2023 AL Wild Card: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Minnesota Twins

[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by CBoller1331

Yeah I know it's not any fun to not have a hot take right after the postseason, but maybe [insert team here] just happened to lose 2 games in a row like they've done 20 other times throughout the year. Doesn't always have to be a "choking" narrative about every series. The more often you make the playoffs the more often you will lose in the playoffs.

The Blue Jays problem is that they performed against Minnesota almost exactly how the team performed overall during the regular season: good pitching, good (outfield) defence, braindead baserunning, can't hit (especially with power or with RISP).

Part of that is luck, but almost all of Toronto's hitters regressed this season, especially at home. Something is obviously wrong - at the very least, they need new batting instructors.

[ImTellinTim]

The Twins won 2 fewer games than the Blue Jays this year and have been playing very well down the stretch. This isn’t that big a surprise.

[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by Majingir

Sounds like the decision to remove Berrios from the game DIDN'T come from anyone on the Jays bench or bullpen....

That wouldn't surprise me, which means firing Schneider probably isn't the answer. (He's definitely not the solution, though.)

What I'm really concerned about is if the FO has also been influencing (through coaching) the hitters' approach at the plate. If so, this iteration of the Jays is probably doomed.

[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by ImTellinTim

The Twins won 2 fewer games than the Blue Jays this year and have been playing very well down the stretch. This isn’t that big a surprise.

Absolutely. Lord knows the Twins were owed a few coinflips by now.