The Kemp Shaft Continues in 2010?

[Montana168]

Oh well, common sense is overrated.

how many 5th spot hitters had 30+ sb last yr? none. kinsler can maybe be brought up but he was in the leadoff spot the majority of the yr and only in the 5th spot vs. lefties or righties (i forget which) in aug/sept. maybe ur statement is rite after all.

but in all seriousness, it probably doesn't matter, but how many would be pissed if braun, hanley, utley, arod were 5th not 6th. maybe im crazy (good probability), but just thought it was interesting to see him there after hitting 2nd most of ST.

[SpecialFNK]

i think Joe Torre plays fantasy baseball and he has Russell Martin as his catcher. in order to get Martin good R/RBI he put him in the 2 spot because he knows Martin isnt going to be much good for HR/SB.

a factor for Kemp getting SB is James Loney. will Loney batting behind him take enough pitches for him to run?

[The Artful Dodger]

Knowing Torre, Kemp probably won't stick in the #5 spot, given that he likes to shuffle his lineup quite a bit. Either way, I can't see that slowing his SB chances terribly.

My guess is Martin hit 2nd today, mainly because Torre would like to see if hitting him before the 3/4/5 hitters will give him better pitches to hit. He usually hit in the #5 slot before settling into the #7 spot due to his struggles at the plate. Martin has fine on-base skills, but the obvious problem is he won't run as much as long as he carries those nagging injuries. The Dodgers don't really have a prolific speed threat, which is a good reason as to why Kemp can hit 2nd. With Manny taking a day off or so, I'd say Kemp hits 3rd or cleanup on those occasions; him hitting 5th today could be a glimpse for him to prepare for RISP situations. As to why Torre has Kemp slotted 5th now whereas ST indicated otherwise, who knows, but again, Torre will shuffle the lineup quite a bit and that much is for sure.

Just be thankful Kemp isn't hitting 8th in any case.

[lastingsgriller]

Rhianna loves "The Kemp Shaft"

[mtxdevil]

Rhianna loves "The Kemp Shaft"

[Dan Lambskin]

Rhianna loves "The Kemp Shaft"

you may never get that mug, but lines like that might get you a jester mask

[mak1277]

Martin hit 2nd because he was hitting something like .500 for his career off Duke. Torre's exact quote was, "I just want to see if there's anything to it."

so there's that.

[jsphlly]

SHOOD I TRADE KEMP FOR GARRETT JONEZ?! WHIRRR

[lastingsgriller]

Rhianna loves "The Kemp Shaft"

you may never get that mug, but lines like that might get you a jester mask

glad to know someone is looking out for me...

(never say never on that mug, though... i haven't given up hope..)

[Element]

Martin was batting 7 for 14 lifetime off of Duke prior to yesterday's game. Why wouldn't he hit 2nd?