Bold Baltimore and Blue Jays Battles with Justin Lunenfeld
In this episode hosted by Nii Wallace-Bruce, baseball enthusiast and podcaster, Justin Lunenfeld, discusses the start of the regular baseball season in North America, highlighting key games and players' performances. Justin shares his experience attending games in Toronto and Baltimore [10:47], noting the vibrant atmosphere and diverse crowds.
They delve into team performances, especially focusing on the Orioles and Blue Jays[17:54], and discuss the use of innovative 'bowling pin bats.' [21;05] They also touch on baseball traditions, pitching challenges [3:08], and early standout players [25:30]. The episode includes insights on upcoming games [29.19], and Lunenfeld shares his thoughts on the rest of the American League East and more!
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Justin Lunenfeld:
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Opening and closing music courtesy of Jeremiah Alves - "Evermore".
Transcript
am your host, ne Wallace Bruce.
2
:And what?
3
:Regular season baseball
is back in North America.
4
:We had the Tokyo Series where the Dodgers
swept the Cubs, and then a week later
5
:we're got games across the US and Canada.
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:And in Canada in particular, in
Toronto, the Orioles came to town,
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:He's the host of the Boom
Boom Birdland podcast.
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:He is also here to watch his
beloved in Action as the open
9
:up, the season as the Jays.
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:It is Justin Levenfeld.
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:Justin, you're now back in
Baltimore, but welcome to the show.
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:How did you find Toronto?
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:Justin Lunenfeld: I loved it.
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:besides the eight, nine
hour drive, I loved it.
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:PSP: did you like Putin?
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:did you get some Putin into
you while you were here?
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:Justin Lunenfeld: I love the poutine.
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:I posted on my Instagram page, about the
Canadian bacon at Paddington's at St.
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:Lawrence Market.
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:that's the place to go
Also Franz the maple syrup.
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:Really good.
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:PSP: Yeah, St.
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:Lawrence market is, the
oldest market in Canada.
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:Perhaps one of the oldest in North America
dates back to the 18 hundreds, and always
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:fine wares on offer fine food baking.
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:Blackbird Baking is out
there, check them out as well.
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:They've got meats, cheeses
throughout the year.
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:very popular.
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:Among tourists that come to Toronto.
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:How did you find,
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:the general vibe compared to the states?
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:Justin Lunenfeld: I
thought it was awesome.
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:everyone was nice.
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:only problem I had was one person
said, sit down Henderson, when I was
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:cheering for, Mullen's second home run.
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:But, besides that, everyone's nice.
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:It's really diverse.
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:you see multiple races of people.
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:It's not just one.
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:Type of person.
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:it's really cool walking around and
not seeing the same type of person
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:PSP: Yeah, it's, definitely
a diverse city, and
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:glad you enjoyed your time here.
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:I went to Baltimore last year,
so it's nice we've seen each
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:other's cities and baseball
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:Justin Lunenfeld: Mm-hmm.
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:PSP: together.
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:you got to see the opening
matchup on Thursday.
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:The os, came out all guns
blazing, six home runs.
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:It was 12 two.
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:They saw what Jose Barrios is putting
down picked it up and sent it over
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:the fence multiple times, did you see
from that game and the games after it.
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:Justin Lunenfeld: the first game, I didn't
think Barriers had stuff, in that game.
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:I think barriers will catch back, I
guess two days it would be from now.
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:If they don't have a break.
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:it's the first 10 games.
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:Everyone's still figuring things out.
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:It's nice to see the bats were there
because, as most OS fans know, they
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:did not show up in the playoffs.
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:Past two years, have not
showed up in the playoffs.
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:they were hitting the
ball, mashing the ball.
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:I love to say when I go to
games, holiday doesn't perform.
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:second game, he had a home
run, which was awesome to see.
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:He's had a single two,
I think, of that game.
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:And I think he had a single in
this game, if I'm correct too.
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:So it's really nice to see
holiday starting pretty good.
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:last year wasn't the best.
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:huge fan of O'Neill right now.
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:He had the home run game one, Six straight
opening day home runs, which is insane.
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:And then you had Effin pitch,
which I thought was stunning.
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:Was it five innings?
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:I think it might have been five.
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:Hyde pulled 'em early, because
it was opening day, which I get.
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:I bet you'll talk about this
later, but, Chris Bassett.
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:A hundred pitches.
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:six or seven innings?
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:PSP: Chris Bassett pitched
106 pitches over six innings.
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:Justin Lunenfeld: Six innings.
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:I follow the Blue Jays a little bit
'cause of the inner division, but
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:this is the fourth game into the
season and he stretched 'em out.
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:I thought that was kind of crazy.
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:PSP: So, max Share, as we
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:Justin Lunenfeld: Mm-hmm.
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:PSP: and they imploded.
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:They turned a, lead into
a deficit and a loss.
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:So I think that was ambassador's Mind
Ambassador is very much a team player.
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:he hangs out with Shera a lot.
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:He's very much a, a clubhouse guy, and I'm
sure in his mind it was a case of not only
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:get the win, but stay out there as long
as I can so the bullpen can get a little
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:bit of rest, particularly going into
a series against Washington coming up.
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:So 106 pitches doesn't
surprise me from him.
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:it'll probably be Bowden Francis
tomorrow against Washington.
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:After and Gosman go through their
rotation, it might be Ariel Rodriguez,
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:the ERs make another move before then.
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:Justin Lunenfeld: today
struck down the os.
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:It was insane.
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:as an OS fan, you want to see hits.
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:And they did get to him.
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:runners in scoring position,
I think in the first five
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:innings before I took a nap.
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:I think it was O for six, maybe o
for seven, with scoring position,
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:Saw last year.
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:it doesn't help when the playoffs come
around we still have 158 games till the
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:playoffs if runners in scoring position
is a problem, you need runs to win Simple.
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:If you can't get runs across, you're
not gonna win the game unless,
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:unless you have a cord burns start,
which he did give up one run in the
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:first, playoff game last season,
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:You need a really good start if you
wanna score one to two runs and win
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:PSP: you need everything to come together.
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:You need a, offense that can get
the carousel moving on the bases,
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:and you need a really good defense
and bullpen To shut it down in
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:crunch time in those later innings.
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:Now, one guy on the mound for
Baltimore this week is the
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:debutante from Japan, ano.
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:He's pitching in Sunday's game, which is
coming to a close as we record, what was
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:your take on his four innings and pitches?
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:Justin Lunenfeld: he didn't
get ahead in the count.
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:The barriers got ahead in the count,
and that brought his pitches up.
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:I know he had four hits.
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:Two runs, two earned runs,
two walks and a straight out.
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:I thought he had a
pretty solid first start.
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:It wasn't, it wasn't the best.
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:But again, I think there were nerves.
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:I know he came out with an.
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:Arm injury.
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:It was, I think a cramp injury.
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:So I think he will be okay.
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:I think it was nerves that got to him.
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:He was sweating at one point, which
it's not hot in the dome, so he's not
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:sweating 'cause of the air conditioning.
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:But it's just the first game
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:And I like, I like what we saw.
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:There was some good
strikeouts that he had.
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:I think he got Santander
and a good strikeout.
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:And then I think he got Vlad on a
good strikeout too, which was awesome.
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:Just I think he needs to perform
better and, and he will in the future.
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:I think it's first game.
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:And I, he, he'll totally get back to it.
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:loved his splitter.
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:PSP: That's a very interesting
point that you raised.
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:'cause he's not the only debutante
coming out of Professional baseball
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:system and pitching in the NLP
this season, there's Rookie Sasaki.
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:You may have heard of him.
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:He's in la.
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:He, I.
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:Made his debut in Tokyo and then
he also fished again in LA over
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:this weekend His two starts haven't
been great, Do you think he's under
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:pressure do you think a guy like
Sano is better positioned to succeed?
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:'cause he is in Baltimore and he's not in
The limelight that is Hollywood like is
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:Justin Lunenfeld: yes.
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:Sasaki he's in la, which is kind of scary.
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:They signed Sasaki, for a long-term
contract Sano was a one year deal.
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:So he has to prove himself.
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:Same with Ryan O'Hern.
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:It's a prove it deal, which I think these
players know, okay, we gotta approve it.
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:Even if it's not the os you're playing for
next year, you're playing for a contract,
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:when you have people locked up right now
for Adly, maybe I think Adly is two or
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:three years left, but when you have people
locked up it, that pressure is not there.
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:So having that bit of
pressure on you is awesome.
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:Sano, he came in.
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:Spring training a little late.
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:'cause I think he had to get his visa.
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:He's still getting adjusted he was
in Florida, Sarasota to be, exact
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:for spring training where it's.
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:80 degrees.
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:when you're in 80 degree weather and come
to Toronto with 26 degrees, even when
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:there's a dome, it's still, very cold.
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:I don't know if he's used to that.
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:I don't think it gets down to 26 in
Japan But he's just has to adapt.
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:I think he will.
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:We've seen in the World Baseball Classic.
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:I think 2011 it was, he struck
out Adam Jones once or twice,
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:and then I think it was 2016 or
17, the World Baseball Classic.
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:He struck out yellowish.
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:So we've seen that He has it,
we've seen that he can do it.
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:We've seen that he could do it in Japan.
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:It's just he needs to transfer
it over and I think it might take
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:him a second, but I think he will.
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:PSP: Yeah, I think he's
well positioned to succeed.
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:He's in a very tough division that is
the ales, which I'm sure we'll get to.
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:But the way the os are set up, he has a
bit more of a runway compared to Sasaki,
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:where the Dodgers, if it's not injuries,
other things that are gonna force him
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:to hold the ball a little bit tighter.
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:it does help that he has his countrymen
around him in Yamamoto and sh Tony, as
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:well as Dave Roberts's hot Japanese.
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:But that's a lot to ask of a guy
coming into the defending champion
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:clubhouse and pretty much, all
right, throw fireballs from day one.
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:Justin Lunenfeld: I'm trying to think
who the number one pitcher is right now.
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:Manny's not pitching yet, So
who's the number one right now
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:PSP: Blake
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:Justin Lunenfeld: for the Dodgers?
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:I don't know why I thought about that.
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:But when you have someone like Blake
Yamamoto, glasnow, and on offense
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:Freddy Freeman, Tani, Mookie bets.
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:You're coming into there being like, okay,
like I gotta be perfect, with the Oreos.
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:there's a little less stress 'cause
it's more of a low market team.
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:the spotlight in la especially
Hollywood, is strong.
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:thank God it's not New York
because if it was and he had the
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:performance, he did, yesterday,
Yankees fans would've booed him.
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:he looked emotional Which shows he cares.
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:But if that happened in New York, I don't
know how his emotions would be, and I
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:don't know how his confidence would be.
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:New York fans get to them.
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:I mean, they show their disdain,
when they don't do well.
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:PSP: Oh yeah, they can turn quickly.
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:But New York at the moment, time's
good times are good out there.
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:They, they're mashing rungs, I think
many of us thought that they were
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:gonna struggle But they're on the
brink of a sweep against Milwaukee,
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:so they've done quite well to get
those, those winds out of the gate.
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:So they're gonna be leading the A L East,
Just hang tough and get through the next
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:few weeks until Clark Schmidt comes back.
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:John Carlos Stanton will come back as well
If they play their cards right, they'll
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:get Lewis Hill around the All Star break.
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:Garrett Cole won't be back, but
maybe Brian Cashman makes a move.
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:Maybe Marcus Stroman is a contributor
as opposed to being a trade piece who
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:was shopped throughout spring training.
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:That is quite the turnaround.
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:He is gone from being shopped all off
season to a contributor to the rotation.
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:Baseball is a funny game.
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:It can turn on a dime.
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:It can turn on a swing.
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:a lot happening in the Air East,
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:Justin Lunenfeld: Yes.
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:PSP: What did you,
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:On the dome?
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:the skydome, the Rogers Center?
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:Justin Lunenfeld: it was awesome.
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:it was 26 degrees the day of
the game It was cold, so walking
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:into there, it was awesome.
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:Walking outside was really cool.
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:Just seeing the surroundings, everything.
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:I also like that they have
bars all around the stadium.
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:Of course, oils have pickles,
pubs 7, 7 1, but you don't see
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:fans go to bars after games.
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:And I'll actually bring
in the raptors here.
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:Same thing with the Raptors.
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:People go to the bars right
after they talk about the game.
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:Even if you're a Michigan fan
watching the Michigan game, or
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:just another fan, you are just.
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:Celebrating, or not celebrating,
but just talking about the
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:game, enjoying yourself after.
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:And you don't really see
that connection in Baltimore.
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:I thought that was really
cool The dome loved it.
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:I loved the setup I'm an American seeing
the huge Canadian flag was really cool.
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:When they booed the national anthem.
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:I wasn't ready for it, but I
thought it was kind of crazy 'cause
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:you don't see that in America.
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:You've seen it on tv, but
you're just like, oh, like I'm
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:never gonna see that happen.
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:So just seeing that happen, hearing
that happen, just shows that.
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:There's more in the
world than just baseball.
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:after they boo the national anthem,
everyone could be as nice as
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:like, they were all really nice.
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:So it's really cool that in that
scenario, you have baseball can
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:bring everyone together talking
about the dome, I love the setup.
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:The concourse was awesome.
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:They have, MLB, the show,
where people can play.
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:What else do they have?
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:I'm trying to think what they had.
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:They have, they had other stuff,
but they had like the two bars.
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:And the bars looked right in the stadium.
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:I know the o's have Coors, But it
was really cool how it was set up.
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:What was weird to me, 'cause
it was opening day, is.
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:They didn't have any opening day
ribbons is that a thing they always do
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:PSP: interesting point.
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:I went to opening day last season
against Seattle at the dome, and they
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:didn't have the ribbons or bunting.
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:I pointed it out to Adam,
shout out to a a DM by the way.
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:I said, look,
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:Justin Lunenfeld: mm-hmm.
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:PSP: the bunting?
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:baseball tradition.
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:it's just what you do.
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:You have the flags and the
bunting and it's not opening day.
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:not the same.
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:I need the bunting.
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:So I.
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:I know they've had it in previous seasons.
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:maybe they're stuck at the dry cleaner
or if they, if Rogers just decided
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:we're not doing it anymore, but I
need, I need bunting for opening week.
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:just not the same.
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:Justin Lunenfeld: Yeah.
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:Even if it's just an opening
day on the field, I just think
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:it makes it more special.
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:As you were talking about.
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:it just brings a feel to it.
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:You're like, oh my God, baseball is back.
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:I did feel that, when the game happened,
but I didn't get that same feel.
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:I know Monday for the Orioles,
they will have opening day.
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:the setup's a little different.
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:For walking into the gates, which
it was very weird that like I got in
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:very easily 'cause I was expecting
a line out the door, which it was
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:packed, the stadium was packed.
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:But I was expecting the line out
the door and to be hard to get in.
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:it took us, five minutes to get
into the stadium, which was nice.
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:But I just was not expecting that.
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:So getting in there very quick,
I was just like, oh, like, okay.
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:Like that's, that's very like
odd since it's the opening day.
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:But it's also really cool 'cause if you
look around the state, and I mean people
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:we've met, they're like Michigan fans
that are Blue Jays fans, and the Blue
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:Jays fans are like all over the place.
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:And it's just like, it's so cool.
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:'cause like Orioles fans, you may
see some Florida, whatever, but.
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:It's mostly Baltimore, Toronto.
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:I feel like you can have Blue Jays
fans from Buffalo, from New York,
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:and I thought that was really cool.
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:PSP: I ran into a Blue Jays
fan from Portland, Oregon,
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:Justin Lunenfeld: Oh.
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:PSP: interesting to see.
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:And I know there are fans from Western
Canada, from Alberta, Saskatchewan.
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:they make a weekend of it quite often.
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:So it's definitely, it's more
than Toronto it's a national team.
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:it really captures the
national identity It's special.
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:something to be treasured.
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:I enjoy baseball up here.
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:the dome is 37 years old this
season I believe the skydome is
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:in the top 10 in terms of age, if
not the top five, in terms of age
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:of ballparks around the league.
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:done pretty well to
renovate the interior and.
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:Modernize it maybe Manford will swing them
an All-Star game in the next couple years,
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:Justin Lunenfeld: Mm-hmm.
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:I also, you mentioned this when
we were talking in Toronto, It
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:was awesome to meet up with you.
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:So if anyone goes to Toronto, feel free
to meet up with me if you can contact him.
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:really cool.
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:you were talking about how the
ushers and they, they don't
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:really know their baseball.
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:I mean, and it was like a cam yards.
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:They do.
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:So that was odd.
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:you can tell, if they
know baseball or not.
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:For any Toronto fan listening, the cotton
candy fries, don't waste your money.
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:It looks so good.
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:It's really, it's what
Mayo Ranch dressing.
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:That's it.
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:They didn't even put cotton candy on.
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:do not waste your money.
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:PSP: so the hack, the hack with
the dome, the Roger Center,
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:is you can bring food in.
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:You can actually bring
food in from outside.
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:Unlike the Scotiabank Arena, you
can bring food to the Rogers Center.
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:I would not be against doing
that, there are some good food
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:options in the dome, but yeah, you
gotta, you gotta pick your mom.
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:Just, it's like a being in a bad's box.
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:You're not gonna swing at everything.
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:You're gonna pick your moments and.
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:Take the right one.
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:If they were meatballs
I'd get on that too.
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:like a bat getting on meatballs,
being thrown at him or her.
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:is there anything you
didn't like about the dome?
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:Justin Lunenfeld: we were talking
about the food, I thought it was
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:cool how they named their hot.
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:I don't even know who they named the hot
dog after, but like they named the hotdog
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:after someone, the popcorn after someone.
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:I thought that was really cool.
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:Like you don't see that other stadiums.
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:But I guess what I didn't like about
the stadium, the nitty gritty, I
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:wanted to see the door, the dome
open, just to see that experience too.
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:Course it wasn't when I was in
Milwaukee, if I was correct, a dome,
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:I don't know if it was open or not.
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:they have a dome too.
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:And I think, I'm pretty sure Milwaukee,
I could be totally wrong, but I think
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:they have a window at the back of the
dome so you can see outside light.
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:without the outside light, it's just odd.
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:that was the first dome
stadium I've been in.
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:when they do a light show, they
know how to do a light show.
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:It kind of reminded me of how
like the capital or like hockey
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:team does the light show.
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:I think hockey does it way better.
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:Basketball does it way better, but
it kind of reminded me of that and
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:I thought that was really cool.
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:I really like the slogan this year?
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:Light up.
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:Let's go.
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:I, I really like that.
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:I don't know why.
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:It's just like, it like
rolls off the tongue.
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:I thought that was awesome.
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:Video package is great.
380
:Made Santander looked like he
was a veteran in the Blue Jays
381
:locker room as an OS fan, we
know who was on the OS last year.
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:But, yeah.
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:But besides that, I think the
seats a little, a little tight.
384
:It wasn't sticky, which was nice.
385
:just felt a little dirty in the
seats, but it wasn't sticky.
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:when it's sticky and gross,
that's not what we like.
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:So as long as it's not
sticky, totally fine.
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:PSP: You never wanna see sticky.
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:I would like to see, the seats pressure
washed if they're not already I don't
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:know how often that occurs, but you
don't wanna see sticky at any point.
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:that is not something you wanna walk
into for a game that is a, that is
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:a long afternoon or a long night.
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:the Monday coming up for you.
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:Good, sir, is not a long afternoon 'cause
that's the opening day in Baltimore.
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:You got the Red Sox and I can
inform you that they're gonna be
396
:two and two when they go in there.
397
:'cause they've just split the
series with the Blue Jays.
398
:I thought the Blue Jays could have
won the third game of the series.
399
:given Matt chose left that particular game
early, and the bullpen was asked to do a
400
:lot on relatively short numbers, I think
this series is a pass mark for the blue.
401
:Jess getting two off a playoff
team and almost winning a third.
402
:There's averaged about four runs in each
game, which was a problem last year.
403
:The issue for them is.
404
:They could do it a little bit more
pop against a stronger opposition.
405
:I'm talking about the likes of
York and some Al Central teams
406
:and some help in the bullpen.
407
:But otherwise, the Blue Jays, should be
happy with what they've come away with
408
:How do you see the Oreo side
of things in this series?
409
:Justin Lunenfeld: the
first, what, four games.
410
:And my dad and I was talking about this.
411
:It's like the first 10 games.
412
:you don't have the right lineup yet.
413
:Of course you do have spring
training, but it's still, you're
414
:getting used to everything.
415
:And then there's 40 games.
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:After those 10 games.
417
:It's like, okay, now we're
getting used to everything.
418
:We're putting pieces together.
419
:But the first game, great.
420
:It's always, I always think that
players come out, they want to play,
421
:especially if they lose in the playoffs,
they have that chip on their shoulder.
422
:And I feel like as the season
goes, the chip dies down it for
423
:the os, which is very weird.
424
:12 runs in the first game.
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:can't ask for anything better.
426
:Lin came out, did what he had to do.
427
:Sir Anthony almost loaded the bases.
428
:either yesterday or Thursday, Sir
Anthony, worries me, but taking
429
:two, outta two, and being 500 going
into home, I mean, I'll take it.
430
:Yes.
431
:You wish a three in one?
432
:I mean, the Yankees are four in
Oh, the Dodgers, are five in?
433
:Oh, But I'll take being 500.
434
:Not the worst.
435
:you want to be over 500 going back home.
436
:Three and one.
437
:I feel like three and
one and two, and two.
438
:It's not a huge difference.
439
:When it comes to late September though,
August, September, there's gonna be
440
:some games that you're gonna be, oh,
like we should have won this game.
441
:And, and this game could have been one
of those oh, for six at the beginning.
442
:Of the game with runes
in scoring position.
443
:They started off, I think at the first
four or five innings, seven hits.
444
:So they, they did hit off Bassett.
445
:They just couldn't get those hits and pass
the baton around, which would like to see.
446
:It's always, if, I see them hit, I mean,
you want it to be spread out, you want
447
:the runs coming in, if that makes sense.
448
:Thanks.
449
:PSP: the steady flow of runs.
450
:Absolutely.
451
:don't wanna just empty the clip.
452
:in the first couple of
453
:Justin Lunenfeld: Mm-hmm.
454
:PSP: nothing left for the game.
455
:You wanna consistent hits.
456
:Justin Lunenfeld: Yeah.
457
:PSP: I totally get where you're
coming from You're listening to PSP
458
:with myself, Neil Wallace Bruce,
and our guest from Baltimore.
459
:Justin Feld, make sure you check
out the Boom Boom Birdland podcast.
460
:He's always got something on the
go when it comes to the, the orange
461
:and black and throughout the season,
so you're definitely gonna want to
462
:check out his work The Oreos are a
good young team and Justin's a good
463
:young reporter, Justin wanted to take
a look at something you brought up,
464
:in the last few hours, and that is
465
:Justin Lunenfeld: Mm-hmm.
466
:PSP: of, well, Peter Bats, so Michael
K of the Yes Network was talking
467
:about, some Yankees in the telecast
on Saturday, and a number of them
468
:are using I'll say bowling pin bats.
469
:Justin Lunenfeld: Yeah.
470
:PSP: is a bit more loaded than usual.
471
:the wood is loaded at the top I
can give you a number of names
472
:of guys who are using said bats.
473
:So, Anthony Volpi, jazz Chisholm, Cody
Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, Austin Wells
474
:They all hit home runs
this weekend many of them.
475
:David Schneider of the Blue Jays uses
this torpedo inverted quotes bat.
476
:Talk to me, Justin, what do you got to say
477
:Justin Lunenfeld: So first
off, I think there was a guy on
478
:the twins that also used one.
479
:it's really cool.
480
:I thought I was cheating at
first, but it's not, it goes.
481
:With the rules.
482
:I think people like Jazz Chisholm
who are smaller you have people
483
:like Aaron Judge, Tyler O'Neill,
I'm trying to think of big people.
484
:Pete Lawns is huge.
485
:Vlad is huge.
486
:And you have these bigger
people have power in the arms.
487
:the bat helps when you make good contact.
488
:for smaller people, it helps a lot.
489
:jazz.
490
:Anthony Volpe.
491
:Anthony Volpe.
492
:They are strong, but have
a smaller, body posture.
493
:with judge you have power, so being
able to connect with the ball and
494
:have that sweet spot, buffed up,
495
:PSP: I know what you mean by buffed up.
496
:it's like the weight
is shifted to one side
497
:Justin Lunenfeld: the weight has
shifted towards the sweet spot.
498
:It's basically having the most
of the weight at the sweet spot,
499
:so the sweet spot's bigger.
500
:And then the bottom of
the bat is skinnier.
501
:So.
502
:What's weird is that people aren't like,
oh, like the bottom of the bad skinny, or
503
:like, people are adjusting to that easily.
504
:And it's kind of weak 'cause like what
we've seen this, the Yankees, maybe
505
:some Blue Jay players, some twins
players, and they haven't had trouble
506
:with holding the bat or anything.
507
:And I find that a little weird.
508
:Just 'cause you think
there'd be troubles with it.
509
:PSP: Well, guys warm up and
they that weight on top.
510
:And when they're practicing, the
OnDeck circle, and they're practicing
511
:with the weight on the bat.
512
:I would see it as
something similar to that.
513
:the weight of the bat hasn't really
changed it's just shifted from
514
:Justin Lunenfeld: Mm-hmm.
515
:PSP: a balanced situation
to being lopsided,
516
:Justin Lunenfeld: Yeah, it's a
cool concept, but I don't like it
517
:because you have this original sport.
518
:This American pastime in baseball
and you're used to these wooden
519
:bats, you're used to the original.
520
:I love the pitch clock now.
521
:at the beginning I really did not,
was not fond of the pitch clock just
522
:'cause I'm used to the original sport.
523
:With football.
524
:I think it's way easier for
me if they make changes.
525
:But with baseball, when they
make changes it just feels weird.
526
:'cause it's one of those sports that.
527
:throughout the whole time, same with
the, manual second rule after innings.
528
:it can go longer, but when it
goes longer, the suspense builds.
529
:the games would be longer, but the
suspense builds for a better game.
530
:PSP: has to go.
531
:done.
532
:I don't even think it was
appropriate at the time.
533
:I, get why they did it that
season but it's gotta go.
534
:now we have the pitch clock.
535
:You don't need to make the games fast.
536
:They're already fast as it is.
537
:Get rid of the Manford man.
538
:I don't wanna see it.
539
:I know it's good for betting overs.
540
:It's done, it's hottest time.
541
:it's not needed anymore.
542
:with the bigger bases guys are trying
to steal more Manfred needs to fix that.
543
:there's a couple of
things he needs to fix.
544
:He also needs to take away that
:
545
:Houston back to the National League.
546
:But I digress.
547
:the Yankees tied the 2006 Detroit Tigers
as the only teams with 15 home runs
548
:in the first three games of a season.
549
:Justin, Is it possible it's
just a case of juiced bowls?
550
:Sometimes they do that, right?
551
:Allegedly.
552
:Justin Lunenfeld: Yeah, I don't think so.
553
:You can look at New York feeling sketchy.
554
:I think it's the bat, when you have a
bigger sweet spot, if you hit it with the
555
:top of the bat, it's not gonna go far.
556
:If you hit it with the sweet
spot's gonna go farther.
557
:So when you bulk up the sweet
spot, the science, is behind it.
558
:I wouldn't say it's juiced up balls.
559
:PSP: Okay.
560
:I just wanted to get your thoughts.
561
:Justin Lunenfeld: Mm-hmm.
562
:PSP: But
563
:Justin Lunenfeld: That's a good question.
564
:PSP: it always comes up when
I see a lot of home runs.
565
:I'm not a conspiracy theorist or what
someone would say is conspiracy theories.
566
:I just think outside the box
but let's get back to baseball.
567
:What else did you see this weekend that
interested you in the major leagues?
568
:It's the opening weekend.
569
:This still a hundred and fifty,
seven hundred fifty eight games.
570
:But what are you seeing around the league?
571
:Justin Lunenfeld: the first walk off of
the season was Kyle Stowers, former Orle.
572
:So I think that was a little cool to see.
573
:I wasn't salty about it, but just
knowing that he had to go 'cause there
574
:wasn't space for him kind of as upset.
575
:Made me upset a little bit, but
I'm happy to see him succeed.
576
:Happy.
577
:I know Connor Norby succeeded
last year, so happy to see.
578
:Nick Maan, from the
White Sox did something.
579
:I think he had a home run today.
580
:So it's cool seeing these Orioles
players, actually make impact on other
581
:teams when they can't make impact on
the minor, on the major League roster.
582
:Aaron Judge.
583
:He might break his record, his
home run record for season.
584
:Is it 59 or 60?
585
:What was it?
586
:PSP: Mantle's
587
:Justin Lunenfeld: record.
588
:PSP: which was 62.
589
:Justin Lunenfeld: 63, probably
590
:PSP: he,
591
:Justin Lunenfeld: something.
592
:PSP: I saw a few games from
that season against the brewers.
593
:He had a long winter, that fifth
inning drop catch against the Dodgers.
594
:He's had three or four months of.
595
:Memes, people asking about it.
596
:I'm sure he had to rewatch
that game because that was
597
:the end of the World Series.
598
:that.
599
:drop catch was the beginning of the
end of the World Series and the season.
600
:He is.
601
:showing why he is a
leader, showing captaincy.
602
:Ideals with the way he's
leading with his example.
603
:But I'm definitely seeing
revenge with this guy.
604
:he's not saying it openly.
605
:he's not that kind of guy
he's saying with his actions.
606
:I'm gonna show you people the same
way I showed you in my contract that
607
:I'm the judge and I'm gonna mash.
608
:there will be times where his pitches
will get to him, but for the time being,
609
:look out if you have to throw it to him.
610
:Justin Lunenfeld: Yeah,
I think Aaron is insane.
611
:If he's on steroids, if he's not
on steroids, he's still insane.
612
:I think he's the closest thing that
we're gonna get to Barry Bonds.
613
:I don't think he's ever gonna be as
good as Barry Bonds, but I think he's
614
:the closest thing we're gonna get.
615
:I.
616
:PSP: someone mentioned it was
John Alba, based in New York.
617
:He said he never thought he
would see another player like
618
:bonds in person until judge.
619
:quite the compliment.
620
:Justin Lunenfeld: Yeah.
621
:PSP: hails from North California
there's a bit of poetry there.
622
:Justin Lunenfeld: I also did, see
something probably would make you laugh.
623
:It was like a fake MOB account,
that counts like MOB, on
624
:fax instead of MOB or Fox.
625
:it was Nestor Cortez.
626
:it was a fake quote, but it was
Nestor Cortez saying, in my heart, I
627
:needed to give the fans something back
after my World Series performance,
628
:so it was a fake quote, but I
thought that was pretty funny.
629
:PSP: He comes in, off injury.
630
:He is asked to, to shut
it down in the game.
631
:One of the World Series first
one for New York and, ages.
632
:He gets lit
633
:Justin Lunenfeld: Mm-hmm.
634
:PSP: that's the end of his series.
635
:contracts over, traded to Milwaukee
and then he has to come back.
636
:His Davy with his new team is against his
old team first three pitches, triple jacks
637
:Justin Lunenfeld: Yeah,
638
:PSP: wow.
639
:back.
640
:Justin Lunenfeld: I dunno if it's,
because he changed his hair color.
641
:I don't know.
642
:What it is, but yeah, the, the
confidence there, it's gonna be down.
643
:I also think the Dodgers created a
monster of the Yankees after game five,
644
:now the Yankees are gonna be a problem
645
:PSP: out their anger on
the whole league, but.
646
:We see the brewers some
have said the brewers were,
647
:floating on clouds last year.
648
:Maybe they got found out in the postseason
and might be getting found out again in
649
:this series, but it is still early days.
650
:Nevertheless, insane.
651
:That is early days.
652
:The Yankees as well, you, we
can't expect them to be dropping
653
:10, 20 runs in each series.
654
:They're gonna have tough times, We'll
watch this space as they head into
655
:the season as Arizona next week.
656
:What are you looking forward to on
657
:Justin Lunenfeld: I also,
658
:PSP: it's gonna be cool at Oreo
Park, you gonna tailgate at that
659
:school bus bar across the road
660
:Justin Lunenfeld: hopefully, yeah.
661
:What am I looking for to, Derrick Queen,
for all the Maryland fans, he's throwing
662
:out one of the first pitches, so I
think that's gonna be a cool moment.
663
:If you get a chance to watch the
game, the o is gonna be insane.
664
:You could be in Toronto.
665
:The o is gonna be, it always
gives me chills an opening day.
666
:With the o 'cause it's,
it's insanely loud.
667
:Is Kade Povich, another shining star.
668
:Coming up.
669
:I'm excited to see what he
does under the pressure of,
670
:50, 60,000 fans In the stadium.
671
:what else am I excited to see?
672
:I'm trying to think.
673
:just be back in the stadium.
674
:it's been since October,
which feels like decades.
675
:The off season feels
like it takes forever.
676
:I know last season when they got burns
they got Swar as . But they did get
677
:people last season, so the off season was
slow for the orals, so it felt longer.
678
:I'm excited for the Mets to come here
679
:PSP: the Mets, had a good series
against Houston and Juan Soto
680
:Justin Lunenfeld: Mm-hmm.
681
:PSP: across New York he's
picked up From where he left
682
:off last season that if, if St.
683
:Tony cu win MVP, for some reason,
Juan Soto would definitely
684
:be a good shout in Queens.
685
:I could see that happening,
686
:Justin Lunenfeld: If I had to pick
an MVP in these first four games, I'm
687
:saying Judge, easily, no doubt, judge.
688
:PSP: for sure and it would definitely
be hard to beat for the A-L-M-V-P.
689
:He's the chalk pick.
690
:of the best batts in the league,
but it is still early days.
691
:Still a lot to digest and
a lot to look forward to.
692
:Justin gonna let you,
693
:Justin Lunenfeld: Mm-hmm.
694
:PSP: get ready for tomorrow.
695
:You're gonna need some sleep
and some hydration so you can
696
:make it through the series.
697
:Where can fans find you on social media?
698
:Where can they find the boom,
boom, burgland experience?
699
:Justin Lunenfeld: So Facebook and
Instagram is at boom boom, Birdland,
700
:BOOM, B-O-O-M-B-I-R-D-L-A-N-D.
701
:You can find me on Twitter.
702
:At, it's a big username.
703
:Justin 3 1 0 4 7 7 5 3.
704
:I like going on Twitter sometimes.
705
:It's pretty fun.
706
:Now if you're an Orioles fan listening to
this, I would suggest staying off Twitter.
707
:'cause Orioles fans can be a little
hotheaded, when they see their team lose.
708
:Yeah, they crumble.
709
:And it seems like the whole fan base
crumble, so I try to stay off of Twitter.
710
:if I have a good take it
usually goes right to Twitter
711
:and I post it on my Instagram.
712
:PSP: Alright, we'll
have to check that out.
713
:You've got great insights and
I feel more informed on what's
714
:happening with the orange and
Black, so definitely be listening
715
:after that throughout the season.
716
:In the meantime, this has
been another episode of PSP.
717
:I'm your host, Neil Las Bruce.
718
:Enjoy the baseball.
