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Blue Jays: Looking back at the Blue Jays in Montreal series

By Brendan Panikkar

Mar 28, 2017; Clearwater, FL, USA;Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (2) is congratulated by catcher Russell Martin (55) after he hit a home run during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Spectrum Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2017; Clearwater, FL, USA;Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (2) is congratulated by catcher Russell Martin (55) after he hit a home run during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Spectrum Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 22, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; United States pitcher Marcus Stroman (6) reacts after striking out Puerto Rico outfielder Enrique Hernandez (7) to end the third inning of the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; United States pitcher Marcus Stroman (6) reacts after striking out Puerto Rico outfielder Enrique Hernandez (7) to end the third inning of the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

2017 – Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Toronto Blue Jays

Tomorrow the Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Pirates will kick off the 4th edition of the Blue Jays in Montreal series, and it is sold out yet again. Everyone is talking about how much of a success the series has been the past 3 years and it’s true. It’s always a buzzing atmosphere and it’s a big tease for baseball fans as it feels like regular season ball.

Like the 2015 matchup with the Reds, this year’s edition with the Pirates will have a Canadian flavour. Starting for the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night is Jameson Taillon, who is Canadian. A nice tough to have Taillon to start the game for the Pirates. Starting the game for the Blue Jays is Marcus Stroman, who last pitched in Montreal in relief in 2014. Full circle for Marcus Stroman when referring to this series.

On Saturday afternoon, Montreal fans will get to see Chad Kuhl for the Pirates against former Pirates Opening Day starter, Francisco Liriano. Liriano will be making his final start of the spring and he has looked superb. Liriano has struck out 25 batters in 14.1 innings this spring. His command has been good and he’s looked in line with the plate. A full season of Liriano instead of R.A Dickey could be a massive x-factor for the team in 2017.

Projected regulars who are new faces for the Blue Jays in the Montreal series include Steve Pearce, Kendrys Morales, and Liriano. Pearce and Morales will get their first taste of how the Blue Jays are not just Toronto’s team, but Canada’s team too.

For all fans attending this weekend’s games in Montreal, enjoy them. They are a nice celebration for the history of baseball in Montreal and baseball in Canada. These fans that attend the games in Montreal could see the very beginning of what could be a third straight special season for the Blue Jays.

Next: Blue Jays' Pillar making a case to move up in the order

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