Clayton Kershaw...

[C47]

For those who haven't heard, he's a fuging beast....

Out dueled "The Freak" last night going seven innings allowing only four hits, zero runs and striking out nine. Kid had wicked breaking balls last night to go along with his 95mph four seamer. He really worked on making his off speed pitches stronger this year and it shows....

[Joscott]

The west is going to be a fun division all season long.

[C47]

The west is going to be a fun division all season long.

If the Dodgers five man rotation can get into the sixth and seventh innings on a consistent basis I think they really could push the Giants all the way....

[Joscott]

I think it could easily be a three way race for most of the season. But I think Don Mattingly will do good things in LA as a manager.

[Johnny Rockets]

I love watching the progression of young pitchers who are filled with talent and their climb to the top of the game. It usually takes about 3 years to work out the inconsistancies but when they arrive it is a great thing. Kershaw is just that type of guy.

Few other guys following hopefully that path;

Gio Gonazles - A's

Trevor Cahill - A's

Madison Bumgardner - Giants

Clay Bucholz - Red Sox

Max Schezer - Tigers

Brett Anderson - A's

Jamie Garcia - Cards

Matt Latos - Padres

Jhoulys Chacin - Rockies

Tim Stauffer - Padres

[Johnny Rockets]

I think they really could push the Giants all the way....

A battle for 2nd place behind the Rockies? ;)

[Kevin Greene]

Kershaw is a beast, love watching him flip that curve ball up there.

The Dodgers need to flip flop Jonathon Broxton and Hong Chih Kuo's role in the bullpen. The Dodgers were sailing along last year until Line Drive Broxton started giving away tough ball games. Kuo is unhittable, Broxton can ruin a team's spirit and did it last year.

Fortunately for the Dodgers last night they had a 2 run lead in the 9th, Line Drive Broxton entered the game and immediatley gave up a shot into the left field bleachers before managing to get 3 outs.

Come on Mattingly, do it!

[TheRealDeal]

Broxton had a bad year but he is a closer and you don't change that.

Closers are a different breed and you can't mess with his mental state.

I'll never forget game 3 in LA against the cubs in the NLDS when he came in and didn't throw a pitch under 97. He's a beast and when he's on he's insanely tough to hit.

I have faith he'll find his groove and get his game back this year

[Kevin Greene]

Well Line Drive Broxton comes in again and gets hit hard. ERA of 4.5 now, can't hold a 4-3 lead and loses the game 5-4. He has a win this year when he came in in a tough scoreless ballgame in the 9th and immediately gave up the go ahead run. Fortunately for the Blue Kemp hit a 2 run walkoff to win the game in the bottom of the ninth.

Broxton needs to sit down late in the game. Work his way back being a setup man if he is able. Kuo can't come back from the back strain soon enough or Line Drive Broxton will do to this team what he did last year.

This is like Tom Niedenfuer all over again.

[C47]

To be fair to Brox there were two hideous defensive blunders that helped the Marlins walk off, but yes he's been very shaky thus far....

[TheRealDeal]

:(

[Kevin Greene]

Another tough 3-1 ball game and Broxton enters in the 9th. 3 straight singles and Tony Gwinn (jr) has to make a tremendous diving catch of a line drive in the left field corner to save the game.

God help the Dodgers.

[C47]

Kershaw had another dominating performance last night. After giving up consecutive hits to start the game, Kershaw allowed just one more hit in 7 innings tallying 11 strikeouts on the night. Left the game with the 4-0 lead and even though relief was terrible the Dodgers were able to hang onto the 4-3 win....

[Kevin Greene]

Welp, Dodger season is in the sh!tter but Kershaw goes against the Hated Ones and Tim Linsecum tonight looking for his 20th win.

Cy Young baby.