Give Kemp and Kershaw Some Recognition

Despite the Los Angeles Dodgers struggles, Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw deserve some love this season. By Austin Mirmina 

(AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

     Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw have been shining stars for the woeful Los Angeles Dodgers in 2011. Even at their worst, the Dodgers have had two of the best in the majors. Despite LA’s lack of success, their mediocrity in the standings should not diminish the accomplishments of these young men. Here’s why.
     Kemp has been a stable force in the Dodgers lineup while also manning the premier defensive position in centerfield. He’s first among active players in consecutive games played, a streak that stretches back to 2009, not to mention that Kemp remains the lone candidate to win the Triple Crown this season. He would be the first National League player to do so since Joe Medwick in 1937, and the first MLB player to win the award since Carl Yastrzemski of the Boston Red Sox in 1967.

     So, the question lingers: Regardless of his Triple Crown status, does Kemp deserve to win the NL MVP? Absolutely. He’s an MVP in every sense of the word. Just look at the numbers. Entering Monday night’s game against Arizona, Kemp lead the MLB in RBI (120), is tied with Albert Pujols for homeruns with 37, remains percentage points behind Ryan Braun in batting average with .324, and is in the top four in stolen bases with 40. 
     “His resume is more complete than his top contenders, Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder of the first-place Milwaukee Brewers, and his singular impact on the Dodgers is far greater than either one,” Bill Plaschke said in a September 1 column for the Los Angeles Times. 
     Kershaw’s perseverance certainly should not go unnoticed either. He is a sure-bet to win the coveted NL Cy Young award. Despite the Dodgers pitching staff ranking 22nd in the majors in runs allowed, Kershaw ranks first in wins with 21, ERA with 2.28, and strikeouts with 248.
     Simply put, Kemp and Kershaw are well-deserving candidates for their respective awards.  They remain the essential building blocks of a Dodgers organization that has struggled because of much front office turmoil.