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25
Jan
2010
Matt Kemp: Better Than A Free Agent PDF  | Print |  E-mail
Player Profiles
Written by Richard Carter   
The Los Angeles Dodger faithful have been waiting patiently this off-season for the acquisition of a few big name free agents to solidify last year’s playoff team. Between the mud slides, tornados and torrential downpours (yes, I’m talking about the weather, not the McCourt divorce decree), there has been little movement by the Dodgers' front office on the free agent market. No need to fear, restless Dodger Fan. Although there has been no big name free agent signings this year, the team has, in fact, made a lot of key signings that will solidify this team.
Unlike previous years, the Dodgers have put their emphasis on retaining and re-signing existing arbitration-eligible players before launching into the free agent market. The biggest signing by the Dodgers this off-season was the extension of Matt Kemp. Only Rihanna is happier than Dodgers fans about Kemp’s two-year, $10.95 million contract extension. Mr. Kemp, you are not in Oklahoma anymore. You are now officially an LA guy. It seems as though Chris Brown and Mrs. McCourt are the only two people in LA disappointed about the signing. 
At 25-years old, Matt Kemp is coming off of a breakthrough 2009 season. Not only did he win Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards, but he has now put together back-to-back 90-plus run and 30-plus stolen base seasons. The sky seems to be the limit when you add in the fact that he has also increased his average and power production.
 
Year
 
G
 
AB
 
H
 
HR
 
RBI
 
R
 
SB
 
AVG
 
OBP
2008
155
606
176
18
76
93
35
0.290
0.340
2009
159
606
180
26
101
97
34
0.297
0.352
 
From a fantasy perspective, Kemp is definitely a top-10 pick. After Ryan Braun, he’s the second best Outfielder off the board. The line-up protection provided by Andre Ethier, Manny Ramirez and James Loney ensures that he will match last year’s numbers. In fact, a 30/30 season can’t be too far off.
So, no worries LALA nation. By avoiding arbitration and wrapping up Kemp, Russell Martin, Ethier, Loney, Jonathan Broxton, Chad Billingsley, Hong-Chih Kuo, Russell Martin and George Sherrill, the team is solid and again expected to contend for another NL West title.
Who knows; when the Dodgers return from their March exhibition visit from Taiwan, they may have a secret weapon from Taipei to add to their line-up. If not, then in two months the rain will stop, the sun will shine and the stars will again be all over Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards.
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