Blue Jays Fans: Who should we cheer for now?

American League

Wild Card Game- We’ll start with the two teams who will square off in the one game Wild Card matchup, the New York Yankees, and Minnesota Twins.

Minnesota Twins

The Twins are the type of “David vs. Goliath” team that is easy to cheer for, especially considering they lost 103 games last season. They even gave up on themselves (metaphorically) earlier this offseason by trading Jaime Garcia to the Yankees before the trade deadline. They acquired him and gave him one start, then a losing streak made them reverse course. It would be ironic if he played a significant role in the one game playoff.

They have an uphill climb to advance, but once you’re in the postseason anything can happen, and they would be a fun cinderella story to cheer for.

Former Blue Jays on the roster: The Twins are coached by Paul Molitor, who is of course beloved in Toronto because of his contribution to the 1993 World Series championship team. Beyond that, the Twins aren’t carrying anyone formerly of the Blue Jays’ organization.

Should I cheer for them? 

Maybe.

New York Yankees

The immediate answer is, “I’m not cheering for the Yankees”, but it really depends on what generation you’re from. My 70 year old father grew up as a Yankees fan before the Blue Jays (or me) existed, and he often cheers for them after the Blue Jays have been eliminated. As much as it irks me, I can’t blame him at all.

If you don’t have that excuse for cheering for the Bronx Bombers, there aren’t many reasons for fans of the Jays to want a 28th championship in New York. The Yankees already have a strong foundation that the Blue Jays will have to contend with in the next 5-10 years, so an early championship for the young core wouldn’t help matters.

That said, they are a dark horse candidate to come out of the American League, so don’t be surprised if they make a deep run.

Former Blue Jays on the roster: Erik Kratz has spent some time on the roster with the Yankees this year, so I guess it would be nice for him to get a ring. I’m not that nice though. Canadian, Rob Thomson, is bench coach as well.

Should I cheer for them? 

Unless you’re my Dad, hell no.