Tip of the Tower
Fansided

Revisiting the Rivalry between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Texas Rangers

By Tyler Partridge

October 6, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor (12) throws to second for the double play as Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) runs to second in the seventh inning during game one of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
October 6, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor (12) throws to second for the double play as Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) runs to second in the seventh inning during game one of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Blue Jays
Oct 9, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Toronto Blue Jays fans celebrate the win at the end of game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball game against the Texas Rangers at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

WHAT TO EXPECT THIS WEEKEND

Although it has been nearly 20 months since that dramatic 2015 ALDS and a year since the punch, most of the key figures in the rivalry are still in place.

Odor, Bautista, Dyson, Bush, Bannister, Gibbons are all still around and according to general manager Ross Atkins, Troy Tulowitzki and Donaldson (both of whom had heated conversations with Rangers pitchers in the 2015 ALDS) are expected back during for Friday’s opener.

If the 2016 playoffs are any indication the score may have been settled. There were no fireworks and the only headline Odor made was blowing the final play of the series.

The Venezuelan second baseman was recently asked about his feelings about the punch by Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.

"“It was part of the game,” Odor said. “But it’s in the past and it’s something I never want to think about.”"

Maybe his views on bat flips have changed as he attempted his own during a March game in the World Baseball Classic (unfortunately it didn’t leave the park)?

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