Exit Philosophy with Griff and Mal

Rich Griffin and Mal Romanin
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Exit Philosophy with Griff and Mal

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. The Vlad Contract's Catch-27

    1 DAY AGO

    The Vlad Contract's Catch-27

    It seems everything the Blue Jays have tried to accomplish in free agency the last two years has served to drive up the price of signing their own superstar, Vlad Guerrero Jr. leading to a Catch-22 of finding an extension with which both sides can live. On Exit Philosophy, Mal and Griff discuss the effect of the Jays serious bids the last two years for Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto and, now, where they think Vlad fits in under his unique circumstance. They explain the ripple effect of not signing Vlad with regard to their fans, inside the clubhouse. What might be the best of three strategies moving forward. Also, Mal and Griff talk Robo-Ump, George Springer and his willingness to accept change, Mal’s summer league Niagara Ironbacks and more. INDEX: 0:00-Intro   1:36 Four Nations Faceoff vs. NBA All-Stars  6:27-The Vlad Guerrero Jr. contract deadline  8:22-The Catch-22 of Jays bidding for Ohtani and Soto  10:59-Deferrals and the road to Vlad win-win  13:18-The ripple effect of Jays failure to sign Vlad   16:47-Why does FO not trust the long-term for Vlad  23:16-Springer’s willingness to accept changes   26:25-Defensive alignment and Jays new lineup    33:21 The bullpen and a second southpaw  37:28-Robo-ump is on the way  45:17-The 46 MLB starters earning $15M +. Jays have 4.    56:18 Discussing the wide-open NL Central   ---- 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/

    1 hr
  2. The Rights of Baseball Spring

    FEB 14

    The Rights of Baseball Spring

    Spring has sprung in MLB and something special takes over the body and mind of all baseball fans, as pitchers and catchers wander out to their respective fields on a February morning to get loose for the first time, in Florida and Arizona. It’s the same feeling for the group, but different for everyone with a deep attachment to baseball, as explained by Mal and Griff. How can the Blue Jays payroll be Top 10, but they have only two of the Top 100 ranked players in the game? Top MLB prospects? No better. On the free-agent front, Alex Bregman is the last big-name free agent off the board and he chose Fenway. Griff and Mal offer up their Top 10 AL offensive Fantasy players, and more. Please leave a review and hit that like and subscribe!   INDEX: 0:00-Intro + Thanks 2:01 Four Nations Faceoff and Super Bowl  7:09-Canadian Baseball Hall-of-Fame  22:19-First Day of Spring Training and memories  31:58-Bregman to the Red Sox and other signings  35:37-MLB Top 100 players and wherefore the Blue Jays   38:25-The important reasons for extending Vlad  43:54-MLB Top 100 prospects and wherefore the Blue Jays   50:05-Top 10 List of AL Offensive Fantasy players    1:04:44 Update on Mal’s Niagara summer league team    ---- 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 7m
  3. The Sixth Starter Argument

    FEB 7

    The Sixth Starter Argument

    The Blue Jays are spending $77.5M in payroll on their talented Top 4 starting pitchers, so how to protect this investment and make sure the rotation has its best chance to remain healthy and productive. Mal and Griff outline a plan for a six-man rotation that affords at least one extra day of rest for 90 of 97 games pre-All-Star. With Pete Alonso re-signing with the Mets, are the Jays done with improvements to the lineup and, if so, what letter-grade do they deserve. The Top 5 list is rating the AL infields and do the Jays make the list? A Super Bowl discussion and much more. Like and subscribe. INDEX: 0:00-Intro 7:14-NFL Super Bowl discussion with predictions. 11:47-Pete Alonso re-signs with Mets. Anyone surprised? 17:14-Tribute to former commissioner Fay Vincent. 23:22-Umpire Pat Hoberg fired for connection to sports gambling 27:18-Discussing the benefits of a Jays six-man rotation  44:27-Ranking the Top 5 AL infields. 58:38-Giving the Jays a letter-grade for their off-season  ---- 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 8m
  4. The Scherzer Surprise

    JAN 31

    The Scherzer Surprise

    The late-breaking Max Scherzer signing by the Blue Jays leads this week’s discussion on Exit Philosophy with Griff and Mal. Is the Dodgers spending spree in building a potential dynasty good for baseball. Does MLB, in fact, need an Evil Empire? An up close look at MLB win totals from Bet 365 with the Jays set at 76.5. Mal says that’s about right. Why is nobody allowed to talk directly to Pete Alonso? Have the Jays done enough this off-season and can it ever be enough without extending Vlad? INDEX:  0:00-Max Scherzer signing  9:15-NFL championship weekend  14:28-Mal’s summer league team in Niagara  17:14-Dodgers looming dynasty. Good for the game?  25:12-How corporate ownership changed MLB  37:13-Examining the Over/Under win totals for 2025  49:30-Directive that nobody can talk to Pete Alonso.   54:29-In praise of the MLB players union    57:03-When is $92.5M not $92.5M? Deferrals!  1:03:00-What Jays accomplished this off-season. Enough?  1:06:06-The failure surrounding not extending Vlad  ---- 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 13m

  5. JAN 24

    The Santander Impact

    How important for the 2025 season was the  Blue Jays signing of OF Anthony Santander to a five-year free-agent contract and what does the projected lineup now look like. Griff and Mal discuss. They evaluate the merits of Hall-of-Fame voting results and the ‘25 class featuring Ichiro, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner. The Top 5 list compiles the most lucrative total value contracts in Jays history, led by George Springer, at $140M. The fact that is the 89th biggest deal in MLB history leads to the belief that if you are going to claim to be a big-market team then you need to have at least one Top 10 total value contract to hang your hat on — and that would be Vlad Guerrero Jr. Griff tells his story of Bob Uecker and the odd way that Ueck is connected to his experience of the San Francisco Earthquake Series.  INDEX:    0:00-Intro  2:29-Bob Uecker’s connection to Griff and Earthquake Series    7:33-Hall-of-Fame discussion, Ichiro Sabathia and Wagner 22:52-Anthony Santander discussion at 5 yrs/$92.5M   29:24-How much payroll room do Jays have left  33:30-Blue Jays ’25 lineup adjusted for Santander  41:43-Summary of Zoom call with Santander and Ross Atkins   44:38-Top 5 List of biggest Total Value contracts in Jays history   48:17-Why the Jays need to show Vlad the money  53:38-What the Jays still need to do before opening day  57:07-The NFL Championship weekend with Mal and Griff on heaters  ---- 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 5m

  6. JAN 20

    Griff's Conversation with Terry Francona

    Having recently joined the Reds as manager, Terry Francona is eventually headed to the Hall-of-Fame, but for now has accepted the challenge in Cincinnati and their talented young stars. Tito joins Griff’s Conversation and reflects on his years as a player with the Expos, as teammates with Pete Rose, managing Michael Jordan, being a son of a major-leaguer, friendships in baseball, managing the Rex Sox, breaking the Curse of the Bambino and far more.  INDEX: 0:00 - Intro  0:39 - Good health and a comeback with the Reds 2:03 - Relating to a young Reds clubhouse 3:26 - Elly de la Cruz 4:40 - Walking into his first Expos clubhouse in 1981 7:31 - Making The Show after the ’81 strike 10:14 -Talking Buck Rodgers 11:36 - Mills, Wallach and special baseball friendships 13:44  -Growing up as the son of Tito Francona 17:33 - The Winter Ball experience 18:13 - Terry’s first knee injury and using The Hawk as inspiration 22:56 - Playing with Pete Rose 27:34 - The genesis of Tito as manager 29:48 - Michael Jordan 35:00 - Surviving first gig as manager of bad Phillies 36:50 - Red Sox were ready to win and Pedroia respect 41:32 - Dave Roberts saved his managerial career 42:18 - Comparing the ’81 and ’82 Expos ---- 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/

    46 min
  7. The Bronze Age

    JAN 16

    The Bronze Age

    Following Blue Jays signing of closer Jeff Hoffman to a 3-year, $33-million free agent contract, it was leaked that the O’s and Braves had each reached a tentative agreement with the ex-Phillies setup man, but didn’t like what the physicals revealed and backed away. That may mean the Jays were actually a third choice for the team’s own former first round draft pick, lining up with other, apparent, bronze medal finishes surrounding Ohtani, Soto, Corbin Burnes and maybe an upcoming podium finish with RHP Roki Sasaki. Exit philosophy explains that the Jays still have some money available but time is running out. The EP Top 5 list this week is ranking Blue Jays back-end bullpen combos, closer and setup man since 1977. Plus our NFL playoff previews.  INDEX: 0:00 – INTRO 1:35 – Larry Walker Bar Fight 6:00 – St. Catherines Collegiate Team Update 8:15 – Jeff Hoffman is a Blue Jay! 13:38 – Does He Feel Slighted by The O’s? + Does This Make Them a Top 5 Bullpen? 17:19 – Roki Sasaki to the Blue Jays? 25:45 – NEEDS + Payroll Updates with Jeff Hoffman Signing 34:30 – Will Gimenez Defence Improve Pitcher Performance? 36:15 – Top 5:  Blue Jays Bullpen Combos in Team History + Who Can Be Their Swingman in 2025? 53:00 – Remaining Free Agent Predictions 56:55 – NFL Divisional Weekend Predictions 1:06:30 – Terry Francona Convo Preview + OUTRO ---- Get the video version of Exit Philosophy 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 8m
  8. The Arb Files

    JAN 10

    The Arb Files

    The Jays payroll fog has lifted with MLB’s arbitration deadline seeing all seven roster players agree to terms for 2025, leaving well over $30M to add talent for a quick rebuild. But it still all seems to centre on Vlad Guerrero and whether he will be long-term or simply one and done as a ‘26 free agent. Vlad signed for $28.5M and what does that mean? Mal and I do a deep dive into the Jays projected final payroll and how they may spend to add talent with half the off-season remaining. Our Top 5 list is of current managers with no MLB playing experience. There are 12 of 30 when 25 years ago were just three. Finally it’s wildcard weekend in the NFL and we give you our picks. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Intro + Thanks 1:58 – Griff’s 43rd Wedding Anniversary 5:48 – Update on St. Catherines Collegiate League Team 9:30 – Blue Jays Arbitration Deadline Day 19:10 – Payroll Calculations + What to do 25:55 – History of Arbitration 29:22 – Arbitration Stories 31:40 – BONUS: Vladdy and Jays Come to Terms 42:45 – Top 5 Managers to Never Play in the Big Leagues 47:10 – Top Remaining Affordable Free Agents 1:01:25 – Are They Trying to Compete? 1:06:30 – NFL Wild Card Weekend Picks 1:17:55 - Outro ---- Get the video version of Exit Philosophy 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 19m
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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.

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