After an exhilarating 15-inning victory that saw the Seattle Mariners secure a spot in the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers, Mississauga, Ont.’s first baseman Josh Naylor shared his thoughts on the possibility of facing the Toronto Blue Jays in the postseason. Naylor expressed that playing against the Blue Jays would be just another challenge to overcome, but meeting his former Cleveland Guardians teammates who now play for Toronto would hold special significance.
Naylor, speaking with Sportsnet at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park, praised the Blue Jays squad, managed by exceptional leadership and comprising talented players. He eagerly anticipated reuniting with his friends Straw, Gimenez, Sandlin, and Ernie, emphasizing the bond they shared as former Cleveland teammates.
The players Naylor mentioned, including outfielder Myles Straw, relief pitcher Nick Sandlin, and infielders Andres Gimenez and Ernie Clement, all made their way to Toronto through various paths, such as trades and signings. Naylor’s camaraderie with his former teammates was evident as Clement expressed admiration for Naylor’s team spirit and the joy of playing alongside him once more.
Transitioning from the Guardians to the Blue Jays seemed seamless for Naylor and his former teammates. Toronto’s clubhouse culture, influenced by their shared experiences in Cleveland, played a significant role in fostering unity within the team, as noted by Blue Jays team president Mark Shapiro and general manager Ross Atkins, who previously worked with the Guardians organization.
Shane Bieber, another former Guardian now with the Blue Jays, highlighted the support and camaraderie he experienced upon joining the Toronto team, emphasizing the ease of his transition. The strong bond shared by the former Cleveland teammates in Toronto contributed to a cohesive and supportive environment, enhancing their performance on the field.
As the ALCS unfolded with the Mariners taking a 2-0 series lead, the prospect of facing former teammates and friends on the opposing team added a personal touch to the competitive playoff atmosphere for Naylor and his fellow ex-Guardians. Despite the competitive nature of the series, the enduring friendships and memories shared among the players remained a cherished aspect of their journey from Cleveland to Toronto.
In a strategic move, the Blue Jays announced that three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer would start Game 4 of the ALCS in Seattle. Scherzer’s return to the postseason roster marked a significant decision by the Blue Jays, aiming to leverage his experience and consistency on the mound. Manager John Schneider emphasized the importance of maintaining Scherzer’s routine and expressed confidence in the veteran pitcher’s ability to rise to the occasion in a crucial postseason matchup.
