Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
June 21, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) looks in for a sign during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Kershaw has the third-lowest ERA (2.08) in the NL, but he’s just a game above .500–not that wins matter.
Much like Harvey and Wainwright, you could go and on about his stats. He’s fourth in FIP (2.67), fourth in WHIP (0.96), fifth in K%, first in innings pitched (121.1) and fourth in WAR (3.1). There you have the lowdown, which is quite good, mind you.
Stuff-wise, only one NL pitcher boasts a better curveball than Kershaw. His name is Jhoulys Chacin, who’s dropping the old Uncle Charlie in the thin Colorado air–quite impressive.
Further, only two others have better fastballs than Kershaw–Cliff Lee, who just might make an appearance on this list shortly, and Harvey. To clarify, we’re talking about effectiveness, not velocity.
Kershaw has been good. Harvey and Wainwright have both been slightly better, though–with the emphasis on slightly.