While the city is focused on the playoff drives of both the Raptors and the Maple Leafs, the Blue Jays are off to their best start since 2009.The Blue Jays were expected to struggle this season, but are off to a 12-5 start after sweeping the Kansas City Royals this week. They are three games back of the first-place Red Sox, but 3.5 games ahead of the Yankees. The Jays in 2009 also had a 12-5 mark after starting off the season at 9-1. It was downhill after that, though. They ended the year at 75-87, and fourth in the American League East.Even in their two last playoff seasons, the Jays only had a .500 record at this point in the year.But keep in mind that the Jays have had a soft schedule so far, beating up teams with records far below .500 (Royals 3-13; Orioles 5-13; White Sox 4-11; Rangers 7-13). So the hot start can be taken with a grain of salt, but it’s still a lot more fun than last year’s miserable 2-11 record on this date last year.A better test for the Jays starts tonight in New York with a four-game series against the Yankees (8-8), before a three-game home series against the Red Sox (15-2).Aaron Sanchez (1-1, 3.66 ERA) gets the start for the Jays tonight vs. the Yanks’ CC Sabathia (0-0, 4.00 ERA).--Records after April 18 games for the last 10 years:2009 — 9-4, first place in the AL East2010 — 7-6, third place2011 — 7-9, tied for second place2012 — 6-5, second place2013 — 7-9, fourth place2014 — 9-8, third place2015 — 6-6, fourth place2016 — 7-7, second place2017 — 2-11, last place2018 — 12-5, second placeSOURCE: MLB.com
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