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

John Herdman and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo

With the news of Christine Sinclair retiring, Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert speak to current TFC head coach and former Team Canada head coach John Herdman (6:44). He reflects on his time as her coach, why he was nervous about working with a star like her and what she taught him about soccer. Then on his move to TFC, the debut this weekend and comparing international vs club play. Later, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo on the MLB playoffs (27:17), if the Astros are getting enough credit and will someon...

Oct 20, 20231 hr 15 min

Chris Bassitt: Blue Jays Pitcher and Leafs Super Fan

The show kicks off with a discussion around Matthew Knies moving up on the Maple Leafs lineup. Then to Ottawa with Brent Wallace (4:39) who looks ahead to Capitals vs. Senators, why the city is in love with the new owner, the return of Alfie and reasons for Ovie’s chase losing interest and steam. Later, a look at how the Sens and Sabres are building their team, and the risk/reward of paying stars before they become… stars. Later on, Chris Bassitt of the Blue Jays (24:41) calls into the show to t...

Oct 18, 20231 hr 14 min

The Phillies Have the Greatest Home Field in Sports

Caleb Joseph joins Ailish Forfar & Justin Cuthbert in studio to talk about why the Phillies have such a terrific home field advantage and how the team was specifically built for the post season. Then, the reason why the Rangers are 7-0 in the playoffs and we wrap on the Jays and the long off-season ahead. Next up, the Athletic's Josh Kloke on the Leafs, whether Corey Perry is a Hall of Famer, how impressive William Nylander is and then Michael Bradley's retirement and the case for Bradley as...

Oct 17, 20231 hr 15 min

Streaks and Stars: It’s Bedard vs. Matthews

Ailish and Justin begin with Matthews vs. Bedard tonight in Toronto and all the talk leading into the game has been about the amount of media coverage for the rookie with people like teammate Taylor Hall saying it’s been overboard. Jeff Marek weighs in on the coverage and where to draw the line before discussing which NHL team and stars would you pay money to see (6:07). Later, former NHL referee Tim Peel joins the show to discuss tonight’s game, the evolution of referees, the role of fighting a...

Oct 16, 20231 hr 15 min

“I Made the NHL” Chantal Minten on Son Fraser Making the Leafs

Ailish Forfar & Justin Cuthbert wrap the week with Real Kyper in-studio as Nick Kypreos looks at the first few days of the NHL season, what he saw in the Leafs and why a player like Ryan Reaves is important. Over to the young stars and why there is a massive difference between someone like Knies and Minten. Next up, Chantal Minten, the mother of Maple Leafs' Fraser Minten on his rise to the NHL, the surprise text message he sent them about making the Leafs and what it’s been like since they ...

Oct 13, 202350 min

Closing the Book on the Blue Jays' Season with BNS

Ben Nicholson-Smith joins Ailish and Justin in studio to look back at today’s news conference where Jays President Mark Shapiro aimed to clean up the mess after the Ross Atkins Thanksgiving presser – and – his mission to speak to a very angry fan base. Then to the off-season, what’s next for people like Alek Manoah and how the team needs to address their lack of hitting from players to coaches. Next up, Auston Matthews scores 3 goals and Toronto seems to have much fewer hats than most rinks. Lat...

Oct 12, 20231 hr 15 min

Debating What Defines “Success” For The Leafs

Ailish and Justin kick off the show with Frank Seravalli from Dailyfaceoff.com (3:31), who goes into what would make the Leafs season a success. Then, his first-hand look at Connor Bedard last night, his expectations for the other Connor (McDavid) to repeat as a 60-goal scorer and his thoughts on the NHL Pride tape ban and why the NHLPA has been oddly silent so far. Later, Luke Fox live from Scotiabank ahead of Leafs/Habs (28:49) and how the press box is obsessing with the end of the Hall and Oa...

Oct 11, 202350 min

Welcome to The FAN Pregame

Ailish and Justin open the show with a recap of the Ross Atkins press conference over the weekend. Then on NHL Opening Night, they welcome Bill Daly (2:55), Deputy Commissioner to discuss the start of the season, Bedard’s debut, the banning of Pride Tape, technology and best-on-best hockey internationally. Later, a review of the Atkins press conference and what we can expect this week when Mark Shapiro speaks on Thursday. Then, NHL bold predictions and why out of 20 people at Sportsnet, not a si...

Oct 10, 20231 hr 14 min

Saving the Best for Last + Saying Goodbye

It’s the final countdown, and we saved the best for last. To begin Ailish and Justin’s final hour on The FAN Morning Show , they are joined by Jeff Blair, co-host of Blair and Barker, to discuss Gerrit Cole solidifying his Cy Young case on Thursday night, the Blue Jays’ inability to make adjustments against high-end starting pitching, his suspicion that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been hampered by injuries throughout the season, Davis Schneider’s current slump, the eroding relationship between Ale...

Sep 22, 202347 min

Can Willy Thrive at Centre? w/ Nick Kypreos + NFL Week 3 Primer!

On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show , Charles Davis - long-time friend of the show - checks in from Seattle to discuss Sunday’s Seahawks-Panthers matchup, Bryce Young’s potential absence from the lineup, the 49ers’ dominant win over the Giants on Thursday night, Brock Purdy’s ceiling as San Francisco’s starting quarterback, Micah Parsons’ MVP-calibre skill set, Cincinnati’s 0-2 start, and Jonathan Taylor’s lingering trade request. Later, Ailish and Justin are joined by Nick Kypreos (28:07), co-hos...

Sep 22, 202351 min

The Last Hurrah!

Happy Friday! For the final time, it’s Ailish and Justin hosting The FAN Morning Show. They kick off our farewell show by discussing the Blue Jays’ 5-3 loss to the Yankees, Gerrit Cole’s Cy Young pursuit, the Blue Jays’ track record of struggling to hit against quality pitching, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s lingering knee injury, and the latest news surrounding Alek Manoah. Afterwards, Ailish and Justin chat about their observations from day 1 of Maple Leafs training camp and William Nylander’s new l...

Sep 22, 202350 min

Vlad’s Injury Scare w/ Blake Murphy + The (New) Morning Show Crew!

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with Blake Murphy, host of Jays Talk Plus and new co-host of The Raptors Show, stopping by in studio to discuss the Blue Jays’ series against the Yankees, Kevin Gausman’s strong outing on Wednesday night, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s knee injury, Cavan Biggio’s recent heater, and which team might be the ideal playoff opponent for the Blue Jays. Afterwards, Ailish and Justin are joined in studio by Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning (26:06) to chat about their foray i...

Sep 21, 202348 min

Stamkos’ Swan Song in Tampa? w/ Jeff Marek

On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show , Jeff Marek - long-time friend of the show - checks in to discuss his favourite interviews from the 32 Thoughts summer tour, Steven Stamkos’ discontent with his contract situation, the prevailing takeaways from Toronto’s media day, and the ripple effect of Mike Babcock’s resignation in Columbus. Later, Ailish and Justin are joined by Erin Ambrose, defenceman for the PWHL Montreal franchise, to chat about her experience going through the PWHL Draft, Montreal’s s...

Sep 21, 202350 min

Vintage Gausman + Willy Becomes “Centre” of Attention

It’s baby Friday! Ailish and Justin open the show by discussing their move to a new timeslot and some of the programming changes that will be coming to our station this fall. Then, they weigh in on the Blue Jays’ 6-1 win over the Yankees, Aaron Boone’s theatrics, Kevin Gausman’s bounce back outing, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. being a late scratch on Wednesday with right knee discomfort. Afterwards, Ailish and Justin chat about their takeaways from Maple Leafs media day, William Nylander’s move to ...

Sep 21, 202350 min

Cleanup Cavan w/ Dan Shulman + Wake and Rake!

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with Dan Shulman checking in from New York to discuss the Blue Jays’ series-opening win over the Yankees, the sleepy atmosphere at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night, the current logjam in the AL West, Cavan Biggio’s recent heater at the plate, his promotion into the cleanup spot, and Bo Bichette’s performance since returning from the IL. Later, Ailish and Justin are joined by Greg Wyshynski (22:40), senior NHL writer for ESPN, to chat about some of the top ...

Sep 20, 202348 min

Blue Jays’ One-Week Turnaround w/ Jon Morosi + Nylander at Center?

On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show , MLB Network Insider Jon Morosi stops by to discuss the Blue Jays’ ongoing playoff chase, where Toronto currently sits in the AL pecking order, Shohei Ohtani’s elbow surgery and what it means for his impending free agency, the air-tight NL Cy Young race, Yusei Kikuchi’s comically-long sleep routine, and Adam Wainwright’s 200-win milestone. Later, Ailish and Justin are joined by Sportsnet’s Luke Fox to chat about Maple Leafs Media Day, William Nylander’s contrac...

Sep 20, 202349 min

Kikuchi's Big Revelation + Are the Leafs Better Than Last Year?

Happy Hump Day! Ailish and Justin discuss the Blue Jays’ fascinating turnaround over the past week, the lack of energy at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night, George Springer hitting a leadoff homer on his 34th birthday, Yusei Kikuchi’s injury scare, his insane sleep routine, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. showing signs of wear and tear, and Cavan Biggio being elevated into the cleanup spot. Then, with the Leafs set to host Media Day on Wednesday, Ailish and Justin debate if the team’s current roster is bett...

Sep 20, 202350 min

Yankees Reset? w/ Evan Roberts + Inside the PWHL Draft

On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show , Evan Roberts, co-host of Evan and Tiki on WFAN in New York, joins the show to discuss the Yankees’ tumultuous 2023 season, New York’s flawed roster construction, the futures of Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone, how Jets fans are coping with losing Aaron Rodgers, the Giants’ epic comeback in Arizona, and the current tenor surrounding the New York Knicks. Later, Ailish and Justin connect with Andi Petrillo, host for CBC Sports and OneSoccer, to chat about her exper...

Sep 19, 202351 min

Maple Leafs Training Camp Storylines w/ David Alter + Wake and Rake!

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with David Alter, Maple Leafs reporter for Sports Illustrated and The Hockey News, stopping by to discuss the biggest storylines heading into Maple Leafs training camp, expectations for Auston Matthews after inking a new deal this summer, lingering questions about the team’s blue line, how Sheldon Keefe might fare with Brad Treliving in charge, Ryan Reaves’ fit in the Maple Leafs’ lineup, and the team’s cap crunch. Later, Ailish and Justin are joined by D...

Sep 19, 202347 min

Blue Jays' Hypothetical Playoff Rotation + PWHL History!

Ailish and Justin host! They discuss the Blue Jays’ increasing playoff odds, the team’s upcoming series against the Yankees, and which three starting pitchers should take the mound for the Blue Jays in a wild card series. Then, Ailish and Justin weigh in on the inaugural PWHL Draft and chat about some of the top storylines heading into Maple Leafs training camp. We close out the hour with Ailish's daily edition of the A-List (46:18)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of ...

Sep 19, 202350 min

Toronto's Playoff Chances + What's Next in Columbus w/ Elliotte Friedman

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show , Kevin Barker, co-host of Blair and Barker , joins Justin Cuthbert and Brent Gunning to discuss the Blue Jays' weekend sweep against the Boston Red Sox, the lingering concerns surrounding the team's run-scoring abilities, how confidence he feels in Toronto's playoff chances, if the pitching staff is starting to be overworked, and Rafael Devers' best efforts to break up the Jays' party. Later on, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman weighs in on Mike Babcock's resignat...

Sep 18, 202347 min

Toronto's September Rollercoaster w/ David Samson + NFL Week 2 Review!

On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show , former President of the Miami Marlins and Host of Nothing Personal , David Samson joins Justin and Brent to chat about the peaks and valleys of the Toronto Blue Jays in September, the schedule ahead for the other A.L. Wild Card contenders, who stands out as a World Series favourite, the Atlanta Braves' team-building blueprint, and more! Later on, we chat with Brenden Deeg, NFL Editor with theScore, about the top headlines from the second Sunday of the NFL seas...

Sep 18, 202351 min

Blue Jays' Bounce Back Weekend + Mike Babcock Resigns

Happy Monday! Justin Cuthbert and Brent Gunning kick things off with a comprehensive review of the Blue Jays' weekend sweep of the Boston Red Sox, the strides made by the offence in big moments, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s power-packed series. Later on, the pair look into Mike Babcock's resignation as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets. On today's edition of The A-List, the guys weigh in on Colorado's comeback win in NCAA football (47:27). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast ar...

Sep 18, 202350 min

How Culpable is John Schneider? w/ Jeff Blair + Wake and Rake!

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with Jeff Blair, co-host of Blair and Barker, checking in to discuss the Blue Jays’ sweep at the hands of the Rangers, recent slippage from the team’s pitching staff, Toronto’s flawed lineup construction, potential changes that could be forthcoming this off-season, and John Schneider’s level of culpability for the Jays’ disappointing results. Afterwards, Ailish and Justin are joined by Hailey Salvian (30:06) to chat about Monday’s PWHL Draft, Minnesota’s ...

Sep 15, 202348 min

RJ Barrett on Canada’s Olympic Journey + NFL Week 2 Storylines!

On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show , Charles Davis stops by to discuss his irrational love of chocolate, the Philadelphia Eagles’ dominant run game, Nick Sirianni’s roots as a run-first, ground-and-pound coach, Minnesota’s 0-2 start, this Sunday’s intriguing Chiefs-Jaguars showdown, Trevor Lawrence’s ascent, Calvin Ridley’s impressive return, and first impressions of Jordan Love as the Packers’ successor to Aaron Rodgers. Later, Ailish and Justin are joined by RJ Barrett, New York Knicks and Team...

Sep 15, 202348 min

Listless Jays Lose Again + Worst Rule in Sports?

Happy Friday! Ailish and Justin discuss the Blue Jays suffering a sweep at the hands of the Texas Rangers, the team being booed off the field for a second straight night, the Jays’ dwindling playoff chances, Kevin Gausman’s post-game comments about the vibe in the clubhouse, and the Blue Jays’ pervasive offensive flaws. Afterwards, they chime in on the Eagles’ victory over the Vikings on Thursday Night Football and the NFL’s perplexing touchback rule. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of ...

Sep 15, 202350 min

Texas Dominance + Week Two Preview w/ Ian Eagle

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with Jared Sandler, Rangers pre and post-game show host, stopping by to discuss Texas’ recent resurgence, their dominant week against the Blue Jays, the incongruence within Toronto’s lineup, Corey Seager’s historically-good 2023 season, Max Scherzer’s season-ending injury, Marcus Semien’s impact since joining the Rangers as a free agent in 2021, and the frozen grape phenomenon. Afterwards, Ailish and Justin are joined by Ian Eagle (27:23), play-by-play an...

Sep 14, 202348 min

Blue Jays Rock Bottom? w/ Ben Shulman

On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show , Ben Shulman stops by to discuss the Blue Jays’ 10-0 shutout loss against Texas, the team being booed off the field at Rogers Centre, the dip in attendance this week, the significant contributions being made by the Jays’ Buffalo call ups, and Matt Chapman’s impending return to the lineup. Then, Ailish and Justin weigh in on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s comments about his long-term future with the Milwaukee Bucks. Later, Steve Kouleas, host of The Power Play on Siriu...

Sep 14, 202349 min

Justin is Back! + Another Blue Jays Debacle

It’s Baby Friday! Justin is back! He discusses his experience travelling through Portugal and attending a pro soccer game in Portimao. Then, Ailish and Justin dive into the Blue Jays’ debacle against Texas on Wednesday, the team getting booed off the field at Rogers Centre, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s ongoing struggles, and the toxic vibe surrounding this team. Justin also shares his thoughts on Canada’s bronze medal win at the FIBA World Cup and the evolving Mike Babcock story. Later, Ailish closes...

Sep 14, 202350 min

Looking for a Split + Next Summer’s Paris Olympics w/ Nate Bjorkgren

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with Madison Shipman checking in to discuss the Blue Jays dropping back-to-back games against Texas, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s current form at the plate, Bo Bichette’s offensive approach, the Blue Jays being devoid of a true cleanup hitter, Matt Chapman’s role when he returns from the IL, and the team’s sluggish demeanour during this week’s series against the Rangers. Later, Ailish and Jesse are joined by Nate Bjorkgren (25:50), associate head coach of the ...

Sep 13, 202348 min
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