Clayton Kershaw

Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers 2006 first-round draft pick, has slowly been gaining steam since making his Major League debut in 2008.  He’s been highly regarded since the day he first donned a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform, but his 2010 campaign showed us just how good he could be:

13 Wins
204.1 Innings
2.91 ERA
1.18 WHIP
212 Strikeouts (9.34 K/9)
81 Walks (3.57 BB/9)
.275 BABIP

In our newest debate we compare 2009 stud Zack Greinke (ranked 7 in our 2011 Fantasy Baseball Kit) vs the Los Angeles strikeout machine Clayton Kershaw (ranked 12).

The case for drafting Greinke

Let the record show, I am not a Dodgesr fan. In fact, I wouldn't hesitate to say I don't see any of the NL West teams being relevant in the playoffs. That being said, everyone raves about the Giants rotation, and it is awesome, but I had a "that can't be right" moment when I was researching the Dodgers rotation.

It is time people took notice of the most deceptive rotation in baseball. 

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These guys are young, and these guys can throw.  If last year wasn't enough for you, just wait until this season.

The Los Angeles Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw and the Tampa Bay Rays' David Price could break out even more.

Both debuted in 2008, both are left-handed, both have great control of their arsenal and both can throw hard.  Comparisons will be drawn throughout the rest of their careers, and each pitcher will continue to work to be the best.

Clayton Kershaw is not only quickly becoming the face of the Los Angeles Dodgers franchise, but he's also arguably on the fast track to being one of the premiere starters in all of baseball.

Among the larger criticisms of the Dodgers pitching staff is the lack of a true ace, however Kershaw's performance during his first full two years of service indicates that it's only a matter of time before he fills that void.

When thinking of pitching rotations with a lot of depth, the Phillies, Red Sox and Giants are—rightfully so—the first teams to come to mind. However, one could argue that the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation is underrated and belongs in that discussion.

After a very successful first four and a half years to start his major league career, Los Angeles Dodgers’ closer Jonathan Broxton had a miserable second half in 2010.

Broxton was an All-Star in 2010, putting up great first half numbers with an ERA of 2.11, as well as 19 saves in 21 chances.  

However, after the All-Star break Broxton proceeded to post an ERA of 7.13 with just three saves in eight opportunities, and Broxton had more walks than strikeouts.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Tom Gordon, 22-year-old Dee Gordon is currently on the fast track to play in the major leagues for one of baseball's highest profile teams, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Gordon is currently ranked first on Baseball America as the Dodger's top prospect.

Widely considered as a tremendous hitter and fielder, Gordon may also be the best all-around athlete in the highly talented farm system.

Young players, whether they be mid-season call-ups or rookies who make the team out of spring training, tend to have a massive impact on their team's success.

From players like Buster Posey and Jason Heyward to Neftali Feliz, more and more are young stars expected to produce immediately upon their arrival in the majors. 

Let's take a look at who we can expect to have some of the biggest impacts on their team's success in the 2011 season... 

With Spring Training rapidly approaching, the 2011 Los Angeles Dodgers' roster is nearly finalized. First-year manager, Don Mattingly, hopes to improve the team from the 2010 edition that was two games under .500.