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2. The fuse has been lit. The difference in attitude, outlook and determination in the Blue Jay clubhouse is palpable. After breaking through for their first playoff appearance in 22 years in 2015, there is no disguising the hunger for more. “I’m a big believer in clubhouse chemistry,” said Josh Donaldson. “When you have all 25 guys on the same page, it’s a lot more fun and you can start having success. It’s a special group of guys. Now you have guys who have been in the playoffs, coming in with higher expectations of themselves.”

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3. The elephant in the room.With both Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion eligible for free agency at the end of this season, there is potential for the futures of either or both players to be a distraction. Bautista has already taken a shot across the bow of management, revealing he has given the front office a combination of years and money that he will not budge from. That said, he promised not to let it become an issue that would take anything away from his or the team’s performance and since that opening salvo, he has been all about baseball. Encarnacion has also said he won’t let this issue get in the way of team success.

4. The Tulo Factor.It is not pure coincidence that the Blue Jays went on their division-winning tear just as Troy Tulowitzki arrived at the end of July. He had some key hits but mostly it was his play at shortstop that was the final key to sealing up the team defence. Now, in the calm atmosphere of spring training, with an entire season ahead with him in the centre of the diamond, his presence is felt. “He has an aura about him,” said Gibbons. “He’s a superstar in the game but humble and thoughtful. People gravitate to him and he seems to respond to that. He sets a great example, both as a player and as a man.”