‘The Rookie’ prepares the pro: Pitching knowledge paves Asa Lacy’s path

Years ago, a young Asa Lacy sat at home, watching a Los Angeles Dodgers game on television. It was late, but Clayton Kershaw was pitching on West Coast time, and when Kershaw — a Texan and a left-hander, just like Asa — was pitching, the Lacys always obliged.

Phillip Lacy, Asa’s father, sat alongside his son and watched as Kershaw carved up hitters. The fastball was sitting at 93-94 mph that night, which Asa pointed out. One time, though, Kershaw revved one up to 97 mph.