Patience is a Virtue

A quick tidbit while I wait for the start of the Laker game... Does it seem like the Dodgers are more patient at the plate in 2009? That's because they have been.. Taking a look at the Expanded Statistics section on ESPN.com, it becomes evident how well the Dodgers are doing at getting deep into the count. Four Dodgers are in the top 24 of all of Major League Baseball in pitches per plate appearance.. Two of the Dodgers on the list should come as no surprise: Andre Ethier ranks 16th with an average of 4.25 P/PA and Russell Martin is 19th at 4.18 P/PA. Both of these guys are known for their approach at the plate and they are historically strong OBP guys. Another Dodger is Casey Blake (17th with 4.24 P/PA). Blake is doing a good job at the bottom of the order. Now, the fourth Dodger is more of a shock; Matt Kemp is 24th at 4.14 P/PA. From watching the games this year I have gotten the impression that Kemp was getting deeper into counts, but to see him make the leap into the top 25 is awesome. Even though Kemp's BB numbers aren't great and his strikeout total is too high, you can see the progress. The deep counts he is getting into should result in a higher walk total as his career progresses. It's not hard to imagine him posting a 70-80 walk season in the near future. This has been Kemp's biggest weakness coming up, but the progress is indisputable. Take a look at the gradual increase in P/PA in each of his seasons since 2006: 3.52 in 2007, 3.72 in 2008, and now 4.14 so far this season. Does Matt Kemp still strike out too much? Yes. Can he be frustrating at times when he is struggling at the plate? Of course. But it's hard to deny his improvement, and it seems like the breakthrough is taking place. As he continues to improve his plate discipline, stardom seems inevitable for the talented outfielder.

If you are looking for one reason why the Dodgers are off to a great start, their patience is the first place to start. The Dodgers are number one in baseball in walks and OBP (16 walks ahead of the next closest team...Impressive), and if they can keep it up, they will be just fine while Manny "recovers from his injury"..

(Now let the Vinnie has a man crush on Matt Kemp comments begin. I just point out the facts people.)