Here’s a by-the-numbers look at how the Blue Jays clawed their way to first place from under .500 and trailing the New York Yankees by eight games. Toronto topped the division with a three-game lead over the Yankees heading into Monday’s game against the Chicago White Sox.

Severino currently owns a 7.04 ERA in the bandbox the A's occupy in West Sacramento, but a 3.04 ERA on the road. It could be seen as a risk for Toronto to take on the remainder of his three-year, $67 million contract (this is year one), but risks are often necessary to win championships.

With three weeks to go until the deadline, the former GM weighs in on four hypothetical trades to fill the Blue Jays' key needs.