Life After Kershaw

                                                        Clayton Kershaw has thrown his last pitch as a Dodger. He will now represent the USA in the WBC. That alone is enough to get me to watch the games involving the US. Now though, the Dodgers face a future without their long time Ace. Of course he has not pitched like an Ace for several seasons. The last time he got any Cy Young votes was in 2020, not really a true season to showcase one’s talent. 2017 was hit last truly great season. He finished 2nd in the vote that year to Max Scherzer even though he had more wins and a lower ERA. Shows how close those things can go sometimes. 

                                                       His ERA has only been above 4 twice in his 18 years in the majors. The last time was in 24 when he only pitched in 7 games. I hope I am still alive in five years when he is eligible for the Hall. The new class will be announced next Tuesday, the 20th. Now the Dodgers have a new Ace. His name is Yoshinobu Yamamoto. I don’t think there is much dissention on that claim. Yoshi did something this World Series that only 13 other pitchers have accomplished he won 3 games. The last one to do it was Randy Johnson.             

                                                       You look at the Dodgers projected starting staff, and you have to be a little in awe of the talent in the rotation. Snell, 2-time Cy Young winner, Yamamoto won three of the Japanese version of the Cy Young. Tyler Glasnow who on some days is just downright unhittable. Then the Unicorn, Shohei Ohtani, who returned to the mound and had several impressive outings giving one a taste of just how good he could be. After those four, then come the kids. 

                                                        2025 was a learning experience for Roki Sasaki. I have to believe that the transition was a lot harder than he expected. We saw flashes, but not the same starting pitcher we saw videos of from Japan. He did pitch well when he was moved to the bullpen and became the defacto closer for a while, but even then there were a couple of games where things got a little out of hand. Luckily for the Dodgers, they managed to get past them.

                                                       Then there is Emmet Sheehan. Sheehan returned to the Dodgers after missing an entire year. He had some very good games, and a few that were not so good. But overall the kid pitched very well. He had a sub-3 ERA, and he won 6 games. He was very good in the second half of the season when the Dodgers needed him the most. He gave up 7 homers in 73.1 innings, but his strikeout to walk ratio was about 4-1. A big improvement over his rookie year. His control and composure seemed to leave him in the post season and he had an ERA well above 8. 

                                                           Next up would be Landon Knack. Knack’s main problem is the home run ball. He gave up 10 in 42.1 innings of work. He gave up 14 in his rookie season. He strike out to walk ratio was not very good, a little over 2-1. He made 7 starts for LA and was used in relief 3 times. He did manage to record a save, the second of his career. I have watched Knack a lot, both at AAA and with the Dodgers. There are times when his stuff is just so good, then he will hang one and the trouble begins. Now 28, his chances of making the starting six if LA goes that way, are getting slimmer unless he just lights up the strike zone.

                                                           Next is another pitcher returning from injury, Gavin Stone. Of all the pitchers lining up behind the starting 4, his credentials at the major league level are the best. Stone had a tough beginning in 23. His ERA was 9, he was 1-1. He gave up more hits than innings pitched, and he allowed a run per inning. He also has the same problem Knack has. He is very susceptible to the home run ball. He gave up 8 in 31 innings in 23 and 18 in 25 games in 24. But his ERA was 3.53, and he went 11-5. He showed poise and was not rattled when pitching against some of the better teams, if healthy, I think he would be my choice along with Sheehan for the 5-6 spots.

                                                           Now we come to Justin Wrobleski. Wrobleski had a starters pedigree in the minors. In his short stint in 24, he started 6 of the 8 games he appeared in. He had a problem giving up homers, allowing 9 in 36 innings and his strike to ball ratio was awful, giving up 16 walks and striking out just 26. In 25 he appeared in 24 games but started just 2. His K rate improved to 4-1. He allowed just 6 homers in 66.2 innings. His Era was a little high at 4.32, but much better than the 5.70 he posted the first time around. He pitched great in the World Series putting up a zero ERA, striking out 6 and walking none. He did almost start a riot with a hit batter, but he did not back down. LA might move him to the pen, but the kid has guts and some pretty decent stuff.

                                                          Then there is River Ryan, and I must admit, I was totally impressed with the kid in 24 when he made his debut. His ERA in his 4-game debut was 1.33. He was 1-0. His K rate was exactly 2-1. But he showed poise and his lone win came against the Astros. How will he look after more than a year away from the game remains to be seen. Obtained from the Padres for Matt Beaty, he could have a very bright future. 

                                                           Bobby Miller is the only other pitcher on the 40-man with extensive starting experience. But since he came in to relieve more than he started at AAA last year, it seems he is being considered a better fit in the bullpen. There are at this point in time, just two pitchers on the OKC roster with substantial time as starters, Nick Nastrini and Nick Frasso. Pitchers who do not make the 26-man will most likely fill out the OKC starting rotation. Who tops your starting six?