Blue Jays Talk
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Daniele Franceschi and Sho Alli return with a special edition of Jays Talk after Anthony Santander reportedly signs a five-year, $92.5 million deal. The guys start with their initial reactions to the deal, discuss the inclusion of deferred money and an opt-out, and consider if this move eases the pain of missing out on Rōki Sasaki. They also take your calls and texts, and discuss the possibilities of the Jays continuing to pursue additional free agents remaining in the market after today's move, including Pete Alonso - could he come to Toronto next? Plus, they chat about the report that Bo Bichette recently made the trip north to try and persuade Sasaki to sign - despite the result, does that bode well for Bo's future with the club?
Jeff Blair joins Sho Alli on another offseason edition of Jays Talk to share some thoughts on what could happen with Roki Sasaki - are the Dodgers indeed the favourites to sign the Japanese superstar pitcher? They also get into Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s continued contract extensions - is the team negotiating a deal with him right now, and how should fans parse the variety of reports from Toronto and beyond? Plus, they discuss the best books baseball fans should read, and remember broadcasting great Bob Uecker, who passed away at the age of 90.
On another offseason edition of Jays Talk, Sho Alli chats with MLB.com's Keegan Matheson (10:00) on his beloved Packers getting bounced by the Eagles in the NFL Playoffs, before turning to baseball - are there major injury concerns with Jeff Hoffman after two teams passed on him due to a failed physical? Afterwards, they get into the Roki Sasaki rumours that are everywhere - are there any truth to these rumours? Plus, a new tidbit from Ken Rosenthal has emerged about Shohei Ohtani - where was this a year ago?
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.
Sho Alli hosts a special offseason edition of Jays Talk to chat about the Toronto Blue Jays acquiring second baseman Andrés Giménez and reliever Nick Sandlin for Spencer Horwitz (ultimately ending up with the Pittsburgh Pirates) and minor-league outfielder Nick Mitchell before bringing on Jays' contributor Nick Ashbourne (4:36) to share his thoughts on the trade, how this affects Bo Bichette's future at shortstop, how Horwitz fits as the Pirates' potential first basemen of the future, and the next steps for Vladdy's contract. Then, Chris Rose (26:22) shares the scouting report on Giménez, what was behind the down trend in his offence since his All-Star nod back in 2022, how Bally Sports cutting ties to broadcast Guardians games affects the team's offseason, and a look at Toronto's uncertain future ahead. Plus, we hear from Ross Atkins, John Schneider, and Scott Boras, and he takes your texts at 590-590!
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the final game of the 2024 Blue Jays season, a 3-1 loss to the Marlins that wraps up a series sweep, as the team ends the year with a 74-88 record. They take your calls and texts, and take a broader look at the season - now that it's officially in the rear-view, what will the first changes be for 2025? Will Ross Atkins and/or Mark Shapiro be back? What do fans want to hear from the front office? Plus, they discuss the roster and what major aspects need to change, and how the team can be competitive in the AL East.
Sho Alli and Nick Ashbourne break down the Blue Jays' 8-1 loss vs. the Marlins at the Rogers Centre in the penultimate game of the season. They take your calls and texts, and discuss the season as a whole for Yariel Rodríguez - he finishes with an ERA of 4.36 and 86.2 IP at the major league level, should he be a starter or a reliever in 2025? Plus, if Daulton Varsho is forced to miss time to start next season, is Nathan Lukes the best option to keep? They also discuss roster construction heading into next year, and chat about Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sticking near (or at) the top of the batting order on Sunday, as he's looking for one more hit to get to 200 on the season.
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 15-5 loss vs. the Marlins to kick off the final series of the year at the Rogers Centre. They take your calls and texts, and they get right to the outing from José Berríos - what was up with his stuff/location in what was his final start of the season? They discuss what seems to be in the cards for Ross Atkins and Mark Shapiro, and get to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. notching two more hits, as he's just one hit away from no. 200 on the season, a feat only five Blue Jays have accomplished before.
Guest hosts Sho Alli and Nick Ashbourne are joined by David Singh to discuss his feature on Spencer Horwitz and prospects who have stood out. Afterwards, Sho and Nick discuss free agents they would like to see the front office target (25:35).
Guest hosts Sho Alli and Nick Ashbourne recap the win over the Red Sox, Kevin Gausman’s season and Alejandro Kirk’s future. Afterwards, Mike Petriello dives into the playoff races and the evolution of winning postseason games (27:39).
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 6-1 win over the Red Sox to salvage the series with a victory, as they play spoiler to eliminate Boston from the postseason chase down the home stretch! They take your calls, and get to the quality start from Kevin Gausman - how good was it for Gausman to end the year on a high note? They also chat about Alejandro Kirk notching three hits and three RBI, Jonatan Clase banging his first career MLB home run, and hear from Gausman in his final post-game availability of the season.
Guest hosts Sho Alli and Julia Kreuz recap the loss to Red Sox and Bowden Francis’ historic ending to 2024. They also revisit their bold takes from early in the season. Afterwards, Patrick Dubuque pops by to talk Yankees, the AL MVP Race and look at some of the MLB Playoff Races (28:07).
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 6-5 extra-innings loss vs. the Red Sox in Toronto. They take your calls, and get right to the play of the bullpen - is this loss all on them, or does the defence wear it as well? Which relievers currently on the team do you want back in 2025? They also chat about Bowden Francis wrapping up his season with five innings of no runs allowed - why was he taken out so early, and what's the expectation for him next year?
Blake Murphy is joined by Jonah Birenbaum to recap the loss to the Red Sox and predict who will be on the 2025 roster. Afterwards, Jen McCaffrey (25:34) addresses what the Red Sox must change to make the postseason next year. Finally, Chris Black stops by to say farewell to a co-worker and the Blue Jays.
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 4-1 loss vs. the Red Sox to open the series vs. the Red Sox at the Rogers Centre. They take your calls and texts, and get to the outing from Chris Bassitt - was there something wrong with his mechanics to the point of seven walks? They also chat about the offence (or lack thereof), and get to the team's continuing inability to hit a fastball.
Blake Murphy is joined by Arden Zwelling to discuss Jonatan Clase’s debut weekend with the Blue Jays and the future of Ryan Burr with the organization. Afterwards, Davy Andrews explains what’s happened to the Twins and updates on the Red Sox (32:11).
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/
Sho Alli breaks down the Blue Jays' 3-2 loss vs. the Rays to drop the series at Tropicana Field in Florida. He takes your calls and texts, and gets to the outing from Yariel Rodríguez - is he going to be in the starting rotation, the bullpen, or Buffalo to start the 2025 season? He chats about Vladimir Guerrero Jr. setting a new career-high in hits with 191 - does he have a chance to get to 200 hits down the stretch before the season ends? Plus, Alejandro Kirk hit his first career triple - if the Jays go into next season with Kirk as their primary catcher, how important is the backup catcher position if Kirk continues his post-trade deadline production in 2025?
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 1-0 loss vs. the Rays to start the final road series of the year in Florida. They take your calls and get right to the outing from José Berríos, who gave up a solo home run over six innings of work - despite the loss, is he the most consistent Jays starter? Plus, they get to the quiet day for the offence, and also chat about the season debut for Jonatan Clase.
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.
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 4-0 shutout win over the Rangers to salvage the series with a win in Texas! They take your calls and texts, and get right to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. smoking two home runs to hit the 30 HR plateau - is this the best year of Vladdy's career, including 2021? They discuss the early exit for Kevin Gausman with lower back tightness - after hearing from the pitcher, is the team still worried about him making his final start of the year? Plus, they get into the Bo Bichette injury news, as he is out for the rest of the year after suffering a fractured right middle finger prior to Wednesday's game.
Blake Murphy is joined by Julia Kreuz to discuss another terrific outing by Bowden Francis. Erik Kratz (26:42) explains why Craig Kimbrel may have to re-invent himself after getting DFA’d and why he believes teams should celebrate clinching a playoff spot. Levi Weaver (51:10) touches on highly touted Rangers prospect Kumar Rocker and how the AL playoff picture is taking shape. In the final segment, Brendon Kuhn (1:17:11) resets where the Blue Jays stand heading into the offseason and what holes must be plugged.
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 2-0 loss vs. the Rangers to drop the series in Texas. They take your calls, and get right to Bowden Francis turning in a quality start despite the loss - did it matter in the end who the catcher was? They also debate some of Francis' post-game comments on the usage of his splitter, and whether or not he should be throwing harder in 2025. Plus, they discuss Cody Bradford shutting down the offence - is that just a continuation of the bats struggling against lefties?
Blake Murphy is joined by Keegan Matheson to discuss Daulton Varsho and Will Wagner’s seasons coming to an end. Jon Morosi (27:43) analyzes what we need to see from Bo Bichette down the stretch and the meaning of his comments regarding staying in Toronto. Chris Black (50:38) dives into Davis Schneider’s rollercoaster at the plate and Varsho’s Gold Glove chances. In the final segment, Vancouver Canadians manager Brent Lavallee (1:25:33) reflects on his team’s season after falling in the NWLCS final.
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 13-8 loss vs. the Rangers to kick off the three-game series in Texas. They take your calls, and discuss Chris Bassitt getting shelled in the fourth inning as well as the bullpen being largely unable to hold the score - is the bullpen really the biggest need the team has in 2025? Plus, they get to the return of Bo Bichette, and chat about Davis Schneider hitting a home run for the third straight game.
Blake Murphy is joined by Blue Jays radio voice Ben Shulman to discuss expectations for Bo Bichette and Bowden Francis in the remaining games. Former MLB player Tom Hackimer explains why he documented his recovery from Tommy John Surgery, along with his journey pitching in Mexico (29:45). MLB.com's Mike Petriello gives his take on 12 relief pitchers who could dominate during the playoffs, including Canada’s Cade Smith with the Guardians (52:40). In the final segment, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post analyzes the contenders in the American League and where they sit going into the postseason (01:15:50).
Blake Murphy is joined by Sportsnet's own Ben Nicholson-Smith to discuss Davis Schneider’s big weekend at the plate and what the starting rotation could look like next season. MLB writer Zach Crizer joins the show to discuss the favourite for NL Rookie of the Year in a stacked class (31:22). Later on, Kiri Oler of FanGraphs explains the similarities between microwave burritos and some hitters in the postseason (51:07). In the final segment, FanGraphs' Leo Morgenstern looks at the results of his research on MLB players who make the least of their speed (01:15:07).
Sho Alli and Nick Ashbourne break down the Blue Jays' 3-2 win over the Cardinals to complete the series sweep at the Rogers Centre! They take your calls and texts, and get to the 4.1 IP from Yariel Rodríguez - after allowing only one earned run in a short start, what is the plan for him going forward? They discuss big days for Davis Schneider and Nathan Lukes - has Schneider found some timing after blasting his second home run in as many days? What is the future for Lukes, who delivered the game-winning RBI double in the eighth inning? Afterwards, they get to Leo Jiménez, who made a terrific diving stop - where on the team should he be in 2025 if Bo Bichette does return? Plus, more Blue Jays giveaways!
Sho Alli and Daniele Franceschi break down the Blue Jays' 7-2 win over the Cardinals to take the series in Toronto! They take your calls and texts, and get to José Berríos allowing just one earned run over seven innings of work - has he become the team's most consistent starter? They chat about Davis Schneider rocking a home run amidst a three-hit day - if Leo Jiménez and Joey Loperfido are out for any amount of time, can Schneider keep it up if he plays more? Plus, they get to Bo Bichette's place on the team as he continues his rehab assignment with the Bisons, and also throw out a trivia question for a Blue Jays giveaway!
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 4-3 walk-off win vs. the Cardinals in extra innings! They take your calls, and get right to the extra inning work from both Alejandro Kirk and the bullpen - how has Kirk looked better since getting more playing time post-trade deadline? How was the bullpen able to lock it down in extras? They also discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - was that perhaps the best defensive work of his career at both 1B and 3B? Plus, Kevin Gausman bounced back after a tough first inning to wrap up seven innings of two-run ball - how important was that extra day of rest?
