TORONTO - There was no escaping the onslaught of hype in the Ontario capital on Tuesday as the Toronto Blue Jays kicked off their much-anticipated 2013 season against the Cleveland Indians.
After a wild off-season of major trades and big-name signings, the Blue Jays appear poised to become a contender again in the American League East.
Local newspapers beefed up their sections with preview material while many radio and television stations had the regular-season opener as their top news story.
The Blue Jays haven't been to the playoffs since winning the World Series in 1993. With stars like R.A. Dickey, Jose Reyes and Josh Johnson joining a team anchored by sluggers Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion, many Toronto fans are convinced the Jays will finally make their long-awaited return to the post-season.
The buzz is definitely back in The Big Smoke.
"They didn't make just one move, they didn't make small moves, they made huge, huge decisions to make it happen this year and the next couple years," said Sam Bavaro, a Jays fan from Newmarket, Ont. "So I think this is the year they finally kick it off."
There was a strut in the step of many fans as they piled into Rogers Centre before the game. Many were clad in blue-and-white jerseys while others waved flags and chanted "Go Jays Go."
"I'm looking forward to at least a playoff run," Bavaro said. "I think in the past couple years, we've gotten close and we've had promising young stars. I think this year we've covered every aspect.
"We're above average in every category. I think we're going to make it happen this year."
It wasn't exactly baseball weather outside. Temperatures hovered near the freezing mark and stiff winds made it feel much colder.
It was quite comfortable inside the domed stadium. A sellout crowd of 48,857 took in the action but most fans went home unhappy after the Blue Jays dropped a 4-1 decision.
Toronto finished fourth in the American League East last season with a 73-89 record. The team's payroll rose significantly in the off-season and is now over the US$122-million mark.
The big spending and roster changes have fans dreaming of October baseball.
"The last time they won was '93 and I was born in '94, so I haven't even seen any of that," Bavaro said. "Ever since I started getting into baseball I've been hoping for it and getting more and more excited every year.
"I think this is finally the year where they're going to push as hard as they can."
His friend, Luke Fiore of Newmarket, Ont., was also hoping for big things.
"I think they're going to win the pennant," he said. "They're going to have three or four all-stars on the team, maybe even (win) a Cy Young 鈥� I'm thinking about R.A. Dickey, Brandon Morrow or Josh Johnson.
"They're not going to surprise everyone but they're going to meet everyone's expectations."
The Blue Jays will play two more games against the Indians before hosting the Boston Red Sox for three games over the weekend.
