Does anybody else see a lot of similarities between the '96-97 Orioles and '15-16 Blue Jays?

[TINSTAAPP]

Both teams were economic and competitive behemoths by being the only team in a huge market. The Orioles basically had the Maryland/DC/Virginia markets all to themselves while the Blue Jays are the only team in Canada after the Expos moved to DC.

Both teams were coming off lengthy postseason droughts after a period of tremendous success. The Blue Jays had a 22 year postseason drought after winning consecutive World Series in 1992 and 1993 while the Orioles had a 13 year postseason drought after being one of the winningest teams in sports from 1966-1983.

Both teams acquired dynamic MVP-type players that helped push a talented veteran team over the top (Josh Donaldson, Roberto Alomar).

Both teams lost in the ALCS to teams with terminator bullpens that ended up winning the World Series ('96 Yankees, '15 Royals). Both teams made a repeat trip to the ALCS the following year. The Orioles ALCS opponent in 1997 was the Indians who coincidentally happens to be the same opponent the Blue Jays will play in the ALCS this year.

[MDtransplant757]

Both teams were economic and competitive behemoths by being the only team in a huge market. The Orioles basically had the Maryland/DC/Virginia markets all to themselves while the Blue Jays are the only team in Canada after the Expos moved to DC.

Both teams were coming off lengthy postseason droughts after a period of tremendous success. The Blue Jays had a 22 year postseason drought after winning consecutive World Series in 1992 and 1993 while the Orioles had a 13 year postseason drought after being one of the winningest teams in sports from 1966-1983.

Both teams acquired dynamic MVP-type players that helped push a talented veteran team over the top (Josh Donaldson, Roberto Alomar).

Both teams lost in the ALCS to teams with terminator bullpens that ended up winning the World Series ('96 Yankees, '15 Royals). Both teams made a repeat trip to the ALCS the following year. The Orioles ALCS opponent in 1997 was the Indians who coincidentally happens to be the same opponent the Blue Jays will play in the ALCS this year.

[video=youtube;Ssnw2GA657s]

Yep, then Toronto will lose for 14 straight years. We can only hope

[Frobby]

The batters and pitchers on the '97 Orioles averaged 31.7 and 30.6 years old. The 2016 Jays average 30.0 and 29.8. So they may have more time.

They've benefitted a lot from favorable deals with Bautista, Encarnacion and Donaldson. The former two are free agents and the Jays will have to deal with that.

[esmd]

I think both Bautista and Encarnacion are playing elsewhere next year, which will hurt them. Bautista is starting to decline anyway, even if they were to keep him. They still have decent pitching though.

[Frobby]

I think both Bautista and Encarnacion are playing elsewhere next year, which will hurt them. Bautista is starting to decline anyway, even if they were to keep him. They still have decent pitching though.

Better than decent. They had the best ERA in the league. But, I think they caught lightning in a bottle a little bit with a bunch of guys having career years and everyone staying healthy (their starting five started 152 games).

[weams]

Both teams were economic and competitive behemoths by being the only team in a huge market. The Orioles basically had the Maryland/DC/Virginia markets all to themselves while the Blue Jays are the only team in Canada after the Expos moved to DC.

Both teams were coming off lengthy postseason droughts after a period of tremendous success. The Blue Jays had a 22 year postseason drought after winning consecutive World Series in 1992 and 1993 while the Orioles had a 13 year postseason drought after being one of the winningest teams in sports from 1966-1983.

Both teams acquired dynamic MVP-type players that helped push a talented veteran team over the top (Josh Donaldson, Roberto Alomar).

Both teams lost in the ALCS to teams with terminator bullpens that ended up winning the World Series ('96 Yankees, '15 Royals). Both teams made a repeat trip to the ALCS the following year. The Orioles ALCS opponent in 1997 was the Indians who coincidentally happens to be the same opponent the Blue Jays will play in the ALCS this year.

No, I don;t see that.

[CheeryO]

A pretty good comparison, but if I remember correctly the O's were heavier on free agents with contracts coming to an end than even this Blue Jays team is.