It doesn't take an analytics genius to see that Kershaw is getting himself into trouble with RISP (runners in scoring position). As a pitcher you want to have command over your fast ball and work the count. Baseball 101. While I will agree with the media saying he has lost some command on that front, Kershaw is still bringing it. The issue is that three of his losses have came against the Giants and the Brewers. Aggressive hitting teams that jump all over first pitches. I was looking at pitch location, and to my surprise Kershaw pitches in the upper part of the strike zone more than I realized. The great thing about baseball and its huge sample size of statistics is, you can watch the percentages over the long run. With pitch location, your our not going to put balls in the upper part of the zone for long, until batters start putting it on a rope. I know he's had success (against the odds for this location), but we are seeing some reversion to the mean. Hitters are adjusting. Kershaw will be fine long term. But how do you play him NOW? The more aggressive offense he is facing, meaning first pitches, RISP, ect. These are they type of games you want to fade Kershaw. The more patient hitting teams, regardless of how well the are hitting they ball, are the games you will find value backing Clayton Kershaw. GL!
Added note- This was posted on the 20th. Had some issue getting it up. All worked out now though.