I prefer to look at the glass half full IF the Jays don't get 1st in the AL. Perhaps they will have a chip on their shoulder because of it, a chip that would certainly help them focus in the ALDS. Personally, between the Rangers, Yankees, Astros, and Angels, I don't care who they play. They can beat any of those teams. Are the Jays firing on all cylinders? No. But the Jays have 8 under the hood while the teams listed above are working with 6. Doesn't mean the Jays automatically win, but I like their chances with the way AA has the team constructed and the way Gibby has them playing.
Yeah, 1st would be nice but if KC loses their series it's moot or if a ALCS against KC goes less than 7 games it's also moot. That's why a rested team is a little more important.
I would be curious as to why if Buehrle gets left off the playoff roster. I know teams go with a shortened rotation but you'd think an extra starter would come in handy just in the event that one of the top 4 goes down to injury. At this point I'd rather Buehrle over Hutch in the playoffs.