Kemp '09

I'm a bit curious to see how this vote will go. When you click on the button above, it takes you to a ballot where another click provides a stats comparison for all the remaining candidates for the All-Star teams. Mark Reynolds of Arizona has 12 home runs more than his NL rivals -- he's on pace to hit 48 -- so voters might naturally gravitate toward him.

On the other hand, this is more a popularity contest than anything, considering that you can vote multiple-upon-multiple times. Somehow, I don't think Cristian Guzman of Washington galvanizes the fan base, but Shane Victorino of Philadelphia and Pablo "Kung Fu Panda" Sandoval of San Francisco certainly could.

What about Our Favorite Bison, Matt Kemp? Since the All-Star Final Vote began in 2002, the Dodgers are 1 for 1: Their only candidate, Nomar Garciaparra in 2006, made it. So it's certainly possible for Kemp, though he doesn't have the national profile of a Garciaparra -- not yet, anyway. Even Kemp's defense, which is a big part of his platform, is something you'd mostly file under "best-kept secrets." (Side note: After being chosen for the '06 contest, Garciaparra never made it into the game.)

To me, Kemp's most likely route to the All-Star Game remains as an injury replacement for starting center-fielder Carlos Beltran. In the meantime, the vote is on, but I think I'm still more impressed that Kemp has made it into this conversation at such a young age, based on performance, than worried about him actually winning the student-body-president-like campaign. Where's Tracy Flick when you need her?

Comments

[Phenomenal Smith]

Matt Kemp's chances would be helped out if he had a cool nickname.

[Bob Hendley]

Yeah, like Mark "Whiffmeister" Reynolds.

[delias man]

Maybe if Don Sutton could think up one for him.

[martz]

I'd like to think Kemp makes it as an injury replacement, but I'm not so sure because Charlie Manuel gets to pick that (I think anyway).

The argument "Krukky" and "Gammo" were making on Baseball Tonight last night was that the NL needs a versatile, role-playing, good fielding guy. And that guy should, of course, be Shane Victorino.

That would be unfortunate.

[BlueCrewBruin]

Isn't Ibanez on the DL as well? So it may be the case that two injury replacements are needed for the NL outfield.

[Tripon]

From ESPN:

The Patience Index

The Dodgers were patient Sunday, as the daily index shows. The most pitches seen Sunday:

You got to carry that wait, a long time
Hitter Pitches P per PA
Rafael Furcal 33 4.7
Matt Kemp 32 5.3
Juan Pierre 30 4.3
Adrian Gonzalez 29 4.8
Scott Rolen 28 5.6
Johnny Damon 28 5.6
Marco Scutaro 28 5.6
David Eckstein 28 4.7

[J]

Martin was voted last year

[tleonp]

Last thoughts on yesterday afternoon...

In light of the eventual victory, reading the chat thread this morning was borderline hilarious, mainly because I saw my own feelings in so many of the comments. It's called passion, and it's not such a bad thing.

It has been common practice for managers in major league baseball to leave their closer in, sink or swim. There was no way Joe Torre was going to remove Broxton, because that would be the unconventional thing to do. Joe Torre is a conventional man.

As for the Kemp All-Star situation, I, like I assume most of those who participate here, hope he wins. However, Philadelphia has a large fan base as well and with their number one cheerleader, John Kruk, as Victorino's campaign manager....well, let's just say it looks doubtful. Also, if Sandoval wins the election, and they have to name a replacement for Beltran.....well, Charlie Manuel will think hard for 20 seconds....and then name his own centerfielder, Shane Victorino. I hate to criticize an old Dodger, but Charlie doesn't exactly have a stout heart when it comes to his own locker room (see:Ryan Howard and his .326 OBP a certified All-Star).

I'm afraid the Bison will have to roam in Anaheim next year.

[Michael]

Normally I would like Kemp's chances to make the cut in this vote, but I think Victorino will win. But it still won't stop me from voting repeatedly for the Bison!

Love the Election reference by the way Jon. :)

[Remember Gil Hodges]

C'mon folks, vote early and often. I think it is ridiculous that you can vote as many times as you'd like, but if that's they way they set it up, why not stuff the box for the Bison!!

[jasonungar]

Joe Torre bats him 8th so he must not be an all star!

[Mike G]

All the casual fan looks at is HRs...so Reynolds takes it probably...

But I have hope with the no-limit voting- I was shocked when I figured it would stop me at 25 and probably by the time i realized it had gotten to at least 75 clicks...

If you have no life, (or a day off) why not just click mindlessly for an hour or so ?

VOTE KEMP

[Phenomenal Smith]

I think Mark Reynolds will get little support because he plays for a bad team that doesn't have much of a fanbase.

I think it's Victorino's race to lose.

[underdog]

Pick Flick!

I think Kemp should take a cue from her and go campaigning for himself. "Good morning, Mr. M(anuel). Looks like you could use a CUPCAKE!"

[68elcamino427]

Bison Power!
A man on the move with an eye to the future ... a big future.

[Eric Stephen]

The 1986 All-Star game is on MLB Network right now, and each team features a catcher as cleanup hitter (Lance Parrish, Gary Carter).

[Old Dodger Fan]

If Reynolds makes the AS team the NL will have three third basemen who went to HS in the same area code.
Wright, ZImmerman and Reynolds.

[Kevin Lewis]

Random Question:

I would love to enroll my wife in some photography courses for her upcoming birthday. She loves using our Digital SLR Nikon, and she has a great eye for photography. Does anyone know of any great photography classes that span over a month or two that could really help her learn a lot more? So far I only see the one day type seminars, and I don't think she would want to enroll in City College with her time and schedule.

Thanks,

Kevin

[Harpo in San Diego]

Last year, Kemp had a .949 OPS in July. In August, it dropped to .780. It dropped again in September, to .749.

Based on that data, I have concluded that the Dodgers would benefit more from Kemp's having the three days to rest.

Therefore, I have voted 330 times – and still counting – for Pablo Sandoval.
 

[Craig88USC]

Hope that all you Dodger fans had a good 4th of July weekend. The Dodgers sure did with the return of the living legend. Congrats to Tiger & Federer too for their big wins yesterday also..

Tripon - Nice stats there. It really is good to see El Bisonte becoming more patient and especially our leadoff twins working the count a little better. A huge 2nd half for Raffy I predict and JMart is working out the kinks too and will be instrumental to the run as he starts raking soon enough.

This team is for r e a l, folks. Now don't got fretting yourselves when the team ain't perfect unless you can name a better team in the Nl.. ; ).
Winning the NL pennant is all we what we all want and can control right now, my friends.

The Flyin' Hawaiian and the Stampedin' Bison will both manage to be '09 All Stars with the fan vote/injury replacement deal (Manuel/Torre) in St. Louie is my feeling and hope.

[underdog]

KNBR here in SF is doing a major get out the vote push for Pablo Sandoval, just FYI. So keep voting people. We can't let the Giants have even these small victories.

[Old Dodger Fan]

Harpo
Kemp's .949 was not sustainable, rest or no rest.

[underdog]

Heh, Harpo. I admit I do see the upside in just giving Kemp the three days off. But it's not like he'll be playing much even if he makes it, he'd probably barely play at all, and would have some fun. But yes the upside is he gets to rest and maybe even becomes a motivated, angry Bison after being snubbed.

[Package]

I am having trouble with the resting of Manny for sore legs. Is he in such a fragile condition that he cannot play after missing 50 games? He has only played in a couple of partial games and a pinch hitting role. Surely he is not that weak? I think it has to do with sittlng Juan again and Joe wanting to play both sides. Sorry but I think Manny should play much more often.

[Jon Weisman]

Since Kemp had the rest in those seasons where he had the decline, why assume the rest helps?

[berkowit28]

Whereas for some players - and I'm thinking of Orlando Hudson here, and veterans in slumps in general - rest rather than All-Star brouhaha would probably be a good idea, I think that Matt Kemp would actually benefit from the attention and from being on the "outer circle" looking in on the inner circle of elite players. I can't presume to know what he really needs to get him to that next level of supreme slugger we all think he can reach, but I'd hope that a taste of it might concentrate his will and focus - inspire him to get there.

[delias man]

Milwaukee to STL is not the most taxing of travel on the way home to LA. Rest should not be an issue. Maybe Hudson can show Matt the ropes and be a good influence on him for the ASG.

[Eric Stephen]

Torre in yesterday's pregame talked about Ramirez getting in "game shape," the difference being that while he might physically be in shape, the adrenalin of playing in a game, and all the starting and stopping, is something to get used to.

Just the day before Torre said Manny would play every day for the time being unless Manny asked otherwise. Perhaps yesterday was one of those days.

I'm fairly certain Torre would prefer to have Kemp or Ethier sit if Pierre plays rather than Manny.

[Jon Weisman]

Package, I'm just guessing, but I think Torre would have Ramirez playing more if there was more pressure on the Dodgers at this point. The reality is that Ramirez does not have young legs, and I think Torre is trying to play it safe.

[Package]

Eric, are you saying this could be a Manny be Manny situation?

[underdog]

Yeah, I honestly don't see how rest is a big issue to him. Like I said, he'd barely play in the game anyway. I'm sure he'd be the first to tell you, "Rest schmest, I want to be an all-star!" So stop voting for Panda and vote for Bison!

Package, I really only think they're trying to get him acclimated since he didn't have much of a rehab experience. Even if he was working out as much as they said he was, his bat speed and game speed would be off as they would for anyone who missed 50 games. Also have a tough road trip coming up where I'm sure they'll want to use him more. I think resting him one game a week is no big deal.

[Craig88USC]

Dodger stadium parking lot is busy today. I was there this morning.

[Bob Hendley]

I really don't think that Manny being brought in slowly has anything to do with JP and have no problem him being eased back in, as that seems appropriate given the length of his layoff from game conditions, his age and the fact that we are not in a situation where we need to throw him in at the risk of his longer term availability to the club.

[Eric Stephen]

Eric, are you saying this could be a Manny be Manny situation?

No, not at all. I think the club is playing it cautious. It was probably something like Torre asking Manny Sunday morning how his legs felt, and Manny saying "a little sore, but I can play," but Torre deciding to rest him on the second hot day game in a row.

[Xeifrank]

is the current vote results posted somewhere?
vr, Xei

[nsxtasy]

As much of a Dodger fan as I am, I don't think the Bison is all-star material, YET. Hopefully, he will be in another year or two.

Yes, he's got a good average, some power, good speed on the basepaths, and a great arm from the outfield. On the downside, he's missed a bunch of catches lately (the official scorers have been kind to him, calling most of them hits) and he doesn't seem to come through at the plate when it really matters (which is probably why he's been hitting eighth).

I'd like to see him on the all-star team when he really earns it. I don't think he's done that this year.

[Package]

I just feel like baseball is just like golf. If you want to be good, you have to play. I was all for Manny coming back this year and still am but I think that this is a little much.

[Bob Hendley]

So, you would vote for Shane, as he is so much better?

[Alex41592]

Craig, Dodger Stadium is where the tickets to Michael Jackson's memorial service are being held. The winners of the lottery are all going to Dodger Stadium to pick up their tickets. Which seems weird because the memorial is at Staples Center but nonetheless that's where the tickets are for pickup.

[Eric Stephen]

[Kemp] doesn't seem to come through at the plate when it really matters

Matt Kemp, 2009:

RISP: .292/.344/.449 (only Manny, Pierre, and Blake better among regulars)
Close & Late: .344/.417/.544 (only Manny, Loney, and Blake better among regulars)

[Eric Stephen]

D'oh! That Kemp RISP should read .292/.356/.449

[gpellamjr]

nsxtasy--Of the available options, who *is* ready. Who out there is more of an all-star than Kemp?

[Michael]

Pick Flick!

I think Kemp should take a cue from her and go campaigning for himself. "Good morning, Mr. M(anuel). Looks like you could use a CUPCAKE!"

Posted by: underdog | July 06, 2009 at 09:13 AM

This made me laugh.

[Xeifrank]

nsxtasy, Matt Kemp has the 4th highest WAR of any non pitcher in the NL.

Packer, what is a little too much?

vr, Xei

[dodgerkramer]

Manny's sore legs make me think the PED's were more for keeping him in the lineup than hitting home runs.

Manny doesn't need PED's to be a good hitter.

But he might need them to keep his legs healthy enough to play every day.

Sorry if this angle has already been explored at DT.

[Eric Stephen]

In light of the hilarity of John Hart on MLB's draft coverage, I thought this MLB Network commercial was funny. It highlighted some of the "30 in 30" stuff from the offseason, including this gem from Hart:

"I like the Ibanez signing, he's a pro, he's a gamer, he's a grinder, who grinds his at-bats."

[Michael]

nxstasy, even the best fielders can't get to them all. Bison has been money in CF all year, and remember his game saving assist yesterday in the 9th inning. He's fine defensively, and his stats are far better then Victorino. He is deserving of a spot in the ASG and should not be snubbed.

[underdog]

Isn't it a little easier to find a golf game than to find a baseball game to play in though? Not trying to be flip but there's a difference between getting your golf swing back, in a game that is basically contained within the individual player, and getting primed for baseball action, in which you have to react to game speed on defense and react to pitches thrown at all sorts of speeds and movements when on offense. Just saying, I think it's something you can only get back into by playing against real players and that's not as easy to do as it is to get a golf game going.

[Alex41592]

The hats are back to their regular colors. I repeat the hats are back to their regular colors.

[nsxtasy]

I gotta think that if yesterday's game had happened before the all-star selections were made, Broxton wouldn't have made the team. Even though his numbers for saves and save opportunities didn't change, his ERA jumped from 2.09 to 2.72. It's also worth noting that Brox has allowed two or more runs in three of his last seven appearances (after only doing so once in his 30 appearances before that).

ERA in his first 30 appearances: 1.36
ERA in his last 7 appearances: 9.45

[Bob Hendley]

He missed catches and the scorer was nice to him? You mean when he managed to touch a ball on the dead run? Those are not errors, my friend. While I do agree with your larger point, wanting him to talk the ASG by stampede (Bison that he is), he is probably the best option that the NL has right now to strengthen the team.

[Eric Stephen]

Nice, Alex. So, the red caps aren't coming? The red caps aren't coming?

[Bob Hendley]

nxstasy is pulling everyone's chain the morning.

[Craig88USC]

...and the golf ball isn't coming at you at 95 MPH. Why is it so hard then? ; )

[Package]

Underdog, that is exactly the reason I am saying he needs to be out there playing every day.

P.S. I don't know what kind of golfer you are but to be at a professional level it takes a lot of practice to perform. Ask Tiger.HaHa.

[underdog]

Don't ask me Craig. I'm terrible at golf, anyway.

Except for the kind where there are spinning windmills. I'm aces at that one.

[Michael]

It's called a slump nsxtasy. Everyone has them. O-Dog made the team even after slumping all throughout June. The Bull will bounce back.

I'm still upset about his performance yesterday though.

[dodger56]

Maybe we're looking at this the wrong way. We should hope Victorino wins the election, then Kemp will be named to replace Beltran. If we vote for Kemp, Kemp and Victorino "split the vote," and Sandoval is the extra player, and Manuel names Victorino to replace Beltran. We should vote for Victorino.

Then again, maybe I have too much time on my hands today.

[Alex41592]

Joe Girardi has been thrown out in the first inning of the Blue Jays/Yankees game.

What's interesting is when Broxton gave up those seven runs in those three games they all came with the Dodgers having a four run lead at the time. The runs were meaningless until yesterday's game. He's been lights out otherwise.

[Craig88USC]

Alex - You're going to have to pry Raffy's red hat off from his head then.

[Alex41592]

I can't vote for a Giant. Nor can I vote for a Phillie. My vote easily goes to a Bison. Over and over and over again.

[Eric Stephen]

I don't know if the players who voted for Broxton would be swayed by Broxton's recent slump, having known the displeasure of facing him.

Who knows if they even use FIP, but here is Broxton's:

First 30 games: 0.99
Last 7 games: 3.80
On the season: 1.45

Yep, still an All-Star.

[Xeifrank]

Broxton not in the all-star game because of one bad outing, that seems like a little much.

I am not a big fan of the ERA stat. Broxton's FIP is 1.37. The next closest NL reliever has a FIP of 2.03 and that is Rafael Soriano of the Braves.

WPA, Broxton is number one of all NL relievers at 2.63, Troncoso is #2 at 2.62.

WPA/LI he is again #1 among NL relievers at 1.31

So pretty much any way you slice it he is the best relief pitcher in the NL this year, even with his bad outing yesterday.

vr, Xei

[Tripon]

If there's a time to play the Mets and Brewers this is it.

They're both slumping like mad.

[underdog]

Oh I think you misunderstood me, package, I don't mean that golf doesn't take a ton of practice. I'm just saying it's a lot easier to *get* that practice than it is to get back in the baseball swing. It's not about which game is harder, it's just about which one makes it a little easier to find a game or get the rust off. In baseball, you really need to face the top competition a few times before you get your swing and timing back. In golf, you can find that swing on your own by finding a course or range somewhere. Does that make sense?

Believe me I need about 100 straight days of golf before I wouldn't embarrass myself, and even then I would embarrass myself. ;-)

[dodger56]

What's interesting is when Broxton gave up those seven runs in those three games they all came with the Dodgers having a four run lead at the time. The runs were meaningless until yesterday's game. He's been lights out otherwise.

Posted by: Alex41592 | July 06, 2009 at 10:26 AM

Someone mentioned this yesterday, I don't know why Broxton has to come in with a 4 run lead. I realize that the fact that he has given up 7 runs with a 4 run lead is a coincidence, but if you can't depend on someone (other than Broxton) to get 3 outs with a 4 run lead, why is he on the team? Save Broxton when he is really needed - 1 or 2 run lead.

[Craig88USC]

Eric - They should let each opposing league vote on who they would like to face. Now that would be a game. ; )

[Craig88USC]

UD - Not if you played a round with Charles Barkley.

[Craig88USC]

T - I'm with you there. After Tuesday's opener, it looks really really good on paper. Winning both series would be fun.

[Alex41592]

For instance:

Broxton in non-save situations:

.155/.242/.259/.501 in 66 PA's

Broxton in save situations:

.115/.216/.141/.357 in 88 PA'S

Regardless, he's been great but in clutch situations he thrives with very few exceptions. Yesterday's goes into the non-save category.

Maybe Torre needed to let Billingsley allow one more baserunner before going to Broxton :).

[Bob Hendley]

Torre usually goes with one of his top three in the ninth in a situation like yesterday. Belly had already pitched, Tron Tron had pitched the day before. Brox would have had at least three days between appearances if he hadn't pitched yesterday, so a nice 15 pitch inning would have been good for him. Oops, didn't work out that way.

[Linkmeister]

The local TV stations are leading a campaign for Victorino, so he may get the Hawai'i votes (don't laugh; when one of "our own" was on Am. Idol Hawai'i callers shut down a trunk line with the volume!).

[Michael]

Eric Gagne used to struggle when he came into the game in a non save situation. It's a common occurance among closers. They thrive on the pressure of tight spots, and if they come into a situation where there is a lot of wriggle room, they struggle. That's what happened with Broxton yesterday I think.

[Bob Hendley]

Jeez, when did Hawaii get the vote? ;-)

[Eric Stephen]

Prior to yesterday, Broxton had only entered a game ahead by 4+ runs four times, and each time was after at least two days rest:

Apr 11: up 11-1 starting the 9th, gave up a run; two days rest
May 4: up 7-2 starting the 9th; two days rest
May 31: up 8-2 starting the 9th; three days rest
June 20: up 6-2 starting the 9th, gave up two runs; three days rest

Yesterday was with only one day rest, but I have to think the plan was simply to keep Broxton fresh. After five days off, he pitched Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. With the off day coming today, I have to think keeping Broxton in rhythm by pitching every other day was factored into the plan.

[Eric Stephen]

Figures that I missed one:

Broxton also pitched May 27 with a four-run lead, also after three days rest. He gave up one run.

[tleonp]

It seems to me that, with off days and all of the other possible circumstances (behind in games, ahead by a lot, his toe injury, whatever), Broxton hasn't gotten ENOUGH work recently. Even Friday, when he was throwing EXTREMELY hard, the Pads were swing at pitches well out of the zone. In Sunday's game, probably because of the 4 run deficit, they were in "take" mode. Broxton was not sharp, thus the walks. Broxton has has very few if any appearances this year when ye has been "given an inning" to keep sharp.

[nsxtasy]

>> Of the available options, who *is* ready. Who out there is more of an all-star than Kemp?

I'm not all that impressed with the five that are up for voting. Who's more of an all-star? Adam Dunn. Derrek Lee. Heck, our own Juan Pierre.

>> You mean when he managed to touch a ball on the dead run?

Yes, after not getting a good jump on the ball when it was first hit. I also mean when the ball went in and out of his glove (which has happened several times lately).

When's the last time he came up with a game-winning hit? Tell me, because I sure can't remember it in quite a while.

[regfairfield]

The idea that Gagne couldn't pitch in non save situations came entirely because of one meltdown against the Reds and that All Star game.

As much as I'd like to see Kemp make it, way too much of his value is in his defense and the fact that he plays center field, two things entirely ignored by All Star voting. It's gonna take a lot of ballot stuffing to get him in.

[regfairfield]

Unless the only stat you look at is on base percentage, there is zero case that Pierre is better than Kemp this year.

[Eric Stephen]

Eric Gagne used to struggle when he came into the game in a non save situation.

This is simply untrue. Let's look at 2002-2004:

Gagne, in Save Situations
1.70 ERA, 13.42 K/9, .163/.215/.239 against

Gagne, in Non-Save Situations
1.98 ERA, 13.03 K/9, .179/.255/.266 against

The only possible way one could say Gagne "struggled" in non-save situations was to compare them to his own high standard. Even then, he was very, very close. And he was still miles ahead of the league.

Saying someone struggles in non-save situations implies that you would rather have someone else come in to the game instead. Ignoring for a moment the issue of getting regular work (since pitching only in save situations would lead to underwork and sometimes long layoffs), I defy you to find someone you would rather have pitch than 2002-2004 non-save Gagne.

[nsxtasy]

>> I'm not all that impressed with the five that are up for voting.

Sandoval and Reynolds, okay. Victorino and Guzman, NFW...

[Alex41592]

nsxtasy, June 16th, 2009. Done. Three weeks ago.

[Eric Stephen]

Sometimes game-winning hits can come in the form of early game action that widen the lead.

[Dodger Dave in Oregon]

Xeifrank what is the WAR stat and where can i find it?

[Dodger Dave in Oregon]

Xeifrank what is the WAR stat and where can i find it?

[delias man]

Matt is on Rome claiming he has no nickname right now.

[Phenomenal Smith]

The Game-winning RBI stat was taken away as an official stat because it ended up recognizing guys who would get first inning RBIs for good teams. People expected that it would reward players who get a lot of walkoff hits (like the David Ortiz of 2007 or the Andre Ethier of 2009).

Stupid reality! Ruins all the good stats.

[ucladodger]

Derrek Lee is more of an All Star than Kemp? So you want 5 first basemen on the team? Adam Dunn, who costs you as much on defense as he gives on offense, is a better option than Kemp? Juan Pierre, who has a great month of May, but has nowhere near the overall value of Kemp, is a better option? Look at this list:
http://tinyurl.com/ns8spe
Matt Kemp, based on his entire game, is in super-elite company. For a guy like Hunter Pence, with basically the same offensive numbers, who plays a less demanding position (and doesnt play it nearly as well as Kemp plays his), to make the team over Kemp is just silly (not to mention the team needs a center fielder). I'm pretty confident that Victorino will win the vote, but I'm hoping that Bison will be Beltran's replacement. Ibanez also might not be able to go, so there could be two outfield replacements, which obviously would improve his chances even more.

i also forgot to mention that Petco is an awesome place to watch a game. Not a bad seat in the house, beautiful area with so many things to do, amazing weather. It also didnt hurt that there were 70% Dodger fans!

[Eric Stephen]

Delias, is it a best of show this week, or are there guest hosts? We can't have Kemp eschewing The Bison nickname.

[Tripon]

Juan Pierre: .328/.386/.411 for a 113 OPS+ in 282 PAs
Matt Kemp: .305/.369/.474 for a 123 OPS+ in 336 PAs

I'm not sure why JP gets the nod over Kemp.

Is he because he's older? That he plays left field for the Dodgers, while Kemp plays center? If the Dodgers liked JP's ability to field center field more than Kemp, they would have switched Kemp to right, and JP to center during the Manny suspension.

JP bats at the top of the order, and Kemp at the bottom which explains why JP is so close in PAs despite Kemp starting everyday, and JP not starting regularly until Manny's suspension.

And here's the thing, as a left fielder, JP isn't as good of a player as Ibanez, Braun, Beltran, Hawpe, and Upton. Hunter Pence is the only all-star that JP arguable might be better. But if you want JP, you'd basically be voting in *another* left fielder to the all-star squad. On a team that already carries Braun, Hawpe, Upton, and Pence, corner outfielders.

Juan Pierre has started 3 games at center field. three. So yeah, my pick is the actual center fielder on the team. Matt Kemp.

Honestly though, I suspect Charlie Manuel to do big league everyone and just pick Shane Victorino.

[DL]

Jon Heyman lists Ned Colletti as the frontrunner for the NL Executive of the Year Award. And the thing is, he's probably right.

The longtime DT veterans here should pause and consider this turn of events for a moment.

[Jon Weisman]

Ah memories. The days I used to spend on Dodger Thoughts trying to convince people that Eric Gagne was trustworthy in non-save situations.

[delias man]

It was Siciliano. New episode. Talking about the vote.

[regfairfield]

I was playing volleyball this Saturday and we scored a point because the big guy on the other team smashed the ball into the face of the tiniest girl our team, and the ball bounced off her head, and over the net.

Ned winning executive of the year is kind of like that.

[Jon Weisman]

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dodgerthoughts/2005/05/eric-gagne-beyo.html

[Jon Weisman]

Breaking news: "TMZ has learned "Three's Company" star Joyce DeWitt was arrested for DUI on July 4th in El Segundo, California."

[Eric Stephen]

...and the next day, Blake DeWitt gets called up to the Dodgers. Coincidence?

[Tripon]

DeWitt, how could you!

[SaMo]

DL:

Isn't Ned getting credit for things he DIDN'T do rather than things he DID do?

Didn't sign a top pitcher.
Didn't trade away Kemp, Ethier, Loney, or Martin.
Didn't sign Manny to a long-terrm deal but didn't let any other team sign him either (not that another team was ever in the running).
Didn't re-sign Saito.

To his credit, he did re-sign Blake, did get Hudson at bargain prices, saw something Randy Wolf that nobody else did, and found Ronald Belisario at a flea market.

Hmm, Executive of the Year? It'll take some getting used to, but I suppose there's a compelling case.