Kershaw made just seven starts last season and jokes that he was tired of “taking up space.” This will be his 18th season with the Dodgers, tying Zack Wheat and Bill Russell for the

When you haven’t done something in a long time, you realize you miss it. You miss being a part of a team and contributing.”

There is little left for Kershaw to accomplish. He’s laid claim to three Cy Young Awards. He’s helped finally bring a parade back to Los Angeles for the Dodgers. That leaves nothing else to prove before he waltzes into Cooperstown. In that framework, it’s fair to wonder what could possibly be left to drive Kershaw back to the mound.