Dodgers’ Web doings: Critique of Matt Kemp’s defense continues to grow

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Criticism of Matt Kemp often equals expectations of Matt Kemp.

He’s so athletic, visions of greatness are hard to contain. He’s the classic five-tool player. And coming off a terrific season, where he not only hit (.297, 26 home runs, 101 RBI) but played center well enough to earn a Gold Glove.

Only now not only is Kemp struggling at the plate (.181 in June, one homer in last 26 games) and on the bases (10 for 20 in steals), but he’s also receiving increased criticism for his defensive play.

Yahoo.sports.com’s Jeff Passan calls him the ‘single worst fielder in the major leagues.’

Passan uses several metric-driven defensive tools to support his claim, and then quotes one scout’s review: ‘Bad jumps, bad routes – just not a smart center fielder.’

Also on the Web:

-- Dodgers.com’s Ken Gurnick examines how the Dodgers are scrambling to fill their rotation despite a recent history of using high draft picks on starting pitchers.

-- Foxsports.com’s Ken Rosenthal said the reason the Dodgers couldn’t land Roy Halladay last year was the lack of top prospects, and the same problem could haunt them this year in the pursuit of Cliff Lee.

-- ESPN.com’s Buster Olney suspects the Dodgers won’t land any starter of significance. He reports that one rival GM said: ‘It’s becoming pretty clear that they’re not going to be able to add pitching before the [trade] deadline.’’ Requires Insider status.

-- WEEI.com has an interview with Hall of Fame sportswriter/broadcaster Peter Gammons in which he slams ESPN for its celebrity-driven coverage of Manny Ramirez and his return to Boston. Gammons, now with MBL, is a former ESPN commentator.

-- CBSsports.com’s Danny Knobler said after all the buildup over Manny’s return to Fenway, Red Sox fans were left conflicted.

-- ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark examines interleague play (also requires Insider status) and concludes that this season the Dodgers have the most difficult interleague schedule in baseball.

-- Steve Dilbeck