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Alert the media! Nationals would have interest in Matt Kemp

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This just in: the Washington Nationals would have interest in Matt Kempif he’s made available in a trade.

Also, the moon is round.

Guess this is how it’s going to be this offseason. Kemp sightings, rumors, celebrity gossip, hand-wringing and idle speculation.

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Despite his falloff last season in several categories, his silly agent’s ramblings and his occasional run-ins with coaches, Kemp remains a supremely talented outfielder with tremendous upside.

Possibly, just a team or two just might be interested in such a player. Or possibly another 29 teams.

Kemp’s I’m-just-so-cool approach to the game can be maddening, but his supporters, detractors -- and Kemp himself -- all agreed there is more in his tank.

That’s doesn’t mean it will be realized, but who wants to wager it won’t? Kemp has already said he is aiming at a 40-40 season next year -- 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases.

How many players can throw out such numbers without being laughed off the field? That’s probably beyond his reach right now, but no one doubts it isn’t conceivable.

General Manager Ned Colletti has said he doesn’t expect a major overhaul of his roster and that his core players will return. He is, however, willing to listen to whatever.

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The Washington Post story said the Nationals would have an interest in Kemp if he were made available, but failed to mention what they might offer in return.

The story didn’t speculate whether the Nationals would be willing to trade third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, but really, who else do they have that the Dodgers would be interested in for Kemp? Somehow I’m thinking Stephen Strasburg, surgery and all, is not available.

Right now, Kemp is the Dodgers’ lightning rod -- unless you include Frank McCourt -- and a speculative winter seems unavoidable.

-- Steve Dilbeck

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