Artificial Turf Wars

Sportsnet's Jamie Campbell stops by to discuss the upcoming broadcast plans, look back at last year's playoff run and subsequent up and down offseason, and look ahead the upcoming season. Greg, Josh and Nick also talk about the Upton/Goins and Tepera/Bolsinger roster decisions, Roberto Osuna's injury, and give their thoughts from Opening Day. They also answer listener questions and give out an April Fools themed Do-Over. Donate to the Turf Pod Patreon by clicking here.Follow Greg on Twitter @coolhead2010Follow Josh on Twitter @joshuahowsamFollow Nick on Twitter @nickdikaFollow TurfPod on Twitter @TurfPod

In their annual 25 in 50 episode, Greg and Josh cover the entire (likely) opening day roster, with two minute breakdowns of each player (and a brief mention of a possible replacement), as well as their picks for the most important pitcher and hitter. 

Danny Russell of DRays Bay stop by to discuss the Rays in the final episode of the AL East preview series. They go over the Archer-led pitching staff, with a look at some of the confusing trade rumours, the Drew Smyly deal, Evan Longoria's 2016 resurgence, and the jam-packed Tampa outfield. Greg and Josh also discuss the Aaron Sanchez contract issue, John Gibbons sticking around for another few years, the pending full returns of Josh Donaldson and Devon Travis, Francisco Liriano's dominance, and the messy left field situation. 

Jake English of Birds Eye View stops by to preview the Baltimore Orioles are part of the 2017 AL East preview series. He discusses the continual lack of strength/depth in the rotation, Chris Tillman's injury, the slugging offense, and some fancy roster maneuvering by Dan Duquette. Greg and Josh also discuss the recent returns to "action" for Josh Donaldson and Devon Travis, Kendrys Morales' continued spring success, Canada's abysmal showing in the World Baseball classic, Jose Bautista and Marcus Stroman's STRONG showings, and some approach changes for Kevin Pillar and Justin Smoak. They also give Do-Overs to the Blue Jays social media team and Peter Gammons. 

Matt Kory of Baseball Prospectus stops by to discuss the Red Sox as part of the AL East preview series. He discusses the issues related to David Price's health, compares the Jays rotation to the one in Boston, and looks at which hitters are likely to get better, and which ones are likely to regress. Greg and Josh also discuss the lingering injury to Devon Travis, the rumors surrounding Brett Lawrie, the spring debuts of Steve Pearce and Troy Tulowitzki, Angel Pagan rumours, and Josh's observations from Florida. They also answer listener questions, and give out a Do-Over and a Gold Star.

In the first AL East preview episode of the year, BP Bronx's Stacey Gotsulias stops by to preview the New York Yankees with discussion about the suspect pitching, the upside and unrealistic expecations of the young hitters, and the villainous Randy Levine. Greg and Josh also go over the news from the first week of Spring Training games, including Joe Biagini's 2017 role, the health of Josh Donaldson, Kendrys Morales' power, the impressive Rowdy Tellez, and notes on performances of Mat Latos and Marcus Stroman. Finally, they answer listener questions and give out a Do-Over. 

Blue Jays pitcher Mike Bolsinger stops by to discuss reaction to his 2016 trade to the Blue Jays, battling for a job in spring training, transitioning from the rotation to the bullpen, and pitch selection. Greg, Josh, and a returning Chris also discuss the latest spring news, including Josh Donaldson's injury, Kevin Pillar's planned change in approach, Devon Travis' potential with the bat, Russell Martin at the WBC, and Jose Bautista contract talk. Finally they answer a bunch of listener questions, give two Do-Overs, and make a special announcement.

Greg Hamilton, coach and director of national teams for Baseball Canada, stops by to discuss Canada's World Baseball Classic team. He details the selection process for the roster, the need for a blend of youth and experience, and how the team reacted to the absence of so many top players. Greg and Josh also break down the last couple weeks of Blue Jays news with a look at the Joe Smith and Mat Latos signings, Aaron Sanchez' being let loose, and the loss of the latest "Catcher of the Future." Finally, they answer listener questions and give a Do-Over to their good buddy, Rob Manfred. 

Greg and Josh discuss the recent signing of left-handed reliever, J.P. Howell, with a look at what role he will fill in the Blue Jays pen and how he compares to other reported options. They also discuss other rumoured free agent targets, Blue Jays prospects and their placements on top prospect lists, and Roy Halladay's election to the Candian Baseball Hall of Fame. Finally, the guys answer a bunch of listener questions and give a Do-Over to Hal Steinbrenner. 

Greg and Josh discuss Jose Bautista's return to Toronto with a look at what he means to the Jays and their fans, his polarizing nature, and how he may be used going forward, as well as a break down of the unusual minutiae in his one year contract. They also discuss the Andrew McCutchen trade rumours, the somewhat unusual Blue Jays arbitration cases, and the Hall of Fame results. Finally, they answer a bunch of listener questions and give out both a Do-Over and a Gold Star.

In Part 2 of the Hall of Fame episode, Greg and Josh are joined first by Sam Mellinger of the KC Star to discuss the pressure of being a first time voter and the differences between filling out a theoretical one and one that will actually count towards the final tally. They also speak to Ben Lindbergh of The Ringer and the Effecitvely Wild podcast about the reasons behind the surge in voting for Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, whether the final ballot effect is the reason for Tim Raines' push, and challenges created by the current Hall of Fame voting system. 

In Part 1 of the two-part Hall of Fame episode of Artificial Turf Wars, Greg and Josh speak to Jay Jaffe about his JAWS metric, how many writers use the stat in determining their own ballots, players he feels are under-served by Hall of Fame voting, and the best players on this year's ballot. They also discuss Jay's upcoming book, The Cooperstown Casebook. Greg and Josh also briefly discuss Jays news concerning Edwin's departure to Cleveland, Jose Bautista rumours, and Aaron Sanchez' new representation before answering listener questions.Part 2 will be released on Thursday morning.

Greg and Josh discuss the latest news surrounding Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista, the extremely slow offseason, and the apparently Blue Jays strategies to fill their remaining roster holes. They also give out a Do Over, take a trip down memory lane to visit a man temporarily called Ralph, and answer a bunch of listener questions.

Greg, Josh, and Nick break down the happenings (and not) from the Winter Meetings in Washington, D.C. They start by discussing the value of recent Blue Jays signing Steve Pearce, then look at the fallout from the Chris Sale trade, Edwin Encarnacion's market crash, Dexter Fowler rumours, Ian Desmond's bizarre contract from the Rockies, and a minor league signing.  Finally, the trio gives out a Do-Over and tackle the Cliché of the Week, "Won the Winter."

Shi Davidi of Sportsnet stops by to discuss the upcoming Winter Meetings, the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and the Jays offseason plans as they relate to budget and potential free agent targets. Greg and Josh also discuss Brett Cecil's departure, Edwin Encarnacion rumours, and then run down the numerous players to whom the Jays have been connected this offseason. Finally, they discuss some of the new CBA's ramifications and answer listener questions.

Greg and Josh break down the recent signings of Kendrys Morales and Lourdes Gurriel Jr., then they go over the Bautista/Encarnacion qualifying offer decisions and their ramifications, the reported offer to Brett Cecil, and some of the goofiness that came along with the Cy Young voting results. They also answer some listener questions and wish a speedy recovery to Jerry Howarth in his fight with prostate cancer. 

MLBPA Certified Player Agent, Joshua Kusnick stops by to discuss the agent role in CBA talks, planning stages for arbitration hearings, the relationship between player and agent, and how an agent must distance themself from their fandom. He also shares a fun story about how he signed one of his current clients. Greg, Josh, and Nick then tee up the offseason with a look at Blue Jays qualifying offers, the markets for Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista, and potential free agent fits for the club. They also answer listener questions, discuss Kevin Pillar's Gold Glove loss, and decided to have some fun with a new game.

Nick Dika joins Greg and Josh to recap the ups and downs of the 2016 season. They go over a bunch of categories ranging from the best moments of the year and top hitters and pitchers on the team, to the most surreal moment and when it really felt like rock bottom. There are plenty of highs to discuss, plenty of lows, and a couple of straight up confusing moments. Finally, they top it all off by awarding the Do-Over of the year and then sharing their final overall thoughts on the season that was. 

Greg and Josh react to a tough ALCS loss to Cleveland in five games, with a specific look at what went wrong with the offense - other than a select few players - the solid starting and incredible relief pitching, the futures of Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista, and the overall insanity of the postseason. They also give out a Do-Over to yet further inaccuracy from the TBS broadcast and then answer a whole slate of listener questions.

Jeff Sullivan of Fangraphs stops by to preview the upcoming ALCS with a focus on the liberal use of platoons, the deep Andrew Miller-led bullpen and its effect on the depleted Cleveland rotation, and specific matchups between the two clubs. Greg and Josh then go back over the ALDS against Texas game by game, highlighting specific things that stood out from the series and what they could mean going forward. They also address the health of Devon Travis and Francisco Liriano, answer listener questions, and give out a couple of Do-Overs.