It’s been a tough month for the Blue Jays offence, but does that mean the club needs to make drastic changes or continue trusting the process? Ben and Arden react to a listener email wondering about a new voice on the coaching staff (01:20), dive into Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s struggles (16:55), note some standout performances from the club’s rotation (33:45), and discuss Danny Jansen’s pull-heavy approach (41:20). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Mike Rogerson and hosted by Arden ...
May 27, 2022•50 min
The Blue Jays still aren't hitting to their potential, but there's lots of intrigue around the team. This week, Arden and Ben discuss the Blue Jays offensive struggles despite recent wins (12:09), take a look at Vladimir Guerrero Jr's last couple of weeks (31:52), give Yusei Kikuchi some credit (41:31) and wonder if the bullpen needs more swing and miss (48:51). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us: atthe...
May 18, 2022•58 min
The Blue Jays have played roughly one-fifth of their season now. Thirty games in, Arden and Ben discuss the Jays' slow start at the plate (00:26) the top of their starting rotation (32:40) and some behind-the-scenes observations from an intense stretch of games (41:26). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts a...
May 11, 2022•50 min
It feels like every inning of this season has been tense, doesn't it? Arden and Ben discuss those early-season nail-biters (00:26) before looking at the Jays' slow-starting offence (15:08) and discussing an under-the-radar prospect (34:57). This episode 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 opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and g...
May 04, 2022•1 hr
Thanks to some impressive depth performances, the Blue Jays are off to the kind of hot start that has often eluded them in recent years (00:32). Arden and Ben wonder what aspects of their success are most sustainable (07:34) before looking at Yusei Kikuchi's slow start in more detail (43:50), and they discuss the historically low batting average we’ve seen to this point in the season across MLB (30:19). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-S...
Apr 28, 2022•52 min
Arden and Ben sit down with Kevin Gausman to talk about his path to the big leagues, being part of a history pennant race last season, his favourite pitchers growing up, how everything unravelled this off-season, when he began to develop his pitches including his splitter, why he was a fan of the Colorado Rockies, what he’s looking forward to this season, and why he loves yoga and pilates. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Amil Delic & Mike Rogerson, and hosted by Ben Nicholso...
Apr 22, 2022•34 min
The day has finally arrived! Arden and Ben give you their 2022 Blue Jays over/unders (23:30). But before they get into it, they open the podcast by discussing the latest news around the club (03:54), the injury we should be most concerned about (14:10), and they send their well wishes to Buck Martinez as he begins his cancer treatment. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio ...
Apr 19, 2022•59 min
One turn through the rotation, what have we learned about the Blue Jays? After discussing the Blue Jays' impressive defence (08:00) Arden and Ben take a look at the team's starting pitching (22:54) before taking stock of the catching mix without Danny Jansen (38:58). This episode 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 opinions expressed in this podcast ar...
Apr 14, 2022•51 min
Arden and Ben had the opportunity to sit down with Toronto starting pitcher Alek Manoah while they were in Dunedin for Spring Training. Manoah talked about his rookie season and facing adversity, what he worked on in the off-season, opening up his own gym, some of the challenges he faced growing up, his friendship with Hyun-jin Ryu and their love of good food. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Amil Delic, and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. Contact us: atthelette...
Apr 11, 2022•47 min
Arden and Ben are joined by Opening Day starter José Berríos who talks about being traded from Minnesota, the seven-year extension he signed this off-season, what makes Toronto special, when he realized he could be a big leaguer, finding a routine that works for him, and the importance of family. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Amil Delic, mixed by Mike Rogerson, and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: Sportsnet....
Apr 08, 2022•26 min
Ben joins from Dunedin to offer his observations from Blue Jays camp (01:08), before the guys weigh in on Gosuke Katoh cracking the opening day roster (03:24), the club’s acquisition of Zack Collins (08:16), a flurry of bullpen news (19:21), Charlie Montoyo’s extension (31:21), and how Toronto will look to manage player workload this season (47:29). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. Contact us: attheletters@sport...
Apr 06, 2022•54 min
On the last off day of the spring, Arden and Ben talk Blue Jays in Florida. After assessing, the state of the roster (00:01) the discussion turns to some under-the-radar bullpen candidates (13:00). And finally, an interview with Alejandro Kirk (31:00). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Amil Delic and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not n...
Mar 30, 2022•40 min
Arden and Ben are both in Florida for a busy edition of ATL. First, the consequences of Pete Walker’s arrest (2:00). Then a look at the Raimel Tapia acquisition (9:50), an interesting decision by some pre-arbitration eligible Jays (28:40) and upcoming renovations at Rogers Centre (41:10). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Amil Delic and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those...
Mar 27, 2022•58 min
A new third baseman changes the dynamic on the Blue Jays’ infield. Plus: Arden’s observations from Dunedin, Fla., what’s next for the Blue Jays after trading for Matt Chapman (01:23) and a look at some spring position battles in Jays camp (40:58). This episode 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 and Sportsnet. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of ...
Mar 23, 2022•52 min
Baseball is back and the Blue Jays are already making moves. First, a look at how the new CBA may impact the Jays (13:16). Then, Arden and Ben look at the addition of Yusei Kikuchi (29:03), anticipate what’s next for the Toronto front office (36:17) and discuss the return of Josh Donaldson to the AL East (54:43). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca The views and opinions expres...
Mar 15, 2022•1 hr 8 min
The new CBA will eventually have some major implications for the Blue Jays (18:00). Plus, Arden and Ben wonder how teams should now be strategizing (33:00), anticipate a wild post-lockout week and explore a parallel between Juan Soto and Vlad Jr. (50:00). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and d...
Feb 24, 2022•1 hr 4 min
With spring training likely to be delayed, Ben and Arden turn their attention to the Blue Jays’ top prospects. This week Ben Badler of Baseball America joins ATL to discuss Gabriel Moreno (10:57), Jordan Groshans (28:29), Orelvis Martinez (21:47) and some lesser-known minor-leaguers in the Jays’ system (50:29). This episode 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 hos...
Feb 11, 2022•56 min
Shi Davidi joins Arden and Ben for a wide-ranging discussion about the latest off-field developments in MLB. First, a look at possible extensions for Vlad and Bo (1:00) followed by a discussion about Jaime Vieira, the Blue Jays’ first female coach (29:10), and a look at how CBA talks may impact the Jays (47:15). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Amil Delic, mixed by Mike Rogerson, and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca The views...
Jan 28, 2022•1 hr 4 min
What’s a realistic expectation for Vlad Jr. in 2022 (9:38)? What other Jays could be in line for big extensions(1:01:52)? And how to make sense of that Freddie Freeman talk (24:32)? Ben and Arden take a wide assortment of questions in this holiday mailbag edition of At the Letters. This episode 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 neces...
Dec 23, 2021•1 hr 9 min
First, a wild week of activity … and then a lockout (4:00). Arden and Ben break down the Blue Jays’ deal with Kevin Gausman (13:00) discuss the departure of Robbie Ray (19:00) and preview next steps as the baseball industry enters a lockout (40:20). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan, and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Watch the podcast on YouTube The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessar...
Dec 03, 2021•1 hr 1 min
The Blue Jays are spending big to keep Jose Berrios – so what does this seven-year deal mean (1:00)? Plus, Arden and Ben break down the Blue Jays’ place in the starting pitching market (25:30), credit Robbie Ray for a Cy Young season (38:00) and discuss some challenges of awards voting (46:00). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Andrew Norton and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. Audio Credits: Blue Jays Radio Network, MLB Network and Sportsnet. The views and opinio...
Nov 19, 2021•49 min
The Blue Jays are keeping their options open, but the market’s actually moving better than expected. So what happens from here? Ben joins Arden from the GM Meetings to talk Steven Matz, Scott Boras and the Jays’ potential targets. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect...
Nov 11, 2021•48 min•Ep. 101
It’s off-season mode for the Blue Jays, and who better to set it all up than GM Ross Atkins? This week, Atkins joins ATL for a conversation on some of the team’s biggest stars (05:21), what he learned last winter (10:20) and what’s next this off-season (23:19). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Amil Delic, mixed by Christian Ryan, and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those o...
Nov 04, 2021•45 min•Ep. 100
When it all began, our over/unders featured the likes of Rowdy Tellez, T.J. Zeuch and Tanner Roark. Yet as always, the 2021 season unfolded in unpredictable fashion. This week, Arden and Ben look back on it all with their annual over/under review. This episode 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 and Sportsnet 590 The FAN. The views and opinions expressed in this pod...
Oct 28, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 99
Now, it’s time to look ahead. Arden and Ben discuss the Blue Jays’ upcoming spending decisions (04:15) and the challenge of building around the right long-term players (14:19). Plus, a discussion about qualifying offers (31:14) and going granular on some possible trade talks (39:51). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those ...
Oct 22, 2021•59 min•Ep. 98
Just like that, the Jays’ season is over, but there’s a lot to make sense when it comes to the 2021 team, some of it impressive (00:38) and some of it frustrating (14:04). Plus, Arden and Ben discuss the Jays’ biggest off-season needs (39:34) and where Robbie Ray and Marcus Semien may fit in their plans (51:35). This episode 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 v...
Oct 06, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 97
After two huge games against the Yankees (6:47) the Blue Jays have reason to believe in Hyun-Jin Ryu (10:11) and optimism heading into the final few days of the season (20:19). Plus, Arden and Ben discuss potential wild-card game pitchers (24:13), and look ahead at some of the big decisions the Jays will soon face (27:11). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: Spor...
Sep 30, 2021•49 min•Ep. 96
The Blue Jays are in playoff position – barely. Ben and guest host Shi Davidi discuss expectations for Hyun Jin Ryu (02:25) and what it’s like covering champagne celebrations (24:45). Plus, an interview with Josh Donaldson (31:50), a discussion about the AL MVP race (48:30) and some love for the RBI (53:10). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: Sportsnet The views and...
Sep 22, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 95
Another incredible week for the Blue Jays (00:27) sets up some interesting decisions on the pitching staff (11:32). Plus, Arden and Ben discuss potential wild-card game opponents (32:53), the unpredictability of October (39:15) and the possibility of play-in games (46:32). 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 this podc...
Sep 17, 2021•57 min•Ep. 94
Suddenly the Blue Jays are unstoppable (1:37). Arden and Ben break down the team’s recent hot streak (11:46), marvel at their starting rotation (23:14) and investigate some of the remaining questions facing the Jays (32:30). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Andrew Norton and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: Sportsnet The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not n...
Sep 10, 2021•41 min•Ep. 93
