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

Time For a Reset?

The way things are going, it’s time to look ahead to 2025. Ben and Arden start with a big-picture look at the franchise (00:34) before discussing Orelvis Martinez’ suspension (19:05) and the vibe around the Blue Jays (25:25). Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Additional audio from MLB.com. 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 ...

Jun 28, 20241 hr 5 min

Let the Kids Play

First it was Barger and Horwitz, now Orelvis Martinez is up, too. This week Ben and Arden discuss the Jays’ recent plateau (00:26), where they’d have to be to justify buying (21:06) and the state of the depleted Jays bullpen (42:04). 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 gue...

Jun 20, 202447 min

Jays in the Murky Middle

The Blue Jays are below .500, but they’re still in the Wild Card mix (07:58). Ben and Arden discuss the Spencer Horwitz promotion (34:43), how much patience veteran hitters deserve (45:29) and the open fifth rotation spot (55:26). 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...

Jun 12, 20241 hr 14 min

Chasing the Elite

Two months in, the Blue Jays are looking way up at MLB’s elite teams. Arden and Ben break down the team’s playoff chances (11:36), Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s move to third (26:00) and some big pitching questions (42:35). Additional audio from 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 this podcast are those of the hosts ...

Jun 04, 202456 min

Running Hot and Cold

The Blue Jays are hitting again, but they have real questions elsewhere (3:40). Ben and Arden start with a look at Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (11:24), before discussing Alek Manoah’s health (25:18) and the state of the bullpen (33:06). Additional audio from 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 this podcast are those ...

May 30, 202456 min

Big-League Stew

The home run jacket. The trade deadline. Steward Berroa. Arden and Ben cover big topics on this week’s ATL, breaking down the Jays’ struggling bats (07:44) and deadline options (36:44) before giving the rotation some credit (50:35). 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...

May 24, 20241 hr 6 min

The Time for Results Is Now

Big picture, the Blue Jays have some big looming questions (00:19). Arden and Ben break down the team’s upcoming schedule (09:52) before giving Yimi Garcia some credit (23:47) and wondering what’s next for Alek Manoah (35:20). 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 ...

May 17, 202459 min

Pressure Increasing on the Blue Jays

Coming off a challenging road trip, Ben and Arden get into how the next several weeks could impact Toronto’s strategy at the trade deadline (01:49), some short-term adjustments the club could make, (30:39) and Alek Manoah’s return (56:19). 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 an...

May 10, 20241 hr 12 min

Where Do the Jays Go From Here?

The Blue Jays can’t score and it’s costing them. On this week’s episode, Shi Davidi joins Ben to discuss the state of the offence (00:31) and pitching (35:06), the possibility of trades (53:17) and where it will all lead this summer (1:08:00). 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 and Arden Zwelling. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hos...

May 03, 20241 hr 12 min

Still Searching for Offence

It’s never quiet with the Blue Jays. On this week’s episode, Arden and Ben discuss a costly mistake by their first baseman (00:52) plus the possibility of lineup changes (14:24) and the state of the team’s pitching (24:51). 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 and Arden Zwelling. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do...

Apr 25, 20241 hr 2 min

Power Hungry

A few more homers would solve a lot for this team. Arden and Ben start by discussing the Blue Jays’ recent bullpen decisions (00:20) before giving the rotation some credit (32:47) and trying to make sense of the lineup (41:06). 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 an...

Apr 19, 20241 hr 9 min

Into the Swing of Things

Two steps forward, one step back. The Blue Jays have some reinforcements coming (10:05) but there are real questions in their bullpen (18:30). Plus, Arden and Ben discuss John Schneider after he got booed at home (48:24). 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: MiLB.com, Sportsnet 590 The FAN, Sportsnet. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hos...

Apr 12, 20241 hr 8 min

A Week on the Roller Coaster

Well, it’s been quite a week. From no-hitters to late comebacks, Arden and Ben break down everything on the Blue Jays starting with their pitching (11:09) before assessing their bats (36:31) and some defensive decisions (54:56). 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 a...

Apr 04, 20241 hr 5 min

What’s Ahead For the ’24 Jays?

With the 2024 season about to begin, Arden and Ben start with the latest news out of Blue Jays camp (00:39) before discussing the high stakes for the coming season (38:07) and whether the team has enough bats (53:02). 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 n...

Mar 27, 20241 hr 7 min

Jays Tested With Injury Concerns

First Danny Jansen, and now some high-leverage relievers. Ben and Arden discuss the injured Blue Jays (00:56) before wondering about the roster’s versatility (25:24) and taking stock of Joey Votto’s progress (39:16). 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...

Mar 20, 20241 hr 4 min

Votto Deal Adds Intrigue at Blue Jays Camp

Well, Joey Votto’s a Blue Jay. Arden and Ben break down his minor-league deal (1:48) before discussing the readiness of the team’s top prospects (16:42) and the Jays’ rotation questions (30:18). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Sho Alli and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: Sportsnet and Bally Sports Sun. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily re...

Mar 12, 202457 min

Is Rotation Trouble Brewing for the Jays?

Two pitchers sidelined in one week. Arden and Ben share a few spring observations (3:54) before discussing the rotation questions bubbling up for the Blue Jays (12:25) and moving on to some more positive storylines (31:16). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Sho Alli and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Audio Credits: MLB.com and Sportsnet 590 The FAN. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and ...

Mar 07, 20241 hr 6 min

The Good and Bad From Spring Training

Alek Manoah’s back on the mound, so Arden and Ben break down his debut (15:35)! Later the pair discuss the latest on Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman (27:34), before sharing some under-the-radar spring storylines (45:40). 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...

Feb 28, 20241 hr 4 min

Bench Bats, or Long Shots?

Two new deals change the look of the Blue Jays’ bench – maybe. Arden and Ben weigh in on Vogelbach and Escobar (15:58) before discussing the top remaining free agents (37:08) and Hyun Jin Ryu’s Jays legacy (53:20). 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...

Feb 23, 20241 hr 14 min

A New Season Begins...

With spring training now underway in Florida, Arden and Ben weigh in on Alek Manoah’s fresh start (01:04) set expectations for the offence (20:43) and examine some spring training misconceptions (46:27). 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 refl...

Feb 16, 20241 hr 7 min

Next Stop, Jays Spring Training

What an off-season it’s been. Arden and Ben start by discussing the Justin Turner signing (05:35) and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s arbitration win (33:51) before taking stock of where the Jays stand in the AL East after a trying winter (50:03) 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 an...

Feb 09, 20241 hr 14 min

Let’s Check in on the Blue Jays

With the off-season now nearing its end, Arden and Ben take stock of the Blue Jays’ latest moves (02:37) weigh in on the Guerrero Jr. arbitration hearing (36:44) and look ahead at where the team can go from here (55:20). 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...

Jan 26, 20241 hr 15 min

Blue Jays Pushing for Ohtani

All of a sudden, this is all very real. After reporting on the Blue Jays’ unusual and fascinating Shohei Ohtani pursuit from the Winter Meetings, Ben joins Arden to discuss Ohtani’s timeline (01:10), the impact of his fame on daily life (35:30), and the Blue Jays’ legitimate shot at landing him (49:10). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca The views and opinions expressed in thi...

Dec 08, 20231 hr 2 min

Speculating on Shohei

Let’s go beyond the surface on Shohei Ohtani. Arden and Ben dive deep, discussing everything from his work habits (15:29), to his risk profile (27:30), to how he’d fit on the Blue Jays, before turning to other possible Jays targets (36:12). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Additional audio from MLB.com. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts ...

Nov 30, 20231 hr 12 min

What Will Jays Do at GM Meetings?

In just a few days, the MLB off-season will begin in earnest. For the Blue Jays, that means making some big decisions, so Shi Davidi joins Ben to assess some of the Blue Jays’ issues (00:37) and preview their next moves (32:25). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling. Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca Additional audio from MLB.com. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests a...

Nov 02, 20231 hr 3 min

It's Time to Look Ahead

Enough about the 2023 Blue Jays – it’s time to look ahead at solutions. With free agency approaching quickly, Blake Murphy joins Ben for a discussion of the team’s off-season needs (01:44) and how they might address them in free agency (23:50) and on the trade market (39:02). 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 h...

Oct 19, 20231 hr 9 min

What Next for the Blue Jays?

A few days later, there’s still so much to sift through with this team. The underwhelming offence (01:26), the poor baserunning (22:03) and, of course, what’s next (38:00). In this wide-ranging episode Ben and Arden break it all down. This podcast is produced and sound engineered 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 and guests and do not necessarily ref...

Oct 09, 20231 hr

The Berrios Decision

What a frustrating ending to the Blue Jays’ season. And did it have to end that way? Ben and Arden discuss the Jose Berrios decision in depth, sharing their thought process at the moment and how their thinking has changed since – but in opposite directions. This podcast is produced and sound engineered 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 and guests and...

Oct 07, 202356 min

A Twin City Preview

Ben and Arden are at Target Field in Minneapolis where the Blue Jays and Twins are preparing for their wild card series. First, the guys consider Toronto’s uninspiring end to the regular season (01:56) and how the Blue Jays match up with the Twins (09:38). Then, they take a more granular look at both sides (21:09) and offer their predictions for the series (40:21). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith. Contact us: at...

Oct 03, 202347 min

Blue Jays on the Brink

Brace yourself. The next few days will feature some high-stakes, high-stress baseball. Ben and Arden break down the final weekend of the season (00:45) before previewing a possible Wild Card roster (19:30) and giving the starting rotation some credit (41:40). This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Mike Rogerson 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 and guests an...

Sep 29, 202356 min
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