Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers made some minor headlines in the offseason when he suggested that he felt like he could be the first player in baseball history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases. Kemp wasn't necessarily calling his shot, and most people seemed to understand that. The season is still young, but Matt is already hitting the ball like he wants those 50 home runs.
Power display
After only ten games, Matt Kemp has already hit six home runs to go with his .487 average and 16 RBIs. Projected out over the season, Kemp is on pace for 97 home runs. Even the most optimistic fan would not predict that Matt would hit that many dingers, but 50 round trippers certainly seems like a feasible goal. Of course, Kemp has only swiped one base, so 50 steals might be a little harder unless Matt starts running.
Winning is fun
Kemp has been a big part of why the Dodgers are 9-1. Despite optimism about this team, I am not sure if the fan base predicted this kind of start. Kemp and the Dodgers are playing with confidence and swagger, and they appear to be having fun. They are winning the close games early and they are showing that they have the pitching and hitting to be a great team this year. Granted, they are not necessarily beating the best franchises in the league, but good teams are supposed to beat the lower-rung squads.
Supporting cast?
What is interesting about Kemp's numbers is that he is not necessarily getting a ton of support from the rest of the team. Andre Ethier appears to be feeling healthy again, and he is providing some protection. However, James Loney is having a very poor start and Dee Gordon has been up and down in the leadoff spot. The speedy shortstop already has seven stolen bases, but he is hitting .200 and has an on-base percentage of .273 for the season.
Matt Kemp is off to a great start, and the Dodgers are benefiting from his hot hitting. Hopefully for Los Angeles, Kemp's sizzling bat will lead to more April wins.
Sources:
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28476/matt-kemp
The author grew up in Seattle and is ultimately loyal to the Mariners, but now lives in Los Angeles and also roots for Dodger Blue. You can follow him on Twitter @tpheifer.
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