Max Scherzer might be killing it in Detroit with his arm but right now, there's nobody I would take over Clayton Kershaw. What he did today with the Marlins was remarkable in being dominant without having his best stuff early.
Kershaw By the Numbers After Win No. 13
8 - the number of scoreless innings he threw today. The 7th time he's done that (8 IP, 0 runs) in 2013. It's also the number of RBI's he has this year. He helped his own cause singling home the first run of the game.
1.72 - His Major-league leading Earned Run Average for the season. The last time a NL pitcher had it that low? Greg Maddux in 1995 (1.63). The last time anybody was close? Pedro Martinez in 2000 (1.74)
188 - Strikeouts for the season. Currently 1st, pending what Matt Harvey does in his next start.
0.86 - Kershaw's Major League leading WHIP (walks + hits per inning)
4-1, 1.20 ERA, 43 K's/5 walks - What Kershaw has done since the All-Star break. His usual 2nd half handiwork.
He has been masterful the last two seasons, especially in 2011, but what he's doing this season continues to amaze me. His W-L record would be better if he had more run support but his ERA speaks volumes. His performance over the last 2 months says enough.
As I told my man Paris, it's proof he comes from Planet Koufax when he's on like this. Not comparing Kershaw to the great Sandy but saying he has similar magic and dominance while being his own man.
Forget the Cy Young, is Kershaw the MVP? Maybe his win-loss record isn't the best but with six more starts on the year, he's only going to make this a louder conversation. And he's earned every bit of it. Kneel before the Young Prince and admire his handiwork.
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