Ranking the Top 5 Los Angeles Dodgers Pitchers of All Time

Throughout the illustrious timeline of Dodger baseball, many "bums" have etched out legendary status among baseball fans. From Brooklyn to Los Angeles, the Dodgers have perennially fielded all-time greats. 

Duke Snider and Jackie Robinson, among dozens of blue-hatted batters, have cemented their legacies at the plate. It's undeniable, though, that the Dodgers have a particular penchant for producing great pitchers. 

Herein is an ordered list of the greatest hurlers ever to throw for the boys in blue. Being a comprehensive list, modern-day aces along with pitchers of yore have been considered. Criteria for comprising the list included statistical effectiveness, longevity, and, to a lesser extent, postseason proficiency.

Honorable mentions: Orel Hershiser, Hideo Nomo, Fernando Valenzuela, Claude Osteen, Jonny Podres and Don Newcombe.  

Compile your own list in the comment section below!

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5. Dazzy Vance

Associated Press

Dazzy was dizzying

Though his accomplishments may be buried by time, Dazzy Vance's career numbers are worth excavating. 

Vance posted a career ERA of 3.24 and won 197 games. Viewed in context, Vance's career should garner even more praise: He pitched during the 1920s and 30s, an era dominated by offense. 

Vance's best work was done with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Check out his stat line from 1924: He had an ERA of 2.16, a win-loss record of 28-6, a WHIP of 1.022 and threw 262 strikeouts against 77 walks. He enjoyed similar success in 1925, too. 

Again, the prominence of slugging during this time period makes Vance's resume truly astonishing. 

4. Don Sutton

Mike Groll/Associated Press

Captain Reliable

Don Sutton was not the "sexiest" pitcher. What makes Sutton's career so remarkable, however, was his consistency and durability. 

After the Koufax and Drysdale era, Sutton emerged as L.A.'s ace. Possessor of a pinpoint fastball but not awesome velocity, Sutton relied on fundamental pitching to stifle opposing batters. He meticulously painted the strike zone with brilliant strokes.

Despite not being flashy, Sutton was nonetheless a stalwart. Since he didn't rely on velocity, his arm remained relatively healthy. He was rarely unable to perform. As such, he's the all-time leading Dodger in games pitched, innings pitched and shutouts pitched.

3. Don Drysdale

Anonymous/Associated Press

Daunting Don

Though cast in Sandy Koufax's shadow, Don Drysdale remains a man of baseball myth. 

Known for badassery and throwing high-and-tight, Drysdale was hugely successful with both the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers. "Big D" was especially crucial to L.A.'s success in the 1960s. He ended his career with 209 wins and an ERA of 2.95. In tandem with a certain Jewish lefty, Drysdale's fireballing approach spelled a nasty duo atop the Dodgers' rotation. 

Although his career numbers are slightly weaker than Koufax's, Drysdale's success was more prolonged and consistent. 

Despite nine All-Star appearances, it's apparent that Drysdale lives beneath the legend of Koufax. Let's not forget the brilliance of Don Drysdale. 

2. Sandy Koufax

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

Sandy was swell

While his career was curtailed by injuries, Sandy Koufax is still deserving of his deified status. 

Koufax's emergence had to come as a jolt. He was a mediocre pitcher throughout his first six seasons, posting an ERA above three and a sub-.500 record. 

In 1962, though, "The Left Arm of God" propelled his game to astronomical heights; perhaps aided by Dodgers Stadium's pitcher-friendly dimensions. That year, he won the first of his five consecutive ERA titles and was instrumental in launching L.A. to a World Series win. 

Koufax's hypersonic fastball and snappy, arching curve helped him become a prolific strikeout artist. He delivered strike-three 2,396 times in his brief career. 

Though injuries forced Koufax into retirement at just 30 years old, he still managed 165 career wins and an ERA of 2.78, along with a WHIP of 1.106.

All credit due, he still is not even the best lefty on this list. 

1) Clayton Kershaw

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Clayton brings carnage

While old-school fans tend to glorify the greats of the past, perhaps the greatest pitcher in Dodgers history is gracing the present. 

It's true that Clayton Kershaw is just 26 and the story of his career has yet to be fully told. Barring a gross twist of fate, though, the wunderkind from Texas should only solidify his top spot through the coming years. 

His numbers can talk for me: Through his first seven seasons, Kershaw's ERA is 2.48. His WHIP is 1.059. His win-loss record is 98-49. 

One thing that separates Kershaw from Koufax is that Kershaw emerged as an ace before he could order a Pabst. It took years for Koufax to bloom and flourish. Kershaw's dominance has been consistent, thorough, and ruthless. Furthermore, injuries haven't hexed his career yet. 

A blemish to consider: Kershaw hasn't yet enjoyed postseason success and glory. His young age, however, allows him ample time to achieve playoff glory and pilot Los Angeles to the revelry of a World Series celebration.