Clayton Kershaw is Ready for MLB Success
How the Young Lefty's Near No-Hitter Shows Signs of a Future Stardom
May 21, 2009
"Public Enemy Number One" is the nickname given by legendary Dodgers broadcaster, Vin Scully, in Spring Training, to Kershaw's unbelievable 1 to 7 curveball. From the start it was no secret this kid was going to be something special.
After an up and down rookie season last year at the tender age of 20, Kershaw began this season in the Dodgers' rotation. He has been up and down so far, hitting his peak with a 7 inning 13 strikeout performance against the Giants, but also falling back down to earth by giving up nine earned runs to Philadelphia earlier this year. He has since found his groove, culminating with todays near No-hitter in Florida.
Behind the Near No-Hitter
Kershaw struggled slightly with his control walking 4 batters and going to 3-2 frequently. Therefore, his pitch count reached the warning sign 100 mark early in the 7th inning. There was much speculation as to how manager Joe Torre would handle the youngster whose innings and pitches have been limited so far this season due to his age. But as James Loney popped out to end the top of the eight, Kershaw hopped off the bench, grabbed his gear, and resumed his shot at history.
Unfortunately, it was not to be as Cody Ross lined a high fastball by Kershaw into the left-centerfield gap, ending his shot at the record books. As expected the already warmed Guillermo Mota would relieve Kershaw whose day ended just as the No-hitter did.
Kershaw's final line was extremely impressive: 7 IP, 1 H, 1ER, 4 BB, 9 K. He finished with a career high 112 pitches.
Despite that his overall numbers probably won't turn any heads (2-4 4.60 ERA), Kershaw has been the recipient of bad luck in some of his less impressive starts, but more importantly has been excellent at times. He figures to be the future for the Dodgers in the near future in addition to Chad Billingsley.
Kershaw's Arsenal
In addition to his devastating 1 to 7 curveball, which figures to be the leading cause of buckled knees and scratching heads for the next few years in NL West cities, Kershaw sports a mid 90's fastball and a plus changeup with potential for improvement. He has a fluid delivery that doesn't expect to lend itself to future arm issues, which has to be thrilling for the Dodgers front office.
MLB Stardom in the Future?
At just 21 years old, Clayton Kershaw has truly arrived. With so much being unknown about the prospects of high school pitchers when drafted, it's nice to see one become a star before our very eyes. Keep an eye out for Mr. Kershaw; the near No-No is just the beginning of great things to come for the Dodgers southpaw.
