Imagine Jose Bautista and Russell Martin, two hardened professionals seasoned by years of big league experience, as scrawny, fresh-faced kids. This is what Jeff Johnson was working with in the early 2000s at Chipola College in Marianna, Fla.

The Blue Jays are expecting to have left-hander Aaron Loup available out of the bullpen when the American League Championship Series against the Royals gets underway on Friday night at Kauffman Stadium.

Royals manager Ned Yost said on Thursday that he has his top three pitchers set for the American League Championship Series against the Blue Jays: Edinson Volquez, Yordano Ventura and Johnny Cueto for Games 1, 2 and 3.

Brett Cecil appears to be in the midst of a miraculous recovery from a torn left calf muscle, and if the Blue Jays’ season continues beyond the American League Championship Series, he’s expected to return.

Cubs rookie Kyle Schwarber did not climb to the top of the right-field video board to see where his home run ball landed. The ball, now protected by a plexiglass case, has taken on a life of its own.

But aside from the emotions, what will be the strategic keys for Kansas City to win Game 1? Here are three that will be vital:

Ben Zobrist has been a perfect fit for the Royals in part by being nothing like them.

The Scottsdale Scorpions can thank their Detroit connection for another big day at the plate. Tiger prospects Mike Gerber and JaCoby Jones combined to get six hits in seven trips to the plate on Thursday, powering the Scorpions to a 9-2 victory over the Glendale Desert Dogs.

Nationals prospect Chris Bostick isn’t known for his power, but the second baseman had no trouble putting the ball over the wall on Thursday as he led the Salt River Rafters to a 9-7 victory over the Peoria Javelinas.

Dayton Moore grew up living and dying with his beloved Kansas City Royals. Nothing has changed in adulthood.

Welcome to an American League Championship Series that offers just about everything. There’s history between the Blue Jays and Royals — including a seven-game ALCS 30 years ago — as well as the natural battle between the U.S. and Canada.

Sitting alongside Jeff Luhnow to address the media following the season, A.J. Hinch was visibly and vocally upset that he and his team weren’t in Toronto for an ALCS workout day — all the while pontificating on the higher standards the 2015 Astros had set for a franchise that, until this surprising slate, was starved for success.

Jon Lester will start Game 1 of the National League Championship Series on Saturday (7:30 p.m. ET on TBS) for the Cubs, and he will be followed by Jake Arrieta in Game 2, manager Joe Maddon said Thursday.

Cubs shortstop Addison Russell will miss the entire National League Championship Series because of what manager Joe Maddon called a moderate hamstring strain in his left leg.

Before Wednesday, baseball had brought its unique brand of crazy to the postseason stage many a time. Granted, maybe not with so much packed into one 53-minute frame, but there’s a long history of the unexpected and downright unreal sending October drama soaring.

The race for the American League pennant is officially down to two teams, with the Blue Jays and Royals set to square off in the American League Championship Series.

Today is Spirit Day, and that familiar purple glow all over the Internet, all around the world and all throughout Major League Baseball serves as a hopeful message to anyone who is bullied: You are not alone. MLB and its 30 clubs join in a united stand against bullying and to show support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth.