The Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw is the reigning Cy Young Award winner in baseball's National League, but he is far from resting on his laurels.
The L.A. Times reported that Kershaw along with offensive star Matt Kemp arrived eary at the Dodgers spring training camp.
Kemp has a goal and not a modest one. He told media that the he's gunning for MVP this season as well as to be the first player to steal 50 bases and hit 50 home runs.
The left-handed Kershaw wants his performance to matter in the team win column. Although he led the league in wins last season the Dodgers failed to make the playoffs.
The pitcher signed a $19 million two-year deal with the Dodgers and avoided an arbitration hearing, although he never seemed too concerned about doing so.
Last month, before a meeting of the minds occurred, Kershaw commented on that process.
"It's exciting going through the arbitration process for the first time. I really don't know what to expect, being that it's the first time. We'll see what happens. I have a good body of work so far. It's up to me to continue that."
Afterwards, despite the fact that the salary was under the mid-point of what the two parties had submitted to arbitrators, Kershaw expressed relief along with joy. He told ESPN after the announcement:
"We're just supposed to play. But, at the same time, to avoid arbitration and just be done with it all is nice. Obviously the contract's a huge blessing, and the family and I are really excited about it."
The $19 million contract is close but under the contract number agreed to by the San Francisco Giants and their ace, former two-time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum..
Head-to head Kershaw took Lincecum to the cleaners in 2011. He beat him each time they matched up and his ERA in those contests is reported to be 1.24.
The year-to-year improvement in his pitching as well as the results on the stats sheet has been consistent. That is something he's proud of, saying in that same interview:
"Over time, you get a little more consistent. You gain experience. If it's your job, you're doing it each day. That's kind of the process of developing in the minor leagues, and then taking it up to the next level once you get to the big leagues."
On the same day as Kershaw and Kemp reported to camp, Dodgers second-year manager Don Mattingly announced that Clayton Kershaw would be his opening day starter, against San Diego on the road.
That had to be an easy decision for Donnie Baseball who told media that he is also considering choosing his ace to start the home opener on April 10
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