The MLB Playoffs are officially underway as the Toronto Blue Jays and the Texas Rangers kick off Game 1 of the ALDS. The Blue Jays come into the game with what they believe is the total package team. The bats are finding production at the right time while David Price leads the pitching rotation. The Rangers plan to rely on the pitching as they aim to take the series from the presumed favorites.
Toronto's batting lineup is deep which could be the major x-factor for the team. Josh Donaldson had a regular season that has placed him in the talks for American League MVP. He joins an offense that includes the home run duo of Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion along with Russell Martin and mid-season addition, Troy Tulowitzki. Just how good is the batting rotation? They are the only major league team to top 800 runs. They led the majors with 232 home runs and 852 RBI on the season. 26 times this season they scored double-digit runs. The offense is able to breakout and breakout in a big way which could give the Rangers headaches.
To counter the offense of Toronto, the Rangers will put Yovani Gallardo on the mound. He has been able to beat the Blue Jays twice this season while not allowing run in 13 2/3 innings. He will try and throw the batters off with a solid mix of fastballs and cutters which have improved as the regular season has gone on. The Rangers are trying to lineup a lethal pitching attack. Cole Hamels is scheduled for Game 2 while Derek Holland will get the Game 3 start. After those aces, there are some question marks which is how the Blue Jays can move ahead.
Toronto will hope their pitching meets the same production as the offense. David Price takes the mound for Game 1 which is the exact reason the Blue Jays went out and traded for him from the Detroit Tigers. The pitcher does not have the greatest postseason resume. He is 1-5 with a 4.50 ERA while allowing seven home runs in 40 innings of playoff experience. He is supposed to be the ace for the Blue Jays as they hope the trade pays off with a Game 1 win.