We saw vintage Clayton Kershaw on Sunday afternoon during the Dodger’s 3-0 win over the Dbacks in Arizona. In the victory Kershaw looked like the pitcher of his glory days as he tossed 5.2 innings of shutout ball. Kershaw issued no walks, just three hits and struck out six. His pitches were sharp and we were taken back to the days when he was the most dominating pitcher in baseball and we all looked forward to his starts every week.
Kershaw made 81 pitches and probably could have made more. The Dodgers understandably didn’t want to push him. Kershaw was unable to make his customary opening day start against the Giants due to another back injury. For the record he’s had chronic back problems over the past several years. This injury was a fluke one, due to heavy lifting in the weight room. That’s another aspect that makes Kershaw so great. He keeps himself in such great physical shape. His injuries have mostly been from overuse and over extending himself.
That’s because he is a fiery competitor. It was great to see Kershaw pick up the win in the series finale. The last time we Kershaw pitch was at Dodger Stadium in the top of the eighth inning during that infamous NLDS game 5 against the Nationals. He had given up consecutive home runs to Anthony Rendon and Juan Soto and walked off the mound with his head down amidst a chorus of boos. It was a sad sight to see.
Last Sunday we saw Kershaw’s trademark curveball sweep across the plate. His slider had bite. His fastball had increased velocity and movement. The best part is that it all looked effortless for him. He was in control the entire game. Pitching depth is a bit thin after David Price opted out, and Alex Wood was a predictable injured list resident. The Dodgers are going to need a healthy and productive Kershaw if they are going to make it this year. A vintage Kershaw would be the best.
Scott,
Do we really need homepage real estate dedicated to a website selling tickets to Dodger Stadium?
Are you talking about the ad on the front page?
the ads help me pay for the expenses of keeping the site active, like the hosting fees. But I have to do some maintenance on the site and don’t have a lot of free time on my hands to do it. I have plans for some cleanup over here soon.
I’m a full believer in content being paid for.
I even don’t mind some ads.
However, ads that have no value whatsoever for the user (nobody can buy tickets now) are nothing but annoying. AND I can’t believe anyone is paying you to run them.
That’s correct. I just haven’t gotten the time to take it down yet. I’ll be taking it down this weekend. FYI, I work 50 hours per week so havent had the time yet. Have some cleanup to do this weekend.
But FYI Bluto, its not easy to keep this site running with limited time and resources. In case you haven’t noticed, the independent blogger is at a big disadvantage these days with all of the corporate sites. But I do my best.
Just commenting as a user Scott.
Corporate sites have to pay bills too, and often face public scrutiny.
Not sure what you are implying there.
This isn’t a corporate site Bluto. Independent bloggers and sites can no longer compete these days with the corporate sites. I was basically agreeing with you but running a site isn’t free. There are hosting fees, domain fees. What’s wrong with me earning a few bucks to help pay for that stuff to keep the site going?
Well, let’s see if we can get another “vintage” Kershaw performance tonight. Definitely need more innings from Kershaw, especially since the other starters also can barely get to the 5th before petering out, or succumbing to the DR pitch limits.
I was, and still am, against these outrageous contracts, but am also blown away by Mookie Betts skills. Still way too much money, but at least he has stepped up to the plate and somewhat shown that he can carry his own weight, as well as the weight of this Dodger team, offensively and defensively. Hopefully, Mookie will continue to lead by example, and inspire Bellinger to stop trying to do too much, and just play the game. Maybe the thought of Betts dethrowning. NL MVP Belli, is lingering in Belli’s head. Bellinger appears to not be able to handle the pressure.
Yes, the Dodgers won last night, But 1-10 RISP? Come on Dodgers! Urias struggles through 4 innings…. Really? Dodgers really need another proven arm for the rotation. Who knew that Chicken Strips would be the new Ace of the staff? I bet the Angels are having nightmares…. could have gotten Strips and Pederson too!
Hate to think of it, but I think the Dodgers might be showcasing Peterson (and maybe Rios) for a possible trade for a viable starting pitcher.
Go Blue.
Well, we got vintage Kershaw for sure, last night. No banging trash cans, no sign stealing, just an old fashioned a$$ kicking. This pitching staff is a shambles. I do not think we will ever see the vintage Kershaw again. He has to re-invent himself in order to last through his contract.
The offense was no help at all, as they could Not even get runners on base to leave in scoring position…. I guess that is one way to keep the RISP down. Cueto completely dominated the hapless Dodgers, allowing only two hits. Gnats’ bullpen slammed the door shut. Bellinger is totally lost at the plate, again… reminiscent of his second half meltdown, last year. DR continues to lead off with Pederson…. Why? He has a proven leadoff batter in Betts, who wants to lead off. I really think the Dodgers are attempting to showcase Pederson as trade bait to bolster their miserable pitching staff.
HELP!
Help?
If they had traded Chicken Strips, all the Dodgers would have would be a worn and tired Kershaw, injured Alex Wood, a slow start (I hope) Buehler a rusty Urias, and a very tight training collar (Pitch limits) on May, not to mention the opt out of Price. Without the miraculous performance of the bullpen, this team would be at the bottom of the West. If the Dodgers are too careful with May, they might just end up with another Urias.
Just thank the Dodger Gods, that the Angels pulled out of the deal for Stripling. The Dodgers desperately need another starter to complement Stripling (and May) at the top of the rotation.
Yes, they need HELP!