Changes at the top for the MLBPA heading towards a 2027 work stoppage, plus Blue Jays issues heading into Grapefruit League play

Okamoto, Tiedemann, Berrios, too many lefty hitters and more

Following a significant shakeup at the top of the players’ union, with executive director Tony Clark stepping down plagued by a series of unexpected scandals, what does it mean for the upcoming labour negotiations on a Collective Bargaining Agreement that expires on Dec. 1. Salary Cap is the central issue. In 1994, baseball proved that nobody wins when the game stops due to labour issues. Spring training games are getting underway in Arizona and Florida. How much should fans pay attention to Grapefruit League results. Not much. How many spring training phee-noms are immediate busts? We recall a few with the Jays and Expos. The history of Japanese players in MLB and the seven players from that baseball-crazy country that have worn a Blue Jays uniform. A quick review of the Jays crowded bullpen picture and what to do with talented lefty Ricky Tiedemann. How many starting pitchers is enough as the game heads to an extra day’s rest for the rotation? We ponder the 21st Century history of World Series teams and their performance the next year after their Fall Classic appearance and far more on this edition of Exit Philosophy.