Dodgers' Kemp Named NL Player of the Week

He's playing with a chip on his shoulder and that's a good thing for the Dodgers

The move to right field seems to have straightened Matt Kemp out.

He’s raked since Dodger manager Don Mattingly put him there, and his resurgence is recognized with the NL Player of the Week Award for the period ending August 3.

In six games, the 29-year-old hit .409 with five homers, nine RBIs, a 1.091 slugging percentage and a .458 on-base percentage.

Kemp's not only playing well, he's playing like he's got a point to prove. 

In 2011 when he came one home run short of a 40-40 season, Kemp was considered the best player in the game. But, boy has it been a downward spiral the last two-plus years. I guess the pressures of a mega contract, major injuries and dating Rihanna will do that to you.

But, Kemp’s finally healthy, he’s at the age when baseball players hit their prime and, thanks to Yasiel Puig and Clayton Kershaw, he no longer has the pressure of being the guy.

So, really, we may have yet to see the best of Matt Kemp. I sure hope so, because like he’s shown the last few weeks, when he’s on, he shines bright like a diamond.

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