roving catching instructor with the Cincinnati Reds, flew to Pittsburgh on Sunday night to be with their son. Many of Kendall's teammates also visited him and the Pirates wore his nickname, ``Kid,'' on their hats in tribute Monday.
The Pirates expect Kendall to recover fully as a hitter, but the unanswered question is how the injury will affect his speed.
One of the fastest catchers in major league history, he was the Pirates' leadoff hitter earlier this season and, with 22 steals in 80 games, was on pace to break the single-season record of 36 stolen bases by a catcher.
``The speed is what you don't know about,'' Lamont said.
The Pirates and Kendall were discussing a contract extension worth at least $20 million, but those talks are on hold until Kendall returns.
With Kendall on the disabled list, catcher Yamid Haad was recalled from Double-A Altoona, a short-term move designed to give the Pirates a backup catcher for Monday game's against the Cubs.
General manager Cam Bonifay is looking for an experienced catcher to back up Keith Osik, and former Colorado Rockies catcher Jeff Reed is a possibility. He hit 17 homers two years ago before being released Saturday.
