Artificial Turf Wars

In the first episode of the AL East season preview series, Jake English of Bird's Eye View stops by to talk about the Orioles' offseason, their choices to stay the course, Adam Jones and his defensive future, and the best and worst case scenarios for last year's division basement dweller. Greg, Josh, and Nick also discuss the intriguing notes from the early spring games including Curtis Granderson's power, Anthony Alford's strong showing, and Roberto Osuna's velocity. They also discuss the signing of Seung-hwan Oh, the release of Ezequiel Carrera, Marcus Stroman's shoulder inflammation, and Sportsnet's new pre-game crew. Finally, they answer listener questions and hand out 2017's first Cliché of the Week. 

Greg and Josh break down the latest news of the week starting with the impacts of the confusing offseasons of the Rays and Orioles and the Red Sox' signing of J.D. Martinez. Then they discuss the impasse in Josh Donaldson's contract negotiations, the Blue Jays lack of desire for a new backup catcher, Marcus Stroman's new delivery, and Aaron Sanchez and Devon Travis' progression in injury recovery. Finally, they answer listener questions, give a Gold Star to Dan Haren and Jered Weaver, and hand out a Do Over for a bizarre rumour. 

Greg and Josh break down the news of the last week in Blue Jays land with a look at the signing of Jaime Garcia, what that and potential future moves mean for Joe Biagini, and how the depth signings of Craig Breslow, John Axford, and Jake Petricka fit into the mix. They also discuss the early news from spring about Devon Travis, Troy Tulowitzki, and Aaron Sanchez, the retirement of broadcast legend Jerry Howarth, and the opening day tribute and jersey retirement for the late Roy Halladay. They also answer listener questions, give out a Do Over, and introduce a new, once-a-year segment, "The First Goose Sighting of Spring." 

Emily Waldon of The Athletic Detroit stops by to discuss the treatment of minor leaguers including the low pay, non-baseball requirements, movements for change, and what people can do to help. Greg and Josh also talk about the war of words between players, agents, and the MLB, Joe Biagini's viability as a 5th starter and the subsequent impact on the rest of the pitching staff, and the current offensive roster and the many options it presents for manager John Gibbons. Finally, they answer listener questions and give a Do Over to a player agent. 

Player agent Joshua Kusnick stops by to discuss prepping for free agency, fallout from the slow offseason, and how he helps his players deal with the extremely long waiting game. Shi Davidi also join the show to talk about the slew of Jays moves and what they likely mean going forward this offseason. He also goes into the current payroll situation and how he believes they will allocate their remaining funds. Greg and Nick discuss the Randal Grichuk trade, the rumour that the Jays came second place in the Christian Yelich sweepstakes, and the apparently immovable Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Finally, they give out a Do Over to a former Blue Jay.

Greg and Josh are joined by Nick Dika as they discuss the latest two pickups by the Toronto Blue Jays. First, they talk about the trade for Yangervis Solarte and the versatility that he brings to the club, then they discuss how newly signed Curtis Granderson fits into the roster and debate what it can/should mean for the club going forward. They also tackle the incredibly slow offseason and talk of collusion/other market effects, with particular focus on the facts presented in Jeff Passan's latest column for Yahoo Sports. Finally, they answer listener questions, give out two Do Overs, and hand out a Gold Star.

Greg and Josh take a look at some of the causes for the extremely slow start to the offseason before breaking down rumours involving Josh Harrison and J.D. Martinez, as well as Josh Donaldson extension talks. They also discuss Baseball Prospectus' Top 10 Blue Jays prospect list and Anthony Alford's success in the Mexican League before finishing things up by answering listener questions.

With the Blue Jays still not having made a move since the Aledmys Diaz acquisition, Greg and Josh instead take a look at how the moves by the Angels (Ohtani, Kinsler, Cozart), Yankees (Stanton), Rays (Trading Longoria), and Orioles (Britton achilles rupture) affect the Blue Jays and their likely plans for the rest of the offseason. They also explore the latest round of Josh Donaldson trade rumors and discuss the release of Baseball America's top 10 Blue Jays prospects and the glowing reports on Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. Finally they answer listener questions, give a Do Over, and go over some of the fun reactions to Derek Jeter's Town Hall event in Miami.

ESPN's Dan Szymborski stops by to discuss his ZiPS projections for the Blue Jays in 2018, with specific discussion about the middle infield, Aaron Sanchez, and the general direction of the team. Greg, Josh, and Nick then discuss the Aledmys Diaz pickup, Shohei Ohtani not joining the Jays, the non-tenders of Ryan Goins and Tom Koehler, the Marcus Stroman/Jeff Blair feud, and Gregg Zaun being fired by Sportsnet. They also answer listener questions and bring on a Patron to play Swing and a Drive.

Greg and Josh discuss the recent Jays and MLB News including the seemingly bizarre J.D. Martinez-Blue Jays rumour and different routes the Blue Jays could go this offseason, the recent 40-man additions, the trade for Gift Ngoepe, the latest, seemingly final twist in the Shohei Ohtani posting saga, and the heavy sanctions laid against the Atlanta organization for various violations. Finally, they answer listener questions and give out a Do-Over to Joe Morgan and the Baseball Hall of Fame.

A tribute episode to Roy Halladay, following his tragic death. Scott Crawford, Director of Operations for the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame stops by to discuss his memories from Halladay's recent induction weekend and his impact on baseball in Canada. Greg and Josh then share their own memories of the great Blue Jays ace and his impact on their lives. Finally, they get read some Halladay stories from their listeners and talk about their view of Roy Halladay's five best starts of his career.  

Shi Davidi of Sportsnet stops by to discuss the recent Blue Jays staff changes, Ross Atkins' "Impact" bat/arm comments, the upcoming offseason, and the idea that the Jays should go for it again in 2018. Greg and Josh also give their thoughts on the World Series (including predictions), run down the performance of Jays prospects in the Arizona Fall League and the Dominican Winter League, and look at a potential 2018 outfield. Finally, they give their own thoughts on competing in 2018, answer listener questions, and give out a Do Over.   

Greg, Josh, and Nick break down the entire 2017 season by giving out individual awards. There are the obvious ones such as Team MVP, Best Hitter, of Best Pitcher, but the guys also nominate their own candidates for Best Quote, Clutch Performer, Best Dive, The Not-Pat-Venditte Award, Do Over of the Year, and more. 

Greg and Josh go over the final week of the season and the decisions and press conferences from the immediate aftermath. They discuss Jose Bautista's final games and the declining of his option, Josh Donaldson's desire to remain in Toronto, the early outlook for the upcoming offseason based on comments from Ross Atkins, the murky future for Devon Travis, and the ballot goofiness from the Blue Jays team award voting. They also answer listener questions and give out two Do Overs, one to MLB and one the Giancarlo Stanton. 

2016 first round draft pick T.J. Zeuch stops by to discuss life leading up to the draft, how he picked his university, the nomadic lifestyle of a recent draftee, and prepping for the upcoming Arizona Fall League. Greg and Josh also go deep on the legacy and (likely) final home days for Jose Bautista, the unreal finish for Josh Donaldson, the Bautista-esque September from Teoscar Hernandez, and Marcus Stroman's quest for 200 innings. Finally, they take listener questions and give out a Cliché of the Week and a Gold Star.

Sung Min Kim of Sporting News stops by talk Shohei Otani and what we could be in the big leagues, the posting systems in Japan and Korea, and other potential stars we could see being posted over the next couple of years. Greg and Josh also discuss the Marco Estrada extension, Jose Bautista's farewell tour, Roberto Osuna's increased velocity, faces of the franchise, and a truly 2017 Toronto Blue Jays moment. Finally, they answer listener questions and give out Do Overs to Mark Shapiro and Matt Dermody.

Greg and Josh discuss the recent news in Blue Jays land starting with the recent four game winning streak (and two wins over the Orioles). They continue with a breakdown of Joe Biagini's odd recent string of starts, take a look at the play (and projection) of the September call ups, express disappointment at Aaron Sanchez being shut down, parse Ross Atkins' words, and examine the recently released 2018 schedule. Finally, they answer listener questions, give a Do Over to the Blue Jays stadium ops, look at a bizarre ESPN segment, and talk about Darwin Barney's failed attempt at a slide.

Josh and Greg run down every DL trip so far in 2017, then ask whether Roberto Osuna should be there too. They also make important rulings about four home run games and four strikeout innings, look at some September callups, and discuss Brett Anderson's success and Twitter comments. Following that, they talk with Emily Waldon of 2080 Baseball about a host of Blue Jays still making their way through the minor leagues, featuring Anthony Alford, Vlad Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and more. Finally, they hand out their most generous Do-Over ever to the Red Sox.

Former major league pitcher David Aardsma stops by to talk about playing out the string on a losing club, dealing with watching the game while injured from the sidelines, and MLB's current issues with the juiced ball. Greg and Nick also discuss the debut of Brett Anderson, Joe Biagini's attempt to rejoin the rotation, another week of poor play from the Jays, and the new Player's Weekend. Finally, they answer listener questions, give a Do Over to the Texas Rangers, and a Gold Star to die hard Blue Jays fans.

Dr. Mike Sonne stops by to discuss red flags that are appearing both in Roberto Osuna's Stuff rating and his workload, as measured by Dr. Sonne's Fatigue Units statistic. He also discusses the Jays bullpen as a whole and how the stuff metric can be used to potentially show injuries. Greg and Josh then quickly discuss the nightmarish end to the Cubs series, Josh Donaldson's extreme hot streak, and goofy injuries before talking about the Golden Sombrero and the fastest pitch ever thrown. Finally, they answer listener questions and give out a Do Over to the MLB Umpires.