Exit Philosophy with Griff and Mal

Rich Griffin and Mal Romanin
  • 4.8 (44)
  • BASEBALL
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Richard Griffin and Mal Romanin talk baseball, sports and life. They discuss their mutual love of baseball and how it is they arrived at the point in their lives, teaming up for Exit Philosophy. A large dose of Blue Jays talk, where nothing is off limits with honest opinions and smart suggestions for making things better in sports and life.

  1. 4D AGO

    Blue Jays Shake Up Rotation: Cease Upside, Ponce Risk & Bo vs. Kyle Tucker Debate | Exit Philosophy

    In this week's Exit Philosophy, Griff and Mal discuss the revamped Blue Jays rotation and how different the starting five is from the one that opened the 2024 season. The upside of Dylan Cease coming off a down season in San Diego and the potential downside of Cody Ponce coming off a career year in Korea. With the narrowing of position player needs, the discussion centres on Bo or Kyle Tucker and how the versatility of Clement and Barger allows the Jays to pivot in any direction. Do they truly need a bona fide closer? How much do they have left in payroll to finish close to last year's $254-million. All this and much more. INDEX: 0:00 – Intro 0:25 – Winter Meetings Preview 6:00 – ERAs committee HOF Vote 10:40 – Dylan Cease Contract 21:00 – Cody Ponce Signs with the Blue Jays + Jose Berrios 35:00 – Thoughts on the 2026 Rotation 41:00 – What are the remaining additions? 48:30 – Breaking down 2026 Payroll and Options 55:00 – Internal Options + Ricky Tiedemann 59:35 – Rule 5 Players 1:01:00 – Expansion back alive in Montreal? 1:02:40 – Outro + Conversation with Hazel Mae ---- Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExitPhilosophy ---- For the full catalogue of Richard Griffin's work, including weekly Blue Jays/MLB columns, a weekly MLB Power Rankings column, exclusive conversations with some of the game's greats, past and present, and the Exit Philosophy podcast, visit https://www.griffsthepitch.com/

    1h 3m

  2. NOV 30

    Ellis Valentine: The Cannon Arm, Montreal Expos Glory & Overcoming Life's Toughest Battles

    Conversations With Griff Presents Ellis Valentine Griff welcomes former Expos outfielder Ellis Valentine, discussing his career as a blossoming young Montreal baseball star in the '70s, derailed in the early '80s by injury and immaturity, from what once was a Hall-of-Fame career path, to finding himself out of MLB prematurely due to injury and a self-destructive lifestyle. The L.A. native talks about his journey from high school star, to second round draft pick in 1972, mentored by Mel Didier and Karl Kuehl in the Expos organization. He talks about similarities with the Jays' homegrown duo of Vlad Jr. and Bo Bichette, as he was linked in his early career with Hall-of-Fame catcher Gary Carter, advancing to the majors year by year from the same draft class and with similar potential. Valentine's big personality shines through as he talks about what it was like being young and an Expo, surrounded by a roster of like-minded friends, winning games in 1979-80, all in their early 20's all single and coming into their own together, with a fanbase that had a chance to get to know them in downtown srettings after almost every game. Ellis offers an opinion on what has happened to the African-American presence in the majors, his dislike of Gene Mauch, how he lost his peripheral vision for three full years after being hit in the face by Roy Thomas of the Cardinals, his trade to the Mets in 1981, his retirement, realizing he needed help and facing the problems head-on. A true Redemption Song of freedom.  INDEX: 0:00 – Intro 1:31 – 1972 Draft and Being Selected alongside Gary Carter and Bobby Goodman 3:15 – Great Throwing Arms of his Era + Addison Barger 6:50 – Remembering Mel Didier 8:17 – Power Outage Throwing Contest at Olympic Stadium 10:31 – Love of Montreal 12:00 – Being at Athlete in Montreal in the 1970's 15:10 – Growing up in LA and Love of Crenshaw High School 20:45 – MLB Moving Back Towards Contact Over Homeruns? 25:35 – Gene Mauch 32:25 – 1977 All-Star Game 35:30 – Unfortunate Decrease in African American Ball Players and How to Address it 44:10 – Gary Carter 51:10 – Outfielder Development 53:54 – Winter Meetings and Larry Doby 55:45 – Lack of Mentors for Young Players 57:05 – The Redemption of Ellis Valentine + Life After Baseball 1:08:00 - Outro ---- Get the audio version of "Griff's Conversations" and the "Exit Philosophy Podcast" wherever you get your podcasts, including: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Q0MJVS... ---- For the full catalogue of Richard Griffin's work, including weekly Blue Jays/MLB columns, a weekly MLB Power Rankings column, exclusive conversations with some of the game's greats, past and present, and the Exit Philosophy podcast, visit https://www.griffsthepitch.com/ #MontrealExpos #MLB   ---- Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExitPhilosophy ---- For the full catalogue of Richard Griffin's work, including weekly Blue Jays/MLB columns, a weekly MLB Power Rankings column, exclusive conversations with some of the game's greats, past and present, and the Exit Philosophy podcast, visit https://www.griffsthepitch.com/

    1h 9m

  3. NOV 27

    Dylan Cease Signs with the Toronto Blue Jays - Bonus Exit Philosophy with Griff and Mal

    BONUS EPISODE Shortly after the latest episode of Exit Philosophy, the Blue Jays made a BIG move and signed Dylan Cease to a massive seven-year, $210 million contract. Griff provides instant reaction to the major move. Please check out previous episodes of  @ExitPhilosophy  on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. #torontobluejays #mlb

    7 min

  4. NOV 26

    Are The Blue Jays Extending Their Window? Bullpen Names + Hot Stove Rumours and Rule 5 Roster Moves

    Exit Philosophy with Griff and Mal The MLB Hot Stove is heating up early with several significant trades and with important free agent tires being kicked in earnest. Griff and Mal discuss where the Blue Jays stand with regard to '26 team payroll and what it allows them to do in their attempt to repeat a trip to the World Series. What should be the key free agents they should pursue. Does that include a new closer too slot in ahead of Jeff Hoffman. What about their own free agent, Bo Bichette? Are they in danger of making the same mistake the Leafs did with Mitch Marner, letting him go and feeling they can replace him, no problem. Could a Jays rumoured Diamondbacks trade for 2B Ketel Marte be the solution? Have the GM Meetings in early November replaced the traditional Winter Meetings in importance? All this and more.  Index: 0:00 – Intro 0: 29 -The Hot Stove is Cooking 5:47 – Rule 5 Draft + Blue Jays Outlook 12:35 – Blue Jays 2025 Payroll Issues 17:13 – Relief Pitcher Market + Closer Needs 23:24 – Max Scherzer Wants Back in T.O. 25:29 – Blue Jays vs Maple Leaf Comps 28:10 – Run Prevention Trumps All 30:17 -  Blue Jays Extended Window with Contracts 35:00 – Jays Marketing in Japan + Manfred Comments 36:46 – Blue Jays Rumour Mill + Free Agent Fits 49:30 – Final Managerial Spot Filled 51:10 – NFL Thanksgiving Preview 56:25 – Ellis Valentine Conversation Preview + Outro ---- Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExitPhilosophy ---- For the full catalogue of Richard Griffin's work, including weekly Blue Jays/MLB columns, a weekly MLB Power Rankings column, exclusive conversations with some of the game's greats, past and present, and the Exit Philosophy podcast, visit https://www.griffsthepitch.com/

    58 min

  5. NOV 20

    John Gibbons Talks Blue Jays, Baseball Stories and Canada | Full Interview

    On Exit Philosophy, Griff and Mal welcome former Blue Jays manager John Gibbons for his  view on the just-completed World Series, his new gig as bench coach with the Angels, and more. The former skipper, who took his Jays to consecutive ALCS in 2015-16, explains the similarities of his first playoff team that lost to the Royals and the difficulties of repeating the next year. He explains the phenomenon of playing for an entire country and hosting Jays fans compared to others around baseball. He describes his favourite memories from Winter Tours, including driving tanks in Edmonton with his head sticking out the turret and the icicles that formed. Gibby shares his thoughts on clubhouse chemistry, winning, and how talent is the overriding factor. He talks about his first stint as Jays manager in New York when he was appointed while eating a post-game sandwich, his famous dustup with Ted Lilly, and his clubhouse clash with Shea Hillenbrand. He talks about his relationship with the late Davey Johnson. It's all vintage Gibby.     Index: 0:00 – Intro 0:35 – John Gibbons Joins the Show! 1:30 – How Has Gibby Been? 5:40 – Going from Manager to Bench Coach 7:25 – Relationship with Perry Minasian 11:25 – Transitioning from Player to Coaching 16:45 – Managerial Surprises 21:14 – Winning with Good Chemistry 24:00 – Ted Lily 26:00- Changes from 2015 to 2016 with the Blue Jays 29:05 – Young players on 2015 Club 31:10 – The Blue Jays Terrific Fan Base 36:40 – Blue Jays Fans in Seattle 39:00 – Clubhouse Meetings 44:22 – Boston Red Sox Attitude 45:32 – Shea Hillenbrand 47:09 – Thoughts on Starters Innings + Scherzer's Intensity 56:01 – Hitters Strike Zone Awareness and Umpires 58:50 – Thoughts on ABS Challenges 1:00:52 – Mapping out Relief Pitchers + Game Strategy 1:03:50 – Gibby's Hall of Fame Ballot Thoughts 1:10:25 – Remembering Davey Johnson ---- Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExitPhilosophy ---- For the full catalogue of Richard Griffin's work, including weekly Blue Jays/MLB columns, a weekly MLB Power Rankings column, exclusive conversations with some of the game's greats, past and present, and the Exit Philosophy podcast, visit https://www.griffsthepitch.com/

    1h 14m

  6. NOV 12

    Does Bo Even Know?

    It began with an upbeat media session starring Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins, describing the joyous October journey to World Series Game 7 and Shane Bieber's surprising decision to opt in for 2026. But the Jays task of defending the AL championship title does not get any easier, as Bo Bichette heads into his free agency, as Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt potentially leave the rotation and as Don Mattingly decides to step away from the dugout. What are the various scenarios for Bo moving forward? Will he stay or will he go? The epic Vlad October and its perception of his mega-extension are discussed as well as a potential spinoff, the possibility that the run to the Fall Classic has made it easier to recruit free agents in Asia, as well as North America. Is there a new MLB emphasis when it comes to hiring major-league managers and what are going to be the major stumbling blocks when it comes to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement? All this and more on this week's Exit Philosophy podcast. INDEX: 0:00 - Intro 2:16 - Media avail for Shapiro and Atkins 8:41 - Contract extensions for Shapiro, Schneider and Atkins 12:09 - Departure of Don Mattingly 16:22 - Hall-of-Fame Veterans Committee 22:27 - Shane Bieber's surprise decision to opt in and what it means. 27:51 - Breaking down Blue Jays clubhouse chemistry and what it means to a winning team. 31:56 - Blue Jays' offseason search for more pitching 35:08 - The saga of Bo Bichette 48:22 - The real impact of Vlad Guerrero Jr. and his mega-contract 51:43 - World Series gives Jays new profile in Pacific Rim countries 54:23 - Rookie of the Year results and baseball getting younger 1:00:40 - New managerial hires don't be fit a formula. many outside the box 1:03:56 - MLB's gambling crisis 1:06:56 - NFL take by Mal on his Buffalo Bills ---- Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExitPhilosophy ---- For the full catalogue of Richard Griffin's work, including weekly Blue Jays/MLB columns, a weekly MLB Power Rankings column, exclusive conversations with some of the game's greats, past and present, and the Exit Philosophy podcast, visit https://www.griffsthepitch.com/

    1h 9m

  7. NOV 3

    A Fall Classic For The Ages

    Was this the greatest World Series story ever told? How about the most memorable Game 7? The Blue Jays, in the end, had chances to hold on to or extend the lead, then, when the Dodgers tied it, chances to win in regulation and then tie it when falling behind in the 11th. The Dodgers' comeback in Games 6-7 came mainly due to the Japanese influence of Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto and superstar DH-RHP Shohei Ohtani, with rookie Roki Sasaki looming as yet another Rising Sun weapon. Griff and Mal discuss the short list of the Jays' top heroes and who wears the horns of the goat. What has this post-season run done for Vlad Guerrero Jr.'s image and his future. What happens to Bo Bichette in free agency, and is Trey Yesavage a mortal lock for stardom in 2026. All this and more in this week's Exit Philosophy. INDEX: 0:00 – Intro 0:35 – Impressions and Reactions to Game 7 10:45 – Max Scherzer is a Maniac In The Best Way 17:35 – Dodgers and Japan ..Can the Jays be Players in Pacific Rim? 25:47 – Miguel Rojas Home Run 28:52 – Jeff Hoffman 33:45 – Ernie Clement's Outstanding Postseason 37:56 – Gold Glove Snubs 39:35 – IKF's Baserunning Might Have Cost them The World Series 45:50 – Top World Series Performers 50:20 – Ohtani's Extra Warm Up Time 52:10 – Trey Yesavage -  What Does 2026 Look Like? 57:29 – Greatest Game 7 Ever? 1:01:10 – When Richard Met Debbie 1:02:18 – Where Do The Jays Go with Bo Bichette? 1:07:24 – Impact on Canada of World Series Run 1:10:55 - Outro Please subscribe, like and leave a review whereever you listen! ---- Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExitPhilosophy ---- For the full catalogue of Richard Griffin's work, including weekly Blue Jays/MLB columns, a weekly MLB Power Rankings column, exclusive conversations with some of the game's greats, past and present, and the Exit Philosophy podcast, visit https://www.griffsthepitch.com/

    1h 12m

  8. OCT 30

    The Jays Lead Heading Back to Toronto

    Griff and Mal discuss Games 4 and 5 of the World Series in LA. Also, we preview games 6 and 7 to discuss what the Blue Jays have to do to bring a World Series championship back to Canada and the city of Toronto.  INDEX: 0:00 – Intro 0:32 – World Series Recap – Blue Jays are Resilient 1:30 – How Can They Win It at Home? 6:15 – Bullpens are the Key 9:35 – Yesavage has All-Time Performance and Game 5 Recap 18:12 – Can they get to Yamamoto? 20:55 – 18 Inning Marathon in Game 3 + Ohtani Performance 27:50 – History of Teams Going Home with 3-2 Lead 33:00 – Global Impact of World Series 36:18 – Who Is Going to DH? Bo or George 40:18 – Kirk Gibson World Series Story 41:22 – Chris Bassitt 42:55 – Jose Berrios 45:07 – Jeff Hoffman 46:30 – Brendan Little 48:06 – Eric Lauer 50:10 – Louis Varland and Seranthony Dominguez 52:05 – Addison Barger 55:20 – John Schneider vs Dave Roberts 57:15 – Vlad or Ohtani for MVP 1:00:00 - Outro ---- Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExitPhilosophy ---- For the full catalogue of Richard Griffin's work, including weekly Blue Jays/MLB columns, a weekly MLB Power Rankings column, exclusive conversations with some of the game's greats, past and present, and the Exit Philosophy podcast, visit https://www.griffsthepitch.com/

    1h 1m
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About

Richard Griffin and Mal Romanin talk baseball, sports and life. They discuss their mutual love of baseball and how it is they arrived at the point in their lives, teaming up for Exit Philosophy. A large dose of Blue Jays talk, where nothing is off limits with honest opinions and smart suggestions for making things better in sports and life.

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