Deep Left Field with Mike Wilner

Kevin Kiermaier, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Paolo Espino and former Jays pitcher Trent Thornton

Guests: Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, third baseman Isiah Kiner-Falefa and pitcher Paolo Espino; former Jays pitcher Trent Thornton  This week, Kevin Kiermaier checks in for his regular visit despite a 3-for-31 start to his season. We talk to Isiah Kiner-Falefa about his first home opener as a Blue Jay and his strong start to the season, catch up with former Jay Trent Thornton, now a Seattle Mariner, and get to know Paolo Espino, who spent 11 years in the minors before making it to...

Jays win home opener and we hear from Berrios, Schneider, Schneider and you

Blue Jays win their home opener behind “Bad Dawg” Jose Berríos - we hear from him, Davis Schneider and John Schneider and take your email questions and comments!

On the Jays brutal week, plus Erik Swanson, Ernie Clement and assistant hitting coach Matt Hague

That no hitter was no fun

The Blue Jays get no-hit, so you get a special bonus episode! My take on the Jays shooting blanks in Houston.

Opening Day Extravaganza: Springer, Guerrero Jr., Mayza, Kiermaier, Francis and Hale

Guests: Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., centre fielder Kevin Kiermaier, right fielder George Springer, reliever Tim Mayza, starter Bowden Francis, associate manager DeMarlo Hale It’s the Opening Day Extravaganza and we’ve got half a dozen Blue Jays checking in with their thoughts about the year to come! We check in with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer on how they plan to rebound from their worst offensive seasons, talk to Kevin Kiermaier about how good he thinks th...

The ‘Deep Left Field’ mailbag with Gregor Chisholm

Guest: Gregor Chisholm, baseball columnist Spring training is over and before we bring you the opening day extravaganza, we are dipping into the “Deep Left Field” mailbag! Baseball columnist Gregor Chisholm and I answer your Toronto Blue Jays questions on this bonus episode of “Deep Left Field.”  What you would like to hear on Toronto Star podcasts? Let us know in this survey and you can enter to win a $100 gift card.

One on one with Joey Votto: 'I may be done, I may stink, I just don't see that happening'

Guest: Joseph Daniel Votto The greatest Toronto-born player in baseball history joins us to discuss his attempt to continue his career in his hometown, whether he’s got anything left and why he apologized once again for his anti-Baseball Canada rant of 2018.

On field interviews with Kevin Gausman, Ricky Tiedemann, Daniel Vogelbach, plus the Espinal trade (also, say it ain’t Sho)

Guests: Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman, top prospect Ricky Tiedemann, slugger Daniel Vogelbach As we head into the final week of spring training, we take you back to the beginning with Kevin Gausman, who was scheduled to be the Blue Jays’ opening day starter. We check in with Ricky Tiedemann as he begins the season that’s likely to see his major-league debut and get to know Daniel Vogelbach, widely recognized across the game as an elite clubhouse presence. Plus, thoughts on the Santiago E...

Pals Danny Jansen and Jordan Romano talk expectations for the Blue Jays in 2024

Guests: Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano, catcher Danny Jansen, third baseman Isiah Kiner-Falefa and breakout pitcher Adam Macko This week in “Deep Left Field,” host Mike Wilner brings good pals Danny Jansen and Jordan Romano together to talk about their expectations for the Blue Jays in 2024, introduces you to one of the new Jays, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and gets to know Canadian lefty — by way of Slovakia and Ireland — Adam Macko, who will be pitching for the Jays in the Spring Breakout game o...

Joey Votto is a Toronto Blue Jay (Bonus episode)

Joey Votto signed a minor league deal with his hometown Toronto Blue Jays. Votto has been the toughest hitter to get out in the 21st century, so if he's healthy, this could be a big deal. Mike Wilner gave his initial thoughts on the signing in this bonus episode.

Josh Donaldson discusses his time with Jays, plus Chris Bassitt

New Jay Justin Turner, plus Daulton Varsho and Phillies manager Rob Thomson

Guests: New Blue Jays DH Justin Turner, Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho, Phillies manager Rob Thomson This week in “Deep Left Field,” we get to know the new guy, Justin Turner, who brings championship experience and an unflinching approach at the plate into the clubhouse. We catch up with Daulton Varsho, who knows what he has to do to win over Jays fans in his second year, and we talk to Phillies’ skipper Rob Thomson about one of his old teammates on the 1984 Canadian Olympic Baseball team,...

From Dunedin, Fla., Blue Jays' Bo Bichette and John Schneider

Guests: Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette and manager John Schneider   Spring training has begun in Dunedin, Florida, and Mike Wilner is down there to give you the goods on what’s going on at camp. He’s also there to have incredible conversations with Bo Bichette and John Schneider.  What you would like to hear on Toronto Star podcasts? Let us know in this survey and you can enter to win a $100 gift card.

Blue Jay José Berrios, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli, plus the Jays sign Eduardo Escobar and name a radio crew

Guests: Blue Jays pitcher José Berrios, Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli This week in “Deep Left Field,” we are live from the opening of Toronto Blue Jays’ spring training in Dunedin, Florida! We kick off the 2024 season with a look back at how ’23 ended, talking to José Berrios, who started the Jays’ final game of the post-season, and Rocco Baldelli, who managed the Twins to the series victory. Also, the Jays sign Eduardo Escobar and I give my thoughts on the team’s newly-announced ...

Bonus Episode: Gregor Chisholm and Mike Wilner answer your questions on the eve of spring training

Guest: Toronto Star Baseball Columnist Gregor Chisholm   On the eve of spring training, as host Mike Wilner prepares to join the Blue Jays in Dunedin, we bring you a special bonus episode featuring your questions! Mike and Gregor Chisholm, the Star’s baseball writers, answer your Jays questions about Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Alek Manoah, Ross Atkins and his quiet off-season, potential further additions before the season starts and many more! What you would like to hear on Toronto Star podc...

New Canadian Baseball Hall of Famers Ashley Stephenson and Paul Godfrey, plus Vladdy wins in arbitration

This week in “Deep Left Field,” we talk to two members of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s Class of 2024 — Ashley Stephenson, current Vancouver Canadians coach and the greatest female baseball player in Canadian history, and Paul Godfrey, who is largely responsible for Toronto getting a major-league baseball team and for SkyDome being built. We also discuss new homes for old pals Jay Jackson and Ross Stripling and talk about Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s arbitration win.

Rance Mulliniks reflects on Jimy Williams and Jays’ glory years, plus Mitch White on Justin Turner

Guests: Blue Jays pitcher Mitch White, former Jays 3B Rance Mulliniks This week in "Deep Left Field," host Mike Wilner talks about the Jays’ signing of Justin Turner with Mitch White, who was his teammate with the Dodgers from 2020-22. They also talk about the strides White made at the end of last season and his outlook for 2024. As well, Rance Mulliniks joins us to remember former Jays’ manager Jimy Williams, who passed away at age 80 last week, and to relive the ups and downs of the glor...

Baseball Canada icon Michael Saunders on excellence, Hunter Mense talks Blue Jays’ offensive issues

Guests: Baseball Canada Wall of Excellence member Michael Saunders and Blue Jays Assistant Hitting Coach Hunter Mense This week in "Deep Left Field," we talk to Michael Saunders about being honoured by Baseball Canada, suiting up for his country and his 2016 season with the Blue Jays. We also take a deep dive into the 2023 Jays’ hitting woes with Hunter Mense. What you would like to hear on Toronto Star podcasts? Let us know in this survey and you can enter to win a $100 gift card.

Canadian baseball hero Pete Orr, plus the Jays sign Cuban pitcher Yariel Rodriguez

Nationals manager (and ex-Blue Jay) Dave Martinez, plus Jays’ first trainer Ken Carson

Guests: Washington Nationals manager/former Blue Jays and Expos outfielder Dave Martinez; Ken Carson, former Jays trainer. This week in Deep Left Field, we talk to Dave Martinez about the incredible start to his brief Blue Jays' career back in 2000, and about playing for the Expos then leading the Washington Nationals to the franchise's first-ever World Series title in 2019. We also catch up with Ken Carson, the Jays' trainer for the first decade of the franchise's existence.

The roundtable of frustrated fan bases

Guests: "Kim’s Convenience" star Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Andy Kindler ("Bob’s Burgers," "Everybody Loves Raymond") and Chris Calogero ("The Movie Guy") This week in "Deep Left Field," host Mike Wilner convenes "The Roundtable of Frustrated Fan Bases!" Paul Sun-Hyung Lee talks the Blue Jays, Andy Kindler talks the New York Mets and Chris Calogero talks the Yankees as we commiserate over each team’s disappointing 2023 on the field and off. What you would like to hear on Toronto Star podcasts? ...

Welcome back Kevin Kiermaier and welcome home JR, with Jay Jackson

Guests: Blue Jays centrefielder Kevin Kiermaier, free agent pitcher Jay Jackson. This week in Deep Left Field, host Mike Wilner talks to Kevin Kiermaier about returning to the Blue Jays for another year of Gold Glove defence and chats with Jay Jackson on the former Jay's experience in Toronto, his free agency this winter and baby JR coming home for Christmas.

'I'm from NY. We get ripped all the time': Jon Heyman, plus Will Carroll talks Toronto targets

Guests: New York Post columnist Jon Heyman, Injury Expert Will Carroll of Under The Knife. This week in "Deep Left Field," Jon Heyman joins us to express his bewilderment as to why anyone would be insulted when he wrote that Shohei Ohtani signing with the Blue Jays would have been bad for baseball. Also, Will Carroll talks about the health status of Rhys Hoskins, a free agent who could be a good fit in Toronto, and the Jays’ success with keeping their 2023 starting rotation healthy. What...

Vernon, Romano and RickyRo — Jays All-Star Panel champions Toronto the Good

Guests: Blue Jays past and present all-stars Ricky Romero, Jordan Romano and Vernon Wells. This week in "Deep Left Field," we convene an all-star roundtable with Vernon Wells, Jordan Romano and Ricky Romero, who combined to make six all-star teams as Blue Jays, to discuss what it's like to play in Toronto and how much opposing players enjoy coming here. The table also pushes back against some recent opinion columns from south of the border that suggested having Shohei Ohtani sign with the ...

'Shohei Fever' Roundtable with Nick Dika, Drew Fairservice and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee

Guests: Arkells’ bassist Nick Dika; Drew Fairservice, former host of Spin Rate; Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, star of "Kim’s Convenience" This week in "Deep Left Field," it’s all about Ohtani. Host Mike Wilner convenes a "Shohei Fever" Roundtable with Nick Dika, Drew Fairservice and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee to discuss the Blue Jays pursuit of the reigning American League MVP, the likelihood of Ohtani actually choosing to sign with the Jays and what his arrival — or spurning of the Jays — could mean to the...

Talking Ohtani, Cito and Ben Wagner, plus guests Blue Jay Chad Green and former Jay Luke Maile

Guests: Blue Jays reliever Chad Green, Reds catcher and former Jay Luke Maile This week in "Deep Left Field," we dive into Shohei Ohtani’s chances of coming to Toronto and talk about Cito Gaston’s possible election to the Hall of Fame this weekend as well as Ben Wagner’s dismissal from Jays’ radio broadcasts. Then Chad Green talks about his first year with the Jays, the playoff disappointment and the intricate, creative contract he signed last winter and Luke Maile joins us to talk about h...

Blue Jays’ rookies and Buffalo buds Davis Schneider, Spencer Horwitz and Ernie Clement

Guests: Blue Jays infielders Davis Schneider, Spencer Horwitz and Ernie Clement This week in “Deep Left Field,” host Mike Wilner gathers The Buffalo Bunch! Davis Schneider, Spencer Horwitz and Ernie Clement get together to discuss their time with the Blue Jays and Bisons this past season, watching each other succeed in the big leagues, their mutual admiration for each other and the impact they had on the playoff race.

Offensive Co-Ordinator Don Mattingly, and Canadian Jays prospect Dasan Brown

Guests: Blue Jays Bench Coach/Offensive Co-Ordinator Don Mattingly, Jays prospect and Baseball Canada Outfielder Dasan Brown This week in Deep Left Field, we talk to Donnie Baseball himself about his new role, what needs to change about the Jays’ offence and the addition of DeMarlo Hale to the coaching staff. We also chat with Dasan Brown, coming off an Arizona Fall League championship with the Surprise Saguaros.

Gold Glove winner Kevin Kiermaier, plus Gregor Chisholm on the Jays’ needs

Guests: Kevin Kiermaier, free agent centre fielder, and Gregor Chisholm, baseball columnist This week in “Deep Left Field,” host Mike Wilner talks to Kevin Kiermaier about winning the American League Gold Glove and Fielding Bible awards in centre field, and what the future holds for him as he enters free agency again. We also check in with baseball columnist Gregor Chisholm on the Blue Jays‘ moves so far this off-season and what to expect over the winter.

Jamie Campbell on the Jays and his new fight with cancer, plus Fielding Bible's Mark Simon

Moreno and Gurriel in the World Series, plus Johnny Mac, Dave McKay and a sim Fall Classic

Guests: Former Blue Jays and Diamondbacks shortstop John McDonald, original Jay and current Arizona 1B coach Dave McKay, and Mike Cieslinski, creator of Dynasty League Baseball powered by Pursue the Pennant This week in “Deep Left Field,” we check in John McDonald about his days with the DBacks (including a trip to the playoffs), reminisce about the Blue Jays of the 1970s with Dave McKay and go over a wild and wacky World Series simulation with Mike Cieslinski.

We talk to Blue Jays 2023 end-of-season award winners

Guests: Blue Jays 2023 MVP Bo Bichette, Pitcher of the Year Kevin Gausman, Rookie of the Year Davis Schneider, Unsung Hero Cavan Biggio This week in Deep Left Field, host Mike Wilner hands out the Blue Jays 2023 End-of-Season Awards as voted on by the players and coaching staff themselves. Each of the winners joins us for a conversation looking back at their year and (unfortunately, as it turned out) looking ahead to the playoffs.

‘Ross needs to get better. But he's done a good job’

It was Blue Jays' President Mark Shapiro's turn to address the media in the wake of the Jays’ early playoff exit, following Ross Atkins' suboptimal display a few days prior. We discuss the continuing fallout of the decision to remove a cruising Jose Berrios in the fourth inning of Game 2 and go through Shapiro's comments about the frustrations of the season, the team's inability to score and the front office's credibility issues. We also answer your e-mail questions!

Where’s the leadership? Ross Atkins’ end-of-season post-mortem

Ross Atkins addressed the media in the wake of the Blue Jays’ early playoff exit and missed the opportunity to be a leader. We discuss the continuing fallout of the decision to remove a cruising Jose Berrios in the fourth inning of Game 2, go over Atkins’ dance with the media and lack of accountability and answer your e-mail questions on this special edition of Deep Left Field!

Deep Left Field Daily: Berrios pulled, Vladdy picked, Jays done

The Blue Jays season is over. They scored one run in two playoff games, which is bad enough, but there was so much more than that. We will dive into the decision to pull Jose Berrios while he was cruising, hear from Berrios himself, John Schneider, Kevin Kiermaier, George Springer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette and answer your many e-mail questions on this final daily edition of Deep Left Field for 2023.

Deep Left Field Daily: Now it’s win or go home

The Jays lose 3-1 to the Minnesota Twins and now need to win two in a row to keep their season alive. We’ll hear from Bo Bichette, Brendan Belt, Erik Swanson and manager John Schneider

Deep Left Field Daily: The playoffs are upon us

The Blue Jays lost their meaningless season finale, 12-8 to Tampa Bay, then partied afterward in celebration of their wild card playoff berth. We’ll hear from Deep Left Field regulars Kevin Kiermaier and Jordan Romano, along with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Matt Chapman. You’ll also hear John Schneider’s post-game speech to the team. And we answer your email questions to [email protected] as we get you set for the Jays’ first-round date with Minnesota.

Deep Left Field Daily: No clinch on the field

The Blue Jays worked overtime on Saturday trying to clinch a playoff spot, but didn’t get it done. We break down the 7-5, 10-inning loss to Tampa Bay that made the road to a playoff berth that much tougher. We’ll also hear from John Schneider and George Springer, and answer your emails to [email protected].

Deep Left Field Daily: Will the Jays clinch Saturday?

Sleepless in Toronto: Today's episode will record after the Seattle-Texas game

The Jays beat the the Rays 11-4, so the magic number is down to one. We'll record as soon as the the Seattle-Texas game is over to break down how the night played out.

Deep Left Field Daily: Jays' magic number is two – TOR 6 NYY 0

The Blue Jays blanked the New York Yankees with Chris Bassitt throwing a gem that culminated with striking out Aaron Judge to finish the regular season at a career-high 200 innings pitched. He’s the first Jay to reach that mark in seven years. With the win, the Jays could clinch a playoff berth as early as Friday night.  Also, we answer your emails (send them to [email protected] or leave a question in the comments below).

Chris Bassitt says Jays are built for playoff success

Guests: Blue Jays right-hander Chris Bassitt and outfielder/pinch-runner Cam Eden. This week in Deep Left Field, we talk to post-season veteran Chris Bassitt, who goes into his final start of the regular season looking to move into a tie for the American League lead in wins and we meet rookie Cam Eden, whose elite-level speed could play a very large role for the Jays in the playoffs.

Deep Left Field Daily: Shut out, again – NYY 6 TOR 0

Another night, another shut out at the hands of the Yankees. Gerrit Cole went the route on a two-hitter to finish off a Cy Young season and Aaron Judge blasted two homers. The Blue Jays, despite a scoreless homestand so far still hold the second wild card spot. We break it down, tonight and every night the Jays play! Also, we answer your emails - send them to [email protected]! Or leave a question in the comments below.

Deep Left Field Daily: These are not the magic numbers – NYY 2 TOR 0

It’s the first edition of Deep Left Field Daily! We take you through the Blue Jays’ 2-0 loss to the Yankees on Tuesday, touching on the silent bats, the great start by Kevin Gausman, and Jordan Romano’s second straight rough outing. Also, we answer your emails to [email protected]!  

Kiermaier gets real, World Series hero David Cone and Yusei you sleep 14 hours?

Say it ain’t so, Jays. Joe Carter, Cavan Biggio and Ernie Clement join the show

Guests: Blue Jays legend Joe Carter, utilityman Cavan Biggio and infielder Ernie Clement This week in Deep Left Field, host Mike Wilner reminisces with all-time Jay Joe Carter about his World Series-winning home run and gets his thoughts about this season's club, chats with Cavan Biggio about playing all over the place and coming into his own offensively, and introduces you to Ernie Clement, who grew up right on the other side of Lake Ontario.

‘Weeks before I was finally able to hold him’: Sam Bautista on her and Jay Jackson’s son’s NICU journey

Meaningful September podcasting with Babe Schneider, Gausman and Jano/Romano

Guests: Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman, catcher Danny Jansen, closer Jordan Romano and rookie sensation Davis Schneider. This week in Deep Left Field, we take you right into the dugout and get to the heart of the Jays' playoff predicament with Kevin Gausman, check in with Danny Jansen and Jordan Romano about heading into a third straight tight, tense September race and catch up with Davis Schneider, who spent the month of August rewriting the Jays' rookie record book.

'Treat every game from here on out as a playoff game': One on one with Ricky Romero

Guest: Former Blue Jays left-hander and all-star Ricky Romero. This week in Deep Left Field, host Mike Wilner goes deep with Ricky Romero about the Blue Jays as they head into the final stretch: How pitchers deal with the tear-your-hair-out frustrations of the Jays' offence, what needs to change the rest of the way and how every game needs to be treated with the urgency of a playoff game from here on out. Plus, his experience at Bautistapalooza!

Joey Bats! Plus Blue Jay Jay Jackson and Phillie Jeff Hoffman

Guests: Blue Jays legend Jose Bautista, reliever Jay Jackson and Phillies reliever Jeff Hoffman  This week in Deep Left Field, host Mike Wilner talks to Jose Bautista about being elevated to the Level of Excellence, checks in with Jay Jackson about the bullpen, the baby and the stretch run and sits down with Jeff Hoffman, who was traded to Colorado in 2015 to kick off the greatest trade deadline in baseball history!