The FAN Pregame

Arden Zwelling, MLB columnist for Sportsnet.ca and co-host of the At The Letters podcast, stops by to discuss Teoscar Hernandez’s struggles since returning from the IL, Danny Jansen’s renewed confidence at the plate, and Gabriel Moreno’s timeline for a potential big league call up. Afterwards, Cassie Campbell-Pascall, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and current Sportsnet and ESPN analyst,  joins JD...

Joaquin Gage, former NHL goalie and co-host of the 2 Guys and a Goalie podcast, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss the Oilers' Game 4 win over the Flames, Edmonton squandering a 3-0 lead, Mike Smith’s viral gaffe, Jacob Markstrom’s regression after an outstanding first round against Dallas, and Connor McDavid’s dominance throughout the post-season. Later, the team tees up the betting lines for...

Jeff Blair, co-host of Blair and Barker and Jays Talk, joins the show to discuss the Blue Jays' offence erupting for 8 runs in St. Louis on Tuesday, the team’s ongoing struggles with runners in scoring position, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s improved approach at the plate last night, his head-to-head matchup against Shohei Ohtani on Thursday, and Charlie Montoyo’s job security. Afterwards, JD, Blake and...

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Oilers’ 5-3 win over the Flames on Tuesday, Mike Smith’s viral moment after surrendering a goal to Rasmus Andersson from the opposing blue line, the Blue Jays’ bats coming alive against the Cardinals, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ending his 15-game homer-less slump. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (35:53)! The views and opinions expressed in thi...

Justin Bourne, co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss Mark Giordano’s team-friendly extension, his role heading into next season, potential trade chips on the blue line, Tampa’s sweep of the Florida Panthers, and Connor McDavid’s brilliance during the playoffs. Later, the team heads back to the text line to field more comments and questions from listeners (34:14). ...

Carlos Pena, former MLB first baseman and current MLB Network analyst, joins the show to discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s recent struggles at the plate, the role of a hitting coach at the big league level, and his personal experience overcoming slumps during his playing career. Later, JD, Blake and Ailish tee up the betting lines for tonight’s Blue Jays-Cardinals game and assemble their daily Wake...

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss Connor McDavid imposing his will on the Flames, the definitive gap between McDavid and Auston Matthews, and Evander Kane’s redemptive post-season run. Then, the crew chimes in on the Dallas Mavericks’ roster construction and need for a secondary star and the fallout from Nazem Kadri’s collision with Jordan Binnington (16:40). Later, the team heads to the text line to f...

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Blue Jays’ 7-3 loss to the Cardinals on Monday, the team's ongoing offensive woes, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s extended dry spell at the plate, Charlie Montoyo’s management of the bullpen, and his decision to pull Alek Manoah after eight innings on Saturday. Afterwards, the crew weighs in on Mark Giordano signing a two-year extension with the Maple Leafs, his willingne...

Blue Jays play-by-play voice Dan Shulman stops by to discuss how opposing teams have adjusted their approach against Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Joey Votto’s level of resonance with Canadian baseball fans, his Hall of Fame candidacy, and why this weekend’s matchup against Cincinnati could be a trap series for the Blue Jays. Later, Colby Armstrong, former NHL forward and current Sportsnet analyst, joins...

Mike Commodore, former NHL defenceman, 2006 Stanley Cup champion, and current hockey analyst for Sportsnet 960, joins the show to discuss the unique intensity and aura that comes with playing in the Battle of Alberta, Calgary’s wild Game 1 win over Edmonton, the pressure and excitement that stems from playing in a Canadian market, and why Leafs fans should remain optimistic about the team’s future...

Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Drive Time, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss Joey Votto’s legacy and his place in Canadian baseball lore, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s lack of production despite his current 15-game hitting streak, concerns about the Blue Jays’ bullpen depth, and Tiger Woods’ struggles on Day 1 of the PGA Championship. Later, the team weighs in on the Celtics’ Game 2 win over the Heat...

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the level of urgency for the Blue Jays heading into their weekend series against the Reds and whether the Jays can capitalize on a golden opportunity to ignite their offence. Afterwards, the team chimes in on the Lightning claiming a 2-0 series lead over the Florida Panthers and the contrast in tone between Bruins President Cam Neely during his season-ending address an...

David Samson, former MLB executive and host of the Nothing Personal podcast, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss why Juan Soto isn't a likely trade candidate for the Blue Jays, how MLB front offices typically determine when to explore the trade market, potential left-handed bats that could become available this summer, and MLB's deadened ball theory. Later, the team breaks into a spirited debate...

Ben Nicholson-Smith, MLB editor for Sportsnet and co-host of the At The Letters podcast, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss the Blue Jays’ early-season offensive woes, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s recent dip in extra-base hits, Teoscar Hernandez’s struggles since returning to the lineup, Juan Soto’s trade value around baseball, and the absence of swing-and-miss ability in the Jays’ bullpen. Afterwar...

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Flames’ 9-6 win over the Oilers in Game 1 of their much-anticipated second round series, the lack of defensive structure from both teams, and the overall sloppiness in the game. Joe House, host of The Ringer's Fairway Rollin’ podcast, joins the show to chat about the PGA Championship, Tiger Woods’ chances this week at Southern Hills, Phil Mickelson’s continued abse...

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss ESPN’s Buster Olney reporting that the Blue Jays might be interested in trading for Juan Soto, the organization’s continued desire to supplement their lineup with a quality left-handed bat, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s lack of meaningful production despite his career-best 15-game hit streak. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (31:47)! The views and o...

Justin Bourne, co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, joins JD, Blake and Ailish for the hour to discuss the disconnect between the Leafs’ front office and the fan base, the sense of apathy that was displayed by Brendan Shanahan and Kyle Dubas during yesterday’s season-ending press conference, and the notion that this year’s playoff exit was “different.” Later, the crew weighs in on how Dubas should ap...

Caleb Joseph, former MLB catcher and current Blue Jays radio analyst, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss Jose Berrios’ effective use of his two-seam fastball on Tuesday night, the unique deception on his pitches, Alejandro Kirk’s improvement as a game-caller behind the dish, Yusei Kikuchi’s refined arsenal, and how Pete Walker’s work with Robbie Ray has influenced Kikuchi’s growth this season....

JD, Blake and Ailish weigh in on the Blue Jays’ 3-0 shutout win over the Mariners on Tuesday, Jose Berrios notching his best outing of the season, Alejandro Kirk’s improved skill set behind the plate, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s current home run drought. Sean McIndoe, senior NHL writer for The Athletic and founder of Down Goes Brown, joins the show to discuss his cathartic post-mortem piece on the...

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss their takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ season-ending exit interviews, the messaging from Brendan Shanahan and Kyle Dubas, and the prevailing sentiment about how the team will navigate this off-season. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (32:46)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily r...

Steve Dangle, hockey YouTuber and host of The Steve Dangle Podcast, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to share his thoughts on if the Leafs should run it back next season, William Nylander being a possible trade chip this summer, Jack Campbell’s free agency situation, and whether Kyle Dubas will alter his roster-building philosophy. Later, the team heads back to the text line to field more comments from...

Jake Arrieta, former Cy Young Award winner, 2016 World Series champion, and co-host of the Starting 9 podcast, joins the show to discuss his foray into the media world, his experience being teammates with Kevin Gausman in Baltimore and his emergence as an ace, the characteristics that make a great pitching coach, and why he’s confident the Blue Jays will be firmly entrenched in the AL playoff pict...

Sportsnet hockey reporter Luke Fox stops by to discuss his biggest curiosities heading into today’s Maple Leafs season-ending media availabilities, questions about the team’s roster construction, Kyle Dubas’ loyalty to Sheldon Keefe, and why this organization should be judged on the basis of competing for a championship and not simply winning a playoff round. Later, JD, Blake and Ailish head to th...

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Blue Jays’ 6-2 win over the Mariners on Monday, Yusei Kikuchi delivering another effective start, Pete Walker’s influence on Kikuchi’s improved mechanics, and the Blue Jays’ injury-plagued bullpen. Afterwards, with the help of some truth serum, the team chats about what questions they would like to have answered during today's Maple Leafs exit interviews. (27:48)....

Elliotte Friedman, NHL Insider for Sportsnet and co-host of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss the consternation among Leaf fans following another first round playoff exit, John Tavares' role heading into next season, the possibility of Mitch Marner moving over to the centre position, the likelihood of Kyle Dubas returning as GM for at least one more year, Justin Holl...