Alek Manoah Roasts MLB Network Critic for Subtle Jab

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In a recent segment on MLB Network, a discussion was had about which pitcher under the age of 30 you would pick to lead your franchise. Former West Virginia star and current ace of the Toronto Blue Jays, Alek Manoah, was mentioned.
However, it wasn't as complimentary as you would think. Former MLB catcher Anthony Recker, a career .199 hitter, subtly took a jab at Manoah questioning his work ethic and commitment to being great.
"I love you Alek, just show me you're willing to put in a little more time in the gym and that you're going to be there consistently for a little bit longer."
If you know Manoah, you know he isn't going to just sit back and not say anything. He's going to stand up for himself and that's exactly what he did in a response to Recker's comments on Twitter.
Hey @Anthony_Recker my job isn’t to please you. You are an outsider you don’t know me or my work ethic. What I do in the gym has clearly worked check the numbers, sucks you can’t say the same for yourself. https://t.co/9Je9xqTBYx
— MANOAH (@Alek_Manoah6) February 2, 2023
Youre just like everyone else. Love to talk and then wanna say sorry when you get called out. If you wanna see how an All Star, 1st team All-MLB, and CY young finalist trains. Come meet me @ManoahDriven https://t.co/I6phAeeJML
— MANOAH (@Alek_Manoah6) February 2, 2023
Take that, Recker.
Manoah, 24, posted a sparkling 2.24 ERA this past season to go along with a 16-7 record in what was his first full year in the big leagues. More importantly, Manoah shined when the Toronto Blue Jays needed him most, winning all four of his starts in the final month of the season to help clinch a playoff birth.
At the end of the season, the former Mountaineer was named a finalist for the American League Cy Young Award.
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Schuyler Callihan is the publisher of West Virginia On SI and has been a trusted source covering the Mountaineers since 2016. He is the host of Between The Eers, The Walk Thru Game Day Show, and In the Gun Podcast. The Wheeling, WV native moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2020 to cover the Charlotte Hornets and Carolina Panthers.
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