For a rare appearance in front of Blue Jays media, team president Mark Shapiro talks about his future with Rogers ownership as he nears the end of his contract. On Exit Philosophy, Griff and Mal discusses Shapiro’s views on the evolution of his manager John Schneider, what his lukewarm comments on negotiations with Bo Bichette might mean, the success of the team compared to 2024 and more. The boys explain the importance of Mason Fluharty’s huge strikeout of Shohei Ohtani and how it may have saved the psyche of the clubhouse. Heading to September, will the lefty combo of Brendon Little and Fluharty, if they are joined by Eric Lauer, be an advantage. It may be that Sahlen Field in Buffalo was the place to be this week, with Alek Manoah, Trey Yesavage and Shane Bieber all getting a chance to start for the AAA-Bisons. Also, is 90 wins the target for the Blue Jays to safely earn a playoff spot … and more.

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INDEX:

0:00 Intro 

0:37 The media avail of Mark Shapiro

5:20 Shapiro on Shapiro’s future

10:43 Bo’s future with the Jays

23:02 Manager John Schneider performance review and question of an extension

31:25 Shapiro remembers the anniversary of the start of the ‘94 strike and the Indians

34:34 The impact of Fluharty’s strikeout of Ohtani in L A.

41:05 Building a late-season Jays bullpen with 3 lefties and Yesavage

46:36 Building a shortened playoff rotation

49:37 Targeting 90 wins for the Jays

55:27 Raleigh or Judge for AL MVP

59:39 Ironbacks summary and looking ahead

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Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ExitPhilosophy

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For the full catalogue of Richard Griffin's work, including weekly Blue Jays/MLB columns, a weekly MLB Power Rankings column, exclusive conversations with some of the game's greats, past and present, and the Exit Philosophy podcast, visit https://www.griffsthepitch.com/

The Blue Jays are the Beasts of the East, the hunted not the hunters in this race to the title in what has traditionally been the toughest division in baseball. How did they get there and what about the Yankees and Red Sox. Did Bo Bichette win the bet on himself when he didn’t sign any of the deals that have been offered by the Jays over the past several years and what kind of total value, or AAV could he expect? Does Bo know shortstop or could he do a Marcus Semien? The Yankees seem like a good fit as a new home for the Jays shortstop this coming offseason. How would Bo look in pinstripes? Griff and Mal discuss the well-documented clubhouse confrontation between Phillies star Bryce Harper and MLB Commissioner. Was there a message to his madness and how big an influence was his super-agent Scott Boras? What about when RH Shane Bieber is ready to start in the majors again coming off Tommy John. It’s a great problem to have, deciding whether to go with a six man rotation for the final seven trips through the rotation or the traditional five. LH Eric Lauer has been the most consistent starter but he could be the odd-man out. Are the Blue Jays getting the proper respect from national media and their own fan-base? Why not? Ross Atkins deserves some credit for filling the need for two more hard throwing bullpen arms and a clear roll of the dice with Bieber. Should he have done more at the deadline? Finally, a heartfelt discussion between Mal and Griff about the expansion Niagara Ironbacks' experience in the Perfect Game Collegiate Summer League. With Mal as co-owner and GM and Griff as field manager, the two compare memories of a team that despite a difficult season on the field, provided a culture that stayed bonded in the clubhouse and dugout.

INDEX:

0:00 Intro

2:25 - As Bichette steps up offensively so does his price tag. Will he remain at short.

14:44 - Tale of the tape Manfred vs. Bryce Harper clubhouse dustup

21:12 - Do Blue Jays get the respect they deserve and why not?

25:43 - What to do with Shane Bieber and the existing 5-man rotation.

33:57 - Who is the Jays main threat in the AL East, Red Sox or Yankees

 41:13 - In praise of Ross Atkins.

46:40 - Will the prospect capital sent away at the deadline haunt the Jays?

49:49 - The Jays have a record $75.6M on the IL. Significance?

 52:47 - A tribute to the Niagara Ironbacks expansion season and a reaffirmation of why we love baseball and team sports.

59:11 - Outro

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Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ExitPhilosophy

----

For the full catalogue of Richard Griffin's work, including weekly Blue Jays/MLB columns, a weekly MLB Power Rankings column, exclusive conversations with some of the game's greats, past and present, and the Exit Philosophy podcast, visit https://www.griffsthepitch.com/

The Blue Jays are the Beasts of the East, the hunted not the hunters in this race to the title in what has traditionally been the toughest division in baseball. How did they get there and what about the Yankees and Red Sox. Did Bo Bichette win the bet on himself when he didn’t sign any of the deals that have been offered by the Jays over the past several years and what kind of total value, or AAV could he expect? Does Bo know shortstop or could he do a Marcus Semien? The Yankees seem like a good fit as a new home for the Jays shortstop this coming offseason. How would Bo look in pinstripes? Griff and Mal discuss the well-documented clubhouse confrontation between Phillies star Bryce Harper and MLB Commissioner. Was there a message to his madness and how big an influence was his super-agent Scott Boras?  What about when RH Shane Bieber is ready to start in the majors again coming off Tommy John. It’s a great problem to have, deciding whether to go with a six man rotation for the final seven trips through the rotation or the traditional five. LH Eric Lauer has been the most consistent starter but he could be the odd-man out. Are the Blue Jays getting the proper respect from national media and their own fan-base? Why not? Ross Atkins deserves some credit for filling the need for two more hard throwing bullpen arms and a clear roll of the dice with Bieber. Should he have done more at the deadline? Finally, a heartfelt discussion between Mal and Griff about the expansion Niagara Ironbacks' experience in the Perfect Game Collegiate Summer League. With Mal as co-owner and GM and Griff as field manager, the two compare memories of a team that despite a difficult season on the field, provided a culture that stayed bonded in the clubhouse and dugout. 

INDEX:

0:00 Intro 

2:25 - As Bichette steps up offensively so does his price tag. Will he remain at short. 

14:44 - Tale of the tape Manfred vs. Bryce Harper clubhouse dustup

21:12 - Do Blue Jays get the respect they deserve and why not? 

25:43 - What to do with Shane Bieber and the existing 5-man rotation. 

33:57 - Who is the Jays main threat in the AL East, Red Sox or Yankees

41:13 - In praise of Ross Atkins. 

46:40 - Will the prospect capital sent away at the deadline haunt the Jays?

49:49 - The Jays have a record $75.6M on the IL. Significance? 

52:47 - A tribute to the Niagara Ironbacks expansion season and a reaffirmation of why we love baseball and team sports. 

59:11 - Outro

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Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ExitPhilosophy

----

For the full catalogue of Richard Griffin's work, including weekly Blue Jays/MLB columns, a weekly MLB Power Rankings column, exclusive conversations with some of the game's greats, past and present, and the Exit Philosophy podcast, visit https://www.griffsthepitch.com/

Coming out of one of the busiest MLB trade deadline days in recent memory, the Blue Jays feel they may have completed their shopping list, adding a former Cy Young Award winner, a right handed bat and a hard throwing reliever to go with Seranthony Dominguez obtained from the O’s two days earlier. Was that enough for Ross Atkins and the Jays to rank among the Top 6 winners heading down the stretch and what’s the best way to coax a rehabbing Shane Bieber remaining healthy into October? Rich Griffin rolls solo for this episode with Mal set to return next week. 

Please like, subscribe and leave a review whereever you listen to the Exit Philosophy Podcast. 

INDEX:

0:00 Intro

1:00 How O’s disaster forced Jays hand 

2:22 Zane Smith vs. Seranthony Dominguez 

4:28 Bieber and a 6-man rotation

8:30 Trade with the Twins

11:35 Shape of the pen

12:25 Top 6 Deadline winners

26:1 Wrap-up of busy day

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Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ExitPhilosophy

----

For the full catalogue of Richard Griffin's work, including weekly Blue Jays/MLB columns, a weekly MLB Power Rankings column, exclusive conversations with some of the game's greats, past and present, and the Exit Philosophy podcast, visit https://www.griffsthepitch.com/

In this episode of Exit Philosophy, Griffin and Mal discuss the All-star game with all its tweaks, like Mic’d up players, the limited challenge system and the swing off to end a tie. What about the Blue Jays and the 2025 draft. Is scouting director Marc Tramuta bringing a new philosophy? What about Vlad? Is he worth all that money and being the All-Star starting first baseman? Then with the trade deadline approaching, why do they need more bullpen help. 

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INDEX:

0:00 Blue Jays first half and AL East resurgence. 2:11 The Tigers dominate the fading AL Central. 3:29 Tribute to the late Jim Clancy 8:22 All-Star Game opinions 13:08 Mic’d up players at the ASG 16:00Pitch challenges at ASG 21:07 what intangibles separate Vlad and Alejandro Kirk 23:36 Did the Miz deserve all-star invite for Brewers 27:01 Is HR Derby in danger of becoming Slam Dunk competition 30:26 Evaluating Blue Jays draft and rating scouting director Marc Tramuta 38:12 What is Vlad’s worth beyond the statistics 43:52 Why is nobody talking about Bo 46:38 History of 8th overall pick through the years. 48:22 The Bullpen as Achilles Heel 52:26 Ironbacks update

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Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ExitPhilosophy

----

For the full catalogue of Richard Griffin's work, including weekly Blue Jays/MLB columns, a weekly MLB Power Rankings column, exclusive conversations with some of the game's greats, past and present, and the Exit Philosophy podcast, visit https://www.griffsthepitch.com/

The Blue Jays are arriving at the All-Star break with an unexpected lead in the once-again powerful AL East. How did their once-ridiculed farm system create a lineup with this much significant length from unexpected sources? What do the Jays need to do at the trade deadline to maintain a 95-win pace? Was George Springer the biggest All-Star snub and what about Max Scherzer as a legacy selection? The MLB Draft is at hand and the Jays have had just 5 major-leaguers out of the last five drafts. And is it a PR disaster for ownership to jack the price of streaming Jays games by 30% in Sept? Then there’s the Ironbacks.

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INDEX:

Time stamp 7-11

0:00 Intro 

1:04 The MLB Draft

4:58 The Jays Great ‘24 draft

8:40 Draft stories from the Past

12:38 Drafting Brett, Schmidt, and Dan Warthen back-to-back

15:13 Jays all-stars. Did MLB miss the boat on Springer and Scherzer?

24:18 How did Jays get to this point?

27:13 Can Jays sustain and maintain in AL East using trade deadline?

35:18 Anthopoulos and the ‘14 Jays clubhouse revolt at the deadline

38:47 Jays length vs Yankees depth. How the farm system contributed

44:55 Roger’s+ package price increase in Sept. Why? 

49:19 Shoutout to Jays social media 

51:06 Ironbacks report

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Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ExitPhilosophy

----

For the full catalogue of Richard Griffin's work, including weekly Blue Jays/MLB columns, a weekly MLB Power Rankings column, exclusive conversations with some of the game's greats, past and present, and the Exit Philosophy podcast, visit https://www.griffsthepitch.com/

Coming off a break from the Exit Philosophy podcast, Griff and Mal return with plenty to talk about as the Blue Jays complete a four-game sweep of the Yankees to take over top spot in the resurgent AL East. How have the Jays gone from two games below .500 on May 28 to the current status of battling for first with the Yanks and Rays? What have been the biggest surprises for this Jays team over the first 88 games? Who are the most important players? What about the injuries? Did injuries to Anthony Santander, Andres Gimenez and Daulton Varsho, in fact, allow the team to discover some diamonds in the rough that have made this lineup deeper and stronger?

Griff and Mal discuss the Blue Jays' major need at the trade deadline and the state of the starting rotation, given the iffy status of Max Scherzer and the likelihood Eric Lauer will suffer some sort of lull later in the year. Will they add an arm?

The ’25 All-Star Game is almost at hand, and Vlad Guerrero Jr. has earned the starting nod at first base with Alejandro Kirk as the AL’s second catcher. Does Vlad’s season thus far warrant him being deserving starter? What should be the criteria for being an all-star?

They discuss the MLB’s biggest trade of the year and the lingering anger in Boston over Rafael Devers being dealt to the Giants. Was Devers being selfish, or did the Red Sox front office mishandle the situation of Alex Bregman taking Raffy’s position with no discussion. Finally, there’s an Ironbacks report and update, after half a season at historic George Taylor Field in St. Catharines. Mal and Griff give their impressions on the newest team in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League.

INDEX:

0:00 Intro  

2:36 Other sports clear the way as Raptors fire Ujiri + Shai Gilgeous Alexander and growing the sport 

8:29 Florida Panthers repeat Stanley Cup. How close were the Leafs?

10:23 The Blue Jays historic run of 33 games and reading into current slim run differential

17:36 Blue Jays four biggest surprise players 

29:25 Analyzing the starting rotation in the age of Lauer and Scherzer

36:00 Biggest Potential Buzz Kills for the Jays hopes  

42:50 Analysis of Rafael Devers deal to Giants. Selfish?  

47:33 Vlad is the AL all-star starting first baseman. Should he be?

51:42 Niagara Ironbacks Update. Learning to love long bus rides and tallboys.

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Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ExitPhilosophy

----

For the full catalogue of Richard Griffin's work, including weekly Blue Jays/MLB columns, a weekly MLB Power Rankings column, exclusive conversations with some of the game's greats, past and present, and the Exit Philosophy podcast, visit https://www.griffsthepitch.com/

 The Blue Jays leave home having swept the powerful Padres in three games to complete a 5-4 homestand and now play six, in Tampa (3) and Texas (3). This week’s Exit Philosophy has Griff and Mal weighing in on the big sports story of the moment in Toronto, the Maple Leafs and their parting of ways with president Brendan Shanahan. Are there comparisons with the Jays organization and should Shanahan have been given a media platform on the way out the door. Griff describes a similar situation in the ‘90s with fired manager Buck Rodgers. Is this the moment for the Jays with six primary outfielders, to give a banged-up Anthony Santander 10 IL days to get healthy and regroup? The Jays bullpen has stepped up and is as deep as anyone can remember…except for some blips on the Jeff Hoffman radar. Do they keep him in the closer role? A look at how good MLB teams with slow starts have bounced back and how that reflects on the Jays. The Top 5 List of position players born in the ‘80s is amazingly thin and how is that a caveat for Vlad in the final five seasons of his mega contract. Plus, a Niagara Ironbacks inaugural season (St. Catharines) is looming in the PGCBL. 

INDEX:

0:00 Intro   

0:22 Maple Leafs decision to let president Shanahan go  

2:47 The Jays and the future of their president Shapiro 

5:15 Vlad and Bo and the factor of no salary cap 

10:13 Shanahan’s no presser exit compared to Buck Rodgers  

16:37 Homestand ends with sweep of Padres 

22:29 Jays struggles in Tampa through the years   

27:33 Santander, Springer and the crowded OF mix    

31:40 What happens when Andres Gimenez returns 

36:35 State of the Jays Bullpen   

43:51 Jays Rotation and the looming crisis of 4-5 starters 

50:18 Good teams rebounding from slow starts 

55:36 Phillies emerge as Jordan Romano heats up 

1:02:05 Top 5 List … MLB position players born in the ‘80s 

1:08:13 Niagara Ironbacks Update  

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Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ExitPhilosophy

----

For the full catalogue of Richard Griffin's work, including weekly Blue Jays/MLB columns, a weekly MLB Power Rankings column, exclusive conversations with some of the game's greats, past and present, and the Exit Philosophy podcast, visit https://www.griffsthepitch.com/

Very quietly, the Blue Jays have been playing winning ball, since April 30, sabotaged far too often by inexplicable bullpen failures blowing leads in the 8th and 9th innings. In this week’s Exit Philosophy, Mal and Griff discuss those woes that have left the Jays playing pickleball with.500. On Tuesday Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that all-time hits leader Pete Rose has had his ban lifted and he is no longer ineligible for the Hall-of-Fame. Why did baseball do this out of the blue and what does it do to Griff’s respect and perception of MLB and the Hall. How much of this lifting of the ban was due to influence from the White House? The boys discuss the Rafael Devers situation and whether he is a proud superstar or bad teammate and could all this drama have been avoided. A Jays back-end of the rotation review, an update on the Niagara Ironbacks and more. Hit the subscribe button, like and leave a review wherever you listen!

 INDEX:

0:00 Intro   

0:38 Blue Jays bullpen steps up vs Rays  

3:30 Leafs Playoff talk 

6:32 Jays since April 30 could be far better 

10:50 Up and down bullpen over 13 games 

14:48 Back end of Jays rotation forecast 

28:24 Jays injury update and Clement-Barger fill-in   

30:49 Jays who’s hot and who’s not    

33:51 Mal’s Niagara Ironbacks update home opener June 7 

37:44 Pete Rose eligibility restored. What about politics?   

49:11 Red Sox and Rafael Devers position change. Who screwed up? 

61:38 Remaining homestand doesn’t get any easier 

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Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ExitPhilosophy

----

For the full catalogue of Richard Griffin's work, including weekly Blue Jays/MLB columns, a weekly MLB Power Rankings column, exclusive conversations with some of the game's greats, past and present, and the Exit Philosophy podcast, visit https://www.griffsthepitch.com/

The Blue Jays bullpen alarmingly turned three leads into losses on the way to a devastating four-game losing streak vs. the Guardians and Angels. Griff and Mal discuss how rare it is for a team’s two highest leverage relievers to slump at the same time and are there any possible solutions. Recent roster changes include RH Spencer Turnbull and RH Jose Urena  aimed to solve the crisis that has emerged at the back-end of the rotation, filling in for Max Scherzer and after Easton Lucas and his brief two-start time as the answer. Discussing Alan Roden and if it was the right move to send him back to Triple-A in favour of the speedy OF Jonatan Clase. Plus, the Top 5 list of most disappointing teams in baseball andn should that include the Jays…and more. 

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Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ExitPhilosophy

----

For the full catalogue of Richard Griffin's work, including weekly Blue Jays/MLB columns, a weekly MLB Power Rankings column, exclusive conversations with some of the game's greats, past and present, and the Exit Philosophy podcast, visit https://www.griffsthepitch.com/