Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
If you haven't noticed, Matt Kemp has emerged as a budding superstar this season. Who is Matt Kemp? He's the bursting with talent center fielder for the Dodgers. After hitting a three run homer in last nights game, he's currently hitting .306 with 26 home runs, 100 RBI, 96 runs and 34 stolen bases. Not bad for a kid who turned 25 just two days ago, and is still learning to play the game of baseball. Not only are his numbers amazing, if he can keep his average about .300 he will become the first Dodger to ever hit .300, with 25 homers and 100+ RBI. While that is amazing, throw in the fact he's also stolen 30+ bases and should reach the 100 runs plateau. He's also done it all over the lineup. He's hit in every slot in the lineup except 3rd this season.
In my opinion, one of the best things to happen to Dodgers team was missing Manny Ramirez for 50 games. Yes, I know that sounds very odd, but it forced young stars like Kemp, and Andre Ethier to step up and take a leadership role on and off the field. Don't get me wrong, the Dodgers are a better team, and lineup, with Manny. Both Kemp and Ethier have been good run producers for the past two seasons, but have been very inconsistent going into this season. Both are young players and have matured greatly during the 2009 campaign.
If you look how young Kemp is and how much more he has to learn about the game, what he can, and most likely will, do in his career could be staggering. I think it's time people start to talk about him as one of the premier center fielders in the game.
Now he just needs to do it this Fall!
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