GLENDALE, Ariz. -- It was just like old times for Matt Kemp on Friday, batting fifth in the Dodgers' lineup, fans making the drive from Los Angeles to welcome him back, a 2-for-2 day at the plate with a three-run homer bringing the media back to his locker postgame.
"Y'all act like I've been gone forever," Kemp said with satisfaction. "That was exciting for me."
He's been gone for three years, but he's back. And for disbelievers who think Kemp can't play anymore because he let his body go, that looks like old news.