Randy Quaid was right!

Well my reverse psychology didn't pan out. It worked brilliantly for a spell but in the end the desired outcome just didn't come into fruition. I guess Dan Brown was on to something with his concept of the power of positive thought. Wait, wasn't it all a ruse, an act? Of course it was! So I guess when I hoped in my heart of hearts for the right thing to happen it allowed the universe to follow it's predestined course. Are you confused yet? I'll add some context if you happen to be. Most people will have an inkling of what I'm ranting about this morning but for those that aren't die hard Major League fans I will endeavour to add some meat to these bones. 

In the films Major League and Major League 2 (ignore the third film), there is a group of three super fans supporting the Cleveland Indians. After slow starts in both films the central figure of this group, masterfully embodied by Randy Quaid, changes allegiance to hate the team. Naturally they turn their play around, likely due to their feelings toward his misguided chiding alone. You'll have to watch it to fully appreciate the depth and breadth of the actual plot around their turnaround. Regardless, or without regard, The Tugboat chose to fill the shoes of the disillusioned fan. I even went so far as to not watch a few games as I thought it would help them win through some sort of voodoo, superstitious magic. In reality it was the Beer Guy who coincidentally seemed to have that effect. There is a track record to back up that theory. Might be some cause does not equal causation principle behind it though so we won't delve deeper here. I'll let him defend himself in the comments maybe. The hope was to turn back into the super fan to bask in the glory of the team just like in the movie.

Anyways, the point is, The Toronto Blue Jays were eliminated last night. They fought a hard and unlikely battle and were not strangers to adversity. Injuries and terrible calls were relentless culprits who colluded with a strong opponent and untimely slumping to spell their demise. That weird beard is a liar also. May God have mercy on his soul. Let the MLB conspiracy theories abound. Rumours are swirling that the league wanted nothing to do with a Canadian team in the playoffs. It was crushing their usual ratings base for playoff baseball. But I don't need to update you on the hap-happenings. I will instead look forward, it was Back to the Future week after all.

I don't want to get too deep into a pointless, sure to be wrong rant but if I'm looking at a possible structure to the team next year I don't see a winner with what is in front of me. It's true that most of the position players are going to be in place for 2016 with a couple of notable exceptions, as always , but the pitching could be devastated. It will take something special and a lack of outright greed/deserved payday to get back into the show. Think about it, Price is UFA and primed for major cash. Estrada is in the same boat and he and his change-up are going to get paid somewhere. Personally I'd like to seem them pursue Estrada and keep his buddy Navarro. Dickey is old. Buehrle is done. Poor guy has put in a great career and should be proud to spend time with his family before his arm falls off. If/when Sanchez emerges from the bullpen it will leave a massive hole. Hawkins should retire, he's done it all. So you have Loup, Cecil, Lowe and Osuna in the pen. You have Stroman, Estrada?, Dickey?, Hutchinson, Sanchez. Not terrible but the difference against KC was the bullpen, so work needed to be done there. I'm sure I'm forgetting or am ignorant to some arms but I've reverted to a casual fan over the last few frustrating years. Here is the noodle tickler, Greinke is loose, Cueto will be looking for a home and they have two known pitching stars to talk to in house. So some money will get spent but with the huge support and string of sell-out crowds they should have some to spend. I still think the time is now and again in seven years if history is to be repeated. At least I will be a fan again next year, I hope the bandwagon stays full.