The FAN Pregame

40 Episodes
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By: Sportsnet

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.

Frank Or Fiction Returns + Checking In with Ryan Leslie
Last Saturday at 12:01 AM

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Frank or Fiction with Frank Seravalli (0:55)! They discuss whether Ovi will be getting a retirement tour, the future of the Penguins with ownership changes, whether Nazem Kadri will be on a new team by the deadline, if the Leafs are a cup contender, and much more. Then, Maple Leafs Host Ryan Leslie joins the show (28:37)! They discuss his first impressions with stars such as Tavares, if the Olympics are a conversation in the Leafs locker room, Cowan’s first taste of the NHL, tee up the weekend's matchup against the Br...


MLB Free Agency Underway + Bruins Roll Into Toronto
Last Friday at 11:03 PM

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Brandon Wile (0:55) as they discuss his experience covering a World Series-contending team and how the team celebrated advancing in each round. Then, they discuss the opening of free agency, predictions surrounding Bo Bichette’s future, the Jays' free agency checklist, and much more. Later, Pete Blackburn joins the show (26:10) ahead of the Leafs' HNIC matchup against the Boston Bruins on Saturday. They discuss how the rivalry has evolved between the two teams, Boston’s five-game win streak and what has contributed to their success, the Canadian Olympic jerseys, the youth move...


Who Will Make the Team Canada Cut? + Early NBA Impressions with Katie Heindl
Last Friday at 10:01 PM

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick off the first hour of a three-hour special discussing Joseph Woll's return to the ice with the Marlies for a conditioning stint. Then, they react to Team Canada's recently released jerseys for the Olympics, project who won't be headed to Milan from Canada's 4 Nations roster, and discuss which Canadian players —like Macklin Celebrini, Mark Scheifele, Wyatt Johnston, Nick Suzuki and Connor Bedard— should make the Team Canada cut. Later, of the Basketball Feelings substack, Katie Heindl (30:50), stops by to discuss the Thunder picking up where they left off after winning an NBA title, earl...


Blue Jays Availability Takeaways + Sid vs. Ovi for 99th Time!
Last Friday at 12:00 AM

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off discussing Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins' end-of-season media availabilities and their biggest takeaways. Then, Ben Nicholson-Smith joins the show (11:28) to discuss the Jays' offseason priorities, what Bo Bichette could get on the open market and what he is looking for, what to make of Shane Bieber taking a discount to stay in Canada for another year, and much more. Later, they discuss Atkins’ comments on Jeff Hoffman not being married to the closer role. Finally, they discuss Sid and Ovi set to face off tonight once again for the 99th time in...


Easton Cowan Sent Down + Shane Bieber Returns
Last Wednesday at 11:32 PM

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Craig Simpson ahead of the Leafs hosting the Utah Mammoth for the first time. They discuss the Leafs start to the season, takeaways from the comeback win over the Penguins, Cowan being sent down to the AHL and how it will impact his development, and more. Then, following his report surrounding Shane Bieber electing to stay in Toronto, Jon Heyman joins the show. They discuss why this was an unexpected move from Bieber, if the Jays World Series run will help them attract top free agents, if Tucker and Alonso...


Who Has Stolen the Show Early In the NHL Season?
Last Tuesday at 11:59 PM

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Luke Gazdic in the studio (1:01). They tee up a flurry of exciting hockey games on the network tonight and discuss how the Oilers have started the year. They break down Connor McDavid’s lack of goals, where Edmonton is getting its scoring from, the changing landscape of contracts around the NHL, how they handled their contracts this offseason and more. Then, they look through the first chunk of the season and discuss which teams have been the biggest surprises, the players who deserve to be on Canada’s Olympic roster, what...


Reflecting on a Disappointing Weekend In Toronto
Last Tuesday at 12:01 AM

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off discussing a disappointing weekend in Toronto. Then, Arden Zwelling joins the show to reflect on his season covering the Blue Jays, way the Jays built the team and the way they developed into a special group, what we can expect for Toronto this offseason and if Bo could stick with the Jays, what will change the most before next season’s opener, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin react to John Schneider being named as a finalist for the Manager of the Year award, if this was the best World Se...


Can The Jays Bring The Commissioner's Trophy Home?
10/31/2025

The Commissioner's Trophy is in Toronto! Ahead of Game 6 of the World Series, Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert are joined live from the field by former Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Pillar (0:35) to discuss what to expect from the Toronto Blue Jays tonight with a World Series up for grabs. They discuss what we should expect to see from Kevin Gausman on the mound, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin discuss the Jays' lineup and how getting to the Fall Classic will impact the Jays' free agency options. Later, Sportsnet’s Joe Siddall (26:15) discusses what a World Series win wi...


Yesavage's Path to World Series History with College Coach Cliff Godwin
10/30/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off by reacting to Trey Yesavage’s historic performance in Game 5 of the World Series and how the Dodgers' players reacted to the loss. They share takeaways from the game and welcome Trey’s college coach at East Carolina University, Cliff Godwin, to the show (11:33). He discusses his time coaching Yesavage in college and what he was like when he first came to the program versus the kid who is starting in the World Series, how he has handled adversity and evolved throughout his career, what the young pitcher is like off the...


Who's Under the Most Pressure in Game 5 of the World Series?
10/29/2025

The Blue Jays have evened the series! Dan Shulman (0:57) joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert on the show ahead of tonight’s massive Game 5! They discuss what the mood is like in the Jays' clubhouse, what to expect from Toronto’s Game 5 starter, Trey Yesavage, how Dave Roberts will manage his bullpen, George Springer’s health, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin discuss their positive takeaways from the Jays tying the series. Next, Ryan Dempster joins the show (26:57) live from Dodgers Stadium to discuss the pressure levels ahead of Game 5, why the Dodgers offence has not been as advert...


How Can the Jays Bounce Back From an Unforgettable Loss?
10/28/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Jon Morosi ahead of game 4 of the World Series following a historic 18 Inning Game 3. They discuss the Jays waiting until the last minute to release their lineup, George Springer’s health, and what Jays fans need from Shane Bieber tonight. They react to the Jays lineup announcement, how Game 3 was managed on both sides, if Ohtani will be walked, what we will see from John Schneider tonight, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin discuss their takeaways from last night’s game and how they viewed Schneider’s decision making. Then...


Jamie Campbell, Jessica Mendoza Tee Up Game 3 of the World Series
10/27/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Jamie Campbell (1:00) live from Dodger Stadium ahead of Game 3 of the World Series. They discuss what to expect from the Dodgers at home, why the Jays elected to start Max Scherzer over Shane Bieber, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin discuss what we have seen from Mad Max this season, how it has all led up to tonight, and discuss his World Series experience. Later, ESPN’s Jessica Mendoza joins the show (25:45) to break down how the first two games of the World Series played out, what we have se...


World Series Eve with Jack Morris and Russell Dorsey
10/23/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with their biggest takeaways from World Series media day, including John Schneider announcing that Rookie Trey Yesavage will be starting Game 1 at the Rogers Centre. Then, Former Blue Jays World Series Champion and Baseball HOFer Jack Morris joins the show (11:05) to discuss his memories of winning the World Series in 1992 with Toronto, the pressure the Jays felt to win as opposed to the other WS winning teams he played with, how he thinks the Jays stack up against the defending champion Dodgers, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin throw it...


Raptors Open 2025-26 Season in Atlanta!
10/22/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick off the show discussing the biggest World Series storylines. From Freddie Freeman facing Canada’s team, the starting pitching matchups, and who will be in the Blue Jays' lineup for Game 1. Then, it’s Raptors opening night in Atlanta! Michael Grange joins the show (18:18) ahead of the first game of the Raptors' season to discuss what Brandon Ingram can bring, if Scottie Barnes is ready to take the team to the next step in year 5, and much more. Later, looking ahead to the World Series, Jared Carrabis stops by (27:47) to break down why the...


World Series Berth Reflections with Chris Leroux
10/21/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert react to the Blue Jays reaching a World Series for the first time in 30+ years. They react to their own viewing experiences and discuss what it means to the city. Then, Sportsnet’s Chris Leroux joins the show following his call of the game to discuss how he celebrated the Blue Jays winning the pennant, George Springer’s electric home run, how both managers handled the pitching changes and how the Jays will handle their pitching staff in the World Series. Then, ahead of Brad Marchand’s return to his old stomping grounds in Boston...


Previewing Game 7 Of the ALCS!
10/20/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi live from the Rogers Centre (1:26). They discuss what to expect in the Blue Jays' first Game 7 since 1985 and the Mariners' first in franchise history. They break down how this game will have a lasting impact on the younger generation of Blue Jays fans, the Jays getting help from across the roster, what to expect from Shane Bieber on the mound and how the bullpen could be handled, and much more. Then, Erik Swanson joins the show (28:30) to discuss his love for the Blue Jays, what it is...


A Pivotal Weekend Of Blue Jays Baseball
10/17/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Ben Shulman (2:44) ahead of Game 5 of the ALCS after the Jays tied the series on the road. He gets into how the vibe has changed around the ballpark, Vladdy Jr. making playoff history, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin discuss who has been the unsung hero for Toronto during the ALCS and read your text submissions. Later, former MLB pitcher and baseball analyst Dallas Braden joins the show (27:00) to break down an outside perspective of the ALCS. They discuss Scherzer’s viral moment with his manager on the mound du...


Santander's First Season In Toronto Is Officially Over
10/16/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Sportsnet’s Madison Shipman to tee up Game 4 of the ALCS. They discuss the big takeaways from a pivotal game 3 win for the Blue Jays and break down what went right for Toronto, what to expect from Max Scherzer in his 500th MLB start, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin break down the opening lineup before we hear from Blue Jays manager John Schneider ahead of Game 4. Then, Ailish and Justin react to Santander’s postseason being over, and discuss what the best moments from game 3 were. Then, Eduardo Perez...


How The Jays Can Turn the Series Around
10/15/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off in-studio with Sportsnet’s Jamie Campbell (0:51) ahead of a major Game 3 for the Jays against the Mariners. They discuss the Jays' lineup issues in the series, the differences between the Jays and Mariners bullpens, what the Jays can expect from T-Mobile Park in Seattle, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin break down the pitching matchup before welcoming in Ricky Romero to discuss his takeaways from the Jays' 0-2 start to the ALCS series (24:33). They discuss the Jays' bullpen and the bullpen decisions the Jays have made, how Varland has looked, an...


Can the Blue Jays Come Back Against the Mariners in Seattle?
10/14/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off discussing a tough weekend for Toronto sports fans as the Jays are down 0-2 in the ALCS. Then, they react to John Schneider announcing that Max Scherzer will be the game 4 starter on Thursday. Then, Alex Avila joins the show to discuss how the Blue Jays can come back in the series, Cal Raleigh’s AL MVP case, his experience catching for Max Scherzer, and take a look at game 2 between the Dodgers and Brewers.

 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hos...


ALCS Awaits Tigers-Mariners
10/10/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin kick things off with Buck Martinez (6:08) ahead of the ALCS! They discuss what he took away from a fantastic outing from Toronto at the ALDS, how Vladdy has raised his game when it matters most, Bo Bichette’s status for the ALCS, John Schneider’s performance and decision-making so far, who would be the better opponent for Toronto between the Mariners and Tigers, and much more. Then, Jon Morosi joins the show (25:42) live from Seattle ahead of game 5 between the Mariners and Tigers. They tee up a pivotal matchup and discuss what each team brings to t...


Blue Jays Punch Ticket to ALCS!
10/09/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Frank Seravalli (1:25) to break down a flurry of NHL news over the past week. They discuss the numerous players that have agreed to terms, including Connor McDavid, Kyle Connor, Jack Eichel, and more. They break down McDavid’s discount with Edmonton and the moves it has allowed the Oilers to make, whether Edmonton could bring in a new goaltender, Jonathan Toews set to make his return to the NHL with the Jets tonight, and much more. Later, Ailish and Justin react to last night’s Blue Jays ALDS victory over the...


Did The Jays Wake Up the Sleeping Giant in the Bronx?
10/08/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Sportsnet’s Chris Leroux (1:49) ahead of Game 4 of the ALDS. They discuss what to expect in a must-win game for the Yankees and what it is like for him to return to one of his old big-league teams. They discuss the epic collapse from the Jays in the Bronx last night, if the Jays woke up a sleeping giant, the performance of the bullpen heading into a bullpen game, the Yankees' defensive improvements, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin go through their thoughts and reactions to last night’s game...


Is Game 3 a Must-Win Game for the Blue Jays?
10/07/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Blake Murphy (0:47) ahead of the Jays' Game 3 matchup against the Yankees in the Bronx. They discuss whether tonight is a must-win for the Blue Jays, how they will approach the game with a potential bullpen game in Game 4, what to expect from Shane Bieber, how he has performed against the Yankees in the past, and more. Then, former Blue Jay Justin Smoak joins the show (28:20) ahead of Game 3 in the Bronx. They discuss what it is like watching Vladdy after being teammates with him early in his career and his...


Jays Heading to Bronx on a High + Elliotte Friedman on McDavid's Extension
10/06/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with the big news of the day surrounding the Oilers ending the Connor McDavid contract saga (for now) after signing a 2-year deal. Then, Shi Davidi joins the show (15:07) to discuss the Jays taking a 2-0 lead in the ALDS against the New York Yankees. They discuss the Jays' impressive starting pitching and Trey Yesavage’s historic playoff debut, how the Yankees will be approaching Game 3 in the Bronx, and more. Later, Elliotte Friedman joins the show (36:01) to discuss McDavid's extension in Edmonton. They break down his decision to sign a sh...


ALDS Lookahead with Joe Siddall + 2015 Memories with Ryan Goins
10/03/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Joe Siddall to tee up tomorrow’s ALDS matchup between the Blue Jays and Yankees. They discuss what to expect from the Jays pitching staff, discuss the big questions surrounding each team in a pivotal game 1, and much more. Then, Former Blue Jay and current Angels Bench Coach Ryan Goins joins the show. They discuss his memories playing for the Blue Jays in the postseason including the “bad blood” the Jays had with their rivals, the role and mindset of the supporting cast of a playoff team, the fans at the Ro...


Which Blue Jay Is Under the Most Pressure in October?
10/02/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with MLB Network’s Jon Morosi to break down the MLB playoff landscape with the Wild Card Series coming to a close. They break down the potential divisional series matchups and the x-factors to keep an eye out for. Then, they turn their attention to the Jays and discuss how the team could approach game 1 if Bo Bichette is out, what to make of Max Scherzer’s outing at the intrasquad game, Bassitt’s health, if Vladdy’s legacy is on the line in the ALDS, and much more. Then, Ailish and Just...


Relief Pitching Turning Heads on Wild Card Week
10/01/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off by discussing the result of Game 1 between the Red Sox and Yankees and who would be the more favourable matchup for the Jays. Then, Jensen Lewis joins the show (9:55) to discuss the biggest takeaways from the Wild Card series around the MLB so far. They break down what we have seen from Garrett Crochet’s impact for the Red Sox since the trade, Mason Miller’s standout performance in Game 2 for the Padres, and much more. Later, Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith stops by (26:15) to discuss what we saw from the Blue Jays...


October Baseball with Kevin Pillar
09/30/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off discussing the Wild Card matchups and results from the day, and discuss the Jays' intrasquad games announcement before welcoming Kevin Pillar to the show (9:42). Kevin breaks down what goes on behind the scenes in intrasquad games during the team’s bye week, his thoughts on the Jays waiting until game 162 to clinch the division, and what it is like to play in a playoff game and his experience playing in front of the fans at the Rogers Centre. Then, Ailish and Justin discuss who they would rather the Jays meet in th...


Blue Jays Book their Ticket to the ALDS!
09/29/2025

The Jays are AL East champs and are heading to the ALDS! Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off by breaking down the Jays' whirlwind of a season and who they would rather face off between the Red Sox and Yankees. Then, they debate the potential Jays starters and what they expect the playoff roster to look like. Later, Frank Seravalli joins the show (25:43) to discuss the biggest storylines around the NHL with preseason action well underway. They discuss the Panthers' options with both Matthew Tkachuk and now captain Aleksander Barkov expected to be out for the season...


An Exciting End to MLB's Regular Season
09/26/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with a look back on the Jays' win over the Boston Red Sox last night and a look ahead to the final series of the regular season against the Mariners. Then, Tim Kurkjian joins the show (10:35) to tee up what could be one of the most exciting closing weeks of an MLB regular season in recent memory. They break down the current division races, the MVP races, and much more. Then, live from Bethpage Black, Adam Stanley joins the show (25:30) to break down day one of the Ryder Cup. They break...


Jays' Division Doom & Gloom
09/25/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick off the show discussing the panic setting in amongst Blue Jays fans. Then, Joe Siddall joins the show (4:55) ahead of tonight’s contest to tee up tonight’s crucial matchup against the Red Sox, what he has noticed from the Jays amidst their losing stretch, and much more. Next, Ailish and Justin tee up the Ryder Cup. Finally, they discuss how the Jays' season/postseason is in their hands, the frustration that is setting in, the pitching decisions that have been made over the past month, Berrios heading to the IL, and much more...


Have the Jays Hit the Panic Button?
09/24/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off by breaking down the Blue Jays' switching their rotation schedule ahead of a tight race to clinch the division. They discuss the rationale behind the changes, the struggles over the last 15 days, and more. Then, former MLB outfielder and host of Loud Outs Ryan Spilborghs joins the show (13:52) to discuss what the final week of a season is like from a player’s perspective, being in a tight playoff race, and more. Later, Ben Nicholson-Smith stops by (25:55) ahead of tonight’s game to break down the Jays' rotation changes, if the team...


Santander is Back, All-Star Pitcher DFA'd and This or That
09/23/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert open the show previewing the Blue Jays' three-game series hosting the Boston Red Sox with Kevin Gausman starting in the opener, the landscape of the post-season chases across the American League. Then, the two are joined by Red Sox's radio play-by-play voice Will Flemming to chat about the team's path back to the playoffs with two series left against AL teams. Afterwards, Ailish and Justin react to the news of Anthony Santander's reinstation to the main roster with Ty France placed on the 10-day IL and Alek Manoah designated for assignment before debuting their...


Frank Seravalli Returns + Buck Martinez Talks Blue Jays Postseason
09/22/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off, discussing the Jays' clinching the playoffs and their path to clinching the AL East. Then, Frank Seravalli joins the show (10:07) to discuss a rather quiet NHL offseason, what the future has in store for the Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid, the chances of Sidney Crosby getting traded, if Kirill Kaprizov is worth the rumoured price, and much more. Then, Buck Martinez joins the show (30:10) to discuss the Jays' expectations for the postseason, the atmosphere this season in the Rogers Centre, the passion of the Jays fanbase, and much more. Then, Ailish...


Biggest Surprises From the Blue Jays' 2025 Season
09/19/2025

Blue Jays radio play-by-play voice Ben Shulman joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert to discuss the team on the verge of officially clinching a post-season spot, the turning point in the year classifying the team bound for the playoffs, which ballclub he'd rather the Jays avoid in October, the advantage of finishing off the campaign at home, Trey Yesavage's usage, and Anthony Santander's future on the post-season roster. Then, Ailish and Justin continue their chat on their top surprises from the Blue Jays' 2025 season including George Springer's resurgence, starting rotation, and much more! 

 

The views an...


Kershaw & Kopitar's Last Dances in LA + McDavid's Decision
09/18/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start the show with Foul Territory's Alanna Rizzo (1:35) to discuss the AL playoff picture with under two weeks to go in MLB's regular season. She gets into the Blue Jays' recent play as they look to clinch a postseason spot, their formula for playoff success, the Tigers' poorly timed slump and the Mariners' scorching stretch. Then, she weighs in on Clayton Kershaw's legacy after he announced this would be his final season. Later, Sportsnet's Mark Spector stops by (25:47) to discuss the concern levels amongst the Edmonton Oilers faithful as they await a decision from...


How Does the Rest of the Baseball World View the Blue Jays?
09/17/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with ESPN's Jesse Rogers (1:30) as MLB's playoff picture starts to take shape. They discuss how the Blue Jays are perceived throughout the rest of the baseball world, why the Yankees are a threat in a short playoff series, Manager of the Year frontrunners, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin discuss Connor McDavid’s comments on 32 Thoughts and debate what is going through the superstar’s head as he heads into the final year of his contract. Later, Sportsnet’s Shawn McKenzie (25:57) joins the show to get his insight from today’s Leafs...


Bo Out for the Regular Season + A Busy Week 2 in the NFL
09/16/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Dan Shulman (4:10) ahead of the Jays' clash against the Rays. They discuss what they saw from Trey Yesavage in his MLB debut, Bo Bichette being out for the regular season, what we need to see from the Jays pitchers before the playoffs, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin go through the biggest questions from the Blue Jays in the final two weeks of the regular season before October. Later, James Palmer joins the show (51:20) to break down Week 2 of the NFL season. They discuss which 2-0 team fans should...


Jays Top Prospect Trey Yesavage Earns First MLB Start
09/15/2025

Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff kick things off with Jamie Campbell (0:45) to tee up a big Jays series against the Rays with rookie Trey Yesavage on the mound. They discuss whether the team rushed their 2024 1st round pick and the excitement surrounding the Jays' top prospect, the Jays' comeback ability, and much more. Then, MLB Pipeline’s Sam Dykstra joins the show (25:08) to tee up Trey Yesavage’s MLB debut. They break down his progression through the minors, where his stuff ranks amongst top prospects in the sport, realistic expectations for his MLB debut, a look at the rest of t...