Artificial Turf Wars

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.  

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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