Alek Manoah’s Determination: Striving to Support Teammates
On the opening day of the Blue Jays camp, Alek Manoah attracted a crowd as he prepared to throw his first bullpen of spring. Media and photographers eagerly captured footage of the session, while pitchers, coaches, and support staff observed from behind the mounds. Blue Jays manager John Schneider praised Manoah’s performance, stating that his delivery and pitches were on point. Manoah’s determination to excel and support his teammates was evident in his first session of the year.
Manoah had a challenging year in 2023, with multiple demotions to the minors and a disappointing 5.87 ERA in 19 starts. This was a stark contrast to his previous successful seasons in the major leagues, where he had been an All-Star, a Game 1 playoff starter, and a Cy Young finalist. Despite the difficulties, Manoah expressed gratitude for the learning experience and focused on improving during the offseason. He worked hard in the gym, resulting in a noticeable physical transformation. Manoah aims to regain his dominant form and contribute to the Blue Jays’ success.
During last season, Manoah struggled with mechanical issues and overthinking on the mound. He often found himself fixating on his mechanics or worrying about the outcome of each pitch. Reflecting on that time, Manoah acknowledged the need for change and growth. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and being a dominant starter. By addressing these issues and improving his strength and conditioning during the offseason, Manoah is determined to move forward and help the team win a World Series.
Manoah’s improved physique has been a topic of discussion at camp, with his slimmed-down appearance being noticeable. The effects of his conditioning are evident in his performance on the mound, as he can move more freely and generate power without compromising his mechanics. Additionally, his arrival at camp with a healthy state of mind has been encouraging to the coaching staff. They are optimistic about Manoah’s potential and hope he can secure a spot in the rotation.
While Manoah is theoretically competing for the fifth spot in the rotation, the Blue Jays are rooting for him to succeed. General manager Ross Atkins expressed confidence in Manoah’s abilities and stated his belief that he will be part of the rotation. Manager John Schneider echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that they want Manoah to focus on being the best version of himself rather than getting caught up in competition. Manoah sees himself as a member of the rotation and is determined to contribute to the team’s success.
The support Manoah received from his teammates during his challenging season was crucial to his mental well-being. They encouraged him not to lose track of who he is and provided him with words of encouragement. Despite missing out on the postseason, Manoah is looking ahead and ready to put the past behind him. He is committed to doing everything he can to support his teammates and help the Blue Jays achieve their goal of winning a World Series.
In conclusion, Alek Manoah’s determination to overcome adversity and support his teammates is evident in his preparation for the upcoming season. After a challenging year in 2023, Manoah has focused on improving both physically and mentally. With a trimmed-down physique and an in-sync delivery, he has impressed coaches and teammates alike. The Blue Jays organization is hopeful that Manoah will secure a spot in the rotation and contribute to their success. Manoah’s positive mindset and commitment to being the best version of himself will undoubtedly be valuable assets as he strives to help the team win a World Series.