Matt Kemp and the Dodgers are close to a two-year deal, buying out the first two years of Kemp’s arbitration. It’s interesting to me that the deal is that short. Teams like to buy out all of arbitration and even some years of free agency. I’m guessing that Dave Stewart, Kemp’s agent, sees the economy improving in two years, giving Kemp an even bigger pay day in arbitration before the 2012 season, and more leverage for a good, long-term contract as he goes into his walk year. I’m a bit surprised the Dodgers would not insist on at least a four-year deal.