Griff and Mal preview the World Baseball Classic, breaking down all four pools and Canada's chances to reach the quarterfinals for the first time. Is this the most talented Team Canada roster ever, and can the bullpen hold up? They also tackle key Toronto Blue Jays spring training questions: fitting eight starters into a five-man rotation, the final bullpen spot, the utility infielder battle, and a crowded outfield featuring Jesús Sánchez and Eloy Jiménez. Plus, young prospects get a chance to shine with the infield away at the WBC.

INDEX:

0:00 Intro

0:43 Max Scherzer and the Influence of Family

7:50 The Michael Jordan Experience

10:01 Canada national baseball team Ranked No. 20

12:35 Early Memories of the World Baseball Classic

13:18 Could There Ever Be a Team Jamaica in the WBC?

14:50 World Baseball Classic Overview: Breaking Down the Pools

24:00 Spotlight: Best Team Canada Roster Ever?

32:26 Should the World Baseball Classic Be Played During the All-Star Break?

34:23 Toronto Blue Jays and the Overcrowded Rotation

42:28 Record Number of Blue Jays on WBC Rosters

45:03 Jurickson Profar & José Rojas Performance-Enhancing Drug Suspensions

47:02 Blue Jays Outfield Logjam

52:24 Who Wins the Blue Jays Utility Infield Job?

56:35 Battle for the Final Blue Jays Bullpen Spot

1:01:14 Will We See Yimi García Again?

1:03:06 Wrap-Up

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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/