so your question is, what would I do with a pitcher that still has winning record right now, who had a good start two starts ago, not to mention his last start wasn't that bad (not great, but not bad) and prior to this little rough patch was terrific? The answer is simple, I give him a longer leash and let him try to work it out. I wouldn't be bringing up Drew Hutchinson to replace him.
"ambush the opposition with real major league pitching"??? Seriously??? There are 150 starting pitchers baseball right now, Stroman is currently 92nd in ERA with a winning record. The starting pitchers from 80-92 have marginal differences in their stats, so you could basically say he's in the middle of the pack.
You don't send him down to AAA or the bullpen at this point. Your giving him way to short of a leash, especially since there is nobody to replace him with. Not sure what to tell you, or Greg Zaun for that matter, but it's just plain dumb.
Where to start... no one is agruing his good start.
His first 8 starts, ERA: 3.54, WHIP: 1.1
His last 8 starts, ERA: 7.50, WHIP 1.8
If his overall numbers fall a bit below avg, then good for him. But over the last 8 starts, he has been the worst starter in baseball.
Given a starter will make 32 starts, he has been BAD for 1/4 of the season, that's a long enough leash for me, Zaun, and most of us who follow the Jays.
You say give him more leash; how much more?
BTW, his two wins were Phils and Twins two of the weakest teams.
[gawd, cold beer is good on a hot day!]