Dodgers: Chris Taylor Compares Max Scherzer with Clayton Kershaw
Max Scherzer absolutely dominated the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday at Busch Stadium. Scherzer struck out 13 and allowed just six hits with zero earned runs. His ERA after seven starts with the Dodgers stands at a minuscule 1.05.
The Dodgers knew what they were getting when they acquired Scherzer at the deadline. That hasn’t stopped his teammates from being impressed with what the ace has done in Dodger blue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AqpOja2WYM?start=54
Chris Taylor remarked that Scherzer’s intensity during each of his starts has elevated the team.
“He’s been outstanding. Obviously, we knew what we were getting, but he’s even exceeded our expectations. He’s been unbelievable. The intensity he brings every night, he steps out there, and puts us in a great position to win.”
Comparing Scherzer and Kershaw
Taylor was then asked what he believes separates Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw from most other pitchers.
“The competitive side. Those are probably two of the biggest competitors I’ve played with and the preparation, is just on another level with them.”
Kershaw and Scherzer have both been known to bring the fire on start days. Kershaw is all about his routine on the days he takes the hill.
Don't Mess With Kershaw and his routine. https://t.co/VvQFWmhl7H pic.twitter.com/xGUIJRhFHZ
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 20, 2017
For Scherzer, just don’t touch him in the dugout or on the field when’s on the bump.
Watching ESPN on mute made me miss the Dave Roberts story about Max Scherzer. pic.twitter.com/gfJ6cOJPfb
— Chad Moriyama (@ChadMoriyama) August 16, 2021
Final Thoughts
Scherzer has been a savior in a season where the Dodgers are perpetually short on starting pitching. Five of his seven starts have been quality starts. The only game where he went fewer than five innings was a rain delay in Philadelphia.
In his last three starts (21.2 IP), Scherzer has zero earned runs, one walk, and 32 strikeouts. Those three straight dominant starts have thrust Mad Max to the top of MLB ERA leaderboard (2.28).
Hell, he threw six scoreless with a bad hamstring.
Safe to say, whatever expectations the Dodgers had for three-time Cy Young winner have been met. And then some.
NEXT: Chris Taylor Hoping His Huge Home Run Helps Him Out of a Slump
