Blue Jays Talk

A Bummer for Berríos in Season's First Start

April 04, 2023 03:11 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MB

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 9-5 loss to the Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. They take your calls, and discuss the start from José Berríos - is this more of the same from 2022 or was it just one bad outing? They also chat about Bo Bichette's first home run of the season, and the effort level on Alejandro Kirk's run around the bases. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the pos...

Bassitt Blown Up in Blue Jays Debut

April 02, 2023 21:49 - 36 minutes - 33.9 MB

Sho Alli and Ben Shulman break down the Blue Jays' 9-4 loss to the Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. They take your calls and texts, and get straight to the poor start from Chris Bassitt, who allowed four home runs and nine earned runs over 3.1 IP in his Jays debut - did he just not have it today? Was it a PitchCom problem with Bassitt calling the pitches? Does Danny Jansen need to be the one calling the game going forward? They also discuss the play of Matt Chapman to begin a contrac...

Kevin Gausman Gets Busch-whacked vs. Cardinals

April 01, 2023 21:58 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MB

Sho Alli and Ben Shulman break down the Blue Jays' 4-1 loss to the Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. They get to the unlucky result for Kevin Gausman, who notched seven strikeouts over six innings of work, but gave up three unearned runs after an error and dribbler both got past Matt Chapman. They also discuss the decision to not pinch-hit for Cavan Biggio in the eighth inning, the Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at-bat in the ninth, and how the Jays bats could not take advantage of seven walks...

Springer Grabs Five Hits in a Wild St. Louis Opener

March 31, 2023 01:05 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MB

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 10-9 win over the Cardinals in St. Louis! They take your calls, and get to the start from Alek Manoah - anything to be worried about? They also discuss the tremendous clutch hitting by the big bats, including George Springer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Bo Bichette. Plus, they get to the bullpen being (more or less) emptied, and whether or not that's an issue from 2022 that has remained. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast...

Bold Predictions for the 2023 Blue Jays Season

March 26, 2023 20:35 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MB

Sho Alli and Ben Shulman break down the Blue Jays' 6-2 Spring Training loss to the Yankees in Tampa. They take your texts, and get right to bold listener predictions for the 2023 Blue Jays season. Will Kevin Gausman win the AL Cy Young? Will Bo Bichette be in the AL MVP conversation? Can Cavan Biggio force John Schneider's hand at second base? How many games will the Blue Jays win? Sho and Ben go over all the listener predictions, and also get to their own ahead of the 2023 regular season. ...

Manoah Goes Six Innings in a Spring Game at the Trop

March 19, 2023 20:06 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MB

Sho Alli and Ben Shulman break down the Blue Jays' 1-0 Spring Training loss to the Rays at Tropicana Field. They take your calls and texts, and discuss the game speeding along to the tune of two hours and two minutes. Has the pitch clock made games too short, or is it the right thing to do? They get to Alek Manoah's 71 pitches over six innings of work, and chat whether or not he might already have been set up to be the Opening Day starter in a few weeks. Plus, stolen bases attempts are up le...

Two-Hit Whit Drives Jays to Dunedin Win

March 18, 2023 20:18 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MB

Sho Alli breaks down the Blue Jays' 5-2 Spring Training win over the Yankees at TD Ballpark in Dunedin! He takes your calls and texts, and gets to Whit Merrifield driving the offence on a three-RBI day (two-run bomb + RBI single). Should he be playing every day regardless of position? Sho also discusses the Jays' place within the AL East, and whether or not the Rays are being overlooked as division contenders. Plus, a chat on Hyun-jin Ryu, John Schneider's comments on Ryu's recovery, and whe...

Is Otto Lopez' WBC Play Helping Him Grab a Jays Roster Spot?

March 15, 2023 01:43 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MB

Sho Alli breaks down the Blue Jays' 10-3 Spring Training loss to the Yankees in Tampa. He takes your calls and texts, and discusses the place of Drew Hutchison and Thomas Hatch on this team - can they carve out low-leverage spots? Plus, a chat on Otto Lopez, who had a triple and a three-run homer in a 5-0 Canada win at the World Baseball Classic. Is Lopez in the lead for the final active roster spot even while away from the Jays? Sho also gets into the play of José Berríos at the WBC, whethe...

Has Kikuchi Locked Down the Fifth Rotation Spot?

March 12, 2023 21:20 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MB

Sho Alli and Ben Shulman break down the Blue Jays' 8-3 Spring Training win over the Phillies in Clearwater! They take your calls and texts, and get to the performance of Yusei Kikuchi - a little less even than his previous starts, but has he still locked down the fifth spot in the starting rotation? They also discuss the relative expectations for José Berríos, and debate whether or not Hyun-jin Ryu will get regular playing time upon his return from Tommy John surgery later this summer. Plus,...

Springer and Martinez Deliver Spring Dingers

March 12, 2023 15:14 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MB

Blake Murphy breaks down the Blue Jays' 8-6 Spring Training win over the Orioles in Dunedin! He takes your calls and texts, and breaks down the homers from George Springer and Orelvis Martinez, Springer's readiness for the regular season, and what the status of Martinez' potential in the majors might be right now. 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.

Berríos Bounces Back in Final Spring Outing Ahead of World Baseball Classic

March 05, 2023 21:59 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MB

Sho Alli and Ben Shulman break down the Blue Jays' 16-4 Spring Training win over the Phillies in Dunedin! They get to the performances from starting pitchers José Berríos (who is now off to suit up for Puerto Rico at the World Baseball Classic) and Chris Bassitt, and also discuss the outings from Anthony Bass and Erik Swanson. Does Swanson's bullpen presence mean less pressure on the rest of the high-leverage relievers? Plus, a chat on the power rankings for the final active roster spot, inc...

Jays Bats Get Tuned Up in Spring Beatdown of Tigers

March 04, 2023 21:57 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MB

Sho Alli breaks down the Blue Jays' 18-5 Spring Training win over the Tigers in Lakeland, Florida. He discusses the play of Kevin Kiermaier and Danny Jansen so far this spring, including how high Danny Jansen can rise in the eyes of those outside of Toronto, and also gets to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. withdrawing from the Dominican Republic's team at the World Baseball Classic. Plus, a discussion on the trade value of 'super-utility' infielders like Santiago Espinal, Cavan Biggio, and Whit Merrif...

The (Spring) Return of Nate Pearson

February 26, 2023 22:09 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MB

Sho Alli and Julia Kreuz break down the Blue Jays' 9-5 Spring Training loss to the Yankees at TD Ballpark in Dunedin. They discuss what they saw from Nate Pearson who made his return to in-game action, including his 101 MPH fastball and the knuckle curveball. Where will he be slotted in the bullpen going forward? Plus, they chat Jordan Romano's pitch usage, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. potentially getting back to his 2021 self, and Kevin Kiermaier's Blue Jays debut. The views and opinions expre...

Jays Begin Spring Training with a Win

February 25, 2023 22:04 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MB

The Blue Jays are back in action, and so is Jays Talk! Sho Alli and Ben Shulman break down the 9-7 win over the Pirates at Lecom Park to kick off the Spring Training campaign, and get into the pitch clock making its debut. What kind of effect will the countdown have on both hitters and pitchers, and is the shorter game duration a good thing? Plus, Addison Barger clubs a home run - could he have a place on this team going forward? To wrap, Yusei Kikuchi thoughts and how the pitch clock might ...

Jays Talk Plus: Season Finale with Drew Fairservice

October 12, 2022 20:21 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MB

Drew Fairservice of the "Spinrate" podcast joins Blake to continue wrapping a bow on the 2022 Toronto Blue Jays season. Drew speaks about his thoughts regarding the roster construction, how management has handled their assets for a team in win-now mode, and which version of the Jays' young stars, like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, the team will be getting with potential contract extensions (00:00). Later on, Blake answers some of your texts as we start to wrap up Jays Talk Plus for ...

Jays Talk Plus: Ross Atkins Speaks to the Media

October 11, 2022 19:13 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MB

We head down to Rogers Centre where General Manager Ross Atkins speaks to the media for his end-of-season availability after the Jays get swept in the Wild Card to the Mariners (00:20). Then, Blake Murphy and Sportsnet producer Chris Black share their reactions from Atkins' comments on the roster and interim manager John Schneider heading into next year (22:51). Afterward, the guys discuss how strongly the organization will stick with the current group of position players, if they need to re...

Jays Talk Plus: Early Questions on the Blue Jays Offseason

October 10, 2022 21:15 - 1 hour - 89.3 MB

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...

Jays Talk Plus: A Swing and A Missed Opportunity

October 10, 2022 19:17 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MB

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.c...

A Painful Loss to Wrap the 2022 Blue Jays Season

October 09, 2022 02:27 - 1 hour - 72.1 MB

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 nex...

Jays Bats Run Cold in Wild Card Opener

October 08, 2022 00:44 - 1 hour - 60.8 MB

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 st...

Jays Talk Plus: Playoff Baseball Returns to Toronto

October 07, 2022 18:09 - 1 hour - 68 MB

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 Rodrí...

Jays Talk Plus: No Pressure for Manoah + Mariners Pitchers vs. Jays Hitters

October 06, 2022 21:05 - 1 hour - 67.9 MB

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 serie...

Jays Talk Plus: Mariners-Jays Preview with Mikey Ajeto

October 06, 2022 19:19 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MB

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 compar...

The Regular Season is Over...and The Playoffs Await

October 06, 2022 00:11 - 1 hour - 58.8 MB

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 n...

Jays Talk Plus: Constructing a Playoff Batting Lineup + Will it be Seattle or Tampa?

October 04, 2022 21:03 - 1 hour - 67 MB

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 heav...

Jays Talk Plus: Explain It Black Post-Season Preview

October 04, 2022 19:09 - 49 minutes - 34 MB

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-...

Jays Rain Supreme at Camden Yards

October 04, 2022 03:18 - 32 minutes - 29.3 MB

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' rain-shortened 5-1 win over the Orioles at Camden Yards! They take your calls and texts, and discuss the play of Whit Merrifield, who Barker thinks should be the everyday second baseman going forward. They get to the waterlogged start from José Berríos, who ground through six rainy innings of work for his final start of the regular season. They also discuss the optimal batting order for the playoffs, and how the bottom of the order has be...

Jays Talk Plus: Post-Season Confidence Levels + Manoah's Connection with Toronto

October 03, 2022 21:08 - 1 hour - 67.1 MB

Drew Fairservice of the "Spin Rate" podcast jumps on with Blake Murphy to share why he's bullish on the Blue Jays heading into the post-season and looks into the path to success in a Wild Card series against the Mariners, before Blake asks if Drew remembers which position players made a pitching appearance this year (01:09). Oren Weisfeld, a freelance writer with a recent piece in the Toronto Star, stops by to discuss what sparked his interest for his latest feature on Alek Manoah, the conne...

Jays Talk Plus: Who Makes the Wild Card Roster?

October 03, 2022 19:11 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MB

Blake Murphy is joined by Sportsnet.ca's Ben Nicholson-Smith to discuss Kevin Gausman's finger issue, if this changes the team's pitching rotation in a Wild Card series, what he's paying attention to in the final series of the season against Baltimore, and which pitchers from the bullpen could be effective against a potential matchup against Seattle (02:20). Then, the guys fill out their Wild Card roster for the Jays while debating which catcher should be in the lineup every day, Ramiel Tapi...

Home Sweep Home in the Rogers Centre Finale

October 02, 2022 21:24 - 30 minutes - 27.9 MB

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 6-3 win over the Red Sox to wrap up the home finale and the sweep at Rogers Centre! They take your calls and texts, and discuss the Kevin Gausman finger injury that saw him depart after just three innings of work. Should that suggest a change in the order of the starting rotation come playoff time? They get to the two monster home runs from Teoscar Hernandez, and Whit Merrifield's solo homer - is Merrifield the everyday second baseman goi...

Jano and Stripling Shine in a Shutout Win

October 01, 2022 23:52 - 55 minutes - 51.2 MB

Sho Alli and Julia Kreuz break down the Blue Jays' 10-0 win over the Red Sox at Rogers Centre! They take your calls and texts, and discuss the five RBI from Danny Jansen - do the Jays have the best kind of problem in trying to deploy both Alejandro Kirk and Jansen come playoff time? They discuss another superb outing from Ross Stripling, and get to the tune-up day for the bullpen after some time off. Plus, they take a look at a lot of the looming playoff roster decisions, including Bradley Z...

Jays Celebrate Playoff Spot With a Party at the Dome

October 01, 2022 03:47 - 54 minutes - 50.4 MB

Sho Alli and Julia Kreuz break down the Blue Jays' 9-0 win over the Red Sox as they celebrate clinching a spot in the 2022 MLB postseason! They take your texts, and get to the outing from Alek Manoah, who continues moving up some spots in the franchise record books. Was that the last time we see him pitch in the 2022 regular season? They discuss how Manoah is still in the AL Cy Young conversation, Whit Merrifield's play at second base since taking over the position, and whether or not Bo Bic...

Jays Talk Plus: Fighting for Homefield

September 30, 2022 21:06 - 1 hour - 67.2 MB

MLB.com's Keegan Matheson joined Blake Murphy to discuss the impact of homefield advantage from a beat writer's and player's perspectives, why he would prefer to face the Seattle Mariners in the post-season, and if we'll see Danny Jansen in more DH spots into October (06:21). The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey puts a bow on the Red Sox's season with the organization missing the playoffs, Nick Pivetta's down year, and an outlook on Boston's future (26:44). Afterward, The FAN Drive Time's Ben Ennis ...

Jays Talk Plus: History Made in Toronto & Clinching the Playoffs

September 29, 2022 21:06 - 1 hour - 67.7 MB

Sportsnet.ca's Arden Zwelling joins Blake Murphy to discuss what has impressed him the most about Aaron Judge's historic season, Tim Mayza's pitch to Judge, and where the Jays should focus in the final 6 games of the regular season (04:22). Blue Jays Central production coordinator and host of the "My POV" podcast Emelie Savard shares her story on getting into sports media, now working for the team's broadcast alongside Jamie Campbell and the atmosphere at Rogers Centre with the playoffs arou...

More Jays Errors, Judge Belts No. 61

September 29, 2022 03:22 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MB

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 8-3 loss to the Yankees at Rogers Centre. They take your calls and texts, and discuss the decision to bring in Tim Mayza knowing he would face Aaron Judge, who ultimately crushed his 61st HR of the season to tie Roger Maris for most AL HRs hit in a single season. They discuss Judge's AB, and kick around some potential destinations for him if the Yankees don't lock him up long-term. Plus, a chat on Vladdy Jr. grounding out, and the crowd t...

Jays Talk Plus: Baserunning Blunders & The Chance to Clinch

September 28, 2022 21:04 - 1 hour - 67.6 MB

The Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath joins Blake Murphy to chat about the team's need to pay attention to detail as the post-season approaches, interim John Schneider's comments on Vlad Jr.'s baserunning, and her biggest question mark for the playoff roster (04:53). MLB.com's Sarah Langs jumps on to break down Statcast's new metric on "arm strength", Matt Chapman listed second among the third basemen on the new metric, and the importance of a team's baserunning abilities (33:32). Later on, MLB Net...

Errors on the Field, Errors on the Base Paths

September 28, 2022 03:03 - 27 minutes - 25 MB

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 5-2 loss to the Yankees at Rogers Centre. They take your calls and texts, and discuss the fielding and base-running errors committed by the Blue Jays tonight - was it a lack of hustle or poor decision making on the parts of Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.? They get into the start from José Berríos, and how he wasn't the culprit for the loss tonight. They also discuss Bo Bichette in more detail, including if the Jays might ever consi...

Jays Talk Plus: Breaking Down Bichette's Scissor Kick + Pitching Approach Against Judge

September 27, 2022 21:06 - 1 hour - 67.4 MB

Sportsnet's Chris Black joins Blake Murphy to discuss the Jays' decision to intentionally walk Aaron Judge in the 10th inning, a vote in confidence for Tim Mayza, and what he's looking for in José Berríos' mechanics against the Yankees (04:04). Then, FanGraphs' Esteban Rivera chats about his transition from playing baseball to writing about the sport, how Bo Bichette's scissor kick has aided in his batting approach, and which team he would rather have the Yankees avoid in the post-season (29...

Vladdy Jr. Delivers in Extra Innings

September 27, 2022 03:45 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MB

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' walk-off 3-2 win over the Yankees at Rogers Centre! They take your calls and texts, and get straight to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. delivering the game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the tenth inning - what did he see from Clarke Schmidt in that AB? They discuss the usage of the bullpen, including Anthony Bass and Tim Mayza in extras, and the chess match from John Schneider to intentionally walk Aaron Judge to get to Anthony Rizzo. Plus, a...

Jays Talk Plus: Big Series Against Judge & Yanks at the Dome

September 26, 2022 21:03 - 1 hour - 68.2 MB

Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith joins Blake Murphy to look back at some history-making feats that happened at Rogers Centre in the past, before discussing Aaron Judge's continued push for the AL homerun record in a single season, if the Jays are feeling a sense of urgency to lock in home-field advantage for the playoffs, and if Nate Pearson has a chance to play in the final games of the regular season (05:23). ESPN's Joon Lee jumps on to discuss the limelight surrounding Aaron Judge on and o...

A Pair of Spring-A-Ding-Dingers

September 25, 2022 21:09 - 35 minutes - 32.9 MB

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 7-1 win over the Rays to split the series at Tropicana Field! They get to the big swings by the big bats, including one each from Alejandro Kirk and Teoscar Hernandez (a monster bomb), and two from George Springer. They get into Springer's leadership and the importance of both his bat and health late in the season, and how another terrific performance from Ross Stripling means he deserves a playoff start over José Berríos. Plus, the poten...

The Marvelous Manoah Gets Some Help from Two-Hit Whit

September 25, 2022 02:36 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MB

Sho Alli breaks down the Blue Jays' 3-1 win over the Rays down in Florida! He takes your texts, and gets to the seven innings of shutout baseball from Alek Manoah, who continues to solidify himself as the Blue Jays ace of the present and future. He discusses the usage of Manoah for a season-high 113 pitches alongside four outs from Jordan Romano, and how it speaks to the bullpen desperately needing a rest. He shifts to Whit Merrifield hitting a three-run bomb, and discusses whether in Santia...

Little Trop of Horrors Redux

September 24, 2022 03:23 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MB

Sho Alli breaks down the Blue Jays' 10-6 loss to the Rays in Florida. He takes your calls and texts, and discusses yet another ugly game at the Trop - blown strike three calls, low-percentage home runs, reliable relievers getting into trouble, it all happened vs. the Rays tonight. He chats about the error from Bo Bichette (and whether, despite the offensive prowess, Bo is the shortstop of the future), the golden sombrero for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and a so-so start from Mitch White. Plus, a ...

Jays Talk Plus: Avoiding The Trop Horrors

September 23, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 90.4 MB

Blue Jays radio voice Ben Wagner joins Blake Murphy to discuss the Toronto club's continuing struggles at Tropicana Field, what role could Whit Merrifield have when the post-season comes around, a downtrend in Jose Berrios' outings, and his impressions on Foster Griffin's debut out of the pen (2:48). FanGraphs' Michael Baumann jumps on to chat about his confidence level in the Jays starting rotation, John Schneider's plan for using Alek Manoah around the playoffs, Jordan Romano's game day ro...

Berríos Gets Hammered at the Trop

September 23, 2022 03:26 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MB

Sho Alli and Julia Kreuz break down the Blue Jays' 10-5 loss to the Rays in the first of four at Tropicana Field. They take your texts, and discuss the José Berríos start that saw him only last two innings. They put to bed the Berríos - Stripling conversation, and how even with a recent uneven start, Stripling should be the guy in a potential playoff game. They chat the two home runs from Whit Merrifield, if he's earned more trust going forward with Santiago Espinal on the IL, and discuss a ...

Jays Talk Plus: Who Makes A Strong Case To Be The Blue Jays MVP?

September 22, 2022 21:03 - 1 hour - 68.3 MB

Blue Jays TV play-by-play voice Dan Shulman joins Blake Murphy to discuss Aaron Judge's pursuit of making history, John Schneider's decision to let Adam Cimber pitch over Anthony Bass in the 10th inning during Wednesday's loss to the Phillies, why Matt Gage has not been called up from the Minors, how the Jays' starting rotation in Tampa Bay could dictate their approach to the upcoming Yankees series, and if Mitch White is in consideration for the playoff roster (04:40). The Athletic's Kaitly...

Bullpen Blows a Late Lead in Philly

September 22, 2022 03:41 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MB

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 shortst...

Jays Talk Plus: Who Makes It Onto The Playoff Roster?

September 21, 2022 21:03 - 1 hour - 67.2 MB

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,...

Five Jays Games on the Same Night

September 21, 2022 03:10 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MB

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...

Jays Talk Plus: Home Field Advantage or Lining Up The Starting Rotation?

September 20, 2022 21:03 - 1 hour - 68 MB

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...

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