MLB: Kent feeling Dodgers’ recent changes

Kent said the addition of veteran hitters Ramirez and Blake, joining him and Juan Pierre, balance out the lineup and present a greater challenge for opposing pitchers.

“It makes for a more formidable lineup at the top, at the middle and at the bottom,” he said. “We have a better chance to score when we can attack from different angles.”

He said he’s been particularly impressed with the progress of some of the club’s young hitters.

“You expect that of the kids with the opportunities they’ve had,” he said. “You look at Matt [Kemp], he’s swinging the bat well after being an easy out at the beginning of the year. He’s become more patient. Andre Ethier is a solid hitter. Instead of the two rookie third basemen, we’ve added Blake. And Russell [Martin] is holding his own and done a good job. Everybody has gained some experience and that’s what you hope will happen as you get close to the end of the season.”

Yep, Kemp was at .286 on Apr 12 and now he’s blistered his way up to .295.