MLB Playoffs: Why I’m Rooting For The Toronto Blue Jays

The Colorado Rockies season came to a close Sunday afternoon at AT&T Park, defeating the San Francisco Giants by the final score of 7-3. Colorado closed out the season with an unimpressive record of 68-94, leaving the fans at 20th and Blake nothing to do but scratch their heads yet again. As Colorado watches the playoffs at home for the millionth time, a team to keep an eye on in the playoffs is none other than the Toronto Blue Jays.

Yes, the Blue Jays — the team that made somewhat of a blockbuster trade with the Rockies prior the July 31 trade deadline. July 27 — a day I’ll never forget. Colorado was on the road that night, taking on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Troy Tulowitzki was pulled late in the game, with many of us Rockies’ fans questioning whether or not the superstar shortstop was injured. That wasn’t case. We found out hours later into the night that Troy had been traded to Toronto, alongside veteran reliever LaTroy Hawkins in exchange for three pitching prospects.

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Troy exemplified all the qualities of a leader — leading by example that is. Tulowitzki was never the one to overdo it by yelling and screaming, yet seemed to keep to himself while letting his play do the talking. Troy made every hard play look so easy, especially balls up the middle in which he could just spin and throw, putting it right on the money.

No offense to Jose Reyes, Cristhian Adames, Trevor Story or whomever roams shortstop for the Rockies next season, they simply will not make up for Tulo’s range, instincts and arm.

Everyone knows Troy is an extreme talent in today’s game, yet can’t stay on the field. This season was different, until a fluke play against the Yankees in which he collided with Blue Jays teammate Kevin Pillar, finding out later that he would be out indefinitely with a cracked shoulder-blade. After sitting out for the second half of September, Tulo returned to Toronto’s lineup on Oct. 2, going 2-for-5 with a double.

Troy spent ten seasons in a Colorado Rockies uniform, appearing in 1,048 games over that span. The 30-year-old native of Santa Clara, California hit at a line of .299/.371/.513, racking up nearly 1,165 hits while driving in 657 runs. Now as a member of the Blue Jays, Troy’s production has decreased slightly, yet it’s only a sample size. In 41 games played, Tulowitzki has hit .239/.317/.380 with eight doubles, five home runs and 17 RBI’s.

If you’ve been a Rockies fan for the last ten years or so, you know Troy Tulowitzki has played a big part in keeping you glued to your television. Whether it’s a home run, double, clutch hit or an insane play in the field, no one deserves to win a World Series title more than Troy Tulowitzki.

Tulowitzki and the Blue Jays play host to the Texas Rangers in the American League Division Series starting Thursday night at the Rogers Centre. Good luck to Tulo and LaTroy Hawkins on their quest to bring a championship to the six.