Here we go again!
Sandy Koufax pitched 57 Post-Season Innings, while Clayton has pitched 194 iPost-Season innings to date (notice that I left the door cracked open for more). That is a lot more exposure; Sandy’s ERA was 0.95, while Clayton’s is 4.22. Clayton won 13 games in the playoffs while losing 12. Sandy won four while losing three. Somehow some belive that Koufax won 40 World Series games.
However, Sandy and Clayton pitched in different ERAs. Consider this:
- When Sandy pitched, the Pitcher’s Mound was 15 inches. This enables a pitcher to gain momentum as they stride down towards the plate, allowing them to throw faster and with more control than if they were at a lower level. Clayton pitches from a lower plane.
- The Strike Zone was much larger when Sandy pitched than it is now. In Koufax’s time, the strike zone was “from the top of the batter’s shoulders to the knees.” Then, from 1969 to 1987, the strike zone went from “the batter’s armpits to the top of the knees.” From 1988 to 1995, the rule changed again, and the strike zone went from “the midpoint between the shoulders and the top of the uniform pants to the top of the knees.” Then, in 1996, according to official MLB rules, “the STRIKE ZONE is that area over home plate, the upper limit of which is a horizontal line at the midpoint between the top of the shoulders and the top of the uniform pants, and the lower level is a line at the hollow beneath the kneecap.”
- Scouting, Video, and Analytics have forever changed the game. Hitters now have a better understanding of where and what pitchers will throw at any given point.
- The Koufax Dodgers did not have to play the Cheating AssTros!
- Sandy Koufax’s exposure in the playoffs was limited to the World Series at a time when only two teams made the playoffs. Clayton Kershaw has pitched in the World Series, NLDS, NLCS, and the Wild Card Playoff. Let’s look at Koufax and Kershaw Head-to-Head:
The two biggest disparities are Complete Games, where Koufax had 137 and Kershaw had just 25. The sheer number of complete games thrown by Sandy Koufax certainly contributed to his arm falling off at age 30. Also, there is a big disparity in number of All-Star Games and ERA+. Perhaps the most useful statistics are ERA and ERA+. For those of you who do not know the difference, here is what MLB says about them:
Adjusted Earned Run Average (ERA+)
— MLB Editorial Staff
Definition:
ERA+ takes a player’s ERA and normalizes it across the entire league. It accounts for external factors like ballparks and opponents. It then adjusts, so a score of 100 is league average, and 150 is 50 percent better than the league average.
For example, Mariano Rivera’s 2.21 career ERA was 105 percent better than the MLB average during the time he pitched (including adjustments for park and league). That gives him a 205 career ERA+ (the best all-time).
The formula
League ERA, adjusted for park factors x 100 / ERA.
Why it’s useful
ERA is the most universally accepted tool for measuring the performance of a pitcher. But ERA+ attempts to level the playing field for all pitchers by adjusting for the impact their home ballpark had on their performance.
This section was created by the MLB.com editorial staff for fan entertainment and education, and was not officially provided by Major League Baseball.
In writing this, I was shocked to learn that (using ERA+) Sandy was 37% better than the league-average pitcher adjusted to the parks he pitched in while Clayton was 57% better than league-average based upon the parks he pitched in. Koufax benefited by not having other teams have the benefit of statistical analysis, scouting, and video iPads during the games. Clayton benefited from advanced modern medical and training techniques.
Sandy Koufax was the greatest Dodger pitcher EVER during the five to six-year domination right before he retired. He was an All-Star six times. Clayton was the greatest Dodger over his entire career, being an All-Star ten times and still being one in what is likely his last season. At his zenith, Sandy Koufax was the G.O.A.T., but Clayton Kershaw is the Dodger’s G.O.A.T. because of his excellent over sixteen seasons, not just six!
That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. Feel free to disagree.
Dodger News & Notes
- James Outman is a lock for at least 20 HRs… probably more. If he can cut down on his strikeouts, he’s an All-Star.
- Ryan Yarbrough will go on Patennity leave today, and Gavin Stone will allegedly start tonight.
- Clayton Kershaw is being pushed to Friday, but he’s fine. Yeah, Right!
- The team thinks they have JDM’s back problems figured out and under control and Peralta is sore but should be OK after a HBP!
Down on the Farm
- OKC beat Sugar Land 4-1. Hunter Feduccia was 2-4, and Alex Gamboa (2.57 ERA) got his 1st save. He is a LHP that the Dodgers need to protect, or he will get snatched up in Rule 5.
- Tulsa lost 4-3. Kendall Williams went 5.2 innings and allowed just 1 ER. Austin Gauthier was 2-4.
- GL won 4-1. Dalton Rushing was 2-4, and Jared Karros went four innings and allowed three hits with no runs.
- RC beat Viasalia 8-6. Jake Gelof hit his 5th HR
Discussion (29)
Disagree, not disagreeable
With all the injuries and issues with the starting rotation and rookies filling,in , the Dodgers will be lucky to win one playoff series. The offense will have to come up big for even that to happen. It’s been a very good year considering. Lots of money coming off the books in 2024 and I’m sure AF will have a better chance to win the trophy then, Lots of positive things happened this year and it was exciting to watch.
Losing an entire starting rotation is a lot to overcome even for the Dodgers! We haven’t been so successful as favorites so maybe we can back door this October
Their SP in disarray, Fergy still unreliable, Kelly still iffy on his return, and even Phillips showing some cracks. Just 19 games left to wave a magic wand and remedy all this. Good luck with that.
How ashamed will we be in October?
Very!
Hate losing to the Padres. But the Dodgers battled to the last pitch. I like what I see in terms of their motivation.
I generally defend some players flipping a bat on a HR. If it’s meaningful. Emotions take over. I like the intensity.
That said, Juan Soto flipping his bat 20 feet in the air in a game…in September…against the team you are 21 games behind? Tells me all I need to know.
Good job Juan. You get a gold star for being the skinniest kid at fat camp.
The Dodgers haven’t played well enough of late to be ashamed of losing this game or any game.
If the Dodgers lose this game, they should be ashamed.
I read the news today, oh boy:
https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1701236204581122258
WOW!!
A rare back to back fail by Mookie and Freddie with bags full
I thought I’d share. Not sure if this has been shared previously.
A good friend (hard core Cubs fan) asked me if I’d rather have Freddie Freeman or Mat Olson. My only response was this video.
Right now. And all year. The Padres have been a better team on paper. Yet, they are 21 games back.
This is why.
https://youtu.be/pGaCo5o6E8M?si=cK4OKoyff9xVSBtx
IF, we must pitch Clayton (who is my favorite Dodger) in the playoffs, then the best bet is to have an opener that gets the first 3 opposition hitters out and slip in Kershaw for innings 2 and 3. Love his leadership for the playoffs but have angst over his velocity these days. Set him up to contribute where he has the best chance at success if he’s going to pitch in the post season. I’m on record suggesting we rely on the kids this fall. We’ll see what happens and may the big Dodger in the sky look favorably on these lads!
FYI: Milwaukee is a great place to watch a game.
DODGERS PRESS RELEASE
DODGERS RECALL GAVIN STONE
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers have recalled right-handed pitcher Gavin Stone and placed right-handed pitcher Wander Suero on the injured list with lower back tightness.
Stone, 24, returns for his fourth stint with the Dodgers and he is 0-0 with a 10.50 ERA (21 ER/18.0 IP) and 10 strikeouts in five games (three starts). With Triple-A Oklahoma City, he was 7-4 with a 4.74 ERA (53 ER/100.2 IP) and 120 strikeouts in 21 games (19 starts). Last season, he was named the 2022 Dodgers Branch Rickey Pitcher of the Year after going a combined 9-6 with a 1.48 ERA (20 ER/121.2 IP) and 168 strikeouts between High-A Great Lakes, Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City. The Arkansas native has been in the Dodger system since being drafted in the 5th round of the 2020 First Year Player Draft out of the University of Central Arkansas and he is a combined 18-12 with a 3.19 ERA (111 ER/313.1 IP) and 426 strikeouts.
Suero, 31, pitched 1.1 innings on Sunday afternoon, allowing one run on two hits. He is now 1-0 with a 7.88 ERA (7 ER/8.0 IP) and nine strikeouts in five games with the Dodgers. With Triple-A Oklahoma City, he was 5-3 with a 3.40 ERA (18 ER/47.2 IP) with 51 strikeouts and was 16-for-19 in save chances. He has been in the Major Leagues parts of four seasons with Washington (2018-2021) and Los Angeles (2023) and he is a combined 14-13 with a 4.73 ERA (101 ER/192.0 IP) and 207 strikeouts in 188 Major League games. He was originally signed by the Washington Nationals as an amateur free agent out of Sabana Larga, Dominican Republic on February 2, 2010.
Can someone post the lineup?. Still not available
I remember when Kershaw first came up. I have seen him pitch 97-98 MPH at times.
It is wishful thinking to believe he is having mechanical issues.
He has a shoulder issue. How bad? We do not know.
I suspect that he may also need TJ.
Would he want to take 18 months off and get both surgeries done? He could pitch into his 40s, but if anyone thinks he is going to be any more than an “opener” -they are fooling themselves.
There is a better chance that Lance Lynn never gives up a playoff homer run than Clayton being Clayton.
Sunday scores
Oklahoma City 4, Sugar Land 1
Springfield 4, Tulsa 3 (10 innings)
Great Lakes 4, West Michigan 1
Rancho Cucamonga 8, Visalia 6
The week ahead
Playoffs
Midwest League East Division Series
Great Lakes vs. Fort Wayne (Padres)
Game 1: Tuesday at Fort Wayne
Game 2: Thursday at Great Lakes, 4:05 p.m. PT
Game 3: Friday at Great Lakes, 4:05 p.m. PT*
California League South Division Series
Rancho Cucamonga vs. Inland Empire (Angels)
Game 1: Tuesday at Inland Empire, 6:35 p.m.
Game 2: Thursday at Rancho Cucamonga, 6:30 p.m.
Game 3: Friday at Great Rancho Cucamonga, 6:30 p.m.*
Regular season
Oklahoma City vs. Tacoma (Mariners)
Tulsa vs. Corpus Christi (Astros)
DODGER MAGIC NUMBER NOW 7
Biggest series of the year. If Padres sweep we’ll only be up by 18 games on them!
Some kid on the mound for the Padres tonight, then we get Wacha and Snell. I stand corrected, Kersh’s next start is Friday, but in Seattle.
I guess I’m the only one here who thinks there’s a decent chance that Kershaw will be an asset for the playoffs. I don’t know why everyone is so anxious to usher him off the playing field.
Yes, he’s had two lousy starts since he’s returned, but I think it may very well be mechanics more than the shoulder, as Prior has stated. I’m willing to let them do whatever they need to between now and the end of the year in the hopes that we’ll have some semblance of the real CK come playoff time. After all, what do we have to lose? We don’t need him to help us win the division. That’s pretty much already done.
Clayton, if you’re reading this, I give you the following advice (author unknown):
“If someone says you can’t do it, do it twice…………..and take pictures.”
Kersh is great. I still would take Sandy in a must win game. His last two years he pitched in pain. Had he the same medical care they get now, who knows. But it is what it is. Kersh is working with Prior on changes that will allow him to be more efficient. We will see how that works out.
Just noticed that the Dodgers are playing the Padres.
Gee, back in the spring, this seemed like it might be an important series…
I thought the head to head comparison between Sandy and Clayton was fun and interesting. Most of us know that the different times make any comparisons invalid. But it’s not like the winner of the comparison gets a gold crown or a better exhibit in Cooperstown. For me it’s fun to take a deeper look into their career stats without trying to force anyone into one camp of the other. It’s fun to get a close look at the similarities and differences. – Thanks. Good read.
Yarborough could be a valuable piece especially since Vesia and V-Gon haven’t been effective against LHB. I thought his start was good and he moved ahead of Lynn as a starter in my book. He is a “crafty” LHP and a comfortable of’er.
His effectiveness creates and interesting scenario. Maybe CK could get his work in as a 2 inning relief pitcher until the playoffs and see how that goes. Ryan can pick up the starts. Come playoff time, Miller and Pepiot are the 2 starters with the 3rd job up for grabs.
Just a different plan to consider.
I agree with you about Yarborough. I have more faith in him than I do in Lynn.
So Miller, Pepiot, Yarborough and Sheehan could be our post season rotation. I think the difference in velocity would give opposing teams trouble.
Personally think that Yarborough will be pivotal in the Post Season and could prove to be the best Trade Deadline pick up.
I know it wasn’t a popular opinion when I mentioned a few months ago that we shouldn’t be expecting too much from CK this season and was told that he was in Cy Young form etc – yet here we are – not expecting too much from CK!
Other than now having continued problems staying on the field, he has not got a great Post Season record anyway, and regardless of what anyone tells me (forget the stats), I can see with my own eyes that he is not the Pitcher of old, and therefore I personally would rather the Dodgers shut him down, and took him out of the equation.
Having him around seems to muddy the waters – let the youngsters free – they’re good.
I’m always amazed when I read stuff about giving him another deal on whatever terms he wants as a kind of loyalty bonus – I don’t get it?
It’s a business – use the money to get another Starter.
BTW – he’s my favourite Dodger of all time so I don’t say this lightly.
Time to move on.
Really excited about our chances, I think we will beat Atlanta i if we get them in NLCS
Honestly, you can’t compare eras.
Then you had to go bring up Pedro Martinez. I hated the trade when they made it. Yes, no question, Worst Trade Ever, all based on projection and a lot of bad opinions.
Good comparison of Kershaw and Koufax. Both great pitchers.
Mark, you going to to to MKE if we should meet them in the Division Series?
And Let’s pump the brakes on Kershaw’s demise. I heard the same stuff after 2021…..
Unfortunately, the Dodger’s GOAT pitching debate does not include Pedro Martinez.
Worst. Trade. Ever.
The pitching situation right now is pretty damn shaky. But it’s also exciting. I fully expect we’ll relying a damaged a , alleged GOAT, at least two rookies and Lance (Gopher Ball) Lynn. It will be a high-wire act.
The bats, though, seem ready. Mookie and Freddie are having career years. Will is getting the rest he needs. Max, Outman, Taylor and Heyward are heating up. Rosario and Kike provide useful options. Even Rojas had four hits the other day–and Barnes had two hits and a sacrifice fly.
Gelof is a guy.
Possibly a top ten bat in system.
Different times, comparisons not valid. This has been beaten to death thousands of times. But no one is going to change their minds.
On other hand. Hoping for an exciting playoff run THIS YEAR