Dave Roberts pulled Clayton Kershaw in the middle of a perfect game while the Dodgers were playing in Minnestoa this week. I’m sure you heard something about it. A lot of people supported the decision and cheered. People like this sort of story. You know the skipper hooking Kersh and saving his career. It makes people feel good, although it’s a weak narrative. Dave Roberts and the front office have a long history of stealing history from pitchers throwing gems. I’ll talk more about this later, but Roberts stopped by the Jim Rome show to talk about the situation. Check out the Audio below.
DR, we all know, is notorious for yanking the plug too early. Usually when a shutout, no-hitter, or perfect game is possible, teammates stay away from the pitchers. When DR sat next to Kersh, and started talking to him, I said, “Oh No! DR is trying to convince Clayton to forget about the perfecto.”.
I understand it was his first start after injury, and worried he might re-injure himself. A young pitcher, Yes. But, Kersh does not have much time left to accomplish history. If he was struggling, laboring, gave up a walk or a hit, then Yes, pull him. Kershaw was cruising, in a groove, low pitch count, and had the Twins hitters on their heels…. Just 6 more outs!
Kershaw is a pro, and respects DR. He may have said in the interview that he was tired, and losing his slider, but Kersh would never throw DR under the bus. He said the politically correct reason as to why DR pulled him…. Not the right time to cause controversy in the clubhouse.
It was a no brainer, DR was wrong to even ask Kershaw if he was done. When a pitcher is so close to history, you have let him go for it. Not fair to Kershaw, not fair to Barnes (who was catching a gem), and not fair to the fans, especially the Dodger faithful who were in Minnesota. Also not fair to Vesia, who was put on the spot to try and achieve the combined perfecto.
IMHO, DR was wrong to pull Kershaw. DR needs to chill, and let the games play out…do not micro-manage, or think he is smarter than the game.