Dodgers sign lefty Kershaw to 2-year deal

Reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw has avoided arbitration with a two-contract extension from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Terms of the deal for Kershaw, 23, were not disclosed, but MLB.com reported it was for $19 million. The left-hander led the NL in wins (21), strikeouts (248) and earned run average (2.28) over 33 starts last season. He also collected a Gold Glove award for as the National League's best-fielding pitcher. The seventh-overall pick by the Dodgers in the 2006 MLB draft, Kershaw has racked up a 47-28 record with a 2.88 ERA in 118 games (116 starts) over his four years in the majors. He is 0-1 with a 5.87 ERA In five post-season appearances for the Dodgers.