Blue Jays well represented in World Series showdown

The 2017 World Series matchup was officially set last night as the Houston Astros eliminated the New York Yankees finalizing the October Classic showdown versus the Los Angeles Dodgers for all the marbles.

Even though the Toronto Blue Jays will not be partaking in the World Series the organization is well represented by a handful of former players and a certain executive. Former General Manager Alex Anthopoulos left the Jays two years earlier after wanting no part of the Mark Shapiro regime that was unfolding before his eyes.

Anthopoulos left his home country to become the VP of Baseball Operations for the Dodgers, a move that looks as if it will pay off for the 40-year old brain trust. The former GM was a fan favourite north of the border and the Montreal native is rumoured to be the leading candidate to land the Presidents job if the Expos ever return to the MLB fold.

Along with Anthopoulos the Dodgers also have former Blue Jays pitcher Brandon Morrow dominating out of the bullpen this postseason. Morrow has been lights out accumulating a minuscule 1.08 earned run average while fanning 8 in 7 playoff appearances thus far. The oft-injured Morrow is also set to become a free agent at season’s end.

Rounding out the Dodgers compliment of former Blue Jays is Dodgers hitting coach Turner Ward. The former outfielder spent parts of three seasons in Toronto between 1991-93 although not on the postseason roster for either World Series championships. When it was all said and done Ward hit .220 in 98 games with the Jays before receiving his walking papers.

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On the Astros side, they have former Jays hurler Francisco Liriano who they acquired at the trade deadline from Toronto. Liriano made 20 appearances out of the bullpen leading up to the postseason, however, has been used sparingly in the playoffs pitching 1.2 innings in 3 appearances out of the bullpen.

Houston also sports two players the Blue Jays drafted in outfielder Jake Marisnick and pitcher Joe Musgrove. The Jays selected Marisnick in the 3rd round of the 2009 amateur draft however shipped him to the Miami Marlins as part of the blockbuster trade in 2012. The 26-year old played 106 games this season for Houston slashing .243/.319/.496 with 16 home runs, however, has missed the entire playoffs due to a fractured right thumb.

Musgrove was selected in the 1st round of the 2011 draft by the Blue Jays, however, was shipped to the Astros in 2012 as part of the 10-players trade centered around J.A. Happ. The 24-year old hurler made 38 appearances including 15 starts this season registering a 4.77 earned run average. Musgrove has been handed the ball three times this postseason surrendering 3 runs in 2.2 innings on the bump.

Next: Blue Jays: Can Russell Martin rebound in 2018?

The World Series kicks off Tuesday in Los Angeles and although our beloved Jays were unsuccessful in making the postseason for a third straight season take some enjoyment in not having to witness the Evil Empire in the October Classic. Thank you, Houston.