Artificial Turf Wars

Shi Davidi of Sportsnet stops by to discuss his upcoming book, "The Big 50: Toronto Blue Jays," and some early season trends. The guys then tackle the recent week that was, with a focus on the incredible performance of the starting rotation, the odd bullpen usage, some lackluster hitting, and an odd start to the season for Justin Smoak. Finally, the guys tackle spin rates and give  Do-Over to a popular Toronto radio personality.

Greg and Josh discuss the noteworthy stories from the last week of games, with a focus on the exemplary work of the starting rotation, the slugging of Josh Donaldson and Jose Bautista, and the call up of switch-pitcher Pat Venditte. They also take a humorous look at some early season statistics, and discuss the firing of VP of Business Stephen Brooks. Finally, the guys answer some listener questions, give a Do-Over to Pat Tabler, and discuss how important "roles" are to relievers. 

Biomechanist Dr. Thomas Karakolis stops by the podcast to discuss the new High Performance Department, as well as the new rule allowing MLB players to use "wearables" and how they can help prevent future injury. Also, Greg and Josh discuss the Franklin Morales signing and break down the first slate of games with a focus on Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez' dominant starts, Josh Donaldson's injury, and some odd bullpen usage by John Gibbons. The guys also answer some listener questions, give out a Do-Over to Gibby and hand out the first ATW Cliché of the Week to the phrase "he handles the bat well."

In the 2nd annual 25 in 50, Greg, Josh, and Chris break down the entire 25-man roster (plus Marco Estrada) in two minute bursts. Each player gets the same amount of time, from the superstars like Jose Bautista and Josh Donaldson to 8th reliever types like Arnold "Villain" Leon and Ryan "Not Pat Venditte" Tepera. 

Jamie Campbell stops by to discuss Sportsnet's Jays coverage and his favourite moments from last year, as well as to look ahead to the 2016 season. Greg, Josh, and Chris also discuss Roberto Osuna's desire to pitch in relief, the Aaron Sanchez/Gavin Floyd fight for the fifth starter spot, Troy Tulowitzki's injury scare, Marcus Stroman for Opening day, and a few Jays retirements. Finally, the boys answer listener questions and reveal the winners of the BP Toronto fantasy league contest. 

Jay Jaffe of Sports Illustraded stops by to preview the New York Yankees in the final installment of the AL East Preview Series. The boys also discuss Edwin Encarnacion's injuries/contract talks, Marco Estrada's return to health, the signing of Randy Choate, and address the state of the battle for the final spot in the rotation. They also give a Do Over to the White Sox for the Adam LaRoche fiasco and answer listener questions. Finally, the boys announced a contest become the final entrants in the BP Toronto fantasy league. All you have to do is follow @TurfPod and tweet your best fantasy team name. The winners will be notified of their inclusion in the league and the entries will be read on Episode Four of Artificial Turf Wars next week.

R.J. Anderson of Baseball Prospectus stops by Artificial Turf Wars to discuss the Tampa Bay Rays as part of the AL East Division preview series. The guys also discuss Jose Bautista's contract situation, Marco Estrada's health, Aaron Sanchez' great stuff, Josh's notes from Dunedin, and the one year anniversary of Marcus Stroman's "season-ending" injury. The guys then take some listener questions and then give a "Do-Over" to Goose Gossage for his insane, Jose Bautista-fueled rant.

Welcome to the debut episode of Artificial Turf Wars! Blue Jays RP David Aardsma stops by to give his views on bullpen battles, his career, the Blue Jays, and how to handle social media. In addition, Greg and Josh discuss Marcus Stroman’s “new pitch,” Bautista and Estrada getting into action, Michael Saunders looking healthy, and Aaron Loup’s elbow injury.Finally, Chris joins the boys to answer some listener questions, give Anthony Gose a Do-Over and play everybody’s favourite Buck Martinez-inspired game, “Swing and a Drive!”