Artificial Turf Wars

Greg and Josh break down a very successful first week in Blue Jays land, with a 4-2 record. They discuss the strange dominance of opposing bullpens and keeping games close, the up and down starting rotation, extremely positive signs from Aledmys Diaz and Justin Smoak, a worrying sign from Seung-hwan Oh, and Josh Donaldson's "dead" arm. They also answer listener questions, give the Twins a Do-Over and debut the new segment, "How Not to Baseball with Gabe Kapler."

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Greg, Josh, and Nick look ahead at the upcoming Toronto Blue Jays season with their annual "25 in 50" preview episode. The trio spend 2 minutes talking about each of the 25 players slated to make the opening day roster with a quick chat about a couple of players still on the roster bubble. Real baseball is back!

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In the final episode of the AL East Preview Series, Stacey Gostulias of Baseball Prospectus looks ahead at the Yankees (15:17) and Matt Kory, also of BP, takes a look at the reigning division champion Boston Red Sox (45:23). Greg and Josh also talk about the signing of Danny Espinosa, the performance of the super duo of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, give injury updates on Steve Pearce, Randal Grichuk, and Anthony Alford, and discuss what the return of Marcus Stroman to health does and should mean for Joe Biagini. Finally, they answer listener questions and get upset with MLB for its role in Congress including a provision to limit minor league pay in the latest omnibus bill.

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Greg, Josh, and Nick discuss the recent news from spring training. They take a look at the early returns from Aaron Sanchez and his recovery from blister issues, Anthony Alford's hot start to the spring before getting hurt, Marcus Stroman's return to mound work but losing the opening day starter nod, how areas of depth can or can't help mitigate certain specific injuries the club is dealing with, and a finish with a look at how some moves around the league affect the Blue Jays postseason chances. 

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R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports stops by to preview the Tampa Bay Rays as part of the AL East Preview Series. He discusses the recent controversy caused by the club's latest moves, the grievance filed by the MLBPA against the club, and the outlook for the team after all the offseason changes. Greg and Josh also discuss Russell Martin's power surge and his importance to the club, the signing of Tyler Clippard, injury updates for Marcus Stroman and Steve Pearce, and Mark Shapiro's comments about the depth of the Blue Jays upper farm system. Finally, they answer listener questions and give out a Do Over to another former Sportsnet media personality.

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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. 

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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. 

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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." 

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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. 

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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.

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