Hustle in Hotlanta + Very Early Outlook on Blue Jays' Deadline with Jeff Passan
The Blue Jays' struggles against the Braves expose deeper systemic issues beyond just one bad game. Despite Patrick Corbin's 11-game losing streak against Atlanta—tied for the third-longest in modern history—the episode focuses on the team’s larger identity crisis: a lack of clutch execution, inconsistent leadership from key players, and a roster that’s both over-reliant on aging stars and under-equipped for the trade deadline. The hosts dissect George Springer’s visibly diminished performance, questioning whether his recent off-days are due to injury or a loss of competitive fire. They also debate whether Vladdy’s lack of effort on a routine ground ball in the eighth inning is a symptom of a culture problem or just a minor lapse. Jeff Passan’s insight reveals a harsh truth: even elite teams like the Mariners and Phillies need Tarek Skubal to win a playoff series, underscoring how rare it is for one pitcher to single-handedly shift momentum. For the Jays, the path forward isn’t just about adding talent—it’s about redefining what it means to be a contender in a league where pitching depth is the ultimate currency.
Patrick Corbin’s 11-game losing streak against the Braves is tied for the third-longest in modern MLB history, but the focus should be on how his new pitch mix and command reflect a different, more strategic approach.
George Springer’s recent performance—described as the worst the hosts have seen since he joined the Jays—raises serious questions about his health and whether he’s still a leader worth building around.
The Blue Jays’ inability to score with runners in scoring position (0-for-6 in one game) reveals a deeper offensive flaw: they lack situational hitters who can drive in runs when it matters most.
Jeff Passan identifies Tarek Skubal as a must-have for any team with World Series aspirations, even those with strong rotations, because he can win a playoff series single-handedly.
The Jays are in a 'tweener' category: not bad enough to sell, not good enough to contend, but still expected to make a move at the deadline—likely targeting elite relievers or starting pitching.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Curse of Corbin: 11 Straight Losses to the Braves
“If he loses tonight, he will become the first pitcher to suffer a 12-game losing streak against the same team since Mark Burley.”
Springer’s Decline: Is He Hurt or Just Done?
“I've never seen Springer look that bad. That's the worst I've seen Springer look since he's been a Blue Jay.”
The Rotational Crisis: Gossman’s 2-0 Slider to Matt Olsen
“You don't get it back. So, yeah, again, it gets back to that. What are you being positive about?”
The Braves’ Machine: Why They’re the Best in Baseball
“They're just captain obviously. They're an awfully good team. You saw last night why they are where they are.”
The Vladdy Debate: Effort vs. Excuses
A heated exchange over whether Vladdy should be expected to run hard on a routine ground ball in the eighth inning. One host defends him as a player who deserves the benefit of the doubt, while the other argues that elite players must set the example, especially in crunch time.
“I've never seen Springer look that bad. That's the worst I've seen Springer look since he's been a Blue Jay.”
“just don't get it back. So, yeah, again, it gets back to that. What are you being positive about?”
“I mean, look, they're just they're just captain obviously. They're an awfully good team. You saw last night why they are where they are.”
Hosts
Guest
blue jays
other
braves
other
patrick corbin
person
jeff passan
person
george springer
person
kevin gossman
person
vladimir gurriel
person
matt olson
person
keith hernandez
person
ozzie albies
person
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