Here are the weirdest X-factors for each ALDS postseason team
The weirdest X-factors for each ALDS postseason team
A few days ago, we brought you the weird and wild developments from the regular season that would give each National League postseason contender an edge. But, much as we adore all those #PitchersWhoRake, we couldn't forget about the Junior Circuit. So, without further ado, find the nearest designated hitter and enjoy:
Kansas City Royals
Advantage 1: With Fetty Wap in your corner, all things are possible
Centuries from now, historians will look back on the summer of 2015 as the summer of "Trap Queen." The song was everywhere, and Kauffman Stadium was no exception -- Lorenzo Cain used it as his walk-up song, and the whole Royals clubhouse eventually dedicated themselves to the poetic stylings of Fetty Wap:
KC players are fining each other if they don't use "1738" in postgame interviews. I have no idea what it means. Success has driven them mad.
- Andy McCullough (@McCulloughStar) July 29, 2015
Impressive commitment, sure, but nothing too out of the ordinary. Until August, that is, when the man himself gave Kansas City his official stamp of approval by meeting with the team:
On a scale of 17 to 38, #Royals meeting @fettywap today is definitely a 38. #ForeverRoyal pic.twitter.com/h4t7WqOigM
- Royals (@Royals) August 11, 2015
We're not saying Fetty Wap bestows almighty power on those who are in his favor, we're just saying you can't prove he doesn't.
Advantage 2: Johnny Cueto's shimmies and the power of dance
The rest of the American League's postseason contenders might be playing some pretty good baseball right now, but Johnny Cueto and the Royals are playing pretty good baseball with dance in their hearts:
If "Save the Last Dance" is any indication (and, really, it's the only indication), we might as well call it a season already.
Toronto Blue Jays
Advantage 1: Russell Martin is apparently a parkour artist
Most people look at a baseball stadium and see a place in which they can, well, watch baseball. There's a field of play, circled by seats for spectators. Russell Martin, however, sees it as his own personal jungle gym. First, he clambered all over the netting behind home plate at Yankee Stadium:
He then graduated to going full parkour at Rogers Centre in August:
Beware any and all baseballs who have hopes of reaching the stands safely: Russell Martin is coming for you, and he has no regard for traditional stadium boundaries.
Advantage 2: The human morale boost that is Munenori Kawasaki
Our unyielding love for Munenori Kawasaki has been well documented, and needs no restating. So, instead, we present this brief timeline of Muni's adventures in 2015:
- He exorcised Jose Bautista's demons:
- He impersonated Michael Jordan in the name of coffee:
Kawasaki is the BEST!! Just saw him in Starbucks and he put his name down as Michael...and I said Michael?! He said yes Michael Jordan ����
- David Price (@DAVIDprice14) September 15, 2015
- And, most importantly, he dances like no one is watching:
If the above isn't worth at least 9,000 WAR, we don't know what is.
Texas Rangers
Advantage 1: The trembling majesty of Prince Fielder's belly flops
Sure, other ballplayers fall every now and again, but the term "belly flop" is held for Prince Fielder and Prince Fielder alone. Sometimes (OK, a little more than sometimes) he's defeated in the eternal struggle to conquer third base:
Other times he's merely staking his claim to second base:
But no matter what, the message is clear: The infield is Prince Fielder's territory, and you enter it at your own risk.
Advantage: Derek Holland is basically living out the plot of "Major League"
The postseason has seen more than its fair share of Hollywood endings over the years, full of twists and turns so miraculous even a screenwriter would scoff. But what if this October is ... actually part of a movie? Exhibit A: Derek Holland, who appears to have assumed the role of Wild Thing from "Major League."
Derek Holland's return marks new look for Rangers in wide-open playoff race | @Evan_P_Grant http://t.co/yrFF5EoLFe pic.twitter.com/8bVzdaOZl4
- Dallas Morning News (@dallasnews) August 20, 2015
As you no doubt remember, the Indians of "Major League" defeated the Yankees in a nail-biting playoff game, with Charlie Sheen's character coming up with a clutch strikeout to keep the game tied in the ninth. We're not saying, we're just saying.
Houston Astros
Advantage 1: When Orbit is around, no opponent is safe
Sure, Houston mascot and friend of E.T. Orbit seems eminently lovable. He's a furry green guy with planets for ears who's been known to dance to Beyonce, after all, which checks pretty much every box. But be wary: He may be adorable on the outside, but inside, Orbit is as diabolical as they come.
And he's not shy about wielding his gift for sabotage in the name of helping his favorite team -- the scars from the Photoshop burns inflicted on poor J.P. Arencibia still haven't healed. A warning to all those unfortunate enough to cross paths with Orbit this postseason: Whatever adorable hijinks are going on, he's almost definitely about to tease you with a cat toy.
Advantage 2: They've got some guy named J.J. Watt as a secret weapon
Surveying the Astros roster, it doesn't seem as though they've signed a 6-foot-5, 290-pound behemoth capable of crushing baseballs with his bare hands. So who is this mystery man, launching dingers in batting pract -- BAH GAWD, IS THAT J.J. WATT'S MUSIC? Why yes, yes it is.
We're guessing Watt's glare alone is worth at least 2.4 WAR. And hey, if that doesn't work out, we hear the owner could make an excellent infielder.