Matt Kemp is Having a Great Season Amidst Dodger Chaos

Despite all the troubles the Los Angeles Dodgers are having in 2011—the McCourt divorce, declining attendance, a Giants fan beaten up, and bankruptcy—outfielder Matt Kemp is rising above it all and having a great first have to his season.  On June 27th, Kemp was four for five at the plate with a double and a home run in the Dodgers’ 15-0 of the Minnesota Twins. Kemp raised his batting average to .336 and his RBI total to 62, both second best in the National League.  The home run was his 22nd of the year, moving him into the league lead in that category.  He also has 21 stolen bases, good for fourth best in the National League.

Kemp is one of those players who has a good combination of speed and power.  He had his best all around season in 2009, when he hit 26 homers, drove in 101 runs and stole 34 bases while hitting .297.  Last year was considered down year for Kemp, but he still hit a career high 28 homers.  His 19 stolen bases and .249 batting average  were well off his usual numbers.  This year he’s come roaring back and will get serious consideration for the league’s MVP award if he keeps it going in the second half of the season.  The team itself was stuck in fourth place in the National League West, and between that and all the turmoil, Dodger fans have had little else to cheer about .

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Tags: baseball, los angeles dodgers, matt