Baseball Tonight Crew Discusses Clayton Kershaw's Dominance

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Clayton Kershaw Named to 2013 All Star Team; Vote Puig and Vote AGon

It's official, Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has been named to his third straight MLB All-Star Game.  He will represent the Dodgers on the 2013 All-Star team as they take on the American League All-Stars on July 16, 2013 at Citi Field in New York.  Although Yasiel Puig was not named a National League reserve, he can still make the team.  He will be part of the National League Final Vote.  There are five choices to choose from.  They are Ian Desmond, Freddie Freeman, Adrian Gonzalez, Hunter Pence and Yasiel Puig.  Voting ends on July 11th.  You can cast your ballot for the Final Vote here.    

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Clayton Kershaw Opening Day Homerun

For the Clayton Kershaw Marching & Chowder Society, here is his Opening Day homerun.  Calls by Vin Scully and Charley Steiner.




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Clayton Kershaw McFarlane Figure - A Closer Look

Here is a closer look at the McFarlane Clayton Kershaw figure that will be released as part of McFarlane's MLB Series 31.

There will also be a variant Kershaw in the Dodgers home white uniform.

For more information on other figures included in Series 31 and the release date, click here  

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New Ethier and Kershaw T-Shirts

On Saturday, I blogged about two new Nike Matt Kemp t-shirts.  You can view that post here. Today we'll take a look at two other Nike t-shirts.  The first one, which you can see above, is the Clayton Kershaw t-shirt.  With the nicely worded UP & IN LIKE KERSHAW across the chest.  The second t-shirt, which you can see below, is the new Nike Andre Ethier t-shirt which reads, DRIVE 'EM HOME LIKE ETHIER.

I like all four of the new t-shirt a lot.  Both the Kemp shirts, the Kershaw and the Ethier are all available for purchase in time for Opening Day and the 2013 season.  Which one, if any, will you be buying?

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Clayton Kershaw and Andre Ethier Finalists for Gold Glove Awards

Clayton Kershaw and Andre Ethier have the opportunity to repeat as Gold Glove Award winners at their respective positions.  The winners will be revealed on the 2012 Rawlings Gold Glove Award Announcement Show on Tuesday October 30th on ESPN2.  Kershaw is a finalist along with Bronson Arroyo and Mark Buehrle and Ehtier is a finalist with Jay Bruce and Jason Heyward.

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McFarlane Toys - Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw

As you can see in the picture above, Matt Kemp will be part of the McFarlane Toys MLB Series 31 which will be released in February 2013.  This will be Kemp's second McFarlane figure.  Also, Clayton Kershaw will be part of MLB Series 32.  Series 32 will likely be available in April 2013.

**UPDATED INFO 3/21/13**

It look likes Kemp didn't make the cut for McFarlane's MLB Series 31.  According to the official McFarlane website, Series 31 will include the following:

MLB 31 (May 2013)
Derek Jeter – New York Yankees
Clayton Kershaw – Los Angeles Dodgers
Bryce Harper – Washington Nationals
Mike Trout – Los Angeles Angels
Andrew McCutchen - Pittsburgh Pirates
Felix Hernandez – Seattle Mariners

As you can see, Clayton Kershaw's McFarlane debut will be part of Series 31 which will be released in May 2013.  Maybe Kemp's second McFarlane figure will show up in a later series.

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Clayton Kershaw Signing - Photos & Recap

On Wednesday August 1, 2012, Clayton Kershaw had a public autograph signing at Frank & Son's.  The signing was put on by Honabach and Sons and OC Dugout.  Kershaw was originally scheduled to sign from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. but the night before the signing, the start time was changed to 6:00 p.m.  I arrived early by 5:00 p.m. and there were only a few people picking up their tickets at will call.

Kershaw arrived on time and immediately started signing.  He's a quiet guy but definitely made time to chat it up with fans.  I purchased V.I.P. tickets so I went through the line pretty quick. My ticket number was in the high 20's.

As you can see in the picture above, I got Kershaw to sign my 2011 Gold Glove winners picture which Kemp & Ethier had already signed. I also got my ROMLB 2011 All Star Game ball signed by Kershaw.  The ball had already been signed by Kemp and now I just need to add Ethier.

Check out my other pictures below.  Shout out to Michael who helped me pass the time in line.  I met Michael the week before at an auction at the OC Dugout.

 The line & Kershaw walking through the events center

 Kershaw & the world famous Lance from the OC Dugout on the left

Kershaw & Lance again

Kershaw's auto on my 2011 All Star Game ball



Kershaw & Kemp on the 2011 All Star Game ball

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Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Clayton Kershaw

Wednesday August 1, 2012

Clayton Kershaw

$79 - 8x10 flat or smaller and magazines

$89 - flats larger than 8x10 up to 16x20, balls, mini helmets, figures & bobbleheads

$119 - jerseys, jersey numbers, bats, equipment, game used, flats larger than 16x20 & artwork

$39 - inscriptions

Stage Time: UPDATE 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

This signing will take place at Frank & Son Collectible Show and is being promoted by Honabach & Sons.

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New Dodger OYO Sportstoys - Clayton Kershaw, Matt Kemp Andre Ethier

A new line of Dodger toys have hit the market.  They are mini building-block sports figures made by OYO.  These figures are available for players representing all 30 MLB teams.  The Dodgers who have figures are Clayton Kershaw, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, James Loney, Aaron Harang, Chad Billingsley, Dee Gordong and Tony Gwynn Jr.

Each package comes with the figure, bat, ball, glove, cap and numbered stand.

These figures are available in limited retail stores, team stores and online.  They are priced between $9.99 and $12.99.  Here is the link for the OYO website oyosportstoys.com . The figures are also available at other online toy retailers.

Check out the C.J. Wilson figure below.  I included this figure because it shows an actual figure, not just a drawing.

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2 More Clips from MLB Network's 30 Clubs in 30 Days - Kershaw & Billingsley

Clayton Kershaw - you gotta watch until the end, Kershaw gets a couple cracks in on Larry Bowa.



Chad Billingsley



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New Items in Dodgers.com Shop - Uniframes: Ethier, Kemp & Kershaw

While surfing through the Dodgers.com online shop, I came across this new Uniframe product.  They are photos made to look like the back of your favorite players jersey.  They include his name, number and a smaller action photo.  They measure 20x20 and sell for $59.99.  It's a pretty steep price but it looks like they come framed.  There are four Dodger Uniframes available, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Clayton Kershaw and Jackie Robinson.

Take a look at the Ethier & Kershaw versions below.

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Pitchers & Catchers Report - Kershaw Opening Day Starter; Jansen & Guerra Anchor Bullpen

Dodger pitchers and catchers reported today to Camelback Ranch and Don Mattingly probably made the easiest decision he'll make all year!  Clayton Kershaw was named the Opening Day starter in San Diego on April 5th and will likely start the Dodgers home opener on April 10th. 

For more info from ESPNLA's Tony Jackson click here

Donnie Baseball also set the back end of the bullpen for the start of the season.  Matt Guerrier will be the 7th inning pitcher, the 8th inning belongs to Kenley Jansen and the closer will once again be Javy Guerra. 

Again, more info from Tony Jackson here

The Dodgers have also hired former catcher Steve Yeager to work with the teams catchers.  He will work with the catchers during Spring Training, will work with the catchers on the major league roster when the team is at home and when they are on the road, he will work as the special-assignment catching instructor in the minor leagues.  Check out the full story here at Dodgers.com

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Dodgers Avoid Arbitration with Ethier & Loney; Kershaw Wants $10 Million

Andre Ethier and the Dodgers reached an agreement on a 1-year contract for $10.95 million.  The contract includes an additional $25,000 if he reaches 600 plate appearances and another $25,000 if he reaches 625 plate appearances.  Ethier earned $9.25 million dollars in 2011.

First baseman James Loney and the Dodgers reached an agreement on a 1-year contract for $6.375 million dollars with a $25,000 bonus if he reaches 585 plate appearances, a $50,000 bonus if he reaches 625 plate appearances and a final $50,000 if he reaches 650 plate appearances.  Loney earned $4.875 million dollars in 2011.

Clayton Kershaw is also eligible for salary arbitration and submitted a request for a $10 million dollar salary in 2012.  The Dodgers countered his offer with an offer of $6.5 million.  Kershaw, the 2011 NL Cy Young Award winner, earned $500,000 in 2011.

For more information you can read Tony Jackson's article from ESPNLos Angeles by clicking here

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Clayton Kershaw Book Tour

Clayton Kershaw and his wife Ellen will be making appearances all over Southern California this week to sign copies of their book Arise.

Here is the full schedule of their appearances:

Sunday, January 15, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Ralphs, 19781 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch, CA 91326

Monday, January 16, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Costco, 1220 W. Foothill Blvd., Azusa, CA 91702

Monday, January 16, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Barnes and Noble, The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Tuesday, January 17, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Costco, 2901 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

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Clayton Kershaw Wins NL Cy Young Award - Video

Today, MLB announced Clayton Kershaw as the winner of the 2011 NL Cy Young Award.  He received 27 of a possible 32 first place votes from the Baseball Writers' Association of America.  Kershaw became the 10th Dodger to win the Cy Young Award.  This was only Kershaw's 3rd full season in the big leagues and his future remains bright!  Congrats Clayton!

Check out the video below from Dodgers.com



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Clayton Kershaw Front Page News

I was in the break room at work filling up my water bottle when I noticed a copy of the Los Angeles Times sitting on a table.  I took a minute to read the sports section and then noticed the front page.  News of Clayton Kershaw's 20th win made the front page.  As a life long Dodger fan, I was pleased to see the Dodgers on the front page of the hometown newspaper for an accomplishment on the field.  I'm tired of seeing bankruptcy news, divorce news, and court news rooms on the front page.  Once again, a tip of the cap to young Clayton Kershaw's 20th victory.  The first Dodger to do so since Ramon Martinez in 1990.

For those that are interested the caption under the photo taken by Lawrence K. Ho reads "Clayton Kershaw, shown after leaving the mound in the eigth inning, outdueled the Giants' Tim Lincecum for his 20th win, becoming the first Dodgers pitcher to reach the milestone in 21 years."

Kershaw Goes For Win Number 20

On Tuesday night, Clayton Kershaw and Tim Lincecum will face off for the fourth time this season.  They have pitched against each other on Opening Day, July 20th and September 9th.  Kershaw is 4-0 against the hated ones this year and 5-1 against them in his career.  The Dodger lefty's record sits at 19-5 and he's looking to be the Dodgers first 20-game winner since Ramon Martinez finished 1990 with a 20-6 record.  Back on August 10th, when his record was 13-5, I predicted Kershaw would finish the season 17-7 linked here .  Since that date, has gone 6-0 and has passed the 18-win mark that was reached by Chan Ho Park in 2000.  If Kershaw doesn't get his 20th win on Tuesday, he would likely pitch his last game of the season on Sunday in San Diego.

One more thing to watch for the last 9 games of the season is the Dodgers record.  Yes, the team has long been out of the Division race and the Wild Card race but with their victory over the Pirates on Sunday, they brought their record to 76-76.  I would consider any record over .500 to be a success with this team.  With 6 of the last 9 games against the 1st and 2nd place teams in the NL West, this last week should be interesting.  I would not be sad if the Dodgers were to officially elimate the Giants from the Wild Card race & the NL West race.

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How Many Games Can Kershaw Win This Season?

Clayton Kershaw's record sits at 13-5 and he has matched his win total from the 2010 season when he finished with a record of 13-10.  Kershaw started 30 games in 2009 and started 32 games in 2010.  Thus far in 2011 he as made 24 starts and will probably only get 6 or 7 more starts.  Based on that, it is unlikely he will reach 20 victories this season.  The Dodgers have not had a 20-game winner since Ramon Martinez went 20-6 in the 1990 season.

While it appears a 20-win season is unlikely, Kershaw can still finish with the most wins by a Dodger pitcher in the last 7 seasons.  I'll admit number of wins isn't the sexiest pitching stat and there are other modern stats that can prove a pitcher's worth.  However, to most fans whether they be die-hards or casual fans, the number of wins for a pitcher is one of the first things they look at.

These are the Dodger leaders in victories in a season over the last 6 seasons:

2005 Jeff Weaver - 14-11

2006 Derek Lowe - 16-8

         Brad Penny - 16-9

2007 Brad Penny - 16-4

2008 Chad Billingsley - 16-10

2009 Chad Billingsley - 12-11



With 4 more victories, Clayton Kershaw can have the most wins for a Dodger starting pitcher since Chan Ho Park in 2000.  Park finished the 2000 season with an 18-10 record and was the last Dodger pitcher to win more than 16 games.  My humble prediction is Kershaw will finish with a record of 17-7.  What's your prediction?

Clayton Kershaw Reacts to 4th Complete Game

After the game on Monday, Clayton Kershaw was interviewed by Jim Watson & Steve Lyons on Dodgers Live.  Check out the video below: