The Other Dodger
When talking about the outfield for the L.A. Dodgers, two names come straight to mind, Manny Ramirez and Matt Kemp. Manny is an established super-star (although his star is fading), and Kemp has shown that he is an elite outfielder and will be for years to come. What about that other guy? Listen in on this brief conversation.
Me: I'm really looking forward to the another season of Dodger baseball! Their outfield is jammed with talent!
Friend: I know, with Manny in left center and Kemp in right center, they are loaded!
Me: Left center and right center?
Friend: Yea, how else would they play their two outfielders?
Me: What are you talking about? The Dodgers have three outfielders like everyone else.
Friend: I can only remember them playing two last year. Are you sure you are not thinking of a mascot or something?
Me: I'm quite sure. You seem to be forgetting about Andre Ethier. He plays right field.
Friend: Andre Ethier? That's a weird name for a mascot. Anyway, mascots aren't real players.
Me: You're killing me Smalls. Andre Ethier is the Dodger's everyday right fielder and was last year. I know Manny and Kemp get a lot of attention, and for good reason, but Ethier is fantastic. Lets do a little comparison.
Friend: Alright. Which do you like better, Jam or Jelly?
Me: Just stop talking. I want to compare Ethier with Kemp. Kemp had a .297 avg last year, Ethier had .272. Kemp - 26 HRs, Ethier - 31. Kemp - 101 RBIs, Ethier - 106. Kemp - 97 Runs, Ethier - 92. Kemp is much faster and had 34 SBs, while Ethier had more walks and less Ks. All in all, Ethier's fantasy value is very comparable to Kemp!
Friend: Color me impressed.
Me: Kemp is still the more valuable of the two, but Ethier is only just behind him. In fact, in my Yahoo H2H league, Kemp was the 8th best point getter (for outfielders) and Ethier was 12th. I think that he will be a steal in most leagues. Kemp will go in the top couple of rounds, while Ethier will go much later and yet perform like a high end pick.
Friend: This is good advice, and good news for the Dodgers!
Me: Glad you agree.
Friend: The Padres should pay attention, all they have is one infielder.
Me: Sigh.
-Scout Monkey Labels: Andre Ethier, Mark King, Matt Kemp, Outfielder, Scout Monkey