The FAN Drive Time
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ESPN NHL writer Greg Wyshynski joins Ben to kick off hour two to break down the crazy end of the year in the NHL. They discuss tank battles, where does Connor Bedard fit best and the regime shift in Pittsburgh. Then, playoffs have arrived, and Greg goes over the entire bracket and shares how he sees it panning out. Later, Sportsnet Blue Jays' analyst Caleb Joseph joins Ben from the Rogers Centre to get everyone ready for the Jays/Rays game (25:45). They discuss the underlying reasons for Tampa's blazing start, can they continue and what to expect from José Berríos.
Ben is solo and starts with the host of Blair & Barker and Jays Talk, Jeff Blair from the Rogers Centre, who previews the series against the Tampa Bay Rays. He shares his concern levels on José Berríos, his thoughts on Alek Manoah's early season struggles and Ricky Tiedemann's spectacular performance last night in Double A. Pat Donovan from the Pat & Aaron Show on WDAE in Tampa joins Ben to talk about the vibe down in Tampa Bay ahead of the Lightning playoff push and Rays perfect start (30:52). He breaks down how the Rays routinely outperform expectations despite a low payroll and if he thinks the hot batting is sustainable.
Michael Grange from SN joins us in the studio to look back at the Raptors season, what went wrong and why there is a vibe to “run it back” next season. Then a look ahead to the off-season, free agents and then Nick Nurse’s future as well. Then Michael goes into the media avails today, trying to read between the lines with the team and why firing Nurse is not happening with the amount of money he would be owed which is close to $9M next year. Then a look at Nurse’s popularity, the connection with Team Canada and if that plays a role since the lines are blurred between the Raptors and Canada.
Ben and Blake are all over the Raps/Bulls play-in game, DeRozan AND his daughter playing pivotal roles in the comeback win. Then, over to the Jays and how they will host the Rays starting tomorrow and Tampa’s win today tied the MLB record to start a season (13-0). Later, Luke Fox checks in from MSG (29:43), where the Leafs are wrapping up their season against the Rangers. This week's focus has been on Matthew Knies, the potential to crack the playoff roster and then questions of health surrounding Murray and Samsonov.
We start off the hour with Frank Seravalli who discusses the week of emergency goalies with the Leafs, what’s fair, what’s manipulation and whether is there a financial motive to risk someone’s health. Then, the suggestion that teams are allowed a 3rd goalie on the roster – permanent – does not count against the cap. Then over to the playoff races, the fall of the Pens who are likely missing out and how the Panthers went from 9 points out at Christmas to clinching a Wild Card spot. Later, Blake walks us through the Raptors season and what to expect tonight vs the Bulls and what happens if they lose.
Ben and Blake recap their night at the Jays home opener and a record today as the roof will be open earlier than ever. Next, a quick look at the Raptors and the play-in game and the matchup against DeMar DeRozan and the Bulls. Next up, Adnan Virk (31:56) from MLB Network on killer ratings to start the season, the pitch clock is still receiving rave reviews and the Jays are the talk of MLB in terms of the stadium and the change of dimensions. Finally, Adnan’s take on the Raptors, how the perception of the team has risen in the US especially since the 2019 title.
Ben and Blake are joined by outfielder and one of the newest Blue Jays Daulton Varsho as he has never played or even been to Toronto and explains how his first experience happened at 3:40 am in the morning. Later, why the 10-game road trip felt much longer, preparing for the new ballpark dimensions, why he’s open to playing catcher in an emergency situation and the art of his bunting skill. Next up, Mike Petriello from MLB.com (14:27) gives us his review of the park and why he wants to desperately attend a game as a fan. Finally, Ben Wagner joins from the radio booth to set up the home opener!
Blue Jays' outfielder Daulton Varsho joined Ben Ennis and Blake Murphy to discuss playing in Toronto for the very first time, the new dimensions at Rogers Centre and how it'll affect him as a batter and fielder, what it was like starting the season on a long road trip, having ball games cut down in length, his approach to using the drag bunt method in his at-bats, and his role as the emergency catcher for the baseball club.
We are live from Rogers Centre, inside the Sportsnet Bar and Grill ahead of the Blue Jays vs. Tigers to open the home season. Blake gives his take on the renovations including the new Outfield District. Later, a visit to the scene by Ben Nicholson-Smith looks back at his time on the road with the team to start the season. He explains why the Daulton Varsho deal was not cheap for the Jays and he has proven to be well worth it. With Varsho and Kevin Kiermaier looking great, there is much to be improved upon from Brandon Belt to Chris Bassitt.
The day's news is the signing of Matthew Knies and the NCAA star will be in the Maple Leafs lineup against the Florida Panthers. Then a quick look back at the Los Angeles Angels series vs. the Blue Jays and Blake recaps his weekend doing radio analyst work alongside Ben Wagner. Next, Elliotte Friedman joins us in the studio (31:09) and explains why the Leafs were no longer allowed to be in an emergency situation. Later, The Masters was a win for LIV Golf as Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson played so well. Finally, the NBA playoff matchups are set including the play-in games, a look at the Raptors vs. Chicago Bulls, the investigation into the Dallas Mavericks and then Rudy Gobert gets suspended for the play-in after punching a teammate.
Adam Stanley joins Ben from Augusta after a massive scare when the weather took down three trees and - thankfully - no injuries as play was suspended and Round two resumes Saturday morning. Then, a look at the rise of Brooks Koepka, Mackenzie Hughes plays a solid round but two Canadians, Corey Conners and former Master's winner Mike Weir miss the cut. Later on, Andrew Raycroft, Bruins Analyst for NESN who also worked the NCAA Frozen Four ESPN with a close eye on Matthew Knies (26:21). Then, Ben wraps the show with Blake Murphy, who’s working Raptors and Jays tonight, and they look at the Jays' heavy righty lineup without Varsho and with new signing Jordan Luplow (39:51).
Ben is solo today as Blake returns on Monday. He starts the show with Sam McKee from Real Kyper and Bourne with a look at The Masters, a tough time for Canadians, why media members need to delete negative tweets about Brooks Koepka and then a near miss today when a massive tree fell on the course and by some miracle – injured nobody. Then, the Leafs' performance in Boston, a tough loss in a close game but a closer look at the lineup we will likely see in the playoffs. Later, Shi Davidi checks in from Anaheim (24:26) where the Jays will face the Angels for 3 games. He touches on the power of Vlad, the struggles of Belt and the battle for 2B is now between 3 players.
Ben and Blake start the show right after the Jays/Royals post-game with Toronto winning their third straight game. A quick look at the good (Vladdy, Chapman, Varsho) and then a look at why Brandon Belt has struggled so much to start the season. From there, Ben breaks down his visit to Rogers Centre today and the first look at the recently completed renovations. Next up, Jon Morosi from MLB Network joins us (24:39) fresh off the Tigers' home opener in Detroit, the four legends in attendance (Ben Wallace, Miguel Cabrera, Nick Lidstrom & Calvin Johnson). Then, over to the pitch clock and how it has been a resounding success. We finish with Rogers Centre renovations and the impact on ballpark dimensions in the outfield and trying to create an advantage.
We go back to back in Augusta on the eve of The Masters. First up, Alan Shipnuck (1:23) on the Phil Mickelson story, the move to LIV and how it split some of the players and he’s not as supported as in the past – but – a solid performance would fix his relationship with the fans. Next up, Adam Stanley (15:15) also joins us from Augusta to look at the Canadian contenders this weekend and a tasty night at the Mike Weir 20th anniversary dinner. Finally, a look at do-or-die playoff games in the NHL and the NBA.
Ben and Blake look back at a Toronto hat trick last night with the Jays – Leafs – Raptors all winning and the highlight of the night had to be the performance of Yusei Kikuchi. Next up, Adnan Virk makes his weekly appearance (25:42) and talks about the MLB Network deal with Alek Manoah, his reaction to the UFC/WWE merger and how the president of the WWE is his former agent and why the two companies will work so well together. Later, impressive pitchers who work fast and how the pitch clock has made a baseball game as quick as the NHL and NBA. We close with playoff races and how few Canadian teams will advance to the playoffs. Then, Ben previews his day tomorrow as the Jays unveil their stadium renovations to the media.
Frank Seravalli from DailyFaceoff.com discusses the Leafs goaltending situation and how Samsonov has been stable, Woll looks decent and the latest injury to Murray might play out like a “blessing in disguise.” His performance hasn’t been great and his injury status has tainted his season. Later, Connor Bedard watch, the Jackets were in a better position recently but Chicago has been the horrible since the deadline and have placed themselves in the NHL basement entering today. Later on, Kikuchi starts tonight, Merrifield gets into the lineup and Chapman moves to the clean up spot. Finally, a wrap on the NCAA basketball season, the rise of UCONN and never losing in a final and then the impact on the upcoming NBA Draft.
Ben and Blake open with a wild night in Toronto sports with the Leafs, Raptors and Jays all in action. Then a deeper look at the catchers and then why Alex Verdugo of the Red Sox decided to pick a fight with Alek Manoah today about his antics during games especially after striking out an opponent. Next up, Joe Siddall joins us in the studio for an extended Jays chat (30:24), what’s wrong with José Berríos and why the trend has continued into this year. Then, to the lineup, mixing in the lefty bats and how Schneider will use his many options.
Ben and Blake kick off the hour with Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer, one of the most renowned voices in combat sports. He discusses the UFC and WWE officially becoming one company, how the merger came to be, the growth of the UFC to this point and the roles of Vince McMahon and Dana White going forward. Later, his take on WrestleMania over the weekend. Finally, a recap of the Jays weekend and we get our first look at Jose Berrios tonight after his forgettable 2022 campaign (27:57).
Blake is back from Kentucky and he and Ben start with the Jays' losses to the Cardinals, why Chris Bassitt struggled so much and a look ahead to José Berríos getting his first start. Then over to Nick Nurse, his comments which suggested he was leaving the team and why he snapped at a media member when asked about it over the weekend. Next up, Ben goes 1-on-1 with Corey Conners (37:17), who just won on the PGA Tour yesterday, how his tour wins came in the same tournament and looking ahead to The Masters this week.
Ben welcomes Jon Morosi to recap Opening Day, a collision course is set between the Blue Jays and Yankees and a specific rivalry between Alek Manoah and Gerrit Cole will be on display. Next up, Doug Smith from The Toronto Star (27:01) on his exclusive story about Nick Nurse, his future, the potential connection to the Houston Rockets and the hot rumour that former Celtics Head Coach Ime Udoka would take over the Raptors. Then to the MVP race, why he voted for Nikola Jokic last year but the momentum really favours Joel Embiid.
Ben spends the hour with JD Bunkis recapping the Blue Jays win over the Cardinals, Alek Manoah's poor Opening Day performance, and questionable calls from manager John Schneider. Next, Ben proposed future headlines and they debate which ones should be printed including tensions in the dugout on the future of the manager position, home run celebrations and how the new dimensions of Rogers Centre will affect players like Vlad Jr. and Bo Bichette.
What a thrill to speak with former Blue Jays slugger Carlos Delgado (6:45) who reflects on what it’s like going from Spring Training to the excitement of Opening Day, memories of first at-bats of the season and then of course over to international play, WBC memories with Puerto Rico and the real growth we have seen this year. Memory lane includes his 4 HR night in Tampa while today he’s focused on the new ballpark dimensions and his expectations for players like Vlad Jr. He closes with his thoughts on Jose Bautista, his move to the Level of Excellence and the comparisons of their careers. We close with Ben Nicholson Smith (26:15) who will be the radio analyst for Opening Day he gives his take on the starting lineup, and how the new look lineup offers so many options it’s hard to predict the batting order day-to-day.
The former Blue Jay and member of the 1993 World Series winning team shares memories of his four-homer night against the then Tampa Bay Devil Rays, his thoughts on the renovations at Rogers Centre and how it would have affected him as a batter, his approach to Spring Trainings, the pressures of being one of the best players on the roster, his expectations for Vlad Jr., and how Jose Berrios can have a bounce back year on the mound.
We are off and running ahead of Opening Day! Blake Murphy checks in from the road to look at the Blue Jays lineup for today, the number of lefty bats featured, and Daulton Varsho starting the season in the clean-up spot. Later on, Pat Hentgen, World Series Champion and Cy Young Award winner, reflects on his spring working with the Jays in Dunedin and how a change behind the plate led to the best season of his life (14:49). Then, it's over to Todd Stottlemyre in St Louis to preview today's matchup between the Jays and Cardinals, before reflecting on Opening Day and what it’s like to face someone like Nolan Ryan (25:48). We wrap with a discussion on how all Blue Jays players become honorary Canadians and what it means to represent an entire country.
Ben starts the hour with Shi Davidi, and they look back at this spring, the changes to the changes roster – but also – a change in the attitude of the team. Then, over to Tim Kurkjian from ESPN (25:25), who sets up the season after 40 years of coverage and explains why he loves the pitch clock even though he’s a pure baseball historian. While the rule changes are the top story of the season, his #2 is the future of Ohtani if the Angels don’t keep him.
Ben is solo for the next couple days with Blake out of town, and he starts the show with Adnan Virk from MLB Network who helps preview the season with games tomorrow and explains why baseball is on the verge of a real spike in popularity. Then, a few predictions including the order of the AL East. Later, Frank Seravalli from DailyFaceoff.com talks about going viral today and getting attacked on Twitter – for suggesting – Michael Bunting is the #1 free agent on the market (25:37).
Ben and Blake kick off the hour with former Jays pitcher Josh Towers who reflects on plunking A-Rod and then eventually becoming his teammate with the Yankees where they won a World Series in 2009. Then, looking back at his time with the Jays, why he loved the city of Toronto, the Rogers Centre and how the team is built through prospects and the buzz that’s been created. Later, a visit from LA Kings President and 2009 Hall of Fame Inductee Luc Robitaille (30:34). He looks at a run by Anze Kopitar for the Selke and Lady Byng, the torrid pace of Connor McDavid and if we will ever see rivalries get physical like the Wings/Avs from years ago. Finally, Bunting vs Keefe and the relationship between coach and player in the heat of battle.
With Blake off the rest of the week it’s our last chance to have him break down the numbers ahead of the season. With that he presents Ben with several props going from on field performance to the chances of contract extensions. Later on, Kaitlyn McGrath from The Athletic joins the conversation (29:12)to reveal what she learned while following the team in Dunedin. She looks at a new demeanor from players like Vlad and Bo. Finally, a prediction for Vladdy specifically and if he can hit the magical 50.
Ben and Blake open up with former NHL Head Coach Bruce Boudreau (0:33) who takes a look at the Maple Leafs, the playoff stretch and how coaches like Sheldon Keefe try to manage their lines. Then, some specific insight into Luke Schenn who he just coached in Vancouver this year. Later, Bruce tries to put Connor McDavid into context when comparing his scoring to other eras. Afterwards, Alistair Johnston from Team Canada joins the show (29:04) ahead of the first appearance on Canadian soil since the World Cup. Canada hosts Honduras as BMO Field and he looks back at some of the coldest games he has ever played. Finally, a chat about development and frustrations with Canada Soccer and the arguing over money and why he is so proud of that the Women’s National Team was willing to stand up for.
We've made it to opening week as the Jays will visit the Cardinals on Thursday! Ben and Blake review the top stories from spring training, how they managed to avoid major injuries and there are several prospects that made a great case to be on the team. Then, from Berrios to Kikuchi and how both are trying to change their fortunes after last season didn’t go well for each. Ahead of that, a look at the Leafs and how Auston Matthews is “back.” Finally, an extended chat with Mike Petriello from MLB.com who previews the MLB season and his projections and where Yankees, Jays and Rays all battle for the AL East (26:42).
