A Note of Optimism

From "Matt Kemp's agent optimistic for deal" by Tony Jackson at ESPNLA.com:

The agent for Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder and National League Most Valuable Player candidate Matt Kemp said Wednesday that talks on a long-term contract extension for his client are moving in a positive direction and that he is optimistic an agreement will be reached.

Dave Stewart, Kemp's San Diego-based agent and himself a former Dodgers pitcher, said his discussions with Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti have been positive and productive.

"I don't think that it's going to be difficult, I really don't," Stewart said. "I think we should be able to come to something. I have talked with Ned on a few occasions. We have covered some ground, and hopefully, we will be able to put this thing to bed soon."

Colletti also characterized the negotiations as moving forward.

"We have had some constructive conversations," Colletti said. "Those conversations have been a little more substantive of late."

Of course, the very next line of the article basically says don't hold your breath for a deal just yet. Still, it's a nugget to grasp on to while we bob around in pre-auction limbo.