Andrew Friedman Defends Clayton Kershaw’s Playoff Legacy Amid Narrative Scrutiny
As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to face off against the New York Yankees in the 2024 World Series, the spotlight shines brightly on one of the franchise’s most iconic figures: Clayton Kershaw. In a press conference ahead of Game One at Dodger Stadium, Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, took a moment to address the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Kershaw’s playoff performances.
A Historic Career in the Spotlight
Kershaw, who concluded his illustrious career with a final start at Dodger Stadium, leaves behind an impressive legacy. Over 18 MLB seasons, he accumulated a plethora of accolades, including an MVP award, 11 All-Star selections, three Cy Young Awards, and a Triple Crown. His dominance on the mound is reflected in five ERA titles, establishing him as the ace of the Dodgers through thick and thin.
However, despite his regular-season brilliance, the left-hander’s playoff performances have often drawn criticism. Kershaw’s postseason statistics tell a different story compared to his regular-season success, with a career ERA of 4.49 across 39 playoff appearances, significantly higher than his regular-season mark of 2.54. This disparity has fueled a narrative suggesting that Kershaw falters when the stakes are at their highest.
Challenging the Narrative
Friedman believes this prevailing narrative is fundamentally flawed and lacks crucial context. “I think that narrative is so off base,” he asserted. He emphasized Kershaw’s significant contributions during critical October games, pointing out instances where he pitched on short rest and was often left in challenging situations due to bullpen struggles. “You never heard one peep about it from him,” Friedman noted, highlighting Kershaw’s professionalism and resilience in the face of adversity.
He further stated, “When we had big games and he was rested, there was nobody we’d rather have on the mound than Kershaw.” This sentiment reflects the unwavering trust the organization has in its long-time ace, even amidst the scrutiny that surrounds his playoff legacy.
Support from the Dugout
Friedman is not alone in defending Kershaw. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts echoed his sentiments, acknowledging that the context of Kershaw’s playoff outings often goes overlooked. “Especially when you look back at the circumstances of some of the things that happened, whether it’s the 240 innings or pitching on very short rest multiple times in a postseason,” Roberts explained. He emphasized that Kershaw never shied away from the responsibilities of being the ace, even when conditions were less than ideal.
“Everything wasn’t optimal for him,” Roberts added, reinforcing the idea that external factors have played a significant role in shaping Kershaw’s playoff narrative.
Legacy in Perspective
As the debate surrounding Kershaw’s true greatness continues, it is clear that he will be remembered as one of the finest pitchers in baseball history. While critics may point to his playoff struggles, the broader context of his career, including his consistency and durability, paints a more comprehensive picture of a player who has defined an era for the Dodgers.
As Kershaw steps into the postseason spotlight one last time, both Friedman and Roberts stand firm in their belief that the narrative around his playoff performances deserves a nuanced perspective—one that honors his remarkable contributions to the game and the franchise.
