The FAN Pregame

Michael Lee stops by to chat about the officiating in the Raptors-Sixers series, Joel Embiid's diverse offensive repertoire, the enhanced scrutiny on James Harden this postseason, and the Raptors' lack of guard play through two games (1:20). Afterwards, James van Riemsdyk phones in to talk about the allure surrounding certain goal-scoring milestones, Auston Matthews' prolific offensive skillset, a...

Alvin Williams joins the show to discuss Joel Embiid’s dominance through the first two games of this series, the Sixers’ offensive efficiency, how the Raptors can shift momentum back in their favour on home court in Game 3, and the importance of showing composure despite concerns about officiating (0:33). Later, the team tees up the betting lines for tonight’s Blue Jays-Red Sox game and assemble t...

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss Fred VanVleet showing signs of fatigue after shouldering extensive minutes throughout the season and Nick Nurse exchanging words with Joel Embiid at the end of last night’s game (0:32) . Afterwards, the team heads to the text line to solicit feedback from Raptors fans. Later in the hour, the crew returns to the text line to field more questions and comments from listen...

JD and Blake discuss the Raptors’ Game 2 loss to the Sixers, the outcry from Raptors fans regarding the free throw disparity so far in the series, OG Anunoby’s encouraging production, the Raptors’ defensive struggles, the added offensive workload for Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet, and Joel Embiid posing matchup problems for the Raptors’ defence. Later, after a tech issue, Ailish rejoins the show...

Justin Bourne joins the show to discuss the possibility of Auston Matthews falling short of 60 goals, the importance of Pierre Engvall and Ilya Mikheyev, and which defenceman should claim the final spot on the Leafs’ playoff blue line (0:25). To wrap, David Thorpe weighs in on the Raptors’ Game 1 loss, how the team can cope with Scottie Barnes’ injury, Tyrese Maxey’s offensive explosion in the ser...

Stephen A. Smith joins the show to discuss how the Raptors’ Game 1 loss to the Sixers has reshaped his outlook on the series, Scottie Barnes’ standout rookie campaign and the impact of his absence from the lineup, the pressure facing James Harden, and Kyrie Irving’s animosity towards Celtics fans (1:26). Later, the team tees up the betting lines for tonight’s Raptors-Sixers game and assembles thei...

JD discusses his experience attending Sunday’s Leafs-Islanders game and the team weighs in on Auston Matthews’ pursuit of 60 goals as well as Pierre Engvall’s underrated play this season (0:33). Afterwards, the crew chats about the Blue Jays taking two of three games against the Athletics over the weekend, the abysmal strike zone during Saturday’s loss, and Ross Stripling taking Hyun-jin Ryu’s spo...

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Raptors’ Game 1 loss to the Sixers on Saturday, Toronto’s defensive warts, Scottie Barnes going down with an ankle injury, potential adjustments for Game 2, and the pressure facing Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam heading into tonight’s game. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (35:55).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those o...

Tim Bontemps checks in to discuss the potential ramifications facing the Sixers if they fail to advance past the first round, James Harden’s history of playoff disappointments, Pascal Siakam’s growth as a playmaker this season, and Fred VanVleet’s health heading into the playoffs (0:18). To wrap, Keith Law joins the show to chat about Gabriel Moreno’s skill set, his limited sample size in Triple-A...

William Lou discusses his confidence level heading into the Raptors’ opening-round series against the Sixers, the pressure on Philadelphia to have a lengthy playoff run, OG Anunoby’s reintegration into the lineup, and how the Raptors might defend Joel Embiid (0:50). Later, the team tees up the betting lines for tonight’s Blue Jays-Athletics game and assemble their daily Wake and Rake parlay (25:05...

Ben Nicholson-Smith joins the show to discuss the Blue Jays’ current injury woes, the significance of Teoscar Hernandez’s absence, the team’s lack of MLB-ready prospects in the minors, Gabriel Moreno’s development, Nate Pearson’s timeline for a potential return, and the team’s handling of Hyun-jin Ryu (0:30). Afterwards, Rick Vaive stops by to chat about Auston Matthews’ historic goal-scoring seas...

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Raptors garnering praise from national media ahead of their series against the 76ers and the viability of the NBA play-in tournament. Then, the team chats about the Blue Jays’ 3-0 loss to the Yankees, concerns about the team’s offensive depth, Kevin Gausman showcasing his devastating splitter, and Matt Chapman’s slow start (8:00). Afterwards, the crew chimes in on...

Dan Shulman joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s prolific offensive skill set, the Blue Jays facing early injury adversity, how Teoscar Hernandez’s absence impacts Guerrero’s protection in the lineup, Gabriel Moreno’s potential timeline for a Big League call up, and the team’s cautious approach with Hyun-jin Ryu (0:46). Later, Zach Lowe stops by to chat about what swayed h...

Kevin O’Connor joins the show to discuss Scottie Barnes’ Rookie of the Year resume, if the Raptors are currently ahead of schedule in their window of contention, Pascal Siakam’s growth as a playmaker, and the Brooklyn Nets’ chances of making a deep playoff run (0:37). Then, the team tees up the betting lines for tonight’s Blue Jays-Yankees series finale and Leafs-Capitals game, and assembles their...

Jeff Marek weighs in on Auston Matthews’ historic goal-scoring season, the diversity of Matthews’ offensive repertoire, and if Matthews can challenge Alex Ovechkin’s career goal-scoring output (0:22). Later, JD, Blake and Ailish discuss Clayton Kershaw getting pulled while pitching a perfect game on Wednesday and the Blue Jays shifting to a six-man rotation (27:39). The views and opinions expresse...

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s three-homer performance against the Yankees, Teoscar Hernandez exiting Wednesday’s game due to injury, Charlie Montoyo’s handling of the situation, how Hernandez’s absence impacts the outfield, concerns about the team’s bench depth, and Jose Berrios bouncing back after his rough outing on Opening Day. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of...

Colby Armstrong stops by to chat about Evgeni Malkin's recent suspension for his cross-check to the face of Mark Borowiecki, the fresh vibe surrounding this year's Leafs team, and how the team's style of play will translate to the postseason (0:24). Afterwards, Jimmy "Jomboy" O'Brien discusses Alek Manoah's successful track record against the Yankees, Jose Berrios' past struggles against the Yanke...

Nick Kypreos joins the show to discuss the Maple Leafs’ 5-2 loss to the Sabres on Tuesday, Auston Matthews’ pursuit of 60 goals, Michael Bunting’s offensive dry spell, and Matthew Knies’ reported desire to return to school (0:21). Afterwards, the team chats about the possibility of shifting William Nylander to the Leafs’ to line and the best line combinations for the postseason (21:56). Later, JD,...

Tim Leiper phones in to chat about Yusei Kikuchi’s Blue Jays debut, Teoscar Hernandez’s growth as an outfielder, Jose Berrios looking to bounce back after his rough outing on Opening Day, and the team’s current assortment of catchers (0:20). Later, JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Nets’ victory over Cleveland in the play-in tournament, their chances of making a title run, and the Clippers’ dwindli...

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss their first impressions of Yusei Kikuchi, the team’s compromised catching depth, and if Gabriel Moreno should be fast tracked to the Big Leagues. Afterwards, the team weighs in on the Maple Leafs’ 5-2 loss to the Sabres and Sheldon Keefe’s criticism of his team’s effort on Tuesday night (32:02). Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (37:24)!   The view...

Mark Feinsand phones in to chat about Alek Manoah's reputation around MLB, the Jays having one of the most feared lineups in baseball, and Aaron Judge's decision to turn down a long-term contact extension prior to the season (1:28). Later, the team heads to the text line to entertain more comments and questions from listeners (20:38). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of t...

Michael Grange stops by to chat about the Lakers' reported interest in pursuing Raptors head coach Nick Nurse, his latest piece on Pascal Siakam, and the Raptors' first-round playoff matchup against the Sixers (0:30). Afterwards, the group weighs in on Jack Campbell's latest injury concerns, tees up the betting lines for tonight's Leafs-Sabres game and Blue Jays-Yankees showdown, and assembles the...

Ben Ennis stops by to chat about Alek Manoah’s success since breaking into the Big Leagues, Alejandro Kirk being thrust into a prominent role with Danny Jansen headed to the IL, Gabriel Moreno’s potential timeline for a promotion to the Jays’ roster, and the distribution of playing time at second base (0:28). Later, the team heads to the text line to field comments and questions from listeners, in...

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss Alek Manoah’s impressive outing against the Yankees, his case for being the Blue Jays’ new ace, his increased changeup usage, Santiago Espinal’s hot start to the season, and Danny Jansen landing on the IL. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (34:11)!     The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not nec...

Justin Bourne joins the show to chat about Auston Matthews' impressive goal-scoring prowess, the versatility in his offensive repertoire, Timothy Liljegren being relegated to the press box, Ilya Lyubushkin's value on the blue line, and Matthews Knies' looming decision about joining the Maple Leafs or returning to Michigan (0:19). Later, Tim Micallef discusses his experience broadcasting from the f...