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MLB power rankings: Best player on each team

By Brad Berreman

Apr 17, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) during the game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) during the game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Dodgers: SP Clayton Kershaw

If you look up the word “ace’ in the dictionary of baseball terms, you’re likely to find Kershaw’s picture next to it. Playoff shortcomings aside, three Cy Young Awards (2011, 2013 and 2014), an MVP award (2014), a .677 regular season winning percentage (128-61 record, through his first three starts this year) and six straight All-Star selections say Kershaw is the best pitcher in either league right now.

Kershaw has shown some chinks in his armor lately, with injuries limiting him to less than 30 starts in two of the last three seasons. Last year’s back issue stands as a possible major concern going forward, with Kershaw at 29 years old and having four years (counting 2017) left on a big contract, but elite is elite and Kershaw is that until further notice.

If the Dodgers meet an ongoing high level of expectations any time soon, and reach/win a World Series for the first time since 1988, Kershaw will clearly be at the forefront of it. A ring is all he really needs to cement a legacy among the all-time great starting pitchers, but Kershaw is a Hall of Famer regardless and the best player the Dodgers have at any position in 2017.

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