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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 3: Inside Teoscar's Early-Season Woes w/ Arden Zwelling + Wake and Rake!

Arden Zwelling, MLB columnist for Sportsnet.ca and co-host of the At The Letters podcast, joins the show to discuss Kevin Gausman’s outing on Tuesday, his latest article on Teoscar Hernandez's early-season struggles, and Alejandro Kirk’s mature approach at the plate. Later, Blake Murphy joins JD and Ailish to chat about the OG Anunoby trade rumours before diving into the Wake and Rake, presented by Unibet. The team tees up tonight’s series opener between the Lightning and Rangers and the Blue Ja...

Jun 01, 202249 min

Hour 2: Will Kirk's Growth Impact Moreno's Timeline? w/ BNS + OG Anunoby Trade Buzz?

Ben Nicholson-Smith, Sportsnet MLB editor and co-host of the At The Letters podcast, joins the show to discuss Alejandro Kirk’s emergence as one of the Blue Jays’ most dangerous hitters, Gabriel Moreno’s potential fit on the big league roster, the team’s holes in the bullpen, and Nate Pearson joining Triple-A Buffalo. Afterwards, JD and Ailish share their thoughts on Jake Fischer’s report regarding OG Anunoby and his trade appeal around the NBA (19:45). Later, Nick Kypreos, co-host of Real Kyper...

Jun 01, 202249 min

Hour 1: Mile High Barn Burner, Red-Hot Jays, and Kirk's Breakthrough

JD and Ailish discuss Colorado’s 8-6 win over the Oilers in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final, why the abundance of goals didn’t necessarily translate to quality hockey, Mike Smith’s poor track record in Game 1s, and Cale Makar’s controversial first period goal that was ruled onside. Afterwards, JD and Ailish weigh in on the Blue Jays’ 6-5 win over the White Sox, the team’s current six-game winning streak, Alejandro Kirk’s two-homer night, and the team’s lingering bullpen concerns (24:57). ...

Jun 01, 202252 min

Hour 3: A.J. Pierzynski on Facing Gausman and Favourite Buehrle Memories

A.J. Pierzynski, former MLB catcher and current FOX MLB analyst, joins the show to discuss the Blue Jays' exciting young core, his admiration for the City of Toronto, his experience stepping into the batters' box against Kevin Gausman, the White Sox's start to the season, and his favourite Mark Buehrle story. Afterwards, Blake joins JD and Ailish for the Wake and Rake, presented by Unibet. The crew tees up tonight’s series opener between the Blue Jays and White Sox as well as Game 1 of the Weste...

May 31, 202250 min

Hour 2: Vasilevskiy Clutch Factor and Oilers-Avs Star Power w/ Jeff Marek

Jeff Marek, host of The Jeff Marek Show and co-host of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, joins the show to discuss Mike Smith’s strong post-season play, the plethora of marquee head-to-head matchups in the Oilers-Avs series, Cale Makar’s greatness, and where Andrei Vasilevskiy fits on the Mount Rushmore of clutch playoff goaltenders. Later, JD and Ailish dive into the Castellanos curse and head to the text line to field comments and questions from listeners (26:39). The views and opinions expressed in t...

May 31, 202250 min

Hour 1: Game 7 Debacle? + McDavid vs. MacKinnon Intrigue

JD and Ailish discuss the Rangers’ dominant Game 7 win over the Hurricanes, the lack of drama in last night’s win-or-go-home matchup, the star power in the Oilers-Avalanche series, and the widespread intrigue surrounding McDavid vs. MacKinnon. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (25:56)! 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....

May 31, 202250 min

Hour 3: Russell Martin on Retirement, Jays Memories, and The Art of Game-Calling

Russell Martin, former MLB catcher, four-time All-Star, and founder of Cruise Hard Seltzer, joins the show to discuss his formal retirement from baseball, his memories from the Blue Jays’ thrilling 2015 playoff run, the team’s infamous rivalry with the Texas Rangers, his prowess as a game caller behind the plate, the potential of transitioning into coaching, and his new seltzer company. Later, Blake joins JD and Ailish for the Wake and Rake, brought to you by Unibet! The crew tees up tonight’s G...

May 30, 202250 min

Hour 2: Berrios Concerns w/ Ben Ennis + Celtics' DNA w/ Stan Van Gundy

Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Drive Time, joins JD and Ailish to discuss the Blue Jays offence coming alive in Los Angeles, Jose Berrios’ rough outing on Sunday, concerns about Berrios’ struggles in May, Alejandro Kirk establishing himself as one of the Jays’ most trusted hitters, and why it might be wise to temper expectations for Gabriel Moreno. Later, Stan Van Gundy, former NBA head coach and current NBA on TNT analyst, weighs in on the Celtics’ Game 7 win over the Heat, Ime Udoka leading Bos...

May 30, 202247 min

Hour 1: Jays Statement Weekend + Spezza Reflections

JD and Ailish discuss the Blue Jays’ four-game sweep of the Angels, the team’s offensive resurgence and depth contributions, concerns about the viability of Ryan Borucki and Julian Merryweather in the bullpen, Jason Spezza’s retirement and foray into the Leafs’ front office, and the Celtics advancing to the NBA Finals with a thrilling Game 7 win over the Heat. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (34:40)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts a...

May 30, 202252 min

Hour 4: Vlad vs. Shohei Appeal w/ Xavier Scruggs + McDavid Validation w/ Rick Tocchet

Xavier Scruggs, former MLB first baseman and current analyst for ESPN and MLB Network, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss the lack of hype from national media surrounding Vlad vs. Shohei, Guerrero Jr.’s recent adjustments at the plate, and the Blue Jays’ right-handed-heavy lineup. Later, Rick Tocchet, former NHL forward, head coach, and current NHL on TNT analyst, stops by to chat about Blake Coleman’s disallowed goal, Connor McDavid elevating his game to new heights this post-season, the evo...

May 27, 202249 min

Hour 3: McDavid's Jordan-Esque Run w/ Nick Kypreos + Wake and Rake!

Nick Kypreos, former NHL forward and co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, joins the show to discuss Connor McDavid’s historic playoff run, the comparison between McDavid and Michael Jordan, and what comes next for the Flames after bowing out in Round 2. Later, it’s time for the Wake and Rake, brought to you by Unibet! JD, Blake and Ailish tee up the betting odds for tonight’s Blue Jays-Angels game and Celtics-Heat matchup (22:04). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the ho...

May 27, 202247 min

Hour 2: "Sho"time Jays + Michael Bartlett on Canada's New SMNT Model

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Blue Jays’ 6-3 win over the Angels on Thursday, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. taking Shohei Ohtani deep for his second homer in as many games, George Springer setting the tone with a leadoff dinger, and Teoscar Hernandez’s absence from the lineup. Then, the team weighs in on the Golden State Warriors returning to the NBA Finals and Andrew Wiggins’ redemptive career arc (17:58). Afterwards, Canada Basketball CEO Michael Bartlett stops by to chat about the organization's v...

May 27, 202248 min

Hour 1: No Goal? Flames Game 5 Robbery + Oilers March On

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Oilers’ series-clinching OT win over the Flames in Game 5, Blake Coleman’s disallowed goal late in the third period for a “distinct kicking motion,” and Edmonton’s dominance throughout the series. Then, the team makes a special announcement about the launch of Blake’s new show, Jays Talk Plus (37:17). Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (41:58)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necess...

May 27, 202254 min

Hour 4: Jays' Offensive Game Plan and Roster Pivot Point w/ Dan Shulman

Blue Jays play-by-play voice Dan Shulman joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss the Blue Jays’ aggressive approach at the plate, how opposing teams are attacking Toronto’s lineup, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. going head-to-head against Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, and the point in the schedule where the Jays might need to consider making roster changes. Craig MacTavish, former NHL forward, head coach and front office executive, stops by to chat about Connor McDavid elevating his game against Calgary, h...

May 26, 202249 min

Hour 3: McDavid's Moxie, Leafs Lessons w/ Mark Messier + Wake and Rake!

Mark Messier, Hockey Hall of Famer, six-time Stanley Cup champion, and current ESPN analyst, joins the show to discuss the Oilers being on the brink of a berth in the conference finals, his personal experience competing in the Battle of Alberta, Connor McDavid’s torrid playoff production and his broader influence on the sport of hockey, and what lessons the Leafs can derive from their first round playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Later, it’s time for the Wake and Rake, presented by Unibet...

May 26, 202249 min

Hour 2: Jays' Lineup Imbalance + Jalen Harris On Seeking NBA Return

MLB Network Insider Jon Morosi joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss MLB’s approach when it comes to marketing their top stars, the Blue Jays’ lack of balance within their lineup, why a seismic trade might not be in the cards for Toronto this season, and Charlie Montoyo’s job security. Afterwards, Jalen Harris, former Raptors second round pick and current guard for the Scarborough Shooting Stars of the CEBL, stops by to chat about his experience being teammates with J Cole, his journey back to t...

May 26, 202249 min

Hour 1: Leafs-Celtics Parallels, Vlad Pressure, and Avs Playoff Ghosts

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the St. Louis Blues’ thrilling 5-4 OT win over the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday and why Colorado might be susceptible to a series collapse. Afterwards, the team chats about the Celtics taking a 3-2 series lead over the Miami Heat, what lessons the Maple Leafs can take from Boston’s roster construct, and the pressure facing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. heading into this weekend’s four-game series against the Angels (18:42). Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the ...

May 26, 202250 min

Hour 4: Moreno's Timeline and Teoscar's Woes w/ Arden Zwelling

Arden Zwelling, MLB columnist for Sportsnet.ca and co-host of the At The Letters podcast, stops by to discuss Teoscar Hernandez’s struggles since returning from the IL, Danny Jansen’s renewed confidence at the plate, and Gabriel Moreno’s timeline for a potential big league call up. Afterwards, Cassie Campbell-Pascall, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and current Sportsnet and ESPN analyst, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to chat about Connor McDavid elevating his game to another level during the playof...

May 25, 202249 min

Hour 3: Mighty McDavid, Smith vs. Markstrom w/ Joaquin Gage + Wake and Rake!

Joaquin Gage, former NHL goalie and co-host of the 2 Guys and a Goalie podcast, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss the Oilers' Game 4 win over the Flames, Edmonton squandering a 3-0 lead, Mike Smith’s viral gaffe, Jacob Markstrom’s regression after an outstanding first round against Dallas, and Connor McDavid’s dominance throughout the post-season. Later, the team tees up the betting lines for Game 5 of the NBA's Eastern Conference Finals between Miami and Boston and assemble their daily Wake...

May 25, 202248 min

Hour 2: Is Vlad Jr. On The Verge Of Breaking Out? w/ Jeff Blair

Jeff Blair, co-host of Blair and Barker and Jays Talk, joins the show to discuss the Blue Jays' offence erupting for 8 runs in St. Louis on Tuesday, the team’s ongoing struggles with runners in scoring position, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s improved approach at the plate last night, his head-to-head matchup against Shohei Ohtani on Thursday, and Charlie Montoyo’s job security. Afterwards, JD, Blake and Ailish weigh in on Canada Basketball unveiling a new three-pillar plan for the Canadian men’s natio...

May 25, 202249 min

Hour 1: Jays' Bats Come Alive + Mike Smith Goes Viral

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Oilers’ 5-3 win over the Flames on Tuesday, Mike Smith’s viral moment after surrendering a goal to Rasmus Andersson from the opposing blue line, the Blue Jays’ bats coming alive against the Cardinals, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ending his 15-game homer-less slump. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (35:53)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sp...

May 25, 202252 min

Hour 4: Giordano Dominos and McDavid's Moment w/ Justin Bourne

Justin Bourne, co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss Mark Giordano’s team-friendly extension, his role heading into next season, potential trade chips on the blue line, Tampa’s sweep of the Florida Panthers, and Connor McDavid’s brilliance during the playoffs. Later, the team heads back to the text line to field more comments and questions from listeners (34:14). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necess...

May 24, 202248 min

Hour 3: Dissecting Vlad Jr.'s Struggles w/ Carlos Pena + Wake and Rake!

Carlos Pena, former MLB first baseman and current MLB Network analyst, joins the show to discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s recent struggles at the plate, the role of a hitting coach at the big league level, and his personal experience overcoming slumps during his playing career. Later, JD, Blake and Ailish tee up the betting lines for tonight’s Blue Jays-Cardinals game and assemble their daily Wake and Rake parlay (28:52). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and...

May 24, 202250 min

Hour 2: How Big Is The Gap Between McDavid and Matthews?

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss Connor McDavid imposing his will on the Flames, the definitive gap between McDavid and Auston Matthews, and Evander Kane’s redemptive post-season run. Then, the crew chimes in on the Dallas Mavericks’ roster construction and need for a secondary star and the fallout from Nazem Kadri’s collision with Jordan Binnington (16:40). Later, the team heads to the text line to field comments and questions from listeners (36:52). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast...

May 24, 202248 min

Hour 1: Giordano's Hometown Discount + Jays' Silent Bats

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Blue Jays’ 7-3 loss to the Cardinals on Monday, the team's ongoing offensive woes, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s extended dry spell at the plate, Charlie Montoyo’s management of the bullpen, and his decision to pull Alek Manoah after eight innings on Saturday. Afterwards, the crew weighs in on Mark Giordano signing a two-year extension with the Maple Leafs, his willingness to take a hometown discount, and the next domino to fall on the Leafs’ blue line (25:12). Later, ...

May 24, 202252 min

Hour 4: Trap Series? Jays-Reds Caution and Votto's HOF Case w/ Dan Shulman

Blue Jays play-by-play voice Dan Shulman stops by to discuss how opposing teams have adjusted their approach against Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Joey Votto’s level of resonance with Canadian baseball fans, his Hall of Fame candidacy, and why this weekend’s matchup against Cincinnati could be a trap series for the Blue Jays. Later, Colby Armstrong, former NHL forward and current Sportsnet analyst, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to chat about the Penguins’ off-season priorities, whether Evgeni Malkin or Kr...

May 20, 202249 min

Hour 3: Battle of Alberta Observations w/ Mike Commodore + Wake and Rake!

Mike Commodore, former NHL defenceman, 2006 Stanley Cup champion, and current hockey analyst for Sportsnet 960, joins the show to discuss the unique intensity and aura that comes with playing in the Battle of Alberta, Calgary’s wild Game 1 win over Edmonton, the pressure and excitement that stems from playing in a Canadian market, and why Leafs fans should remain optimistic about the team’s future. Later, JD, Blake and Ailish tee up the betting lines for tonight’s Blue Jays-Reds game and assembl...

May 20, 202249 min

Hour 2: Vladdy's Regression and Votto's Legacy w/ Ben Ennis

Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Drive Time, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss Joey Votto’s legacy and his place in Canadian baseball lore, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s lack of production despite his current 15-game hitting streak, concerns about the Blue Jays’ bullpen depth, and Tiger Woods’ struggles on Day 1 of the PGA Championship. Later, the team weighs in on the Celtics’ Game 2 win over the Heat and what lessons the Raptors can derive from Boston’s style of play (38:27). The views and opinions...

May 20, 202249 min

Hour 1: Jays Weekend Urgency + Cam Neely vs. Leafs Brass

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the level of urgency for the Blue Jays heading into their weekend series against the Reds and whether the Jays can capitalize on a golden opportunity to ignite their offence. Afterwards, the team chimes in on the Lightning claiming a 2-0 series lead over the Florida Panthers and the contrast in tone between Bruins President Cam Neely during his season-ending address and that of Brendan Shanahan and Kyle Dubas (24:22). Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A...

May 20, 202251 min

Hour 4: Would A Juan Soto Trade Be Feasible For The Jays? w/ David Samson

David Samson, former MLB executive and host of the Nothing Personal podcast, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss why Juan Soto isn't a likely trade candidate for the Blue Jays, how MLB front offices typically determine when to explore the trade market, potential left-handed bats that could become available this summer, and MLB's deadened ball theory. Later, the team breaks into a spirited debate about their favourite variety of apples, how the outcome of the Tampa-Florida series might impact f...

May 19, 202248 min
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