An appreciation of the best Blue Jays pitching performance of the season, which came in one of the biggest games of the season. Incredible stuff from the AL Rookie of the Year candidate.
I find it hard to believe they wouldn’t start Ryu in a potential first playoff series. Not because of performance but because, I don’t know, seniority, career, contract, take your pick. Sure makes Alek a nice bullpen option or even if they make it to the second round amd Ryu’s start wasn’t great…
I don't think it should be too hard to believe tbh. They didn't start Dickey in '16 or Buehrle in '15 because their performances didn't warrant it. Might be different because Ryu isn't a free agent after this season like those two were, but you can't lose playoff games just to avoid hurting a guy's pride. Depends on how he pitches from here out though.
I'm with you - Manoah has been awesome and I would prefer him to be the third starter in a series. I just think, as you point out, that two more years on his contract and performance that's been better than Dickey and Buehrle (he's had a lot of excellent starts), makes it less likely.
Lots of good options if we do make it to that point. Ryu starts Game 2 with a short leash and Manoah available for long relief? All in all, these are good problems to have and actually fun to debate. We also will get 3-4 more opportunities to see if Ryu settles down.
That’s probably the way to do it, especially with Matz and Ryu both being lefties — Manoah would be a good guy to have ready to go if they falter. But if you face a team that does well against LHP then you might rethink that. A good problem to have for sure!
Nice job by Kirk as well. Imagine having to catch that "filth" without letting it get by you or dropping it for the third strike.
Excellent point. He was really good.
I find it hard to believe they wouldn’t start Ryu in a potential first playoff series. Not because of performance but because, I don’t know, seniority, career, contract, take your pick. Sure makes Alek a nice bullpen option or even if they make it to the second round amd Ryu’s start wasn’t great…
I don't think it should be too hard to believe tbh. They didn't start Dickey in '16 or Buehrle in '15 because their performances didn't warrant it. Might be different because Ryu isn't a free agent after this season like those two were, but you can't lose playoff games just to avoid hurting a guy's pride. Depends on how he pitches from here out though.
I'm with you - Manoah has been awesome and I would prefer him to be the third starter in a series. I just think, as you point out, that two more years on his contract and performance that's been better than Dickey and Buehrle (he's had a lot of excellent starts), makes it less likely.
Lots of good options if we do make it to that point. Ryu starts Game 2 with a short leash and Manoah available for long relief? All in all, these are good problems to have and actually fun to debate. We also will get 3-4 more opportunities to see if Ryu settles down.
That’s probably the way to do it, especially with Matz and Ryu both being lefties — Manoah would be a good guy to have ready to go if they falter. But if you face a team that does well against LHP then you might rethink that. A good problem to have for sure!