Exit Philosophy with Griff and Mal

Opening Day is about renewal, but there were things about Thursday that remain extremely disappointing for the Blue Jays, from the lukewarm reception accorded to players upon pre-game introductions at Rogers Centre, to the light booing of the US anthem, to a patriotic fan being thrown out of the ballpark for his choice of message on his baseball hat, to the on-field mistakes, both mental and physical, committed by the home team in a 12-2 loss to the O’s. Griff and Mal discuss the manager’s choice of Jose Berrios ahead of Kevin Gausman, the structure of the opening day batting order, Alejandro Kirk’s new contract, where Vlad stands at the moment regarding his own negotiations and more. Then there are Griff’s favourite opening day memories, the Top 5 Jays second basemen all-time, pre-season MLB Power Rankings and more.  INDEX   0:00 Intro + Fan Ejection for red hat  4:23 Opening Day Summary  6:35 Griff’s Top 10 Openers  11:39 Mental and Physical opening day mistakes   17:27 State of the Bullpen  21:03 Lineup Construction  24:12 Kirk Contract  28:00 Vlad Contract Revisited   34:26 Top 5 Jays second basemen  42:47 Max Scherzer and options  50:32 MLB Power Rankings  58:24 Ironbacks update and signoff ---- 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/

With more and more information leaking out last week regarding Vlad Guerrero Jr. and his multi-year contract expectations, Mal and Griff discuss whether there is there any team in baseball that will meet the 26-year-old’s apparent demands for a “current value” contract extension for 14 years that would almost equal Ohtani and may start with a five? And what happens if Vlad posts numbers more like 2023 than his MVP level ’24 stats? Dave Roberts after years of being second-guessed was rewarded by the Dodgers making him the highest paid manager in MLB. How did he reach that point and is there any comparison of an early Roberts to Jays skipper John Schneider. The Top 5 list is a ranking of strength-up-the-middle for the AL. Can the Jays contend in a banged-up AL East and more. Like. Subscribe. Share. ---- 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/

Although the Blue Jays, rotation depth is a strength, entering MLB’s Fantasy draft season, the 5-man starting group is only ranked borderline good enough to make the post-season. Mal and Griff discuss that, plus which Jay starter should be given the opening day nod, why the art of tanking for draft position means less in baseball, is it even possible to improve a bad Jays bench, and more. Leave a review, like and subscribe! INDEX: 0:00-Intro  0:31 Blue Jays advantage finally open season at home  6:00 Creative Trea Turner challenge of Scherzer first pitch  11:19-Why “tanking” doesn’t mean as much in MLB   18:47-Comp ‘16 Yankees who tanked at deadline got better to ’24 Jays 23:22-Trump pardoning Pete Rose to get him to Cooperstown  25:34-Highly paid free agents and bribes for uniform number    30:46-Who should be Opening Day starter for Jays   36:21-Ranking the 30 MLB rotations with Jays at No. 11    49:48-Pitchers earning $15M-plus and are they worth it  54:10 Trying to improve a bad Blue Jays bench group   1:02:36 The impact of Gimenez and comps to Alomar  1:09:48 Ranking the AL West  1:12:56 Weekly Niagara Ironbacks update   ---- 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/

Switching up the Exit Philosophy gears, veering away from the all-Vlad all the time debate, Mal and Griff check in with their deep dive into the similar choices for 26-year-old Bo Bichette between a Blue Jays contract extension or should they move to explore a trade. They talk the impact on the Jays of Max Scherzer, early reports on the challenge system, the future impact of new hitting coach David Popkins and far more. Subscribe, like and leave a review!   INDEX: 0:00-Intro     1:26 Tkachuk won’t let Four Nations controversy fade     3:31 Impact of Max Scherzer    7:41-Scherzer’s dislike of the challenge system    14:54-Huge spring rosters and how they sort themselves out    21:26-What to do with Bo in terms of ’25 then reaching free agency    23:19-What teams might be interested in Bo as a free agent in ‘26     33:09-Why Bo shouldn’t bat leadoff but then who    37:38-Two suggested platooning positions for Jays      44:45-Can Kirk start 115 games at catcher      48:31 The impact of the new hitting coach     57:11-is there wisdom in trading Vlad and Bo now    1:04:00-Niagara Ironbacks update   ---- 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/

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   ---- 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 spending $77.5M in payroll on their talented Top 4 starting pitchers, so how to protect this investment and make sure the rotation has its best chance to remain healthy and productive. Mal and Griff outline a plan for a six-man rotation that affords at least one extra day of rest for 90 of 97 games pre-All-Star. With Pete Alonso re-signing with the Mets, are the Jays done with improvements to the lineup and, if so, what letter-grade do they deserve. The Top 5 list is rating the AL infields and do the Jays make the list? A Super Bowl discussion and much more. Like and subscribe. INDEX: 0:00-Intro 7:14-NFL Super Bowl discussion with predictions. 11:47-Pete Alonso re-signs with Mets. Anyone surprised? 17:14-Tribute to former commissioner Fay Vincent. 23:22-Umpire Pat Hoberg fired for connection to sports gambling 27:18-Discussing the benefits of a Jays six-man rotation  44:27-Ranking the Top 5 AL infields. 58:38-Giving the Jays a letter-grade for their off-season  ---- 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 late-breaking Max Scherzer signing by the Blue Jays leads this week’s discussion on Exit Philosophy with Griff and Mal. Is the Dodgers spending spree in building a potential dynasty good for baseball. Does MLB, in fact, need an Evil Empire? An up close look at MLB win totals from Bet 365 with the Jays set at 76.5. Mal says that’s about right. Why is nobody allowed to talk directly to Pete Alonso? Have the Jays done enough this off-season and can it ever be enough without extending Vlad? INDEX:  0:00-Max Scherzer signing  9:15-NFL championship weekend  14:28-Mal’s summer league team in Niagara  17:14-Dodgers looming dynasty. Good for the game?  25:12-How corporate ownership changed MLB  37:13-Examining the Over/Under win totals for 2025  49:30-Directive that nobody can talk to Pete Alonso.   54:29-In praise of the MLB players union    57:03-When is $92.5M not $92.5M? Deferrals!  1:03:00-What Jays accomplished this off-season. Enough?  1:06:06-The failure surrounding not extending Vlad  ---- 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/

How important for the 2025 season was the  Blue Jays signing of OF Anthony Santander to a five-year free-agent contract and what does the projected lineup now look like. Griff and Mal discuss. They evaluate the merits of Hall-of-Fame voting results and the ‘25 class featuring Ichiro, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner. The Top 5 list compiles the most lucrative total value contracts in Jays history, led by George Springer, at $140M. The fact that is the 89th biggest deal in MLB history leads to the belief that if you are going to claim to be a big-market team then you need to have at least one Top 10 total value contract to hang your hat on — and that would be Vlad Guerrero Jr. Griff tells his story of Bob Uecker and the odd way that Ueck is connected to his experience of the San Francisco Earthquake Series.  INDEX:    0:00-Intro  2:29-Bob Uecker’s connection to Griff and Earthquake Series    7:33-Hall-of-Fame discussion, Ichiro Sabathia and Wagner 22:52-Anthony Santander discussion at 5 yrs/$92.5M   29:24-How much payroll room do Jays have left  33:30-Blue Jays ’25 lineup adjusted for Santander  41:43-Summary of Zoom call with Santander and Ross Atkins   44:38-Top 5 List of biggest Total Value contracts in Jays history   48:17-Why the Jays need to show Vlad the money  53:38-What the Jays still need to do before opening day  57:07-The NFL Championship weekend with Mal and Griff on heaters  ---- 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/

Following Blue Jays signing of closer Jeff Hoffman to a 3-year, $33-million free agent contract, it was leaked that the O’s and Braves had each reached a tentative agreement with the ex-Phillies setup man, but didn’t like what the physicals revealed and backed away. That may mean the Jays were actually a third choice for the team’s own former first round draft pick, lining up with other, apparent, bronze medal finishes surrounding Ohtani, Soto, Corbin Burnes and maybe an upcoming podium finish with RHP Roki Sasaki. Exit philosophy explains that the Jays still have some money available but time is running out. The EP Top 5 list this week is ranking Blue Jays back-end bullpen combos, closer and setup man since 1977. Plus our NFL playoff previews.  INDEX: 0:00 – INTRO 1:35 – Larry Walker Bar Fight 6:00 – St. Catherines Collegiate Team Update 8:15 – Jeff Hoffman is a Blue Jay! 13:38 – Does He Feel Slighted by The O’s? + Does This Make Them a Top 5 Bullpen? 17:19 – Roki Sasaki to the Blue Jays? 25:45 – NEEDS + Payroll Updates with Jeff Hoffman Signing 34:30 – Will Gimenez Defence Improve Pitcher Performance? 36:15 – Top 5:  Blue Jays Bullpen Combos in Team History + Who Can Be Their Swingman in 2025? 53:00 – Remaining Free Agent Predictions 56:55 – NFL Divisional Weekend Predictions 1:06:30 – Terry Francona Convo Preview + OUTRO ---- Get the video version of Exit Philosophy 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 Jays payroll fog has lifted with MLB’s arbitration deadline seeing all seven roster players agree to terms for 2025, leaving well over $30M to add talent for a quick rebuild. But it still all seems to centre on Vlad Guerrero and whether he will be long-term or simply one and done as a ‘26 free agent. Vlad signed for $28.5M and what does that mean? Mal and I do a deep dive into the Jays projected final payroll and how they may spend to add talent with half the off-season remaining. Our Top 5 list is of current managers with no MLB playing experience. There are 12 of 30 when 25 years ago were just three. Finally it’s wildcard weekend in the NFL and we give you our picks. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Intro + Thanks 1:58 – Griff’s 43rd Wedding Anniversary 5:48 – Update on St. Catherines Collegiate League Team 9:30 – Blue Jays Arbitration Deadline Day 19:10 – Payroll Calculations + What to do 25:55 – History of Arbitration 29:22 – Arbitration Stories 31:40 – BONUS: Vladdy and Jays Come to Terms 42:45 – Top 5 Managers to Never Play in the Big Leagues 47:10 – Top Remaining Affordable Free Agents 1:01:25 – Are They Trying to Compete? 1:06:30 – NFL Wild Card Weekend Picks 1:17:55 - Outro ---- Get the video version of Exit Philosophy 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 new year has arrived and, following Exit Philosophy’s one week holiday hiatus, nothing has really changed for the baffling Blue Jays. With more than half the off-season still ahead, prior to Opening Day, in terms of the Jays wish-list, they could use another outfield bat, a starter, and, most especially, fans would love to see any signs of progress in signing Vlad Guerrero Jr to an extension. But, do they really want to sign their star first-baseman? This week, Griff and Mal and discuss who is most to blame for the Vlad crisis. Is it Edward Rogers, Mark Shapiro or Ross Atkins? The boys give their Top 5 lists of MLB’s worst existing multi-year contracts and finish the NFL regular season with three more predicted winners. ---- Get the video version of Exit Philosophy 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/

It has become far more than just one player, one contract. The decision on an extension for Vlad Guerrero Jr. by the Blue Jays will have a ripple effect on the future of the franchise, either up or down. Mal and Griff discuss what has become a key moment in, recent, franchise history, as we offer up a solution that would make Vlad one of the highest paid players in the game. Timing is everything. Exit Philosophy offers up a Top 5 list of Blue Jays catchers through the years. We discuss my 2025 Hall-of-Fame ballot, the impact of Andres Gimenez with the Jays, and much more. Like and Subscribe. ---- Get the video version of Exit Philosophy 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 have added yet another Gold Glove, this time from the Guardians, in the wake of losing out on Juan Soto. With run prevention taken care of were the Jays ever really in play for the most prized free agent since … uh, Ohtani. This Scott Boras-orchestrated winter meeting was busy and eventful, but the Jays need to follow up with some bats in order to compete. This week’s list has Mal and me offering the Top 5 pitchers we have seen that are not enshrined at Cooperstown. ---- Get the video version of Exit Philosophy 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/

With the annual MLB Winter Meetings in Dallas this week, Griff and Mal offer an Exit Philosophy primer on the process, with personal memories from past meetings, plus a preview of what to expect and how the whole thing works. It could be a busy week for transactions. We interpret this week’s GM Ross Atkins session with the Toronto BBWAA, offer up our Top 5 lists of favourite MLB ballparks and, of course, update our thoughts on the looming contract situations with Soto and Vlad. Plus some spirited NFL discussion. ---- Get the video version of Exit Philosophy 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 have to deal with a handful of obvious needs if they truly want to compete immediately, part of a quick rebuild for 2025. The free agent pool is an easy shortcut, especially as a cure for what has become a shallow bullpen, with as many as five spots still open. Griff and Mal discuss the recent non-tender list swelling the FA relief pool to 100 and talk about whether Jordan Romano could ever return to the Jays. Is the Blake Snell signing by the Dodgers bad for baseball and then they debate a suggested Top 5 list of GM Ross Atkins free agent signings among his 35 MLB additions since 2016. ---- Get the video version of Exit Philosophy 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 deadline for setting 40-man rosters has come and gone and the Blue Jays chose not to add any of their dozen Rule 5 eligible Top 30 prospects, meaning they can be lost to any other team in the draft, December. 11. Is that something or nothing? Owners meetings and the commissioner reacts to the Rays dilemma. Dealing with Scott Boras and possibility of an accelerated Soto signing decision. Argument for a 6-man Jays rotation and more. ---- Get the video version of Exit Philosophy 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/

With the San Antonio GM Meetings ongoing, it signals the launch of what will be the most important off-season in the 10 years of this Blue Jays front office. In Exit Philosophy, Season 2 Episode 43, Griff and Mal suggest a blueprint GM Ross Atkins might want to follow if this team hopes to add the 14-16 wins to their record, necessary to compete for a wild-card in ’25. The importance of being super-agent Scott Boras and how his list of high-priced clients, led by Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, Corbin Burns and others will control the pace and timing of the Hot Stove offseason. How the Jays can build a competitive bullpen, whether to add another starter, what about the low-hanging fruit ... and more. ---- Get the video version of Exit Philosophy 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/  

Former Blue Jays manager John Gibbons joins Griff and Mal on Exit Philosophy to discuss the ‘24 World Series, his role as bench coach with the Mets, his long and grinding road on and off the field including two stints as Jays skipper, thoughts on all of his GMs in Toronto, plus it’s clear the urge to manage again, is still there, as reflected by his recent interview with the White Sox. ---- Get the video version of Exit Philosophy 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/

Exit Philosophy, Episode 41, Griff and Mal discuss the prospect of the Jays making a serious run at free-agent Juan Soto. Pay tribute to the late Fernando Valenzuela on the eve of The ’24 World Series, a rematch between his team, the Dodgers and their nemesis the Yankees. The ’81 season was the dawn of FernandoMania and the closest the Expos came to reaching the World Series, ending with Blue Monday, Game 5 of the NLCS started by Fernando. The Blue Jays rebuild has already begun and the first baby steps include a new hitting coach brought in from outside. The importance of signing Vlad Guerrero here and now could be key to the rebuild, but is it too late for it to happen before his free agency. And more.   ---- Get the audio version of Exit Philosophy wherever you get your podcasts, including: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Q0MJVS... ---- 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/  

What, if anything, is there left for the Toronto Blue Jays to learn about themselves in the final three games of the regular season? Griff and Scotty Mac discuss the roster machinations which cost Rowdy Tellez a bonus in Pittsburgh and Zach Pop crucial service time in Toronto. Griff takes us back to 1979 to counter those who are upset the Mets and Braves will play an inclement weather-influenced doubleheader the day after the regular season ends. The episode closes with the guys making an announcement.