Former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda tends to speak his mind with a microphone in his face.
Considering his effervescent love for all things Dodgers, it was a surprising sentiment from the 87-year-old Hall of Famer.
The question arose Monday when Todd Hollandsworth — who won the NL Rookie of the Year award in 1996, when he played for Lasorda — was interviewing Lasorda for MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM.
“We know how obviously talented [Kershaw] is but there’s a debate that still exists,” Hollandsworth said. “Do you think a pitcher like Clayton Kershaw, of his ability, should win the MVP Award? Should he be considered for the MVP or just the Cy Young?”
“No, I don’t think so,” Lasorda replied. “I don’t think pitchers should win the MVP Award. I think pitchers should win the pitching award, the Cy Young Award, but not the MVP because he only goes out there every four or five games. The other guys go out there every day and that makes a big difference in that award. I think it should be set that pitchers should not get the Most Valuable Player.”
The MVP award winners from both leagues will be announced Thursday.
