Clayton Kershaw Number One Dodger Pitching Prospect
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Clayton Kershaw went from being the number 7 pick in the 2006 draft to the number one pitching prospect in the minor leagues in 16 months. For a high school draft pick that is quite a ride.
Let's take a look at his helium lift.
June 2006 - Drafted as the 1st HS pitcher in the draft at number 7.
Oct 2006 - Chosen as the top prospect in the GCL
April 2007 - Dominates Low A MidWest League for inaugural Great Lakes team.
July 2007 - pitches in the futures game
July 2007 - promoted from Low A to AA at the age of 19
Sept 2007 - On 9/23 John Sickels picks him as the number one pitching prospect in baseball still in the minors
Oct 2007 - Chosen as the number one prospect in the MidWest League by Baseball America
Oct 2007 - Chosen as the number one pitching prospect in the Southern League
Scouting Reports:John Sickels
Interview between Baseball America & Clayton Kershaw
Interview between Baseball Digest & Clayton Kershaw
Expecations: Normally I would expect him to pitch in AA all year but the Dodgers must have had a reason for him to skip High A and get some time in AA this year. It is possible that we will be seeing Kershaw in 2008, pitching meaningfull innings. Once established everything points to Kershaw being a true ace. Once I dreamed of a Right/Lefty combo of E Jackson/G Miller being like the old Drysdale/Koufax. I may have just been a few years to early in my dreaming.
Concerns: Command and health.