To the surprise of no one, Clayton Kershaw won his 2nd Cy Young Award today. Over the past 3 season he has been absolutely stellar, but this past year was arguably his best.
He lead the league with a 1.83 ERA, a ERA+ of 194, a WHIP average of 0.915 and 232 strike outs, and posted career best in all of those categories; with exception of strike outs. Kershaw also had a career best WAR of 7.8. He won only 16 games in 2013, but should have won more if only the Dodgers offense during the first couple of months of the season was on par with the team that came about when Puig was called up.
Overall, he earned 29 out of 30 1st place votes by BBWAA writers. Why he didn't sweep, I cannot understand. His 2013 season was historically dominant.
As you know, the Dodgers hold his rights for another season before the specter of free agency looms. Hopefully, both sides can make that a moot point by signing a long term deal to make him a Dodger for life this winter. Recent reports indicate that the Dodgers had offered that, but Clayton hesitated. He may prefer a contract that doesn't tie him down for too long.
One thing is for sure, if past performance is indicative of the future, Clayton Kershaw figures on being one of the greatest left-handers to ever play the game.
On a side note, I wonder if the Dodgers will be giving out another Kershaw Cy Young Award plaque (like the one below) next season?
And here are some highlights of Kershaw's masterful 2013 season.
Video Link:
UPDATE: Quotes from a Dodger press release:
“Winning this award a second time is every bit as special as it was the first time around,” said Kershaw. “I want to especially thank my teammates and coaches for helping place me in such amazing company.”UPDATE II: Here is a link to the story at the BBWAA website, and below is graphic detailing the voting.
“Congratulations to Clayton on his second Cy Young Award in three years,” said Dodger President and CEO Stan Kasten. “This is an extraordinary accomplishment by an incredible player and person. I’m sure that when our fans discuss the long legacy of great Dodger pitchers, the name Kershaw will stand convincingly alongside Koufax, Drysdale, Newcombe, Sutton, Valenzuela and Hershiser.”
“Once again, Clayton Kershaw has shown the world that he is the best pitcher in Major League Baseball,” said Dodger Owner Earvin “Magic” Johnson. “I’m so proud of his accomplishments both on and off the field. He is everything a true Dodger represents and the city of Los Angeles should take tremendous pride in that.”
“Congratulations to Clayton on a great year and a most deserving Cy Young honor,” said Dodger Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax, who won Cy Young Awards in 1963, 1965 and 1966. “This is the second of many more to come. He’s got quite a future ahead of him.”
“It is a great achievement and recognition of one of the finest pitchers and people in the game,” said Dodger General Manager Ned Colletti.
Pic at very top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013
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