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


    • Sep 8, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
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    Latest episodes from Writers Bloc

    NFL Season First Impressions + Looking at the A.L.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 49:05


    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.

    Overreaction Monday: Blue Jays & NFL

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 46:46


    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.

    Are the Blue Jays the Best Team in the AL East?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 52:50


    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.

    Blue Jays Vs. Yankees Preview with Erik Kratz & Ben Nicholson-Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 48:18


    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.

    Charles Davis Tees Up 2025 NFL Season & Yankees-Blue Jays Preview!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 48:15


    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.

    NFL Opening Night, Ballmer Speaks & McDavid Extension Talk

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 51:44


    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.

    Kawhi Saga Deep Dive + A.L. East Temperature Check

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 48:10


    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.

    Schneider's Magic Touch & Trey Wingo's NFL Season Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 47:35


    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.

    Blue Jays Win Series Slugfest, MVP Springer & Kawhi Drama

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 52:00


    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.

    The Jays' Stretch Run + Connor McDavid's Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 48:32


    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.

    Bieber Day in Toronto + Shi Davidi on Jays Roster Configuration

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 47:08


    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.

    Springer's Legend Grows, Berríos Struggles, & Revisiting Kawhi's Free Agency

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 51:01


    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.

    Jays Bullpen Struggles + NFL Season Tee Up with Herm Edwards

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 48:37


    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.

    Five-Man Rotation Questions + State of the Jays Bullpen w/ Jon Morosi

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 47:11


    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.

    Blue Jays Suffer Worst Loss of Season + Mitch Marner Fallout Continues

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 51:50


    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.

    Bring On the Brew with Ben Nicholson-Smith & Jeff Blair

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 45:59


    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.

    Bieber's Second Start, Marner Speaks Up + Parsons Trade Aftermath w/ Charles Davis

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 50:27


    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.

    Bieber Day, Parsons on the Move & Infuriating Trade Rankings

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 51:37


    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.

    McDavid's Future + Brew Crew Come to Town

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 46:59


    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.

    Bullpen Questions, Springer Legacy & Longley on the Jays Outlook

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 48:51


    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.

    The Jays' Signature Win of the Season + McDavid Said What?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 50:29


    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.

    Who Are the True American League Contenders

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 45:56


    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.

    Deadline Hindsight, Bullpen Options & Bradley's Big Decision

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 49:55


    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.

    Tough Loss Brings Jays Bullpen Into Question

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 50:04


    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.

    Jays Improved & Trusted Strategies

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 45:04


    In the final hour, Ben & Daniele discuss the Blue Jays' recent success with Blake Murphy from Sportsnet, focusing on improved hitting strategies under Dave Popkins and trusted pitchers. They also check in with Adnan Virk (23:09) from MLB Network, who shares insights on the significance of Shane Bieber's acquisition for the postseason. The trio discusses divisional races and A.L. MVP contenders.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.

    Santander's Role, Know Your Umps & Jays Path to Success

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 51:02


    Ben and Daniele continue talking baseball into the second hour of Tuesday's program. The hosts discuss the latest reports on Anthony Santander and his possible return to the Blue Jays active roster. What would his role be with the team? Caleb Joseph, former MLB catcher turned Sportsnet analyst, offers his insight into why the Jays seemed to dominate Joe Ryan last night, the starting rotation's recent success, and the importance of Alejandro Kirk. The trio also chat about how catcher's deal with umpires around the league, before brainstorming some ideas of how to improve PitchCom. Next up, MLB Network Insider, Jon Morosi (25:25), checks in on the standings and evaluates which teams' pitching staffs are poised to have the most success in the postseason. Jon wraps up with thoughts on the American League MVP race between Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh.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 Pass a Big Test at Home

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 52:23


    Ben Ennis and guest host Daniele Franceschi start today's show talking Blue Jays, who kicked off their homestand with a big win over the Twins. They zero in on Minnesota starter Joe Ryan's fastball, that posed as a real test for Toronto, which they passed with ease scoring four runs in the first inning. B&D discuss if Ryan seemed off, if it was a product of his environment, or if it's all part of the advantage the Jays now get at home. They also take some time to chat about George Springer, who was pushed back to playing the outfield with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. filling the DH spot. Could this affect Springer's resurgence? The pair also touch on Andrés Giménez' offensive expectations, Max Scherzer's start, Byron Buxton's odd career, and the issues with PitchCom. To close the hour, the boys weigh in on where Auston Matthews ranked on NHL Network's list of the top centres around the NHL (38:55).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

    The MLB Hour of Kevins w/ Barker & Pillar

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 47:41


    Ben & Sam wrap up Monday discussing baseball as they check in with former MLB players about the Blue Jays. Kevin Barker shares insights on Toronto's road trip and Shane Bieber's debut, evaluating its impact on expectations for the team. They also discuss rotation management and bullpen trust. Next, they talk to Kevin Pillar (28:56), who reflects on Bieber's performance, recalls David Price's 2015 debut, and addresses Vladdy's injury concerns.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' Big Boys Delivering in 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 47:05


    Ben and Sam continue into the second hour with more on the Blue Jays as they return to the winning confines of Rogers Centre tonight. The hosts dive deeper into Shane Bieber's first start for Toronto, before looking ahead to Friday's highly anticipated bout against MLB's best team, the Milwaukee Brewers. How does this compare to the Blue Jays' acquisition of David Price at the deadline in 2015? The pair also take some time to reflect on what has propelled the Jays to the top of the American League East division this season. Trey Wingo (26:22), host of the new podcast Straight Facts Homie, talks some golf including Tommy Fleetwood's first PGA win and the intrigue of the Ryder Cup. Trey also shares some lessons and storylines that have come out of the now wrapped up NFL preseason.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.

    Vlad's Absence Felt Despite Wins + Bieber's Jays Debut

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 53:07


    Ben Ennis is joined by guest host Sam McKee on Monday to recap the Blue Jays' weekend! As Toronto returns home from this trip 3-3 to stay at .500 on the road, they take some time to dive deeper into yesterday's game specifically. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was used to pinch hit; how confident are they that he will be back in the lineup tonight at Rogers Centre? They look back to Friday's game highlighted by Shane Bieber's Blue Jays debut and question if it heightens expectations for him the rest of the way. Will extra rest impact his next start? Later, the pair delve into the bullpen and why they believe it's the team's biggest concern down the stretch. Before the hour ends, the duo get into some golf talk with an exciting weekend that saw Brooke Henderson win again on home turf, Tommy Fleetwood secure his first ever PGA victory at a very good time, and whether or not Keegan Bradley will pick himself to play 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.

    Bieber Fever in Full Force for Toronto

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 46:25


    Ben & Brent dive into the final hour of the week focused on the Blue Jays as they begin a series in Miami, featuring Shane Bieber's debut. They analyze the standings, the Jays' recent and overall road record, and what it will take to win the division or the American League. Sportsnet analyst Madison Shipman shares her expectations for Bieber's first start and what signs to look for in his return to form. They also discuss John Schneider's bullpen and rotation options. To wrap up, they connect with former MLB catcher Joe Siddall (20:20) for insights on the matchup with the Marlins and concerns about fatigue as every game becomes crucial for 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 affiliate.

    Ready for the NFL Season + Bieber's Debut

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 50:41


    Ben and Brent continue into the second hour alongside Charles Davis, friend of the show and NFL on CBS analyst, to talk some football with the NFL regular season now less than two weeks away. The trio debate if the Chiefs are still the team to beat in the AFC, who the true contenders are in each conference, the Shedeur Sanders experience in Cleveland, and Jerry Jones in yet another contract dispute with a star player. Next the a.m. boys turn their full attention to the Blue Jays (29:25) and tonight's debut for their marquee acquisition of this year's trade deadline. They each give their expectations for Shane Bieber's first start in Miami and discuss the level of urgency to rediscover his Cy Young form.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's Back on Bieber's Blue Jays Debut Day!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 51:07


    Welcome back, Ben! He joins Brent to recount his road trip with his son to Pittsburgh to watch the Blue Jays play at PNC Park. They get into what the experience was like, what he thought of the stadium that always seems to get high marks, and how well Jays fans travel. The hosting duo also get into the important A.L. East series that started last night between the Red Sox and Yankees. What is the best case outcome for Toronto? They also quickly touch on the cool Seinfeld giveaway at Yankees Stadium last night and if they could “one up” it. In the back end of the hour, B&B dive into some summer hockey talk! They discuss if there should be concern that Connor McDavid hasn't signed his extension in Edmonton, what the Frank Nazar contract in Chicago means, and the Olympic training camp invite that was finally sent out by Doug Armstrong and Hockey Canada this week. The pair end the hour with the latest in the Cowboys contract standoff between Jerry Jones and Micah Parsons.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 Wide Open American League + NFL Storylines

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 47:39


    Brent & Sam wrap up Thursday with baseball talk, focusing on the Red Sox-Yankees series while the Blue Jays rest. They welcome WEEI's Rob Bradford to discuss the rivalry's revival and the competitive A.L. East landscape. The conversation shifts to the entire American League's openness. To end, they check in with Ty Dunne (26:06) from Go Long, exploring key NFL storylines for the upcoming season, including contenders to challenge the Chiefs and standout QBs in the NFC.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.

    McDavid's Future, Storied Rivalries & Jays Takeaways

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 50:21


    Brent and Sam continue into the second hour with more NHL offseason talk, starting with Connor McDavid, who hasn't re-upped in Edmonton yet. Is a big enough deal being made about the delay in the new deal? The duo turn their attention back to baseball and zero in on an important divisional series starting tonight between the Red Sox and Yankees. They get into the historic long-running competition between these two storied clubs and ask what other matchups are viewed in the same light. Sho Alli (29:18), Blue Jays producer and host on the SN590 network, offers his takeaways from the team's trip to Pittsburgh. Is there any concern is warranted? The host of Blue Jays Talk also weighs in on how he believes the team will utilize Shane Bieber on Friday and moving towards the end of the 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.

    Blue Jays Drop Series to Pirates + Bieber on the Way

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 50:34


    Brent Gunning is joined once again by Sam McKee to chat about the Blue Jays, who dropped their series finale to the Pirates yesterday afternoon in Pittsburgh. They break down what went wrong in the game and question if there's any concern of Toronto playing down to their competition. With all of the scoring coming in the first inning for both sides, the guys chat about the solid performance from Chris Bassitt and the Jays bullpen. They express their disappointment that Tommy Pham drove in both runs for the Pirates, before looking ahead to Shane Bieber's anticipated Blue Jays debut Friday in Miami. In the back end of the hour, the pair chat about the Maple Leafs offseason and Auston Matthews' latest comments on his former teammate. Sam tees up a game of true or false for Toronto's upcoming season, as Brent zeroes in on what will come to fruition 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.

    Springer's Resurgence + Looking Towards the NFL Season

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 48:14


    Brent & Sam wrap up their Wednesday discussing the Blue Jays, previewing their final game in Pittsburgh and the upcoming series in Miami with Shane Bieber likely starting. They welcome Sportsnet's Dan Shulman to analyze last night's game, Scherzer's strong performances, and Springer's resurgence. The show concludes with Trey Wingo (27:38) from the Alternate Routes podcast, who shares highlights from his summer of golf and discusses potential challengers to the Chiefs in the AFC, along with his thoughts on an intriguing second-year QB 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 affiliate.

    Coolest Athletes Draft + Summer Hockey Talk

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 49:04


    Brent and Sam continue into the second hour of "hump day" revisiting the Dallas Cowboys documentary and the swag the team had in their heyday. It leads the hosts to draft who they think are the coolest athletes in their generation of sports, featuring some listeners submissions! Next up, the boys check in with friend of the show, Sportsnet's Jason Bukala (28:55), for some summer hockey talk. After catching up, the trio dive into the state of developmental leagues and the options now available for young players trying to make it to the NHL. The former Director of Amateur Scouting walks them through the benefits and limitations of each. The trio wrap up with thoughts on the NHL offseason including the re-structuring of the Maple Leafs roster and who will need to step up this season for them to make a 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.

    Scherzer & Springer Lead an Impressive Jays Bounce-Back Win

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 50:54


    Brent Gunning and Sam McKee are back for a midweek edition of The FAN Morning Show! The hosts start with thoughts on an impressive bounce-back win for the Blue Jays in Pittsburgh led by George Springer and Max Scherzer. The pair dive deeper into both players' resurgences in 2025 and ponder where the team would be without them. They examine Mad Max's recent stretch of quality starts and debate if he's the ace of the staff at the moment (at least until Shane Bieber's debut Friday). The pair also touch on Alejandro Kirk and his continued importance to the team playing winning baseball. In the back end of the hour, the guys review the new Dallas Cowboys documentary that released yesterday and dig into football in the ‘90s, before offering their take on how to fix the PGA Tour Playoffs and Championship.  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.

    How Will the Jays Retaliate Today + What Team Doc Would Be Best

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 48:50


    Brent and Sam kick off the final hour by reflecting on the Blue Jays' loss in Pittsburgh. They welcome Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith to discuss the altercation involving Tommy Pham, potential retaliation, and the implications of Vlad Guerrero Jr.'s exit on the team's lineup. They also evaluate the bullpen's potential and identify the best lefty option. In the closing segment, they share takeaways from the NFL preseason, expectations for Shedeur Sanders, and their excitement for the new Dallas Cowboys documentary, while considering which other sports documentaries would be compelling (32:27).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.

    Superstar Skenes, Vlad's Importance & MLB Realignment

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 47:20


    Brent and Sam continue into the second hour discussing the Blue Jays' loss last night to Paul Skenes and the Pirates. The hosts dig into the rapid rise of Pittsburgh's ace and debate if he's considered a superstar in the league. Speaking of polarizing franchise players, the duo turn their attention to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The pair open the conversation on his importance to Toronto and how much losing him would impact the lineup down the stretch. B&S also chat about the recent comments from commissioner Rob Manfred about possible MLB realignment, what the Jays' new division would look like, and how the rest of the league would shake out. Jon Morosi (25:25), MLB Network Insider, closes this hour with his view of last night's Jays loss including Toronto's abnormal sloppy play and Tommy Pham's temper, before forecasting when the new-look MLB landscape could actually come into play.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.

    Sloppy Jays Lose Series Opener & AL Lead

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 51:42


    Brent Gunning is joined by guest host, Sam McKee, to look back on Blue Jays' disappointing start to their road trip in Pittsburgh. They dive into how Paul Skenes limited Toronto's bats after a shaky start, along with the Jays' sloppy play that contributed to the Pirates' win. The pair touch on Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who exited Monday's game with some hamstring tightness, and discuss how some time out of the lineup could impact the team. Ben and Sam also take some time to chat about the altercation between Tommy Pham and Tyler Heineman that led to the benches clearing; what could have possibly triggered it? Later on, the two get into the decision by the Toronto Raptors to elevate General Manager Bobby Webster to Head of Basketball Operations. Finally, they react to the title sponsorship for two of the country's biggest golf events getting extended and why that's a huge positive.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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