[The Pack Knight]

So were quite a few other guys, including some whom Ryan faced early and later in his career.

I think Randy Johnson, who invites a lot of comparisons to Ryan as an intimidating strikeout pitcher, is clearly better than Ryan. He won't have Ryan's freakish career longevity because he didn't start in the majors as a teenager, and he gave up slightly more hits and runs on average because, frankly, he faced significantly better hitting than Ryan. On the other hand, Johnson has excellent control and rarely gives up walks, in stark contrast to Ryan.

Honestly, the greatest thing about Ryan was his longevity, which is certainly no mean feat. He was still a legitimate starter in his 27th season - something neither Johnson nor anyone else really has a hope of matching. If Johnson was able to pitch another 6 seasons, he'd easily pass Ryan's strikeout record.

[BluesDuke]

I think Randy Johnson, who invites a lot of comparisons to Ryan as an intimidating strikeout pitcher, is clearly better than Ryan.

You'll get no argument from me.