The title of best pitcher in baseball last season was held by two pitchers who both ply their trade in the National League West.  Los Angeles Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw ruled the regular season on his way to a third Cy Young Award and first MVP while San Francisco Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner was untouchable during the World Series earning MVP honours in the Fall Classic.

Both players had tremendous years, but heading into 2015, who do you consider to be more valuable?

Kershaw

Clayton Kershaw had a year to remember in 2014. He won his third Cy Young Award unanimously, was named the National League MVP and was the first pitcher in MLB history to win four-straight ERA titles. And he is only 26.

Looking at his 2014 more in depth, the Dallas native's 21 wins, 1.77 earned run average and 0.86 walks and hits per innings pitched led the majors.

All this was done after missing April with a back injury. On June 18 he no-hit the Colorado Rockies, falling only a Hanley Ramirez error short of tossing a perfect game. Kershaw did not allow a walk and struck out 15, the first time this feat was accomplished in the history of the MLB.

Here is a look at Kershaw's career numbers to date:
 

Clayton Kershaw

 
GS IP W L ERA WHIP K BB CG SHO
209 1378.1 98 49 2.48 1.06 1445 424 17 9
 

A more complete look at his numbers can be seen here.

According to FanGraphs, in 2014 Kershaw relied on a four-seam fastball, a slider, a curve ball and a rare changeup.  The four-seam fastball his most used pitch at 57.5% of the time.

Bumgarner

Bumgarner's 2014 regular season was not quite as impressive in comparison to Kershaw, but it was still stellar overall. His 18-10 record, 2.98 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 219 strikeouts are all-star calibre numbers.  

The Hickory, North Carolina native did not record a no-hitter, but he twirled a gem on Aug. 26 against those same Rockies earning a complete game shutout while giving up one hit, striking out 13 and walking none. That is certainly giving Kershaw a run for his money in terms of individual performances in 2014.

Here is a look at Bumgarner's career numbers to date:
 

 Madison Bumgarner

 
GS IP W L ERA WHIP K BB CG SHO
148 952.2 67 49 3.06 1.13 896 229 6 3
 

A more complete look at his numbers can be seen here.

According to FanGraphs, in 2014 Bumgarner relied on a four-seam and two-seam fastball, a slider, a curve ball and a changeup. Though he threw a fastball most often, he threw the slider the most out of any individual pitch, 34.1% of the time.

Playoffs

When looking at the two head-to-head, one cannot overlook the playoffs, where Bumgarner's resume is head and shoulders above Kershaw.

Bumgarner has had a hand in leading the Giants to three World Series titles in five years, while Kershaw has yet to earn a ring. Statistically, it is a one-man race.
 

 Clayton Kershaw - Playoffs

 
GS IP W L ERA WHIP K BB CG SHO
8 51 1 5 5.12 1.24 58 18 0 0

 

 

 Madison Bumgarner - Playoffs

 
GS IP W L ERA WHIP K BB CG SHO
12 88.1 7 3 2.14 0.88 77 15 2 2
 

One stat which does not appear in the above table is saves, as Bumgarner happens to have one in the post-season, which is a save that will be talked about for years to come.

During Game 7 of the World Series against the Kansas City Royals, Bumgarner pitched five scoreless innings of relief while giving up only two hits and no walks with four strikeouts to help secure the victory. This was all on two days rest, after pitching a complete game shutout.

He won World Series MVP with a 0.43 ERA, giving up one run in 21 innings. He threw a record 52 and two-thirds innings during the entire 2014 playoffs and posted a 1.03 ERA, certainly a dominant performance for the ages.

When looking at regular season numbers and performance, it is obvious that Kershaw is the one to pick here. He has been downright dominant and is still only reaching his prime. When all is said and done, Kershaw could potentially become the best pitcher to ever play the game.

In fact, one could argue Bumgarner is not even the second best pitcher in the majors, with names such as Felix Hernandez and Chris Sale gracing the game.

But with three World Series rings at the age of 25 led by his dominant numbers and performances, Bumgarner is truly a winner and someone who has performed in clutch fashion in pressure-filled situations.

One ruled the regular season while the other was the darling of the playoffs, between Kershaw and Bumgarner who would you rather have?