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 & Brent discuss the Blue Jays' season and the vital relationship with the Bisons. They interview manager Casey Candaele, who just became Buffalo's all-time winningest manager, about his journey and the Bisons' role in supporting the Blue Jays. The conversation touches on key players like Scherzer, Springer, and Bieber rehabbing, alongside rising stars Barger, Clement, Loperfido, and Schneider. They wrap up with MLB Network's Adnan Virk (24:12) for insights on the Brewers, Yankees, Red Sox, and 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 and Brent open this hour hearing from Blue Jays President and CEO, Mark Shapiro, who spoke about Bo Bichette's future with the organization in a recent interview. Is there anything we can learn from this? The guys turn their attention to José Berríos and wonder if, due to his recent struggles, the team should ponder a "phantom IL" stint to get him right. As Shane Bieber's return to the majors grows closer, the duo express how careful the Blue Jays need to be handling his first starts back. They also take some time to catch up with the rest of the American League East and question who's a bigger threat down the stretch: the Yankees or Red Sox? Later on, Rob Longley (23:15) of the Toronto Sun offers takeaways from Toronto's homestand, before diving into the team's pending decisions of a possible six-man rotation and who should be in the lineup everyday. 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 kick off this week with their thoughts on the Blue Jays, who wrapped up their recent homestand with a 4-2 record. They dive into yesterday's loss that saw José Berríos not at his best and debate, if decisions are made simply on merit right now, if he's the odd man out of the rotation. The guys also touch on George Springer, who made his return known this weekend with a welcome-back two-run blast, along with Myles Straw and the role he has found on the squad. Following his start on Sunday, Ben and Brent wonder if Nathan Eovaldi may be one of the pitchers fans remember most from his generation. Later on, the boys dive into some golf stories from the weekend including Scottie Scheffler's domination and if he's approaching Tiger Woods' level, Ben Griffin's supposed creatine overdose, Jon Rahm's LIV title win, and Akshay Bhatia giving away a car he won.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 wrap up the week by focusing on the A.L. East-leading Blue Jays, welcoming Sportsnet's Shi Davidi. They discuss the team's division lead, upcoming decisions, and postseason potential. The conversation covers Max Scherzer's recent performances, the possibility of Shane Bieber joining the Majors soon, and Vladdy's current impact on the team. They conclude with former Blue Jays reliever Jason Grilli (29:11), who shares updates on his life and career, his gratitude for achieving his childhood dream, and insights on the MLB playoff experience and what the Jays need for a successful run in 2025.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 reset on the Blue Jays' two standout stars of last night's game: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Max Scherzer. The hosts start with the All-Star first baseman to debate how different this season would feel had they not signed him long-term. Could that third richest contract in MLB history be a steal for the caliber of player they're getting? The duo debate if they, or anyone, could have predicted Scherzer would be contributing at this point of the season back when he signed his contract. Later, Ben and Brent dissect Trey Yesavage's first Triple-A start last night in Buffalo and his habit of struggling when first moving up a level. MLB Pipeline's Sam Dykstra (26:03) shares what has made him so effective and if it's realistic to expect Trey to make that final leap to the majors this season. They also pick Sam's brain about what has contributed to Toronto's farm system making a big leap in the latest rankings.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 kick off Friday's show talking about the Blue Jays' impressive victory in the final game of their three game set against the Cubs to secure another series win. They look at the key players in the game for Toronto, most notably Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Max Scherzer. B&B start with "Mad Max" and ask if he's the starter they trust most right now. They pivot to Vladdy's performance and discuss why he looks primed to carry this team down the stretch. The duo also check in on the bullpen and the group's ceiling, before giving their thoughts on Canadian Owen Cassie after his debut for the Cubs. They close out the hour looking at Keegan Bradley, his mindset, and what he really wants to happen at the Ryder Cup, along with a potential beef brewing between Tom Brady and Wayne Rooney.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 dive into the Blue Jays' crucial decisions as they aim for the A.L. East title. They chat with Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith about roster changes, Manoah's recent performance, and expectations for Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage as the season progresses. They discuss George Springer's impending return and its impact on the roster. The hosts also get insights from Foul Territory's Scott Braun (25:24) on the Blue Jays' surprising season and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s reputation. Additionally, they analyze the A.L. landscape and potential contenders against top N.L. teams.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 reset on the Blue Jays for the second hour by taking a look at the roster and some pending decisions the team must make with players returning from injury. The hosts start on the pitching staff with some important outings in Buffalo this week that include arms that could be utilized by season's end. B&B get into Alek Manoah's lacklustre start yesterday and where that leaves him in trying to work his way back to the big league roster. The duo also look at the next two up, Trey Yesavage and Shane Bieber, and debate where and when they could be inserted with the team. They move on to discuss George Springer's status after being cleared to play with the Bisons this afternoon and wonder if he can return to his pre-concussion form. MLB Network's Jon Morosi (24:13) stops by to chat about a big debut by a Canadian player later this afternoon at Rogers Centre, along with the injuries the Blue Jays have dealt with this season and why that strengthens John Schneider's American League Manager of the Year candidacy.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 returns to the show alongside Brent Gunning. They start with thoughts on the Blue Jays' loss last night to the Cubs. Since the Red Sox lost as well and Kevin Gausman went seven strong innings, does that make it easier to accept the defeat? The hosts get into the stellar performance by Chicago's starter, Cade Horton, who Toronto had the opportunity to draft. Speaking of the Cubs, they dive deeper into Kyle Tucker's season and how much teams will be interested in him this offseason when he hits free agency. Later, B&B get into Taylor Swift's appearance on the Kelce brothers' podcast New Heights, along with the noise surrounding Rory McIlroy's comments about being a playing captain at 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.
Brent and Daniele continue their NFL discussion, debating the lack of intrigue heading into the season, particularly around quarterbacks. They talk to former NFL scout Jim Monos, now GM of the UFL's Memphis Showboats, about potential contenders and teams likely to decline in 2025. The hosts also analyze the contract situations of James Cook and Micah Parsons. To wrap up, they chat with FanGraphs' Michael Baumann (29:51) about the Blue Jays, the impact of versatile players like Ernie Clement, and Bo Bichette's performance and contract projections, while also discussing the Brewers' consistent success.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.
Brent and Daniele reset on the Blue Jays to start the second hour. The hosts get into Mark Shapiro's comments yesterday and take some time to look both back at his time here, as well as look ahead to what the future holds for the team's President and CEO. Next the pair welcome on former MLB catcher, now Sportsnet analyst, Caleb Joseph, to get into last night's home win over the Cubs and the season overall for the now 70-win club. The trio break down the difference in the offense this year under David Popkins, along with how Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Alejandro Kirk have benefitted. Later, B&D look at the Hard Knocks franchise for the NFL, if it's still the hype machine it once was, and why other professional leagues like the NHL can't seem to capitalize on something like that. This hour wraps with some breaking NFL news as the boys react to new contract being announced!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.
Brent Gunning is joined Wednesday by guest host Daniele Franceschi. They begin with the Blue Jays, who kicked off this important homestand with a big win over the Cubs. They get into what led to Toronto being the first team in the American League to get to 70 wins on the season and look back on some of their incredible stats at the Rogers Centre this year. B&D look at the offense last night fueled by Alejandro Kirk, Ernie Clement, Daulton Varsho and of course, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. They focus on Vladdy's season at large, as well as if he could be heating up down the stretch. In the back end of the hour, today's a.m. pairing dive into an interview from former Maple Leafs GM, Kyle Dubas, where he openly talks about his time in Toronto and specifically, how it ended. They break down his comments regarding the need to try to control the media narrative in T.O. market and why it can be detrimental in the long 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.
Ben & Brent dive into the American League with Alanna Rizzo from Fair Territory, discussing the Blue Jays' recent series against the Dodgers and their World Series potential. They explore Toronto's biggest threats for the A.L. pennant and chat with Ben Clemens (24:52) from FanGraphs about the Jays' impressive performance in pitching and offense, highlighting key players like George Springer and Bo Bichette.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 reset on the Blue Jays to start the second hour and preview the team's upcoming homestand that begins tonight against the Cubs. The hosts take look at the MLB standings heading into the week and evaluate how much of a collapse it will be if the Blue Jays don't win the American League East division. They also take some time to dissect the bullpen with thoughts on who they trust most and what the pecking order should be. B&B also dive into Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s playoff numbers so far and if this will be the year that shapes who he is in the postseason. They also give their take on where Rogers Centre was listed in a recent list ranking stadiums across baseball. Later on, CPKC Women's Open Tournament Director, Claire Welsh (25:47), joins the show to preview the upcoming LPGA event taking place just outside in 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 and Brent kick off this morning following a Blue Jays off-day breaking down some news in the system. Toronto is promoting their top prospect, pitcher Trey Yesavage, to Triple-A ahead of his next appearance. The hosts talk about how this move brings him one step closer to being an option for the big club down the stretch. They dive into what an exciting prospect he's become, especially after only being drafted one year ago. B&B also debate if their trust in this front office's prospect evaluation has changed this season. In the back half of the hour, the morning duo dissect some stories from the hockey world including an interview from the Tkachuk family. They also chat about how Connor McDavid and his wife joined Leon Draisaitl and his new bride's honeymoon with them, and if that tells us anything about an impending extension for Connor 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 & Brent discuss the crucial Blue Jays win over the Dodgers that avoided a sweep. They welcome former MLB catcher Erik Kratz for insights on player confidence and key moments from the game, highlighting the team effort and manager John Schneider's takeaways. MLB Network's Adnan Virk (26:25) joins to analyze the game's significance as a postseason litmus test. The conversation also touches on what the Blue Jays need to maintain their lead in the American League.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 reset on the Blue Jays at the start the second hour to look at what this past postseason-caliber series with the Dodgers showed us. The hosts examine the starters that took the mound for Toronto and chat about if their performances somehow changed the conversation of who should start come playoff time. The duo also add to the equation Toronto's deadline acquisition of Shane Bieber following another impressive outing in AAA. Should it be his last start for Buffalo? Could prospect Trey Yesavage also play into Blue Jays season plans? B&B then weigh in on a curious celebration by Carlos Correa back in an Astros uniform. To close the hour, the boys head down to Buffalo and check in Pat Malacaro (26:50), voice of the Bisons, to get a firsthand account of Bieber's outing this weekend, before discussing the importance the AAA team has had on the success of the Jays 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 and Brent are back on Monday with thoughts on the Blue Jays and their weekend in L.A. The hosts dive into their series against the Dodgers that was very reminiscent of postseason baseball. The duo discuss how Toronto handled the challenge and take a closer look into the finale of the series, where the Jays managed to avoid the sweep with a dramatic comeback win. They get into the importance of that victory and some of the players who had key moments in the game, including Vlad Guerrero Jr., Ernie Clement, Eric Lauer, Mason Fluharty and Jeff Hoffman. B&B also break down the Jays' current bullpen situation and how to best utilize those arms. Later, the boys check in on the first leg of the PGA playoffs that featured more heartbreak for golf's loveable loser, Tommy Fleetwood, and a win for veteran Justin Rose. They also chat about the weekend that was in the NFL preseason with Shedeur Sanders' first start, Travis Hunter playing both sides of the ball, and a record-breaking field goal.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 focus on the Blue Jays as they preview the weekend series against the Dodgers, featuring a Hall of Fame pitching matchup. They invite Jeff Blair to discuss what the series reveals about Toronto's starters and the impressive seasons of Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. To wrap up, Anthony Castrovince (28:43) from MLB.com & MLB Network shares insights on the Blue Jays' strengths, their entertainment value, and the impact of acquiring Shane Bieber at the 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 & Brent discuss Vicky Mboko following her impressive NBO win, joined by SI's Jon Wertheim to explore her rise in tennis and current ranking ahead of the U.S. Open. They also touch on Naomi Osaka's career trajectory. Later, they briefly cover the NFL preseason, debating Joe Burrow's potential risks, and preview the Blue Jays' weekend series against the Dodgers as a possible World Series matchup, along with an update on Alek Manoah's season status (22:11).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 & Brent kick off by discussing tennis' rising star, Canadian Victoria Mboko, who recently captured her first WTA title at the National Bank Open in Montreal. They highlight her impressive tournament run and composure on the court, expressing optimism for her future. The hosts also touch on Naomi Osaka's conduct during and after the match and analyze Paul Skenes' situation with the Pirates, questioning whether his career is being wasted. They wrap up by speculating if something in the NHL 26 trailer is meant to troll Leafs fans (32:42).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 wrap up the show with baseball talk, focusing on the American League standings. They invite MLB Network's Adnan Virk to discuss the Blue Jays' historic hitting series in Colorado and their upcoming matchup with the Dodgers. The conversation shifts to the A.L. East, highlighting what the Jays need to succeed against the Yankees and Red Sox. To finish, former Blue Jay Chris Colabello (22:00) shares his insights on player comfort at the Major League level and team chemistry, comparing this year's roster to the 2015 team.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
Ben and Brent reset on the Blue Jays to start the second hour. On an off day, the hosts dive into a couple players currently on the injured list and inquire about when they may return. The duo start with George Springer, who is still waiting to get into a rehab game, and wonder if it's the team just being cautious or if should we start to be concerned about the delay. They look at how important he has he been to the Jays this season and discuss if a layoff could set back his resurgent season. B&B then get into Andrés Giménez, who also should be returning soon, and debate where he fits, his role on this team, and if he could disrupt the good vibes of the position players in the lineup now. To close the hour, the a.m. boys check in with MLB Network's Jon Morosi (24:45). The insider share his thoughts on the injured Jays, before discussing the questions Toronto has about their playoff rotation and Roman Anthony's contract extension in Boston.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 start Thursday's program with thoughts on the Blue Jays' historic series sweep in Colorado. The finale ended 20-1 in favour of Toronto, as they set club records with runs and hits in a three-game series, as well as some modern era MLB milestones. The duo look back on Kevin Gausman's impressive outing and what it says about him in the rotation's "trust rankings". They also break down Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s numbers in this series, as well as his lengthy on base streak, to debate if this is the month we've been waiting for from him. Speaking of historic, the morning pair take some time to discuss Canadian teenage tennis sensation, Victoria Mboko, rallying yesterday to punch her ticket to the National Bank Open Final on home soil (26:05). They also dissect Roman Anthony's contract extension with the Red Sox and if it has any ramifications for the Jays, before sharing a quick preview of the PGA Tour playoffs that start today.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Ben & Brent dive into Blue Jays talk in their third hour, examining whether the team's recent success in Colorado is genuine or just a Coors Field effect. They bring in Rob Longley from the Toronto Sun to discuss the team's needs to maintain its top status and cover key topics like Joey Loperfido's emergence, Bo Bichette's future, and the potential for a six-man rotation. They also connect with Yahoo! Sports' Jake Mintz (25:57) for an outsider's take on the Jays and discuss the A.L. East, highlighting the struggling Yankees and the hot Red Sox.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 reset on the Blue Jays to look at some of the key players who should be considered as part of the "core" moving forward. B&B key in on four specific guys, before turning their attention to the starting rotation to debate how the postseason starters will be determined. Will order simply be based on merit down the stretch of the season, or will other factors impact who gets the ball? Later on, the a.m. duo pick the brain of former Blue Jays General Manager, J.P. Ricciardi (22:35)! They discuss Toronto's "World Series or bust" 2025 season, how to manage the egos within a starting rotation, and the importance of evaluating and trusting your instincts on players in their system.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 kick things off with thoughts on the red-hot Toronto Blue Jays! They dive into last night's blowout win over the Rockies, this time powered by five home runs to bring the Jays' total runs in this series up to 25. The hosts discuss if Toronto has again found their offensive mojo, or if it is just the Coors Field effect. The duo focus in on Daulton Varsho, who hit a pair of home runs along with a two-run double, and discuss how he has re-inserted himself as a major component in the lineup. B&B also touch on Joey Loperfido, who had to leave the game after getting drilled in the knee by a fastball, to chat about his importance to this team now. Finally, they talk about last night's starter, José Berríos, and where he falls in the rotation's "trust chart". To close the hour, the a.m. boys get into Chris Boucher's Raptors legacy, Shedeur Sanders' preseason opportunity in Cleveland, and what the most optimistic outlook is for the LIV 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 and Brent return to Blue Jays banter, this time with former MLB player Kevin Barker. They discuss the team's recent performance in Colorado, highlighting a big win and standout players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. The trio also evaluates John Schneider's coaching, pondering if he's a contender for A.L. Manager of the Year. They wrap up by examining the division's competitiveness and discussing the Yankees' fan anxiety and the Red Sox's postseason prospects post-Devers trade (39:39).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 reset on the Blue Jays to begin their second hour looking specifically at the team's starters. After stellar starts from Max Scherzer and Eric Lauer over the Canadian long weekend, plus Shane Bieber looking good in his first outing for the organization in Buffalo, the hosting duo tells us who their postseason rotation would be and why. The duo then turn their attention to a mid-summer check in with the Leafs after the team came to terms with Nick Robertson on a one-year deal to avoid arbitration. They also get into Elliotte Friedman's report that Toronto has moves to make before the regular season and break down what that could look like. Former Maple Leafs GM, now NHL analyst and host, Gord Stellick (28:35) shares his thoughts on what Nick Robertson's role will be moving forward and what moves Brad Treliving could be looking at before the puck drops.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 are back on the airwaves to chat about the Blue Jays, who seemed to find their game last night in Colorado as they beat the Rockies 15-1 with 25 hits as a team. The hosts dive into why yesterday's “get right” game was much needed by Toronto against MLB's lowliest team. They get in another good start from Eric Lauer, Daulton Varsho's first home run since returning, and of course, Bo Bichette, who remains red hot since the All-Star break. B&B also have a spirited debate on what expectations should be for the club's superstar, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. In the back end of the hour, the a.m. duo check in with Jensen Lewis (29:00), former MLB pitcher and now co-host of VSiN By the Books. The multi-Emmy Award winning host and analyst weighs in on the Blue Jays, their starting rotation, the addition of Shane Bieber at the deadline, and if the American League East is theirs for the taking.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 kick off the hour discussing the potential shape of the Toronto Blue Jays' pitching staff in September if Shane Bieber and Alek Manoah successfully return from Tommy John surgery. They are joined by Adnan Virk of MLB Network to explore Bieber's postseason potential and his competition among AL aces, as well as the NL West rivalry between the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers. The hour wraps up with an analysis of the benefits of acquiring Bieber early on MLB Deadline Day (23:21).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 debate whether there's any holes left in the Toronto Blue Jays roster following their deadline additions of Shane Bieber, Louis Varland, Seranthony Domínguez, and Ty France. They acknowledge that a right-handed threat at the plate and another bullpen arm would have took Ross Atkins' deadline from good to great. The duo then break down the expectations for Shane Bieber in Toronto, and question whether exiting Blue Jays, Alan Roden and Will Wagner, will be missed. Later, the hosts are joined by Chris “Mad Dog” Russo (24:43), of Mad Dog Sports Radio on Sirius XM. Chris provides his perspective on the Jays' additions relative to those made by the New York Yankees, compares the quality of contenders in the American League and National League, and highlights the New York Mets as a team set up for long term success.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 open Friday's show reacting to the Toronto Blue Jays adding Shane Bieber, Louis Varland and Ty France before yesterday's MLB Trade Deadline came to pass. They weigh the potential upside and risks that comes with acquiring Bieber, the 2020 Cy Young winner, from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for pitching prospect Khal Stephen. Then, they move onto Ross Atkins' deal with the Minnesota Twins which saw reliever Louis Varland and first basemen Ty France head to Toronto, while sending back Alan Roden and Kendrys Rojas. The duo discusses what Varland brings to the bullpen, the importance of having him under control through 2030, and whether France's track record makes him an enticing depth bat addition. Afterwards, B&B turn their attention to other moves made across MLB. They begin in the AL East, where the New York Yankees beefed up their bullpen with David Bednar and Camilo Doval, meanwhile the Boston Red Sox came up short in their pursuit of Twins ace Joe Ryan, one of few names that weren't sold off by Minnesota. They conclude the hour touching on the San Diego Padres and General Manager A.J. Preller, who loaded up his roster with five deals involving 22 players.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 dive into the MLB trade deadline, discussing its potential impact on teams this year with a focus on who may buy or sell. They invite Robert Flores from MLB Network to share his insights on World Series contenders and the Blue Jays' season. The conversation also touches on key players who could help the Blue Jays and their competitive landscape. To wrap up, baseball Hall of Famer Tim Kurkjian (23:06) reflects on the evolution of trade deadlines and unexpected moves, while assessing the surprising performance of the Blue Jays in the American League.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 get back into Major League Baseball on trade deadline day with some expectations for the Blue Jays. The hosts ask how fans would reacts if Toronto's only move was adding Seranthony Domínguez. Does that undo any of the good will that the front office has built up this season? They debate if this is the season to go “all-in”, before taking a look at who the Jays could face in the postseason. Should that impact the decisions they're making today? B&B also discuss the cutoff point in the standings this year between buyers and sellers. Sportsnet's MLB insider, Shi Davidi (23:50), joins the guys to share his view on what the Blue Jays might do today, some specific targets they could have in their sights, and some under the radar moves that could make the difference.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 start today's show with thoughts on the Blue Jays, who got back to winning last night in a tight game in Baltimore, before an off-day that happens to fall on the MLB Trade Deadline. The hosts first dive into the 9-8 win where Toronto overcame an early deficit and the bullpen delivered down the stretch. They discuss how good newest addition Seranthony Domínguez has been and if he's putting pressure on Jeff Hoffman as the closer. B&B then turn their attention to some trades made around the majors, including the Phillies landing Jhoan Duran in a deal for a pair of top 100 prospects. In the back end of the hour, the guys share an update from an Edmonton executive regarding a Connor McDavid extension with the Oilers, before looking into the rumours of a LIV-like basketball league starting up.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 wrap up Wednesday discussing the Blue Jays' current losing streak and the urgency of a win against the Orioles to avoid a sweep. They welcome Dan Shulman, the TV voice of the Jays on Sportsnet, to analyze the team's struggles, missing players, and a strained bullpen. They also explore potential reinforcements ahead of Thursday's deadline. Finally, they check in with Team Canada's World Junior camp in Minneapolis, speaking with head coach Dale Hunter (26:50) about bouncing back from last year's loss and insights on Leafs prospect Easton Cowan.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 the Blue Jays talk and reset on their first deal ahead of the trade deadline; acquiring Seranthony Domínguez from the Baltimore Orioles. The hosts discuss making an inner-division trade and what else could be on the table for Toronto. The duo dive into some of the reports out there, which teams will be busy, and who the big fish are within the market. They focus on the Blue Jays' front office tendencies and how much they should be “all in” this year. Jon Morosi (23:05) of MLB Network shares what working the deadline is like for him, if trading inside your own division is less taboo today, and what he believes the Jays will do in the next 36 hours. The trio then look around the league and what teams could make the most impact if they decide to sell.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 start the show with thoughts on the Blue Jays, who got swept in their double-header in Baltimore yesterday against the Orioles. The hosts break down the games and discuss how much the team is missing Alejandro Kirk and George Springer, along with the importance on Eric Lauer's five-inning start. The duo dive into Toronto's first trade of this deadline and the oddities that come from swapping players with the team you're playing in a double-header. To close the hour, the pair revisit Scottie Scheffler's comments before his recent U.S. Open win and how Tom Brady reacted to it (33:08).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 wrap up their Jays discussion in the final hour, joined by former MLB player Kevin Barker. They dive into the Bo Bichette extension debate, analyze the team's recent performance, and discuss key contributions needed for the stretch run. The trio also considers the impact of injuries on trade decisions and team chemistry. To close, they chat with Joon Lee (28:43)—a former ESPN reporter now on YouTube—about the Blue Jays' legitimacy, the A.L. East landscape, and concerns around recent MLB gambling investigations.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 the Blue Jays talk into their second hour Tuesday. The hosts focus in on Bo Bichette, who yesterday sets the franchise record for consecutive at-bats with a hit, and debate if he's finally returned to form. They discuss if his hitting success is sustainable and if the organization should be trying to sign him long-term. B&B compare his career arc to that of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and what range a contract extension for him would look like. Next, the a.m. boys check in with SN590's own Sam McKee (23:50), who made the trek to Detroit to watch the Jays play the Tigers over the weekend. The trio discuss his experience at Comerica Park, how invested fans are in this team, how it compares to other popular teams of the past, and expectations at the trade 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 affiliates.
Ben and Brent begin Tuesday's show talking about the Blue Jays' lackluster game in Baltimore to start their series with the Orioles. Besides the 11-4 loss itself, the hosts discuss the scary moment that took George Springer out of the game and left a question mark for his timeline of return. The duo also chat about Chris Bassitt's off start, if its an indication of pitchers missing Alejandro Kirk, and how it impacts the team's priorities for the quickly approaching trade deadline. Later, the a.m. duo look into a developing story of a high-end reliever that was placed on paid leave as part of a gambling investigation. They wrap up with thoughts on superstar Bryce Harper and Commissioner Rob Manfred's face-to-face discussion regarding the possibility of a MLB salary cap.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.