Clayton Kershaw, lhp Born: March 19, 1988 • B-T: L-L • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 210
Drafted: HS-Dallas, 2006 (1st round) • Signed by: Calvin Jones
Background: Kershaw established himself as the best high school prospect in the 2006 draft when he improved his stuff and dominated Texas high school competition last spring. When Andrew Miller fell to the Tigers at No. 6, Kershaw got to the Dodgers at No. 7. He signed for $2.3 million and ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in his debut.
Strengths: Kershaw's stuff and body have plenty of projection, and his fastball is already well above-average. He paints both corners with 93-94 mph heat, topping out at 96. His curveball is a plus pitch with 71-77 mph velocity and 1-to-5 tilt. has feel for a circle changeup that could become a third above-average pitch. He fills the strike zone with all three of his pitches. He has a durable frame and repeats his delivery. Laid-back and affable off the field, he's hard-nosed and tough-minded on it.
Weaknesses: Much more advanced than most young pitchers, Kershaw just needs to get more consistent with his pitches. His curve improved exponentially between his junior and senior seasons in high school, but it still gets loopy and hangs in the zone at times.
The Future: Because of his impeccable fastball command, Kershaw should have no problem with older hitters, and he could begin 2007 at the club's new high Class A Inland Empire affiliate. He has top-of-the-rotation stuff, command and makeup.
2006 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG
GCL Dodgers (R) 2 0 1.95 10 8 0 1 37 28 0 5 54 .201
I hope Gado doesn't start today, the curve is going to give him a HUGE problem.
But this Mets team does rake vs. lefties, especially Wright.
