I’ve often said pitcher wins don’t really mean much…unless you pile up a lot of them. Winning 200 means a pitcher has been good a long time.
Clayton Kershaw picked up win #200 yesterday. He has been good to the tune of three Cy Young Awards over a 16 year career. I could stop there, but let’s dig just a little deeper, shall we?
He went seven innings yesterday, allowed no runs and struck out 9. Obviously that’s a good day on the mound. Those 9 strikeouts have his career total at 2833, 22nd most all time (4th among active pitchers). He surpassed Mickey Lolich yesterday.
His career ERA is 2.48. Here’s the list of pitchers with 200+ wins and a better ERA: Walter Johnson. That’s a short and very distinguished list.
His record is 200-88. That’s a .602 clip. Here’s the list of pitchers, again all time of course, with 200+ wins and a better winning percentage: —-. Yes, that’s right, nobody. Clayton Kershaw is the new standard bearer.
As for the Mets, well let’s just say they hope to not see much of Kershaw in the future. In 17 regular season starts against them, Kershaw is 11-0 with a 2.03 ERA.
If anybody had any doubt he might eventually get enshrined in Cooperstown, it’s time to stop doubting.
Fan Interference 