It's funny how quick things change. A few years ago the very idea of Matt Kemp being an afterthought would have been considered insane. Yet, as we sit here with opening day around the corner that's the feeling I'm getting from many Dodger fans. This past Saturday I witnessed this firsthand. Matt Kemp, who is rehabbing his latest injury (ankle) was slated to play in a Minor league game in one of the Camelback Ranch backfields. Judging by the amount of people who showed up to watch the game, fans either forgot who Matt Kemp is, or simply cannot navigate themselves through Camelback Ranch. I must have counted about 25 people at the maximum. While it could simply be the fact that there was a Spring Training game going on between the Dodgers and the Padres, I get another feeling. Over the last year I have heard countless "fans" expressing their desire to trade Matt Kemp. Pointing to his numerous injuries as proof of Matt being "done". Combine his injuries with Yasiel Puigs rise has left Matt looking and feeling like an afterthought. But, fans shouldn't be so quick to jump ship on Matt. Just two seasons ago he was hands down the best player in baseball. Matt was the face of the franchise. We are taking about a 29 year old in the prime of his career. Just take a look at his teammate, Hanley Ramirez who was having the same nonsense said about him as he was being kicked out of town by the Miami Marlins contingent. Looks like Hanley rebounded nicely. My advice to Dodger fans is this, be careful what you wish for. Matt Kemp will rise again, and go back to his old self. I'd rather see him do this wearing Dodger blue than in another uniform.
By the way, since this is my first post in about three years I'll give you my reasoning. Bad Internet connection? Maybe. Complete loss of the English language? Possible. Or could it be pure laziness? Bingo! I'll attempt to post a little more often than once every three years, we'll see how it goes. Until then, Lets go Dodgers!
