Dusty Baker Hopes Umpires Call Balks on Clayton Kershaw
It is finally the best time of the year: playoff baseball. More importantly, Friday marks the beginning of playoff baseball for the Dodgers. Our Ace, Clayton Kershaw, will take the mound against Max Scherzer in what is certain to be quite the pitching duel.
Before the game, reporters caught up with Dusty Baker who had a lot to say about Kershaw, specifically on his new side arm delivery and his tendency to balk.
Dusty on Kershaw's new sidearm delivery: "He really doesn't need that."
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) October 7, 2016
If you haven’t seen Kershaw’s new delivery that he mixes in, here it is. It is basically a sidearm throw that he says was inspired by Rich Hill; however, Kershaw made it clear that is just something he will be using a “handful of times.”
Dusty Baker didn’t stop there. He went on to critique Clayton Kershaw’s tendency to balk without being called on it by umpires. Baker went on to say that he hopes the umpires call him on that in Friday’s game.
Dusty Baker is working the refs, saying the umpires should call balks on Clayton Kershaw for his delivery.
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) October 7, 2016
Dusty Baker says he hopes umpires call Clayton Kershaw for balk. Remember — Nats 1B coach Davey Lopes was on Mattingly's #Dodgers staff
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) October 7, 2016
Dave Roberts responded by naming a few Nationals pitchers who he feels balk quite a bit as well, including Mark Melancon and Shawn Kelley.
#Dodgers Dave Roberts on Dusty Baker comments on Clayton Kershaw/balk: "I didn't know Dusty wanted to play that game" Was smiling
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) October 7, 2016
Dave Roberts suggests the umpires should watch Mark Melancon, Shawn Kelley and Scrabble for balks. #BalkGate
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) October 7, 2016
Whether or not Baker was expressing serious concerns or maybe trying to stir up the Dodgers’ clubhouse is uncertain. The only thing that is certain is that fans are in for a treat for Friday’s matchup! Make sure to check out Kershaw’s new delivery and whether or not he is called for a balk!
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