At The Letters - podcast cover

At The Letters

Ben Nicholson-Smith is Sportsnet’s baseball editor. Arden Zwelling is a senior writer. Together, they bring you the most in-depth Blue Jays podcast in the league, covering off all the latest news with opinion and analysis, as well as interviews with other insiders and people around the team.
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Episodes

Deadline Guidelines

At this rate, the Blue Jays are likely to be summer buyers. Arden and Ben discuss what pitching the Jays will need (01:31) before wondering about offensive upgrades (27:49) and the role of this front office (40:33). 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: MLB.com The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily...

Jun 26, 202557 min

Still Positioned Well

Despite a sweep in Philly, the Blue Jays are in a good spot. Arden and Ben discuss what the Rafael Devers trade means (14:18) before turning to manager John Schneider (41:17) and some pitching questions (47:18). 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: MLB.com The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily ref...

Jun 18, 20251 hr 4 min

Rolling Into Playoff Position

Thanks to some big swings, the Blue Jays are playing their best baseball yet (00:35). Arden and Ben break down the success of Kirk and Clase (02:52) before discussing what to do with Bowden Francis & the rotation (28:15). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: MLB.com The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not n...

Jun 11, 202556 min

The Bats Break Out

After a convincing sweep of the A’s, the Blue Jays are finally rolling (00:20). Arden and Ben discuss the Addison Barger breakout (17:51) and wonder what the future holds for the fifth rotation spot (56:50). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate....

Jun 04, 20251 hr 6 min

Questions & Answers

On this week’s episode, Ben answers a wide range of listener questions about the 2025 trade deadline (03:54), what’s ahead for some prominent prospects (13:33), and Bo Bichette’s future (34:37). Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: MLB.com The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

May 28, 202545 min

Time to Step Up

The Blue Jays aren’t gaining ground in the standings (00:37) so Arden and Ben look closely at Anthony Santander’s struggles (24:37) before checking in on some other off-season moves (37:40). Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: MLB.com The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

May 21, 202557 min

Holding Their Own

This week Arden and Ben start with a big-picture check in on the Blue Jays (00:19) before discussing Jeff Hoffman’s struggles (32:08) and the state of the starting rotation (1:02:29). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: MLB.com The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers ...

May 15, 20251 hr 10 min

In Search of a Spark

With the Blue Jays back in Toronto, Ben looks closely at Kevin Gausman’s 53-pitch inning ((04:36), wonders about the team’s rotation depth (19:11) and gives Arjun Nimmala some credit (22:41). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: MLB.com The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of...

Apr 30, 202526 min

The Power Hungry Jays

The Blue Jays aren’t hitting, and it’s costing them in the standings (00:29). Ben and Arden wonder about possible solutions for the offence (29:22) and what’s next for the Jays’ rotation (50:24). Additional audio from MLB.com. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the...

Apr 25, 20251 hr 14 min

Building Momentum

After a strong week for the Jays, Ben and Arden discuss their starting rotation (07:00), give the bullpen some credit (19:24) and wonder whether this lineup can succeed without tons of homers (33:27). Additional audio from MLB.com. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflec...

Apr 18, 20251 hr 8 min

A Blue Jay for Life

Ben and Arden break down Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s extension and what it means on the field (00:28) and for the team’s future direction (29:14). Plus, a discussion about the team’s tough series against the Mets (52:30). Additional audio from MLB.com. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not n...

Apr 08, 20251 hr 7 min

Off to a Hot Start

A 5-2 start wouldn’t have been possible without some impressive hitting (02:40). Plus, Ben and Arden look at how the Jays can fill in for Max Scherzer (30:49) and discuss the much-improved bullpen (46:25). Additional audio from MLB.com Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily re...

Apr 04, 20251 hr 3 min

Renewed Hope for the Jays

A new season means hope for the Blue Jays (01:17) and a newly finalized roster (07:50). Plus, Arden and Ben break down the Alejandro Kirk deal (31:00) and revisit the Vladimir Guerrero Jr. discussion (43:56). Additional audio from MLB.com. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessaril...

Mar 25, 20251 hr 3 min

Spring Questions

Questions around Max Scherzer are impacting the Blue Jays’ pitching staff (01:05). Plus, Arden and Ben look ahead at the Blue Jays’ bench (24:02) and discuss 2025 expectations for George Springer (54:58). Additional audio from MLB.com. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily re...

Mar 19, 20251 hr 4 min

New Beginnings

First, some further intrigue on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1:20). Next, Arden and Ben have lots to discuss from Dunedin, Fla. including some possible strengths and weaknesses of the 2025 team (11:30). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Sho Alli and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: MLB.com, Sportsnet The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the p...

Mar 08, 202548 min

No Deal for Vlad Jr.

So much for a potential deal with Vlad Guerrero Jr. this week. Arden and Ben look at the fallout for both the team (00:54) and the player (37:02) following negotiations that didn’t result in an extension. Additional audio from MLB.com. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily re...

Feb 20, 20251 hr 15 min

Extension or Bust

The stakes are high for the Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. this week (00:21). Ben and Arden look at how negotiations could unfold (15:32) and dive deep on the potential risks and benefits for both sides (59:09). Additional audio from MLB.com. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not ne...

Feb 11, 20251 hr 15 min

Making Moves

Arden and Ben begin with a look at the Blue Jays’ new roster. Is it good enough to contend? (00:22) Plus, breaking down the Rōki Sasaki pursuit (40:59) and a closer look at Anthony Santander and Max Scherzer (1:28:15). Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the positio...

Feb 07, 20251 hr 51 min

What's Next for the Blue Jays?

The Blue Jays have made one big trade, but they still have significant needs. Ben and Arden discuss the Jays’ strategy (3:50), a possible Vlad Jr. extension (54:02) and what the deal for Andrés Giménez means (1:09:03). Additional audio from MLB.com. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not ...

Dec 18, 20241 hr 37 min

Building Back Up

With the off-season ramping up, Ben and Arden wonder how the Blue Jays can get better. Juan Soto? (02:15) A frontline starting pitcher? (38:17) Or some under-the-radar moves? (48:46) This episode of ATL covers all angles. Additional audio from MLB.com Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do no...

Nov 27, 20241 hr 22 min

Into the Off-Season

Following the Blue Jays’ season-ending press conference, Ben offers his rapid-fire thoughts on the messaging from the front office (01:26), how to measure success for the Jays (12:36) and how they’ll approach free agency (17:39). Additional audio from MLB.com Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests a...

Oct 04, 202433 min

And, That’s a Wrap

The ‘24 season’s all but in the books, so Arden and Ben go big picture and look at some major September developments (06:36), the Jays’ pitching development (30:28) and which of their predictions went wrong (46:19). Additional audio from MLB.com Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not nece...

Sep 27, 20241 hr 14 min

Peak Bowden Francis

This week, Shi Davidi joins Ben to discuss the emergence of Bowden Francis (00:40), the big-picture questions facing the Blue Jays this winter (28:56), and how to fix the Toronto bullpen (1:07:34). Additional audio from MLB.com. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the p...

Sep 13, 20241 hr 19 min

Shooting the Breeze

This week, Sam McKee joins Ben to discuss the biggest Blue Jays storylines including next steps for the front office (12:19), a possible Vlad Guerrero Jr. extension (26:30), and Bo Bichette’s future in Toronto (49:36). Additional audio from MLB.com. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Sam McKee. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not neces...

Sep 06, 20241 hr 1 min

Summer Storylines

This week, Ben and Arden start with a discussion about the starting rotation – including Chris Bassitt’s comments (8:00). Plus, what’s next for Joey Votto (34:30) and a look at Vlad Guerrero Jr.’s growing leverage (47:20). Additional audio from the Chris Rose Rotation Podcast, Sportsnet, Sportsnet 590 The FAN. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Sho Alli and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. The views and opinions expressed in th...

Aug 21, 20241 hr 7 min

The New-Look Jays

A new-look Blue Jays team is emerging. Arden and Ben start with a look at new hitters like Will Wagner (05:39) before putting Vlad Guerrero Jr.’s season in perspective (31:39) and discussing next steps for veteran pitchers (47:22). Additional audio from MLB.com. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guest...

Aug 15, 20241 hr 12 min

A Wild Deadline for the Jays

After eight deadline deals, Arden and Ben have a lot to discuss. They start with a look at who the Blue Jays got (11:55), before asking whether they could have done even more (32:31) and establishing realistic expectations (41:35). Additional audio from MLB.com. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guest...

Aug 02, 20241 hr 15 min

On Deadline

With less than a week remaining before the trade deadline, Arden and Ben discuss the Blue Jays’ approach to trades (00:20) and the status of GM Ross Atkins (15:12). Plus, a player-by-player look at who could move (26:18). Additional audio from MLB.com. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do n...

Jul 25, 202455 min

Rough Drafts

This week, we zoom out a bit as Ben wonders: have the Blue Jays drafted well? Bo Bichette was a great pick (02:14) but since then, the Blue Jays have struggled (09:52) and the repercussions have been massive (21:00). Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Additional audio from MLB.com. This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect t...

Jul 11, 202436 min

Setting Summer Strategy

It’s time to set a summer strategy. Ben and Arden start by discussing the Blue Jays’ best approach to the trade deadline (4:46) before touching on some issues in the bullpen (28:10) and what’s next for Bo Bichette (40:59). Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Additional audio from Sportsnet & Sportsnet 590 The FAN This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Sho Alli and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the h...

Jul 03, 20241 hr 1 min
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