Kershaw back with Dodgers, lured by LA's title pedigree

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Once he determined his left elbow was totally healthy, first-time free agent Clayton Kershaw narrowed down his choice: Stay with the Los Angeles Dodgers or remain home in Texas with the Rangers?

The deciding factor, the longtime LA ace said, was the Dodgers’ championship caliber roster and mentality.

“We’re a part of something special here, we know that,’’ Kershaw said Sunday. “The playoffs are an expectation here, and the World Series is almost an expectation at this point. Not a lot of teams can say that, year in and year out."

“Sometimes it does not go your way and it hurts, but the chance to be there is worth it … I wouldn’t trade that for anything. You can’t say that about a lot of organizations,” he said. You’re even seeing it now, teams are trading guys; teams are getting rid of guys that they probably shouldn’t if they really want to win. Overall, I think it is a special thing to be here.’’

Kershaw passed his physical, including MRIs on his elbow, and officially rejoined the Dodgers on a one-year contract for $17 million.

Between free agency and the lockout, the three-time Cy Young winner was in limbo for more than three months. Yet the extra time was a blessing in disguise as Kershaw rested his forearm and his elbow until Jan. 1 and then began throwing.

“Without the distraction of figuring out where to play, it gave me time to figure it out,’’ he said. “Once I got healthy, it was no secret, we were going to play in Texas, or stay here.’’

Kershaw credited Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman for not extending a qualifying offer to him, which gave him extra time to make his decision with his wife, Ellen, and their four children in mind.

“My kids are older and getting...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Kershaw-back-with-Dodgers-lured-by-LA-s-title-16998775.php