Matt Kemp: The Bison As A Team Leader

Remember a year and a half ago, when everyone was ready to give up on Matt Kemp? Because he had what was perceived to be a surly disposition? Because he couldn't hold up on the down-and-away pitches that struck him out at a crazy rate? Because he would make baserunning gaffes and take bizarre routes to fly balls that overshadowed his speed? How about you, Bill Plaschke, he whose opinion of Kemp blows with the winds? Those of us who have supported the full cadre of high-potential kids on the Dodgers squad--yes, that includes the season-long disapppointment of Russell Martin, as well as the late disappointment of Chad Billingsley and Jonathan Broxton; along with James Loney and Andre Ethier, of course)--always knew that Kemp has the potential to be a future star. Kemp's .297/.352/.490 numbers this year, an OPS+ of 120, a career high of 26 HR and 101 RBI on top of fewer strikeouts than last year, all indicate how Kemp's trajectory is still very positive. And now, I can't help bu...