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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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/