Clayton Kershaw has broken through to Big League Camp!!!

Woohoo!! Thanks for sharing the great news! I'm sure his high school pitching instructor, who is now the pitching coach at UT, is hooting and hollering!

Thanks, Shep. That's a great story. Please report back with more from Spring Training.

My good friends dad was a former major leaguer for the tigers, pirates, and o's but anyway my friends brother which is his son is in the dodger farm system and ive heard good things from that kershaw kid every time i see him

GREAT story Shepster!
And a great delivery too! I kind of felt I was listening to you on the radio,..like back in the old days.

quote:

I hope I have written you enough to draw a mental picture of what I had the pleasure of observing this afternoon.

Thats exactly what you did.
Please keep sharing with us!

quote:

... with the distinct possibility of becoming the fifth starter in the opening day pitching rotation

Distinct or distant? I don't know the player or if the parents are on the board. I'll guess they are. I'll risk the hits with some logical discussion. I'm curious what others think.

Obviously the player is a talent. He was taken as the seventh pick in the draft. I'm guessing the kid brings heat based on being such a high pick and his minor league stats. I'll add it's awesome the kid is having a great spring.

But does a nineteen year old pitcher start the season in the majors after only getting five AA starts last season combined with walking five per nine innings? I'm sure the kid is a stud, but I'll bet he's at least a year away unless the Dodgers are desperate for pitching. My guess he starts the year in AA and works his way to AAA. Spring training performances can be misleading. A lot of spring training hitters are not MLB'ers until later in March.

I hope I didn't tick anyone off. I'm trying to sort the logic from the emotion for the benefit of discussion. I'm still on board with the "Congratulations on the great spring." It's an awesome spring for a nineteen year old.

Clayton Kershaw does appear to be on the fast track. It brings back memories of one of the very best pitching staff’s we have ever seen at our events.

DBAT from Texas had a team that year that included these three pitchers…

Clayton Kershaw - LHP – drafted in the first round and the subject of this thread. One of the top prospects in baseball.

Jordan Walden – RHP – Possibly the #1 prospect in the nation entering his senior year, a sure first rounder (in our opinion) who had some minor injuries that caused him to be drafted lower than he would have been. As a draft and follow the Angels signed him before the next draft and he is already one of the top prospects in that organization. He been throwing High 90s and that aint all he has!!! I’m hoping he gets assigned to the team across the street from us in Cedar Rapids, but I wouldn’t expect him to be here for long.

Shawn Tolleson – RHP – Might have been the best pitcher of the three for DBAT that year. Also a potential early round type, he unfortunately had Tommy John Surgery before the draft. He currently attends Baylor and if he regains his former ability, it’s entirely possible that the three main starters from that DBAT team will end up throwing in the Big Leagues.

BTW, that wasn’t all DBAT had that year.

in all fairness he'll be twenty next week. i think that's great for the kid. what a thrill. lets face it the extra money doesn't hurt either.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=791

CK gets pointers from Koufax

Peace and God Bless

Ladies and Gentlemen, the dynamic duo are still in camp!!! How exciting to see two honorable young prospects arise!!! Clayton could be a CY Young candidate if he remains there, IMHO

Here's the story from the greatest manager of all-time, Joe Torre>

http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=...ws&fext=.jsp&c_id=la

Shep & Board

Do you see any resemblance with CK?



Longtime Player Now Longtime Observer

This is bugging me.
How come you two guys post exactly alike?

What a strange coincidence.

I know I am not the only one who has picked this up.

I don't know TPM. Maybe it's because great minds write and post alike.

Here it is again Shep & Board.

Does Clayton Kershaw remind you of Sandy Koufax?

Yes maybe you are right HOF, shep whoever. But it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this one out.
Trust me on this one.

Is there a full moon thing going on this week?

As long as you are having fun that's all that matters I suppose.

No TPM, trust me, you are wrong on this one and there is a full moon out.

You should be more concerned with your own matters rather than the matters of others.

Walt Jocketty is not a happy camper right now. I wander why that is?

Trust me on this one TPM, you need to back off!

What the HECK does Walt Jocketty have to do with this?

OMG !!!! Unbelievable !!!!! HOFamer, Please accept my apologies as a member of this board !!!!

It troubles me deeply to see this type of behavior from a professional baseball player's mother. This has been going on for quite some time now and you would think she would have stopped by now. What a bunch of **** to find upon my return from a beautiful sunrise service on the beach. WoW TPM Would you please target someone else during your middle age life-crisis? There is no excuse for you hijacking Clayton Kershaw's thread. Clayton Kershaw's mom wouldn't approve and I would hope the moderators of this board will not allow it. I have no idea what Walt Jocketty has to do with this either but HOFamer appears to know something about why he got fired from the CARDS after the draft last summer.

I'm not going to let you ruin my Easter Day TPM so don't expect me to argue with you all day about this. I'm logging off after I finish this post, so don't respond.

HOFamer, once again, my deepest and sincere apologies for this typical TPM behavior, and to answer your question directed toward the board about Kershaw and Koufax, they do remind me of each other. Great footage of Koufax, by the way. In all my years studying film footage, I have never seen that clip. Thank you for sharing it with us Here's a little something for all you good people out there that I received from Stephen Baldwin early yesterday morning. God Bless and Godspeed to all here on this board. Even you TPM. I forgive you. WWJD? Watch the following clip to find out WJWD. He has arisen!! Happy Easter!!
A message from Stephen Baldwin. Watch at your own risk.

Shep,
If I were a betting man, I'd bet that you and HOF1962 are the same person.

I read a lot more than I post. But I have been somewhat amused to see two guys that seem to be the same voice and the same person, patting "each other" on the back.

So as to not highjack the thread (completely)

The first time we heard about Clayton Kershaw it came from a man who also posts on here. I believe Kershaw was a soph or junior in HS at the time. I'm not sure if the guy who told us about Kershaw's potential visited here back in those days, but I try to keep close track of people who brag up players. It becomes very important the next time we hear the same person talking about players.

In this case, I found out that this person was someone to trust when it came to evaluating players. I've met many others, some who even post here, that I also trust when they tell us about players. Then there are others who talk and brag about players and when the results are in you realize what happened. Then you don't place a lot of credibility into what they say the next time.

BTW, the first time we ever heard Clayton Kershaw's name associated with being one of the best, the information came from... Ken Guthrie! Ken is sometimes a controversial poster, mostly in the Texas forum. When it comes to evaluating talent he has great credibility as far as I'm concerned. That observation is not based on just this one case, but on every single player he has ever told us about.

Shep, If you go back and read things posted by HOF1962... You have to admit, it does seem a bit odd. I hope that's not the case, (you and him being the same person), because HOF1962 absolutely idolizes Shep.
He is your #1 fan!

You guys are off your rockers!!! No apologies necessary Shep. You're one of the good guys.

HSBBW Messageboard,
Shep got my attention a couple of years ago on this board with his knowledge, insight and ability as a scout; especially, after I read his awe-inspiring description of what it takes to be a major league pitcher in a post down in the Clayton Kershaw thread in the TX forum. Clayton must have listened.

Shep's Post in 2006:

"Okay, I'll give it my best effort in this condensed version, because if you get me started, I could write a book. There are just so many variables involved in the creation of a Major League Pitcher.

Here's a few off the top of my head:

#1 (Maintain and/or increase body/arm Strength.) In-season and off-season may vary. Come up with a baseball related strengthening program not involving heavy weights, but rather, more flexibility and agility involved with a great deal of emphasis on lower body, and center body. Tubing for arm strength and shoulder capsule.

#2 (Establish Primary and secondary pitches.) Pitcher must learn his limits and apply trial-by-error philosophy with all pitches from appearance to appearance. I like to explain this by saying>
Crawl before you walk, walk before you run! Experiment with grips and arm slots.

#3 (Establish Good Working Relationship with Coaches, Teammates and Instructors.) Listen, learn and apply! Gain as much knowledge as possible from all of those around you! Reach out, let them know you appreciate their suggestions, experience and knowledge! Invite them to dinner! Your treat on the town at nice restaurant, or cook for them. I used to like cooking collards, baked barbeque chicken, with homemade pan cornbread to top it all off. Maybe a publix apple pie to boot, occasionally.

#4 (Watch other pitchers closely when charting pitchers at games to see what works and what doesn't with certain hitters. Know you're hitters! This can save you a run or two on ERA.) Make friends with someone who has a lot of film of different hitters!

#5 (Don't get too anxious about anything and take the game one day at a time and don't push front office or management.) They prolly know better than you, or me, what's best for you, and most importantly, what stage of development you're at.

#6 (Stay closely on schedule in rotation and establish excellent work ethic along the way.)
You should want to get that edge at all times!
Sacrifice those nights out and go to the videoanaylsis quarters, or gym. I used to like to swim a mile on Friday night at an indoor health club and work on wrists, forearms and hand strength on Sat. night in the off-season.
Be creative! Different strokes for different folks. You know what got you there...Take advantage of the things available to you to better yourself even more. Embrace the facilities and various instructors.

#7 (Get PLENTY OF REST and STAY ON AN ALL-AMERICAN DIET with plenty of veggies carbs and "all" food groups.) GET YOUR RECOVERY SLEEP!!! Worked for me!!!

#8 (Be a student of the game at all times!) This seperates average from great! If you want to rise above the rest, you gotta do something different and more advanced.

#9 (Have your priorties in line and don't leave family out of loop!) Call them at least once a week to give them updates and tell them you love them.

#10 (Enjoy every minute and be happy in your job! It's a gift to do what you love doing playing baseball and making a living doing it at the same time.) Feel Blessed and Worthy at the same time!"

This was a great post by Shep and difficult to ignore for promising prospects. Just one of many great contributions made by this individual here on this site.

I embrace you SHEP!!! Keep up the good work!!!

Thank you for reminding me the reason for the season.

Happy Easter to you too and don't sweat those who seek to undermind your purpose.

Lontime Player Now Longtime Observer

[QUOTE]Originally posted by PGStaff:

In this case, I found out that this person was someone to trust when it came to evaluating players. I've met many others, some who even post here, that I also trust when they tell us about players. Then there are others who talk and brag about players and when the results are in you realize what happened. Then you don't place a lot of credibility into what they say the next time.[QUOTE]


Shep,
I never said ONE negative word about CK, in fact I posted an article on him. Awesome stuff. Hasn't gone unnoticed by many, especially those who follow prospects.

I was just wondering why the two of you, if there is two of you, post exactly alike (words, phrases, etc.) and find the need for patting each other on the back and one of you telling the board he only reads the other posts and the reason he comes here, can't that be done in a pm? What did that have to do with CK? You highjacked your own post with the lovefest.

And why the two of you are discussing where he will be on opening day when he himself most likely doesn't know.

I agree with RJM. If anyone does have any knowledge of how things work, this is NOT what they do. If they did, I don't think that would be in the players best interest. He's a special player, and most special young players don't get pushed. Joe Torre, IMO is a lot smarter than that. How many 19 year olds played for him while he managed the yankees? Also due to things like years of service and arbitration, room on the 25 man roster, etc. it's not that easy to bring a player up so young, lots of financial decisions go into it as well. You should know that, hey I am just a mom and I know that makes sense. They don't plasy musical chairs with gifted 19 year olds.
I know why you made your crack about Jocketty , you are implying that he was fired after the draft and they drafted my son. That's LOW. I may be a mom, but YOU are supposed to be advisor, scout, finder of talent, etc. whatever, a professional?
Do your homework to find out who runs the draft for the Cardinals.

This whole thing is starting to bug me.

I think most people enjoy reading the posts by Shep.

It does seem odd that Shep and HOF1962 write so much alike, but surely Shep has more integrity and class than to post as two different people and patting himself on the back. So HOF1962 must be someone else.

If Shep was HOF I doubt he would be so obvious as to write in a manner so close to his own. Then to brag each other up and always agree with each other, it just doesn’t make sense. That seems so unstable and dishonest. So HOF1962 must be someone else.

It all seems too obvious and Shep is much too smart and has too much integrity to do something like that. He is very religious and wouldn’t stoop to something that low, misleading and dishonest. So HOF1962 must be someone else.

The only possible answer can be… That HOF1962 and Shepster are two separate posters who think very much alike and truly respect each other tremendously. As HOF put it… Great minds think alike.

If that’s not it, then I would hope someone would clear this up.

Well, it being Easter and all, let's just back off on this deal. May I suggest we give Shep the benefit of the doubt and let this matter fade away? I'm just concerned about a cycle of questions/defense/questions/defense and you know, we're all too old for that.

How about we let it go and let this thread die right here.

quote:

Originally posted by Bum:
How about we let it go and let this thread die right here.

Amen.

Although I do like reading about CK's success.

If you guys only knew what I know. Out of pure will-power I will bite my tongue even though others persist in this madness.

Shep is totally innocent and he is not me.

Back to the topic of this thread before the attempted hijacking.

Clayton Kershaw will be pitching tonight in a Big League uniform. He will follow the starter tonight.

So much for the HS vs College argument. We'll see how long it takes college draftees from the past couple of drafts to make it, if they make it at all. A large percentage will never even make major league spring training. Later gators!


Longtime Player Now Longtime Observer

quote:

So much for the HS vs College argument. We'll see how long it takes college draftees from the past couple of drafts to make it, if they make it at all. A large percentage will never even make major league spring training. Later gators!

HOF,

Guess I don’t understand your point there. What do you mean by saying "So much for the HS vs College argument" ?

Clayton Kershaw may make it this year, but looking at the 2006 draft that included Kershaw… We have already seen how long it takes some college pitchers to make it. You are right about most college players won't even make a MLB spring training, but that is true for HS players as well.

With just a quick glance at the first round in 2006… Here are some college pitchers who have already pitched in the Big Leagues from that draft class and there are a few more that will make it this year. Maybe you will recognize a couple of these college pitchers drafted in 2006.

Andrew Miller – UNC – Tigers now Marlins
Tim Lincecum – U of Washington - Giants
Ian Kennedy – USC - Yankees
Joba Chamberlain – U of Nebraska – Yankees - Remember, the guy you mentioned the Yankees should have put in the starting rotation for the playoffs last year.

If Kershaw makes it, he will be the first high school player from that class to make a Major League roster. He looks like the only possibility among the HS players picked in the 2006 draft to make it this year.

It really takes a lot for a MLB club to start that clock running. It has happened before though. It sure will be interesting following his career. He is very special!

Bum,
You may be able to call us old, just don't call us mature.

more recent college draftees expected to pitch this year:

David Price Vanderbilt Tampa Bay 2007
Chris Perez University of Miami Cardinals 2006

Let's not forget Justin Verlander Old Dominion drafted 2004,signed after season ended and was a MLB pitcher the next season.

Let's hope "Priceless" doesn't need a Tommy John or scope on his shoulder. I was really looking forward to seeing him pitch in Tampa bay this season. Here's the stories concerning the left arm, elbow, and shoulder as well as a second story at the same site explaining the time schedule for David's return. I believe the title to that link is "Price Out Indefinitely".

http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080...ws&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb

There are several 2006 HS players who have officially made appearances in Major League Spring Training games the following year. Here's one 2006 player I think you'll all recognize. I videotaped this AB myself at a 2007 big league spring training game. Chris Marrero getting an AB for NATS the following spring after he was drafted. (See below)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vHeHDMCgl-8

Why would you refer David Price as to "Priceless"?

Is that a dig on a young player?

My reply was to HOF1962, but it seems as though you agree with him. It was this quote...

quote:

So much for the HS vs College argument. We'll see how long it takes college draftees from the past couple of drafts to make it, if they make it at all.

My reply was to show that maybe the argument is still alive. I wonder if he could give me the names of the high school draft picks from that year who have appeared in a regular season Major League game? Seeing that there are at least 4 college draft picks from 2006 mentioned that have. This stuff is very easy to check up on.

My examples are based on playing on a Major League 25 man roster, not spring training or the number would be much higher, especially this year..

Chris Marrero is an outstanding prospect, but that same year following Spring training he went to Low A ball, ended up at High A. He is not on the 40 man roster yet because they don't have to protect him yet and start the clock running. He was drafted in 2006 and should be in AA in 2008. Probably still a couple years from the 40 man roster let alone the Big Leagues. He will turn 20 this year.

Then as a comparison with the same organization there is...

Ryan Zimmerman who at the same position that Marrero originally profiled at (now they have switched Marrero to the OF), was drafted out of college (U of Virginia) in 2005 and made his Major League debut that same year (2005) at age 20. The following year (2006) he became the Nationals everyday third baseman and he is a very good one.

Big League Spring Training experience is great, but there are players invited to MLB Spring Training every year who don’t ever play a regular season game at that level. In fact, some (granted they are usually veterans) even get released right out of Major League Spring Training. It is Spring Training! Quite a thrill for the younger players, but a long ways from the real thing.

The one thing everyone agrees on is that Clayton Kershaw is very special and has a great future.

quote:

David Price Vanderbilt Tampa Bay 2007

What has Price done post college that warrants being called up this year?

Dave Price faced the Yankees in ST, hit his first batter then struck out the side. He recieved a standing ovation.

I hope that he is ok.

David Price, I am pretty sure, already has a MLB contract, if he does well I could see him getting called up end of summer.
Colby Rasmus (drafted 2005) spent his entire st in big league camp. There are those who feel he should move up to MLB this spring.

But as PG suggested, that clock has a lot to do with it, especailly when the need is not there. He still has a few more years until he needs to be protected.

There are quite a few HS pitchers and players drafted in 2004 who have made the MLB roster.

Back to the topic before "all" the entertaining discussions and sidebars. God bless, everybody.

Clayton Kershaw

Do you really think the LA Dodgers management will send down there most proven spring training pitcher for more seasoning? Another question for all of you who feel like timelines, clocks, and age should be the determining factor: What are you waiting for....? Does he need to pitch a perfect game at the highest level to breakthrough? I think he has already broken through and delaying his arrival by yanking him around the country when the LAD's need his help NOW, is a mistake. All of you who disagree can use the same ole rhetorical arguments of why Joe shouldn't keep his Cy Young candidate if you want to, but for me and my .02, I say Kershaw on roster or broke. Anybody agree? Look at his results in the following boxscore in three innings of work today before the rhetorical reasons why you don't agree. Please?! http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2008_03_25_lanmlb_milmlb_1
Here's another story from LA's Homepage>
http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=la

Here's the latest from Joe. He knows he has a very special LHP in Kershaw. But AA? Come ON!!!! He can keep his arm just as fresh in the Dodgers bullpen even though I think once again, just like I did with Chamberlain, I think Kershaw should be a SP from the get-go!!!

Here's a clip I took of Chamberlain when he was still in High "A" ball early last season as a starter. Make sure you read the description portion and responses I added. Kershaw is very similar indeed. Here is my Chamberlain youtube video I filmed early last season. This video has a strong message. (SP)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=aEeW2QNVnhE
Here is the story just released below.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080325&conten...s&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
See any comparisons? Keep in mind, the NYYs in a five game series with Joba as a starter before the swarm. Clayton as a SP in a five game series. Just think about it before you rapid fire on the keyboard. That's all I'm asking. Nite, Shep

The only person who rapid fired on the keyboard was you.

No one disagrees that CK is an amazing talent. You stated (with HOF backing up)that CK would be in the opening day line up, the article says he will begin in AA. Which is it?

You also cut down David Price and (along with HOF) the former GM of the STL Cardinals, with implications that he may have been let go due to the 2007 draft.

Mrs. B******* K****, (**edited by redbird5 - she did not ask for her name to be put on a message board**)

TPM Quote: "You also cut down David Price and (along with HOF) the former GM of the STL Cardinals, with implications that he may have been let go due to the 2007 draft."END OF TPM QUOTE

Have you ever heard the ole saying, "loose lips sinks ships"?

Why do you continue your personal attacks on Shep and me?

Last year you also hurt chances of players Shep promoted & followed on the PG messageboard. That will not be soon forgotten by any of us how you bashed Shep on the PG board and continue to do so on this board.

I have told you to back off but you refuse to listen.

As far as Price, I see nothing negative in Shep's writing concerning David Price. He did seem concerned and disappointed that he would not see him pitch due to his injuries. Why you want to drag WJ into this is adding injury to insult to an honorable man. I can tell you now, he doesn't appreciate it, nor do the REDS.

Why you want to jump to all kinds of conclusions is beyond me. You are a paranoid person who is very defensive about everything. I have read your condescending replies to numerous posters here and have noticed you are the last person who posts in many threads. Have you taken a look at yourself and wondered why nobody joins the "chatroom" with you or posts anywhere close to you? Get a grip because I don't give a rip. Later

HOF1962

I didn't hurt anyone, I never said one bad word about any player, ever, you posted kids as the next first rounders, and even gave out personal info regarding one players $$ commitment to Vandy, which was not your business to post. And I didn't rip you, others did. You claimed last year to be an advisor. Advisors don't do that, tehy don;t come on message boards talking up their players. You did the same thing on the PG board as you did here.
I hurt chances of players, LOL, Shep, scouts don't listen to me, scouts don't come on message boards to learn about players.

David Price, you called him "priceless" and then posted about him having some issues, negative.

You posted that WJ was let go after the draft with implications, negative.

Ok, so you posted my name, fine everyone knows who I am. Instead of hiding behind the name HOF, how about you let us know WHO you are, if you are not Shep. It's so easy to hide behind a name on a message board, isn't it?


Again, never have said ONE bad word about any player or you, just to cut out your silly games.

Come post whatever you need to about a player, you have a good eye for talent. Post for the right reasons, not that wrong. Get a grip lingo, etc. is Shep all the way. You read enough posts here and it is easy to pick it out, every wonder why no one really responded in this thread, like it's what the heck is he doing?

I'll back off when you stop insulting our intelligence by doing silly things.

I am done.