Very much looking forward to this match-up. These are the two best teams in the AL, easily the most depth across all facets of the game and the two best defensive teams in MLB. I actually liked the Jays match-up against KC better than I did the Astros (KC doesn't possess a true ace pitcher like the Astros do with Keuchel, who could have potentially faced us 3 times).
A 7 game series to determine the best of the AL, and I like our chances.
Probable game 1 lineups (assuming no major changes to the 25 man rosters);
Kansas City
- Escobar
- Zobrist
- Cain
- Hosmer
- Morales
- Moustakas
- Perez
- Gordon
- Rios
Toronto
- Revere
- Donaldson
- Bautista
- Encarnacion
- Smoak/Colabello
- Tulowitzki
- Navarro (Estrada likely game 1 starter, otherwise Martin here)
- Pillar
- Goins
No weak spot in their core 9. no auto out. I think their lineup is deeper than ours, but they lack the same explosiveness 2-4 like we have. Jays have more power, Royals have more speed. I still take the Jays lineup over anyone else, but Royals are very very deep.
Rotations:
Kansas City- Volquez
- Ventura
- Cueto
- Medlen/Young (KC used 3 man rotation in ALDS, might not get to these guys)
Toronto
- Estrada
- Price
- Stroman
- Dickey
Advantage - Bluejays. The Jays rotation features 4 of the top pitchers in the American League in the 2nd half of the season. The ONLY question mark is Dickey with his unpredictable knuckleball, but he answered those questions and concerns with his great effort in game 4. The Royals have 3 solid guys but also 3 very inconsistent guys. They can all be absolutely lights out, or they can impode. The consistency and pure talent of the Jays starters gives them a massive edge.
Core Bullpen:
Kansas City- Herrera (7th inning)
- Madson (8th inning)
- Davis (closer)
- Duffy (lefty)
- Hochevar
Toronto
- Lowe (7th/8th inning)
- Sanchez (7th/8th inning)
- Osuna (closer)
- Loup (lefty)
- Hawkins
- Hendricks
Have to give the bullpen edge to the Royals, even though the Jays top 3 are very good. It really falls off a cliff after that, and we don't even know if we will have Loup for the series (have to assume another lefty would be brought in in that case)
Team defense: Both teams are very strong up the middle, starting at catcher, middle infield, and then center field. No weakness on either side.
call this one a draw - its as close as you can get.
Key stat comparison (reg. season)
Batting average:
Toronto .269
KC .269
OBP:
Toronto
.340
KC .322
OPS:
Toronto
.797
KC .734
Fielding pct:
Toronto .985
KC .985
ERA:
Toronto 3.80
KC
3.73
WHIP:
Toronto
1.21
KC 1.28
Opponent's batting average:
Toronto
.248
KC .249
Opponent's OPS:
Toronto
.707
KC .710
Stolen bases:
Toronto 88
KC
104
My prediction: Two very talented teams here. I just really like the way the Jays hitters matchup against the Royals starters. If they do what they are supposed to do, it should render that Royals bullpen meaningless. If Royals take the lead to the 7th inning, it could be lights out Blue Jays. I'm going with
Jays in 6.