Dodgers: Measuring Kershaw Against (Possible) Future Hall of Famers

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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 15: Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers on the field during batting practice before the game against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium on August 15, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

With the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw prepping to do a short rehab stint, the franchise is poised for a run at the World Series. In looking at Kershaw, he measures up quite well against some of the games’ best talents.

Dodgers fans are excited. And why not? A franchise that has the best record in baseball by a wide margin should be excited. But it’s more than that.

It’s bigger than walk-off heroics in the 12th inning. It’s larger than chasing a historical number of wins while decimating the rest of the league. It’s greater than any individual player or stat line. The only thing on the minds of the team and its fans is World Series glory.

And with Clayton Kershaw expected to make his return in the coming weeks, that excitement will only build between now and October. With one of the game’s all-time greats leading a rotation that is one of the best in baseball, the Dodgers certainly look to be the team to beat.

But that remains to be seen. For now, we can only marvel at the wonder that is Clayton Kershaw and take a closer look at what he has done against some of the best hitters in all of baseball.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 21: Yoenis Cespedes /

Yoenis Cespedes- .000/.000/.000

One of the game’s most exhilarating talents, Cespedes took the league by storm in 2012. With Oakland in that first year, he hit .292 and crushed 23 long home runs.

Since then, Cespedes has certainly proved he could be Hall of Fame material in the long run. In his six seasons, he’s batting .281 and averages about 25 home runs a season. If he can stay healthy, he certainly can make a huge impact on the league.

Versus Kershaw, he’s been an entirely different story, however. Cespedes has 12 career at-bats versus number 22, and in that sample size has not yet earned a base hit.

In fact, he hasn’t even drawn a walk yet either. Kershaw has struck out Cespedes in four of the 12 at-bats against him, truly showing just how dominant he can be against the best of the best.

WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 07: Bryce Harper /

Bryce Harper- .056/.056/.222

Love him or hate him, Bryce Harper is one of the best talents in all of the sport. For all of the hype surrounding him before his big call up in 2012, Harper has more than lived up to it.

In six seasons at the big league level, Harper is hitting a combined .286 and averages about 24 home runs a season, which he has already eclipsed for 2017 despite his injury. He plays with fire and passion, so naturally only his home team loves him. But you don’t have to be lovable to be a Hall of Fame player (looking at you Pedro).

As a Dodger fan, this is probably my favorite stat of them all. Kershaw has all but owned Harper, holding him to just one hit in his career, albeit the one hit was a solo home run.

Ignoring that one blemish, Kershaw has struck him out 12 times in 18 at-bats. It’s safe to say Harper has not quite figured out the sure-fire Hall of Famer.

SEATTLE, WA – AUGUST 10: Centerfielder Mike Trout /

Mike Trout- .182/.250/.273

Mike Trout will almost certainly be in the Hall of Fame when his time comes. In fact, he’s more than likely to be a first ballot entrance. This comes as no surprise though, because everyone in the league has realized this from the moment he stepped foot onto a big league field.

As a lifetime .308 hitter, you’d think that would be enough for the kid from New Jersey to get the hall call. But he’s also averaging just over 27 home runs per season. So he can also hit for power.

He’s also won the MVP award…twice in just his first six years. He’s a six-time All Star, four-time silver slugger winner, and just dynamic in the outfield.

And yet, Kershaw has won the battle with him in nine out of 11 at-bats. Kershaw has managed to strike out Trout four times and surprisingly has not given up a home run to him.

But over the next ten years, it’s pretty likely they’ll meet a whole lot more often. Trout is fantastic, and he may end up getting the best of Kershaw down the stretch. But for now, it’s coming up all Clayton.

CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 07: Joey Votto /

Joey Votto- .200/.310/.480

Of the group, Votto has probably had the most success against Kershaw. Interestingly enough, he might be the most underrated of the group as well.

Votto is a lifetime .313 hitter and has averaged 23 home runs a season in the process. He also averages over 70 runs batted in on a team that…well, has been less than successful in his tenure. But Votto will make it to the hall one day.

Against Kershaw, he has done surprisingly well as a left-handed hitter. If you can pull off two hits every ten at bats against one of the greatest pitchers of our generation, then you’re doing alright. Kershaw has struck out Votto 13 times in 25 at-bats, but Votto has also homered twice.

LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 08: Adrian Gonzalez /

Adrian Gonzalez- .200/.310/.280

What better way to celebrate entering the 2000 hit club than by talking about how few of those hits came against his teammate? Gonzalez might be a Hall of Fame candidate, who can really tell. He’s a lifetime .289 with over 300 home runs and now 2000 hits gives him a good shot, but it’s certainly no sure thing.

But Gonzalez has been a model of consistency throughout his career, and the team is hoping to count on him in their pursuit of October glory.

In 23 at-bats against Kershaw, Gonzo has five hits, none of them for home runs. He has also struck out ten times in the small sample. It’s safe to say that he’s happy they are both in Los Angeles for the time being.

LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 21: Clayton Kershaw /

Overall-.143/.182/.251

Overall, Kershaw’s record against these five probable Hall of Fame candidates is astounding. Kershaw has struck them out a combined 43 times in 91 total at bats.

He has held them to a batting average well under .200. Those five also have only taken him deep a total of three times.

So yes, if you’re a Dodger fan then you’re incredibly excited about Kershaw’s return. You’re no doubt excited about the prospect of achieving a 116+ win season.

Next: 3 Possible Gold-Glovers

But what you’re most excited about, has to be October. See you all in the fall, Los Angeles.

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