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Clayton Kershaw participating in Dodgers’ broadcast makes 2022 so much better

By Thomas Carannante

May 3, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; LA Dodger pitcher Clayton Kershaw (right) is interviewed by Alanna Rizzo during the MLB All-Start Game launch event at Dodger Stadium. The launch event was to celebrate the first All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium in more than 40 years. Dodger Stadium was slated to host the MLB All-Star Game two years ago but it was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; LA Dodger pitcher Clayton Kershaw (right) is interviewed by Alanna Rizzo during the MLB All-Start Game launch event at Dodger Stadium. The launch event was to celebrate the first All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium in more than 40 years. Dodger Stadium was slated to host the MLB All-Star Game two years ago but it was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Clayton Kershaw: future MLB broadcaster. All you’ve had to do this season to discover that is watch a recent Los Angeles Dodgers home game on Sportsnet LA because the veteran lefty has been a guest alongside the booth.

Think a mini foray into a different career would intimidate Kersh? He’s handled the pinnacle of pressure in October (including a World Series run in 2020) and has remained firmly in the spotlight ever since he made his MLB debut in 2008.

Just like when Kershaw broke the Dodgers’ franchise record for all-time strikeouts, passing Don Sutton last week, he’s remained zoned in yet laid back the entire time when popping on for an inning at a time on the team’s broadcast this season.

When he’s not pitching, the future Hall of Famer has provided valuable baseball insight while giving fans a glimpse into the clubhouse and other inside information about his teammates’ skills and tendencies.

On Wednesday night, he told us Phil Bickford brought all the “good vibes” to the pitching staff, shared Walker Buehler’s slider grip, and broke down Tony Gonsolin’s offering so the viewers could make more sense of the right-hander’s performance against the San Francisco Giants.

But perhaps his most captivating analysis featured how Kershaw brings another element to the team when he’s not on the mound. Instead of being “completely irrelevant,” Kershaw likes to break it down in the dugout to keep the energy at a proper level.

Clayton Kershaw is a delight on the Los Angeles Dodgers broadcast

You hear that, Bickford?! Kershaw is coming for the Good Vibes Championship Belt and he’ll swipe it out from under you with one saint-like deed or goofy pose after another!

The 34-year-old has really let loose in his latter baseball years and has been a natural in interviews for quite a while. This week he also spoke with MLB Network’s Alanna Rizzo (former Dodgers’ team reporter!) about the All-Star Game being in Los Angeles this year and nailed it with his opening line when asked about what the experience will be like.

https://twitter.com/SportsNetLA/status/1521602691587223552?s=20&t=2cpAjzXoxORGiPD4-uMYHQ

Such a humble fella. Kershaw might be the leading vote getter if LA fans are to do the right thing and get out the vote. Can we get another initiative on the ballot and see if Kershaw can be mic’d up for a portion of the Midsummer Classic, too? The national audience would be so lucky to hear from him about the the game and the players he’s competing with as well as his overall baseball acumen.

But we suggest he shies away from reiterating that manager Dave Roberts pulling him early during a perfect game bid was the right move, because we don’t think many would agree with him there.

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