The Thursday American League Playoffs game thread

The part of the playoffs that doesn't involve one game to rule them all gets underway today. The first of the day's games will be played between the Rangers and Blue Jays. What do you think would have to happen for Texas to win this series? There is always the possibility of just about anything happening in a short series, but how likely is it that the Rangers will both bomb Blue Jays pitching and have their own pitching hold Toronto to a small number of runs? Just look at that lineup!

It's tough to muster any strong feelings either way about the Rangers. I've thought about it quite a lot and at this moment I can't like them or hate them. I do, however, have strong feelings against the Jays, so... the choice is pretty obvious here.

That'll be the same for the later matchup between the Astros and Royals. Do I like the Astros? No. I don't dislike them either. Do I want the Royals to be swept in a way that leaves them scratching their heads, wondering what happened even though they know they're the better team? Abso-freaking-lutely.

The afternoon game gets underway at 3:37pm Eastern. The later game is at 7:37pm Eastern. Both of these games will be on Fox Sports 1. If you do not get this channel, or are not at a place where you can put said channel on the television, your sole alternative is essentially to row, row, row your boat.