The FAN Pregame - podcast cover

The FAN Pregame

Sportsnetwww.sportsnet.ca
Get ready for tonight's games with Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert as they discuss the stories that matter most to sports fans. Airing live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN weekdays from 6pm-7pm ET.
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Episodes

Hour 1: Can The Raptors Rally From 0-2 Hole? + An Officiating PSA

JD and Blake discuss the Raptors’ Game 2 loss to the Sixers, the outcry from Raptors fans regarding the free throw disparity so far in the series, OG Anunoby’s encouraging production, the Raptors’ defensive struggles, the added offensive workload for Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet, and Joel Embiid posing matchup problems for the Raptors’ defence. Later, after a tech issue, Ailish rejoins the show and presents her daily edition of the A-List (38:24)! The views and opinions expressed in this podc...

Apr 19, 202250 min

Hour 4: Which Leafs Defenceman Makes the Playoff Cut?

Justin Bourne joins the show to discuss the possibility of Auston Matthews falling short of 60 goals, the importance of Pierre Engvall and Ilya Mikheyev, and which defenceman should claim the final spot on the Leafs’ playoff blue line (0:25). To wrap, David Thorpe weighs in on the Raptors’ Game 1 loss, how the team can cope with Scottie Barnes’ injury, Tyrese Maxey’s offensive explosion in the series opener, and how the Raptors should defend Joel Embiid (24:38). The views and opinions expressed ...

Apr 18, 202248 min

Hour 3: Raptors Danger Zone w/ Stephen A. Smith + Wake and Rake

Stephen A. Smith joins the show to discuss how the Raptors’ Game 1 loss to the Sixers has reshaped his outlook on the series, Scottie Barnes’ standout rookie campaign and the impact of his absence from the lineup, the pressure facing James Harden, and Kyrie Irving’s animosity towards Celtics fans (1:26). Later, the team tees up the betting lines for tonight’s Raptors-Sixers game and assembles their daily Wake and Rake parlay (25:01). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of ...

Apr 18, 202250 min

Hour 2: Ryu's Injury with Shi Davidi + Is Pierre Engvall Underrated?

JD discusses his experience attending Sunday’s Leafs-Islanders game and the team weighs in on Auston Matthews’ pursuit of 60 goals as well as Pierre Engvall’s underrated play this season (0:33). Afterwards, the crew chats about the Blue Jays taking two of three games against the Athletics over the weekend, the abysmal strike zone during Saturday’s loss, and Ross Stripling taking Hyun-jin Ryu’s spot in the rotation after landing on the IL with arm inflammation (17:23). To wrap, Shi Davidi joins t...

Apr 18, 202249 min

Hour 1: Raptors Game 1 Disaster

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Raptors’ Game 1 loss to the Sixers on Saturday, Toronto’s defensive warts, Scottie Barnes going down with an ankle injury, potential adjustments for Game 2, and the pressure facing Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam heading into tonight’s game. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (35:55). 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 an...

Apr 18, 202251 min

Hour 4: Is Gabriel Moreno Ready for the Big Leagues? w/ Keith Law

Tim Bontemps checks in to discuss the potential ramifications facing the Sixers if they fail to advance past the first round, James Harden’s history of playoff disappointments, Pascal Siakam’s growth as a playmaker this season, and Fred VanVleet’s health heading into the playoffs (0:18). To wrap, Keith Law joins the show to chat about Gabriel Moreno’s skill set, his limited sample size in Triple-A, when the Jays might entertain calling him up, Orelvis Martinez’s red-hot start in Double-A, and th...

Apr 15, 202248 min

Hour 3: Raptors Playoff X-Factors w/ William Lou + Wake and Rake

William Lou discusses his confidence level heading into the Raptors’ opening-round series against the Sixers, the pressure on Philadelphia to have a lengthy playoff run, OG Anunoby’s reintegration into the lineup, and how the Raptors might defend Joel Embiid (0:50). Later, the team tees up the betting lines for tonight’s Blue Jays-Athletics game and assemble their daily Wake and Rake parlay (25:05). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not nec...

Apr 15, 202249 min

Hour 2: Should the Jays Adjust Their Batting Order? + Matthews' Dominance w/ Rick Vaive

Ben Nicholson-Smith joins the show to discuss the Blue Jays’ current injury woes, the significance of Teoscar Hernandez’s absence, the team’s lack of MLB-ready prospects in the minors, Gabriel Moreno’s development, Nate Pearson’s timeline for a potential return, and the team’s handling of Hyun-jin Ryu (0:30). Afterwards, Rick Vaive stops by to chat about Auston Matthews’ historic goal-scoring season, how his game has evolved since his rookie year, his candidacy for the Hart Trophy, and the Leafs...

Apr 15, 202248 min

Hour 1: Blue Jays Depth Concerns + Chapman's Slow Start

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Raptors garnering praise from national media ahead of their series against the 76ers and the viability of the NBA play-in tournament. Then, the team chats about the Blue Jays’ 3-0 loss to the Yankees, concerns about the team’s offensive depth, Kevin Gausman showcasing his devastating splitter, and Matt Chapman’s slow start (8:00). Afterwards, the crew chimes in on Matthew Knies’ decision to return to the University of Minnesota and the Leafs’ dominant 7-3 win ove...

Apr 15, 202251 min

Hour 4: Early Jays Adversity w/ Dan Shulman + Zach Lowe on Raptors-Sixers

Dan Shulman joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s prolific offensive skill set, the Blue Jays facing early injury adversity, how Teoscar Hernandez’s absence impacts Guerrero’s protection in the lineup, Gabriel Moreno’s potential timeline for a Big League call up, and the team’s cautious approach with Hyun-jin Ryu (0:46). Later, Zach Lowe stops by to chat about what swayed his Rookie of the Year vote towards Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby’s recent return from injury and his us...

Apr 14, 202249 min

Hour 3: Are the Raptors Ahead of Schedule? w/ Kevin O'Connor + Wake and Rake

Kevin O’Connor joins the show to discuss Scottie Barnes’ Rookie of the Year resume, if the Raptors are currently ahead of schedule in their window of contention, Pascal Siakam’s growth as a playmaker, and the Brooklyn Nets’ chances of making a deep playoff run (0:37). Then, the team tees up the betting lines for tonight’s Blue Jays-Yankees series finale and Leafs-Capitals game, and assembles their daily Wake and Rake parlay (24:42). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of t...

Apr 14, 202248 min

Hour 2: Will Matthews Eclipse Ovechkin's Goal-Scoring Output?

Jeff Marek weighs in on Auston Matthews’ historic goal-scoring season, the diversity of Matthews’ offensive repertoire, and if Matthews can challenge Alex Ovechkin’s career goal-scoring output (0:22). Later, JD, Blake and Ailish discuss Clayton Kershaw getting pulled while pitching a perfect game on Wednesday and the Blue Jays shifting to a six-man rotation (27:39). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of R...

Apr 14, 202249 min

Hour 1: Vladdy's Hat-Trick + Do The Jays Have Enough Depth?

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s three-homer performance against the Yankees, Teoscar Hernandez exiting Wednesday’s game due to injury, Charlie Montoyo’s handling of the situation, how Hernandez’s absence impacts the outfield, concerns about the team’s bench depth, and Jose Berrios bouncing back after his rough outing on Opening Day. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (33:42)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and gues...

Apr 14, 202250 min

Hour 4: New Leafs Vibes w/ Colby Armstrong

Colby Armstrong stops by to chat about Evgeni Malkin's recent suspension for his cross-check to the face of Mark Borowiecki, the fresh vibe surrounding this year's Leafs team, and how the team's style of play will translate to the postseason (0:24). Afterwards, Jimmy "Jomboy" O'Brien discusses Alek Manoah's successful track record against the Yankees, Jose Berrios' past struggles against the Yankees, and Aaron Judge's contract situation with the Yankees (24:45). The views and opinions expressed ...

Apr 13, 202248 min

Hour 3: Sheltering Bunting & Knies' Decision w/ Nick Kypreos + Wake and Rake

Nick Kypreos joins the show to discuss the Maple Leafs’ 5-2 loss to the Sabres on Tuesday, Auston Matthews’ pursuit of 60 goals, Michael Bunting’s offensive dry spell, and Matthew Knies’ reported desire to return to school (0:21). Afterwards, the team chats about the possibility of shifting William Nylander to the Leafs’ to line and the best line combinations for the postseason (21:56). Later, JD, Blake and Ailish tee up the betting lines for tonight’s Jays-Yankees game and assemble their daily ...

Apr 13, 202250 min

Hour 2: Kikuchi First Impressions w/ Tim Leiper

Tim Leiper phones in to chat about Yusei Kikuchi’s Blue Jays debut, Teoscar Hernandez’s growth as an outfielder, Jose Berrios looking to bounce back after his rough outing on Opening Day, and the team’s current assortment of catchers (0:20). Later, JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Nets’ victory over Cleveland in the play-in tournament, their chances of making a title run, and the Clippers’ dwindling championship window with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George (23:30). The views and opinions expressed ...

Apr 13, 202249 min

Hour 1: Should the Jays Call Up Gabriel Moreno?

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss their first impressions of Yusei Kikuchi, the team’s compromised catching depth, and if Gabriel Moreno should be fast tracked to the Big Leagues. Afterwards, the team weighs in on the Maple Leafs’ 5-2 loss to the Sabres and Sheldon Keefe’s criticism of his team’s effort on Tuesday night (32:02). Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (37:24)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily refl...

Apr 13, 202250 min

Hour 4: Manoah's Ceiling and Judge's Contract w/ Mark Feinsand

Mark Feinsand phones in to chat about Alek Manoah's reputation around MLB, the Jays having one of the most feared lineups in baseball, and Aaron Judge's decision to turn down a long-term contact extension prior to the season (1:28). Later, the team heads to the text line to entertain more comments and questions from listeners (20:38). 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 ...

Apr 12, 202249 min

Hour 3: Nurse-Lakers Speculation w/ Michael Grange + Wake and Rake

Michael Grange stops by to chat about the Lakers' reported interest in pursuing Raptors head coach Nick Nurse, his latest piece on Pascal Siakam, and the Raptors' first-round playoff matchup against the Sixers (0:30). Afterwards, the group weighs in on Jack Campbell's latest injury concerns, tees up the betting lines for tonight's Leafs-Sabres game and Blue Jays-Yankees showdown, and assembles the daily Wake and Rake parlay (25:25). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of t...

Apr 12, 202248 min

Hour 2: Blue Jays Confidence Index w/ Ben Ennis

Ben Ennis stops by to chat about Alek Manoah’s success since breaking into the Big Leagues, Alejandro Kirk being thrust into a prominent role with Danny Jansen headed to the IL, Gabriel Moreno’s potential timeline for a promotion to the Jays’ roster, and the distribution of playing time at second base (0:28). Later, the team heads to the text line to field comments and questions from listeners, including emerging speculation about the Lakers’ interest in Nick Nurse (28:00). The views and opinion...

Apr 12, 202249 min

Hour 1: Is Alek Manoah the Blue Jays' New Ace?

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss Alek Manoah’s impressive outing against the Yankees, his case for being the Blue Jays’ new ace, his increased changeup usage, Santiago Espinal’s hot start to the season, and Danny Jansen landing on the IL. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (34:11)! 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 affiliate....

Apr 12, 202251 min

Hour 4: Should Matthew Knies Go the NHL?

Justin Bourne joins the show to chat about Auston Matthews' impressive goal-scoring prowess, the versatility in his offensive repertoire, Timothy Liljegren being relegated to the press box, Ilya Lyubushkin's value on the blue line, and Matthews Knies' looming decision about joining the Maple Leafs or returning to Michigan (0:19). Later, Tim Micallef discusses his experience broadcasting from the field at Rogers Centre on Opening Day, the energy amongst the players, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s infect...

Apr 11, 202250 min

Hour 3: Should Blue Jays Fans Be Worried About Ryu? + Wake and Rake

Ben Nicholson-Smith joins the show to chat about the Blue Jays’ potent offence, the special vibe surrounding this Jays team, José Berríos' dismal outing on Opening Day, Hyun-jin Ryu’s meltdown on Sunday, and the distribution of playing time at second base between Cavan Biggio and Santiago Espinal (0:33). Later, the crew revisits their bets from the weekend and looks ahead to the Raptors’ first round matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers and assembles their daily Wake and Rake parlay (23:19). Th...

Apr 11, 202248 min

Hour 2: Is Auston Matthews Getting Enough Credit for 51 in 50?

JD, Blake and Ailish share their thoughts on Auston Matthews becoming the first player since Mario Lemieux to score 50 goals in a 50-games span, what this milestone means for Matthews’ Hart candidacy, and his continued evolution as a two-way player (1:15). Afterwards, the team also chimes in on the fallout from Saturday’s UFC 273 card (17:28). Afterwards, Jason Sobel weighs in on Scottie Scheffler’s dominant victory at The Masters, his ascent to No. 1 in the World Golf Rankings, Tiger Woods’ sho...

Apr 11, 202251 min

Hour 1: First Impressions of the 2022 Blue Jays

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss their experience attending Opening Day at Rogers Centre, the unique buzz and optimism in the building, and their takeaways from this weekend’s season-opening series against the Rangers. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (41:01). 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 affiliate.

Apr 11, 202250 min

Hour 4: Chapman's Impact and Berríos' Cy Young Chances w/ Dallas Braden

Dan Shulman joins the show to chat about the buzz surrounding Opening Day, the storylines he's most curious about heading into the season, the arrival of Matt Chapman, and what Vladimir Guerrero Jr. might do for an encore in 2022 (1:26). Afterwards, Dallas Braden chats about his excitement for Opening Day, Chapman's defensive prowess, Bo Bichette's growth at shortstop, José Berríos' Cy Young chances, and handicapping the AL East (26:10). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those...

Apr 08, 202250 min

Hour 3: Managing a Contender w/ John Gibbons + Wake and Rake

John Gibbons phones in to chat about the Blue Jays’ promising outlook for the season, the team’s exciting young nucleus, what it’s like managing a contending team, and his favourite Opening Day memories (0:49). Later, the team tees up the betting lines for tonight’s Jays season opener and Raptors-Rockets game and assembles their daily Wake and Rake parlay (23:54). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rog...

Apr 08, 202247 min

Hour 2: The Jays' All-in Approach w/ Stephen Brunt + Tiger Takeaways

Stephen Brunt joins the show to discuss what excites him most about Opening Day, the Blue Jays looking to build on their success from 2021, the organization’s willingness to spend, and the team’s improved rotation from the beginning of the 2021 season (0:24). Later, JD, Blake and Ailish share their takeaways from Tiger Woods’ opening round at Augusta (33:46). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers S...

Apr 08, 202248 min

Hour 1: Blue Jays Opening Day Storylines + Matthews Makes History

Happy Opening Day! JD, Blake and Ailish discuss their biggest storylines for the Blue Jays’ 2022 season, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s MVP chances, regaining a genuine home field advantage, and the team’s starting rotation (4:45). Afterwards, the team shares their thoughts on Auston Matthews setting a new Maple Leafs single-season goals record and his chances of becoming a perennial 60-goal scorer (26:28). They also weigh in on Tiger Woods’ return at Augusta and his impressive play on day 1 ...

Apr 08, 202253 min

Hour 4: Could Vlad Jr. Be the Face of Baseball? w/ Mad Dog

Chris "Mad Dog" Russo stops by to chat about the perception of the Blue Jays' among national media, the excitement surrounding the team heading into 2022, the challenges posed by the AL East, the potential of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. emerging as the face of baseball, and Tiger Woods' chances of contending this week at Augusta (0:40). Ian Baker-Finch discusses Tiger' insistence on using metal spikes tis weekend at Augusta, the reception on Tour surrounding Tiger's return, and realistic expectations ...

Apr 07, 202249 min
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