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Experience
I do not think I am exaggerating when I write that an entire nation was in pain after Friday night’s Blue Jays game. It ended so suddenly, and it really hurt. Bautista’s two home runs provided hope when it was required. But then the ninth inning began with the Jays trailing by one run. The Jays managed to get men on base, move them along. Spirits soared when runners led off from second and third, with only one out. There were some questionable calls made by the home plate umpire at that time. It seemed that the strike zone expanded, to the detriment of the Jays. And then, a simple ground ball and it was all over. No repeat of 1993 or 1994.
In 1985, the Blue Jays played their first postseason games against these same Kansas City Royals. The Jays led the series three games to one, then collapsed. The Royals won the final two games in Exhibition Stadium in Toronto. Four years later, the Jays again played in the Championship Series, but fell four games to one to the Oakland Athletics. In 1991, the Jays again qualified for postseason play. On this occasion, they lost to the Minnesota Twins. But in six years, the Jays had experienced postseason play.
The Royals lost the World Series last year to the San Francisco Giants. They built upon this loss, and were rewarded with the victory over the Jays. They now face the National League Champions, the New York Mets. The Mets swept the Cubs in four straight games. The Cubs are still smarting from other losses in baseball, dating back to 1908.
It was a season to be remembered for the Blue Jays. So much power, great pitching, unlikely heroes. Great power supplied by Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion.
The players who wore the uniform for the first time certainly provided the impetus for success. Josh Donaldson was ticketed to play third base, replacing the enigmatic Canadian Brett Lawrie. Donaldson was simply wonderful, and is in the running to be named as the league’s most valuable player. Troy Tulowitzki came over from the National League, making a significant difference. Russell Martin provided leadership and experience from behind the plate, critical when working with the younger pitchers.
Aaron Sanchez gave the Jays added stability in the late innings, even though he had pitched exactly three innings in the Major Leagues before the season started. Another wonderful addition to the pitching staff was the youngster Roberto Osuna. Barely out of his teens, more than once did observers note that he must have had ice in his veins. Already on hand, the Jays had Mark Buehrle, R. A. Dickey, Brett Cecil. Marco Estrada come over in a trade for Adam Lind.
Another bonus midway through the season was the addition of David Price to the pitching staff. What an arm! He is going to be one of the leaders in the Cy Young voting for years to come.
Kevin Pillar had played 89 MLB games when the season started. His spectacular plays in the outfield surely have placed him in the running for the Gold Glove.
Finally, A tip of the baseball cap to Chris Colabello. The lanky first baseman came over from the Twins in the off-season, claimed off waivers. He had played 114 games in the majors as the season began. He is now 32 years old. That means that he has really kicked around in the minor leagues. His struggles were amply rewarded this season. He led the Jays in hitting throughout the season.
A great collection of players, with a hefty price. Several of these players will not be in a Jays uniform next year. Financial restraints come into play. Contracts, obligations, and all that. But I will remind you that it will be a more experienced crew next year, and you know what that means.
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