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As referred to previously, I'm guessing maybe Kemp has two problems:
-- he hasn't fully recovered from his numerous ailments, and isn't performing at his peak, which is frustrating
-- like the other Dodger outfielders, he's not gotten a straight answer from Mattingly on future playing time since before spring training. And that's now exacerbated by Van Slyke and Pederson. That's a threat.
So it's not unprecedented that he would react negatively. Does that mean he's a head case?
I don't know. But my guess is that 99% of all professional athletes just want to be respected and talked to honestly by their managers/coaches. And that's where I think we have a golden asset in McClendon. He doesn't seem to sugar coat anything...and has shown that he really just wants performance. Nothing personal--if you're hurt, or need more seasoning, fine. No judgement. He just puts the guys out there who he thinks give him the best chance of winning.
And my guess is that Kemp would respond to this just as well as anyone else.
Does that mean he's worth the salary? I have no clue. But I don't doubt he would like being here once he's settled in--and Felix and Cano can help make that happen.