Bat Flips and Maple Dips - A Toronto Blue Jays Podcast
By Justin A, Patrick M
Bat Flips and Maple Dips - A Toronto Blue Jays PodcastSep 29, 2022
BFMD Episode 298 - Fireside Chat
Justin and Patrick take some time to discuss where Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guererro Jr, Danny Jansen, and Justin Turner are at up to this point of the season. What can we expect to see going forward from each?
The guys preview the upcoming series vs the Twins.
BFMD Episode 297 - The Losses Will Continue Until Morale Improves
The Blue Jays can't hit but Don Mattingly thinks they are close to a turnaround.
Justin and Patrick discuss their thoughts on that, the state of the team after one month, and preview the series against the Nationals.
BFMD Episode 296 - Gausman Solid & Kirky Wakes Up
Even though the Toronto Blue Jays lost 2 of 3 to the Los Angeles Dodgers there are some positive takeaways.
Justin and Patrick discuss Kevin Gausman's winning start in game 3, Alejandro Kirk hitting the ball hard 3 times in one game, and the defense continuing to shine.
Justin shares his thoughts on why the Jays may be hesitant to change personnel on the coaching staff mid-season, and the guys discuss the Kansas City Royals series and take a quick look ahead at the May schedule.
BFMD Episode 295 - Venting Frustrations
After a soggy end to a tough series loss in Kansas City, Justin and Patrick return to assess the situation.
Justin breaks down the team's inability to hit with runners on base, who has struggled the most, and the guys offer suggestions on how to shake up the batting order.
The show wraps up with a preview of what to watch for as the Los Angeles Dodgers come to town.
BFMD Episode 294 - Rodriguez and Berrios Stay Hot
The Blue Jays won their 4th series in a row by taking two of three from the Padres.
Yariel Rodriguez and Jose Berrios both had strong starts, and Daulton Varsho stayed hot.
The concern for the Jays continues to be hitting with runners on base and with the team headed to the cavernous confines of Kansas City they will need to start stringing hits together.
BFMD Episode 293 - Squandered Sweep
Justin and Patrick are back to recap a series win against the Yankees that could and probably should have been a sweep for the Blue Jays.
The guys share their thoughts on the dismal RISP numbers and on the decision to use Erik Swanson in the 9th inning in game 3.
The Jays head out on the road to San Diego and the guys tell you who and what to watch for.
BFMD Episode 292 - Berrios is Rolling
The Blue Jays won the series against the Rockies, and if you ignore the thumping in game 1 things are looking pretty good!
Justin and Patrick get into it over why Daniel Vogelbach is on the roster instead of Horwitz, Barger, or Robertson.
The guys discuss Yariel Rodriguez, Jose Berrios, and Justin Turner before previewing the upcoming series against the Yankees.
BFMD Episode 291 - Sweepless Vs Seattle
The Blue Jays came close to sweeping the Seattle Mariners in the first home series of 2024 but lost game 3 in extra innings.
Justin and Patrick discuss the strong performances from the starting pitchers, Justin Turner, Cavan Biggio, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
Danny Jansen, Jordan Romano, and Erik Swanson are rehabbing for Buffalo, and Tim Mayza, Alejandro Kirk, and Kevin Kiermaier are scuffling.
The Rockies come to Toronto this weekend for a three game set, and the guys discuss the suprisingly good start their starters are off to.
BFMD Episode 290 - Vibe Check Ten Games In
Justin and Patrick bring you a 10 games in vibe check on the Blue Jays season.
The bats have been largely terrible and the pitching has left a lot of be desired.
With the first homestand starting can they turn it around?
BFMD Episode 289 - Turner, Vladdy, Berrios and Jays Split Series in Tampa
After a series split to open the season Justin and Patrick get together to dicuss the good and the bad from the first 4 games.
The at bats look competitive, Vladdy is taking walks, and Justin Turner is doing what the Blue Jays signed him to do.
The matchups are set for the series against the Astros who lost 4 games to the Yankees to start the season and will be playing angry.
BFMD Episode 288 - 2024 Season Preview: The Bullpen & Predictions
In the finale of the 2024 season preview Justin and Patrick discuss the bullpen and what impact the injuries to Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson will have.
The guys break down expectations for each reliever and highlight specific areas that will determine their success or failure.
Patrick takes us through the lightning round where he and Justin name players who they think will be most likely for team MVP, underachiever, and more!
The guys wrap up with a quick look around MLB and at the AL East.
BFMD Episode 287 - 2024 Season Preview: The Rotation
In part 3 of the BFMD 2024 Blue Jays preview series Justin and Patrick discuss the rotation.
What is the concern level with Gausman's health going into the season? How many starts might he miss?
Can Berrios and Bassitt deliver repeat years of 2023?
Will Yusei Kikuchi put an awful spring behind him?
How much can we expect from Bowden Francis, Mitch White, and Alek Manoah?
BFMD Episode 286 - 2024 Season Preview: The Other Guys
In part 2 of the season preview series Justin and Patrick discuss what the rest of the position players bring to the lineup after covering the every day players in part 1.
Can IKF do enough with the glove to make up for his below average hitting? Will Cavan Biggio or Davis Schneider claim every day roles? Is Ernie Clement a full season big leaguer or just the hot hand for now? Will Nathan Lukes stick or ride the bus between Toronto and Buffalo?
In part 3 the guys will break down the rotation.
BFMD Episode 285 - 2024 Season Preview: The Big Bats
With the 2024 season around the corner Justin and Patrick bring you a BFMD tradition with their season preview series. This year we are doing things a bit different and dedicating 4 (maybe 5) episodes to adequately discuss each player that will break camp and look to make an impact with the Jays this year.
In this episode the guys dicuss the position players who will get every day at bats for the Jays this season and what to watch for with each.
Can Daulton Varsho turn into more of a threat with the bat? Will Justin Turner continue to defy Father Time? Will Bo Bichette receive MVP votes?
BFMD Episode 284 - Ernie Clement Season
Justin and Patrick are back to continue guiding you through the news out of Blue Jays camp.
The guys provide updates on Gausman, Manoah, and Jansen, and discuss the bench battle that continues to rage on.
BFMD Episode 283 - Joseph Daniel Votto
Joey Votto is a Blue Jay, and Justin & Patrick are back to break down the signing, the BFMD lore, and the impact Votto could make.
The battle for the bench is heating up with both Nathan Lukes and Ernie Clement playing very well so far this spring.
Kevin Gausman is back on the mound, and the Jays did take a late run at re-signing Matt Chapman.
BFMD Episode 282 - Matt Chapman Settles & Jays Offseason Review
Matt Chapman signed in San Fransisco.
Alek Manoah is potentially hurt.
Ricky Tiedemann back on the mound.
Will Daniel Vogelbach make the team?
What grade do the Jays get for the offseason?
BFMD Episode 281 - Everyone Gets a Cutter!!
Justin and Patrick are back to discuss all things Blue Jays.
Alek Manoah had a wild start to his spring while Jose Berrios looked solid. Both have added Patrick's favourite pitch to their arsenals ahead of the new season.
The guys discuss Vladdy's arbitration and contract comments, and dive into a news story about MLB potentially reducing the number of pitchers teams can carry for 2025 and beyond.
If you like what we do, give us a follow and a review!
BFMD Episode 280 - Bullpen Power Rankings
Justin and Patrick return with the first episode of 2024 Grapefruit League action.
Cody Bellinger re-signed with the Cubs. What does this mean for Matt Chapman?
After Nate Pearson and Yosver Zulueta both had blow ups in their first spring appearences, the guys list out their bullpen power rankings based on trust and confidence. Where will mainstays like Jordan Romano and Tim Mayza end up? Will the difference in opinion on Chad Green and Trevor Richards impact their ranks?
BFMD Episode 279 - Best Shape of Our Lives
Justin and Patrick are back AND in the best shape of their lives.
Okay maybe not, but the guys are thriving off of the news out of Blue Jays camp.
Nate Pearson added a splitter, Ricky T added muscle, and the Jays signed a couple of MLB vets to minor league deals.
The guys discuss the remaining free agents and Mike Trout saying that he does not want to be traded.
BFMD Episode 278 - Reporting for Duty
Spring Training has officially opened with pitchers and catchers reporting today in Dunedin.
Alek Manoah is in better shape, Don Mattingly grew a beard, Cavan Biggio has tendonitis, and the Jays still don't have a full time third baseman.
Justin and Patrick break down everything in the news and discuss the 2024 Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame class and give an update on free agent rumours on Matt Chapman and Cody Bellinger.
BFMD Episode 277 - Justin Turner Overdrive
The Jays have signed veteran DH/INF Justin Turner to a 1 year deal.
Justin and Patrick break down what the deal means for the offence and more importantly, the defence.
Alek Manoah trade rumours are swirling, and Vladdy will be on the cover of MLB The Show 24.
BFMD Episode 276 - Recapping the Blue Jays Free Agent Signings
Justin and Patrick return to recap the three players the Blue Jays have signed so far this month.
Kevin Kiermaier is back.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa swapped his pinstripes for a blue bird.
Yariel Rodriguez of the Cuban national team wants to be a starter and the Jays will give him a chance.
The guys also discuss the playing time at 3rd base and starting pitching depth in the organization.
BFMD Episode 275 - Blue Jays Prospect Report - Part 2
Justin and Patrick continue their countdown of the top 31 Blue Jays prospects according to FanGraphs.
In this episode the guys cover the top 10 and discuss the future impact of guys like Arjun Nimmala and Ricky Tiedemann.
BFMD Episode 274 - Blue Jays Prospect Report - Part 1
Justin and Patrick bring you traditional offseason content with the Blue Jays top prospects report.
Using FanGraphs the guys work their way down the list and tell you who they have their eyes on.
Do any of these guys have what it takes to make an impact at the MLB level in 2024?
In this episode: #31 to #11
BFMD Episode 273 - Ohtani Fallout, Bellinger & Stroman Rumours
The Toronto Blue Jays did not sign Shohei Ohtani.
He was not on board that plane.
He was in Southern California.
After losing out on baseball's unicorn the Toronto Blue Jays need to pivot to fill the large holes in their lineup. Justin and Patrick discuss what happened and where they think the Jays should go from here.
BFMD Episode 272 - Grading Vladdy & the Infield
In the final part of the 2023 grading series Justin and Patrick grade the Blue Jays infield.
The guys debate on Vladdy, Chapman, and the catchers.
BFMD Episode 271 - Showing the Gloves Some Love?
The grading series continues with Justin and Patrick looking back at the 2023 Blue Jays outfield.
The guys discuss whether or not George Springer can rebound from a down year, and what to expect from Daulton Varsho going forward.
Should the Jays re-sign Kiermaier?
BFMD Episode 270 - Ohtani Sweepstakes & Bo Rumours
Justin & Patrick are taking a break from the grading series to give you an update on current news.
Sportsnet is parting ways with radio host Ben Wagner.
The 2024 Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot is out.
The Blue Jays are rumoured to be among the final teams in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes.
Bo Bichette trade rumours are circulating.
The guys give their take on this and more!
BFMD Episode 269 - Handing Out Bullpen Grades
Justin & Patrick are back with the 2nd of 4 grading episodes. This time the guys are talking relief pitching. The Jays used quite a few options out of the arm barn in 2023 and a lot of them were very effective.
Where do the guys rank Jordan Romano among MLB closers? What is Patrick's hot take on Tim Mayza?!
Next up: the bats
BFMD Episode 268 - A is for Gausman, F is for...
Justin and Patrick bring back a BFMD classic: player grades.
First up: the rotation.
Surprisingly, the Blue Jays only used 6 traditional starters this year as the others who started/opened games were in the bullpen.
The guys hand out grades and discuss any concerns for the future.
BFMD Episode 267 - Coaching Changes, Chappy QO
Justin and Patrick return from a three week hiatus to discuss the fact that Guillermo Martinez was not fired. Dave Hudgens was reassigned to Florida and Don Mattingly is now the offensive coordinator.
The Jays have offered Matt Chapman a qualifying offer, declined Whit Merrifield's option, and are said to be looking to sign or acquire position players this winter.
BFMD Episode 266 - Shapiro Presser Recap & Our Thoughts
Mark Shapiro spoke on Thursday and while there was some substance to his conference there was also nothing major that was concrete.
Justin & Patrick break down what he said, what it means, and what is next for the team.
The guys look throw the 2024 roster and offer their thoughts on potential outcomes for players.
BFMD Episode 265 - Who Do We Blame?
The Blue Jays season came to a crashing halt after being swept by the Twins.
Justin and Patrick discuss what happened and ask who to blame.
John Schneider? Ross Atkins? The players? The analytics department? Hitting coaches?
There is plenty of content to come as we enter the offseason so stick with us!
BFMD Episode 264 - Jays Headed to the Twin Cities
The regular season is over. Justin and Patrick preview the AL Wild Card series against the Twins and discuss who needs to be the X factor for both teams in the series.
Can the Jays rotation provide quality innings? Will the bats come alive when it matters?
BFMD Episode 263 - One Step Closer
After a series win at the Trop the Blue Jays find themselves in control of the second Wild Card spot heading into the final week of the season.
It will be a repeat week against the Yankees and Rays but all six hames will be in Toronto.
Vladdy came alive on Sunday and George Springer was involved with the bat and the glove.
Can the Jays lock up their playoff ticket against New York?
BFMD Episode 262 - Vladdy's Knee, AL Wild Card, Manoah Update
After a hurricane stopped them from recording last weekend Justin and Patrick return to cover the past week of Blue Jays games. From the lows of the sweep against Texas to the highs of the current 5 game win streak the guys cover it all.
Updates on Vladdy's knee are positive, another wrinkle in the Manoah saga adds even more intrigue.
BFMD Episode 261 - Royals Flushed
After a sweep of the Royals the Jays now find themselves in the second Wild Card position in the American League. Justin and Patrick break down the weekend's games and preview the biggest series of the year to date against the Texas Rangers.
The guys look at the pitching matchups, discuss Jose Berrios' turnaround year, and highlight some key injuries the Rangers are dealing with.
BFMD Episode 260 - Mile High Expectations
The Toronto Blue Jays head to Oakland for a three game set after taking two of three in Denver.
Bo Bichette is nearing a return but the Jays will be without Danny Jansen after the catch suffered a broken finger on a foul ball.
Spencer Horwitz, Ernie Clement, and Davis Schneider all chipped in big time for the Jays. The offence will need everyone to keep scoring if they hope to catch up in the Wild Card race.
BFMD Episode 259 - Hanging On by a Thread
After a week of .500 baseball the Blue Jays find themselves 2.5 games out of a playoff spot.
As they head out on the road for 6 games against two of MLB's worst teams Justin and Patrick discuss what's happened recently and what is to come.
The guys discuss the future of Matt Chapman and speculate on who the team will add to the roster when it expands to 28 on September 1st.
BFMD Episode 258 - The Genesis of Cabrera
Justin & Patrick discuss Vladdy's potential injury, Ryu's brilliance, Bo's return, and other tidbits from a series win in Cincy.
Genesis Cabrera has turned it around since he was traded to the Jays. The guys discuss what the biggest changes have been.
It's a huge series against the division leading Orioles. With the Jays on the outside looking in they need all of the wins they can get.
BFMD Episode 257 - Could the Jays Sign Ohtani?
With the Blue Jays trading wins and losses over the past week they find themselves only a half game ahead of a surging Mariners team for the final Wild Card position.
Justin & Patrick discuss the latest games and preview what needs to happen over the remaining 40 on the schedule.
The Jays will get a quartet of reinforcements this weekend as Bo Bichette, Kevin Kiermaier, Trevor Richards, and Chad Green appear poised to return.
The guys then do a vintage 'What If?' segment of BFMD and discuss what it would take to see Shohei Ohtani sign with the Jays this winter.
BFMD Episode 256 - Hot N Cold Road Trip
After a sweep of the Red Sox in convincing fashion the Toronto Blue Jays headed to Cleveland and were only able to split a low-scoring series with the Guardians.
Justin & Patrick break down the lack of situational hitting and highlight the starting pitching.
The guys then preview this weekend's series with the Chicago Cubs and talk Jose Bautista.
BFMD Episode 255 - Where are the Bats?
Justin and Patrick are back to discuss the futile performance of the Blue Jays against the Orioles.
Is it time to fire Guillermo Martinez and the hitting staff?
Can the Jays still make the playoffs while playing like this? Would they even win a game?
BFMD Episode 254 - Jordan Hicks & Angels Series Win
The Toronto Blue Jays made a splash in the trade market late Sunday afternoon in acquiring Jordan Hicks from the Cardinals for prospects Sem Robberse & Adam Kloffenstein.
Justin & Patrick break down the move and what it means for the bullpen.
The guys also recap a series win against the Angels and preview a crucial 4-game series with the Orioles.
Pour one out for Mitch White who was DFA to make room for Hicks.
BFMD Episode 253 - Late & Stressful Nights
After a west coast road trip that saw the Jays go a frustrating 3-3 despite holding leads in all six games, Justin and Patrick return to review the carnage. The guys tee up the weekend series with the Angels and discuss the looming trade deadline.
Generous Bassitts, Struggling Manoah, Adding Stroman & Bellinger
Justin & Patrick are back to once again beat the Alek Manoah struggles to a pulp. The guys are running out of words to describe what is happening to the big man.
Chris and Jessica Bassitt are giving back, Kevin Gausman is returning, and Ryu & Green are getting close.
Is it possible to add both Stroman and Bellinger at the same time? What would it cost? What will it take and should the Jays overpay to get a deal done early?
BFMD Episode 251 - Gausman, D-Backs, Padres & Stroman
Justin & Patrick start off the episode with a twenty minute TV shows discussions before finally getting to the latest in Blue Jays news.
The guys discuss Kevin Gausman's injury, Arjun Nimmala signing, sweeping the D-Backs, and the upcoming series against the Padres.
Rumours are circulating that the Jays are interested in trading for Marcus Stroman before the deadline, and the guys voice their opinions on whether or not it is a good idea.
BFMD Episode 250 - 5 Years of BFMD
Justin & Patrick celebrate 5 years of the podcast by exchanging gifts and reminiscing on the many great moments of the show.
The guys cover the All-Star weekend and preview the D-Backs series including Zac Gallen and Corbin Carroll.
BMFD Episode 249 - Manoah Returns, All-Star Break Looms
Justin & Patrick return to discuss the return of Alek Manoah and what it means for the rotation.
Hyun-jin Ryu and Chad Green are nearing returns.
Daulton Varsho and Alejandro Kirk are struggling.
What does the team need at the deadline?