Blue Jays Talk

Sportsnet.ca's Ben Nicholson-Smith joins Blake Murphy to weigh in on if the 2022 Jays took a step forward this season, how the front office could improve the roster, why he's not concerned with the bullpen core heading into next year, and Cavan Biggio's future with the team (00:42). Then, the guys debate if the hot seat is starting to warm up on Toronto's brass into next season, if the Wild Card result will affect the decision to remove the interim tag on John Schneider, potential changes to the coaching staff, Vlad Jr.'s next contract, and one question Ben would ask to Ross Atkins following the team's elimination (26:37). Afterward, The Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath discusses the reaction within the clubhouse following their Game 2 loss to the Mariners, the biggest question heading into the offseason, why bolstering the starting rotation remains a priority, and and the value in investing in arms for the bullpen (49:49). Later on, FanGraphs' Michael Baumann jumps on to chat about the start of MLB's expanded playoffs, how Alex Anthopoulos constructed a winning organization in Atlanta in comparison to the Blue Jays current situation, and why he believes in Toronto's future (01:22:51). 

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.

Blake Murphy opens the show looking back at the Blue Jays' Wild Card loss to the Mariners. He sorts through the decision to pull Kevin Gausman and bring in Tim Mayza to face switch hitter Carlos Santana, George Springer's collision with Bo Bichette in the outfield, defensive adjustments with Raimel Tapia and Jackie Bradley Jr., how the Jays' trade deadline relates to their fallout in the postseason, and the importance of having a young competitive team early in their contracts (03:39). MLB.com's Julia Kreuz shares what she's learned from interim manager John Schneider in the two-game sweep, if the interim tag will be removed ahead of next season, what some of the players can takeaway from their first playoff games, and how she would like GM Ross Atkins to address the postseason results (27:07).  

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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the stunning 10-9 Blue Jays' loss to the Mariners at Rogers Centre to wrap up the 2022 season. They take your calls and texts, and discuss some decision-making in this one: was it the right move to pull Kevin Gausman in the 6th for Tim Mayza? What happened in the 8th with the Bichette-Springer collision? They also get to some larger questions about this team, including the need for lefty bats, whether John Schneider is the slam-dunk pick for manager next year, and what the outfield configuration may look like. Plus, they discuss the bullpen and whether or not it requires a complete overhaul, and wonder if Bo Bichette is the starting second baseman in 2023.

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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 4-0 loss to the Mariners in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series at Rogers Centre. They take your calls and texts, and get to the start from Alek Manoah - was he overwhelmed by a big moment, or was it just timely hitting from the Mariners? Was his 'tire pressure' comment used as bulletin board material? They also get to Luis Castillo's outing for 7.1 IP, shredding the Jays' bats from the first inning onwards, and if that's one of his best starts of the season. The guys also analyze the batting order, take a look at the approaches from everyone, and whether or not they should be aiming for 'small ball' more.

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.

Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling joins Blake Murphy to discuss how the Jays approached the end of their regular season, the Wild Card roster decisions including leaving Lourdes Gurriel Jr. off the lineup, the addition of a third catcher, Yusei Kikuchi placed as their 13th pitcher, and his excitement to call Game 2 on Sportsnet 590 The FAN (02:31). MLB.com's Mike Petriello jumps on the chat about what situations the Jays could use Kikuchi against the Mariners, pinch-runner scenarios, if Julio Rodríguez is the best outfielder in the series, and who will be the first out of Seattle's bullpen (49:33). Finally, Sportsnet producer Chris Black weighs in on where he stacks Alek Manoah among Toronto's starting pitchers, how much will he use the changeup, and how will Luis Castillo attack the Jays hitters (01:14:50).

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.

Blake Murphy is joined by host of The JD Bunkis Podcast, JD Bunkis, to discuss the trust and excitement levels for Alek Manoah's first playoff start in the Wild Card series opener, the correlation between the faith in David Price's first playoff start for Toronto and Manoah's, and the concerns with Kevin Gausman's finger issues, before revisiting the debate between Robbie Ray and Gausman this past offseason (01:17). Then, the guys take a look at the betting odds heading into the 3-game series, and focus in on why centerfielders George Springer and Julio Rodríguez can be the x-factors this weekend (28:06). Afterward, FanGraphs' Ben Clemens chats about how he'll consume the first few series of the 2022 playoffs, why Seattle isn't benefiting from a matchup against Toronto, the strength of the Mariners' bullpen, Bo Bichette's ceiling as a hitter, and the other focal points of the series (54:25). Finally, former analyst for the Maple Leafs and current contributor at The Athletic Cam Charron jumps on to share where his fandom lies between the Mariners and Blue Jays, what stands out between baseball and hockey analytics, and why Robbie Ray scares him the most heading into this series (01:15:00).  

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.

Baseball Prospectus' Mikey Ajeto joins Blake Murphy for the full hour to discuss his confidence level in the Mariners heading into a 3-game series against the Blue Jays, how worried pitchers are about walking batters in the postseason, and if he'd consider prospect Jarred Kelenic in the Wild Card lineup with Julio Rodríguez returning (01:27). Then, the guys look into the potential starters following Game 1 with Luis Castillo, why he gives the edge to Castillo over Alek Manoah, and the comparisons between both teams' bullpens (28:37). 

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.

Jeff Blair, Kevin Barker, Sho Alli, and Blake Murphy wrap up the regular season with the Blue Jays' doubleheader split in Baltimore, dropping G1 and winning G2 at Camden Yards. Sho and Blake take a look at Mitch White's potential in the bullpen in 2023, and debate Bradley Zimmer's place on the playoff roster (1:06). Jeff and Kevin discuss Otto Lopez, and whether or not he might find a place on the Blue Jays either in the 2022 playoffs or next season (22:37). They also break down whether or not Yusei Kikuchi could maybe pitch as a lefty in the playoffs given his usage in Baltimore, and chat about Gabriel Moreno and his potential.

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.

Blue Jays play-by-play voice Buck Martinez joins Blake Murphy to chat about Sportsnet's playoff broadcast across Canada alongside Pat Tabler and Hazel Mae, how he changes his approach to calling games in both chairs, what we'll learn about interim manager John Schneider in the playoffs, how the team has cleaned up their attention to detail in late September, and their focus on defence (06:35). MLB.com's Sarah Langs weighs in on the role of a lead-off hitter, whether she prefers depth or heavy hitters at the top of the lineup, and how she ranks the pitching rotations of AL teams (25:40). Then, Esteban Rivera of FanGraphs looks into how the Yankees are preparing for the ALDS, his trust level in Yusei Kikuchi out of the bullpen, and which rotation he'd prefer to face in a three-game series: the Mariners or Rays (51:49)?

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.

Blue Jays Central's Chris Black and Joe Siddall joins Blake Murphy to make a case to hold onto a fourth starter for a Wild Card series, who should follow Alek Manoah in Game 2, Teoscar Hernández's improved base running, if the Jays will change their batting approaches in the post-season, and how they would throw to Toronto's lineup if they were an opposing pitching coach (04:09). Then, The Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath chats about covering the playoffs, George Springer's experience in the post-season, and what's she most looking forward to in the upcoming Wild Card games (29:40). 

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.