L.A. Times: Why the Dodgers should name Clayton Kershaw their opening day starter

Now, you could make a good argument for any of the four pitchers in the Dodgers’ current rotation to get the opening day nod, but really there should be only one choice:

Clayton Kershaw.

The Dodgers lack a proven ace, but this kid is the chosen one. He has a wealth of talent. His future is all things possible.

So get it into his head right now: He’s the man. Make him start thinking like an ace. If you want to develop a stopper, feed the beast.

Yeah, he’s young. He went 8-8 last season. The Dodgers were still understandably protective of the number of innings he pitched.

But his ability is undeniable and he seems to have the composure to handle pressure. And though he won’t turn 22 until Friday, he’s been in the majors almost two years.

Last season the left-hander began to show the makings of possible true stardom. He struck out 185 in 171 innings pitched and finished with a sterling 2.79 ERA. He allowed three runs or less in 26 of his 30 starts.