Matt Kemp is set to make his first start of the spring today in Glendale, Arizona.
And though he's already had five spring at-bats with no hits, Kemp is focused on having a monster year in 2013 for the Dodgers.
In an injury shortened 2012 season, Kemp still put up great numbers for the Dodgers, hitting .303/.367/.538 with 23 home runs, 69 RBI, nine stolen bases and 74 runs scored in 403 at-bats.
Not quite on pace for record breaking numbers, but a great shortened season nonetheless.
But this also brings up a question that many asked before the start of the 2012 season: Does Matt Kemp have what it takes to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season?
Health will be the first factor in his quest, and according to an interview with Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports, Kemp is healthy and ready to play everyday:
Um, me, I'm not worried about numbers...As long as I'm on the field, the numbers probably will be – or should be – there. I just want to stay healthy, that's it. Everything's strong. I've been working on my legs. Hamstrings feeling good. Shoulder's feeling good. I'm just working on staying healthy this whole year, playing 162 games.
Well, at least he sounds healthy, but can he—or anyone for that matter—hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bags in a single season?
If anyone can do it, Kemp is definitely the guy that could reach that plateau first.
In 2011, he was one home run shy of a 40-40 season. He also led the league in home runs (39), RBI (126) and runs scored (115).
A great season, definitely, but Kemp wanted more. During the 2012 offseason, he told Tony Jackson of ESPN.com:
I'm going to go 50-50 next year, I'm telling you, y'all created a monster. I'm about to get back in the weight room super tough so I can be as strong as I was last year. Forty-forty is tough, so 50-50 will be even tougher, but anything can happen. I have to set my limits high so I can try to get to them as much as I can. I'm going to try for 50-50, which has never been done.
Lofty goals, but you have to admire him for setting the bar so high for himself.
So what will 2013 bring for Matt Kemp and the Dodgers?
They sure made a lot of big moves, took the honor of having the highest payroll in baseball and according to many experts, are the favorites to win the National League West.
But will all this help Kemp achieve his record-breaking goal?
"Heh, what a question…" Kemp told Brown, but "I'm not making no predictions."
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