Blue Jays Baseball: Is this a new brand?

We have heard for a while now  that the Toronto Blue Jays are looking to spread their brand across the country. And, while that has big implications from a business perspective, we’re seeing their efforts paying off in entertainment value. Let’s leave aside the potentially cynical view that this is all about generating money and just look at the on field product. The Toronto Blue Jays are captivating the entire country with their brand of baseball; a brand that hasn’t bee seen around these parts for quite a while.

Toronto Blue Jays

Obviously, winning is a huge factor in the increase in attention this club is getting. When you erase an 8 game deficit in short order and climb to the top of your division, people take notice. When you stay atop the division, even more people get excited. Everyone wants to talk Blue Jays. The fringe fans have jumped right in to the conversations. Even those who haven’t been watching or paying attention for years have their ears perked up and are getting excited. Winning does that. It is exciting.

But, for many fans, the excitement comes not just from the winning, but the manner in which games are won. More specifically, the style of play we’re seeing on the field is grabbing the attention and the air time in water cooler conversations. We’re not used to it.

There are a few examples we can look to of this “all out, win at all costs” type of play. There are bound to be examples that are left out, which you should feel free to mention in the comment section. But, let’s take a gander at a few of the highlights.

Next: Exhibit A: Tagging and Scoring

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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