Artificial Turf Wars

Greg and Josh prepare for the end of the Blue Jays’ season with a look forward at the surprisingly meaningful final series against Tampa and avoiding a 100 loss season, then a look back at recent events like Vladimir Guerrero Jr’s controversy-causing weightlifting comments, Cavan Biggio’s cycle, injuries and illnesses for Lourdes Gurriel Jr, Bo Bichette and Anthony Kay, the strong finish for Ken Giles and the appearance of the unknown in Breyvic Valera. Finally, the answer a slew of listener questions and give a Gold Star to a pitcher for the Texas Rangers.

In their latest foray into Blue Jays news/notes, Greg and Josh discuss Toronto’s quest to avoid 100 losses and how likely/unlikely that has seemed at various points over the last couple of weeks, Trent Thornton’s “no-hitter” and he change to his repertoire that accompanied it, Anthony Kay’s impressive debut, the defensive challenges facing this team now and in the future, Wilmer Font locking down the opener role and earning a spot on next year’s club, Rowdy Tellez and Cavan Biggio playing better as they look to establish themselves as big leaguers and Anthony Alford simply not playing at all. Finally they answer listener questions and give out a Do Over to the Mets manager.

Greg and Josh discuss the announced return of Eric Sogard, the wealth of September call ups, TJ Zeuch debuting as a bulk-inning reliever, the playing time crunch in the outfield, Anthony Kay’s pending debut, Ken Giles throwing on back-to-back days, the return of Ryan Tepera and potential extensions for some young Blue Jays. They also answer listener questions and give out a Do-Over to one of the best hitters of all-time.

Greg and Josh break down the latest news and stories from Blue Jays land including Bo Bichette’s continued hot start to his career with two home runs against Clayton Kershaw, Vlad Guerrero Jr’s march back into the Rookie of the Year conversation, the ups and downs of the young Toronto rotation with surprise results from Jacob Waguespack and inconsistent – both in performance and pitch selection – work from Trent Thornton, returns to health from Clay Buchholz and Ryan Tepera and a brief look at the performance of the baby Jays over the last month or two. Finally, they answer listener questions and give out both a Players’ Weekend-related Do-Over and a Gold Star.

Greg and Josh discuss the latest string of good play and what it suggests fans should look for going forward. They also break down the epic Vladimir Guerrero Jr. vs Aroldis Chapman showdown and the “it factor” that players like Vlad possess, Bo Bichette continuing to break record, Freddy Galvis being waived and how that impacts the roster going forward, the Justin Smoak/Rowdy Tellez playing time mess, Ken Giles’ “health” and the struggles of the front office to get a popular message across. Finally, they answer listener questions.

Greg and Josh go take a look at the post-deadline state of the Jays, starting with the incredible, record-breaking debut of Bo Bichette. They discuss his tremendous numbers, how the skill set seems to apply to big league pitching, and a couple of things he still needs to work on. They also talk about the latest injury to Ryan Borucki and the worries associated with it, the acquisition of Zack Godley and the impressive performance of Jacob Waguespack. They also answer listener questions and give a half gold star to the Toronto Blue Jays.

In a Trade Deadline special episode, Greg and Josh break down the Jays’ activity over the last couple of days, specifically focusing on the Aaron Sanchez/Joe Biagini/Cal Stevenson deal for Derek Fisher and the David Phelps and Daniel Hudson deals for Thomas Hatch and Kyle Johnston, respectively. They also discuss general thoughts on the Jays’ success/strategies at the deadline and how they played out.

Jeffrey Paternostro (8:30) of Baseball Prospectus stop by to break down the prospects received in trade for Marcus Stroman and whether he thinks it was a fair deal, as well as discussing the state of the Rays’ lower minors which impacts the Eric Sogard trade. Greg and Josh also give their own takes on the shock of Stroman going to the Mets, his reaction to the trade, the state of the rotation following his departure, the rules for the PsTBNL in the Sogard deal, the promotion of Bo Bichette, the unusual reassignment of Shelley Duncan and some quick thoughts on recent comebacks and blown leads against Tampa. Finally, they answer a slew of listener questions and give out a Do-Over to the home club.

Greg and Josh go over the last two weeks of news in Blue Jays land. They discuss their impressions of the Home Run Derby and Vlad’s performance, Joc Pederson’s unfortunate fate, a small tweak to the format and Pete Alonso being relegated to footnote status despite his win. They also go over Bo Bichette’s recent comments and what we should take away from that, take a look at the performance of some of the Blue Jays’ middle of the diamond players, break down the status of the various trade candidates, and discuss new acquisition Wilmer Font and his likely role with the club. Finally, they answer listener questions, talk about Bud Selig’s silly opinions, and discuss a couple of recent tragic deaths, one of which hit close to home.

Greg and Josh discuss the latest news and developments in Blue Jays land including the strong performance of the lineup over the last month, with specific discussion of the play of Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Eric Sogard, and Freddy Galvis, as well as a look at the improvements of late from Danny Jansen and his strength on both sides of the ball. They also take a look at the struggles of the rotation, especially those not named Marcus Stroman, with a further look at what can be done with Aaron Sanchez and the root of his struggles. Finally, they answer listener questions and give out yet another Do-Over to the New York Mets.

Greg and Josh discuss the latest news and developments in Blue Jays land including the strong performance of the lineup over the last month, with specific discussion of the play of Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Eric Sogard, and Freddy Galvis, as well as a look at the improvements of late from Danny Jansen and his strength on both sides of the ball. They also take a look at the struggles of the rotation, especially those not named Marcus Stroman, with a further look at what can be done with Aaron Sanchez and the root of his struggles. Finally, they answer listener questions and give out yet another Do-Over to the New York Mets.

Jesse Goldberg-Strassler, the voice of the Lansing Lugnuts, stops by (26:45) to break down some of the prospects in the Blue Jays system with a special focus on Lansing, but also with stops at other affiliates along the way. Greg and Josh also discuss Lourdes Gurriel Jr.’s incredible run at the plate and in the field, Marcus Stroman trade rumours and what does and does not make sense, Ken Giles’ return to health and prominence, Rowdy’s quietly incredible week, Eric Sogard’s baffling continued good hitting, and various players on their way back from injury. Finally, they answer listener questions and give out a Do-Over to Adam Eaton.

Greg and Josh go over the developments from the last week in Blue Jays land. They discuss Lourdes Gurriel’s power surge and his future as a big league outfielder, Rowdy Tellez power and lack of patience, Cavan Biggio’s recent improvents, Marcus Stroman’s reversion in his pitch mix and the impact that could have on his performance, Aaron Sanchez’ disturbing trend of poor performances and his diminished fastball, and the various injuries and returns, including Ken Giles. They also discuss the bizarre Tampa-Montreal sharing report, answer listener questions and give out a Do-Over to the MLB Umpires Association.

Greg and Josh go over the stories from a winless week in Blue Jays land. They discuss Lourdes Gurriel Jr.’s improved hitting and fielding and what it could mean for the future of the roster, a deceptively successful bullpen performance so far this month, Ken Giles’ injury and the impact that could have on trades, the promotion of Jordan Romano, and Aaron Sanchez’ continued struggles with command.

Finally, they answer listener questions, give out a Gold Star, and debate the merits of Madison Bumgarner’s views on emotion in the game.

Jeffrey Paternostro of Baseball Prospectus stops by to review the Blue Jays draft (22:30), including both the top picks and some later interesting selections. He also goes into the advantage the Blue Jays can have when it comes to scouting Canadian talent. Greg and Josh also discuss the odd decision to make Teoscar Hernández the primary centerfielder and how that reflects on Randal Grichuk’s contract, some pitching reinforcements on the way, a really rough road trip, Ken Giles’ dominance, and some healthy starts from Aaron Sanchez and Marcus Stroman.