Clayton Kershaw: The Debut

The much anticipated Major League deput for 20-year old Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw finally came earlier today. Pitching in front of 46,566 at Dodger Stadium, Kershaw was as cool as the other side of the pillow, going 6 innings, allowing 5 hits and 2 runs while striking out 7. Kershaw only walked 1 St. Louis Cardinal. This start could be the start of a long and fruitful career for both Kershaw and Los Angeles. However, it could also end up being deceiving for the two parties. Only time will tell the type of pitcher Kershaw will become.

If Kershaw's first start is any indication, the 20-year old southpaw should have a stellar career at worst. Not many, if any, 20-year olds can be effective in the Major Leagues, especially when going against a lineup featuring Albert Pujols. Kershaw was very effective in pitching his first career game. The question is whether he can keep that up. Kershaw certainly has the potential to do so. He was rated the seventh best prospect in baseball this season by Baseball America, and is oozing with talent. Kershaw features a 93-97 MPH fastball, a knee-buckling curveball, and a still developing, yet extremely effective changeup. If he can stay healthy, there should be nothing that stands in the way of Kershaw being one of the best, if not the best starting pitcher in Major League Baseball within the next 5 years.

That being said, there is always the chance that Kershaw will be yet another hyped up player loaded with potential that failed. Remember Sam Bowie? Or Mike Mamula? Or Adam Johnson? Those are all players that were drafted high (Bowie in the NBA and Mamula in the NFL) yet failed to live up to the hype. In 2004, the San Diego Padres drafted Matt Bush with the first pick in first pick in the MLB First Year Players Draft. Bush has yet to make it to Single-A and will be recovering from a torn ligament until 2009. It is entirely possible that Kershaw could have just shown a flash of his potential with his start today but will never be able to consistently put that together for a whole career. It is also possible that an injury could ruin Kershaw's career. That's what happened to Mark Prior. Once an 18-game winner, Prior has not pitched since 2006. Kershaw fortunately has never had an injury concerns and the Dodgers have limited his pitch count in the minors, so hopefully injuries will not become a problem for him.

The ability and potential make Clayton Kershaw an extremely special pitcher. Like every other pitcher, there are questions about consistency and health, but Kershaw's track record suggests that he will not have any major injuries. He also is a smart kid so he should be able to make the adjustment to keep throwing well once big league hitters adjust to him. In a few years, Kershaw could be the best pitcher in baseball. In fact, Kershaw has the talent to be the best lefty since Sandy Koufax. Kershaw has the potential to be one of the best to toe the rubber. Only time will tell he can make use of his loaded potential.