pickoff22

When the Jays were under-performing, JD was easily the team's best player and was responsible for more than one walkoff win. Without him who knows how far below .500 we would have been (and therefore AA wouldn't have been in the position he was in). If Jays and Angels aren't in postseason, it's a completely different season and scenario because it's not like the Jays just snuck in the playoffs, they crushed it in the second half. JD's impact to the clubhouse has been well documented. His approach to the game and refusal to not give 100% has had an impact on the team's young guys and veterans. I've had the pleasure of watching him all year do the little things that other players just don't (or can't do), so to me it's an obvious choice (and granted one that I want as a fan). Now of course I've only watched about 20 or so Angel games this year, so I'm sure Trout has had plays that stats don't fully pick up as well, but if you're a Jays fan it's easy to recognize just how ridiculously valuable JD has been to this team beyond what you can see on paper.

Would be shocked if JD doesn't win it. Of course the MVP doesn't need to be from a playoff team, but then again of course if he's responsible for them making the playoffs then he's adding tremendous value. Without JD our record at the deadline would have been below .500 and in all likelihood we wouldn't have been in the position to pull the trigger on the trades we did - his impact to this team has been felt in many un-measurable ways.

Well put. It's the playoffs, no matter what team you're facing you're never comfortable. Each team has great players. When it comes to Texas their starters are the least intimidating to me (who cares about Gallardo owning us in his 13 IPs, he's not a great pitcher) and their bullpen isn't anything special. We are the more talented team and you have to feel good about that.

Sorry, I should specify that I only know that people who bought entire strips can print tickets. Not sure about people who were lucky enough to buy single game tics through TM, though I would assume you could too.

You can print your ticket. There's no time on it, it simply says ALDS game 1 (or 2 or 3)

What makes it a big deal is that wild card winner likely doesn't have their #1 pitcher available until game 3.

Other than being hungover today, he's perfectly fine.

Texas, outside of their momentum, doesn't scare me. Though I would agree simply because a WC team can't throw their ace out game #1 (typically)

funny how they're all drinking in the dugout out of orioles cups

You forgot the HBP. And homerun to a lefty.

It's gonna be great. Too bad tomorrow's game was changed to noon - there will be a lot of tired and hungover guys tomorrow.

You might prefer Loup over Buerhle, but I'm not convinced the people making the decision would choose Loup if it's one or the other. Either way, if MB is on the roster, they will find a use for him at some stage.

Certainly not a lefty specialist, but he has a knack for inducing DPs and has the best pickoff move on the team that can help contain the running game. I'm certain there will be a time when he'll be helpful in the playoffs.

Beurhle out of the pen is actually a pretty easy decision when you consider it gives us another lefty option. The idea of bringing him in to contain the running game late in the game when KC brings in Gore or Dyson to pinch run has strong appeal given how strong his move to first is. You leave Loup off roster (which some will disagree with I'm sure) and have Beurhle be your second lefty.

He'll be on the playoff roster I'm sure, just not likely to be a starter.

Exactly. It makes a difference.

Since acquiring Price, Hawkins and Tulo this team is playing over .700 baseball. All 3 are "character" guys. Now the OP didn't ask specifically if the Jays were playing better because of chemistry, so people can assign the clubhouse impact and chemistry that the Jays have as having a zero or non-zero impact to the reason why the Jays are playing so well.....but outside of just the Jays, having chemistry or the right mix of "character" guys (hate that term for some reason) holding all other things equal, is a good thing for any club.

http://www.bluejayhunter.com/2015/09/report-anthopoulos-rejected-deal-for-papelbon-halladay-advised-against.html

There's a good chance we dont even get this game in sadly. I want to party!

And don't forget Andrew Friedman. Losing those two stung.

The only reason people fear the Rays is because they have had so many seasons where "on paper" they shouldn't be very competitive but then they come out and do well. With their current pieces it's hard to imagine them surprising as they have in the past. It's a sad franchise stuck in a town and a stadium that will never allow them to generate the revenue they "should". St. Pete's is a gorgeous city and I enjoyed my visits there, but it's easy to see why they struggle to fill that stadium (I use that term loosely).

Wilson is out for the season. But yes, LAA's staff is not pretty.

Go Twins!

I think it's yes to both. For #1 it's pretty obvious IMO, anyone who has played even low level competitive sports would agree that the clubhouse dynamic impacts the team as a whole. As a general rule, being happy at work is better than being unhappy at work, whether it's because you like the people you work with or are surrounded by people who encourage you to put your best foot forward. And this is a part of the game that projection models can't capture. Now of course, winning tends to make the clubhouse vibe suddenly become better, but certainly having "character" guys right from the start helps. #2 - Considering how well this season has gone, I can't see how it wouldn't change his thinking. In fact I think just the other day he addressed in during an interview during the clubhouse celebrations.