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MLB

Player Journal: Matt Kemp

By
April 10, 2006
Matt Kemp is an outfield prospect in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. The 2003 sixth-round pick had a breakout season in 2005, breaking Adrian Beltre's Vero Beach record for home runs with 27 while hitting .306, driving in 90 runs and stealing 23 bases. He then led the Phoenix Desert Dogs to the Arizona Fall League title by hitting .383 and slugging .606, capping it off with a 4-for-4, two-homer performance in the championship game.

The former basketball star began his pro career in 2003 in the Gulf Coast League and has moved a rung at a time since. He spent most of 2004 with Columbus, with a late call-up to Vero, his home for all of the 2005 season. The 21-year-old outfielder helped the Dodgers to the best overall record in the Eastern Division of the Florida State League. He's agreed to chronicle his 2006 season in an exclusive journal for MiLB.com.

•Send Matt an email

Hello again fans. I am happy to say that the 2006 season has started. We kicked off the season against the Chattanooga Lookouts on Thursday and won the first game, though the Lookouts won the next three.

I believe we have a real good team this year and a group of talented players, but we have some pretty big shoes to fill. In case you guys didn't know, last year Jacksonville won it all and was voted Minor League team of the year. Our team is very confident in repeating that performance and winning it all.

I have spent the past few days learning my way around and seeing what the city of Jacksonville has to offer. This a very big and beautiful city. After only a few days I am already enjoying myself. The ballpark is great, and we have great fans.

It has been a good start so far in a good city, and I look forward to more fun and excitment. Now lets get to some of your emails.

Matt's Mailbag  /  Send Matt an email >

Hello Matt! It is really exciting to watch you play, and I can't wait to see you at Dodger Stadium in the near future. It seems as if you are progressing at a phenomenal pace. It looks like you even have a shot at making the team this year. What do you think that you need to work on the most in order to become a Major Leaguer? -- Mark W., Corona, Ca.

Mark, thanks for the question. The thing I probably need to work on the most is pitch recognition and being patient at the plate.

What is your favorite outfield position? Which one did you play more last year? -- Darryl

Darryl, center field is my favorite position because of the excitement. Last year, I played both center field and right field with Vero Beach.

Matt Kemp is an outfield prospect in the Dodgers organization and a contributor to MLB.com.