L.A. Times: Plaschke: Don’t write Kemp’s name in ink in the 2008 lineup (RR)

L.A….a festival of atmosphere!

At least one of those kids could be the centerpiece in a winter trade that could bring the team a badly needed veteran star.

That kid could be Matt Kemp.

Insiders say that although management was furious with Jeff Kent for publicly ripping the team’s young players last week, it agrees with some of the things he said. There is concern over some of the rookies’ attitudes and aptitudes. There are home runs, but there are baserunning gaffes. There are dramatic catches, but there are forgotten sunglasses that lead to drops. There are some leadership moves, but also some lazy ones.

The Dodgers wouldn’t offer specifics, but insiders say they have reached the conclusion that they can be contenders quicker and longer if one or two of these kids are traded for more developed players who could help them avoid a repeat of this September’s meltdown.

...Matt Kemp’s breathtaking ability makes him attractive. But his constant struggles to embrace the little things that turn talent into championships make him expendable.