TORONTO — For years, as the Toronto Blue Jays closely watched the way the Los Angeles Dodgers operated and in the lead-up to their epic World Series clash last fall, Andrew Friedman made it clear the reverse held true as well. 

“Probably our largest focal point and biggest goal was to try to create a destination spot where our own players didn't want to leave and where players from other teams wanted to come, and I think, invariably, we find ourselves going up against the Blue Jays a lot in different ways, and they have created that as well,” the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations said back on Oct. 24, when asked what stuck out to him about the way his rival is run.

“They have done a really good job with their facilities, the way they communicate, how they help get the most out of players. I think they have done a tremendous job.”

When the same question was posed to Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins, he pointed to the Dodgers’ “open-minded nature. Andrew has also kept a lot of staff members around. There is a commitment to his people. Obviously, it starts with their ownership. They have continued to build upon really good resources. Those are all things I would say the Blue Jays are trying to do as well.”

Those feelings of mutual admiration were tested during a fiercely fought Fall Classic won by the Dodgers, and are sure to hit differently Monday (Sportsnet and Sportsnet , 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT), when the teams........

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