USA Today Dives Into the Blue Jays’ Post-Trade Deadline Resurgence

Today in must-read articles on the Toronto Blue Jays, Bob Nightengale of USA Today delves into the rejuvenated Toronto Blue Jays, and how their entire season has seemingly turned around since the trade deadline.

Last year, we heard how the front office’s inactivity at the trade deadline may have been detrimental to their performance on the field. But this year, we’re discovering the exact opposite.

The 2015 Toronto Blue Jays are a team that’s reinvigorated, re-energized and is not only hoping to make their first postseason appearance in 22 years, they’re gunning to win the American League East.

To me, Bob Nightengale’s USA Today piece reinforced how much of a boost these trades provided for the Blue Jays. Not only did they add All-Star talent like Troy Tulowitzki and David Price, but the rest of the team has upped their game as well.

It’s a great read start to finish, Jose Bautista had the choice quote in the entire piece. He describes the feeling of learning about the club’s blockbuster acquisitions in late July:

“It’s almost like being at war, and running low on ammo, and the next thing you know, here comes a little parachute with a crate. And it lands right next to you. And it’s full of ammo.

“You’re like, ‘Yeah, baby.’’’

Not surprisingly, Mark Buehrle talks about being a little apprehensive about playing in Toronto, but explainshow the city of Toronto has won him over after three seasons with the Blue Jays:

“Before I came here, this was a place where I never wanted to play. There was no chance of me signing in Toronto. You come here as a visitor, and you have the customs, trying to figure out your phone bills, the money exchange, the temperature readings.

But now that I’ve played here, it’s been so great. It’s just such a great place to live and play. They make it so comfortable for you.’’

To the scorn of many players and fans alike, the 2014 Blue Jays remained fairly dormant at the trade deadline. And R.A. Dickey reinforced what we pretty much already knew already; last season, the Blue Jays completely torpedoed after July 31st.

“We plummeted psychologically. I think everybody felt a little defeated. We nose-dived. This year, we made a move, made another move, made another move, and now everybody in here feels like we have a legitimate shot to do something special.”

Judging by all the positive comments from Bautista, Buehrle and Dickey, it really can’t be underestimated how much of a lift they’ve provided for the guys within the Blue Jays clubhouse. It really does seem like a completely rejuvenated team since the trade deadline.

It’s also very encouraging to see major outlets like USA Today and ESPN beefing up their coverage on the Toronto Blue Jays. They certainly are one of the feel-good stories of the 2015 season, and this may only be the start of increased Jays content from south of the border.

Again, check out the full article on the Blue Jays second half turnaround over at USA Today.

Image via Fred Thornhill/The Canadian Press via APT