Kemp DFA’ed

Wow, I’m very surprised at that. Maybe they feel like with the deadline approaching teams will be reluctant to add fringe players to their 40 man, or maybe they have several trade offers in hand. Hopefully (like with White) they’re able to get something for him.

 

I'm pretty surprised. Not shocked, but surprised.

I figured we would demote Straw for a month to keep both. Ultimately, I guess they just decided Straw was simply that much better, which I pretty much agree with.

Impossible to not like and root for Kemp, he's just a limited ballplayer on a loaded team. We'll find a taker for him quickly. If somebody can give him a lot of innings at 2B, I think he could be a decent starter.

 

Damn.

 

Hate to see him go. Not our best bench player but he did win us a few games and was a central figure in the HR celebrations. BTW what did we get for White?

Edited to add: Just saw where we got a scrub for White. Fitting.

 

Semi surprising though Kemp doesn’t play much and that’s not likely to increase so why bother postponing the inevitable. Straw would beat him out for a playoff spot anyways.

 

I’m going to say it. I probably already know the answer, but why is the reaction to Kemp’s DFA the polar opposite to the reaction when White got dumped?

 

3 reasons:

1. White struck out a lot, Kemp didn't.
2. White has no defensive value, Kemp is playable at 3 positions.
3. 5’5” 155 guys are more likeable than 5’10 250 guys.

 

damn im anxious to see this batting lineup

 

One was doing his best to get the most out of his ability.

The other decided to eat all winter.

 

The short answer is that Kemp's size (and what he has accomplished in spite of it) and personality make him much easier to root for.

 

1) Because White is fat
2) Because White's only value was his bat, and he wasn't hitting

Kemp has not sucked, he just isn't great, and is limited to 2B and really LF. We have a HOF 2B in his prime, and Kemp doesn't hit well enough to a regular in LF.

 

The only thing I would disagree with was that White turned out to be a better defensive first baseman than I thought he would be. He was not very good when playing elsewhere.

 

He announced he was gone via trade or optioned 2 days ago with his ig story. I posted it in the trade speculation thread

 

White's rise from nowhere was easy to root for. Problem is, White showed an ability to be very good, and last year showed an ability to actually be in decent shape. So coming back out of shape and then not hitting was a no go.

 

I feel you on that man this sucks.

 

This makes me sad, but was pretty much inevitable. He'll catch on somewhere.