NewsDodgers' Kemp named SN All-Star
Center fielder set career highs with 26 homers, 101 RBIs
By Thomas Harding / MLB.com
10/22/09 10:28 PM EST
Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp's breakout offensive season was rewarded Thursday, when Sporting News announced that he is a member of its postseason National League All-Star team. The squad was selected by a panel of 31 Major League Baseball general managers and assistant GMs.Kemp, 25, batted .297 with 26 home runs, 101 RBIs and 97 runs scored while helping the Dodgers win the NL West for the second straight year. Kemp was an iron man, playing center and right, and appearing in all but three games during the regular season.
Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols, Phillies second baseman Chase Utley and Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun were on the ballots of all 14 participating NL team executives. Also named to the squad were Kemp, Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, D-backs third baseman Mark Reynolds, Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez and Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth.
Pujols was chosen SN's 2009 player of the year.
The American League team consisted of Twins catcher Joe Mauer, who received votes from all 17 participating AL executives; Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira; Blue Jays second baseman Aaron Hill; Rays third baseman Evan Longoria; Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter; Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki; Red Sox outfielder Jason Bay; Angels outfielder Torii Hunter; and Yankees designated hitter Hideki Matsui.
Thomas Harding is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
