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

The Final Push

The Blue Jays need a strong final month to make the playoffs (00:30) but they’re still not hitting as well as you’d expect (19:58). Plus, Arden and Ben break down the pros and cons of expanded rosters (25:57), a surprising pitching staff (31:13) and some recent additions to the outfield mix (50:03). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: Sportsnet The views and opin...

Sep 03, 202157 minEp. 92

It’s Slipping Away

The painful losses keep coming for the Blue Jays so Ben and guest host Nick Ashbourne attempt to understand what’s happening (01:37) before having a discussion about blame (18:28). Plus, dream destinations for a home series (25:00), the ups and downs of Kirk (30:24) and a discussion about free agency (42:18). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: Sportsnet The views and opinions expr...

Aug 26, 202153 minEp. 91

A Trip To Forget

A bad road trip cost the Blue Jays in the standings (00:46) and the bullpen’s just not inspiring much trust (6:18). Arden and Ben break down what it means for the Jays before discussing the implications of the Springer injury (22:46), appreciating Teoscar’s hot streak (33:22) and taking stock of some new arrivals (41:17). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Andrew Norton and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca The views and opinion...

Aug 20, 202148 minEp. 90

Feeling Them Good Vibes

What a homestand for the Blue Jays! Not only are the Jays finally enjoying fan support (4:25), a fully healthy George Springer is helping them gain all kinds of ground in the AL standings (18:25). Plus, the guys give credit to Marcus Semien (26:56) and breaking down the pitching staff (36:47). This episode is produced […]

Aug 10, 202152 minEp. 89

Blue Jays Go Bold

Quite a week for the Blue Jays. Not only are they back in Toronto (00:38) but they upgraded their roster at the deadline (05:38) trading top prospects for Jose Berrios. Plus, the guys reveal the winner of the Miller Lite Relief Catcher glove (32:56) and discussing who should play third base (44:24). This episode is […]

Aug 04, 202159 minEp. 88

It’s Crunch Time

The Blue Jays can be an incredibly frustrating team to watch. But there’s a lot of talent here. So with the deadline just days away, where does that leave the front office? This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: Sportsnet. The views and opinions expressed in […]

Jul 27, 202153 minEp. 87

Deadline Decisions

Not only are the Blue Jays coming back to Toronto, but the trade deadline is also just a week away. So what are the Blue Jays’ biggest needs right now? And which players would meet them best? Arden and Ben weigh in on all this and more. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Andrew Norton and […]

Jul 23, 202145 minEp. 86

How the Blue Jays will approach a busy three weeks

The Blue Jays have plenty on their plate this month: MLB’s draft, the trade deadline, a possible move to Toronto, and constant roster decisions as the club tries to keep up in the AL East race. Arden chats with Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi about the various fronts Toronto’s front office is currently working on (1:29). Then […]

Jul 09, 20211 hr 11 minEp. 85

Jays Kick Off Trade Season by Finally Addressing Bullpen

At long last, the Blue Jays acquired relief help. Arden and Ben give their takes on Adam Cimber, Corey Dickerson, and which moves the club should make next. Also, with Alejandro Kirk and Danny Jansen nearing returns, what should the Blue Jays do with the hot-hitting Reese McGuire? This episode is produced and sound engineered […]

Jul 01, 202155 minEp. 84

One month from deadline, Jays build some momentum

Finally, a win streak for the Blue Jays – not that they don’t still need help. Ben and Arden discuss the Jays’ deadline options, give the starting rotation some credit and look at some names to watch in the minors. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben […]

Jun 25, 202153 minEp. 83

As Vlad mashes, Jays’ bullpen questions persist

Vlad Guerrero Jr. keeps hitting home runs, but the Jays aren’t taking full advantage. Arden and Ben look ahead at possible trade targets for the bullpen and wonder what the Jays can do in the meantime. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Andrew Norton and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. Submit your questions, […]

Jun 17, 202147 minEp. 82

Thin Bullpen Creates High-Stress Moments for Jays

By now it’s clear: the Blue Jays’ bullpen is an issue. Ben and Arden make sense of the Jays’ existing options and look ahead at possible trades before delving into MLB’s sticky stuff controversy. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. Submit your questions, comments, and topic […]

Jun 11, 202157 minEp. 81

What’s in store this summer for the Blue Jays?

The Blue Jays are playing better, which leads to some interesting questions for Arden and Ben. Among them: what are this team’s deadline needs? Where does Manoah fit? And when could the Jays return to Toronto? Music Outro: The Ruddy Ruckus – Hold On My Love Listen to the full track here! This episode is […]

Jun 04, 202148 minEp. 80

After a tough week for Blue Jays, Manoah arrives

What does Alek Manoah’s arrival mean for the Blue Jays? And what do the team’s recent struggles tell us about what they’ll need this summer? Ben and Arden weigh in on that and also break down some key features of this Blue Jays team, from their new “home” in Buffalo to who is making or breaking expectations […]

May 28, 202158 minEp. 79

Jays Playing Well as Manoah Pushes for the Majors

One-quarter of the way through the season, the Blue Jays are in a good spot. Plus, when will Alek Manoah join them? And where would Ben and Arden place Vlad Jr. on their early-season MVP ballots? This episode is produced and sound engineered by Andrew Norton and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. Audio Credits: 920 […]

May 21, 202137 minEp. 78

Blue Jays Rolling as Offence Starts Picking Up

The Blue Jays are playing well – maybe surprisingly well. Arden and Ben take stock of the Blue Jays and wonder when top prospect Alek Manoah could join the roster. Music Outro: The Backstays – Forever Gold Bricks Listen to their latest album “Tributaries” here! This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted […]

May 14, 202156 minEp. 77

Brendan Gallagher: Canadiens winger & Jays super-fan

First, a check-in on Nate Pearson. Then, Montreal Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher joins Arden and Ben to talk about his love for the game of baseball, his Jays fandom and handling chirps from opposing fans. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Amil Delic, mixed by Andrew Norton and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Audio […]

May 11, 202127 minEp. 76

Injuries Create Intrigue, but Jays Keep Winning

George Springer and Alejandro Kirk are on the injured list, but the Blue Jays are still holding their own. Arden and Ben make sense of the latest around the Blue Jays and wonder which former Jay would help this team the most. Music Outro: Ormiston – Step from the Limelight Check out more of his […]

May 07, 202150 minEp. 75

As Springer Debuts, Vlad Jr.’s Breakout Continues

George Springer is back and Vlad Jr. is breaking out at the plate. What does it all mean? Ben and Arden take stock of the latest with the Jays before discussing some of their favourite players to watch league-wide. Music Outro: Tré Wes – Smell The Roses Listen to more music by Tré Wes here! […]

Apr 29, 202159 minEp. 74

Pitching Keeping Jays Afloat, But Bats Are Needed

How about this for a role reversal? The Blue Jays aren’t hitting but they lead the American League in ERA. Arden and Ben assess some early season performances and discuss the state of the team’s infield defence. Outro Music: Terell Safadi – Made For This Listen to more music by Terell Safadi here! This episode […]

Apr 23, 202153 minEp. 73

Vlad and Bo Helping Blue Jays Overcome Injuries

The injuries keep coming for the Blue Jays, but Vlad and Bo are doing more than their share to help the team compete. Arden and Ben take stock of all things Blue Jays, including the pitching staff and a promising rookie. Outro Music: Art d’Ecco – Head Rush Listen to the track here! This episode […]

Apr 16, 202143 minEp. 72

The Best (And Worst) Of The Blue Jays’ First Week

Some Blue Jays look unbelievable early on, while others are struggling mightily. Arden and Ben attempt to make sense of it all, discuss the Ross Atkins extension, and introduce the ‘Reese McGuire rule’ to ATL. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Matt Collins, and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. The views and opinions expressed […]

Apr 09, 20211 hr 4 minEp. 71

Annual Over/Unders for the 2021 Blue Jays

How many innings will Pearson pitch? How much WAR will Springer generate? And will we see Manoah in the majors? Our annual over/unders episode answers all the Blue Jays questions you never knew you even had. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Andrew Norton, and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. The views […]

Apr 01, 20211 hr 6 minEp. 70

From Here On It Counts For The 2021 Blue Jays

It’s now time for final decisions and roster moves. With opening day nearly here, Arden and Ben take stock of the Blue Jays’ roster and look ahead to the season-opening series in the Bronx. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Andrew Norton, mixed by Amil Delic, and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben […]

Mar 31, 202131 minEp. 69

Ross Stripling On Curveballs, Clayton And Confidence

Arden and Ben discuss the fallout from an eventful week at Blue Jays camp, including injuries of varying severity to Kirby Yates, George Springer, and Robbie Ray. Plus, Ross Stripling joins the guys to talk about his days with the Dodgers, how he’s developed his curveball, and MiLB’s new rules for the 2021 season. This […]

Mar 25, 20211 hr 5 minEp. 68

Manoah Impresses As Blue Jays’ Depth Gets Tested

Two pitching injuries in one week? That’s going to test the Blue Jays’ depth. Plus, Ben and Arden weigh in on further questions surrounding spring standouts Alejandro Kirk and Alek Manoah. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan, and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. The views and opinions expressed in […]

Mar 19, 20211 hr 3 minEp. 67

Separating Fact From Fiction With The Blue Jays

What really matters in spring training? And what should we ignore? After discussing the latest Blue Jays news, Ben and Arden attempt to separate fact from fiction on some pressing (and not-so-pressing) Jays-related topics. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan, and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Our video and […]

Mar 12, 202158 minEp. 66

Tough Questions For The Blue Jays On And Off The Field

On the field, Nate Pearson battles a groin strain. Off the field, some troubling allegations lead to questions for top Blue Jays execs. This week, Ben and Arden discuss those developments as well as some of the positives in Jays camp. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan, and hosted by Ben […]

Mar 05, 202158 minEp. 65

First Impressions Of The 2021 Blue Jays

Spring is here, and the Blue Jays seem optimistic about their chances. As the first full week winds down in Dunedin, Ben and Arden discuss their impressions of the team and look ahead at some potentially tough decisions. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan, and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Our […]

Feb 26, 20211 hr 9 minEp. 64

Spring Begins With High Expectations

Pitchers and catchers report to Dunedin Thursday and position players will be in camp next week, and the Blue Jays’ chances haven’t looked this good in years. This team’s still got lots of questions, though, so Arden and Ben break them all down with ATL’s 2021 spring training preview. This episode is produced and sound […]

Feb 17, 202155 minEp. 63
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