Weekly discussion of Toronto Blue Jays baseball with Drew Fairservice and Andrew Stoeten -- two Toronto-based baseball writers with work published at the National Post, FanGraphs, VICE, theScore, theAthleticTO, and more, and creators of seminal Jays blogs Ghostrunner On First and Drunk Jays Fans.
blue jays, perspective, fan, talk, best, great, good, listen.
Listeners of Birds All Day that love the show mention:Drew & Ricky break down the Wild Card series vs Seattle & they look ahead to what the Jays need to do to take the next step. Ricky was in Toronto for the series and talks about how amazing the atmosphere was and how loud the crowd was. They break down what went wrong in Game 1 & 2 and they talk about some of the key moments in the games that could be second guessed. They talk about what's the plan with the coaching staff and what moves should the front office make this offseason to help the Jays make a deep October run. -Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF -Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Drew & Kaitlyn break down the Jays getting eliminated in the Wild Card Round by the Mariners and what's the offseason plan. They talk about if having home field for the series was a negative. There is a lot of second guessing moves/plays in the 2 games and they discuss all the people Monday Morning Quarterbacking all the moves of the series. And they talk about what is the Jays plan for the offseason and do they need to make any major additions to make a deep run next season. -Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF -Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Drew & Ricky preview the Mariners-Blue Jays Wild Card Series with all 3 games in Toronto. The guys break down the biggest matchups in the series and how they expect the Mariners pitching to try to slow down the Jays bats. They talk about if somehow the Jays lose Game 1, should the team change plans for the rest of the series. They talk about who they think should be the starting pitchers for the series and how they need to really just trust the guys that got them there. -Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF -Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Drew & Kaitlyn talk about how the Blue Jays hold all the cards with 3 games left in the season to where they will finish in the Wild Card Standings. Coming off a sweep of the Red Sox, the Jays are have their Wild Card slotting in their own hands. They talk about if Vlad heats up, this offense could be unstoppable in the Playoffs. They break down what they think the Playoff starting rotation would look like. And they break down some of the other options that the team will have to make with the Playoff roster. -Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF -Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Drew & Ricky talk all about your Blue Jays quest to clinch a Playoff spot & they are joined by former Jays Pitcher Marc Rzepczynski to talk about the haunted hotel in Tampa Bay. The Jays are close to clinching a Playoff spot ( they might clinch shortly if the Orioles lose) and they talk about if the team will have any kind of celebration. They talk about the interesting week had by Vlad and all the talk from people about his hustle on the bases. They break down Aaron Judge hitting HR #61 vs the Jays and how they decided to go after him in the series. And they are joined by former Jays P Marc Rzepczynski to hear his story about the haunted hotel in Tampa Bay and how they hope the Jays don't have to play any Playoff games down there. -Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF -Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Drew & Kaitlyn are back to talk about your AL Wild Card leading Blue Jays and how they are set-up nicely to make a deep Playoff run. They talk about how they think the Blue Jays would probably be favored over most teams currently in the Playoffs and how they can beat anyone when things are rolling. They talk about who they would rather have the Jays face first and who should be part of the Playoff starting rotation. -Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF -Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Drew & Ricky talk about some upcoming decisions the Jays will have to make about the Playoff rotation and roster. The guys talk about how it would be ideal for the Jays to be the #1 Wild Card and play as many games as possible at home with the crowd behind them. They talk about what they think the starting rotation could look like and who might be the odd men out. They also talk about what other Playoff roster decisions might need to be make and if anyone from the minors could make a big impact. They discuss the upcoming series this weekend vs the Rays. And Ricky talks about how he would pitch to Aaron Judge if he was still playing. -Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF -Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Drew and Ricky talk about the Wild Card leading Blue Jays (as of this recording) and how Manager John Schneider is pressing all the right buttons right now. The Jays split a doubleheader on Tuesday, but it felt like they swept it. They talk about how John Schneider is pulling all the right strings lately and how guys have stepped up at the plate and on the mound. The guys talk about the battle for the top AL Wild Card spot and how they think the Jays can beat anyone, when they are going right. -Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF -Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Drew & Ricky talk about the Jays continuing to play some good ball and are being led by Bo Bichette & the starting rotation. They sweep the Pirates over the weekend and sweep the doubleheader on Monday vs the Orioles. Bichette is just on fire right now and the guys talk about how they needed someone to step up on offense. The starting pitching has really stepped up and they keep putting up solid starts. They talk about the bullpen finding their roles going into September. The discuss the dust up on Tuesday with the Orioles and how the umpires really need to find their way and not be involved. And they talk about the upcoming series in Texas and what to do with the 5th starter spot going forward. -Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF -Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Drew & Ricky talk about where the Blue Jays stand heading into September and how their destiny is in their hands to make the Playoffs. Jays take 2 of 3 from the Cubs and head to Pittsburgh to take on the Pirates over the weekend. The guys talk about what the team needs to do to keep things rolling and get into a better Playoff spot. They discuss who needs to step up heading into the final month of the regular season and what players could get the September call up. -Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF -Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Drew & Kaitlyn have a lot to talk about from the weekend with the Angels and Shohei Ohtani in town. The Angels swept the Jays and the up and down rollercoaster season continues. They talk about the team's lack of homers lately and how they need to be more consistent hitting them. They talk about how amazing the Ohtani experience is to witness in person. And they talk about the 30 year anniversary celebration for the 1992 World Series Champion Bluejays. -Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF -Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Yimi Garcia, Zach Pop, Jordan Romano, and the bullpen have played a large role in the Blue Jays' recent string of success, including winning at least two games versus Boston. Drew and Ricky discuss Toronto's pen, and the unremarkable side of it (Yusei Kikuchi) as well as Jose Berrios, George Springer, the Los Angeles Angels and Shohei Ohtani, and the 2023 schedule. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Jays take 3 of 4 from the Yankees and Drew & Kaitlyn are here to break it all down. The offense continues to struggle, but the Jays take 3 of 4 from the Yankees. They talk about the interaction between Gerrit Cole & Alex Manoah from Sunday's game and the postgame comments from Manoah. Jays head to Boston and they talk about how the next stretch of games is very important. -Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF -Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ross Stripling tossed a gem versus the Orioles. Where does he fit into a playoff rotation? Is Jose Berrios tipping his pitches? Drew and Ricky discuss those topics as well as the recent lineup tweaks. Plus, a big-time series against the Yankees. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is it bad juju or bad defense that's terrorizing Kevin Gausman? Drew and Kaitlyn chat about Gausman's odd spell, the Blue Jays and Guardians' offenses, Mitch White, and the Orioles series. Oh, and, of course, the Bradley Zimmer news breaks right after we record. Still, listen about JBJ! Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Toronto's disappointing series in Baltimore had some silver linings. Drew and Ricky discuss Bo Bichette launching homers and a potential upgrade in the outfield with Jackie Bradley Jr. The guys also preview the Cleveland Guardians series and chat about Mitch White's debut. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Whit Merrifield's controversial slide to score the go-ahead run versus the Twins begs discussion. Was the right call made? Is there another left-handed pitcher the Jays can turn to with Tim Mayza's season in jeopardy? Toronto will be seeing a lot of the Orioles. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Kailtny on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mitch White, Zach Pop, and Anthony Bass were dealt to the Blue Jays to help in the short, and long term. Drew and Ricky take a deep dive into the newest arms for Toronto. The pair also compare and contrast the Jays' deadline moves to that of moves made by the other AL Wild Card teams, the Mariners and Rays. How will the WC shake out based on the deadline? Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kaitlyn McGrath heads the S.S. Spin Rate with Drew out, and welcomes Josh Goldberg, 'Designated for Assignment' podcast co-host and writer for The Score, to the show! The duo provides a temp check of the Blue Jays trade deadline and an assessment of which teams were winners and losers after the market closed. Is Mitch White the next Ross Stripling? When will White, Anthony Bass, and Zach Pop be thrust into duty? Kaitlyn and Josh address the Whit Merrifield concerns and trade, too. Plus, breaking down the Rays series, looking ahead to Minnesota, and chatting about the Rogers Centre's renovations. Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Follow Josh on Twitter: @JGoldberg12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ricky is the campaign manager for 'crafty pitchers'. An archetype, descriptor that suits Adam Wainwright aptly, and who, despite his age, seems ageless. Drew and Ricky discuss Wainwright, Albert Pujols, and the series split vs. the Cardinals. The guys also hit on Benintendi to the Yankees, bullpen options for the Blue Jays, Kikuchi, Gausman, and John Schneider's performance thus far. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
28-5!?! How does that even happen? Drew and Kaitlyn kick off today's show by explaining and recapping Toronto's historic night in Boston. The pair comb through rumored starting and relief pitches that the Jays could be candidates to land. A look at the Bluebirds' farm system pre-trade deadline leads to a look at Cardinals-Jays. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alek Manoah's mic'd up moment at the All-Star Game was magical. Drew and Ricky chat about Manoah, Kirk, and the bevy of Jays in the ASG before revisiting Charlie Montoyo's departure, on which Ricky shares his thoughts. The pair ponder potential deadline targets, like Juan Soto (regardless of how farfetched it may be), and then they discuss the Jays' culture and Shannon Curley. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Was John Schneider's first series as interim manager of the Jays successful? What is Brandon Barriera's, Toronto's first-round selection in the MLB Draft, scouting report? Is there a chance, albeit an infinitesimal one, that Juan Soto "Shuffles" to the Great North? Drew and Kaitlyn discuss all of that and share their second-half expectations for the Bluebirds in today's show. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The equanimous and enigmatic Tao of Stieb, yet no less great, joins Drew in the aftermath of Charlie Montoyo's dismissal to ponder and converse about John Schneider and his managerial mindset, the trade deadline, Alejandro Kirk batting higher in the order, and if the Blue Jays still have a shot at the postseason. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow TOS on Twitter: @TaoofStieb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Drew and Kaitlyn react to Toronto relieving Charlie Montoyo of his managerial duties. Was the writing on the wall, and if not, then why fire him? Did Montoyo lose the clubhouse? What's next for the Jays? Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many of the usual suspects that have hamstrung the Jays this season reared their ugly heads in the Seattle series. Drew and Kaitlyn recap the inauspicious four-game stint and discuss which of the Jays' issues is most pressing. The duo also assess the team's first-half performance and applaud the Bluebirds in the All-Star game. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Drew and Ricky kibbitz about the highlights and low-lights of Toronto's trip to Oakland. On the upside, Matt Chapman crushed the ball at the plate, and Jose Berrios orchestrated a great rebound performance. Which leaves us with the downside, Kikuchi, what can the Jays do to help remedy his pitching woes? Plus, we play 'Who Caught for Ricky?', and look ahead to the Mariners series. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Jays kick off their west coast swing after a miserable three-game stretch against the Rays. Drew and Kaitlyn share cliff notes from the Tampa Bay series before honing in on Kevin Gausman's injury. Though Gausman's future isn't totally in question, his absence still highlights Toronto's dearth of pitching depth. Is a left-handed bat still a need at the trade deadline? Berrios and Kikuchi deliver bounce-back performances. Pancakes the Dog chimes in about George Springer's mic'd up segment in the Jays game on YouTube before the crew wraps up the show by discussing the Canada Day festivities and the team's west coast trip. Our thoughts go out to Mark Budzinski and the Budzinski family. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Toronto has scored a pair of critical wins over the Red Sox, and Drew and Ricky breakdown all the action from the couplet of victories. Vladdy called 'game' in his walk-off hit on Tuesday night. How vital has he been for the Jays in June? In Drew's Ohtani dreamland, could he flock to the Bluebirds in a deal that includes Alejandro Kirk? Who would you rather have? Plus, the Trent Thornton decision, Drew Pearson's setback, and the addition of Sergio Romo. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Subscribe to The Athletic for $1/month for 6 months by visiting: theathletic.com/spinrate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What was considered a position of strength at the start of 2022 for the Blue Jays has devolved into a possible weakness. Jose Berrios, Yusei Kikuchi, and the Blue Jays starting rotation need triage support. Drew and Kaitlyn prioritize Toronto's pitching problems and offer up possible solutions. Toronto will square off against the Red Sox and Rays in a stretch versus intradivisional foes. How important is this string of games for the Jays? Plus, Captain Kirk to the moon. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month for 6 months by visiting: theathletic.com/spinrate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Jays fall victim to yet another pitching implosion episode; however, hitting coach Guillermo Martínez may have spurred Toronto to a series finale win over the White Sox after being ejected prior to the game's start. Drew and Ricky recap a scuffling Blue Jays' trip to Chicago but focus on the positives from the final game. Is moving Yusei Kikuchi to the bullpen a way to remedy the club's pitching issues? What about acquiring Sergio Romo? The pair look ahead to the Brewers series before closing shop. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is it accurate to say the Blue Jays just aren't up to the Yankees' level of play this season, or is Toronto's current state more nuanced than that? Drew and Kaitlyn recap the Jays-Yankees series and examine the most glaring differences between the two clubs. The pair then run down the list of injured Blue Jays. Is it fair to say Hyun-jin Ryu's time in Toronto is over? What's next for Nate Pearson? Though the Chicago White Sox are falling short of expectations this season, the Jays' shouldn't overlook them. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month for 6 months by visiting: theathletic.com/spinrate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Toronto will be without Hyun-jin Ryu for quite a while as he undergoes surgery on his elbow. Drew and Ricky explores the ripple effects of Ryu's injury, including Ross Stripling's role, Yusei Kikuchi's path forward, and possible trade deadline targets, which may or may not cover a tw-way star in Anaheim. Ricky shares his impressions of Gabriel Moreno before the guys endure a convo about the dreaded Yanks. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month for 6 months by visiting: theathletic.com/spinrate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gabriel Moreno made his major league debut as Toronto took two of three versus Detroit. Drew and Kaitlyn analyze Moreno's first big-league series, including his presence behind the plate and interactions with Kevin Gausman. Ross Stripling may anchor down the fifth starter role for the rest of the year at this rate, and, in contrast, the bullpen, though improving, still needs help. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Subscribe to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/spinrate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Keegan Matheson, MLB.com's Blue Jays reporter, joins Drew and Kaitlyn to discuss the promotion of Toronto's top prospect, Gabriel Moreno. What can we expect from Moreno? How does his addition factor into the other faces behind the plate for TO? Plus, who are some trade deadline candidates for the Jays? Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Follow Keegan on Twitter: @KeeganMatheson Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month for 6 months by visiting: theahtletic.com/spinrate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Although the Twins took two versus the Jays, Toronto is still a hot team. Drew, Kaitlyn, and Ricky react to the three-game series in Minnesota, including José Berríos' K-fest, and Kevin Gausman's forgettable start. Plus, the Jays are pulling the ball more and it's to their benefit. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month for 6 months by visiting: theathletic.com/spinrate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With seven consecutive wins under their belt, the Blue Jays are rolling. Drew and Ricky chat about the win streak, and Vladdy, Jansen, and others' contributions, including el Capitán - Alejandro Kirk. Is Kirk more valuable on the Jays' roster, or as a trade piece to land a bigger fish? Plus, Matt Chapman is on the brink of a breakthrough, and the club's upcoming series could help pad the win column. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month for 6 months by visiting: theathletic.com/spinrate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Jays earned their first series sweep of the 2022 season. Drew and Kaitlyn, armed with their brooms, react to Toronto's four-game slate versus the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The pair discuss the offense and its parts, namely Lourdes Gurriel and Alejandro Kirk, that surprised us. Jose Berrios logged his second-straight unchancy start. Is he destined for a "rehab" stint to reconnect with his stuff? Plus, Charlie Montoyo's "adventures" involved Julian Merryweather, who isn't at his best. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month for 6 months by visiting: theathletic.com/spinrate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Will Danny Jansen be remembered as the catalyst for a hot-hitting Jays team if their offense turns the corner and remains consistent? Drew and Ricky discuss the "Danny Jansen Game" and its potential season-wide implications. Are the Jays too right-handed? The guys dig into that topic, including if one Mr. Joey Votto could be the answer. Kaitlyn then joins the squad as the trio talk about Kevin Gausman and his ranking among American League pitchers. To wrap up, the triumvirate chat swing and miss relievers who could fit the billing for Toronto and they look ahead to the Angels series. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month for 6 months by visiting: theathletic.com/spinrate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is it time Toronto makes wholesale changes to its roster in an attempt to shed its disappointing start? Drew and Kaitlyn don't think so. The pair reason with fans' criticism of this club and reframe our state of mind to remind everyone that it's just the tail end of May. Some areas of the Blue Jays are more challenging to explain away than others, the bullpen needs more help, especially with Tim Mayza out. Who can the Bluebirds turn to, to reinforce its pen? Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month for 6 months by visiting: theathletic.com/spinrate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is it time we recalibrate our expectations for this Blue Jays club? Drew and Ricky meditate and respond to that question as well as discussing Vlad Jr. piecing together one of the "quietest" hitting streaks to date. Plus, Yusei Kikuchi's perseverance and boldness is paying dividends. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month for 6 months by visiting: theathletic.com/spinrate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Questions continue to hang around the Jays' offense like a hat on a rack. Drew and Kaitlyn seek the facts about the Bluebirds' bats and try to separate the noise from the truth. Staying with the theme of offense, Danny Jansen has been swinging at a high level. Plus, we glimpsed promise in Hyun-Jin Ryu's return. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month for 6 months by visiting: theathletic.com/spinrate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In episode two of the Future of Sports series, The Athletic's Mike Smeltz looks at how the team experience may change in the future: increased use of technology in gameplay, robotic umpires and the unique initiatives of a startup sports league. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In episode one of the Future of Sports series, The Athletic's Mike Smeltz looks at how the fan experience may change: how going to games, watching games at home and how memorabilia is shifting from physical to digital. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Toronto has had an inauspicious run as of late. Drew and Ricky dive into the rough patch the Bluebirds are facing, and discuss how a spell, like this, can snowball. Vladdy's frustration manifested in a bat-splintering crack; should the team's level of annoyance be where it is now considering we're 30-some games into the season? Plus, Kirk's consistent bat and Kikuchi's adjustments are helping the squad. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month for 6 months by visiting: theathletic.com/spinrate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
30 games into the 2022 MLB regular season, the Blue Jays boast a 17-13 record. Drew and Kaitlyn ponder what we can make of this Toronto team through nearly the first fifth of the year. How does the offense stack up to 2021's production so far? Plus, what areas of this club can we nitpick, and Kaitlyn shares her story about a Blue Jays fan who made a young Yankees fan's day. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month for 6 months by visiting: theathletic.com/spinrate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alek Manoah posts another great start against the Yankees keeping his ERA under 1.50 so far this season. Can he keep this up for a full season? Are there positives to take out of a bad loss to New York? The Jays are struggling to hit with runners in scoring position, is it reason for concern. And Alejandro Kirk's proving his value behind the plate early in the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Drew and Kaitlyn take a peek behind the curtain at Kevin Gausman's nearly-unblemished start to his Blue Jays career. The pair discuss his sequencing, location, stats, and more. Kaitlyn weighs in on Toronto's close wins this season, and she and Drew hone in on the Bluebirds' RISP shortcomings. Plus, a look ahead to the Yankees series. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month for 6 months by visiting: theathletic.com/spinrate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Toronto's late-game heroics have been well documented this season, yet, Drew is ordering a blowout. He and Ricky discuss the uneasiness of the one-run games the Jays have been involved in this season. The Bluebirds are shifting more than any other MLB team this year, will this strategy pay off? Ross Stripling, Kevin Gausman, and Alek Manoah are all dealing at the moment, when will Kikuchi join in the fun? Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month for 6 months by visiting: theathletic.com/spinrate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Soaked in triumph, the back-to-back series-winning Jays appeared to turn a corner offensively, if only a shallow corner. Drew and Kaitlyn discuss the wins in Boston and Houston, and they also wonder out loud if moving Vlad to the 2-spot would result in a cloudburst of offense. Espinal continues to impress, as does Matt Chapman's ludicrous arm. Jordan Romano looked a bit shaky versus the 'Stros, is all OK in Savesland? Plus, Toronto faces a crucial 10-game homestand. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Kaitlyn on Twitter: @kaitlyncmcgrath Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A narrow series-opening defeat at the hands of the nefarious Red Sox has Drew and Ricky discussing Bo Bichette and the bottom of the order's offense. When will it find water, and what adjustments can those parties make? Kikuchi and Stripling stacked solid performances for the Jays. Plus, are there mechanical issues with Ryu? Ricky shares his thoughts. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DrewGROF Follow Ricky on Twitter: @Ricky_Ro24 Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month for 6 months by visiting: theathletic.com/spinrate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices