Reflections on Kemp, Kershaw

My favorite part from "Composed Kemp getting help from unlikely mentor" by Tim Brown at Yahoo! Sports:

Newk took two more shuffling steps and wrapped Kemp in a hug. With his left hand, Newk stealthily reached down and reinserted Kemp’s inside out and flapping back pocket.

There's a way to wear the uniform, the gesture said, a way to present yourself, a way to be a pro's pro.

And my favorite part from "Clayton Kershaw can enjoy moments" by Tony Jackson at ESPNLA.com:

Most of the pitchers already were there that day, when Mattingly revealed to us he already had settled on Kershaw as his opening-day starter. Never known for my patience or for playing it cool, I immediately broke away from that informal gathering and headed for the clubhouse, where I found Kershaw crouching low in front of his locker with a catcher's mitt on, peering out across the carpeted expanse toward an imaginary pitcher on an imaginary mound.

"I got a new position this year," he said as I approached.

Ignoring his comment, I came right out with what I was there to talk about.

"Donnie just told us you're the opening day starter."

Nice to see sportswriters, both local and national, turn their spotlights on the future of the Dodger franchise. Not since the Mike Piazza days have we been blessed with such well-rounded stars.