The Major League Baseball television network had a show over the weekend rating the top 100 players.
Albert Pujols, generally regarded as the sport’s best player over the last 10 years, was only No. 11. Upon seeing that I wondered if an explanation was coming.
It was. The explanation was this is their rating as of now, looking ahead to the 2012 season. They believe Pujols will slip as he adjusts to a new team in a new league.
Fair enough. But I anxiously watched to see who would rank 1 through 10.
Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers’ National League Cy Young Award winner, was No. 5. Justin Verlander, the Detroit Tigers’ American League Cy Young Award winner, was No. 2.
Matt Kemp, the Dodgers’ 28-year-old centerfielder who produced 39 home runs and 40 stolen bases last season, was No. 1.
I discussed this matter with Mark Whicker Sunday at the Lakers’ game. I consider the Orange County Register’s sports columnist one of the most astute journalists I know.
I thought he might dispute Kemp’s rating, but he didn’t.
“He was the best player in baseball last season,” said Whicker.
As Frank McCourt got ready to sell the Dodgers he locked up Kemp long-term. Kemp, who has two years remaining at $11 million, signed for eight more for $160 million.
Kemp is 6-foot-3, blessed with power, speed and a strong arm.
He was disappointed in his 2010 performance, so he trained hard for the 2011 season. A slimmer Kemp emerged as the elite player many had expected.
Spring training has started and I always enjoy this month prior to the opening of the regular season. I’ve been to Florida 12 times for spring training during my career, concentrating on the Dodgers but traveling to other major league camps too.
It’s the first glimpse of regulars and a chance to get acquainted with new faces. You see farmhands who might catch your eye, then disappear to the minors only to make a big league roster in the next year or two.
Kemp was one of those kids before he made the Dodgers’ roster. Now he and Kershaw are the team’s biggest stars.
The Dodgers will be in a state of flux until a new owner takes over. With seven groups left in the bidding a judge has ruled that McCourt must select the winner by April 1 with the sale to be finalized by the end of April.
The big question from fans is what will happen when McCourt is replaced? Will the Dodgers commit enough money to compete with the Yankees, Red Sox and even the Angels for free agents?
When the next Pujols or Prince Fielder become available will the Dodgers compete financially at that level, something they didn’t do this time?
This season’s roster is essentially set. The Dodgers’ lineup for their exhibition opener Monday was practically the same one that’s expected for the season opener in San Diego in a month.
It’s the lineup of a third place team, which the Dodgers were last season.
It’s up to Kemp, Kershaw and Andre Ethier to make things interesting at Dodger Stadium this season.
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