The MLB facebook page posted this question...Game seven of the World Series: YOU can pick one starting pitcher, past or present, who ya got?
The responses by people were all over the board as you might expect. My favorite pitcher growing up was Nolan Ryan, especially during his California Angels years, and of course his dominance continued with the Astros and Rangers. I've only seen Sandy Koufax and Bob Gibson pitch in highlight reels, but my dad said they were definitely as good as advertised. I've seen Fernando Valenzuela a few times growing up, and I was at the game that Orel Hershiser broke Don Drysdale's record for consecutive scoreless innings, all great Dodgers hurlers. Pedro Martinez was as dominating as anyone for about a ten year period, and Greg Maddux was one of the best "Pitchers" of all time. There are several more names, including Roger Clemens. And yes, despite the steroid allegations I include The Rocket because of his early dominance.
My Pick...I go with "The Big Unit" Randy Johnson over "The Express" Nolan Ryan by a very, very small margin. Some of the Old Timers will probably lean towards Koufax, Gibson, Ford, etc...but I'm going with the top two strikeout leaders All Time, and showing a little more love to the 6'10" kid from California.
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