Matt Kemp Carrying Dodgers After Subpar 2010
To get a general idea of how superb Kemp has been this season, here is a list of categories in which he currently leads the majors: batting average (along with BABIP), stolen bases (tie), on-base percentage, weighted runs created, weighted runs above average, wOBA, and WPA. He also leads in the batting component of WAR, but falls slightly behind Joey Votto and Troy Tulowitzki in total WAR on account of defense. In fact, if you were compiling a list of the three best hitters in the league right now, you'd have quite a dog fight with those three and Alex Rodriguez.
As Pawlikowski points out, the Dodgers would be dead without Kemp, because most of the Dodgers' other hitters have been utterly atrocious. As Pawlikowski also points out, Kemp is bound to fall off some and most of those other Dodgers will hit some, eventually.
Still, I’m fascinated by Kemp’s turnaround. As you might recall, last season wasn’t a good one.
Kemp entered 2010 with a .299/.346/.480 career line, and went .249/.310/.450.
In Kemp’s defense, his diminished numbers were likely due, at least in large part, to poor luck. He did strike out more than usual, but his batting average on balls in play plummeted, even though his line-drive, ground-ball, and fly-ball percentages were right in line with his career norms. To some degree, the hits just didn’t fall in last season. So any reports of his demise as a hitter were greatly exaggerated.
Of course, it was more than just Kemp’s hitting statistics. After going 69-for-88 on steal attempts in 2008 and ‘9, Kemp was just 19-for-34 last season. After winning a Gold Glove in 2009, Kemp’s defense fell off noticeably last season. There was also a lack of hustle and focus -- which Kemp eventually acknowledged -- that led to public criticism from general manager Ned Colletti (among others). Late in the season, Kemp’s agent suggested that a trade might be the best thing for everyone.
Obviously, management didn’t pull the trigger on a such a deal, perhaps figuring that replacing Joe Torre with Don Mattingly might do wonders for Kemp’s “focus.”
Well, so far, so good. In addition to the wondrous hitting, Kemp’s a base-stealing threat again, with a 30-30 season well in his sights. It’s really too early to look at defensive numbers, but at least there haven’t been any embarrassing moments replayed on “Baseball Tonight” this month.
So Don Mattingly’s a miracle worker, right?
Sure. Now Mattingly just needs to find the time to fix Rod Barajas, James Loney, Aaron Miles, Juan Uribe, and Tony Gwynn.
