Blue Jays Talk

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, including Nathan Lukes and Otto Lopez. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Sho Alli 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 Merrifield given injuries to other teams around Major League Baseball. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Sho Alli and 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 expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The 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 (positively) affect his 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.

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 the 2022 season (35:34). 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.

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-evaluate their trade deadline approach, the bullpen's potential to reach elite pitching levels, adding left-handed batters, and George Springer's future in the outfield (24:59).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

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

Blake Murphy opens the show looking back at the Blue Jays' Wild Card loss to the Mariners. He sorts through the decision to pull Kevin Gausman and bring in Tim Mayza to face switch hitter Carlos Santana, George Springer's collision with Bo Bichette in the outfield, defensive adjustments with Raimel Tapia and Jackie Bradley Jr., how the Jays' trade deadline relates to their fallout in the postseason, and the importance of having a young competitive team early in their contracts (03:39). MLB.com's Julia Kreuz shares what she's learned from interim manager John Schneider in the two-game sweep, if the interim tag will be removed ahead of next season, what some of the players can takeaway from their first playoff games, and how she would like GM Ross Atkins to address the postseason results (27:07).   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

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

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

Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling joins Blake Murphy to discuss how the Jays approached the end of their regular season, the Wild Card roster decisions including leaving Lourdes Gurriel Jr. off the lineup, the addition of a third catcher, Yusei Kikuchi placed as their 13th pitcher, and his excitement to call Game 2 on Sportsnet 590 The FAN (02:31). MLB.com's Mike Petriello jumps on the chat about what situations the Jays could use Kikuchi against the Mariners, pinch-runner scenarios, if Julio Rodríguez is the best outfielder in the series, and who will be the first out of Seattle's bullpen (49:33). Finally, Sportsnet producer Chris Black weighs in on where he stacks Alek Manoah among Toronto's starting pitchers, how much will he use the changeup, and how will Luis Castillo attack the Jays hitters (01:14:50). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

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

Baseball Prospectus' Mikey Ajeto joins Blake Murphy for the full hour to discuss his confidence level in the Mariners heading into a 3-game series against the Blue Jays, how worried pitchers are about walking batters in the postseason, and if he'd consider prospect Jarred Kelenic in the Wild Card lineup with Julio Rodríguez returning (01:27). Then, the guys look into the potential starters following Game 1 with Luis Castillo, why he gives the edge to Castillo over Alek Manoah, and the comparisons between both teams' bullpens (28:37).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

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

Blue Jays play-by-play voice Buck Martinez joins Blake Murphy to chat about Sportsnet's playoff broadcast across Canada alongside Pat Tabler and Hazel Mae, how he changes his approach to calling games in both chairs, what we'll learn about interim manager John Schneider in the playoffs, how the team has cleaned up their attention to detail in late September, and their focus on defence (06:35). MLB.com's Sarah Langs weighs in on the role of a lead-off hitter, whether she prefers depth or heavy hitters at the top of the lineup, and how she ranks the pitching rotations of AL teams (25:40). Then, Esteban Rivera of FanGraphs looks into how the Yankees are preparing for the ALDS, his trust level in Yusei Kikuchi out of the bullpen, and which rotation he'd prefer to face in a three-game series: the Mariners or Rays (51:49)? The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Blue Jays Central's Chris Black and Joe Siddall joins Blake Murphy to make a case to hold onto a fourth starter for a Wild Card series, who should follow Alek Manoah in Game 2, Teoscar Hernández's improved base running, if the Jays will change their batting approaches in the post-season, and how they would throw to Toronto's lineup if they were an opposing pitching coach (04:09). Then, The Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath chats about covering the playoffs, George Springer's experience in the post-season, and what's she most looking forward to in the upcoming Wild Card games (29:40).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

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 been coming through more consistently. 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.

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 connection between the big righty and the city, why he's one of the most interesting athletes in Canada, and the influence he has on the sport of baseball towards a younger audience (28:46). Afterward, MLB.com's Julia Kreuz chats about the moment the Jays celebrated clinching the playoffs, how the final series against Baltimore will dictate Toronto's post-season roster, which matchup she prefers between Seattle and Tampa, and the expectations for interim manager John Schneider in his first Wild Card series (50:30) The views and

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 Tapia's role into the playoffs, the reasoning behind keeping Gabriel Moreno on the roster, and whether they would prefer Gausman or Ross Stripling to pitch in Game 2 (24:14).  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.

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 going forward? Plus, who would they rather the Jays play in the postseason? 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.