Jays Talk Plus: Early Questions on the Blue Jays Offseason

10/10/22 • 97 min

Sportsnet.ca's Ben Nicholson-Smith joins Blake Murphy to weigh in on if the 2022 Jays took a step forward this season, how the front office could improve the roster, why he's not concerned with the bullpen core heading into next year, and Cavan Biggio's future with the team (00:42). Then, the guys debate if the hot seat is starting to warm up on Toronto's brass into next season, if the Wild Card result will affect the decision to remove the interim tag on John Schneider, potential changes to the coaching staff, Vlad Jr.'s next contract, and one question Ben would ask to Ross Atkins following the team's elimination (26:37). Afterward, The Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath discusses the reaction within the clubhouse following their Game 2 loss to the Mariners, the biggest question heading into the offseason, why bolstering the starting rotation remains a priority, and and the value in investing in arms for the bullpen (49:49). Later on, FanGraphs' Michael Baumann jumps on to chat about the start of MLB's expanded playoffs, how Alex Anthopoulos constructed a winning organization in Atlanta in comparison to the Blue Jays current situation, and why he believes in Toronto's future (01:22:51).

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.

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.

Previous Episode

Jays Talk Plus: A Swing and A Missed Opportunity

Blake Murphy opens the show looking back at the Blue Jays' Wild Card loss to the Mariners. He sorts through the decision to pull Kevin Gausman and bring in Tim Mayza to face switch hitter Carlos Santana, George Springer's collision with Bo Bichette in the outfield, defensive adjustments with Raimel Tapia and Jackie Bradley Jr., how the Jays' trade deadline relates to their fallout in the postseason, and the importance of having a young competitive team early in their contracts (03:39). MLB.com's Julia Kreuz shares what she's learned from interim manager John Schneider in the two-game sweep, if the interim tag will be removed ahead of next season, what some of the players can takeaway from their first playoff games, and how she would like GM Ross Atkins to address the postseason results (27:07).

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.

Next Episode

Jays Talk Plus: Ross Atkins Speaks to the Media

We head down to Rogers Centre where General Manager Ross Atkins speaks to the media for his end-of-season availability after the Jays get swept in the Wild Card to the Mariners (00:20). Then, Blake Murphy and Sportsnet producer Chris Black share their reactions from Atkins' comments on the roster and interim manager John Schneider heading into next year (22:51). Afterward, the guys discuss how strongly the organization will stick with the current group of position players, if they need to re-evaluate their trade deadline approach, the bullpen's potential to reach elite pitching levels, adding left-handed batters, and George Springer's future in the outfield (24:59).

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.