How Matt Kemp Can Actually Improve for the Atlanta Braves

Good Kemp or Bad Kemp?  There does seem to be a renewed effort and focus coming from the Braves’ left fielder as we start winding down the Spring campaign.

When Matt Kemp arrived last year the Atlanta Braves, in an honest moment, would probably tell you they weren’t really sure what kind of player they were getting.

MVP level seasons and an impressive MLB track record combined with injury issues and unflattering reports from previous teams had made Kemp a bit of an enigma. The Braves just didn’t know.

The motivation for acquiring him was centered more around the guy they were getting rid of than the guy they were getting. Had the Braves not had the albatross of Hector Olivera and his contract around their necks, I doubt very seriously they would’ve taken on a deal as large as Kemp’s given the relatively small payroll with which they operate.

But they did, and they did, so they pulled the trigger. Atlanta had themselves a brand new clean-up hitter and a bit of a lightning rod.

Kemp’s acquisition has stirred up a not-so-original debate about overall player value and how it relates to certain types of players.

Measuring Value

If you’re old school and like HRs and RBI as the way to value players then Kemp is a monster. He hit 35 home runs last year and drove in 108. Those sort of numbers used to make you a legit superstar.

If you’re new school and like WAR and defensive metrics, then he’s overrated, overpaid and close to replacement level. He put up 0.7 WAR last year and given his age and contract, there isn’t much to get excited about.

This post isn’t about convincing you which side of that debate you should stand on. I don’t even really care to try as most people aren’t looking to be talked out of their current positions.

No – instead, this post is about taking a common idea both camps can agree on and using that idea to show where Matt Kemp can realistically can improve his game.

I say realistically because there’s been a lot of talk since the trade about Kemp increasing his value by improving his defense. He’s lost weight, put in extra work and striving for that goal.

But 32-year-old players with bad knees and arthritic hips don’t become better outfielders in one off-season, if ever. The preponderance of evidence shows Kemp wasn’t that great of an outfielder even when he was young and in great shape. He got by on his athleticism which has mostly been taken from him by injuries.

Losing weight never hurts but I’m not buying that defense is how Kemp is going to increase his value. Not significantly enough to matter at least.

So how does he improve? Can he improve?

I think so.