Some times really good teams have that guy on the bench that may not be the best at any one thing, but plays "like his hair is on fire" and boosts all those around him. Tony Kemp is just that kind of player. He didn't expect to start, but when he did start he got a key hit, or made a good play in the field, and rarely makes a mistake. The little things that help win games. That role is now Straw's.
While I think this is the best move for the team, it's still a bummer. I like Kemp a lot. Straw brings more to the field but Kemp was obviously a big part of the clubhouse. I hope we're either able to keep him or he's able to go somewhere that he can get the playing time he deserves. Good luck TK!
Sucks to see Kemp go, but I think we all knew this was coming eventually. Enjoyed his time while he was here and will always get cheered when he returns (barring him going to BOS, NYY, or TEX and tearing it up)
Not sure it’s bursting any bubble. I like Kemp, but it’s obvious he isn’t good enough to be on our roster now everyone seems to be healthy.
It's really not that difficult man. We aren't denying the reasoning behind the move. Kemp is a fan favorite, for obvious reasons. Even if you know he has to go, it still sucks that he's going.
Here's why I am somewhat surprised. With Diaz back you don't really Straw as much. Plus Straw has options. The other thing that surprised me is next year the roster expands to 26 players. So if you hold Kemp on the roster until September 1st you can bring Straw back and keep both headed into spring training next year. Now I hope they can at least get a prospect for Kemp like they did with White. Maybe he will be thrown into a bigger trade.
Kemp was great in the clubhouse, and the players love him. But the guys think Straw is funny, so that should alleviate some concerns.
This move was long past due. I like and respect Tony Kemp. He just wasn’t good enough to be on a first division roster. Rosters expanding to 26 next year wasn’t going to fix that problem either. Good luck to him in his future endeavors and I hope he goes on to have a nice productive career somewhere like Pittsburg or the Reds or someone like that where he would get a bigger opportunity.
If Kemp lands on the right team, this DFA could be a good thing for his career. He is a solid player, seems like a good clubhouse presence, and is good enough to warrant more playing time on a middle-of-the-road team or a bad team, particularly a National League team. There's just no room for him on a contending team with a loaded roster (e.g. Astros, Yankees, etc.), especially if that roster is healthy. Sucks to see him go, despite this being an understandable decision.
This Tyler White thing is clearly eating you up inside. I've never been more sure of anything in my life.
Inevitable, but still sad. Kemp is a great guy to have in your clubhouse. We won't miss his production, but his intangibles will be missed. Hope he can grab a spot on another team.
No one is more beloved than Jake. That’s crazy talk. I’m sure you’ll find a way to argue this since I don’t think I’ve seen you admit you were wrong in 20 years.
