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.
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.
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.
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.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning chat with Kevin Barker, co-host of Blair & Barker and former MLB player, about the Blue Jays' sweep of the Orioles. Kevin shares insights on the rotation, bullpen, and expectations for Trey Yesavage's debut. They then welcome Adnan Virk (26:00) from MLB Network to discuss the Emmys, comments on Canadian baseball IQ, and the Blue Jays' call-up of Yesavage. Adnan also weighs in on the AL East race and his picks for A.L. and N.L. MVP.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.
Ben and Brent kick off the second hour by diving into the Blue Jays' decision to call up Trey Yesavage. What are some reasonable expectations for his MLB debut tonight? What are the ripple effects for some other pitchers in the organization such as Eric Lauer and Alex Manoah. Later on, the guys get back to football following Week 2's thrilling Sunday slate (24:50). They debate if if's too soon to bury the Chiefs, what to make of the Steelers right now, Buffalo and Baltimore's case to be the AFC's best, and why in the world the Browns are still starting Joe Flacco.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off a new week by recapping the Blue Jays' series sweep against the Orioles. They take a closer look at Shane Bieber and Max Scherzer's starts and discuss what we learned about the rotation this weekend. Do you feel any better about the bullpen following three-straight wins? Later, the guys investigate Orioles broadcaster Brian Roberts' comments about Canadian fans' baseball IQ and his subsequent apology. Afterwards, the guys turn their attention to the gridiron with a look back on some Week 2 NFL action. The debate a wide range of topics including the state of the 0-2 Chiefs, the impact of Joe Burrow's injury, Brandon Aubrey's game-changing ability, the Cowboys' playoff chances, and if we were too quick to bury the Lions after the Week 1.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 Ennis and Brent Gunning open the last hour resetting the Jays' series win over Houston and teeing up the weekender versus the Orioles. Sportsnet's Buck Martinez joins to discuss Kevin Gausman's velocity bump, the rotation's chemistry, and why the offense jumping on a starter early matters. He weighs in on Davis Schneider producing under tough circumstances and where this season ranks among the most fun he's had covering the club. After the break, the Toronto Sun's Rob Longley (22:28) details Gausman's leadership and why he could front a potential Game 1 playoff game, weighs Anthony Santander's potential return and fit, and tackles the bullpen's consistency questions.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.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open the second hour alongside NFL on CBS analyst Charles Davis to preview Week 2. They unpack Green Bay's statement start, J.J. McCarthy's early growth in Minnesota, and accuracy questions for Caleb Williams. They check the temperature in Miami after a flat opener and close on the Super Bowl rematch and what it would mean if the Chiefs fall to 0–2 with a brutal stretch ahead. After the break, they tackle reports that Kirill Kaprizov rejected a mega offer, what that says about his leverage and timeline as the cap rises, and what it signals for the Wild if he won't commit (29:15).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 Ennis and Brent Gunning open the final show of the week with the Jays' rubber-match win over Houston, gushing over Kevin Gausman's masterpiece, that finished one pitch shy of a “Maddux.” They break down how the complete game builds a three-game cushion in the AL East, gives the bullpen a breather, and sets the tone for the weekend. They highlight the steady contributions from Davis Schneider and Addison Barger, then touch on Anthony Santander's Bisons rehab debut and debate who would sit if he returns this season. After the break they dig into the Green Bay's win over Washington on TNF, highlighting a smothering defense, an efficient Jordan Love, and Jayden Daniels' struggles. They close the hour with the most intriguing matchups on the NFL's Week 2 slate.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 Ennis and Brent Gunning open the final hour with Sportsnet 590's Kevin Barker, celebrating his upcoming induction into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame, then pivot to the Jays lighting it up late, before the lights went dark at Rogers Centre. He discusses Jeff Hoffman simply being beaten by a great hitter in a big spot, then weighs in on Trey Yesavage being fast-tracked by the organization and questions whether he's truly ready for the Show. After the final break, NFL Network's Nick Shook (25:40) joins to preview Week Two's Thursday Night matchup and hit early-season storylines, including quarterback play, revenge matchups, and what to watch this weekend.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.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open the second hour with a Jays reset that examines Jeff Hoffman's late inning hassles and make the case to call up Trey Yesavage. They revisit Andrés Giménez's contract, an unforgotten horror, and whether moving him to shortstop in Bo Bichette's absence makes sense. After the break, Sportsnet's Jason Bukala (23:00) joins to discuss Kirill Kaprizov's contract negotiations, what could become of the Minnesota Wild without him, and how the size of his next deal could reset the market. He also weighs in on whether a Sidney Crosby sweepstakes might actually materialize, and closes by discussing the scenarios surrounding Quinn Hughes in Vancouver.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 Ennis and Brent Gunning open by recapping the Blue Jays' loss that evened the series with the Astros, spotlighting Jeff Hoffman's ninth-inning struggles and questioning why he still gets the call. They also hit on Jason Alexander (no, not Costanza) blanking the Jays over seven scoreless, the lineup's issues without Bo Bichette, and José Berríos grinding through another solid turn. After the first break, they dig into reports that Kirill Kaprizov declined a massive extension and what it signals for the Connor McDavid discourse ahead of his 2026 free agency. Later, they react to Adam Silver's comments on rising viewing costs and the backlash from fans paying for full-game access. Plus, they touch on kickoff returns in the NFL being up and if that's actually good for the 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.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off hour three with Sportsnet analyst Madison Shipman to dig into the Jays' lineup depth, Davis Schneider's plate discipline, the club's attention to detail on both sides of the ball, and Shane Bieber's in-game adjustments. After the final break, The Athletic's Joshua Kloke (28:21) uses the Leafs as a comparison point to explore the upside of lowered expectations and what that perspective means for the Jays' season. He also hits on Matthew Knies embracing the spotlight and Derek Cornelius' free-kick winner as Canada secures back-to-back wins against European competition for the first time.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.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open hour two with a quick reset on the Jays' extra-inning win, what Bo Bichette's IL stint means now, and whether it offers a potential glimpse of next season without him. They highlight the infield plan: Ernie Clement at short, IKF in the mix, and Andrés Giménez staying at second, before checking in on Shane Bieber's outing and Anthony Santander's delayed rehab. Later, the guys sort through the new details on Kawhi Leonard and Uncle Dennis's 2019 asking price and whether it rewrites the Raptors' story. After the break, MLB Network's Jon Morosi (28:13) joins to discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doing the little and big things, Bieber's player option versus free agency, and what Bo's injury means for the Jays' postseason chances.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 Ennis and Brent Gunning open with thoughts on the Blue Jays' wild extra-inning comeback over the Astros! They spotlight George Springer's longest homer of the year, Isiah Kiner-Falefa's ninth-inning knock, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s big defensive play, Tyler Heineman's walk-off (plus the smoke-show postgame), and a bullpen that suddenly looks steady. They also hit on Bo Bichette's move to the 10-day IL and the 13-game gauntlet ahead. After the first break, they tackle the unthinkable: could Sidney Crosby actually leave Pittsburgh? Plus, the latest on the Hughes brothers reunion buzz.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 & Brent discuss the Blue Jays as they approach a crucial homestand and the final stretch of the season. They analyze upcoming competition and invite MLB Network's Robert Flores, who shares insights on the Jays' potential to win the A.L. East and the American League overall, highlighting their depth and rotation as key advantages. The trio identifies potential difference-makers for the last 19 games and postseason. They then bring in SN's Ben Nicholson-Smith (26:15) to delve into critical decisions and key players impacting the lineup, rotation, and bullpen.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.
Ben and Brent start the second hour setting up the Blue Jays' return to Rogers Centre tonight to start an important three-game set with the Astros. The hosts talk about what's at stake for the American League's top team as they host the A.L. West division leaders. Toronto announced their starters for the series, flipping two of their guys off the regular rotation rest, so B&B break down the reasoning behind the swap. They focus on the middle game starter, José Berríos, and dive deeper into his recent struggles to debate if this is start of a career decline. Later, the boys turn their attention back to the NFL alongside Bill Bender (23:07) of The Sporting News. He offers his thoughts on MNF and Week 1 in general, before taking a closer look at the progression of quarterbacks at the pro level including J.J. McCarthy, Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and even some of collegiate players like Arch Manning.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.
Week 1 is in the books! Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning look back on the first Monday Night Football game of the season between the Bears and Vikings, with a focus on the pair of quarterbacks in action. J.J. McCarthy seemed to get better as the game went on and delivered big in the fourth quarter, while Caleb Williams started strong but really struggled down the stretch. They zoom out to chat about some NFL headlines including the aftermath for the fan who got into it with the Ravens, as well as Tennessee's new head coach not knowing a rule. In the back end of the hour (29:50), B&B turn their attention to the hockey world where some Matthew Knies quotes are picking up some traction. How important will the power forward be in Toronto without Mitch Marner this season? The duo wrap up the hour with thoughts on how the Maple Leafs can make themselves appealing to Connor McDavid if he decides he doesn't see a long term future in Edmonton.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 and Brent analyze the American League standings and discuss their concerns about rival teams. They then welcome Trey Wingo to share his insights on the NFL after Week 1, including thoughts on the Bills, Ravens, and Aaron Rodgers. The conversation shifts back to baseball with MLB Network's Adnan Virk (26:44), who weighs in on the Blue Jays' chances in the A.L. and potential World Series favourites.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.
Ben and Brent continue into the second hour with more thoughts on Blue Jays and the state of the rotation. The hosts debate who should get the ball to start in the postseason by diving into Max Scherzer, Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt's most recent starts. Where will Shane Bieber slot in? Later, B&B pivot to the gridiron following the first Sunday slate of NFL regular season action. They discuss Aaron Rodgers' Steelers debut against his former team, how good the Packers performed on defense with Micah Parsons, if Daniel Jones could have a resurgent year in Indianapolis, and the dismal showing from the Lions, Giants and Dolphins. Sportsnet's own Shi Davidi (25:10), who was in the Bronx covering the Blue Jays, closes out the hour with his thoughts on how the team is shaping up heading into the final three-week stretch.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 Ennis and Brent Gunning are back! They begin by looking back on the Blue Jays' weekend in the Bronx that saw the Yankees narrowly pull off a series win. Is Toronto still the best team in the division? The pair discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr. big weekend in NYC, if he's fully back to form, or if there was extra motivation in playing the Yankees. B&B also gauge their confidence in Max Scherzer, as well as the Blue Jays bullpen, before taking a closer look at Bo Bichette's injury. Later, the a.m. boys dissect the Bills' gutsy comeback win over the Ravens on Sunday Night Football, before touching on Connor McDavid's recent comments about his contract negotiations and if Oilers fans should be concerned (26:40).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.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning wrap up the week with a detailed preview of the Toronto Blue Jays versus the New York Yankees. They invite former MLB catcher Erik Kratz to discuss the series, addressing bullpen concerns for both teams, defensive advantages, and lineup strengths. The conversation includes anticipation around Anthony Santander's return. They also welcome Sportsnet.ca's Ben Nicholson Smith (26:31) to share his insights on the series' implications, rotation strategy, and predictions for the games ahead. 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.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin the second hour talking with Charles Davis, NFL analyst on CBS, on the heels of opening night! He weighs in on Jalen Carter's spitting incident and what the fallout could be, as well as the NFL's new points of emphasis with the taunting penalties. They take a step back to look at the state of the AFC North, expectations for Sunday's Colts vs. Dolphins clash, and if Tyreek Hill can rediscover his form this season. Later, the guys preview this weekend's Yankees-Blue Jays series and question if the Toronto has the mental edge, the pitching matchups to watch for, both team's bullpen concerns, and how to pitch to Aaron Judge (25:20).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 Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Friday morning recapping the opening night of the NFL season! They start off with thoughts on "spit gate" and Jalen Carter's subsequent ejection, before diving into Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts and Dak Prescott's performances. The guys also share their picks for the biggest surprises and disappointments this year on the gridiron. Later on, Ben and Brent react to Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer's interview with ESPN to address the allegations surrounding Kawhi Leonard's contract. Finally, the guys review Connor McDavid's comments to Mark Spector about prioritizing goal scoring, as well as the potential of an extension in Edmonton.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 Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour discussing the upcoming Blue Jays-Yankees series. They chat with Keith Smith, host of the NBA Front Office Show, about the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard situation, cap circumvention in the NBA, potential owner reactions, and what penalties the Clippers might face. Raptors fans are also considered in this context. Next, Adnan Virk (25:54) from MLB Network joins to share his thoughts on the Blue Jays' series against the Yankees, George Springer's performance, and concerns about the bullpen. The discussion also covers the current state of the AL East, asking if the Yankees are back, the Red Sox's resurgence, the playoff prospects for the Rays, and the A.L. wild card 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.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin the second hour of the morning looking at the job John Schneider has done this season in Toronto. Does he have the magic touch, or are the Jays just having a magical season? They look into his roster decisions including leaving Addison Barger in the two-hole, how he's managed his bullpen, and the juggling of the rotation, before debating if Schneider should be the front runner for American League Manager of the Year. Trey Wingo (23:25), host of Alternative Routes and Straight Facts Homie!, pivots the conversation to the NFL with the regular season set to kick off tonight! He dives into his expectations for the NFC East this year, why Saquon Barkley is a candidate for regression, the aftermath of the Micah Parsons trade, and what to make of the Lions, Bears and Bengals.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 Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Thursday morning recapping the Blue Jays' series victory over the Cincinnati Reds. They chat about George Springer's 2025 season so far and his potential MVP case after John Schneider's highlighted him postgame, before debating if Shane Bieber's start raises any concern. The boys then look ahead to preview the Jays upcoming series with the Yankees with the American League East in the balance. Later on, Ben and Brent listen back to Pablo Torre's explanation on what may have happened with Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers during his free agency in 2019. They discuss what the punishment should be if the NBA does find that the Clippers circumvented the cap, and if more NBA teams do this without our knowledge. The pair wrap up this hour talking tennis as Canadian Felix Auger Aliassime is into the US Open semifinals!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.
In the final hour, Ben Ennis and Sam McKee welcome Blue Jays announcer Dan Shulman to discuss Jose Berrios' recent performance, the upcoming series against the Yankees, and the team's rotation. They also evaluate the Jays' challenging schedule and Dans thoughts on team MVP and Alejandro Kirk's contributions. Next, Jason Gregor (28:45) of the ‘Jason Gregor Show' joins to talk about his experience at a Blue Jays game, the ongoing Connor McDavid contract situation, and the current atmosphere in Edmonton regarding the Oilers' chances for contention. The hosts wrap up by sharing their insights on McDavid's situation.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.
Ben Ennis and Sam McKee kick off the second hour of the show asking if today's matchup with Shane Bieber on the hill is a must-win game. The guys then share their thoughts on Trey Yesavage's appearance in Triple-A and if it's worth bringing him up the big leagues this year if he can't be on the playoff roster. Ben and Sam also touch on George Springer's performance, his legacy in Toronto, and if we would ever see his name on the level of excellence. Shi Davidi (25:52), Sportsnet Blue Jays insider, joins the guys to discuss José Berríos' start, managing Yesavage's development, Springer's importance, and the job David Popkins has done at hitting coach this season.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 Ennis and Sam McKee kick off Wednesday morning recapping yesterday's Blue Jays win! They dive into José Berríos' short start to determine their level of concern, if the team should consider dropping him out of the rotation, or if that is part of the reason why he is struggling right now. They guys also chat about Eric Lauer's performance out of the bullpen, if Louie Varland has finally turned a corner, Bo Bichette's clutch play, and George Springer's impact in 2025. Where would this team be without him? Later, the guys get into Pablo's Torre explosive report on Kawhi Leonard's free agency, the NHL closing their postseason salary cap loophole, and Brad Treliving's comments about Mitch Marner recent media tour.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 Ennis and Brent Gunning wrap up the morning discussing the Blue Jays' loss to the Reds. Are the issues finally catching up with the team, or is it a surprise? They welcome former NFL player and ESPN analyst Herm Edwards to discuss the Micah Parsons trade and its effects on the Cowboys. Herm shares insights on the Commanders facing the Eagles, Archie Manning's debut, the Lions coping with coordinator losses, and Bill Belichick's college coaching start. MLB.com writer Keegan Matheson (25:33) also joins to analyze the game, bullpen challenges, and the roles of Trey Yesavage and Eric Lauer moving forward. 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.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the second hour of the day talking about John Schneider's decision to transition back to a five-man rotation. The guys question if it's the right call, what it means for Eric Lauer going forward, and how they match up against their divisional rivals in New York and Boston. The duo take some time to chat about the start of the college football season! What happened to Arch Manning? Should people be worried about Bill Belichick? Later on, MLB Network insider, Jon Morosi (27:10), joins the guys to share what he is seeing from the Blue Jays bullpen right now. Jon shares how Toronto can make improvements in-season, what should happen with the closer role, if the bullpen is the "fatal flaw" for this team, and which relivers are most likely to figure it out down the stretch.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 Ennis and Brent Gunning kick things off with a look back at what might have been the toughest loss of the season for the Blue Jays. They discuss the state of the bullpen after yet another late-game collapse, along with Jeff Hoffman's role as closer moving forward. The guys pivot to chat about Bo Bichette's 4-for-4 performance that got somewhat lost in the loss. Should he be considered the team's MVP thus far? Ben and Brent also touch on Chris Bassitt's place in the rotation and if the lineup needs to be readjusted. Later on, the guys switch gears to look into Mitch Marner's recent drama and fallout from the Maple Leafs. The pair investigate why this continues to happen, if he's getting bad advice, if the Toronto market comes off as unsafe, and the buzz ahead of his return to Toronto.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 Ennis and Sam McKee wrap up the week with a potential World Series preview as the Brewers visit. They chat with Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson Smith about Shane Bieber's season and whether fans should be concerned about his contract situation. They also discuss Jeff Hoffman's performance and Addison Barger's future with the team. Jeff Blair (23:32) joins in to share his thoughts on the Brewers series, Bieber's debut, trade evaluations, rotation management, September call-ups, and bullpen concerns. They conclude with final thoughts on the Blue Jays vs. Brewers matchup.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.
Ben Ennis and Sam McKee kick off the second hour of the show looking back on Shane Bieber's debut for the Toronto Blue Jays and debate why it was one of the best starts of his career. What do the guys hope to see today? They move along to tee up the rest of the Blue Jays' series against Brewers and question why more people aren't talking about this weekend's set. Later, the guys get into Mitch Marner's recent sit-down interview and how it leaves them feeling. Does this make the divorce easier to swallow or ignite the flames all over again? Charles Davis (27:35), NFL on CBS analyst, joins the show to share his thoughts on the Micah Parsons deal and how the Cowboys will look without him, before offering a quick season preview ahead of Week 1!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 Ennis and Sam McKee kick off your Friday by going over some of Mitch Marner's comments from an recent interview. The guys then get into the excitement surrounding Shane Bieber's start today and the Blue Jays' upcoming series against the Milwaukee Brewers. The pair chat about the expectations, not only for the Bieber, but also the Jays this weekend against the Brew Crew. How much do we need to see for Bieber to cement his place as the ace of the staff. The guys pivot to the NFL to discuss Micah Parson's trade to the Packers last night, the reasoning behind the move, and how much is the past influencing the present for Jerry Jones given the recent release of the Cowboys' documentary. This leads to Ben and Sam to compare the some of the most infuriating trades for fan bases across the sporting world. Finally, the guys talk about the potential end of Russell Westbrook's NBA career and how he will 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.
Ben Ennis and Sam McKee kick off the final hour of the FAN Morning Show with Sportsnet NHL reporter Luke Fox. They discuss Connor McDavid's comments from the Hockey Canada orientation camp and what implications they may have for his free agency. The conversation also covers Team Canada's objectives for the camp and Luke's insights on the top remaining RFAs. Later, ESPN's Jesse Rogers (23:06) joins to discuss the Milwaukee Brewers' success and what Blue Jays fans can expect when the Brewers come to town on Friday, along with his thoughts on the 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 affiliate.
Ben Ennis and Sam McKee take a look at how the Blue Jays plan to manage the rotation down the stretch here. They question if skipping José Berríos is the right choice, if they should they be priming the big three of Shane Bieber, Max Scherzer and Kevin Gausman for the postseason, and the trickle-down effect of that on the bullpen. Is there a chance we see Trey Yesavage up here in September? The guys also chat about what this season done for George Springer's legacy and if he has bought himself a free pass for next year in Toronto. Later, Ben and Sam share their thoughts on Keegan Bradley's Ryder Cup selection and debate if not selecting himself to play was the right choice. Rob Longley, Blue Jays beat reporter for the Toronto Sun, joins the show to share his experience from Rogers Centre last night and how he is feeling about the team right now. Rob wraps up with thoughts on Anthony Santander's outlook this year and why Ernie Clement has not gone on the IL yet.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 Ennis and Sam McKee kick off your Thursday morning recapping one of the Blue Jays' signature wins of the year! Sam McKee was there, and he gives his on-site report of the feeling heading into the eighth inning and what the atmosphere was like in Rogers Centre as Toronto took the lead. They chat about Jeff Hoffman's redemption game, securing the save one night after his disastrous outing. Did they have any doubts about him closing the show? The pair also chat about the team's ability to claw back late in games, before debating if Eric Lauer's mojo might've been squandered after his long layoff. Later, the guys then get into Connor McDavid's comments about a potential contact extension with the Oilers and his lack of commitment currently. Ben and Sam question if there should be more attention on this, why a deal hasn't been inked yet, and if other teams should be prioritizing McDavid's 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.
Ben & Sam dive into the American League, analyzing the Blue Jays' potential and their competition for the division and league titles. They welcome MLB Network's Brian Kenny to discuss A.L. contenders and compare them to the top National League teams. The conversation also covers the A.L. MVP race, highlighting Cal Raleigh's historic season versus Aaron Judge. To wrap up, ESPN's David Schoenfield (25:11) shares insights on the World Series landscape and which teams have emerged as reliable contenders post-deadline.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.
Ben and Sam continue their discussion on the Blue Jays bullpen after a letdown yesterday that called their confidence into question. The duo dive into just how much their recent struggles have actually hurt the team and caused them to lose ground in division, before looking back at the trade deadline to debate if there were better, or more, moves to be made. They sift through some potential internal options like Ryan Borucki, Trey Yesavage, and even Alek Manoah. Are any of them viable or potentially helpful down the stretch? Adam Stanley (27:30), Sportsnet golf reporter, stops by to share what it was like on site during Brooke Henderson's CPKC Women's Open victory. He discusses what's left for the Canadian to accomplish in her career, along with Keegan Bradley's big decision today as Team USA captain to determine if he will name himself as a player for the Ryder Cup.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 Ennis and Sam McKee look back on a frustrating loss for the Blue Jays in front of their home crowd. The pair break down the collapse in the ninth inning by the bullpen and the level of confidence in Jeff Hoffman after coughing up the lead and allowing the Twins to comeback to win the game and tie the series. Will this become a problem in the postseason? What would it take to remove Hoffman from the closing role? Who would be the next man up? On a positive note, Ben and Sam get into George Springer's resurgence that continued in full force last night with a pair of home runs, before looking at Addison Barger's recent slump and some former Jays prospects on the Twins. To wrap up the hour, the boys touch on the Swift-Kelce engagement, Keegan Bradley's big decision today, and if Toronto really is a city that complains too much.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.