Clayton Kershaw is perfectly placed for his postseason moment

And now for today’s most meaningless numbers:

Clayton Kershaw in the postseason is 0-1 with a 5.87 earned-run average and a 1.57 WHIP.

Oooh, that doesn’t look promising. That looks as if he might have some problems stepping up on the big stage, starring when the spotlight is brightest.

Right. And Congress absolutely always puts the country first.

The last time the postseason got a glimpse of Kershaw he was 21 years old. He reeked of superstar potential -- he went 8-8 with a 2.70 ERA that regular season -- but he was a kid finding his way.

He’s only 25 now, but he is a very different pitcher. And not just because he’s added a slider and a changeup or pitches on both sides of the plate.

His mental game has risen to another whole level. He has become a major competitor and a serious team leader.

Kershaw understands exactly the opportunity before him, which is why I think he will be lights out tonight. Hard to imagine a pitcher more ready for this moment.

Which is not to say he will win. He’ll be opposed by the National League’s hottest pitcher last month, Kris Medlen, and the Dodgers did not hit well in September.

So if there are certainly no guarantees on the outcome, you have to feel extremely good that Kershaw is about to show the world, again, just how great a pitcher he is and is still becoming.