Blue Jays Talk

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 4-3 loss to the Phillies to wrap up the two-game series. They take your calls and texts, and they discuss the bullpen's pitch selection late in this one, from guys like Yimi Garcia, Jordan Romano, and Adam Cimber. Were there other arms they should have leaned on? They get into the play of Teoscar Hernandez and a particular swing decision late in the game - what was he thinking there? Plus, a chat on Bo Bichette's defensive play at shortstop, and thoughts on the start from Kevin Gausman.

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 if Julian Merryweather would make the playoff roster after being sent back down to the Minors, who else would be added to the bullpen when the post-season arrives, how Lourdes Gurriel Jr.'s injury affects the amount of outfielders they could carry in the lineup, and how a potential 4-man starting rotation could be arranged (04:56). Drew Fairservice of the Spin Rate podcast weighs in on Aaron Judge reaching 60 homeruns within 143 games, how he views the Yankees heading into the post-season, how New York's offence stacks up against the Jays, and if it's worth it for the Jays to carry three catchers on their roster (26:59). Then, Baseball Prospectus' Ginny Searle chats about the Dodgers' continued success in both the regular and post-season, and what stands out from Bo Bichette's batting approach compared to other players around the league (49:47). To wrap up, Blake reads your texts and tweets, and previews the final game against the Phillies (01:09:20).

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' 18-11 win over the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park! They take your calls and texts, and get to how both teams played about five different games over the course of the evening. They get into a rare off night from Ross Stripling, whether or not that's changed the calculus on who would start a potential third playoff game, and discuss the place of Julian Merryweather in the bullpen. Plus, lots of scoreboard watching on a relatively favourable night for the Jays, including live reaction to a Yankees walk-off win, and how that might affect the Jays' chances for the division.

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 returns and is joined by Sportsnet's Chris Black and Joe Siddall to break down how Ross Stripling has cemented himself into a consistent role within the starting rotation, his success getting into early favourable counts, the Jays' adjustment in choosing when to shift, and how a hitter approaches their at-bats when the defence shifts (02:18). Doug Fox of Future Blue Jays takes a tour around the minor leagues in the Jays' system including the promotion for both Yosver Zulueta and Addison Barger, if there's been progress in Nate Pearson's rehab, and why he named Ricky Tiedemann as the Jays system Pitcher of the Year (31:49). Then, FanGraphs' Jay Jaffe weighs in on when Aaron Judge could break Roger Maris' AL home run record, why Kevin Gausman isn't part of the Cy Young conversation, and debates if he would rather prioritize fighting for home field advantage or lining up a proper starting rotation for the playoffs (51:21). Finally, Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer chats about the Phillies' playoff race, their strong offence in the month of September, and who will make their final roster (01:14:30).

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.

The Athletic's Eno Sarris joins special guest host Ben Nicholson-Smith to chat about the consistency in José Berríos' outings, where he slots in a potential Wild Card series, his assessment of Ross Stripling's changeup release point, Stripling's next contract, and how the team should manage Alek Manoah's workload till the end of the season (03:09). Former Blue Jays First Base Coach Tim Leiper weighs in on what stood out from Jordan Romano's development into an elite closer, the balancing act of keeping players in the game after taking a hit in their at-bat, how much coaches and players pay attention to the scoreboard nearing the post-season, and his impressions on the new rule changes coming to the league in 2023 (26:14). Then, voice of the Fort Wayne TinCaps and the Jays this past weekend, Ben Shulman jumps on to share his takeaways from the series vs. Baltimore, George Springer finding his form nearing the playoffs, how to split the workload between Alejandro Kirk and Danny Jansen, and the magnitude of the next four series including the Rays and Yankees (48:47). Afterward, Former Jays Pitcher and Sportsnet contributor Ricky Romero discusses what impresses him most about how Manoah goes about his outings, how a pitcher takes care of their body through a long baseball season, and how he expects Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to perform in meaningful games down the stretch (01:12:22).

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' 5-4 loss to the Orioles to wrap up the series at Rogers Centre. They take your calls and texts, and discuss the blown save from Jordan Romano - a first for him in front of the home crowd - and whether or not he is relying too much on his slider. Is there any cause for concern there, or is it a one-off? They get into Danny Jansen and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. both hitting home runs, and muse on whether Vladdy Jr. is heating up at the right time. Plus, a gutsy start from Alek Manoah,  some appreciation for George Springer continuing to play hurt, and more on the Stripling vs. Berríos conversation.

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.

Sho Alli and Ben Nicholson-Smith break down the Blue Jays' 6-3 win over the Orioles at Rogers Centre! They take your calls and texts, and they get to the six innings of two-run ball from José Berríos who battled despite not having his best stuff. Is that a positive sign going forward? They get into the bullpen work from Yimi Garcia for the second straight day, and discus Jordan Romano slamming the door in the ninth inning once again. Plus, a chat on the best catchers across baseball - are both Alejandro Kirk and Adley Rutschman top five catchers?

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.

Sho Alli and Ben Nicholson-Smith break down the Blue Jays' 6-3 win over the Orioles at Rogers Centre! They take your calls and texts, and get to the two bombs from Matt Chapman, as all the offence came from the long ball tonight. They discuss George Springer crushing a no-doubter as well, and how the outfield is nicely positioned - despite different possible configurations - to match up against most opponents. They get into the idea of bunting and discuss who on the roster is most capable of pulling it off. Plus, a discussion on the bullpen day itself, and how the Jays survived another scare from Yusei Kikuchi.

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.

Ben Shulman of the "Locked on Jays" podcast joins Blake Murphy to discuss calling his first game and series for the Sportsnet Radio Network live from the Rogers Centre, if there's a concern with Vlad Jr.'s downtrend in the final month of the season, how important it is for the Jays to continue separating themselves from other teams in the Wild Card hunt, and the approach to bullpen days ahead of the post-season (04:05). Then, 13-year MLB veteran and Apple TV+'s Chris Young jumps on to share his experience so far calling games on Friday Night Baseball, the addition of replay review in baseball games, Jackie Bradley Jr.'s role with the Jays, how professional players tune out the negativity and outside noise, if Vlad Jr. can feed off of Bo Bichette's hot streak in September, and the growth of Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman behind the plate (25:48). Afterward, Host of The JD Bunkis Podcast, JD Bunkis, stops by to chat about his new show, where the trust level is at for Toronto's bullpen, the managerial differences between Charlie Montoyo and John Schneider, pitchers in high-leverage situations, and the report on Guerrero Jr. being open to sign long-term in the upcoming off-season (50:16).

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' 11-0 loss to the Rays in the series finale at Rogers Centre. They take your calls and texts, and break down the offensive performance against Tampa LHP Shane McClanahan in his return from the IL. They get to Kevin Gausman's start, and the home runs given up to Yandy Diaz and Isaac Parades - any concern? They also chat about Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s contract situation, and whether or not the Austin Riley deal (10 years, $212 million) is something he would take. Plus, a discussion on who will start the bullpen day vs. the Orioles on Friday.

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.