LOS ANGELES -- "My name is Walker Buehler," he said, "and my average fastball last year was 97.1 mph."
That's how Buehler introduced himself to his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates in spring training a couple of years ago. It's how Ross Stripling remembers it, at least. Stripling relayed that story -- an anecdote also referenced by The Athletic in recent days -- to demonstrate the uncommon, unwavering confidence of the 25-year-old right-hander who dominated the Washington Nationals in Game 1 of the National League Division Series on Thursday night.
The decision to open the postseason with Buehler instead of Clayton Kershaw or Hyun-Jin Ryu shocked many, but not within the Dodgers' clubhouse.