Blue Jays Talk
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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?
Blake Murphy is joined by Keegan Matheson to discuss Bowden Francis’ late-season surge and what he wants to see from Bo Bichette once he returns. Jon Becker discusses Kumar Rocker’s excellent debut for the Rangers and takes a quick look at 2025 free agency. David Singh discusses his insider story on Arjun Nimmala and why Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor believes he is a star in the making (26:58). Esteban Rivera details the Juan Soto experience in a contract year and Matt Chapman surprisingly stealing 15 bases so far this season (57:30). In the final segment, Katie Woo provides the state of the St. Louis Cardinals ahead of their weekend series vs. the Blue Jays and why Thomas Saggesse is an intriguing prospect (1:16:44).
Blake Murphy is joined by Kaitlyn McGrath to break down Bowden Francis’ once again having a no-hitter end in the ninth inning. Jordan Shusterman (28:44) weighs in on the potential of Francis and checks in on the AL and NL Playoff Races. Geoff Pontes (51:06) updates on the status of several prospects in the Blue Jays farm including RJ Schrek and Charles McAdoo. In the final segment, David Roth discusses the rollercoaster ride of the Mets’ season (1:20:23).
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 6-2 loss vs. the Mets to drop the series in Toronto. They take your calls and texts, and get right to Bowden Francis once again taking a no-hitter into the ninth inning before Francisco Lindor broke it up with a solo home run. Given the bullpen meltdown that followed, was it wrong of the team to take Francis out of the game despite his pitch count hitting 111? They discuss Francis' place in the 2025 starting rotation, the recent poor outings for Chad Green, and what areas of improvement the Jays need to focus on going into next year.
Blake Murphy is joined by Sportsnet's Blue Jays TV play-by-play voice, Dan Shulman, to discuss Davis Schneider finally delivering at the plate and Spencer Horwitz’s role with the team next season. Ben Clemens of FanGraphs breaks down the chances Shohei Ohtani can become the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases (26:08). Later on, ESPN's Kiley McDaniel explains why he ranked the Blue Jays’ core 24th in the MLB (51:13). In the final segment, Deesha Thosar of FOX Sports discusses Francisco Lindor pacing the Mets into the NL Playoff race and the Yankees calling up Jasson Domínguez (01:20:06).
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 6-2 vs. the Mets to even the series at one game apiece! They take your calls and discuss the offence breaking through after a stretch of low-scoring games - what's behind the push from the lower half of the batting order? They discuss Davis Schneider's two-run triple - after a tough stretch, how good would that feel for him? Plus, they chat about Chris Bassitt, who notched eight strikeouts over six innings of one-run ball - how important is it for him (and the rest of the starters) to finish the season strong?
Blake Murphy is joined by Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith to discuss the costly errors in Monday night's loss to the Mets and Spencer Horwitz demonstrating power at the plate. Next up, ESPN's Jorge Castillo touches on Jasson Domínguez and his impactful night for the Yankees (30:25). Later, Tim Britton of The Athletic explains what’s changed for the Mets amidst their 10-1 stretch (50:32). In the final segment, FanGraphs' Meg Rowley gives her take on Jerry Dipoto getting extended by the Mariners (01:15:14).
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 3-2 loss vs. the Mets to open the three-game series in Toronto. They take your calls and get to the wild pitch/passed ball in the top of the eighth inning - how much of that is on Brian Serven and how much is on Tommy Nance? They get into the offence only scratching out two runs - what's behind the offensive power outage? They chat Vladimir Guerrero Jr. fouling some balls off his foot, and get into the earlier news that Bo Bichette wants to stay in Toronto.
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).
Sho Alli and Jesse Rubinoff break down the Blue Jays' 4-3 walk-off loss vs. the Braves to lose the series in Atlanta. They take your calls and texts, and get right to the sloppy play in the ninth inning and in extras as well - is that simply chalked up to growing pains from an inexperienced squad? Should John Schneider have pushed different buttons when it comes to pinch-hit opportunities or bullpen arms? They also discuss Spencer Horwitz smashing his third home run in two days - what is his role in 2025 now that second base seems to be in the rearview for him? Plus, they chat about Yariel Rodríguez going five innings allowing just one earned run - how important is that for him as the 2024 season begins to wind down?
Sho Alli and Daniele Franceschi break down the Blue Jays' 9-5 win over the Braves to even the series at one game apiece! They take your texts, and get right to the massive four-hit night from Spencer Horwitz that included two home runs - with his time at second base seemingly over, what is the right spot for Horwitz on next year's roster? They also discuss three hits from both Will Wagner and Nathan Lukes - at 30 years old, will Lukes be on the team in 2025? Could Wagner fill a role at second base despite the small sample size? Plus, they get to six innings of one-run ball from José Berríos - can he get to 100 career wins by the end of the season?
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 3-1 loss vs. the Braves to open the three-game series in Atlanta. They take your calls, and get right to Kevin Gausman, who did let up three runs in the second inning, but still bounced back for a quality start over six innings of work. Despite the loss, is he starting to more consistently turn his individual season around? They also discuss Nathan Lukes, who continues to play well, and discuss the bats largely going silent against Max Fried.
Blake Murphy is joined by theScore's Jonah Birenbaum to discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s season and how he compares to other Blue Jays greats. Ben Ingram, Braves radio voice, touches on the Atlanta's biggest flaw accompanying a strong pitching staff (36:17). Jay Jaffe, FanGraphs senior writer, discusses Aaron Boone’s curious decision to close the door on Jasson Domínguez (50:40). Later on, Bisons’ infielder Damiano Palmegiani talks about the keys to his hitting success and what he learned from fellow Canadian Joey Votto while they were teammates (01:08:00). In the final segment, Chris Rose, host of and, shares his take on the Yankees, Royals and Corbin Carroll’s turnaround (01:20:15)
Blake Murphy is joined by Keegan Matheson of MLB.com to recap Bowden Francis delivering another quality start against a tough Phillies lineup and Daulton Varsho finding his stride at the plate. Rob Friedman a.k.a. "Pitching Ninja" touches on Chris Sale, Shota Imanaga dealing seven no-hit innings against the Pirates, and Francis’ stellar stuff (30:15). Later, MLB Network's Jon Morosi discusses Francisco Lindor potentially pushing Shohei Ohtani on NL MVP, Vladimir Guerrero’s extension, and the free agent market beyond Juan Soto (50:38). In the final segment, ESPN's Jesse Rogers dishes on the Cubs’ combined no-hitter, what went wrong for the Rangers this year, and the response to his piece on the idea of a six-inning minimum for starting pitchers (01:15:20).
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 4-2 loss vs. the Phillies to drop both games of the two-game mini-series at the Rogers Centre. They take your calls and texts, and get to the outing from Bowden Francis - he did give up three earned runs, including a home run to Kyle Schwarber, but still turned into a quality start. How important is that for Francis going forward? Plus, they discuss a variety of issues, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. staying hot, which of the young players will be on the team in 2025, and what they look forward to over the next month of games.
Blake Murphy is joined off the top by Sportsnet's Madison Shipman to talk about Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s swing and the Blue Jays' bullpen collapsing once again against the Phillies. Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer discusses Kyle Schwarber, Phillies hitting coach Kevin Long, and Philadelphia's chances heading into the playoffs (29:35). Later on, FanGraphs' Paul Sporer marvels over Bowden Francis’ impressive stretch and Astros pitcher Spencer Arrighetti (50:30). In the final segment, Michael Baumann of FanGraphs provides his thoughts on Shohei Ohtani’s return to the Angels, along with the state of the Yankees and Phillies (01:16:55).
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 10-9 loss vs. the Phillies at the Rogers Centre. They take your texts, and get right to Chad Green giving up the third of three Kyle Schwarber home runs - what is Green's role in the bullpen in 2025? Is it as a bonafide closer? They discuss the offensive production in the first inning, including massive home runs from Addison Barger and Daulton Varsho - what has Varsho done lately to tweak his productivity at the plate? Plus, they get to the outing from Chris Bassitt, who allowed ten hits and four runs over 5.1 IP - is that just a result of playing a World Series contender in Philadelphia?
Blake Murphy kicks off the week with Julia Kreuz of MLB.com to discuss Luis De Los Santos and LHP Brandon Eisert getting the call-up to the big club. Philadelphia's finest Adam Aaronson updates us on the Phillies ahead of this week's two-game set vs. Toronto (26:05). Next up, Jake Mintz of Céspedes Family BBQ talks about the NL MVP race and some of the most intriguing division races around the league (47:42). Later on, theScore's Travis Sawchik provides his take on the state of the Blue Jays and where they need upgrades heading into 2025 (01:10:22). Finally, Blue Jays Director of Promotions Jess Wood shares what events are coming up this month Rogers Centre (01:29:47).
