LOS ANGELES -- Two years ago, Dodger center fielder Matt Kemp could easily have won the National League Most Valuable Player Award.
Right now, Kemp is a candidate for nothing more than Most Disappointing Player in 2013 as his game continues to deteriorate.
In the Dodgers’ spectacular 8-7 comeback win over the Angels in the first game of the Freeway Series Monday night at Dodger Stadium, Kemp might as well have been swinging a table leg instead of a bat. He went 0-5 with four strikeouts and was subjected to more boos from Dodgers fans — something that has become commonplace as of late.
Kemp has looked emotionless at times on the field — seemingly going through the motions — or full of emotion as he was over the weekend when he screamed at beleaguered manager Don Mattingly when Kemp was part of a double switch against the Cardinals. Nothing has been smooth for Kemp and the Dodgers need a quick turnaround from their star if they hope to salvage a season that sees them with a 21-28 record despite the highest payroll in baseball—well over 200 million dollars.
First baseman Adrian Gonzalez is confident that Kemp’s turnaround will happen as soon as he gets back to playing Kemp-style baseball.
"He's trying too hard for the team and the fans,” said AGon, who went 4-4 in the win over the Halos. “Once he just goes out there and plays his game, he’ll be fine.”
The Dodgers are hoping so.
Weaver update
Walking into the clubhouse following batting practice, Angels’ ace Jered Weaver (0-1) stopped for a moment to greet a reporter. Asked how he was doing, a big smile crossed his lips and he said, “I’m starting to get antsy. Time to get back out there,” said Weaver, who has missed most of the season after breaking his left (non-throwing) arm falling off the mound in Texas during a 7-3 loss to the Rangers on April 7.
He’ll be back pitching Wednesday night at the Big A when the Angels host Game 3 of the Freeway Series. He’ll face Chris Capuano of the Dodgers.
Angels’ manager Mike Scioscia says you can’t over-estimate Weaver’s value to the team.
“You absolutely can’t,” said Scioscia. “He’s one of the best pitchers in the game and you know that every time he takes the mound you have a great shot at winning the game. That makes everything much easier for all of us.
Is Donny saved?
Did Monday night’s exciting win save Don Mattingly’s job? It certainly did for now, as it was one of the few times all season that the Dodgers showed some life throughout the game—no matter the deficit or situation. It was a huge win for his team as it broke the Angels’ eight-game winning streak, but the Dodger manager needs to find a way to keep the effort and emotion at a high level every game, and the rumors of his firing will quickly fade away.
And the Dodgers may actually have a chance to live up to their payroll—and hype.
