Jays Journal Podcast - October 21. "Contending & Rebuilding."

The passion for baseball never ends during the winter season, and this year is no exception. We're overjoyed to have both site experts from the Jays Journal on the show today to help navigate these off-season waters of uncertainty with a comprehensive look at what was, what is, and what should be. Clayton Richer (@ClaytonRicher) and Chris Henderson (@Baseball4Brains) join your host, Ari Shapiro, in an exclusive round table that features:

Their thoughts on the recent public relations and marketing purge inside the organization (2:22), if Pete Walker and Brook Jacoby should share any responsibility for a lost year (6:01), their take on the future of Kevin Pillar and his maddening inconsistency (11:42), will Hernandez or Alford be left on the outside looking in (15:14), how a lack of preparation and terrible assumptions on roster depth conspired against the fans (21:19), the moment both site experts realized this year was in peril (24:33), on the lingering woes of legitimate catching resources (29:22), if finishing with 76 wins can be viewed as inspirational in lieu of their trials and tribulations (31:45), on Marcus Stroman and the lack of respect he receives (33:31), if Josh Donaldson should remain on this team beyond 2018 (38:44), if September performances end up becoming a smoke screen for fans (45:12), which 3 players should make the team next year (48:19), and if there's a legitimate reason to be concerned about the future of Bo & Vlad (52:21).

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Jays Journal Podcast - October 8. "Standards of Excellence."

Although the post-season may have left the Toronto Blue Jays with nothing but cobwebs and scattered hopes strewn about their field of dreams; all is not lost - and on tonight's show, host Ari Shapiro brings you two of the most celebrated and respected baseball minds in the country.

First, we're joined by blogger, writer, and contributor with the Sporting News MLB, Ian Hunter (@BlueJayHunter), who offers us his feelings on the end of the Bautista era (2:58), how a rough exterior influenced the perception of his legacy (5:15), if he believes the 2018 Blue Jays team will be an AL East contender (7:45), his thoughts on Donaldson and a murky future (10:30), if the team was meant to overspend on free agency (12:48), and if the departure of Jose is the first sign of a culture shift in Toronto baseball (16:15).

Next, we bring you sports broadcaster and host of The Program on Sportsnet 650, Andrew Walker (@AndrewWalker650) who sits down to talk about what the future holds in store for next year (21:30), how Keith Law made his day (25:30), his thoughts on the Stroman-Osuna-Sanchez-Travis core (27:31), how different generations will reconcile the Bautista era (30:08), on Shohei Otani and if the team should make a play (34:22), and what to expect from the front office during the off-season (37:38). 

Tonight's episode was brought to you by: Cloudwifi (cloudwifi.ca). Do you live in a condominium and are paying too much for internet? Surf faster & save money by getting your building on-board and win a pair of season tickets for the 2018 Toronto Blue Jays regular season. E-mail [email protected] today to see if you qualify.

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Jays Journal Podcast - October 5. "Don't You Forget About Me."

The season is officially over for the Toronto Blue Jays, but that doesn't mean anything's different here on the Jays Journal Podcast. In fact, it's likely that you'll get even more round tables, interviews, and phone-in shows than ever before! 

What better way to celebrate the awesome power and infinite majesty of the sport on tonight's show than by taking a closer look at the enormous legacy of Jose Bautista. To help us continue what will be a veritable cavalcade of winter offerings from a baseball perspective, we're pleased to be joined by celebrated and prodigious blogger and author, Tao of Stieb (@TaoofStieb), our own Jays Journal writer and contributor, Kirsten McKernan (@kmacandbaseball), and venerable clinical and sports psychologist, Dr. Kristina Reihl (@DocReihl). Together, they pay ultimate homage in discussing:

How to appreciate the full scope of emotion with the departure of a legendary player (3:30), understanding why the Blue Jays ruled out the return of a player that still has something left in the tank (10:01), how Bautista digested his team's desire to part company as expeditiously as possible (13:11), if there's something profoundly sad in how his career ended in Toronto (17:42), and how being rough around the edges and unorthodox as a player made a difference in his treatment by fans and front office alike (24:23).

Tonight's episode was brought to you by: Cloudwifi (cloudwifi.ca). Do you live in a condominium and are paying too much for internet? Surf faster & save money by getting your building on-board and win a pair of season tickets for the 2018 Toronto Blue Jays regular season. E-mail [email protected] today to see if you qualify.

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Jays Journal Podcast - October 2. "Only The Young Can Say."

As the Toronto Blue Jays closed out what will long be remembered as an easily forgotten season with a 2-1 victory over the Bronx Bombers, many important questions linger that will substantially influence the mindset of fans as they brace themselves for a 2018 season of serious transition and identity re-alignment. 

We're overjoyed in having two of the best baseball bloggers and writers you'll find across North America; freelance writer and reporter for Metroland Media, Vice Sports, The Globe and Mail, and Sportsnet, Shawn W. Smith (@shawn_w_smith), along with the Jays Journal minor league guru and talent evaluator, Craig Borden (@Craigers1221). Together with host Ari Shapiro, the three find themselves in the think tank mulling over such issues as:

If the Bautista era is truly at an end and what his future in MLB holds (2:10), are there really better options than Jose on the 2018 free agent market (5:30), should Anthony Alford be given a full opportunity to realize his place with this team in 2018 (7:46), will Teoscar Hernandez successfully turn his promising September into a meaningful April (11:58), could blister issues repeat themselves and haunt both Sanchez and Stroman next year (16:39), on the team's depth and why too many reclamation projects is a recipe for failure (21:15), and why the Japanese Babe Ruth should be a serious consideration for this frugal front office (24:22).

Tonight's episode was brought to you by: Cloudwifi (cloudwifi.ca). Do you live in a condominium and are paying too much for internet? Surf faster & save money by getting your building on-board and win a pair of season tickets for the 2018 Toronto Blue Jays regular season. E-mail [email protected] today to see if you qualify.

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Jays Journal Podcast - September 25. "All Good Things."

Long after the dust has settled on this largely forgettable baseball campaign, the weekend offered fans one last opportunity to bid a generational player farewell as Jose Bautista finished what is likely to be his final homestand as a Toronto Blue Jays player. In front of over 47,000 adoring fans and behind the best attendance in the American League, the team made quick work of the Bronx Bombers in defeating New York, 9-5, and winning the series with conviction.

Host Ari Shapiro is proud to be joined by three baseball luminaries armed with wit and wisdom fair; writer, anthem singer, and statistician for the Blue Jays, Alexis Brudnicki (@baseballexis), podcaster and blogger, Karim Kanji (@karimkanji), and the Jays Journal minor league specialist, Nick Raponi (@nickraponi). Together, they explore:

What it says that this 2017 team was unable to reach the .500 mark all year (1:48), if the sheer desperation in finding replacements will ever repeat itself (5:40), if the current roster has enough available talent and consistency to be a contender next year (11:40), how a healthy Russell Martin is essentially the key to everything in 2018 (14:33), their off-season expectations (16:20), how Donaldson's second half OPS has forced the team's hand (22:01), and if Jose Bautista is truly done with this franchise (29:15).

Tonight's episode was brought to you by: Cloudwifi (cloudwifi.ca). Do you live in a condominium and are paying too much for internet? Surf faster & save money by getting your building on-board and win a pair of season tickets for the 2018 Toronto Blue Jays regular season. E-mail [email protected] today to see if you qualify.

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Jays Journal Podcast - September 19. "Autumn's Lament."

A rare off-day in this sport has been known to provide athletes, executives, and fans with equal parts nostalgia, introspection, and a healthy dose of existentialism. With the Blue Jays relegated to the role of September spoilers, many fans are bracing themselves for a week of intense competition against hungry franchises such as Kansas City, Boston, and New York, while desperately clinging to what remains of their baseball sanity.

Joining the show this evening is a magnificent collection of talented baseball minds; the site expert from Jays Journal, Chris Henderson (@Baseball4Brains), podcaster and creator of the South of the 6ix podcast, Adam Corsair (@SouthOfThe6ix), and Eric Rosenhek (@TheHek), blogger and host of Definitely Not Jays Talk. Together with your host, Ari Shapiro, these savants of baseball discuss:  

If there's solace to be found in playing the role of spoilers (2:45), what it will take for fair-weather types to embrace this team in 2018 (5:40), if you build it, will they come (8:36), how they feel about Cleveland and Houston when it comes to a true rebuild (11:53), is there a risk of mediocre baseball in the wake of an unaligned team (16:12), if the team is capable of realistically contending without Donaldson (22:15), and if fans will simply throw up their hands next year and return to the days of 15,000 in the stands (26:30).

Tonight's episode was brought to you by: Cloudwifi (cloudwifi.ca). Do you live in a condominium and are paying too much for internet? Surf faster & save money by getting your building on-board and win a pair of season tickets for the 2018 Toronto Blue Jays regular season. E-mail [email protected] today to see if you qualify.

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Jays Journal Podcast - September 16. "Remains of the Day."

After a string of 5 consecutive one-run games and an inspirational victory over the Minnesota Twins, 4-3 on the road, the Toronto Blue Jays continue to play the dubious role of post-season spoilers across the American League with great success; further highlighting the importance of what these games could mean to young and exciting prospects ready to make the jump in 2018.

Host Ari Shapiro is tickled pink and thrilled to bring you a gloriously high-octane round table filled to the brim with baseball wisdom, dynamic insight, excessive hyperbole and spotaneous wit; Chris Henderson (@Baseball4Brains) of Jays Journal, Geoff Falbo (@gfalbo13) of Deep Leagues, and Tao of Stieb (@TaoofStieb) of Sportsnet. Together, they fearlessly tackle the remains of the day:

If success in September will sway fan perception of this team(3:01), how fans should feel about never experiencing a .500 record during an entire season (6:24), can Teoscar Hernandez save this outfield from continued mediocrity (11:45), how Anthony Alford could add a level of multi-dimensionality to the club (17:47), how a lack of depth changed the complexion of an entire season (28:15), the fickle nature of winning it all (31:39), how missing out on Encarnacion and Fowler captivates the imagination (37:40), and if the leadership triumvirate of Donaldson, Martin and Tulowitzki still matters (42:30).

Tonight's episode was brought to you by: Cloudwifi (cloudwifi.ca). Do you live in a condominium and are paying too much for internet? Surf faster & save money by getting your building on-board and win a pair of season tickets for the 2018 Toronto Blue Jays regular season. E-mail [email protected] today to see if you qualify.

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Jays Journal Podcast - September 12. "September Blues, April Joy."

As a plethora of reinforcements make their way to the true north, strong and free - the Blue Jays find themselves playing a rare brand of baseball which includes: clutch hitting, timely pitching, and outstanding defense against teams in dire need of victories. Last night's game against Baltimore and their recent series win against the (unfathomably bad) Tigers was further affirmation of the "September spectacle" put on display by the front office for all fans see.

In lieu of such circumstances, we are proud to bring you a formidable round table comprised of three heavyweight minor league aficionados who know a thing or two about elite prospects; Craig Borden (@Craigers1221) of Jays Journal, Jason Woodell (@JasonAtTheGame) of Prospects1500.com, and Jesse Goldberg-Strassler (@jgoldstrass), voice of the Lansing Lugnuts. Tune in and listen as they discuss:

What it means to witness youth on display during a lost season in September (2:30), how they collectively felt about hearing ESPN's Keith Law proclaiming Guerrero Jr. as the best prospect in all of MLB (7:49), thoughts on stretching Osuna into a starter and bridging the 2019 gap (19:01), if Biagini remains a viable option in the rotation moving forward (24:12), on the promise of Borucki (33:30), and how they will remember the 2019 season (39:31).

Tonight's episode was brought to you by: Cloudwifi (cloudwifi.ca). Do you live in a condominium and are paying too much for internet? Surf faster & save money by getting your building on-board and win a pair of season tickets for the 2018 Toronto Blue Jays regular season. E-mail [email protected] today to see if you qualify.

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Jays Journal Podcast - September 8. "In Youth We Trust."

After bitterly disappointing battles against the Orioles and Red Sox which featured three extra-inning games lasting over 44 gut-wrenching total innings, the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves returning home to face an even more unfathomably disappointing Detroit team in the time-honored role of September spoilers.

We're thrilled to be back after a week off to bring you a magnificent round table featuring three baseball minds that will leave you breathless and wanting more: Ainka Jess (@Shes4Sports), Chris Henderson (@Baseball4Brains), and Tao of Stieb (@TaoofStieb). Together with host Ari Shapiro, these three intrepid diamond philosophers offer us their candid opinions on:

Keith Law's declaration of Vlad Guerrero Jr. as the best prospect in MLB (3:01), if a concern exists with how the Blue Jays current regime will handle their two all-world elite prospects scheduled for 2019 (9:31), on the trials and tribulations of Roberto Osuna and if he should be considered as a future starter (12:55), the future of Kevin Pillar (18:31), if this roster has what it takes to compete in 2018 with their current talent and a spot of luck (23:51), how a financial investment in this team today will spell dividends for tomorrow (28:02), why Kendrys Morales is in the same boat as Troy Tulowitzki (33:46), and the sad irony of expensive and underperforming veterans (37:51).

Tonight's episode was brought to you by: Cloudwifi (cloudwifi.ca). Do you live in a condominium and are paying too much for internet? Surf faster and save money by getting your building on-board for a chance to win a pair of season tickets for the 2018 Toronto Blue Jays regular season. E-mail [email protected] today and see if you qualify.

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Jays Journal Podcast - September 1. "Back to the Future."

After finding themselves hot on the heels of a rather humiliating but not entirely surprising sweep at the hands of the Red Sox, the Blue Jays went into Baltimore searching for answers on the road. Kendrys Morales was more than happy to oblige as he slammed a trio of monster home runs against the Orioles in an action-packed antithesis to a pitcher's game, prevailing 11-8. 

Host Ari Shapiro is joined by three magnificent baseball minds who are all experts in their appreciation for the minor league system and have unique perspectives on the full scope of talent on the horizon; Jays Journal minor league guru and writer, Craig Borden (@Craigers1221), sportscaster for the Florida State League and prospects1500.com, Jason Woodell (@JasonAtTheGame), and baseball author, podcaster, and the voice of the Lansing Lugnuts, Jesse Goldberg-Strassler (@jgoldstrass). Together, they discuss:

What to expect from an infusion of youthful talent with the expanded roster (4:30), which specific players the round table is eager to see in September (5:51), the disturbing reality that is a lack of speed (9:32), the Jose Bautista leadoff experiment (15:41), on the black hole at second base (19:51), if there's anyone besides Bichette and Guerrero Jr. who should be considered untouchable (24:51), and which elite prospect will be a starter first (28:11).

Tonight's episode was brought to you by: Cloudwifi (cloudwifi.ca). Do you live in a condominium and are paying too much for internet? Surf faster and save money by getting your building on-board for a chance to win a pair of season tickets for the 2018 Toronto Blue Jays regular season. E-mail [email protected] today and see if you qualify.

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