On Sunday, the Dodgers designated Garret Anderson for assignment, which wasn’t surprising since his batting average hasn’t been at or above .200 since mid-April. What was surprising is what took the Dodgers so long to pull the plug on the unproductive Anderson. One of the many reasons given for Anderson’s continued inclusion on the team was his influence in the clubhouse. His locker was next to Matt Kemp, but no need to worry. Perhaps Kemp has a new mentor.
↵Donna Summer has purchased a new home in Los Angeles, per the LA Times. What is notable is her eclectic group of neighbors:
↵↵↵She joins the ranks of celebrity owners there who include actor Bruce Willis, late-night host Larry King, Dodger Matt Kemp and singer-songwriter Paul Anka.
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Back in April, Dodger general manager Ned Colletti responded to a question from KABC’s Peter Tilden regarding Kemp’s defense and baserunning this season, calling both below average. Colletti then went too far, adding, “Why is it? Is it because he got a new deal? I can’t tell you.”
↵Putting aside the absurdity of a general manager question a contract he himself negotiated just months earlier, Kemp has in fact regressed in 2010. But, there is no need to worry. Even with Anderson gone, he only has to look to his new neighbor for a role model. After all, Summer works hard for the money.