Freeman has been getting better, not Kemp

[bobbycoxy]

So it seems Kemp has been carrying our offense which is why it's been good as of late. But Kemp hasn't been doing all that well.

Prior to Kemp’s arrival Freeman was in the midst of another solid season, despite the fact that he lacked any legitimate protection in the lineup. In the first half, Freeman slashed .286/.373/.518 which is almost identical to his career line. Since Freeman has had the benefit of Kemp hitting behind him, he has taken his season to another level.

In August Freeman slashed .313/.460/.688, and in his past 12 games, Freeman has hit .333, with a .711 slugging percentage. Because of Freeman’s hot streak, he has already reached a career high in home runs, (28) doubles, (36) and total bases (278). Freeman has been able to take advantage of Kemp hitting behind him to take him to a career year, and that gives optimism for Freeman’s future years with some good protection in the lineup behind him.


Thoughts?

http://www.armchairallamericans.com/matt-kemp-effect/

[bravesfanMatt]

boy can't wait until the entitled few get on this thread..

[Hawk]

[Enscheff]

My thoughts are this article is as poorly researched as your last article.

So tell me, was Kemp also protecting Freeman in June when he posted a 1.080 OPS? Who was protecting Freeman in late July when he was also on fire? Was Kemp protecting him all the way from SD?

[rico43]

I appreciate your input, but your research (as it has been pointed out here) is lacking.

But I want to welcome you to the board and apologize for the socially challenged folks who feel the need to belittle or slam when they criticize or disagree. There are plenty of people here who can discuss and disagree without trying to run someone off.

I suggest you do what I often did before becoming a moderator. Look up your personal info and put anyone who gets personal or ugly on "ignore". Works like a charm.

[Freshmaker]

I'm with you Bobby, I like having Kemp in the lineup too. Most of the stats probably disagree. I'm a simple man tho and I just like havin' another dude (and a right-handed one at that!) that can hit 30 HRs and drive in 100. Our lineup has been bereft of pop the past several years, and he helps a lot in that regard. My feeling is that he will get in better shape next year, and be a bit better defensively and on the base paths.

Oh and welcome to the board.

[zitothebrave]

Problem is that protection has been proven to not be a major factor.

What you're seeing is Freeman is a star. Issue with your sample is just that. Freeman started the year very slow. As I recall there were rumblings of injuries. His first 61 games (I know, I'm poor sampling here) but he had a .750 OPS, his slash being .242/.336/.414. From then until the Kemp trade he posted a 1.058 OPS with a slash of .339/.410/.649. which is basically equal to what he has done with Kemp in 43 games vs. 34 games.

THe issue with beliefs like yours is that you're dealing in pretty much tiny samples and of course the fact that you're compounding stats on stats.

Kemp is certainly better protection for Freeman than what he had, but Freeman is rocking because he's a star, not because of Kemp.

[msstate7]

I remember FF having extended hot streaks and extended cold streaks. I don't remember an extended cold streak since kemp got there. May mean something and it may not.

[nsacpi]

has anyone considered the possibility that ender has been helping kemp help freeman?

[yeezus]

has anyone considered the possibility that ender has been helping kemp help freeman?

help me, help you.

[nsacpi]

help me, help you.

kumbaya

[cajunrevenge]

has anyone considered the possibility that ender has been helping kemp help freeman?

I think this is exactly it. Fast runners on base gets Freeman more fastballs. Freeman has always mashed with men on base.

[msstate7]

help me, help you.

Say you say me