Blue Jays Talk

The Athletic's Eno Sarris joins special guest host Ben Nicholson-Smith to chat about the consistency in José Berríos' outings, where he slots in a potential Wild Card series, his assessment of Ross Stripling's changeup release point, Stripling's next contract, and how the team should manage Alek Manoah's workload till the end of the season (03:09). Former Blue Jays First Base Coach Tim Leiper weighs in on what stood out from Jordan Romano's development into an elite closer, the balancing act of keeping players in the game after taking a hit in their at-bat, how much coaches and players pay attention to the scoreboard nearing the post-season, and his impressions on the new rule changes coming to the league in 2023 (26:14). Then, voice of the Fort Wayne TinCaps and the Jays this past weekend, Ben Shulman jumps on to share his takeaways from the series vs. Baltimore, George Springer finding his form nearing the playoffs, how to split the workload between Alejandro Kirk and Danny Jansen, and the magnitude of the

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 5-4 loss to the Orioles to wrap up the series at Rogers Centre. They take your calls and texts, and discuss the blown save from Jordan Romano - a first for him in front of the home crowd - and whether or not he is relying too much on his slider. Is there any cause for concern there, or is it a one-off? They get into Danny Jansen and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. both hitting home runs, and muse on whether Vladdy Jr. is heating up at the right time. Plus, a gutsy start from Alek Manoah,  some appreciation for George Springer continuing to play hurt, and more on the Stripling vs. Berríos conversation. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

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

Sho Alli and Ben Nicholson-Smith break down the Blue Jays' 6-3 win over the Orioles at Rogers Centre! They take your calls and texts, and get to the two bombs from Matt Chapman, as all the offence came from the long ball tonight. They discuss George Springer crushing a no-doubter as well, and how the outfield is nicely positioned - despite different possible configurations - to match up against most opponents. They get into the idea of bunting and discuss who on the roster is most capable of pulling it off. Plus, a discussion on the bullpen day itself, and how the Jays survived another scare from Yusei Kikuchi. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

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

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 11-0 loss to the Rays in the series finale at Rogers Centre. They take your calls and texts, and break down the offensive performance against Tampa LHP Shane McClanahan in his return from the IL. They get to Kevin Gausman's start, and the home runs given up to Yandy Diaz and Isaac Parades - any concern? They also chat about Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s contract situation, and whether or not the Austin Riley deal (10 years, $212 million) is something he would take. Plus, a discussion on who will start the bullpen day vs. the Orioles on Friday. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 5-1 win over the Rays at Rogers Centre! They take your calls and texts, and get to yet another terrific start from Ross Stripling, who allowed just one run over 6.1 IP. Should he get a potential third playoff start before José Berríos in a wild card series? They continue the John Schneider discussion and how he still doesn't get enough credit for the job he's done as interim manager. Plus, a chat on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hitting his 100th career home run to get things started. 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 Shi Davidi jumps on with Blake Murphy to discuss how Alek Manoah battled through a stomach bug, the fight shown by the roster in the final weeks of the season, the need to tweak their attention to detail heading into the post-season, and if there will be another bullpen day to open another series against the Baltimore Orioles (06:52). Then, Blake gives out the scouting report on Tampa Bay Rays' starter Drew Rasmussen, if he could be a good matchup for Vlad Jr., and how the Jays will line up for tonight's game (25:35). Afterward, FanGraphs' Michael Baumann weighs in on the upcoming rule changes and the addition of the pitch clock in 2023, the evolution of the game of baseball in the Majors, and how Bo Bichette has re-established himself amongst the top hitters today (50:07). Finally, Raptors Republic's Samson Folk joins to discuss the comparison from watching and analyzing baseball to basketball, and what metrics could translate from the MLB to NBA (01:15:42). The views and opinions expressed in th

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 7-2 win over the Rays to split the doubleheader at Rogers Centre! They take your calls and texts, and discuss the gutsy 6.2 IP from Alek Manoah after a stomach bug delayed his start to Game 2. They get to the George Springer Dinger in the seventh inning, his first home run since August 28, and Whit Merrifield's two-RBI double as well. Plus, a discussion on Alejandro Kirk scoring from first base, and whether John Schneider should be the permanent manager of the team. 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 breaks down the Blue Jays' 4-2 loss to the Rays in the first game of the doubleheader at Rogers Centre. He takes your calls and texts, and gets right to the final AB by - guess who - Bo Bichette in the bottom of the ninth inning. He also looks elsewhere in the batting order, including whether or not Vladimir Guerrero Jr. should be moved down in the batting order. Plus, another evaluation of Mitch White's bulk outing, and what to expect in Game 2 with Alek Manoah on the mound. 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' 3-2 win over the Rays at Rogers Centre! They take your calls and texts, and discuss the monster home run from Bo Bichette in the eighth inning, as he delivers vs. one of the Rays' top relievers in the clutch. They get to the performance of José Berríos who went 6.1 IP in the win, Yimi Garcia with another dominant relief appearance, and Jordan Romano slamming the door for the save. Plus, an evaluation of John Schneider as the interim manager. 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 Caleb Joseph joins Blake Murphy to discuss how hitters and catchers adjust to an umpire's wide strike zone, a catcher's framing skills, and whether the team would consider replacing Yusei Kikuchi's spot in the bullpen (05:59). Sportsnet producer Chris Black jumps on for an early week edition of Explain It Black and weighs in on the bullpen day's trickle-down effect after Sunday's game, who could get called up from the minors and added to the 'pen, and where his confidence level is at with Bo Bichette facing against Tampa Bay's pitchers (27:20). Afterward, MLB.com's Adam Berry looks back at the pair of blowout losses for the Rays against the Yankees, the magnitude of the final stretch of the season in the AL Wild Card race, the scouting report on probable starter Cooper Criswell, and how the Rays have taught their pitching prospects to prepare for relief innings (50:29). To wrap up, Blake previews José Berríos' upcoming start against Tampa Bay (01:15:08). The views and opinions expressed in this po

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 4-1 loss to the Rangers to wrap up the ten-game road trip at Globe Life Field. They take your calls and texts, and discuss where the blame for having to use a bullpen day falls in the first place. Is it on the front office? They get into the Yusei Kikuchi conversation once again, and chat about the otherwise lack of consistent lefties in the bullpen itself. Plus, a look at the coming schedule for the Jays, which includes five against the Rays and three against the Orioles, and another discussion on the umpiring job done in Texas today. 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' 11-7 win over the Rangers in Texas! He takes your texts, and gets to the offensive performance of the bats, including a monster home run from Raimel Tapia. Can the bottom of the order - which includes Danny Jansen and Santiago Espinal - stay consistent through the rest of the season? He discusses the continuing stellar play of Bo Bichette, and muses on what a potential contract could look like for him. Plus, a look at the wild card/division standings - is the AL East really out of reach only five games back? 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.

Julia Kreuz and Sho Alli break down the Blue Jays' 4-3 win over the Rangers in Texas! They take your calls and texts, and discuss the game-winning base hit by Danny Jansen in the ninth inning. Does he give the bottom of the lineup some more pop? Plus, another great Ross Stripling performance (albeit short), while Bo Bichette scorches another home run. 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.

MLB.com's Keegan Matheson joins Blake Murphy to discuss the implementation of a pitch clock in the Majors next year, which pitchers would be affected the most, if we'll see an increase in stolen bases, when can we see Gabriel Moreno with the main squad before the end of the season, and how much depth the Jays have in potential starters coming from the minors (5:00). The Athletic's Levi Weaver, jumps on to chat about the Texas Rangers struggling to take the next leap this season, Marcus Semien's impact in the clubhouse, why they're bringing up their #2 prospect, Josh Jung, to the main roster, and who the Jays will be facing on the mound with Dane Dunning (34:00). Then, FanGraphs' Ben Clemens weighs in on the upcoming rule changes, how left handed batters could benefit from the banning of the shift, if the increase in the size of bases will have a big impact, whether there's a negative side of speeding up pitchers, and the chance for Ross Stripling to increase his changeup usage (01:00:00).  The views and opini

MLB.com's Julia Kreuz joins Blake Murphy to discuss the deep friendship Vlad Jr. and Teoscar Hernández have created, if a competitive rivalry between the Jays and Orioles adds to the battle for a Wild Card spot, how Toronto will use Mitch White following a stint in the minors, and if we'll see Nate Pearson with the main roster this season (04:46). Then, MLB.com's Sarah Langs looks outside of the AL East with Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright tying the record for most games as batterymates at 324, what differences she's seen from Bo Bichette in the last 20 games, how dangerous Luis Castillo can be in a Wild Card series for the Mariners, and the chances that both New York teams will play in the post-season (27:19). Afterward, Mikey Ajeto of Baseball Prospectus checks in and offers a Seattle perspective on the tight Wild Card race, how the M's could set up their starters in a 3-game playoff series, if a team in the AL Central will prove dangerous in the playoffs, and if it's more desirable to have home field adv

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 4-1 win over the Orioles at Camden Yards! They take your calls and texts, and discuss the eight innings of one-run ball from Alek Manoah, who dominated the Orioles in a big game to anchor a series win. Could he have notched the complete game? They get to Jordan Romano slamming the door, whether he's currently the most dominant closer in baseball, and the top of the lineup with an outburst of runs in the fifth inning. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca and At the Letters joins Blake Murphy in-studio to discuss Mitch White's short outing against the Orioles, how the Blue Jays could map out their starting rotation for the remainder of the season, the team's ideal seed in the American League, and the chances we'll see another Yusei Kikuchi start (01:45). Afterward, the guys weigh in on Bryan Baker's exchange with Teoscar Hernández, John Schneider vs. umpire Jeff Nelson, and the rising tensions heading into the series finale with Alek Manoah on the mound (32:07). Then, MLB.com's Zachary Silver stops by to chat about the history between the O's and Manoah, what Baltimore sees in pitcher Tyler Wells, and when we can expect Adley Rutschman to enter the conversation amoung the best players in the MLB (52:27). Finally, Blake sets up the series finale and how the Jays will line up against the Orioles without Hernández in the lineup (01:19:37). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 9-6 loss to the Orioles at Camden Yards. They take your calls and texts, and get right to the pitching usage tonight - was Mitch White left in too long? Anthony Bass taken out too soon? Should Yusei Kikuchi have been in the game at all? They also get to another terrific game from Bo Bichette, who seems to still be locked in at the plate. Plus, a discussion on Teoscar Hernandez, and the frequent run-ins between the Jays and umpire Jeff Nelson. 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.