Series Preview: Blue Jays Looking to Flow Right Along Against A’s

Aug 8, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) hits a single in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

My Blue Jays soaked mind is furiously reflecting. Reflecting back to the back to back’s in the early ’90’s. There is much talk about the swagger that has come back to the team. A swagger not seen here near these past 20 years. There have been teams that teased and others that flat out lied (Helllooooooo Mr. Johnson). There have been individual superstars and there have been some why were they stars (Helllooooooo Mr. Loaiza). There has been a lot of doubt and uncertainty that has blanketed this city for these….naaaaay for all Toronto sports teams…for too long now.

We still weren’t really sure even though when Troy Tulowitzki appeared the ship started to right itself almost immediately. Next thing you know the Blue Jays are running off streaks like 8 wins in a row or 11 of 12. They are here. There will be no fadeout. There will be no surrender. The Blue Jays will be in the thick of the race for not only a division lead but a league lead. They will be that good. Some of that thanks can go to….

The A’s. Those lovable west coast types who seem to usually defy odds and produce better than the sum of their parts. But there will be none of that this year. Could the fleecing they got in the Josh Donaldson deal be a precursor to their imminent demise from the playoff picture early in the year? Yes. Yes it could. They have great pitching and some pieces in the starting 9 but there is no one that is a game changer anymore.

Billy Beane I am sure has a master plan for this franchise or else his movements of the last few months are definitely head scratching to say the least. Once the Athletics were out of the gate they were limp. Had injuries and just seemed resigned to the fact they would most likely not be participating in the playoffs this season. It’s  tough when the team doesn’t even give you a Mean Joe Greene kind of effort….selling Pepsi or whatever. Don’t worry Oakland….there is still next year.

Next: Game 1 Matchup: Hutch vs Graveman