Kemp named Sporting News All-Star

Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp's breakout offensive season was rewarded when The Sporting News announced him as 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 played both center and right, and appeared in all but three games during the regular season.

He is the first outfielder selected by the publication since Pedro Guerrero in 1982 and the first Dodger to make the team since catcher Russell Martin in 2007.

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 along with Kemp were Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, DBacks third baseman Mark Reynolds, Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez and Phillies outfielder (and former Dodger) Jayson Werth.

Pujols was chosen SN's 2009 player of the year.