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Shi Davidi, Sportsnet Blue Jays columnist, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker on a sunny Monday afternoon to chat about Toronto's climb back to .500. They dive into Addison Barger's strong weekend in Seattle, Yariel Rodriguez' run of good form out of the bullpen, George Springer's continued success, and prospect Arjun Nimmala's potential. Shi wraps up with his biggest surprises and disappointments from the 2025 Blue Jays season. Chris Rose (26:20), host of Dugout Discussions and Baseball Today with Jomboy Media, shares his impressions of Toronto midway through May. He dives into what he learned during his conversation with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. over the weekend, before discussing what the future holds for Bo Bichette, Rafael Devers, the Rockies and the Pirates.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open the show previewing tonight's series opener between the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. They begin with thoughts on Daulton Varsho's pending return; where he will slot into the lineup and who will be the odd man out on the roster. The boys move on to tee up this week's pitching matchups including who will get the ball on Thursday, the recipe for Bowden Francis' success tonight, and how to attack opposing starter Garrett Crochet. Sportsnet's Shi Davidi (24:42) joins the conversation as news breaks of Daulton Varsho's official return and Will Wagner's subsequent demotion to Triple-A Buffalo. Shi reacts to the roster moves, before diving into Casey Lawrence's potential as a spot starter, options to align the Jays' defence, how to get Andrés Giménez back on track at the plate, where Toronto stacks up in the American League East, and Max Scherzer's status.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz are joined by Shi Davidi to discuss the scoring variance from the Blue Jays and the power starting to show. Afterwards, Blake and Julia focus on Chris Bassitt's dominant start, including getting out of trouble in the 5th inning (27:27).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.
Sportsnet's own Shi Davidi joins Jeff Blair live from Rogers Centre following the press conference announcing Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s contract extension. Shi discusses the role ownership played in the signing, how the rest of the league views the deal, the positive direction this move signifies for the franchise, and what's ahead for Bo Bichette. Later on, ESPN's Jeff Passan (23:12) shares his perspective on Vlad's 14-year extension and the potential ripple effects for future MLB free agents, before shifting to chat about the how the American East-leading Blue Jays have started 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 affiliates.
In hour one, Mike and Jason look ahead to the Canucks' matchup with the Dallas Stars and break down what makes Dallas such a tough opponent. The guys also go around the NHL scoreboard, then welcome Sportsnet's Shi Davidi to talk Vladdy's new deal, Bo Bichette's future, and the Jays' playoff hopes. This podcast is produced by Andy Cole and Greg Balloch. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open this week with today's news: the Toronto Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have agreed to a 14-year, $500 million extension! The guys dive into the specifics of the deal, the impact of the signing for the organization, and the how the outlook changes as time rolls on. Jeff and Kevin take some time to tee up Blue Jays upcoming series against the Red Sox at Fenway Park, before Sportsnet's Shi Davidi stops by (24:16)! The man who helped break the news discusses the timeline of how the extension came to be, the major sticking pieces along the way, and if the deal can lift some pressure off the slugger's shoulders. Shi also weighs in on where the signing ranks among significant moments in team history, how it will impact the MLB free agent market, and much more! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
The FAN Morning Show hits its final hour of the day still locked in on the Blue Jays' new contract extension for their homegrown superstar, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Ben and Brent dive into it more with the man who helped break the news, Sportsnet's own Shi Davidi. The trio dissect how the contract came to be even after the imposed deadline, the key points of the deal, and what it means for the organization moving forward. Next, B&B get an outside perspective from Alanna Rizzo (23:57) of MLB Network and the Fair Territory podcast. She shares her take on the extension, the market for MLB free agents as a whole, and if this changes the perception of Toronto as a destination for potential player targets. The trio wrap up with thoughts on the Dodgers' red-hot start to 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.
In the spirit of MLB Opening Day, Ben and Brent run through some Blue Jays over/under predictions for the 2025 season, including projections for Bo Bichette's OPS, Max Scherzer's quantity of starts, and John Schneider's ejection total. Afterwards, the guys are joined by Shi Davidi (23:58) to chat about the A.L. East landscape heading into the season, the Blue Jays' potential lineup construction, the latest buzz surrounding Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s contract situation, George Springer's regression and changing role, and expectations for John Schneider 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.
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are sick of spring training... bring on the regular season! The guys dive into the Blue Jays 26-man roster to debate those who made the cut and Alejandro Kirk's five-year extension with the club, before sharing their preseason picks for MLB division winners and Wild Card spots. Sportsnet's Shi Davidi (28:02) joins the guys to chat about Toronto's roster decisions including Alan Roden's promotion, Ryan Yarbrough's release, and Yariel Rodriguez' outlook for 2025. Shi also shares his view on Kirk's freshly inked contract, what's next for Orelvis Martínez, and who will start in centerfield on Opening Day.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.
On hour 1 of Sportsnet Today, Logan Gordon dives into the Flames' 2-1 win over the New York Rangers! He shares his thoughts on the game including Matt Coronato's standout performance, some new line combinations for the Flames, and just how ugly of a performance that was for the Rangers. Plus, he takes a look at the Western Conference playoff picture as the race for a postseason berth continues to get tighter.(24:35) Sportsnet's Shi Davidi joins the show to bring the latest from the Blue Jays as the start of the season draws near! Shi shares what he's seen from an usually quiet Spring Training, including Daulton Varsho's progression from injury, Max Scherzer's status, and the new faces around the team!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate. Catch every episode of Sportsnet Today live on Sportsnet 960 from 1-3pm MST! Hour 1 Music: Island Life - Atomic Drum AssemblyHour 2 Music: Egozi - Jell O Logan's X: @Fan960Logan on X Produced by Cameron Hughes and Shan Virjee.
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show with Shi Davidi discussing Max Scherzer's lingering thumb injury and whether it is cause for concern. They also discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s reported contract offer from the Blue Jays, how the offer will be perceived throughout the season, and whether Vladimir Guerrero Jr. can block out the noise. The lads then briefly move to the back leg line before being joined by MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman (29:23). The three discuss how the front office should approach the problem, how to enhance their rotations, and whether first basemen should be paid more.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
The FAN Morning Show hits its final hour with Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi continuing to dissect the fallout of the NHL trade deadline. The hosts focus on the Maple Leafs' outlook and debate if playoff performance is what will determine Mitch Marner's future in Toronto. Frank Seravalli, Daily Faceoff. NHL insider, weighs in on the craziness that was as the deadline hit at 3 p.m. on Friday, along with what's next for Marner. Later, Sportsnet's own Shi Davidi shifts focus to the Blue Jays to share what we can really take away from a team's spring training (33:05). The trio dissect the Jays' batting order, how top-heavy it will be, and who slots in where, before discussing the impact of a “normal” Bo Bichette season and what to make of Vladimir Guererro Jr.'s comments on what the number was for his contract ask. 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 discuss the upcoming trade deadline, focusing on the Hurricanes and Mikko Rantanen. They ponder how aggressive Leafs' GM Brad Treliving should be with big names available and consider which contenders might be more active. The hosts also touch on Nick Robertson's shift in perspective about staying in Toronto and whether his newfound desire to not be traded is genuine. Later, they chat with Sportsnet's Shi Davidi (25:29) about the Blue Jays, reflecting on the first week of spring training and discussing Bo Bichette's future with the team.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning provide team injury updates, starting with positive news about D-man Chris Tanev's signing and its value as the cap rises. They also touch on six "healthy" Leafs who had maintenance days and how workloads are managed down the stretch for division wins. The hosts consider Nick Kypreos's suggestion that the Leafs should pursue Mikko Rantanen if Carolina looks to move him. In the latter part of the hour, they discuss Scottie Barnes' latest injury and Bo Bichette's interesting quotes to Shi Davidi regarding the Blue Jays (31:18).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.
In hour two, Mike & Jason look ahead to tonight's 4 Nations finale between Canada and USA with NHL hall of famer and Olympic gold medallist Scott Niedermayer (1:39), plus the boys discuss the Blue Jays Vladimir Guerrero Jr. saga with Sportsnet Jays reporter Shi Davidi (24:07). This podcast is produced by Andy Cole and Greg Balloch. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.
Hour 2 of the Big Show with George Rusic and Matt Rose is on demand! To kick off this hour George and Matt are joined by Shi Davidi. Shi gives his takes on the Vlad Guerrero Jr contract drama, the thought of Vlad leaving, how it affects Bo Bichette's future and the overall direction of the team under their current management. (22:03) Later on, Craig Simpson joins the show to preview the 4 Nations final tonight! Craig and the guys discuss how tall of a task it will be the Americans to beat Canada, if Binnington's cup experience will be a factor, the injuries the Americans have gone through, the new look lines for Canada and more!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.
Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick off the show with the 4 Nations Face-Off Finals set with Canada and the U.S. ready to do battle once again. Liam McHugh of TNT joins the show to tee up the matchup and discuss how the tournament has attracted more American fans. Then, with Vladdy's self-set contract deadline with the Blue Jays coming up tomorrow, Sportsnet's Shi Davidi (29:00) joins the show to discuss the latest contract negotiations, why a deal hasn't been reached, and if talks could continue during the season. Later, they discuss how Vladdy's future in Toronto is tied with Bo Bichette, if the talks could have an impact on Spring Training, and much more! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are back with daily episodes of Blair & Barker! The guys open with thoughts on today's breaking news that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays were unable to come to terms on an extension by the slugger's self-imposed deadline. They dive into what this means for Vlad's future in Toronto, if the door is still open for an extension after the 2025 season, and the organization's level of trust in the player long-term. Jeff and Kevin listen back to President and CEO Mark Shapiro's comments from this morning's media availability, before discussing how the team can rebound if the 4x All-Star does not return next season. Later on, Sportsnet MLB Insider Shi Davidi checks in from sunny Dunedin to share his read on the situation with the Blue Jays' first baseman (29:00). He examines the possibility of a deal between the two sides after the season, who's to blame in the failed negotiations, the front office's mentality throughout the process, how the team can stay focused in 2025, and what's next for 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 affiliates.
Ben Ennis and Daniele Franceschi discuss the highly anticipated showdown between Team USA and Canada this Saturday. They explore the historic significance of the matchup and whether the Americans will maintain their physical play or shy away due to Canada's power play. The hosts also delve into the NBA All-Star festivities and consider if the league should adopt an international tournament format like the NHL's 4 Nations. Later, they check in with MLB insider Shi Davidi (26:07) for insights from Blue Jays camp and Vladdy's contract talks.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.
JD is joined by Justin Bourne, co-host of Real Kyper & Bourne, to preview the 4 Nations Face-Off. They debate whether Canada's roster still has the 'it' factor, what the tournament represents for the country, concerns in the crease, and if Mitch Marner performing in a big spot would change how he's perceived (7:30). Later, JD reacts to Shi Davidi's Sportsnet.ca article on contract negotiations between the Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (44:30). Then, JD and Sportsnet NHL analyst Colby Armstrong discuss their expectations for Team Canada, Sidney Crosby and Drew Doughty passing the torch, and JD's vacation dilemma (50:50). JD and the producer's close out the show with What We Missed (1:26:50). 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 Toronto Blue Jays offseason improves by signing veteran pitcher Max Scherzer on a 1-year contract. Sportsnet's Shi Davidi joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert on the show to discuss what Scherzer brings to the roster and whether there's more additions to come (4:50). Then, Sportsnet's Mike Futa stops by to evaluate Drew Doughty's season debut last night, if he should replace Alex Pietrangelo at 4 Nations Face-Off, why he's Hockey Canada's darling, if Brandt Clark could be on his way out of L.A., and much more. Steve Kouleas of Sirius XM NHL Network Radio makes an appearance to break down the 4 Nations captain announcements, Crosby's international legacy ahead of the tournament, potential injury replacements, and more (25:40).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 & Brent Gunning start hour two with the Blue Jays signing Max Scherzer. The hosts give their take as to why Scherzer chose Toronto and if him signing to the Jays affects the league's perception of the organization. The twosome then welcomes MLB & Jays Insider, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet for his thoughts on the signing and where it leaves the team heading into spring training. In the backend of the hour, the morning duo are joined by NHL Insider Frank Seravalli (28:55) of Daily Face Off to talk some hockey and if we truly are in trade 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.
JD reacts to Michael Grange's article on Sportsnet.ca that details the Raptors situation heading towards the NBA trade deadline (00:00). Blue Jays columnist, Shi Davidi, breaks down how and why the Blue Jays deferred some of Anthony Santander's contract, how real the Pete Alonso momentum is, what Vladimir Guerrero Jr. values, and if the Jays have changed their payroll approach (13:00). Next, ESPN's Bill Barnwell joins JD to analyze the biggest headlines going into the NFL's Championship Weekend (51:30). Bill gets into if this year will be different for the Buffalo Bills, the significance of a three-peat for the Kansas City Chiefs, the Patrick Mahomes officiating conspiracy, Jayden Daniels' uncharted territory, Nick Sirianni's precarious situation in Philadelphia, and the NFL's coaching carousel. The week ends with JD's betting picks for the AFC and NFC Championship Games (1:27:00). 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.
Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off breaking down the Blue Jays signing of free agent Anthony Santander to a five-year deal. Then Sportsnet's, Anna Dua joins the show to discuss the Leafs buying into Craig Berube's system, tee up tonight's contest between the Lightning and Leafs, and praise Toronto's monumental comeback over the Habs this weekend. Then, Shi Davidi (27:41) joins the show to discuss what Anthony Santander brings to the Blue Jays, the team's miss on Roki Sasaki, and much more. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning return to discussing the NHL, focusing on a coach who publicly criticized his players for needing improvement. They compare this to Leafs coach Craig Berube's approach during tough games and question if Toronto coaches are hesitant to call out players. The hosts then shift to the Blue Jays, welcoming baseball insider Shi Davidi (26:02). They discuss the Jays being in the final three for Roki Sasaki, the factors behind the team's pitch, and the potential benefits over the competition. They also talk about the risk of signing Jeff Hoffman and what the Mets' interest in Vlad Guerrero Jr. might imply.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.
The Blue Jays have signed All-Star reliever Jeff Hoffman to a three-year, $33 million deal as their first major move in free agency. Sho Alli and Roger Lajoie are joined by Sportsnet's Shi Davidi to discuss the signing, including how the bullpen is now re-ordered with his presence, whether or not he would want a role in the starting rotation, and his past as a Blue Jay draft pick. Plus, they get into the latest news on potential free agent bats, and discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr. settling with the team to avoid an arbitration hearing. 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.
Hour 2 of The Big Show with Rusic and Rose is on demand! George and Matt are joined by Shi Davidi. Shi joins the show to give the latest on where negotiations are at between Vlad Guerrero and the Toronto Blue Jays. (19:40) Later on, the guys are joined by NHL insider Frank Seravalli. Frank joins the show with some breaking information on Connor Zary. The news is better than what the injury looked like. The guys also ask Frank if the Flames have the assets to trade for Dylan Cozens or Elias Pettersson. The guys also get Frank's takes on the Calder race, and other teams around the league that have entered the trade market.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning preview Wild Card Weekend, discussing expectations for all six matchups. They are joined by Charles Davis from CBS and NFL Network, who shares insights on potential upsets and the quarterbacks under pressure. The hosts then shift to the Blue Jays' offseason with Sportsnet's Shi Davidi (25:12). They cover the team's progress on roster additions and the crucial task of re-signing superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. before spring training.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 FAN Morning Show discussing the Raptors' recent performance in New York and the pressure on head coach Darko Rajaković. They also address the Blue Jays' negative reputation, referencing a recent piece by Shi Davidi. Can the Jays turn it around? (31:29)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.
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker close out the calendar year with one last episode! The guys open with their thoughts on the Blue Jays' offseason so far and if they expect to see more activity before the new year. Sportsnet Blue Jays writer Shi Davidi (11:33) joins the guys to share what he is hearing around the team including which free agents they are in on, the state of extension talks with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and if Bo Bichette will finish the 2025 season playing shortstop. Next up, newly acquired Phillies relief pitcher, Jordan Romano stops by (43:12)! He looks back on his exit from Toronto and how he felt last season with the Blue Jays, before discussing why he chose to sign with Philadelphia. Blair and Barker wrap up this episode with a chat about the direction of the Jays' bullpen heading into 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 affiliates.
The FAN Morning Show goes into its final hour of the day with Ben Ennis & Daniele Franceschi turning their attention back to the Leafs who face their former coach Sheldon Keefe & his new team the Devils. The hosting duo look at early returns on both teams with their new head coaches and who has taken a bigger step forward. B&D welcome on hockey insider, Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, to weigh in on that and the shift, not just in coaching but in their rosters as a whole both teams made this offseason and has put them in line for a big playoff push. The trio also look around the NHL and some of the recent player movement that's happened including the Rangers with Jacob Trouba. That leads them into a conversation about the futures of Mitch Marner & Mikko Rantanen with their respective teams. In the back end of the hour, the morning pair head to Dallas and are joined by Sportsnet's own Shi Davidi who is covering the MLB Winter Meetings. The trio dissect the baseball insider's latest work from there on just how in the Blue Jays were on Juan Soto and where his new contract leaves them in trying to lock up Vlad Guerrero Jr. long term. 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.
Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off by discussing the HHoF class of 2024 and get your thoughts on who could be in the running next year. Then, Shi Davidi joins the show (11:50) to share his takeaways from the MLB GM Meetings, how a potential Juan Soto deal with Toronto could work, what positions the Jays will target in free agency, the funds available, and much more. Later, Kurt Helin (32:40) joins the show to discuss the injury bug biting the Thunder, the NBA In-Season Cup, the Raptors' rebuild and what the rewards could look like at the top of the draft class, Edey's ROTY case, and more. Finally, Ailish and Justin go through their predictions for Canada's roster at the Four Nations. 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 FAN Morning Show goes into its final hour with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discussing the Blue Jays' offseason, which is now officially underway. The hosting pair look at what parameters the team is working with, what their needs are, and how the two coincide. They welcome on Sportsnet's own Shi Davidi live from San Antonio where he is covering the MLB GM Meetings. The baseball insider looks into the priorities for the organization this winter, the likelihood of extending Vladimir Guerrero Jr., how (or if) limited money can be spread around to fill a bunch of different needs, and who some of those targets could be. They also get into the farm system and the easiest path to building it back up. Next up, SN590's own Mike Futa shifts attention to the Maple Leafs after taking in last night's action alongside a certain TJMS host (28:53). He shares what the atmosphere at Scotiabank Arena was like against the team's most hated rival, as well as what he saw on the ice from the Blue and White, especially on the power play that finally got going without Captain Auston Matthews. 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.
Welcome to episode 27 of the Brushback with JP Ricciardi. JP and John Arezzi cover the Yankees meltdown in game 5 of the World Series - as the Dodgers win the World Series 4 games to 1. On Batter Up with JP - Sportnets Shi Davidi gives his analysis on the World Series and a lengthy discussion on the current state of the Toronto Blue Jays. SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@BrushbackwithJPRicciardi Follow JP here: X: https://twitter.com/RicciardiJP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricciardijp Follow John Arezzi here: X: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnarezzi HOST - JP RICCIARDI CO-HOST - JOHN AREZZI CREATIVE DIRECTOR - MARSH EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: JOHN AREZZI COPYRIGHT: 2024 THE BRUSHBACK WITH JP RICCIARDI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
MLB Network's Jon Morosi (3:20) joins Blair and Barker to discuss the early storylines heading into the World Series, how the New York Yankees' and Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching staffs match up, who has more pressure on them between Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, and if the league can leverage the marketing value of Judge vs. Ohtani. Then, Blair and Barker dive into the Blue Jays hiring David Popkins as their new hitting coach and why it may not change the outlook for their hitters in 2025 before inviting Sportsnet's Shi Davidi (40:40) to expand on Toronto's decision and if it sparks more moves around the coaching staff and front office. 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.
Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with some NBA discussion before moving on to the MLB postseason. Shi Davidi joins the show (8:40) live from New York to tee up the Mets' NLCS matchup against the Dodgers. They discuss Former Jays' manager John Gibbons on the Mets staff, Francisco Lindor's playoff performance, and much more. Then, Ryan Dixon (29:23) goes through his latest NHL power rankings on Sportsnet.ca. They discuss the Stars' start to the season and their development of young talent, the best Canadian team early on, how he views the Oilers and much more.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Blair and Barker are joined by Sportsnet's Shi Davidi (10:55) to get his takeaways from Ross Atkins and Mark Shapiro's end-of-season press conferences, if he thinks the front office will pay Vladdy Jr.'s asking price for a contract extension, what roster changes he expects Atkins to go for, the reasons behind the coaching changes, and what are the positives of heading into the offseason and 2025. Afterwards, the guys check into the Back Leg Line to hear what fans think of Atkins and Shapiro's pressers.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.
Ahead of the Blue Jays' final series of the season against the Marlins, Blair and Barker are joined by former MLB pitcher and Marlins analyst Jeff Nelson (4:36) to discuss the Marlins' identity and a playoff outlook for his former team, the Yankees. Then, a chat about John Schneider's future following Shi Davidi's season-closing conversation with him. Finally, Jeff & Kevin review the returns of the 'new' Jays and discuss who the organization needs to prioritize 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 affiliates.
Ailish Forfar & Ben Ennis start with Adam Stanley (0:48) in Montreal ahead of this weekend's President's Cup. He discusses why the Americans are 12-1, what an International team upset would mean, bad weather and expectations for wild Canadian fans. We close with Shi Davidi (35:00) from Rogers Centre on the Jays' draft lottery chance and why it's so hard to tank in baseball.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.
Blair and Barker are joined by former MLB executive David Samson (1:30) to chat about the Athletics' final home games in Oakland, a front office's focus entering the final week of the season, the importance of home field advantage in the post-season and Shohei Ohtani's future in pitching. Then, Sportsnet's Shi Davidi (29:47) stops by to discuss Tampa Bay's hopes to compete next year, Vlad Jr.'s third base ambitions, why there might not be many changes on the Jays' coaching staff and front office, and who starts at centre field in 2025 with Daulton Varsho set to miss the start of the campaign. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Sho Alli breaks down the Blue Jays' 4-3 loss to the Rays to wrap up a three-game series sweep at Tropicana Field. He takes your calls and texts, and gets right to the bullpen day on display, including great outings from Ryan Burr and Ryan Yarbrough, and less-than-stellar outings from Zach Pop and Erik Swanson. He gets to lots of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. discussion, who gets his 100th RBI of the season, and notches another three-hit day, as he now sits in sole possession of ninth all-time in franchise history for most hits in a single season (194). Plus, Shi Davidi's article for Sportsnet.ca poses the question: is Vladdy's long-term position at first or third base? Shi's article: https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/guerrero-jr-s-versailitiy-gives-blue-jays-options-in-off-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.
Blake Murphy is joined by Shi Davidi to discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s trajectory and the decisions facing the front office in extension talks. Neil Solondz (26:26) touches on the speed of the Tampa Bay Rays ahead of a 3-game set vs. Toronto. Afterwards, Ben Clemens (47:42) looks at the probability of Shohei Ohtani reaching 55-55 and the absurdity of his feat. In the final segment, Michael Rosen (1:22:04) explains how Bowden Francis, and Kevin Gausman, among other pitchers, use deception to their advantage. 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.
The Athletic's Rob Rossi, who has covered Sidney Crosby from Day 1, joins Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff to discuss Crosby's contract extension, why he was always destined to stay a Penguin and his personality away from the cameras (10:50). Later, Shi Davidi (33:22) on whether the Jays will now be less aggressive in the off-season, the pros and cons of Bo Bichette returning (possibly) to the lineup and what to expect from Bowden Francis this week with Francis' catcher - Brian Serven - being DFA'd 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.
This week, Shi Davidi joins Ben to discuss the emergence of Bowden Francis (00:40), the big-picture questions facing the Blue Jays this winter (28:56), and how to fix the Toronto bullpen (1:07:34).Additional audio from MLB.com.Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.caThis podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.
MLB Network radio host Jensen Lewis (2:12) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss the NL Wild Card race between the Braves and Mets, the NL MVP race, what a 'successful' postseason for the Guardians is and Verlander's struggles coming off his injury. Then, Jeff & Kevin listen to and break down John Schneider's pregame availability. Sportsnet's MLB insider Shi Davidi (27:15) shares insight from his chat with Bo Bichette and the Jays' contractual options for Bo & Vlad in the offseason.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Blake Murphy is joined off the top by Sportsnet's Shi Davidi to discuss the significance of Bo Bichette's comments indicating that he wants to remain with the Blue Jays long-term. Lance Brozdowski, Marquee Sports analyst, describes the impact of deception and command as a pitcher, along with how Bowden Francis has found his identity as a starter (25:49). Later on, Baseball Prospectus Editor-in-Chief Craig Goldstein updates us on the Dodgers and the rest of the NL (52:00), while Bobby Wagner of The Ringer and the Tipping Pitches podcast gets us set for this week's three-game set vs. the Mets (01:19:17). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by Erik Kratz (0:45), host of Foul Territory and former major leaguer, to discuss clubhouse dynamics for young teams, Clay Holmes' closing struggles for the Yankees, the Orioles 'getting too cute' and who he's got for the final NL Wild Card - Mets or Braves. Later, Sportsnet MLB insider Shi Davidi (28:25) from Atlanta shares some injury updates on Bo Bichette and Jordan Romano before teeing up the Jays' weekend series against the Braves. 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.
Leon Draisaitl signs an extension with the Oilers today which marked the return of Frank Seravalli to the show (4:09). He looks at the deal, the impact on the next Connor McDavid contract, teams and players looking at deferred compensation and how tough it is to fill out the rest of the roster with such big contracts on the table. After some NFL betting futures we are then joined by Shi Davidi (34:50) on the emergence of Bowden Francis and Will Wagner. Finally, forecasting when Bo Bichette returns to the lineup. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
MLB Network insider Jon Morosi checks in with Jeff Blair from Williamsport where the Little League World Series is underway (1:18). He discusses the vibes of the tournament before discussing parity around MLB, Bo Bichette trade rumours and the Jays' path to competitiveness in 2025. Later, Sportsnet.ca MLB insider Shi Davidi (30:37) weighs in on Joey Votto's absence in the Jays' series against the Reds before going in-depth on Bassitt's comments on the Chris Rose Rotation today, his subsequent clarification and murmurs that Bo's time in Toronto is coming to an end.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 hour one, Josh Elliott-Wolfe and Jason Brough discuss the rejection of Canada Soccer's appeal to the six point reduction given to them for the drone spying scandal that has clouded their stellar play so far (5:00). Sportsnet's Shi Davidi then joins the show to break down the Toronto Blue Jays' moves at the trade deadline and where all of them leave the club now (26:00). This podcast is produced by Andy Cole and Greg Balloch. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.