Time for the NL #MVP to celebrate. pic.twitter.com/QP3UYhkYDK
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 14, 2014
By Jon Weisman
It’s been a busy week of interviews for National League Most Valuable Player and Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw, but he squeezed in one more conference call after today’s latest honor. Here are some excerpts:
“A lot of excitement and a little bit of shock, honestly. You know you’re a finalist, but I never anticipated to win it. … I don’t know if I can ever get used to that, but it’s obviously a huge honor.
“You just try to celebrate accomplishments. That’s what a lot of teammates have told me … when you win anything, you celebrate it, because this game is hard.
“It doesn’t take the sting away from what happens in the playoffs, but you can’t lose the opportunity to celebrate, because that might never happen again.
“They’re both team awards, obviously. … I feel thankful to be on the team I’m on.
Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers
“I remember a few times when I was pitching and the fans at Dodger Stadium started chanting MVP — that’s unbelievable to have that kind of support.
“Sometimes (wins) are a stat that you can’t control as a starting pitcher, but I feel that our team’s record when I was pitching is a huge indicator of how our team was, and I think I’ll remember that.
“I think it’s pretty obvious with Mike (Trout) getting the unanimous award that he was going to be the MVP this year and rightfully earned. Seems like a great guy, seems like a guy you’d want to build a franchise around. His talent speaks for himself.
“It’s just more fun (to make big running, hitting or fielding plays). There’s no pressure for us to make a diving play or run the bases or get a hit. As starting pitchers, our job is to get outs as fast as possible. I really enjoy playing baseball — I don’t take it for granted. It’s such a blessing to go out there and call it a job.
“Consistency. From start to start, my stuff stayed the same. … I was able to throw strikes with pitches multiple times. As far as anything different pitching-wise, I can’t really pinpoint anything.
“I don’t think you can be prepared until you finally have (a baby), but we’re really excited.”
oldbrooklynfan
A well deserved MVP Award. The Dodgers had a championship caliber team so long as it had Kershaw. Without him it’s doubtful if they could’ve made the postseason. Congratulations and long live the king.
Don Bright
This is why I have no problems with him being MVP. Without him, no way do the Dodgers make the playoffs. Stanton was on a team that didn;t make it, and even if he plays those final 17 games, they still wouldn’t have gone, so, by definition, he’s not the most valuable player. McCutchin may have not even been his teams most valuable player (cases can easily be made that Harrison and Martin were as valuable if not more so), so a bit of reach to be the leagues MVP.
amind94
I agree. It was awesome watching him this historic season. Looking forward to him hoisting that World Series trophy next year.