Thirty-one.
Thirty-one days from now marks the beginning of the postseason in Major League Baseball (MLB).
October is a huge month, as it is one of only two months that will have regular or post-season games from the four major professional sports leagues (and Major League Soccer). More importantly, October is the month with the most optimism for sports fans here as the Raptors and Leafs begin their respective seasons while the Jays may possibly enter the postseason for the first time in twenty-two years.
Let us revisit the fall of 1993, when I was just a child. The Blue Jays had just won their second World Series in as many years. Joe Carter was a household name. Toronto was on top of the baseball world.
Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
We can discuss the woeful Jays years ad nauseam, but this season is the first time that Jays fans have a reason to be optimistic (some may argue that is the story every year). We have yet to sniff the playoffs since we won the World Series. No wonder Torontonians are presuming that a postseason berth likely means that the Jays will be triumphant. Moreover, the Jays roster this season is starting to look like it is arguably the most complete in franchise history—with in-season acquisitions of Troy Tulowitzski and David Price helping tremendously.
At the same time, relax.
The Jays had quite an impressive August, winning twenty-one out of twenty-seven games, highlighted by an eleven-game winning streak that had some analysts calling for their coronation. Just to recap, this team entered August just one game above the .500 mark and began September as the American League (AL) East leaders with a record of 74-57. By the way, these wins were against the likes of the Yankees, Royals, and Rangers so it is not like the Jays had the most fortuitous schedule during this span. Critics may point out that some wins were against the bottom feeder teams, but this is nothing but a misnomer as the Jays have been eviscerating opponents left, right, and centre, regardless of prowess.
Notable DH Edwin Encarnacion took home AL Player of the Month honours, as he went on an insane hitting streak and led the league in hitting percentage, along with eleven homers. Josh Donaldson was not too shabby either, with eleven bombs and thirty-five RBIs. Forgive my “not too shabby” hyperbolic statement; Donaldson has been a monster; currently, he leads the league in RBIs and runs scored, with his share of plays on the highlight reel. Obviously, he is in heavy consideration for Most Valuable Player (MVP) honours. What a beast.
Things are about to change, at least in the American League race, right?
Temper expectations.
As of 3 September 2015, the Jays had a ninety-nine percent chance of making the postseason, according to sports odds. Playoff certainty? That seems like an oxymoron if you have been a Toronto sports fan over the last twenty years. Now, the Raptors are a shoe-in to win their division and the Leafs—although they probably will not make the playoffs this season—are pointed in the right direction. Even after today’s win against Baltimore, the Jays are still looking over their shoulders for the division lead, and anxiety may start to mount if the Bronx Bombers are able to reclaim their standing atop the AL East.
Yet, the city remains galvanized. Take a look at the Joey Bats or Donaldson jerseys being worn next time you are near Union Station during the weekend. There is an undeniable buzz in the city as many anticipate a possible return to the Fall Classic. Also noteworthy is the imminent return of injured pitcher Marcus Stroman, who looks to bolster the Jays rotation that has seen a resurgence from R.A. Dickey.
With advanced metrics highlighting stats that do not show up on paper, the Jays have been argued to lack a defensive weakness heading into the postseason, notably ameliorating its reputation as a runs turnstile by swapping Jose Reyes for Tulowitzski and LaTroy Hawkins in July. As the old sports adage goes, “defense wins championships.” A blueprint has been created for success, at least in the regular season.
Donaldson and Encarnacion are being compared to the legendary Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Yes, the Jays went from low expectations during spring training to lofty World Series championship talk since the second half of the season. One of my friends told me to keep my schedule free in November so that I can attend the Jays championship parade. Could the Rogers Centre be featured on Fox in late October? Only time will tell.
I just do not want the Jays to lose sight of the finish line. First, secure the AL East as early as possible. Work on implementing Stroman back into the rotation. Possibly rest the starting centre field. Although the playoffs are thirty-one days away, a lot can happen in this span of time.
I am obviously pulling for the Jays. I have only been on this Earth for twenty-some-odd years so my recollection of Joe Carter and Roberto Alomar is hazy. This century, Toronto needs a championship banner raised in a sport other than lacrosse (and also, Grey Cups do not count, sorry CFL fans). The Raps are still a couple of years away from championship contention. We, the Toronto Millennials, are lacking playoff exposure and championships. Let us not forget that as the only team outside of the United States, the Jays are Canada’s team. Thirty-five million are potentially rooting and a choke job is just not an option.
There is no “next year.” The swagger with this team is palatable. The city is glowing. I just urge fans to curb any overconfidence. These are the Jays, remember? I mean, they have not been in this position for quite some time, but wilting under pressure has become a recent hallmark of Toronto teams (re: Raptors versus Wizards, first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs). With a ninety-nine percent chance of entering the postseason, who is to say that the one percent will not befall the Jays and leave every fan with their jaws on the floor? Not to sound like a pessimist, but I am trying not to set myself up for major disappointment. The “Blue” in Blue Jays had become symbolic for the team’s misery throughout the years.
At the same time, something feels different. These aren’t the “blue” Jays. This is Alex Anthopolous’ magnum opus. These aren’t the post-back-to-back World Series blue birds. This is a new era. This team will not trampled by the Sox or the Yanks, or even the Rays.
I just want the fans to be humble. This baseball club has an aura to it. A World Series run will change this city forever. Not to sound cliché, but if the Jays do end up raising the Commissioner’s Trophy in November, it will be something truly special. People will laugh and tears will flow. Decibel records will be set.
At that point, in my opinion, it will be appropriate. At that point, Toronto can get “turnt.”