In this episode of Exit Philosophy, Griffin and Mal discuss the All-star game with all its tweaks, like Mic’d up players, the limited challenge system and the swing off to end a tie. What about the Blue Jays and the 2025 draft. Is scouting director Marc Tramuta bringing a new philosophy? What about Vlad? Is he worth all that money and being the All-Star starting first baseman? Then with the trade deadline approaching, why do they need more bullpen help.

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INDEX:

0:00 Blue Jays first half and AL East resurgence.
2:11 The Tigers dominate the fading AL Central.
3:29 Tribute to the late Jim Clancy
8:22 All-Star Game opinions
13:08 Mic’d up players at the ASG
16:00Pitch challenges at ASG
21:07 what intangibles separate Vlad and Alejandro Kirk
23:36 Did the Miz deserve all-star invite for Brewers
27:01 Is HR Derby in danger of becoming Slam Dunk competition
30:26 Evaluating Blue Jays draft and rating scouting director Marc Tramuta
38:12 What is Vlad’s worth beyond the statistics
43:52 Why is nobody talking about Bo
46:38 History of 8th overall pick through the years.
48:22 The Bullpen as Achilles Heel
52:26 Ironbacks update

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Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ExitPhilosophy

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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/