 |
| Kemp to SD? Photo Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports |
As the days in this off season wear on, the Dodgers and Padres continue to talk about a potential Matt Kemp trade.
By: Michael Hanley
According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, one trade scenario has been discussed between the two NL West clubs:
One deal being discussed would send veteran catcher Yasmani Grandal and young pitcher Zach Elfin to Los Angeles for Kemp, sources said.
Their is good reason that the Padres are going after Kemp, their lineup is in dire need of a power bat and a player that can generate consistent offense. They as a unit were putrid last season as they struggled mightily to generate even a few runs per game.
San Diego went through many dry spells as they were only able to muster a .226 batting average as a whole, dead last in the National League. Manager Bud Black tried all kinds of lineups that moved players out of certain positions in the order to try and find a spark for this club. Unfortunately the spark was never found and the offense and team slid to a 77-85 record last season.
GM A.J Preller is in his first off season as head man in San Diego and he has focused his efforts on trying to upgrade the offense. He swung and missed on trying to land free agents Pablo Sandoval and Yasmany Tomas who would have been significant additions to the roster.The plan has now shifted to Kemp and trying to find a way to satisfy the Dodgers and what they want in return potentially if they want to move Kemp to San Diego.
Los Angeles has a logjam at their outfield positions and are trying to unload at least one player to free up some space in that position of the team and on the roster overall. Kemp has been a bit disgruntled in the past with his playing time and position in the outfield. He had been accustomed to being the everyday center fielder for the Dodgers until injuries and sub par play ended his reign in the role.
He got irritated to the point of wanting to be traded last summer when he was left to be the left fielder in games he started for LA. This would not change in the 2015 season as Puig has cemented himself as the everyday right fielder and the Dodgers have a top flight center field prospect in Joc Pederson who they are counting on to man that same position once he is major league ready.
The big contract Kemp still as also is limiting his chances with other teams in the market for a power hitting outfielder. Their has been word that the Dodgers would send the Padres money to pick up part of what is left on Kemp's contract, further sweetening the pot for San Diego and not burdening them as much financially.
This might be the last chance for both Kemp & Padres to accomplish their own personal goals or face another year of being in limbo and having to somehow get through a whole season, thinking what could have been.
Follow me on Twitter: @Magic20099
