Oct 7, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning during game four of the 2014 NLDS baseball playoff game at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
3. Clayton Kershaw, SP, Dodgers
Far and away the best pitcher in baseball, Kershaw has enjoyed plenty of individual successes. After another dismal postseason effort, however, the focus is on seeing him delivering when it matters most and helping the Dodgers exceed championship expectations that have been placed upon them for the last few seasons.
The 26-year-old has staked his claim as one of the greatest to ever grace a pitching mound, winning the NL Cy Young Award in three of the last four seasons. Now, it’s a matter of translating that regular-season dominance into postseason achievements.
Finally getting over the hump and challenging for a World Series title would push the franchise in the right direction. With a ton of young talent on its way up, the Dodgers might have some time to win, but they’re built to do so right now. There’s no reason they shouldn’t with Kershaw on the mound.