PLAY PODCASTS
Blue Jays Talk

Blue Jays Talk

717 episodes — Page 11 of 15

JTP: Contextualizing Vladdy’s Season + Can Ohtani Reach 55-55?

Blake Murphy is joined by Shi Davidi to discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s trajectory and the decisions facing the front office in extension talks. Neil Solondz (26:26) touches on the speed of the Tampa Bay Rays ahead of a 3-game set vs. Toronto. Afterwards, Ben Clemens (47:42) looks at the probability of Shohei Ohtani reaching 55-55 and the absurdity of his feat. In the final segment, Michael Rosen (1:22:04) explains how Bowden Francis, and Kevin Gausman, among other pitchers, use deception to their advantage. 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 affiliate.

Sep 20, 20241h 40m

Vladdy Jr. Goes Yard Twice vs. Rangers, Hits 30 HR Mark

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 4-0 shutout win over the Rangers to salvage the series with a win in Texas! They take your calls and texts, and get right to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. smoking two home runs to hit the 30 HR plateau - is this the best year of Vladdy's career, including 2021? They discuss the early exit for Kevin Gausman with lower back tightness - after hearing from the pitcher, is the team still worried about him making his final start of the year? Plus, they get into the Bo Bichette injury news, as he is out for the rest of the year after suffering a fractured right middle finger prior to Wednesday's game. 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.

Sep 19, 202450 min

JTP: Another Francis Gem + Playoff Celebrations

Blake Murphy is joined by Julia Kreuz to discuss another terrific outing by Bowden Francis. Erik Kratz (26:42) explains why Craig Kimbrel may have to re-invent himself after getting DFA’d and why he believes teams should celebrate clinching a playoff spot. Levi Weaver (51:10) touches on highly touted Rangers prospect Kumar Rocker and how the AL playoff picture is taking shape. In the final segment, Brendon Kuhn (1:17:11) resets where the Blue Jays stand heading into the offseason and what holes must be plugged. 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 affiliate.

Sep 19, 20241h 40m

Francis Nabs Quality Start, Jays Drop Series vs. Rangers

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 2-0 loss vs. the Rangers to drop the series in Texas. They take your calls, and get right to Bowden Francis turning in a quality start despite the loss - did it matter in the end who the catcher was? They also debate some of Francis' post-game comments on the usage of his splitter, and whether or not he should be throwing harder in 2025. Plus, they discuss Cody Bradford shutting down the offence - is that just a continuation of the bats struggling against lefties? 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.

Sep 19, 202426 min

JTP: Bo Returns, Schneider Outlook & Brent Lavallee

Blake Murphy is joined by Keegan Matheson to discuss Daulton Varsho and Will Wagner’s seasons coming to an end. Jon Morosi (27:43) analyzes what we need to see from Bo Bichette down the stretch and the meaning of his comments regarding staying in Toronto. Chris Black (50:38) dives into Davis Schneider’s rollercoaster at the plate and Varsho’s Gold Glove chances. In the final segment, Vancouver Canadians manager Brent Lavallee (1:25:33) reflects on his team’s season after falling in the NWLCS final. 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 affiliate.

Sep 18, 20241h 39m

Bassitt, Bullpen Get Blown Up in Bo's Return

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 13-8 loss vs. the Rangers to kick off the three-game series in Texas. They take your calls, and discuss Chris Bassitt getting shelled in the fourth inning as well as the bullpen being largely unable to hold the score - is the bullpen really the biggest need the team has in 2025? Plus, they get to the return of Bo Bichette, and chat about Davis Schneider hitting a home run for the third straight game. 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.

Sep 18, 202418 min

JTP: Bichette’s Imminent Return & AL Favourites

Blake Murphy is joined by Blue Jays radio voice Ben Shulman to discuss expectations for Bo Bichette and Bowden Francis in the remaining games. Former MLB player Tom Hackimer explains why he documented his recovery from Tommy John Surgery, along with his journey pitching in Mexico (29:45). MLB.com's Mike Petriello gives his take on 12 relief pitchers who could dominate during the playoffs, including Canada’s Cade Smith with the Guardians (52:40). In the final segment, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post analyzes the contenders in the American League and where they sit going into the postseason (01:15:50). 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.

Sep 17, 20241h 40m

JTP: Schneider Rebounds & Microwave Burritos

Blake Murphy is joined by Sportsnet's own Ben Nicholson-Smith to discuss Davis Schneider’s big weekend at the plate and what the starting rotation could look like next season. MLB writer Zach Crizer joins the show to discuss the favourite for NL Rookie of the Year in a stacked class (31:22). Later on, Kiri Oler of FanGraphs explains the similarities between microwave burritos and some hitters in the postseason (51:07). In the final segment, FanGraphs' Leo Morgenstern looks at the results of his research on MLB players who make the least of their speed (01:15:07). 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.

Sep 16, 20241h 40m

Schneider + Lukes Stay Hot, Jays Sweep Cardinals

Sho Alli and Nick Ashbourne break down the Blue Jays' 3-2 win over the Cardinals to complete the series sweep at the Rogers Centre! They take your calls and texts, and get to the 4.1 IP from Yariel Rodríguez - after allowing only one earned run in a short start, what is the plan for him going forward? They discuss big days for Davis Schneider and Nathan Lukes - has Schneider found some timing after blasting his second home run in as many days? What is the future for Lukes, who delivered the game-winning RBI double in the eighth inning? Afterwards, they get to Leo Jiménez, who made a terrific diving stop - where on the team should he be in 2025 if Bo Bichette does return? Plus, more Blue Jays giveaways! 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.

Sep 15, 202459 min

Berríos & The Babe Lead Jays to September's First Series Win

Sho Alli and Daniele Franceschi break down the Blue Jays' 7-2 win over the Cardinals to take the series in Toronto! They take your calls and texts, and get to José Berríos allowing just one earned run over seven innings of work - has he become the team's most consistent starter? They chat about Davis Schneider rocking a home run amidst a three-hit day - if Leo Jiménez and Joey Loperfido are out for any amount of time, can Schneider keep it up if he plays more? Plus, they get to Bo Bichette's place on the team as he continues his rehab assignment with the Bisons, and also throw out a trivia question for a Blue Jays giveaway! 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.

Sep 14, 20241h 7m

Captain Kirk Leads Jays to Walk-Off Win in Extras

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 4-3 walk-off win vs. the Cardinals in extra innings! They take your calls, and get right to the extra inning work from both Alejandro Kirk and the bullpen - how has Kirk looked better since getting more playing time post-trade deadline? How was the bullpen able to lock it down in extras? They also discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - was that perhaps the best defensive work of his career at both 1B and 3B? Plus, Kevin Gausman bounced back after a tough first inning to wrap up seven innings of two-run ball - how important was that extra day of rest? 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.

Sep 14, 202429 min

JTP: Bichette Expectations & Learning About Arjun Nimmala

Blake Murphy is joined by Keegan Matheson to discuss Bowden Francis’ late-season surge and what he wants to see from Bo Bichette once he returns. Jon Becker discusses Kumar Rocker’s excellent debut for the Rangers and takes a quick look at 2025 free agency. David Singh discusses his insider story on Arjun Nimmala and why Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor believes he is a star in the making (26:58). Esteban Rivera details the Juan Soto experience in a contract year and Matt Chapman surprisingly stealing 15 bases so far this season (57:30). In the final segment, Katie Woo provides the state of the St. Louis Cardinals ahead of their weekend series vs. the Blue Jays and why Thomas Saggesse is an intriguing prospect (1:16:44). 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 affiliate.

Sep 13, 20241h 39m

JTP: Francis Nears No-Hitter & Prospect Update

Blake Murphy is joined by Kaitlyn McGrath to break down Bowden Francis’ once again having a no-hitter end in the ninth inning. Jordan Shusterman (28:44) weighs in on the potential of Francis and checks in on the AL and NL Playoff Races. Geoff Pontes (51:06) updates on the status of several prospects in the Blue Jays farm including RJ Schrek and Charles McAdoo. In the final segment, David Roth discusses the rollercoaster ride of the Mets’ season (1:20:23).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 affiliate.

Sep 12, 20241h 40m

Francis Flirts With Another No-No, Jays Lose Series vs. Mets

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 6-2 loss vs. the Mets to drop the series in Toronto. They take your calls and texts, and get right to Bowden Francis once again taking a no-hitter into the ninth inning before Francisco Lindor broke it up with a solo home run. Given the bullpen meltdown that followed, was it wrong of the team to take Francis out of the game despite his pitch count hitting 111? They discuss Francis' place in the 2025 starting rotation, the recent poor outings for Chad Green, and what areas of improvement the Jays need to focus on going into next year. 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.

Sep 11, 20241h 0m

JTP: Schneider Delivers + Will Ohtani Make History?

Blake Murphy is joined by Sportsnet's Blue Jays TV play-by-play voice, Dan Shulman, to discuss Davis Schneider finally delivering at the plate and Spencer Horwitz’s role with the team next season. Ben Clemens of FanGraphs breaks down the chances Shohei Ohtani can become the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases (26:08). Later on, ESPN's Kiley McDaniel explains why he ranked the Blue Jays’ core 24th in the MLB (51:13). In the final segment, Deesha Thosar of FOX Sports discusses Francisco Lindor pacing the Mets into the NL Playoff race and the Yankees calling up Jasson Domínguez (01:20:06). 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.

Sep 11, 20241h 40m

The Hound Bites Back, Schneider Gets Off the Schneid

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 6-2 vs. the Mets to even the series at one game apiece! They take your calls and discuss the offence breaking through after a stretch of low-scoring games - what's behind the push from the lower half of the batting order? They discuss Davis Schneider's two-run triple - after a tough stretch, how good would that feel for him? Plus, they chat about Chris Bassitt, who notched eight strikeouts over six innings of one-run ball - how important is it for him (and the rest of the starters) to finish the season strong? 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.

Sep 11, 202429 min

JTP: Horwitz's Hitting, Domínguez Promoted & the Surging Mets

Blake Murphy is joined by Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith to discuss the costly errors in Monday night's loss to the Mets and Spencer Horwitz demonstrating power at the plate. Next up, ESPN's Jorge Castillo touches on Jasson Domínguez and his impactful night for the Yankees (30:25). Later, Tim Britton of The Athletic explains what’s changed for the Mets amidst their 10-1 stretch (50:32). In the final segment, FanGraphs' Meg Rowley gives her take on Jerry Dipoto getting extended by the Mariners (01:15:14). 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.

Sep 10, 20241h 40m

Another Close Game, Another Blown Lead

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 3-2 loss vs. the Mets to open the three-game series in Toronto. They take your calls and get to the wild pitch/passed ball in the top of the eighth inning - how much of that is on Brian Serven and how much is on Tommy Nance? They get into the offence only scratching out two runs - what's behind the offensive power outage? They chat Vladimir Guerrero Jr. fouling some balls off his foot, and get into the earlier news that Bo Bichette wants to stay in Toronto. 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.

Sep 10, 202434 min

JTP: Bichette Wants to Be a Blue Jay

Blake Murphy is joined off the top by Sportsnet's Shi Davidi to discuss the significance of Bo Bichette's comments indicating that he wants to remain with the Blue Jays long-term. Lance Brozdowski, Marquee Sports analyst, describes the impact of deception and command as a pitcher, along with how Bowden Francis has found his identity as a starter (25:49). Later on, Baseball Prospectus Editor-in-Chief Craig Goldstein updates us on the Dodgers and the rest of the NL (52:00), while Bobby Wagner of The Ringer and the Tipping Pitches podcast gets us set for this week's three-game set vs. the Mets (01:19:17). 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.

Sep 9, 20241h 40m

Defensive Miscues Sink Jays in Extras

Sho Alli and Jesse Rubinoff break down the Blue Jays' 4-3 walk-off loss vs. the Braves to lose the series in Atlanta. They take your calls and texts, and get right to the sloppy play in the ninth inning and in extras as well - is that simply chalked up to growing pains from an inexperienced squad? Should John Schneider have pushed different buttons when it comes to pinch-hit opportunities or bullpen arms? They also discuss Spencer Horwitz smashing his third home run in two days - what is his role in 2025 now that second base seems to be in the rearview for him? Plus, they chat about Yariel Rodríguez going five innings allowing just one earned run - how important is that for him as the 2024 season begins to wind down? 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.

Sep 8, 202453 min

Horwitz Blasts Two Bombs, Berríos Shoves Again in Atlanta

Sho Alli and Daniele Franceschi break down the Blue Jays' 9-5 win over the Braves to even the series at one game apiece! They take your texts, and get right to the massive four-hit night from Spencer Horwitz that included two home runs - with his time at second base seemingly over, what is the right spot for Horwitz on next year's roster? They also discuss three hits from both Will Wagner and Nathan Lukes - at 30 years old, will Lukes be on the team in 2025? Could Wagner fill a role at second base despite the small sample size? Plus, they get to six innings of one-run ball from José Berríos - can he get to 100 career wins by the end of the season? 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.

Sep 8, 202443 min

Gausman Nabs Quality Start, Jays Bats Go Quiet vs. Fried

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 3-1 loss vs. the Braves to open the three-game series in Atlanta. They take your calls, and get right to Kevin Gausman, who did let up three runs in the second inning, but still bounced back for a quality start over six innings of work. Despite the loss, is he starting to more consistently turn his individual season around? They also discuss Nathan Lukes, who continues to play well, and discuss the bats largely going silent against Max Fried. 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.

Sep 7, 202421 min

JTP: Where Does Vladdy’s Season Rank in Blue Jays History?

Blake Murphy is joined by theScore's Jonah Birenbaum to discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s season and how he compares to other Blue Jays greats. Ben Ingram, Braves radio voice, touches on the Atlanta's biggest flaw accompanying a strong pitching staff (36:17). Jay Jaffe, FanGraphs senior writer, discusses Aaron Boone’s curious decision to close the door on Jasson Domínguez (50:40). Later on, Bisons’ infielder Damiano Palmegiani talks about the keys to his hitting success and what he learned from fellow Canadian Joey Votto while they were teammates (01:08:00). In the final segment, Chris Rose, host of The Chris Rose Rotation and Baseball Today, shares his take on the Yankees, Royals and Corbin Carroll’s turnaround (01:20:15) 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.

Sep 6, 20241h 40m

JTP: Varsho Stays Hot + Cubs' Combined No-Hitter

Blake Murphy is joined by Keegan Matheson of MLB.com to recap Bowden Francis delivering another quality start against a tough Phillies lineup and Daulton Varsho finding his stride at the plate. Rob Friedman a.k.a. "Pitching Ninja" touches on Chris Sale, Shota Imanaga dealing seven no-hit innings against the Pirates, and Francis’ stellar stuff (30:15). Later, MLB Network's Jon Morosi discusses Francisco Lindor potentially pushing Shohei Ohtani on NL MVP, Vladimir Guerrero’s extension, and the free agent market beyond Juan Soto (50:38). In the final segment, ESPN's Jesse Rogers dishes on the Cubs’ combined no-hitter, what went wrong for the Rangers this year, and the response to his piece on the idea of a six-inning minimum for starting pitchers (01:15:20). 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.

Sep 5, 20241h 40m

Jays Swept in Mini-Series vs. Phillies Despite Quality Start from Francis

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 4-2 loss vs. the Phillies to drop both games of the two-game mini-series at the Rogers Centre. They take your calls and texts, and get to the outing from Bowden Francis - he did give up three earned runs, including a home run to Kyle Schwarber, but still turned into a quality start. How important is that for Francis going forward? Plus, they discuss a variety of issues, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. staying hot, which of the young players will be on the team in 2025, and what they look forward to over the next month of games. 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.

Sep 4, 20241h 7m

JTP: Lacklustre Bullpen + Phillies World Series Chances

Blake Murphy is joined off the top by Sportsnet's Madison Shipman to talk about Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s swing and the Blue Jays' bullpen collapsing once again against the Phillies. Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer discusses Kyle Schwarber, Phillies hitting coach Kevin Long, and Philadelphia's chances heading into the playoffs (29:35). Later on, FanGraphs' Paul Sporer marvels over Bowden Francis’ impressive stretch and Astros pitcher Spencer Arrighetti (50:30). In the final segment, Michael Baumann of FanGraphs provides his thoughts on Shohei Ohtani’s return to the Angels, along with the state of the Yankees and Phillies (01:16:55). 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.

Sep 4, 20241h 40m

Schwarbombed: Jays Bullpen Blows Another Late Lead

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 10-9 loss vs. the Phillies at the Rogers Centre. They take your texts, and get right to Chad Green giving up the third of three Kyle Schwarber home runs - what is Green's role in the bullpen in 2025? Is it as a bonafide closer? They discuss the offensive production in the first inning, including massive home runs from Addison Barger and Daulton Varsho - what has Varsho done lately to tweak his productivity at the plate? Plus, they get to the outing from Chris Bassitt, who allowed ten hits and four runs over 5.1 IP - is that just a result of playing a World Series contender in Philadelphia? 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.

Sep 4, 202421 min

JTP: September Call Ups + NL Playoff Race

Blake Murphy kicks off the week with Julia Kreuz of MLB.com to discuss Luis De Los Santos and LHP Brandon Eisert getting the call-up to the big club. Philadelphia's finest Adam Aaronson updates us on the Phillies ahead of this week's two-game set vs. Toronto (26:05). Next up, Jake Mintz of Céspedes Family BBQ talks about the NL MVP race and some of the most intriguing division races around the league (47:42). Later on, theScore's Travis Sawchik provides his take on the state of the Blue Jays and where they need upgrades heading into 2025 (01:10:22). Finally, Blue Jays Director of Promotions Jess Wood shares what events are coming up this month Rogers Centre (01:29:47). 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.

Sep 3, 20241h 38m

Green Bitten Late, Jays Drop Series vs. Twins

Sho Alli and Nick Ashbourne break down the Blue Jays' 4-3 loss vs. the Twins to wrap up a series defeat in Minnesota. They take your calls and texts, and get to Chad Green allowing a three-run bomb to Royce Lewis late in the game - is it a concerning sign of what's to come, or is it a one-off for Green? They chat about Yariel Rodríguez only going three innings - with his erratic command in the game, is that something that can be fixed down the stretch? They also chat about Ryan Yarbrough and his relief work so far this season, and discuss Leo Jiménez making a stellar diving grab into the stands as well. Plus, why didn't any of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer, or Alejandro Kirk pinch-hit in the ninth inning, and do the Jays stand any chance of making the playoffs as September begins? 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.

Sep 1, 202450 min

Land of 10,000 Rakes: Berríos, Bats Blow Out Twins

Sho Alli and Nick Ashbourne break down the Blue Jays' 15-0 win over the Twins to even the series at one game apiece in Minnesota! They take your calls and texts, and begin with José Berríos allowing no runs over six innings of work - could he have pitched longer than 63 pitches thrown, given the score? They also get into big nights for most players on the offence, including Addison Barger, Spencer Horwitz, and Will Wagner (to name a few) - if they keep it up through the end of the season, does their status on the 2025 roster change at all? 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.

Sep 1, 202453 min

A Familiar Loss for the Jays in Minnesota

Sho Alli breaks down the Blue Jays' 2-0 loss vs. the Twins at Target Field in Minnesota. He takes your calls and texts, and gets to Kevin Gausman's start - he gave up two runs over 5.2 IP, did he also give the Jays a chance to win? How did he manage to get through an outing vs. a team that usually sees his splitter very well? He gets into the play of Zach Pop and Brendon Little from the bullpen, and discusses the many options the Jays have in a somewhat logjammed infield. Plus, what happens when Bo Bichette returns? Does he play every day, or should the team shut him down? 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.

Aug 31, 202440 min

JTP: Francis Keeps Dealing + the A.L. Central Race

Blake Murphy is joined by Kaitlyn McGrath to dive into another Bowden Francis stellar start and the bullpen outlook for 2025. Robert Hockensmith (29:21) discusses his piece on the Air Force helping Paul Skenes become a better pitcher. David Laurila gives his take on the keys to Francis’ impressive stretch and what Spencer Arrighetti told him about his pitching style—Anthony Castrovince (51:07) dishes on the Guardians and the tough AL Central. Afterwards, Brandon Warne touches on the Trevor Richards experience and the Twins’ 4-game losing streak heading into their weekend series vs. the Blue Jays (1:11:42).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 affiliate.

Aug 30, 20241h 39m

Francis Conquers Fenway, Jays Win Series vs. Red Sox

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 2-0 win over the Red Sox to take the series in Boston! They take your calls, and get right to yet another sterling performance from Bowden Francis - after seven innings of one-hit ball, has he now done enough to sway most people about his status in the starting rotation in 2025? Plus, they discuss the connection he has with Brian Serven - they get into how important that is going forward to Francis' success, and whether or not it could impact Serven's status on next year's roster. 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.

Aug 30, 202426 min

JTP: Wagner Impressions + Jonathan Papelbon

Blake Murphy is joined by Ben Shulman to talk about Will Wagner’s bat and Bowden Francis’ splitter. Jonathan Papelbon (29:52) talks Rich Hill and the keys to being a great closer. Molly Burkhardt (50:06) dives into grunting and why it helps some pitchers. In the final segment, Levi Weaver (1:11:46) dishes on the playoff races in the AL and NL. 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 affiliate.

Aug 29, 20241h 40m

Jays Get Blanked in Beantown

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 3-0 loss vs. the Red Sox at Fenway Park. They take your calls and get right to Chris Bassitt's outing - could he have continued to pitch after 6.2 IP and nine strikeouts? What contributed to the bounce back game? They discuss the lack of offence from the Jays bats vs. a red-hot Brayan Bello, and chat about the looming off-season - which of the free agent 'thumpers' should the team target? 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.

Aug 29, 202428 min

JTP: Bichette Nearing Return + Votto to the HOF?

Guest hosts Sho Alli and Nick Ashbourne are joined by Thomas Hall to discuss Bo Bichette’s return, his future with the Blue Jays and where Leo Jimenez slots next season (21:31). Afterwards, Will Leitch (49:48) gives his take on Joey Votto’s Hall of Fame candidacy and other former players he’d like to see enter Cooperstown. In the final segment, Sho and Nick take your texts! (1:18:08)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 affiliate.

Aug 28, 20241h 39m

Sloppy Night Ends Jays Win Streak at Five (...or Six?)

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 6-3 loss vs. the Red Sox at Fenway Park. They take your calls, and get right to another uneven outing from Yariel Rodríguez - should he still be a part of the rotation plans this year and next? They also get into the sloppy baserunning from a number of players - how big a deal is it at this point in the season, and is it something to seriously remedy before 2025? 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.

Aug 28, 202427 min

JTP: Berrios Brings It + Free Agent 1B Options

Guest hosts Sho Alli and Nick Ashbourne discuss Jose Berrios’ quality start vs. the Red Sox and Ryan Yarbrough’s future with the Blue Jays. Ben Nicholson-Smith (27:06) discusses free agent options at 1B if Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is shifted to 3B. Chris Cotillo (49:57) analyzes the abundance of positional players at the disposal for the Red Sox, contrasted by the lack of starting pitching depth. In the final segment, Sho and Nick take your texts! (1:20:08)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 affiliate.

Aug 27, 20241h 40m

Jays Sweep Doubleheader as Win Streak Hits Five (...or Six?)

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 7-3 win over the Red Sox to sweep the doubleheader at Fenway Park! They take your calls, and get right to the outing from José Berríos - despite the late home run, how good of an outing was this? They get into the second Springer Dinger of the day - this one a three-run shot - and discuss how the young guns have continued to seemingly inject energy into the team. Are the playoffs really so far out of reach if things continue like this? 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.

Aug 27, 202425 min

Jays Turn Back the Clock for a June Win in August

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 4-1 win over the Red Sox in the first game of the Boston doubleheader! They take your calls and texts, and discuss a variety of topics, including Ryan Yarbrough once again lulling the Red Sox batters to sleep, the bullpen holding it down, the recent play of Addison Barger and Joey Loperfido, Alejandro Kirk's stature as the team's starting catcher, the starting rotation heading into 2025, and whether or not there's a chance that the team can still make the playoffs. Plus, with another game coming at Fenway Park, MLB.com's Ian Browne joins to preview the second game and what awaits the Jays over the next four games in Boston. 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.

Aug 26, 20241h 20m

JTP: Francis Dealing + Jansen’s Return?

Guest hosts Sho Alli and Nick Ashbourne discuss Bowden Francis’ impressive weekend start and where he fits into next season’s rotation. Jon Becker (26:07) joins to touch on the MVP race and how trade deadline deals have panned out. Afterwards, Nick and Sho analyze the ripple effect if Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is moved to 3rd base (49:44). In the final segment, Alex Speier updates on the Boston Red Sox and Danny Jansen suiting up for the Blue Jays once more due to an oddity (1:16:56).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 affiliate.

Aug 26, 20241h 40m

Gausman, Jays Complete Angelic SWWWWeep

Sho Alli breaks down the Blue Jays' 8-2 win over the Angels to complete a four-game sweep at the Rogers Centre! He takes your calls and texts, and gets to the brilliant seven innings of work from Kevin Gausman - was that the best his splitter has looked all season long? He discusses Addison Barger and Alejandro Kirk, both of whom clubbed long home runs in the win, and gets to another great day for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who had two RBI and was intentionally walked twice. Plus, USA Today's Bob Nightengale has another report on Vladdy's future at third base - is that a realistic goal for both team and player, and what would the fallout across the roster be in 2025? 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.

Aug 25, 202450 min

Francis Flirts With No-Hitter, Jays Grab Series Win vs. Angels

Sho Alli and Daniele Franceschi break down the Blue Jays' 3-1 win over the Angels to take the series at the Rogers Centre! They take your calls and texts, and get right to Bowden Francis turning in one of the best starts of the year, as he took a no-hitter into the ninth inning - despite having it broken up by Taylor Ward in the ninth, how impressive was the outing for Francis? Has he done enough to earn a spot in the rotation next year, or do you need to see more? Plus, they get into great days for Joey Loperfido and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the latter of whom hit his 27th home run of the season. 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.

Aug 24, 202458 min

Barger + Loperfido Deliver Heroics for the Home Crowd

Jeff Blair breaks down the Blue Jays' 5-4 walk-off win over the Angels at the Rogers Centre! He takes your calls, and discusses the ninth inning theatrics from Addison Barger and Joey Loperfido - have they started to turn the corner from where they were even just two weeks ago? What is their status heading into 2025 when it comes to fixed positions on the team? Jeff also discusses Ernie Clement's play at 3B, and gets into Chris Bassitt, who seemingly continues to have a topsy-turvy season to-date. 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.

Aug 24, 202429 min

JTP: Clement’s Absurd Dinger + Matt Vasgersian

Blake Murphy asks everyone about their reactions to Ernie Clement’s ridiculous home run Thursday night. Jonah Birenbaum partakes in some trivia and gives his impressions of Will Wagner thus far. Bisons shortstop Josh Kasevich (34:52) discusses his hitting mentality and what he learned from Joey Votto. Ben Shulman (49:48) gives his take on the state of the Blue Jays and their bullpen going forward. In the last segment, Matt Vasgersian (1:15:53) reflects on his career, why he likes Spencer Horwitz and the state of the Angels.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 affiliate.

Aug 23, 20241h 39m

Clement, Bullpen Drive Jays to Victory

Jeff Blair breaks down the Blue Jays' 5-3 win over the Angels to open the four-game series in Toronto! He takes your calls and texts, and gets into Ernie Clement's two-run bomb, as he hit out a pitch that was delivered at eye level - what's his place on the 2025 team? Jeff also discusses the bullpen, as Ryan Yarbrough pitched a game very familiar to a lot of Jays fans, while Ryan Burr, Brendon Little and Tommy Nance all flashed against the Angels as well. 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.

Aug 23, 202420 min

JTP: Votto's Legacy + Ernie Clement’s role

Blake Murphy is joined by Keegan Matheson to set the scene for Joey Votto’s surprise retirement announcement on Wednesday and Ernie Clement making his case for a bigger role in 2025. Anne Rogers (30:05) updates on Bobby Witt Jr.’s MVP case and the Royals vying for a playoff spot. Erik Kratz (45:01) discusses what it was like dealing with Votto as a catcher and how the Yankees have built around Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. Chris Black (1:07:50) checks in to dish on Votto's memories and where the Blue Jays bullpen/starting pitching rotation sits heading into 2025. 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 affiliate.

Aug 22, 20241h 40m

Joey Votto Retires, Jays Drop Series vs. Reds

Jeff Blair breaks down the Blue Jays' 11-7 loss vs. the Reds to wrap up a series loss at the Rogers Centre. He takes your calls, and gets right to the news of the night, which took place in a parking lot outside Sahlen Field in Buffalo, as Joey Votto announced his retirement via social media mid-game. Were the Jays wrong for not bringing him up vs. his former team? Did any of it matter in the end? Plus, Jeff gets to the game itself, including an uneven outing for Yariel Rodríguez, and the bullpen getting blown up again. 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.

Aug 22, 202428 min

JTP: Jays Dingers & Meatballs + Leo Jimenez’s Power

Blake Murphy is joined by Kaitlyn McGrath to discuss John Schneider inserting Will Wagner into the cleanup spot. Derek VanRiper (25:46) touches on the Milwaukee Brewers, including Jackson Chourio’s Rookie of the Year chances and the fallout of Christian Yelich’s lasting back issues. Ben Clemens (50:15) discusses why some pitchers, like Kevin Gausman, are impacted by “meatballs” over the plate more than others. In the final segment, Madison Shipman (1:21:06) analyzes the power of Leo Jimenez and the struggles of Davis Schneider.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 affiliate.

Aug 21, 20241h 39m

Jays Launch Five Bombs at the Dome

Jeff Blair breaks down the Blue Jays' 10-3 win over the Reds to even the series at one game apiece in Toronto! He takes your calls, and gets right to the offence showing up and showing out, as George Springer (x2), Alejandro Kirk, Spencer Horwitz, and Leo Jiménez all went yard - what could a 2025 role for Jiménez look like? Plus, he gets into the outing for José Berríos, who only allowed two earned runs over seven innings of work, and chats more about the recent comments from Chris Bassitt on what ails the 2024 Jays. 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.

Aug 21, 202422 min