Three Rings or Three Youngs!

[Carolina Speed]

Although Clayton Kershaw will not make it to the World Series and is 1-5 in post season, he's a lock for his 3rd Cy Young.

Although Madison Bumgarner got beat last night he is 4-3 in the post season and has 2 WS Rings and still has a chance at WS Ring number 3 at the young age of 25.

Where would you rather be at this point in your career, 3 WS Rings, if it happens for Bumgarner, or 3 Cy Young's for Kershaw?

 

[Freethinker]

3 World Series rings. Some greats retire without any, proving how hard they are to achieve.

 

[FootballDad]

3 World Series rings. Some greats retire without any, proving how hard they are to achieve.

Yeah, I've never heard anyone say otherwise, whether in football with the MVP or Super Bowl, Cy Young or World Series in baseball, etc.
They all say the individual award is satisfying for the individual effort and reward, but nothing like the euphoria and ultimate satisfaction of winning the championship, which is what they are playing for.
It's the same in all levels of sports, from what I've seen.

 

[Carolina Speed]

Yeah, I've never heard anyone say otherwise, whether in football with the MVP or Super Bowl, Cy Young or World Series in baseball, etc.
They all say the individual award is satisfying for the individual effort and reward, but nothing like the euphoria and ultimate satisfaction of winning the championship, which is what they are playing for.
It's the same in all levels of sports, from what I've seen.

OK. If things stay the same between Kershaw and Bumgarner throughout the rest of their career, who goes down as the better pitcher?

Things are pretty identical between the two. If they end up with similar numbers and Kershaw never wins a WS and Bumgarner never wins the Cy Young, who's better, or is either any better than the other? Just both go down as equally great pitchers!

 

[Freethinker]

OK. If things stay the same between Kershaw and Bumgarner throughout the rest of their career, who goes down as the better pitcher?

Things are pretty identical between the two. If they end up with similar numbers and Kershaw never wins a WS and Bumgarner never wins the Cy Young, who's better, or is either any better than the other? Just both go down as equally great pitchers!

This could skew people's perception of Bumgarner's greatness (think Jeter and his 5 WS rings). Not to take away from his talent but Kershaw is a once in a generation pitcher. Baseball is a team sport and Kershaw can only go as far as the team constructed around him will allow him to go. For example, Bumgarner has been on some great teams. Kershaw on the other hand has been surrounded by talented, but selfish, blacks and black Hispanics his career. I wouldn't say the Dodgers are a great team.

Bumgarner is a great talent on some great teams.
Kershaw is an elite talent on some good teams.

To answer your question, Kershaw is better. However, winning championship creates a legendary reputation and Bumgarner may leave behind the greater legacy.

 

[Carolina Speed]

This could skew people's perception of Bumgarner's greatness (think Jeter and his 5 WS rings). Not to take away from his talent but Kershaw is a once in a generation pitcher. Baseball is a team sport and Kershaw can only go as far as the team constructed around him will allow him to go. For example, Bumgarner has been on some great teams. Kershaw on the other hand has been surrounded by talented, but selfish, blacks and black Hispanics his career. I wouldn't say the Dodgers are a great team.

Bumgarner is a great talent on some great teams.
Kershaw is an elite talent on some good teams.

To answer your question, Kershaw is better. However, winning championship creates a legendary reputation and Bumgarner may leave behind the greater legacy.

Good analysis Freethinker, thanks.

I believe both pitchers have a chance to become 300 game winners if they stay healthy and decide to stay around long enough.

Kershaw has 98 wins at age 26.

Bumgarner has 67 at age 24.

Bumgarner is slightly ahead of Kershaw's pace. Kershaw was at 61 wins at 24.

However, both pitchers are slightly ahead of the likes of 300 game winners Roger Clemens and Greg Maddux.

I hope they make it!

 

[Fortitud3]

Yeah, I've never heard anyone say otherwise, whether in football with the MVP or Super Bowl, Cy Young or World Series in baseball, etc.
They all say the individual award is satisfying for the individual effort and reward, but nothing like the euphoria and ultimate satisfaction of winning the championship, which is what they are playing for.
It's the same in all levels of sports, from what I've seen.

That's because they have to.

Baseball when you think about it, is the most individual focused sport. You can win a world series on a great team and the GM will use that promote the signing, but individual performance will get you paid. In the end, you do your thing and if your teammates make errors, thats not your fault and baseball doesn't punish you for their errors.