First, Ben and Arden break down the latest news from Jays camp (00:22). Also: a behind-the-scenes look at how breaking news works (27:22) and a discussion about MLB’s upcoming rule changes (41:59). 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: Sportsnet. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the po...
Feb 17, 2023•1 hr 9 min
First, Arden and Ben break down the ramifications of the Bo Bichette extension (00:30). Then, some reflections from Arden on being around playoff teams (32:44) and a discussion about the best road cities in baseball (58:36). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Social media support was provided by Griffin Porter. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: Sportsnet The views and opinions expressed in this ...
Feb 09, 2023•1 hr 10 min
And we’re back! Arden and Ben discuss the Jays, but not before letting listeners behind the scenes for a discussion about what’s ahead on ATL in 2023 (1:00). Then, a look at what new Blue Jays Daulton Varsho (25:26), Chad Green (37:15) and Brandon Belt (54:26) will mean for the 2023 roster. 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: Sportsnet The views and opinions expr...
Feb 02, 2023•1 hr 9 min
Already, the 2023 Blue Jays are taking shape. With Chris Bassitt and Kevin Kiermaier now Blue Jays, Arden and Ben discuss the off-season so far (01:00), what Bassitt brings to the Jays (32:27) and the possibility of trading a catcher (43:49). This podcast 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 necessa...
Dec 16, 2022•1 hr 6 min
The results are in! Blake Murphy joins Ben and Arden to find out who took home this seasons Over/Under Championship. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith, Arden Zwelling and Blake Murphy. 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 necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates....
Nov 24, 2022•1 hr 12 min
The MLB GM Meetings are in Las Vegas, so that’s where Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi find themselves for this week’s episode. Among the topics on their minds: the status of the Jays’ pitching search (10:49), the future of Raimel Tapia in Toronto (20:23) and the chances that they trade a catcher this winter (24:10). This episode is produced Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi in Arden Zwelling’s absence. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: Sportsne...
Nov 10, 2022•34 min
If you’re wondering who the Blue Jays should target this winter, this is the episode for you. Shi Davidi joins Ben for a discussion about which players the Jays should pursue, from high-end free agents (12:03) to mid-tier difference makers (24:59) to ideal trade candidates (48:08). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi David. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: Sportsnet The views and opinions expressed in this ...
Nov 03, 2022•1 hr 2 min
The Blue Jays officially have a new manager so Shi Davidi joins Ben to discuss the role of the modern skipper (03:10). Later on, ATL turns to the World Series (24:26) and expectations for Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who recently had a wrist procedure (30:48). 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 ...
Oct 28, 2022•42 min
After a tough ending, what’s next for the Blue Jays? Shi Davidi joins Ben to discuss the status of John Schneider (08:47), the lessons we can and can’t learn from the 2022 playoffs (21:48) and how the Jays will approach their needs this winter (36:33). This episode is produced Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi in Arden Zwelling’s absence. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: Sportsnet The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the ...
Oct 19, 2022•52 min
Well, that was painful. After a devastating Blue Jays loss to the Mariners, Arden and Ben share their own recollections of the weekend (00:27), before discussing what went wrong in Game 1 (11:27) and going granular on the chaos of Game 2 (34:37). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Devlin Brand and Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: ESPN & Sportsnet. The views and opinions expressed in this po...
Oct 11, 2022•1 hr 22 min
Get ready for a memorable weekend. With playoff baseball back in Toronto, Arden and Ben discuss some key decisions awaiting the Blue Jays against the Mariners (13:39), weigh in on champagne celebrations in baseball (26:18) and offer their predictions for the wild-card series (53:54). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Devlin Brand and Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca The views and opinions expressed in this p...
Oct 07, 2022•58 min
It’s kind of nice to be done with the Yankees, right? Arden and Ben discuss Aaron Judge’s record-tying home run (00:33), examine some mental lapses by the Blue Jays (14:10) and preview Toronto’s playoff roster (37:44). 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 the positio...
Sep 30, 2022•1 hr 8 min
Ben dials in from Philly to chat with Arden about what the Blue Jays should prioritize over the regular season’s final two weeks (03:42), the team’s most pressing injury concerns (32:39), and what the playing time split could look like for Alejandro Kirk and Danny Jansen going forward (42:09). Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: Sportsnet. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts...
Sep 22, 2022•47 min
Between Bichette and Manoah, the Blue Jays’ core players are stepping up when it counts most. Ben brings Nick Ashbourne on for a discussion about September baseball (07:00), Bichette’s heroics (13:09) and the ways in which the Blue Jays remain vulnerable (31:21). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Nick Ashbourne. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: Sportsnet. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are t...
Sep 15, 2022•49 min
What a week for the Blue Jays. After covering the Jays’ series win over the Orioles, Arden joins Ben for a discussion about the dramatic week that was (00:33), the state of the team’s pitching staff (19:25) and the recommended confidence level in various Jays players (38:15). 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 ...
Sep 09, 2022•1 hr 12 min
Arden is joined by Shi Davidi to discuss Toronto’s run of play in August (00:50), whether Blue Jays hitters are pressing (25:02), and the extraordinary hot dog consumption rate at Rogers Centre this season (43:06). Later, Ben and Arden check in with Blue Jays reliever Anthony Bass during ATL’s recent trip to New York (48:57). 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: S...
Sep 02, 2022•1 hr 2 min
In Ben and Arden’s final installment from their trip to Yankee Stadium, they turn the mic on several of their colleagues to answer one burning question: Who will be the most compelling Blue Jay to watch between now and the end of the season? Up first is Arash Madani, who tests the limits of the question’s criteria (01:28). Then Ben Wagner makes a persuasive case for his off-the-board selection. (11:45). Shi Davidi tries not to overcomplicate matters (25:07) and, finally, Dan Shulman considers mu...
Aug 25, 2022•54 min
From Yankee Stadium, Arden and Ben discuss a huge weekend for the Blue Jays (01:36), wonder if the Yankees should be scared (02:32) and welcome Mitch White for a chat about how he manages the mental side of pitching and what he learned from Clayton Kershaw in LA (18:02). 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 podca...
Aug 23, 2022•36 min
From Yankee Stadium, Arden and Ben discuss a strong start for Jose Berríos (00:58), examine the give and take surrounding George Springer’s availability (03:59) and welcome journalist Ariel Helwani onto the show for a wide-ranging chat covering the Blue Jays and some early memories as a baseball fan (12:27). 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 view...
Aug 20, 2022•37 min
At the Letters is on the road at Yankee Stadium. From the visitors’ dugout in the Bronx, Ben and Arden discuss the Blue Jays’ push for the playoffs (01:09), catch up with Ross Stripling after his perfect game bid (18:00) and wonder how Babe Ruth would fare in today’s game (35:08). 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: MLB Network and Sportsnet. The views and opinio...
Aug 19, 2022•40 min
As the Blue Jays finish up a mid-summer road trip, Arden checks in with Ben in Baltimore to get his up-close perspective on the mighty Orioles (02:10) and thoughts on the Jackie Bradley Jr. signing (10:30). Later, a dissection of Jose Berrios’ inconsistency and the biggest leverage points for the Blue Jays over the season’s final eight weeks (36:28). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. Contact us: attheletters@spor...
Aug 11, 2022•54 min
The Blue Jays are better now, but are they good enough? Arden and Ben argue that the Blue Jays should have added one more reliever (01:32), discuss the status of George Springer (53:08) and wonder how and when Whit Merrifield fits on the roster (44:50). Audio Credits: Sportsnet. This podcast was produced and mixed by Christian Ryan, and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts a...
Aug 05, 2022•1 hr 5 min
The trade deadline is nearly here, and it’s time for the Blue Jays to make moves. Arden and Ben discuss some trade candidates for the starting rotation (06:42), make the case for adding aggressively to the bullpen (22:21) and discuss some position players on the market, from Juan Soto on down (39:49). Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: Sportsnet. This podcast was produced and mixed by Christian Ryan, and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. The views and opinions e...
Jul 29, 2022•1 hr
In the wake of Charlie Montoyo’s firing, Arden and guest host Blake Murphy consider the timing of the move (02:30) and the factors that led to it (18:15) before reflecting on what they’ve seen lately from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays offence (43:10). Email the podcast at attheletters@sportsnet.ca This episode is produced and sound engineered by Mike Rogerson and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Blake Murphy. Audio Credits: Sportsnet The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are tho...
Jul 15, 2022•1 hr 6 min
The Blue Jays' pitching issues worsen, prompting Arden and Ben to discuss potential trades for the bullpen (13:22), make the case for demoting Yusei Kikuchi (35:55) and suggest that position player reinforcements don't seem quite as pressing right now (23:17). Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: Sportsnet. This podcast was produced and mixed by Christian Ryan, and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the ...
Jul 08, 2022•58 min
After a couple of big wins, the Blue Jays are rolling – but questions linger on the pitching staff. This week, Arden and Ben wonder about the state of the bullpen (06:43), search for answers in the rotation (28:57) and give Alejandro Kirk some credit for an incredible start to the season (44:25). 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 opinion...
Jun 30, 2022•54 min
Consecutive series losses have the Blue Jays losing some ground. This week, Arden and Ben break down the need for help in the bullpen (03:50), give Matt Chapman’s defence some love (24:05) and discuss the importance of building around an impressive lineup (38:30). This episode is produced and sound engineered by Mike Rogerson 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 gues...
Jun 24, 2022•46 min
Another top prospect has arrived in Toronto, and he’s making a strong first impression. This week, Arden and Ben break down Gabriel Moreno’s MLB debut (08:45), look ahead at some potential trade deadline priorities (30:00) and discuss the Blue Jays legacy of Hyun-Jin Ryu (47:37). 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 th...
Jun 16, 2022•1 hr 2 min
The Blue Jays’ lineup is finally producing again, but some questions linger on the pitching staff. Arden and Ben discuss the Blue Jays’ high-flying offence (08:32), wonder which Jays might make their first All-Star Game (19:00) and weigh in on the latest developments around Stripling, Gausman and Berríos (22:35). 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 ...
Jun 08, 2022•39 min
The Blue Jays are going streaking! Arden and Ben get into Toronto’s surging offence (1:00) and the club’s impressive catching depth (5:40 ) before making note of a couple of retirements from the 2015 and ‘16 ALCS teams (25:00) and wondering how sustainable the club’s current bullpen workload is (41:30). 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 ...
Jun 02, 2022•57 min
