The Toronto Blue Jays fans were excited about the start of the World Series and especially getting coveted merchandise like the coveted black Blue Jays ball cap the players all wore after winning the ALCS. Photo by Jack Boland /Toronto SunArticle contentThe Toronto Blue Jays beat the Seattle Mariners 4-3 in the seventh and deciding game in Toronto earlier this week to win the American League Championship Series.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentIt was a nail-biter from the first inning onwards, the climax a George Springer three-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning, which set off an explosion of cheering heard across Canada.Article contentArticle contentNeither manager distinguished himself in this series, each having to live with questionable pitching changes. Toronto’s John Schneider came out as the winner in Game 7. Although I am no fan of his, I must admit he did a better job this year. He can thank the third-base coach, the batting instructors and “the baseball Gods” for their improbable run to the World Series.Article contentArticle content Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider. Photo by University of DelawareArticle contentI have been a life-long New York Yankees’ and Montreal Expos’ fan but had to jump aboard the Blue Jays’ fan club for at least a few weeks or so.Article contentThe Los Angeles Dodgers will be listed as heavy, heavy betting favourites in the World Series for many reasons. The former bums from Brooklyn have the best pitching staff in the majors in Blake Snell, Yoshi Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani, the best baseball player in the history of the game. He is better than Babe Ruth and is the best the sport has ever seen.Article contentOhtani’s performance of three home runs in a playoff game last week – and pitching six scoreless innings – was just too much for the outgunned Milwaukee Brewers, who managed 14 hits in 119 trips to the plate against L.A.’s pitching staff.Article contentThe best of the Dodgers pitchers could be 23-year-old Roki Sasaki, who was forced to the bullpen because of a shoulder injury in September. He’s got the gas with movement, a vicious breaking ball and composure.Article contentArticle contentWith a pitching staff like that, the Dodgers don’t need much offence, but they have plenty of lumber in Ohtani, slugger and clutch hitter Freddie Freeman, ex-Blue Jay Teoscar Hernandez, Mookie Betts, Andy Pages and catcher Will Smith.Article contentArticle contentThe Blue Jays’ pitching staff is good – not outstanding – and the bullpen, at times, reliable but tends to give up too many long balls.Article contentThe Jays have a gritty, tough line-up of tough outs – guys that put the ball in play, set the table for Vladdy Guerrero, catcher Alejandro Kirk and possibly Bo Bichette, who may be available for the World Series.Article contentI don’t know if Bo’s knee is sound enough to play defence, but he’s been Mr. Clutch and the Jays’ best player all year.Article contentIt’s hard to imagine Bo being able to contribute at the plate being off so long. If Bichette does, he and the Blue Jays could make it interesting.Article contentErnie Clement, Nathan Lukes, Addison Barger, Andres Gimenez and Isiah Kiner-Falefa have played and hit far beyond expectations. If they continue that type of support, the Blue Jays may make it a competitive series. As for Clement, he had a terrific 2024 season at the plate and defensively, so it’s no surprise to me.
FIDDLER’S FACTS: Dodgers outstanding pitching too much for gritty, game Jays
