Artificial Turf Wars

Before getting into their annual 25 in 50 breakdown, Greg and Josh discuss the trade of Kendrys Morales to the Oakland Athletics and why the Jays made the move. Then take two minutes per player to break down all 24 members of the opening day roster and the two people fighting for the last spot, Bud Norris and Javy Guerra.

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R.J. Anderson of CBS stops by to preview the Tampa Bay Rays in the final AL East Preview episode. He talks about the "opener's" contributions to the Rays' success in 2018, the lack of spending this offseason, the various strengths and weaknesses of the rotation and offence, and visits from ghosts in team hotels. Greg and Josh also discuss the rash of injuries to the bullpen (Ryan Tepera, John Axford, Bud Norris) and the effect that will have on the relief corps that the club takes north, the latest setback for Dalton Pompey, the extension signed by Eloy Jimenez and what that could mean for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and the potential return of Jordan Romano to the Blue Jays. Finally, they answer listener questions and give out a Gold Star to the Blue Jays.

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Jay Jaffe of Fangraphs stop by to preview the New York Yankees. He discussed the non-pursuit of Manny Machado, the current infield with Troy Tulowitzki at SS and DJ LeMahieu in utility role, the pitching depth, the position battle at 1B, and the up and downsides for this team. Greg and Josh also go over the latest spring news including Vlad Jr.'s injury, the rotation announcement, the successes of Bo Bichette and Anthony Alford, and Mark Shapiro's recent comments. Finally they answer listener questions, give two Do Overs, and ponder the recently announced rule changes to MLB.

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Jake English of Birds Eye View Baltimore stops by to look ahead at the Orioles as part of the AL East preview series. They go over tips when watching a terrible team and what kinds of things to look forward to from a bottom feeding club. Greg and Josh also discuss the signings of Clay Buchholz and Bud Norris, the effects of those moves both on the roster machinations and the clubhouse chemistry, Devon Travis' continued injury issues, Aaron Sanchez' strong spring debut, and some wonder from Vlad Jr. Finally, they answer listener questions and analyze the potential rule change to add a 26th man to the roster in 2020.

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In the first AL East Preview episode of 2019, Matt Kory stops by to talk all things Red Sox. He goes over the inactivity this offseason, the depth in the bullpen following the departures of Joe Kelly (Dodgers) and Craig Kimbrel (unsigned), risk in the rotation, the shallow farm, and the prospects for a repeat division title. Greg and Josh also discuss Ross Atkins' latest comments on Vlad Guerrero Jr. and the media circus that surrounded them, Billy McKinney seeing time at first base and the implications thereof, and the unexpected celebration and words from Troy Tulowitzki following his spring home run off of Marcus Stroman. Finally, they answer listener questions, give out a Gold Star, and ponder the latest evidence that Rob Manfred Hates Baseball.

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MLB Player Agent Joshua Kusnick stops by to discuss the state of free agency (24:40). In a passionate interview, Kusnick talks about the way free agency is being handled (from lack of offers for certain types of players to what seem like coordinated offer timings for others), the comments from Rob Manfred, media/fan reaction to the situation, and leaving the game of baseball behind. Greg and Josh (Howsam) also cover Marcus Stroman's comments to the media, the concept of leadership and its presence in the Blue Jays clubhouse, and Freddy Galvis choosing to give up no. 19. They also answer listener questions and go over something the Blue Jays actually won. 

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With the official start of spring training, Greg and Josh talk about the first news of the season. They discuss John Axford's return to the team, the signing of lefty knuckleballer Ryan "Party Time" Feierabend, Ryan Tepera's loss in arbitration and the issues with the process, and Ross Atkins' season opening comments on the rotation and the debut of Vlad Jr. They also give out a Gold Star, answer listener questions, and analyze the lack of effort from teams around the league this offseason.

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Blue Jays SS prospect Kevin Smith (23:50) stops by to discuss adjustments from college to the minors, handling midseason call ups, the importance of the prospect trip to Fort Benning, building team culture, and appearing on prospect rankings.

Greg and Josh also talk about the signing of Freddy Galvis and its impact on the club's other infielders and pitcher trade values, Danny Barnes' DFA, Dalton Pompey's roster situation, Roy Halladay's Hall of Fame induction and cap selection, and the release of the various prospect rankings.

Finally, Greg and Josh answer listener questions, give a Gold Star to a former Blue Jay, and go over Mark Shapiro's comments from Diamond Talks.

Intro music is Slow Burn (Kevin MacLeod) under CC BY 3.0.

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Kyle Boddy of Driveline Baseball (29:10) stops by to discuss the work they do at Driveline, the fight to increase the role of analytically driven player development, and the new coaching hires for the Blue Jays. Greg and Josh also go over the Russell Martin trade and his impact on the franchise over the last four years, the signing of David Phelps, Dalton Pompey's potential future role in Toronto, and the role culture plays in the Blue Jays front office decisions. Finally, they answer listener questions and give their results from a fun Twitter game devised by Blue Jays' fan @james_in_to.

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Greg, Josh, and Nick go over the recent news surrounding the Blue Jays. They discus the signing of Matt Shoemaker and his pitching changes after returning from injury, the trade for Clayton Richard including potential uses for the lefty and how he fits into a pattern of recent acquisitions, the potential for the team to improve its infield defence, and Troy Tulowitzki's new home. They also answer listener questions, give out a truly baffling Do-Over, and finish with discussion of an intriguing Hall of Fame ballot and what it could mean for other voters going forward

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