Why Clayton Kershaw And The Dodgers Can Finally Win The World Series

The Dodgers start their series with Atlanta Monday night and it seems we ask this question every year: Will Clayton Kershaw finally get it done? His individual numbers say yes, but the bullpen behind him could be the reason it happens.

Just for the haters out there:

Clayton Kershaw: 6.0 IP 3ER 6K

By LITERAL definition: a quality start

— David Rosenthal (@_therealdrose) October 8, 2020

Dodgers’ closer Kenley Jansen is currently struggling with his velocity and that’s killing the team late-game. Happened once already where Jansen wasn’t trusted to get the final out and manager Dave Roberts called for further relief. If Clayton Kershaw wants to put a World Series ring on his finger, this bullpen needed to get their act together.

So far so good for the rest of the team.

Bullpen ERA in the 2020 postseason#Braves 0.52
Dodgers 1.29
Padres 2.90
Marlins 3.18
Astros 3.86
Rays 3.93
A's 3.99
Yankees 5.32 pic.twitter.com/KC0XOidusF

— Knockahoma Nation (@KnockahomaNTN) October 8, 2020

Now that Dave Roberts can trust his bullpen (aside from Jansen), Kershaw can be pulled at more reasonable times in the game. The 3-time Cy Young winner and 2014 MVP failed in years past around the seventh inning. Demand to pitch late into games isn’t likely with reinforcements behind him.

32-year-old Clayton Kershaw won’t be baseball’s Paul George any longer after they reduce his role. Dominating five or six innings is what starters are asked to do these days, so he should fit right in.

This is the Dodgers chance

Kershaw and the Dodgers have a great opportunity to win the World Series depending on their matchup. Their matchup with Atlanta is a good one, as ATL likes to out-swing their opponents. Outscoring L.A. isn’t exactly the move in 2020 withe the addition of Mookie Betts.

Doesn’t hurt that Los Angeles should be motivated as ever to get payback if they face Houston in the World Series. No one’s more irritated by the 2017 scam in Houston than Clayton Kershaw. Their cheating likely cost him a god-like legacy, so this is the final chapter. For once people might be rooting for the boys in blue to get it done.

Don’t be surprised if this bullpen lets this Dodgers starting rotation put their capes on. A 2020 Los Angeles Dodgers World Series title could very easily be in the works.