On Exit Philosophy, Griff and Mal discuss the wild, wild Wildcard race for the final AL playoff spot. With 21 games remaining, heading to Kansas City, who are the real contenders to become the best mediocre team in the league and which teams have dropped out of the race. Is it realistic to believe that any of Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber and Anthony Santander have time to return from injury and be a factor for the Jays down the stretch? The head-shaking Guardians series filled with fundamental lapses and fielding throw pas reignites the argument of baseball promoting athleticism vs. fundamentals and shoe-horning players to MLB before they are ready. Mal and Griff include a spirited discussion about player-owner strategies leading to the inevitable off-season labour showdown.
Blue Jays chances in wild, wild wildcard race plus are baseball fundamentals a thing of the past
Only four AL teams out of contention so who has the inside track for the final spot
I think the two scenarios will go hand in hand. If they qualify for the wild card it means they've had a gritty and successful end to the season - even if they get blown out. It would in some ways be more satisfying than the wild card results from 2022 and 2023. Given how dire things have looked during this season, the fact that (as I write) we are 1 game over .500 and in the wild card spot is remarkable (thanks to the mediocre AL I guess....but still we essentially have only a 3 man rotation!).