Artificial Turf Wars

Jamie Campbell of Blue Jays Central on Sportsnet stops by the podcast to discuss the crazy Wild Card game against Baltimore and to lay the groundwork for the upcoming ALDS series against the Texas Rangers. Greg and Josh also break down the game, with a look at special performances from the two big sluggers, the beleaguered bullpen, and the surprising Ezequiel Carrera. They also discuss the Roberto Osuna injury and the last few games of the regular season. Finally, they answer a bunch of listener questions and give a unique Do-Over to the person tossed a beer at Baltimore's Hyun-soo Kim.

Greg and Josh discuss the tragic passing of José Fernández and his impact on both the Marlins and the baseball world at large, the ill-timed Blue Jays bench-clearing melée and the injury-related fallout, the stellar starting pitching and the not so stellar bullpen, Jose Bautista's comic-book hero status, and the slumping lineup. They also answer a bunch of listener questions, give out a Do-Over to the Sportsnet graphics crew for their erroneous ERA leaderboard, decide Steve Clevenger does NOT deserve Do Over rights, and hand out a Cliché of the Week.

Jay Jaffe of Sports Illustrated stops by to discuss his support for "Team Entropy" - the chaos that can be created when there are multiple teams tied for playoff spots. He runs down some of the potential fun of this year's pennant race, while also weighing in on playoff roster sizes and series regulations. Greg and Josh also discuss Marco Estrada's bounceback start, Edwin Encarnacion's impressive season, the Blue Jays second home in Seattle, and the still slumping offence. Finally, they answer listener questions, discuss some fun Jays stats from the past week, and give out a special award to Rick Porcello. 

Greg and Josh go over the last week in Blue Jays land with a focus on the strange offensive approach and struggles, the ineffective middle relief, and the inconsistent defence. They also discuss Josh Donaldson's injury and its potential impact on the team, the hiring of Ben Cherington, the resurgence of Brett Cecil, and some of the new Blue Jays ticketing plans. They finish things off with listene questions, a couple of Gold Stars, and a Do-Over that hits a little close to home. 

Matt Kory of Baseball Prospectus (and many other sites) stops by to discuss the upcoming battle between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays with a note on which hitters and pitchers are coming in playing well. He also discusses the challenges that Yoan Moncada faces as a young prospect who has been thrust into the spotlight of pennant race and the Mookie Betts/Josh Donaldson MVP race battle. Greg and Josh also lament the extremely sorry state of the Jays in the last week, with a specific look at struggling hitters and pitchers. Finally, they answer questions from depressed listeners and give a half do-over to some announcers around the league. 

Jesse Goldberg-Strassler of the Lansing Lugnuts stops by to discuss some of the prospects that have made their way through the affiliate this season, as well as a general look at the organizational strength in developing pitchers. Greg and Josh also discuss the return of Dioner Navarro to Toronto, the offensive explosion against the Minnesota Twins and the excellent starting pitching against Baltimore, Aaron Sanchez' dominance of righthanded hitters, Josh Donaldson's "hat trick," and the interesting ways the Jays can line up their rotation. Finally they go over September callups and answer some listener questions.  

Dr. Alan Nathan, Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois and Physics of Baseball researcher stops by to discuss his work on the potential causes for the spike in home runs this season as well as the increased speed of the ball off the bat. Greg and Josh also discuss some positive trade outcomes, the returns of Jose Bautista and Kevin Pillar (and their effects on the lineup), Aaron Sanchez' brief stop in Dunedin, the improvements of Melvin Upton Jr., and the pending Edwin Encarnacion lawsuit. Finally, they answer listener questions and give out a couple of Do-Overs. 

Greg and Josh break down the last week in Blue Jays land, with a look at the 5-2 record, the offensive ups and downs that led to shutouts and outbursts, the hot streaks from Russell Martin and Troy Tulowitzki, a fun outcome from a Josh Donaldson/John Gibbons dugout clash, the reinforcements for the bottom of the batting order, the continued brilliance of J.A. Happ, and a suddenly lock down bullpen. They also answer listener questions before giving out two Do-Overs and providing Bartolo Colon with a Gold Star.

Greg and Nick take a look at the Blue Jays week against Kansas City and Tampa Bay where the offense continued to struggle, a sixth man was added to the rotation, as well as Kevin Pillar hitting the DL for the first time in his career. The bullpen continues to swap out parts looking for the right fit, and we try and guess who gets the call in place of Danny Barnes. The listeners provide a couple of deep questions (maybe not intentionally), and we touch on the impending retirement of Tex, A-Rod and Prince.

Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette stops by to discuss the Francisco Liriano to Toronto deal with a focus on how the move is being received in Pittsburgh, the value and upside of the prospects in the deal, and what the Blue Jays can expect to get out of the mercurial lefty. Greg and Josh also discuss the recent series against the Orioles and the ongoing one against Houston, the strange handling of the message in the Aaron Sanchez situation by the Blue Jays, the offensive struggles, and Marcus Stroman's recent resurgence. Finally, the guys answer listener questions and give out a Gold Star to Joey Votto.  

Dr Mike Sonne rejoins the podcast to discuss his latest study. The talk (and piece) focuses on different stresses on pitchers that suggest a move to the bullpen for Aaron Sanchez may not make sense. Greg and Josh also discuss the trades for Melvin Upton Jr. and Joaquin Benoit, some quirks from the 12 inning game, J.A. Happ's return to his Pittsburgh ways, Aaron Sanchez' dominance, and the struggles of Josh Thole. Finally, the guys give Do Overs to some of their favourite targets, Pat Tabler and MLB. 

Adam McIntuff of Baseball Prospectus' scouting/prospects team stops by to discuss some of the better prospects in the Jays system as the team heads into the non-waiver trade deadline. Greg and Josh also go over the post-break slate of games, with a particular focus on the leaky bullpen and its potential reinforcements, Marcus Stroman's adjustments, the returns of Jose Bautista and Chris Colabello, and the tight race in the AL East. Finally, they give out a Do Over and Josh suggests actually rooting for the Yankees in the short term. 

Dan Szymborski of ESPN.com stops by to go over the ZiPS projections for Blue Jays players in the second half (with focus on J.A. Happ, Troy Tulowitzki, and Russell Martin), discuss All Star break fun, and to play Swing and a Drive. Greg and Josh also talk about the pre-break, four game set against the Tigers, with special focus on the pitching of Happ and R.A. Dickey. They also break down the All-Star game festivities - including a bit of marveling at the wonder that is Giancarlo Stanton - before looking ahead to the upcoming games against the AL and NL West. Finally, the guys answer listener questions and turn the Do Over gaze inward. 

Kate Morrison of Baseball Prospectus stops by the podcast to discuss the recent Save America's Pastime Act, why MLB wants it put in, and how it can affect the livelihoods of minor leaguers, all while dispelling an important myth about minor league team viability. Greg and Josh break down the recent slate of play, including the Canada Day marathon and its fallout, Troy Tulowitzki's rennaissance, Marcus Stroman's turnaround, the All-Star selections of Josh Donaldson, Edwin Encarnacion, and Marco Estrada. Estrada's DL stint was also covered, as well as his possible replacement. Finally, the boys give a Do-Over to Buck Martinez and answer a whole bunch of listener questions.

Hazel Mae of Sportsnet stops by the podcast to discuss Troy Tulowitzki's return to Colorado, the difference between her broadcast work in the USA and Canada, and the preparation involved with on-field interviews. Then Greg, Josh, and guest host Nick Dika discuss the latest Aaron Sanchez news, Marcus Stroman's adjustments, Devon Travis' offensive surge, the injury to Gavin Floyd, and the pending returns of Brett Cecil and Franklin Morales. They also answer listener questions, give out a Do-Over, and a Gold Star.

Greg and Josh discuss Marcus Stroman's struggles, Michael Saunders' incredible season, Jose Bautista's injury, the return of Troy Tulowitzki,the impact on the pen of the injury recoveries from Brett Cecil and Franklin Morales, and the Wade LeBlanc trade. They also answer listener questions and give a gold star to John Gibbons for the fun he has with his team and after games.

Greg and Josh discuss Edwin Encarnacion's latest hot streak, the improved offense overall, the plan to move Sanchez to the bullpen, Marco Estrada's dominant/historic run, J.A. Happ's recent shakiness, and the MLB Draft. They also give out a Do Over and a Cliché of the Week. 

Free agent relief pitcher David Aardsma stops by the podcast to discuss the decision-making process that comes with opting out of a contract, what's next in his job search, analytics and how they can make a pitcher better, the draft and college pitcher usage, and why steroid testing procedures are very important. Josh and Greg also discuss the excellent rotation, the effect Jason Grilli could have on the rest of the bullpen, Troy Tulowitzki's return and what it means for the infield, and give some quick thoughts on the MLB First Year Player Draft. They also answer listener questions, and discuss Yordano Ventura's anger issues. 

Josh and Greg discuss the incredible recent run against the Red Sox and Yankees, with a focus on the improving offense, the great starting pitching, and some issue with Marcus Stroman's pitch mix. They also discuss the trade for Jason Grilli, the loss of Jimmy Paredes and its effect on the bullpen, and Jose Bautista's recent comments to Sports Illustrated. Finally, they answer listener questions, give a Do-Over to Pat Tabler, and honour a retiring Canadian baseball legend.

Greg and Chris discuss all the John Gibbons ejections and how they all fit in with the unwritten rules of the game, returns to health from Devon Travis (he's back!) and Aaron Loup, the odd Blue Jays offense, and Michael Saunders. They then answer a bunch listener mail, give out a gold star to Demarlo Hale, and discuss the potential of signing recently DFA'd Brian Matusz.