Writers Bloc

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Jeff Blair. Stephen Brunt. Richard Deitsch. As long-time journalists they’ve all experienced writer’s block, but they never run out of things to say! Opinions, insight and analysis from three of the smartest sports observers in the country. Writers Bloc… sharp takes, not hot takes.

Sportsnet


    • Oct 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
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    Latest episodes from Writers Bloc

    ALDS Preview with Rob Longley & Kevin Barker

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 46:23


    Ben Ennis and Daniele Franceschi wrap up Friday morning with Toronto Sun Blue Jays reporter Rob Longley. They discuss the Jays' matchup with the Yankees and potential rotation strategies learned from intersquad games. Will Bo Bichette be ready for Saturday? What questions loom for the playoff roster, and are there expectations for Anthony Santander and Vladdy? The guys also chat with former Blue Jay Kevin Barker (24:28), who shares his thoughts on the Yankees series, how the Jays might utilize Bassitt and Scherzer, and how to compensate for Bichette's absence.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.

    Keys to the ALDS + Week 5 Preview w/ Charles Davis

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 50:07


    Ben and Daniele kick off the second hour alongside Charlies Davis, NFL analyst on CBS! They break down the 49ers' gutsy performance last night, Mac Jones' potential be follow a similar career trajectory to Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, and if Brock Purdy should be worried about his job once he returns. Charles also takes a look at the AFC North to debate if the Baltimore Ravens are in more trouble then we think. What is wrong with their defence? Later, the guys turn their attention to the American League Divisional Series to examine the biggest storylines heading into Saturday's Game 1 (25:30). They discuss who has the advantage at the plate, the impact of Bo Bichette's potential absence, who has the advantage on the mound, the Blue Jays' lack of left-handed starters, the bullpen battle, and much 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.

    Yankees Win the Wild Card + Blue Jays ALDS Expectations

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 51:40


    Ben Ennis and Daniele Franceschi close out the week by reviewing how the Yankees took down the Red Sox in the Wild Card round! They take a closer look at the Blue Jays' ALDS opponent and discuss how they feel about the result, what they learned about the Bronx Bombers, Cam Schlittler's performance, and Aaron Boone's decision to leave him in. The guys turn their attention to the National League Wild Card series and question if the Padres are the most disappointing team of this generation following their early elimination. In the meantime, the Blue Jays took part in some intrasquad games to help tune up for the postseason! Ben and Daniele chat about what we learned from the practice sessions, how they see the rotation shaking out, and 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.

    Buck Martinez & Jose Bautista Get You Set for Blue Jays Playoffs!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 47:50


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning wrap up Thursday's show with former major leaguer and Blue Jays commentator Buck Martinez. They discuss the significance of the Blue Jays' inter-squad game, key players besides Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and playoff rotation strategies. Buck shares insights on the Red Sox-Yankees series and its relevance for the Jays. Next, legendary Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista (24:26) joins to reminisce about postseason moments, including his memorable homer, and shares thoughts on this year's team and overcoming Bo Bichette's injury. They also consider the impact of recent breaks on the team and who Bautista hopes to see the Jays face in the playoffs.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.

    Jays at the Podium + Leafs 2025-26 Outlook w/ Gord Stellick

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 49:41


    Ben and Brent start the second hour talking Maple Leafs with former General Manager and friend of the show, Gord Stellick! He dives into Easton Cowan's opportunity to make the team, what's best for his development, the state of the team's goaltending depth, and what Auston Matthews' next contact might look like given the expanding salary cap. Later, Ben and Brent listen back to some audio from the Blue Jays' recent media availability (25:40). They break down what was said about Bo Bichette's status, how they expect Trey Yesavage to be deployed, who will make the cut for the team's playoff roster, and how to best structure to rotation.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.

    Yankees, Padres & Guardians Force Game 3 + Leafs Close Out Home Preseason Schedule

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 50:31


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the morning by looking at the New York Yankees Game 2 victory over the Red Sox. They discuss how big of a role Jazz Chisholm Jr. played in the game, if they expect to see him play today against a left hander, and Aaron Judge's quest to shed the label of a playoff choker. The guys also get into the Padres' bounce-back performance, before debating if either the Guardians or Tigers could present a real threat to the Mariners in the second round. Later, Ben and Brent look at the Maple Leafs roster ahead of their final home preseason game of the year. The guys share their expectations for tonight's regulars on the ice, go over any lingering roster concerns, and look into the Oilers acquisition of Connor Ingram.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.

    Raptors Training Camp Opening & Day 2 of the MLB Playoffs

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 47:46


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning close out Wednesday morning by chatting with Sportsnet Raptors reporter Michael Grange. They discuss the Raptors' outlook for the season, expectations for a playoff push with Brandon Ingram, and the journey from a 30-win team to playoff contenders. They also address health concerns, the significance of this season for Darko and the coaching staff, and Scottie Barnes' potential. Additionally, they preview the day's MLB wild card action, focusing on the Yankees and Red Sox, their bench usage, and bullpen trust (26:58).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.

    Blue Jays Playoff Preparation w/ Shi Davidi

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 47:20


    Ben and Brent kick off the second hour of the show by examining how the Blue Jays are preparing for the postseason. After yesterday's announcement that the team will participate in some intrasquad action, the guys question if Bo Bichette will take some swings, if Anthony Santander can find a way to get hot before Saturday, and how serious they will take these games. They also debate the Jays' decision to limit playoff ticket sales to the Canadians only: yay or nay? With rumors of Albert Pujols being named new Angels manager, the guys brainstorm some former Toronto athletes they would want to see as manager one day. Shi Davidi (26:13), Blue Jays writer for Sportsnet, shares his thoughts on yesterday's Wild Card action, what he's expecting to see during the intrasquad games, and how he expects Toronto's playoff roster to be assembled.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.

    Wild Card Underway, Advantage Red Sox & Kaprizov Gets Paid

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 52:07


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Wednesday morning recapping the Red Sox' victory over the New York Yankees last night. They chat about Garrett Crochet's impressive performance, the advantage of having top-end rotation talent, and who they would rather see face the Blue Jays in the ALDS. The guys also look at the other three series that got underway yesterday including the "small ball" Tigers, the comeback Cubs, and the Dodgers' cruise in Game 1. Later, Ben and Brent turn their attention to Kirill Kaprizov and his eight-year, $136 million extension signed with Wild yesterday. They debate how the deal will change how we view superstar contracts going forward, if $17 million per year is going to be the new benchmark, and what this means for the Maple Leafs.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.

    Stolarz' Extension + Blue Jays Playoff Memories with Jason Grilli

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 46:13


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning wrap up Tuesday morning by chatting with NHL insider Frank Servalli about the Leafs' extension with Anthony Stolarz. Did he like the deal? What implications does it have for free agency and the goalie market? They also discuss the impact of the LTIR on future trades and the potential for teams like the Panthers to navigate salary cap issues. Additionally, they ponder the chances of Carter Hart being signed. Later, 15-year MLB veteran Jason Grilli (25:24) joins to discuss the Rust vs. Rest debate. He shares his experiences playing for Toronto in the postseason, reflecting on the atmosphere at the Rogers Centre and the Blue Jays' celebration of their division title.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.

    Welcome to the Wild Card Round w/ Jon Morosi

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 49:32


    Ben and Brent open this episode taking a look at the Wild Card as MLB's postseason is set to begin tonight. They share which series are they most excited for, what they expect as old rivals in New York and Boston meet once again, and what result Blue Jays fans should be hoping for. The guys also break down what the Blue Jays playoff roster could look like and how the team should handle Bo Bichette's injury heading into October. Jon Morosi (23:15), MLB Network insider, joins in on the Wild Card chat to share what he's watching for this week! He discusses if there is an advantage to having a bye in the playoffs, if the Guardians will continue their recent dominance over the Tigers, if the Padres can finally overcome the Dodgers shadow, and Los Angeles' plans to deploy Shohei Ohtani on the mound. Jon wraps up his interview with the latest on Bo Bichette and if he expects to see him when the Blue Jays get underway on Saturday.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.

    Leafs Lineup Questions, Monday Night Football & Kawhi Faces the Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 51:01


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start Tuesday morning looking at some of the lineup questions concerning the Toronto Maple Leafs! Do the guys expect Easton Cowan to start the season with the big club? Who should slot onto the top line to play alongside Auston Matthews? Is James Reimer's lack of involvement a good sign for the return of Joseph Woll? The guys take a closer look at the NHL's top 100 player list and question if Matthews being ranked 15th is a fair assessment, or if he should take that personally. They also chat about what the loss of Aleksander Barkov will mean for Panthers and the Atlantic Division as a whole. Later, Ben and Brent turn their attention to the pair of Monday night games in the NFL! They discuss Tyreek Hill's injury, the Jets' case to be the worst team in football, and the state of the Bengals in Joe Burrow's absence. To wrap up the hour, the guys share their thoughts on Kawhi Leonard's answers regarding potential salary cap circumvention at Clippers media day, and if they expect any ramifications.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 Win the Division with Ben Nicholson-Smith & Adnan Virk

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 47:47


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning wrap up the morning by welcoming Ben Nicholson Smith, co-host of ‘At The Letters.' They discuss the Blue Jays' season, including their turnaround after April, the importance of securing a Bye in the Wild Card round, and potential playoff roster construction, including the use of 13 pitchers and Bo Bichette's recovery time. They also welcome MLB Network host Adnan Virk (25:10) to analyze the AL East race and the Blue Jays' division win, along with their postseason prospects. Lastly, they cover the broader MLB landscape, touching on the Mets' collapse and upcoming Red Sox-Yankees and Dodgers series, and discuss expectations for Ohtani's pitching.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.

    Jays Division Champs, Leafs Sign Stolarz & NFL Week 4 Rewind

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 48:02


    Ben and Brent roll into the second hour of today's show continuing celebrating the Blue Jays' division-clinching victory. They take a moment to reflect on the 2025 season, before sharing their expectations heading into the playoffs. Which lineup will we see? Later, the guys chat about Anthony Stolarz' four-year extension signed with the Maple Leafs. Trey Wingo (25:40), host of the Straight Facts Homie podcast, joins Ben and Brent to recap everything from Week 4 of the NFL. They dive into the Cowboys' 40-40 tie with the Packers, the Chiefs much-needed victory over the Ravens, and what is going on with AJ Brown and the Eagles right now. Trey also weighs in on the weekend's Ryder Cup action, some of the antics we saw from New York, and the fan appeal of the European side.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 Win the AL East + Drama at the Ryder Cup

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 51:58


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the week celebrating the Blue Jays' American League East victory! They dive into Alejandro Kirk's impressive game and how important has he been to this team this year, along with John Schneider's case to win AL Manager of the Year. The guys also dive into the decision to pitch Kevin Gausman in the final game of the regular season, the team's memorable postgame interviews, and if they will be remembered as fondly as 2015. How did the rest of MLB's playoff picture fall into place? Later, Ben and Brent recap Sunday's wild Ryder Cup finale including Team America's late push and the nerves ahead of Shane Lowry's putt. They also touch on the use of the "Envelope Rule", Scottie Scheffler's singles matchup against Rory McIlory, and if the crowd at Bethpage Black took it too far at any point.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 on Jays Weekend & Joe House on the Ryder Cup!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2025 48:48


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning wrap up the week with Jeff Blair, co-host of 'Blair & Barker.' They discuss the Blue Jays' recent victory, Eric Lauer's performance, the Jose Berrois situation, Alek Manoah's struggles, and what constitutes a successful season for the Jays—World Series or bust? They then welcome Joe House (25:44) from 'The Ringer Gambling Show' to chat about the Ryder Cup at Bethpage, the American team's chances, key pairings, and matchups to watch, including John Rahm's pressure.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.

    Charles Davis Previews Week 4 + Berríos Hits the IL

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2025 49:54


    Ben and Brent continue into the second hour alongside Charles Davis, NFL on CBS analyst! They dive into last night's clash between the Seahawks and Cardinals and discuss if Seattle is for real after moving to 3-1 on the season. Charles also shares his take on the Bills ahead of their matchup with the Saints, the level of concern surrounding the Ravens' defence, if the Rams are better than people are giving them credit for, and Shedeur Sanders reportedly turning down teams at the draft. Later, the guys discuss their initial Ryder Cup thoughts, before pivoting to baseball as José Berríos hits the IL (26:56). They chat about how this will affect their pitching staff heading into October, if Eric Lauer should have retained his place amongst the starters, and who they would rather match up with down the stretch: Rays or Orioles?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 Salvage a Win Against Red Sox + Easton Cowan's Role

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2025 49:29


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Friday morning celebrating a big Blue Jays victory over the Red Sox last night. They chat about the emotion surrounding Daulton Varsho's grand slam, the palpable sense of relief that followed, and if they remember a bigger home run since José Bautista's iconic blast. The guys also share how impressive yesterday's bullpen day was and if they would consider using the combo of Louis Varland and Eric Lauer in the postseason. Later, Ben and Brent turn their attention to the Maple Leafs' 7-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. They dive into Easton Cowan's fit on the fourth line to start the season and what's best for his development, before discussing if the team should consider alternatives in net given the Joseph Woll news. The boys close out the hour with thoughts on Seahawks' narrow victory over the Cardinals on Thursday Night Football and debate if Marvin Harrison Jr. is trending towards bust territory.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.

    Alanna Rizzo & Dan Shulman on The Blue Jays Struggles

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 47:27


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning host Foul Territory's Alanna Rizzo, who discusses the Blue Jays' series against the Red Sox, their recent struggles, and the upcoming division race. They also explore the A.L. MVP race and her current vote. Later, they welcome Blue Jays play-by-play announcer Dan Shulman (25:41), who shares his insights on the team's challenges, rotation management, and the postseason outlook. They question if the team is overly reliant on Trey Yesavage.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.

    Inside the Jays' Collapse + Gord Stellick on Joseph Woll's Absence

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 49:41


    Ben and Brent continue into the second hour alongside Gord Stellick, former Maple Leafs GM and friend of the show! Gord shares his thoughts on Joseph Woll's absence, where it leaves the team moving forward, Easton Cowan's opportunity to make the team out of camp, and the ceiling of this group heading into the 2025-26 season! Later, the guys review Collin Morikawa's comments on what he wants to hear and see from the American crowd this weekend at the Ryder Cup. After the break, Ben and Brent turn their attention to the Blue Jays' continued collapse (26:12). They voice their concerns about José Berríos' usage last night, how to view this season if the division lead does slip away, and the added weight this postseason carries for guys like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Should we start to question his September and playoff struggles a little more now? The guys wrap up this hour with thoughts on Bo Bichette's rising price tag as the Jays' offensive struggles continue in his absence, along with why this series against the Red Sox could serve as a potential Wild Card preview.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 Lose Game & AL East Lead + TML Options in Goal

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 50:29


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Thursday morning by recapping the Blue Jays' 7-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox last night. What's the level of panic around the team right now? The guys forecast Toronto's chances to hang onto their AL East lead with the Yankees breathing down their neck, what to make of Max Scherzer's recent form, and the role umpires have played down the stretch. They also chat about what's factored into the Jays offence drying up, Louis Varland's scheduled start today, and the mentality behind using José Berríos during yesterday's loss. After the break, Ben and Brent recap Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving's appearance on Real Kyper and Bourne and discuss his comments about Joseph Woll's absence and the other options for Toronto in net.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.

    Leafs Expectations Going Into the Season + A.L. Race with Joe Siddall

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025 48:17


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning conclude Wednesday morning by hosting NHL Insider Frank Servalli. They discuss key issues facing the Toronto Maple Leafs, including how Auston Matthews can fill the gap left by Mitch Marner's absence and the team's overall strategy. They also touch on the latest regarding Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers, plus updates on Kirill Kaprizov's contract situation with the Wild and Mason McTavish. Later, Blue Jays Central analyst Joe Siddall (26:22) joins to analyze the tightening AL East race, concerns over Bo Bichette's absence, and expectations for Anthony Santander. The morning wraps up with predictions for tonight's Red Sox-Jays 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 affiliate.

    Manoah DFA'd, Roster Concerns & Playoff Races w/ Jon Morosi

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025 49:59


    Ben and Brent kick off the second hour by reviewing the Blue Jays' decision to DFA Alek Manoah. The guys share their memories of the peaks and valleys from his time in Toronto, and express their surprise that the ride might finally be over. Will Manoah catch on with another team? Ben and Brent also weigh in on Major League Baseball's announcement yesterday that the Automatic Balls and Strikes system will be implemented next season, before taking a quick looking at the meaning of the Ryder Cup's 'Envelope Rule'. Jon Morosi (25:15), MLB Network Insider, joins the guys to chat about the tightening American League East division race. Jon touches on the Jays' form down the stretch without Bo Bichette, his initial reaction to the Manoah news, and who he believes will emerge atop the AL Central.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.

    Jays Division Lead Down to One + Leafs First Loss of the Preseason

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025 50:08


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Wednesday morning by reviewing the Blue Jays' tough loss to the Red Sox last night that closed the gap in the American League East down to one game. They dive into George Springer's double that was called foul, Kevin Gausman's potential final start of the regular season, and how much pressure the team is feeling following the Yankees' win over the White Sox yesterday. Is today's game a must-win? The guys also take a look at the Tigers' continued collapse of the AL Central and Tarik Skubal's uncharacteristic performance against the Guardians. Later on, Ben and Brent focus their attention on last night's Maple Leafs preseason home opener. The boys share what they saw from the Toronto's starters, before getting into Easton Cowan's opportunity to make the team and the impact of Joseph Woll's absence.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.

    Maple Leafs Preseason Home Opener + Lou Merloni on the Red Sox' Season

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 45:44


    Ben and Brent kick off this morning's final hour alongside Anthony Petrielli, Maple Leafs Hot Stove reporter, ahead of Toronto's preseason home opener! He shares what he's looking for before the season officially starts up, who's in the mix for the team's final roster spots, and the Buds' outlook in the post Mitch Marner era. The trio also examine the early defensive pairings, Morgan Rielly being in "the best shape of his life", and how the Leafs stack up in the Atlantic Division. Later on, Lou Merloni (23:50), former major leaguer and current NESN Red Sox broadcaster, checks in ahead of Boston's three-game set in Toronto. Lou dives into the Sox' season at large, why the Rafael Devers trade sparked this lineup, Garrett Crochet importance, and how they match up against the Blue 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.

    Blue Jays Start Biggest Series of the Season + Ryder Cup Drama

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 51:00


    Ben and Brent kick off this hour by teeing up the Blue Jays upcoming series against the Red Sox with the American League East in the balance. Should Toronto treat this like a playoff series? The guys discuss Kevin Gausman's security as the team's Game 1 postseason starter, before getting into Anthony Santander's rehab progress and what we need to see from him to confidently slot him into the lineup. Later, they take a closer look at some Ryder Cup storylines including Team Europe deciding not to take any money for the event, how that portrays the American side, and the big players to watch for heading into the weekend. Shi Davidi (25:27), Sportsnet Blue Jays Insider, shifts the conversation back to baseball as the Jays prepare to battle Boston at Rogers Centre. Shi shares his expectations for the series at hand, the status of Bo Bichette and Santander, Eric Lauer's ideal role in October, and what he makes of the team's rotation decisions.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.

    MNF Recap, CFL's Big Changes & TML Regulars Take the Ice

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 50:35


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Tuesday morning recapping a wild Monday Night Football matchup between the Ravens and Lions. The guys dive into everything from Detroit's 38-30 victory away from home including Derrick Henry's sudden case of the fumbles and the state of Baltimore's defensive unit. Which teams are truly looking like Super Bowl contenders after three weeks? Later on, the guys chat about the rule changes coming to the CFL next season, Nathan Rourke's critiques, and if this help save the league long-term. Ben and Brent wrap up with thoughts on the Maple Leafs first home preseason game, the jobs still up for grabs in training camp, and what to watch for before the regular season gets underway.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 Rotation Decision + Leafs Post-Marner with Nick Kypreos

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025 47:22


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning are joined by Nick Kypreos, co-host of Real Kyper & Bourne, to discuss the Leafs' new phase without Marner. They explore the team's future, the makeup of the third line, Morgan Rielly's potential improvement, and Chris Tanev's impact. The discussion also touches on Connor McDavid's buzz and whether the Leafs should consider it. Later, Adnan Virk (23:24) from MLB Network shares insights on the Eagles-Rams game and the Blue Jays' postseason strategy, including the choice between Berrois and Scherzer, Bo Bichette's importance, and the A.L. Central race.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.

    Jays Make Decision on Rotation + Trey Wingo's Week 3 Takeaways

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025 49:13


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off today's second hour breaking down the Blue Jays decision to move José Berríos to the bullpen over the weekend. The boys question if the team made the right choice, their confidence in Max Scherzer over Berríos and Chris Bassitt, and how the rotation projects into next season. Next, they pivot to this weekend's Ryder Cup to preview the tournament and discuss the noise coming from both Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau. Later, Trey Wingo (23:35), host of the Straight Facts Homie podcast, joins the guys to go over the biggest stories from Week 3 in the NFL! They dive into the Chiefs first win of the season, if the Chargers are legit, what to make of the 3-0 Eagles, Saquon Barkley's regression to start the season, and Daniel Jones' stellar first three games with the Colts.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 Limp Into the Playoffs + Maple Leafs Preseason Gets Underway

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025 50:25


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the week by celebrating the Blue Jays clinching a postseason spot! They gauge their concern following a lacklustre weekend in Kansas City, before sharing their take on the team's decision to move José Berríos to the bullpen. Does Friday's shellacking change how you feel about Max Scherzer's place in the playoff rotation? They guys also weigh in on the American League Central as the Guardians continue to close the gap on the Tigers. Later on, Ben and Brent shift gears to hockey as the Maple Leafs kicked off their preseason against the Senators. They share their thoughts on the team's 4-3 victory, what role Nick Robertson will play this season, and where Max Domi best fits on the roster. The morning duo wrap up the hour with a look back on Week 3 in the NFL following an action-packed Sunday!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.

    Leafs Day One Camp Reactions & Blue Jays Thoughts with Cody Decker

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 48:08


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning wrap up the week with Luke Fox from Sportsnet.ca! They discuss camp's first day, the potential lineup without Marner, roster battles, and Easton Cowan's team prospects. Luke also shares his thoughts on the vibe around the team post-Marner. Later, they welcome former MLB player Cody Decker (27:00) to talk about the Toronto Blue Jays. He weighs in on their World Series chances, fan anxieties, rotation strategies, and reflects on Clayton Kershaw's career and legacy. They also analyze the playoff races as the season winds 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 affiliate.

    Charles Davis Previews Week 3 + First Impressions From Leafs Camp

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 47:56


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the second hour alongside Charles Davis, NFL on CBS analyst! He shares his takeaways from last night's Bills-Dolphins clash including why Mike McDaniel's days in Miami could be numbered, and just how good Josh Allen is right now. Later, the trio preview this weekend's slate of games and discuss what's on the line for the Chiefs, Jake Browning's importance in Cincinnati, and first impressions of the Eagles, Broncos and Chargers. After the break, Ben and Brent take a closer look at the Maple Leafs lines from the team's initial practice (26:00). Did anything stick out? The guys weigh in on Easton Cowan's road ahead, what's in store for David Kampf this season, and who should flank Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies on the top line.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 Split Against the Rays, Bills-Dolphins Recap & Kershaw Calls it

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 51:40


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Friday morning recapping the Blue Jays' disappointing loss to the Tampa Bay Rays yesterday afternoon. They guys dive into Chris Bassitt's start that was derailed by soft contract and his place in the rotation moving forward, before turning their attention to the team's offensive struggles. Is there cause for concern surrounding Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s cold stretch at the plate? The guys also chat about the impact Anthony Santander and Trey Yesavage could have down the stretch and some reasonable expectations for both. Later, Ben and Brent pivot to the National Football League following the Bills' 31-21 victory over the Dolphins on Thursday night. They question if we are watching the last days of Mike McDaniel as head coach in Miami as they move to 0-3, before highlighting Josh Allen's strong performance. The boys close out the hour with thoughts on Clayton Kershaw calling it a career yesterday. How will the veteran starter be remembered?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.

    Final Stretch Storylines w/ Ryan Dempster & Blake Murphy

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 48:27


    Ben and Brent kick off the final hour of the show alongside former MLB pitcher and host of Intentional Talk, Ryan Dempster! The guys get Ryan's thoughts on Trey Yesavage's development and how he would deploy him down the stretch here. Should the rookie get the ball to start a postseason game? The trio also gauge their level of concern surrounding Jeff Hoffman and the Blue Jays bullpen, before Ryan discusses the intricacies of gaining confidence as a closer and the importance of friendly competition between starters. Later, Blake Murphy (25:52) of Jays Talk Plus weighs in with his ideal playoff rotation, the ripple effects of moving starters to the 'pen, and the impact of Bo Bichette's injury on both sides of the ball.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.

    Jays Reliever Rankings + Leafs Camp Questions w/ Gord Stellick

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 47:43


    Ben and Brent begin the second hour alongside former Maple Leafs General Manager, Gord Stellick! The trio take a look back at yesterday's media day to discuss how the team will handle the net this year, if Anthony Stolarz will sign an extension before the season, and what are some reasonable expectations for the team this year. They also chat about Morgan Rielly's outlook and how to utilize Easton Cowan, before Gord shares his view on how Connor McDavid's situation in Edmonton will shake out. Later, Ben and Brent dive into Brad Marchand's comments yesterday about how Florida being a no-tax state factored into his decision to return. Does the NHL need to do something to address this? The guys wrap up the hour talking Blue Jays ahead of their series finale at George M. Steinbrenner Field! Which relievers do you trust the most heading into October?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 Finally Lose a Close One + Post-Marner Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 51:52


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Thursday morning recapping the Blue Jays' 2-1 loss last night to the Tampa Bay Rays. Has there been a more chaotic start to a game? The guys sift through it all including the short-staffed umpire crew, a late start time, Kevin Gausman's resilience, and a lacklustre night for Toronto's bats. Where does Chandler Simpson's catch rank amongst the many great ones the Jays have seen this year? Later on, Ben and Brent pivot to the National Hockey League to recap the Maple Leafs' pre-season media availability. They discuss how the team handled the questions surrounding their former teammate, Mitch Marner, Brad Treliving's comments about Morgan Rielly, and the plan of how to deploy Anthony Stolarz in goal in 2025-26.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.

    Leafs Exhibition Season + Jays Next Steps

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 46:56


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Wednesday morning with Toronto Star columnist and Leafs historian Damien Cox. They discuss expectations for the Leafs post-Marner, key storylines for training camp, and Connor McDavid's contract situation in Edmonton. They then welcome Sportsnet.ca Blue Jays reporter Ben Nicholson-Smith (25:58) to share insights on Bo Bichette's injury, his impact on the team, and how his potential free agency influences decisions. They also talk about the playoff rotation and the role of Jeff Hoffman in the bullpen as the season progresses.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.

    Surviving Without Bichette + What's Next for Berríos?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 49:13


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the second hour with a look back on the Blue Jays' big win over the Rays last night. They question what to do with José Berríos if he isn't in the playoff rotation and what that means for him going into next year, before looking into Bo Bichette's timeline to return. Next, the guys update the latest news surrounding Kawhi Leonard including NBA Commissioner Adam Silver seemingly contradicting himself and what the ramifications for the Clippers could be. Later, MLB Network's Jon Morosi (25:22) weighs in on Bichette's untimely injury, how the team can manage in his absence, and how this IL stint could impact Bo's free agency. The trio wrap up with thoughts on who will make the Jays' playoff roster and Trey Yesavage's encouraging MLB 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.

    Blue Jays Win a Wild One in Tampa + Leafs Open Camp!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 49:13


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the morning recapping the Blue Jays' nail-biting victory over the Rays last night. They dive into the questionable fan interference call that brought the game back within reach for Tampa Bay, Nathan Lukes' instant redemption at the dish, and where Joey Loperfido fits within this roster. After another strong showing from the bullpen, the guys share their level of confidence heading into October and question how to utilize Jeff Hoffman down the stretch. Over in the National Hockey League training camps across the league are officially opening up! Ben and Brent take some time to sift through Connor McDavid's latest comments to Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas of 32 thoughts, before getting into the major storylines in Maple Leafs camp! What should expectations be for Easton Cowan? How should players address last season and the loss of Mitch Marner in the media? All that and more on the first hour of The FAN Morning Show!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.

    Trey Yesavage's Debut with Adam Ottavino + Trey Wingo

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 47:41


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning wrap up Tuesday morning with host of the ‘Straight Facts Homie' podcast, Trey Wingo. They discuss Tom Brady's presence at the Raiders game amidst his Fox job and the NFL's handling of such conflicts. What's next for the Bengals if Joe Burrow is out for the season? Should Justin Herbert be considered among the elite quarterbacks? Also, is Brandon Aubrey becoming the most popular Cowboy and could he be the best kicker in football history? The guys then welcome former MLB relief pitcher and ‘Coffee and Baseball' host Adam Ottavino (24:41). He shares thoughts on Trey Yesavage's debut performance, its sustainability, and his potential in the majors. They also discuss the Blue Jays' future and bullpen strategies.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.

    Savage Mode: Engaged + Shi Davidi on the Jays' Plans Going Forward

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 48:06


    Ben and Brent continue into the second hour by taking stock of Trey Yesavage's impressive debut. They discuss how many more starts they need to see to solidify his spot in the rotation, how would he look in the bullpen, and his potential role in October. The pair also chat about Bo Bichette's injury and if it could be longer recovery then initially anticipated. Can Andrés Giménez fill the gap at shortstop in the meantime? Later on, Sportsnet's own Shi Davidi (26:45) shares his take on Yesavage's strong start his MLB career, how the Blue Jays should handle both his deployment and the wider rotation going forward, as well as the latest with Bichette and how this injury could affect his upcoming free agency.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.

    A (Ye)Savage Debut + Which Leaf is in the Best Shape of His Life?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 52:28


    Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Tuesday morning recapping Trey Yesavage's impressive Blue Jays debut! The guys discuss how his first start stacks up with Jays legends of the past, what his role might be moving forward, who could be the odd man out of the rotation, and if he would be better served coming out of the bullpen. They also get into Brayden Fisher's importance following his dominant two innings of work, as well as the recurring theme of catcher interference for George Springer. Later, Ben and Brent pivot to chat about the noise coming from the Maple Leafs charity golf tournament including who's in the best shape of their life and what they hope to see from Auston Matthews in the preseason. The boys put a bow on Week 2 in the NFL by recapping Monday's double-header, before getting into Justin Herbert's place in the hierarchy of NFL quarterbacks and the total conflict of interest for Tom Brady as Raiders owner and FOX broadcaster.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.

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