At The Letters

Just like that, we’re a week away from the trade deadline. Ben and guest host Shi Davidi start by discussing the Blue Jays’ options on the trade market (01:05) before going behind the scenes on deadline week (24:40) and discussing some Blue Jays-adjacent Hall of Fame candidates (37:17). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi...

All of a sudden, the Blue Jays are on a run. Arden and Ben start by discussing the Blue Jays’ pitching staff (04:17) before wondering what a Shohei Ohtani trade would mean for MLB (18:14) and examining the Blue Jays’ need for a bat (27:50). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us:  attheletters@sportsnet.ca Au...

As the Blue Jays approach the all-star break, Arden and Ben offer thoughts on the team’s first-half performance (00:17) and Alek Manoah’s impending return to the majors (16:03). Then, reimagining the all-star game (31:42) and a look at some potential trade deadline targets (47:20). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling....

This year’s deadline could go in a lot of different directions. Shi Davidi joins Ben at Rogers Centre to discuss the Jays at the halfway mark (1:00), Alek Manoah’s road back to the majors (14:10) and some possible deadline strategies (25:20). This podcast was recorded by Steven Coyle, sound engineered by Mike Rogerson and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi. Contact us:  attheletters@spor...

Much to the Blue Jays’ relief, Vlad Jr.’s hitting home runs again. Ben opens this mini-ATL with a look at what we learned from the A’s series (1:00) before touching on Vlad Jr.’s big weekend (10:30) and looking ahead at some names to watch at the trade deadline (16:35). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Mike Rogerson and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith. Contact us:  attheletters@sport...

This isn’t the way the Blue Jays would have drawn it up. Arden and Ben start by taking stock of where the Blue Jays stand in the wild card race (2:00) before looking at the impact of the team’s four-man rotation (9:45) and discussing what this means for their trade deadline plans (25:40). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Mike Rogerson and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwe...

Realistically, where do the Blue Jays fit in a stacked AL East? Arden and Ben begin this week’s podcast with a big-picture discussion on that theme (07:06). Then, a look at the final rotation spot (23:14) and a discussion about the Jays’ perplexing offence (39:39). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us:  att...

Who would have seen this coming a couple of months ago? Arden and Ben begin with a discussion about Alek Manoah’s demotion, of course (00:23). Then a look at where the Jays go from here (30:18) and show some appreciation for Jose Berrios (50:53). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling Contact us:  attheletters@sportsnet....

After a rough stretch, the Blue Jays may be building some momentum. First, Arden and Ben discuss Anthony Bass’s actions (0:30). Then a discussion about the Blue Jays’ depth (19:55) some appreciation for Nate Pearson (30:45) and a look at how some recent injuries are impacting the team (41:00). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Mike Rogerson and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arde...

After an up-and-down week, what now? First, Arden and Ben take stock of where the Jays fit in the AL East (00:21). Then a closer look at sluggers Vlad Guerrero Jr. and George Springer (28:15) and a look behind the scenes at what really happens when teams make roster moves (43:00). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling....

You can’t accuse the Blue Jays of being boring. First, Ben and Arden make sense of a wild Yankees series (00:23). Then a look at Vlad Guerrero Jr.’s importance to the team (29:50) and a discussion about what’s next for Alek Manoah (50:42). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca The...

First, the Blue Jays get swept, then they pull off a sweep of their own. Arden and Ben start by making sense of the unpredictable Jays (00:16) before turning to the team’s left-handed bats (16:55) and the remarkable contact skills of Bo Bichette (35:39). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us: attheletters@sp...

With the Blue Jays in the midst of a four-game series at Fenway Park, Arden and Ben discuss their evolving view of the Red Sox lineup (02:15), Bo Bichette turning a hot streak into a standard (13:20), and some slumping Toronto hitters (21:10). In the back half, the guys take a closer look at Toronto’s bullpen performance (32:52) and how leverage roles are shifting (39:26). This podcast is produced...

All of a sudden, the rotation is the least of the Blue Jays' worries. After a big-picture look at the team (00:24), Arden and Ben give the starting pitchers some credit (06:12). Then it's time to discuss Whit Merrifield (32:05) and what Vlad Guerrero Jr. thinks about the Yankees (55:56). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwe...

Three weeks in, there's a lot to discuss with the Jays. First, Arden and Ben discuss the starting rotation (05:10) with a close look at Alek Manoah (14:40). Then it's time to appreciate Matt Chapman (27:56) and wonder if there's enough production at the bottom of the order (44:40). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling....

The Blue Jays are back in Toronto – and the new guys are making a big impact. First, Ben and Arden discuss the impressive contributions of Kevin Kiermaier (04:54) and the early struggles of Brandon Belt (26:17). Then a discussion about Daulton Varsho (35:18) and a look at the starting rotation (45:31). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smit...

Well, that wasn't the start the Blue Jays wanted. First, Ben and Arden break down the level of concern around Jose Berrios (02:05) and Chris Bassitt (12:25). Then it's time for some early season surprises, both negative (24:40) and positive (31:32). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us:  attheletters@sports...

It's time to preview the 2023 Blue Jays. First, Ben and Arden take a look at the position players, bullpen and rotation (04:22). Then a look at some concerns in Jays camp (37:24) and some predictions on what's to come in the year ahead (1:01:33). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us:  attheletters@sportsnet...

First, a discussion about Jose Berrios following an encouraging bounce-back start (12:13). Plus, Ben and Arden break down the AL East race (36:37) and discuss some under-the-radar names who could end up helping the 2023 Blue Jays (47:15). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us:  attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audi...

As the WBC unfolds, Ben and Arden discuss what the tournament means for the Blue Jays, including Vlad Guerrero Jr. (01:39). Plus, breaking down a rough Jose Berrios start (19:29) and assessing Otto Lopez’s chances of making an impact with the 2023 Blue Jays (49:10). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us:  at...

First, a discussion about the year ahead for Blue Jays starters Alek Manoah, Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt (03:43). Then, Arden and Ben weigh in on Vlad Guerrero Jr.’s injury (29:11) and some potential breakouts on the 2023 Blue Jays (49:27). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us:  attheletters@sportsnet.c...

Arden and Ben are in Blue Jays camp, where the likes of Ricky Tiedemann, Jose Berrios and Yusei Kikuchi are impressing (6:00). Plus, a discussion about Cavan Biggio’s role (32:00) and a look at what the James Click hire means for the Jays (47:15). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Gaetan Harris and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us:  attheletters@sportsnet...

First, Arden and Ben discuss what to expect from Jose Berrios in 2023 (01:13). Then, a discussion about optimal lineup constriction (10:57) and a look at what Alejandro Kirk’s delayed arrival means (43:27). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us:  attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: Sportsnet The views a...

First, Ben and Arden break down the latest news from Jays camp (00:22). Also: a behind-the-scenes look at how breaking news works (27:22) and a discussion about MLB’s upcoming rule changes (41:59). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us:  attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: Sportsnet. The views and opini...

First, Arden and Ben break down the ramifications of the Bo Bichette extension (00:30). Then, some reflections from Arden on being around playoff teams (32:44) and a discussion about the best road cities in baseball (58:36). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Social media support was provided by Griffin Porter. Cont...