Los Angeles Dodgers manager Don Mattingly announced that Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw will be the opening day starter against the Giants. This is Kershaw's third consecutive Opening Day start for the Dodgers.
Mattingly spoke to Kershaw in length two days after pitchers and catcher reported to Spring Training at Camelback Ranch in Arizona.
The Cy Young Award winner got his first starting opening day job back in 2011 when he pitched seven masterful innings to capture his and the Dodgers first victory of the season.
Despite the busy high potent off-season the Dodgers experienced by signing solid pitchers like Zack Greinke and Hyun-Jin Ryu, Kerhsaw will continue with the business as usual attitude that has gotten him on the road to the elite pitcher level.
"It's probably the same as every day, Opening Day," said Kershaw. Despite past hip injury, Kershaw says confidently that is 100% healthy and ready to go this season.
"I know there's a lot excitement about this season, for sure. I'm not debating that. But opening day is opening day no matter whether it's here or somewhere else. I expect the fans to be as awesome as they always are."
Kershaw makes $11.5 million this season and after 2014, should have a huge contract to exceed the recent Felix Hernandez $175 million signing deal.
With possibly of the best pitching rotations in the National League if not in baseball, Kershaw looks to remained focused and help get the Dodgers a much needed World Series title starting this season.
"I'm excited for the season to start, just like every year. But until the games start, nothing has changed as far as I'm concerned. I'm not trying to downplay anything that has happened to our team. But at the same time, it's always exciting. Every team comes to camp thinking they're going to win the World Series."
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