The Jays are Beasts of the East

The future of Bo, too many Jays starters, who will challenge in the East

The Blue Jays are Beasts of the East, the hunted not the hunters in this two-month race to the title in what has traditionally been the toughest division in baseball. How did they get there and what about the Yankees and Red Sox. Did Bo Bichette win by betting on himself when he didn’t sign any of the deals that have been offered by the Jays over past years and what kind of total value, or AAV could he expect? Does Bo know shortstop or could he do a Marcus Semien? The Yankees seem like a good fit as a new home this coming offseason. How would Bo look in pinstripes? Griff and Mal discuss the well-documented clubhouse confrontation between Phillies star Bryce Harper and MLB Commissioner. Was there a message to his madness and how big an influence was super-agent Scott Boras? What about the Jays dilemma when RH Shane Bieber is ready to start in the majors again coming off Tommy John. It’s a great problem to have, deciding whether to go with a six man rotation for the final seven trips through the rotation or the traditional five-man. LH Eric Lauer has been the most consistent starter but he could be the odd-man out. Are the Blue Jays getting the proper respect from national media and, in fact, their own fan-base? If not, why not? GM Ross Atkins deserves some credit for filling the need for two more hard throwing bullpen arms and a clear roll of the dice with Bieber. Should he have done more at the deadline, especially in the pen? Finally, a heartfelt discussion between Mal and Griff about the expansion Niagara Ironbacks' experience in the Perfect Game Collegiate Summer League. With Mal as co-owner and GM and Griff as field manager, we compare memories of a new team that despite a difficult season on the field, provided a defined culture of respect that stayed bonded in the clubhouse and dugout.