AL Slow Starters, Umpire-ABS Communication & John Gibbons!

About this episode

John Gibbons discusses modern coaching roles and the Automated Ball-Strike system with Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker, while Jeff Passan analyzes slow starts in the American League.

John Gibbons, bench coach for the Los Angeles Angels, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about how the role has changed in the modern game. The former Jays skipper also shares what it's like coaching a healthy Mike Trout, how he would've fit into Toronto's 2016 lineup, and his early impressions of the Automated Ball-Strike system. Jeff Passan (22:43), host of Sources Tell Jeff Passan, joins the boys to discuss the slow starts around the American League, if the slump could spark some early-season trades, and how he views the Mariners and Rays. Jeff also details how umpires receive feedback mid-game with the ABS system and the buy-in from veteran officials, along with Tarik Skubal's recovery process. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

People in this episode

Hosts: Jeff Blair, Kevin Barker

Guests: John Gibbons, Jeff Passan

Topics covered

• baseball coaching
• Automated Ball-Strike system
• American League slow starts
• Mike Trout
• trades
• umpire communication

Keywords

• John Gibbons
• Jeff Passan
• Mike Trout
• Automated Ball-Strike system
• American League
• trades
• umpires
• baseball

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Los Angeles Angels, Toronto, Rogers Sports & Media, Sources Tell Jeff Passan, Automated Ball-Strike system

Places: American League, Mariners, Rays

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