Dodgers Web musings: Farewell to Garret Anderson, in the head of Matt Kemp, Rod Barajas feels at home

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Garret Anderson officially retired Tuesday.

That might have been one year too late for most Dodgers fans, but the outfielder put together an impressive career.

Last season, Anderson’s only one with the Dodgers, he quickly seemed past his prime. To everyone, maybe, but Joe Torre and Anderson.

In 155 at-bats until released his release Aug. 10, he hit just .181 with a .271 slugging percentage. His best years were clearly behind him, though they were very good years (.293/.461 for his career).

Also on the Web:

--St. Petersburg Times’ Marc Topkin says Manny Ramirez is impressing the Rays with -- are you ready? -- his hustle.

--The Times’ Dylan Hernandez says catcher Rod Barajas grew up in Norwalk dreaming of being a Dodger.

--Sports Illustrated’s Joe Posnanski has a lengthy piece examining Duke Snider, questioning those who doubted his greatness.

--ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick tries -- with great effort -- to understand where Matt Kemp is headed.

--In the company of Frank McCourt: The New York Post writes that the Mets are desperately seeking a new loan. JPMorgan lent the Mets $430 million last year and MLB lent the team $25 million at the end of last year.

--True Blue L.A.’s Eric Stephen takes a look at reliever Ron Mahay, comparing him to Kenley Jansen in that he also made a late switch from position player to pitcher.

--Sports Illlustrated’s Jon Heyman writes that Don Mattingly is the right man at the right time to lead the Dodgers.

--Fox Sports’ Tracy Ringolsby writes that it isn’t only the Giants’ young pitchers who are coming of age, but now their hitters, too.

--MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick writes that Jamey Carroll is well past getting down about not starting.

--Steve Dilbeck