Blue Jays Baseball: Is this a new brand?

Exhibit A: Donaldson tags up and shocks us all.

By now, you’ve likely seen this video a few times. And you should. You’ll likely see it over and over again. Josh Donaldson tagging up on a pop up to deep second base is a gutsy move. It nearly failed. But, it didn’t. It worked out beautifully. It’s the kind of play that people go nuts about and talk about for days after. Most people would not have tried to advance on a shallow hit ball like that. But, Donaldson is not most players. He has shown many times that he is going to take risks and do everything he can to help his team win.

Betsided

Can you remember a Blue Jays player who played aggressively and had it work? We’ve seen lots of bone head aggression. There have been guys who play hard, but don’t exactly do it at the right time. Or, they try too hard and end up just making poor decisions. Forcing the issue comes with the territory of having a middling team. You try to make things happen, to force plays. We’ve seen it lots and lots.

But, this year, the team is different. Calculated risks and hard nosed baseball are paying off. And, it is plays like this one that help rally a team. If your best (read: most valuable) player is pulling out all the stops, you’d better step up your game. It sets a tone. It sends the message that you’d better play hard.

Next: Exhibit B: It's All About That Base

Sep 2, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) slides in safely to second base with a double as the ball eludes Cleveland Indians second baseman

Jason Kipnis

(22) in the fourth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Exhibit B: Donaldson shows that it’s all about that base.

As if tagging on a shallow pop up weren’t enough, Donaldson takes it to another level in the very same game. His team was up 5-1 against the Cleveland Indians. He’d already made one of the better highlights of the Blue Jays’ season. But, knowing the game is still early (4th inning) and knowing no other way to play the game, Donaldson read the outfield perfectly. It was a great example of taking what the other team gives you.

Toronto Blue Jays

He made a hard turn around first and watched the less than aggressive throw come in. ‘Well, heck, if they’re going to give it to me…’. an extra base can be the difference in some games. In the playoffs, one play here or there can mean the difference between winning and losing. The score should not dictate how you play. Donaldson’s play is another example of the type of play needed to win.

Winning baseball requires hustle. It requires players to go full on, always looking for that extra base. Too many times in the past, we’ve seen the Blue Jays lack aggression or hustle. We’ve lost count of how many guys do not bust it down the line to first base. Guys have been content with a single out of the very same type of hit that Donaldson turned into a double.

that’s the kind of hustle and effort that creates an exciting brand of baseball. It leads to winning, but it creates an entertaining, exciting product to watch.

Next: Exhibit C: Go-Go Gadget Glove

Sep 1, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop

Ryan Goins

(17) makes a catch of a pop foul hit by Cleveland Indian right fielder

Lonnie Chisenhall

(not pictured) in the second inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Exhibit C: Goins’ Range

Remember when we said that the effort and hustle rubs off on players? The younger guys feed off of the big boys working hard. Well, Ryan Goins showed an example of this against the Indians. He had to bust it nearly 125 feet to bring in this harmless foul ball. Now, we know the defensive prowess of Ryan Goins. We know what he’s capable of.

Betsided

But, it does highlight the effort that we’re seeing on the field. It is another example of the hard work that Blue Jays fans love to see. Even if he didn’t come up with that catch, fans love the effort. And, realistically speaking, that ball could have easily fallen in. If it had, no harm would have been done. Foul ball.

But, what it does is gives them an out. Rather than the batter getting another chance to hit, he heads back to the bench and the Blue Jays are one step closer to hitting again. Again, the effort put forth results in helping his team win. And, as stated previously, an out here or there can make a huge difference in a playoff series.

This play shows the level of confidence with which this team is playing. They’re going to try to get to every ball. They’re going to do the little things to help their team. This results in winning, but it also results in fans getting a much better show when they walk through the gates or tune in on TV.

Next: Exhibit C: Tulo Two Step

Sep 2, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (2) hits a single against Cleveland Indiians in the eighth inning at Rogers Centre. The Jays won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Exhibit D: Tulo’s Hop

There is no doubt that, as a Blue Jay, Troy tulowitzki has not really lived up to the offensive force he has been for his career. Moving him down in the lineup is an attempt to get him back to form. He’ll come around. We shouldn’t be worried.

Toronto Blue Jays

But, even when struggling, a player can do little things to help his team win. Take the above example for instance. Initially, it seemed like another innocent ground out. But, the defense threw it away and Tulo ended up safe. Over running the bag and turning toward second could have cost him. But, he kept his head and managed to get back to the bag. Now, he very well could have conceded the running error and been tagged out.

Instead, he was not going to give up. He hustled back to the base and took what was given to him. His leap over Matt Wieters allowed him to be safe and keep the inning going. It was an extra effort that resulted in an advantage for his team. Once he made contact, we all assumed it would be an out. Instead, his quick thinking and determination led to a runner on first. It wasn’t how you’d draw it up, but it worked.

This kind of play is what the Blue Jays have been missing for years. For too long, we’ve watched Canada’s only team jog to first, let balls fall in, play safe, less aggressive baseball. And, when chances were taken, they led to senseless errors and gaffes that could cost a team. Now, we’re seeing aggressive, heads up baseball that is not only leading to winning, but it s creating an exciting product on the field. It’s the in game excitement that will keep fans coming back.

Next: Blue Jays Will Need to Make a Decision About Marcus Stroman

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