It seems everything the Blue Jays have tried to accomplish in free agency the last two years has served to drive up the price of signing their own superstar, Vlad Guerrero Jr. leading to a Catch-22 of finding an extension with which both sides can live. On Exit Philosophy, Mal and Griff discuss the effect of the Jays serious bids the last two years for Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto and, now, where they think Vlad fits in under his unique circumstance. They explain the ripple effect of not signing Vlad with regard to their fans, inside the clubhouse. What might be the best of three strategies moving forward. Also, Mal and Griff talk Robo-Ump, George Springer and his willingness to accept change, Mal’s summer league Niagara Ironbacks and more.

INDEX:

0:00-Intro  

1:36 Four Nations Faceoff vs. NBA All-Stars 

6:27-The Vlad Guerrero Jr. contract deadline 

8:22-The Catch-22 of Jays bidding for Ohtani and Soto 

10:59-Deferrals and the road to Vlad win-win 

13:18-The ripple effect of Jays failure to sign Vlad  

16:47-Why does FO not trust the long-term for Vlad 

23:16-Springer’s willingness to accept changes  

26:25-Defensive alignment and Jays new lineup   

33:21 The bullpen and a second southpaw 

37:28-Robo-ump is on the way 

45:17-The 46 MLB starters earning $15M +. Jays have 4.   

56:18 Discussing the wide-open NL Central  

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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/