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.

How Does the Rest of the Baseball World View the Blue Jays?
Yesterday at 11:03 PM

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
Last Tuesday at 11:36 PM

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
Last Monday at 11:03 PM

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...


Anthony Santander's Rehab Stint + Week 2 Preview with Ryan Harris
Last Friday at 10:59 PM

Ailish Forfar and Jesse Fuchs kick things off with Ben Nicholson-Smith ahead of the Jays series opener against the Orioles. They discuss Kevin Gausman’s immaculate outing to close out the series against the Astros, what to expect from Gimenez in his first start at short stop since 2022, how Gausman going 9-innings helps Jeff Hoffman and the bullpen, the Jays struggles against the Orioles, and more. Then, they discuss Orelvis Martinez being DFA’s as Alek Manoah continues to progress from his rehab stint in AAA, how Santander has looked early on in his rehab assignment, and more. Then, Aili...


Signs of Life Without Bo + NHL Player Media Tour
09/10/2025

Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff kick things off with Shi Davidi following the Jays electric walk off win over the Astros. They discuss how the Jays were able to kick off the series with a win, Vladdy’s electric throw, Shane Bieber continuing to prove himself since his recovery from Tommy John surgery, and much more. Then, Ailish and Jesse discuss the Jays bullpen in game 1 and what we can expect tonight. Then, live from Las Vegas at the NHL Players Media Tour, Luke Fox joins the show. They discuss Quinn Hughes comments to the media surrounding his future in...


A Crucial Stretch without Bo Bichette
09/09/2025

Justin Cuthbert and Jesse Rubinoff kick off the show with MLB Network’s Jon Morosi following Bo Bichette landing on the IL. They discuss how Bichette’s injury could affect the Jays in their playoff race in the final weeks of the season, the tight races around the league and more. Then, ahead of the Jays series opener against the Houston Astros, Ben Shulman joins the show. They discuss how the Jays will adapt without Bo for at least the next 10 days, how the Jays can fill the void, the importance of the series, the faith John Schneider and Pete...


How Bullpen Performance Affects A Clubhouse with Jensen Lewis
09/08/2025

After a tough back and forth series for the Blue Jays against the Yankees, Justin Cuthbert and Jesse Rubinoff welcome former pitcher and MLB Network radio analyst Jensen Lewis. They discuss how Jays fans should be feeling in the final stretch of the season, what it is like in a clubhouse during a playoff push in September, what it is like as a reliever when the bullpen is struggling, how bullpen performance affects the clubhouse, and more. Next, Justin and Jesse discuss the Yankees use of AI and if we will it have a larger impact in the sport...


Who Will Sit at the Top of the AL East?
09/05/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner ahead of tonight’s major series opener between the Blue Jays and the Yankees. They discuss how the two teams’ bullpens stack up against one another, if Anthony Volpe is the guy long term in New York, what has changed for the Yankees after a tough stretch, and much more. Then, former MLB manager Buck Showalter joins the show. They discuss what it's like to manage a team battling for a playoff spot in September, dealing with bullpen struggles and managing the outside noise, the Yankee...


Getting Set for Eagles/Cowboys NFL Kickoff with Dianna Russini
09/04/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with MLB Network's Robert Flores (2:54). They discuss the bounce back from Shane Bieber early on following his return to the big leagues, George Springer's MVP-level season, the importance of the Jays' depth, and more. Then, they look around to the rest of the league and check in on the Red Sox and Yankees as they chase playoff spots and the Brewers' continued success in the NL. Then, ahead of the NFL Opening Night matchup between the Cowboys and Eagles, Ailish and Justin go through their award predictions for the NFL and...


Is George Springer a HOFer? + Kawhi and the Clippers Under the Microscope
09/03/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Scott Braun (1:14) of Foul Territory. They discuss Framber Valdez’s viral moment where he is accused of intentionally hitting his catcher after giving up a grand slam, the Astros and the NL West Playoff race, George Springer’s elite play this season, and much more. Then, they discuss whether George Springer is a future Baseball Hall of Famer, the reported cap circumvention between Steve Ballmer and Kawhi Leonard when he signed with the team, Felix Auger-Aliassime reaching the U.S. Open Semifinals, and much more. 

The views and opini...


How Injuries Have Changed the Jays' Bullpen Conversation
09/02/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Shi Davidi (1:15) ahead of Game 2 of the Blue Jays' series against the Reds. They discuss the Jays' options in the bullpen, how the conversation would change had injury luck been different, Trey Yesavage getting a bullpen session in the minors and whether he could be an option at the big-league level. Then, they get into how the clubhouse is taking some of the Jays' issues as of late, the benefit of the tight-knit group, and much more. They end things off with a look at the NHL’s new CBA's im...


The Blue Jays' Options to Close
09/01/2025

After the Jays' blown loss to the Reds, Ben Nicholson-Smith joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert to recap the first game of the series. They discuss the Jays options on the mound in the closer spot, the playoff race getting tighter in the AL East, and much more. Then, they discuss Felix Auger-Aliassime heading to the Quarter-Finals at the US Open, Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez doubles partnership, and more. Then, Ailish and Justin read your texts on how the Jays should approach their bullpen issues and draft the major world sporting events that they wish Canada was more...


Powerhouse Brewers and Jays Match Up
08/29/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick off the show by previewing a battle of the titans as the Brewers and Blue Jays kick off a three-game series at the Rogers Centre. Joe Siddall joins the show (11:54) to tee up the matchup, discuss the pitching matchup as Shane Bieber is set to take the mound for his second start as a Blue Jay, and much more. Then, Mike Heller stops by (25:35) to discuss the exciting scenes in Milwaukee with the Brewers' success and the Packers landing Micah Parsons. They discuss what's behind the Brewers' NL-leading record, the team's pitching depth...


Dallas Loses Another Sports Superstar
08/28/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off by discussing the blockbuster NFL trade with Micah Parsons heading to Green Bay. Then, with one month left in the MLB regular season, Ryan Dempster stops by (6:11) to delve into the biggest stories to keep an eye on with the playoffs quickly approaching. Then, to break down the biggest NFL blockbuster trade of the year, Charean Williams joins the show (27:00). They discuss the Packers making the generational pass rusher one of the league's highest-paid players, how the Cowboys fumbled his future with the team, how the locker room reacts to losing...


Should Jays Fans Have Faith in Hoffman? + Ryder Cup Teams Take Shape
08/27/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Chris Leroux (1:33) to discuss Jeff Hoffman's blown save against the Twins on Tuesday, if he has ever been booed off an MLB mound and whether Blue Jays fans should continue to trust their closer. Then, following Team USA announcing their picks for the Ryder Cup, Mark Immelman joins the show (25:58) to break down the controversial selections for USA and captain Keegan Bradley, the pressure McIlroy will face as a European captain, what to expect from Team Europe, and much more. Ailish and Justin end things off with a look at...


What Could Keep Bo in Toronto? + Fairytale Sports Endings We Could See This Season
08/26/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Sportsnet’s Julia Kreuz (1:15) ahead of tonight’s Blue Jays matchup against the Twins. They discuss Max Scherzer’s latest outing, Kirk’s offensive output and workload this season, George Springer’s contract and production in his age-35 season, what could keep Bo Bichette in Toronto, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin discuss Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift announcing their engagement and discuss the fairytale endings they would like to see in the sports world this season. 

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


Jays' Sharpening Series + US Open Drama
08/25/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert are joined by Toronto Sun's Rob Longley to chat about the moral boost coming off a successful return to the mound for Shane Bieber and his new teammates around him, how a ride of good outings from the former Cy Young Award winner could shape the Blue Jays' playoff starters, what is the top concern for John Schneider's club to sharpen before October, Daulton Varsho's batting power, and where we could expect Anthony Santander slot back in once he's healthy. Then, host of the No Challenges Remaining Podcast Ben Rothenberg stops by to discuss...


Blue Jays Have Bieber Fever + Canada's Next Golf Star?
08/22/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Ben Nicholson-Smith (0:40) live from the ballpark in Miami ahead of Shane Bieber's Blue Jays debut. They discuss his journey back to the mound, what to expect from the starting pitcher, what it means for Eric Lauer’s next appearance, and more. Then Ailish and Justin tee up the game before welcoming Sportsnet’s Adam Stanley to the show live from the CPKC Women's Open (26:14). They discuss teenage sensation Aphrodite Deng making her mark at the tournament, Brooke Henderson’s Day 2 performance, the upcoming men’s tournaments, and the storylines to keep an...


Blackhawks Banking on Nazar + Fantasy Football Primer with Adam Levitan
08/21/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Shayna Goldman (5:55) to break down the players invited to the U.S.A. Olympic Camp. They discuss Lane Hutson’s snub, her thoughts on the players picked and the youth invited, how the goaltending could stack up against Canada, and the Blackhawks signing Frank Nazar to a long-term contract extension after only 56 career NHL games under his belt. They end things off discussing what to expect from Mitch Marner in Vegas and what Lane Lambert will bring to the Kraken’s bench as the new head coach. Then, with the NFL...


Road to Milan with Doug Armstrong + Big Changes Coming to MLB
08/20/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with the Blue Jays announcing that Eric Lauer is being moved to the bullpen to make room for Shane Bieber. Then, St. Louis Blues and Team Canada Olympic GM Doug Armstrong joins the show (5:35). They discuss the upcoming orientation camp for team Canada ahead of the Olympics, what it means to have Crosby, MacKinnon, and McDavid don the Maple Leaf at the Four Nations ahead of the Olympics, what he is looking for when putting together an Olympic roster, and much more. After, they discuss his expectations for the Blues this...


Scherzer Looks To Lead Jays In Rebound vs. Pirates
08/19/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Sportsnet’s Chris Leroux (0:23) ahead of the second game in the series between the Jays and Pirates. They discuss the Pham/Heineman kerfuffle, Pham being left out of the roster for tonight’s matchup, Barger being brought into the mix, and more. Then, they tee up Scherzer’s start tonight, how the 41-year-old has looked in a Blue Jays uniform, his evolution throughout his career, the Jays' rotation, and much more. Ailish and Justin end the show breaking down the starting pitching matchup tonight and react to the latest information surrou...


Bobby Gets Promoted + Jays Take on Skenes and the Pirates
08/18/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off by discussing the Raptors promoting GM Bobby Webster to head of basketball operations. They discuss the team electing not to hire a president, his time working under Masai and Bobby finally getting his chance to be the voice in charge. Then, Jon Morosi (8:52) joins the show to discuss the Jays facing off against Paul Skenes and the Pirates. They break down how tough it is for any hitter to match up against the Pirates' generational pitcher, the Jays' potential rotation in the playoffs, and much more. 

The views and o...


Jays Take On Rangers, UFC 319 Preview, and a 2026 NHL Draft Lookahead
08/15/2025

Ailish Forfar kicks things off with Blue Jays Central analyst Caleb Joseph (1:56) ahead of the Jays' series against the Texas Rangers. They discuss Max Scherzer’s elite outing at the Rogers Centre, Vladdy’s strong second half of the season, Chris Bassitt’s play at home versus on the road, and more. Then, Aaron Bronsteter joins the show (18:05) to tee up UFC 319, and he is joined by special guest Lerone Murphy, fighting in the co-main event. Then, Jason Bukala joins the show (29:37) as they discuss the official start of the 2026 NHL Scouting season with the top prospects competing at the Hli...


Jays Focusing On The Bye + Mark Giordano Joins the Show
08/13/2025

After a convincing win in the series opener against the Cubs, Ben Nicholson-Smith joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert ahead of tonight’s Blue Jays game (3:15). They discuss the importance of the Jays continuing their run of success in hopes of a bye in the playoffs, if batting average matters, Alek Manoah’s rehab start at Triple-A and his timeline for a potential return. Then, Ailish and Jesse debate the best active athletes at the age of 37 or older. Next, Mark Giordano joins the show (42:35) ahead of the Hockey Night in Brampton charity tournament. They discuss his time working with...


Which Canadian Athlete Has the Highest Expectations This Year?
08/12/2025

Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff kick things off with Ben Shulman (1:25) ahead of the Jays series opener against the Chicago Cubs. They discuss the Jays' bullpen arms, what we can expect from Alek Manoah and Shane Bieber in their rehab assignments, and Trey Yesavage’s promotion. Next, they discuss Andrés Giménez’s return and who should be sent down as players return from injuries. Then, Ailish and Jesse go through the Canadian Athletes that have the biggest expectations heading into the year and break down each of their top five.

The views and opinions expressed in thi...


Judge And Raleigh Headline AL MVP Race + Can Anyone Challenge The Eagles?
08/11/2025

Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff kick things off with Jensen Lewis (2:40) of MLB Radio Network on SiriusXM to dive into the biggest storylines around the MLB. They discuss the Jays' tight win over the Dodgers last night to close out a three-game series, the Dodgers' pitching staff heading into the final stretch of the season and the playoffs, the Red Sox push, what is going on with the Yankees, the MVP Races, and much more. Then, with the NFL preseason well underway, Eric Williams joins the show (29:08) to break down the storylines that will shape the NFL season. They...


Scherzer and Kershaw Face Off At Dodgers Stadium
08/08/2025

Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff kick things off with Dan Shulman (1:44) ahead of Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw’s heavyweight tilt. They discuss the matchup between the two future hall of fame pitchers and how each has looked so far this season, the Dodgers not looking like themselves recently, what to expect at Dodgers Stadium, and much more. Then, following Victoria Mboko’s historic win at the National Bank Open, Sportsnet’s Danielle Michaud (14:13) joins the show to discuss the scenes from Montreal, what she noticed from Mboko throughout the tournament, Osaka’s reaction during the finals, and much more. Th...


Blue Jays Rotation Battle Brewing
08/07/2025

After the Blue Jays' record-setting sweep against the Colorado Rockies, Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff are joined by Sportsnet MLB insider Shi Davidi (2:09). They discuss what fans can take away from the historic offensive performance, Shane Bieber's pathways back to the majors, the internal competition in the starting rotation, if a current Jays starter could find himself in the bullpen, and much more. Then, Adam Stanley joins the show (29:20) to tee up the FedEx Cup and the Canadians in the mix. They break down the new-look ranking system, take a look at the notable Canadians on both the men’s...


Jays' Vibes with Jamie Campbell + Mboko Cruises into the NBO Semifinal
08/06/2025

Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff kick things off with Jamie Campbell (0:45) following the Jays' 15-1 blowout win over the Rockies and ahead of Game 2 of the series. They discuss the atmosphere at Rogers Centre, what the Jays' postseason rotation might look like and Bo Bichette's importance to the team in his contract year. Then, Brandon Wile joins the show (26:50) to discuss the playoff race in the American League and who could end up in the postseason, the Brewers' dominance, an early MVP conversation, and much more. Later, following Victoria Mboko’s rise to prominence at the National Bank Open an...


Micah Parsons Trade Request + Team Canada's Olympic Roster Predictions
08/04/2025

Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff kick things off with Rob Longley (3:37) to tee up the Blue Jays series against the Rockies. They discuss the teams new additions, who could potentially be the Jays' Game 1 playoff starter, Scherzer’s recent stretch of play, the trust in the Jays' top bullpen arms including Hoffman, Bichette leading the way in hitting and how it could affect his next contract this offseason, and more. Then, with the NFL preseason underway, Cynthia Frelund (26:50) joins the show to discuss the biggest storylines around the league starting with the Micah Parsons trade request out of Dallas. Th...


Jays' Deadline Showcase vs. Royals
08/01/2025

Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff kick things off with Ben Shulman (1:54) ahead of the Blue Jays' series against the Kansas City Royals. They discuss the Jays' deadline additions, what to expect from the newest members of the roster, the risks of bringing in Shane Bieber and what to expect from Ty France. Then, we hear from Shane Bieber speaking to the media on his road back to the big leagues and joining the first-place Blue Jays' clubhouse. Later, live from the NBO, Mike McIntyre joins the show (26:56) to discuss the Canadians remaining at the NBO, the new generation of...


Jays Have Options on the Mound + Pillar Talks Player's POV of the Deadline
07/31/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick off Hour 2 of their MLB Trade Deadline Special by going through the current Wild Card standings if the playoffs were to start today, how the additions in the AL could impact their respective teams and debating the Jays' potential playoff starters. Then, Former Blue Jay Kevin Pillar joins the show (26:36) in his first deadline away from the field. They discuss what it is like as a player during the deadline when a part of a contending team, the difference between being on a buying vs. selling team at the deadline, how the clubhouse...


Padres Stock Up + Have the Dodgers Done Enough to Defend Title?
07/31/2025

It’s MLB Trade Deadline Day, and Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick off the FAN Pregame Special with Alanna Rizzo (0:50). They discuss the big trades we have seen so far, including Mason Miller to the Padres and the major return for the A’s, Shane Bieber joining the Blue Jays, and more. They discuss whether the Padres are finally poised for a World Series, the Dodgers' trade deadline moves so far, a look at the NL following the latest moves, and more. Then, MLB Network’s Greg Amsinger joins the show (26:21) to break down how impactful the Shane Bieber...


MLB Trades Begin to Heat Up Ahead of Deadline
07/30/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Nick Ashbourne (1:05) following the Blue Jays' thrilling 9-8 win over the Orioles. They discuss the importance of the Jays ending their losing streak, the impact tomorrow’s trade deadline could have on the team's future, what changes when Daulton Varsho returns, as well as who could be expendable for the Jays at the deadline. Then, Ailish and Justin go through their confidence ratings in the Jays' bullpen arms. Next, Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer Ryan Dempster joins the show (26:44) to discuss the Jhoan Duran trade that sends the Twins closer to...


Jays Make a Move + Summer Going for 5 Golds at World Champs
07/29/2025

In between a Blue Jays doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles, Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith (1:35). They discuss the breaking news surrounding the Jays acquiring Orioles RP Seranthony Domínguez and break down the swing and miss he brings to the lineup, where he is expected to slot in in the bullpen, and more. Then, to discuss the summer of Summer, Brittany MacLean-Campbell joins the show (27:13). They discuss Summer McIntosh’s newest Gold Medals for Canada at the World Championships in Singapore, the biggest challengers in the sport, the growth of the sport...


Jays Kick Off Series vs. Orioles Ahead of Trade Deadline
07/28/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Jays Talk Plus host Julia Kreuz (1:17) ahead of the opening game of the Blue Jays' series against the Orioles. They break down the importance of adding reliable relievers at the deadline and what fans should expect from Atkins and Shapiro at the deadline. Then, they discuss the competitiveness of the market, the state of the Jays' pitching staff, and more. Finally, they break down the Jays' stretch as of late and what to expect against Baltimore. 

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


Romero Talks Scherzer’s Impact in Toronto
07/25/2025

Justin Cuthbert and Sam McKee kick things off with former Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero (1:47) ahead of the Jays' second of four games against the Tigers. They discuss the team’s play as of late, what Max Scherzer’s presence has meant for the team, the Jays' pitching staff heading into the deadline, and more. Then, they discuss how bringing in players at the deadline can impact the ball club, what would be the ideal number of arms that the Blue Jays should target, the team continuing to roll on offence, and more. Then, Justin and Sam discuss the toug...


Jays' Measuring Stick Series in Michigan
07/24/2025

Justin Cuthbert and Jesse Rubinoff kick things off with Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi (0:26). They get into the excitement surrounding the Blue Jays, their farm system's depth, and how the team might manage what could be a critical trade deadline. They discuss whether the Jays should prioritise acquiring a starting pitcher or a reliever, the market for both, and tee up the four-game series on the road against the Detroit Tigers. Later, Justin and Jesse recap the verdict of the 2018 Team Canada World Juniors Sexual assault trial.

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


Jays and Yankees' Rubber-Match Showdown
07/23/2025

Justin Cuthbert and Jesse Rubinoff kick things off with Sportsnet’s Chris Black (0:20) ahead of Game 3 of a critical three-game series against the Yankees. They discuss Vladdy’s recent play, the pros and cons of his game and discuss what would constitute a successful season for the Jays' $500M player. Then, they get into what fans can expect from Jeff Hoffman’s usage and how the bullpen can improve, potential trade deadline targets, and much more. Later, Ben Verlander joins the show (25:43) to discuss Shohei Ohtani'’s dominance this season while rehabbing on a big-league mound. Finally, they look at the J...


Max Scherzer vs. the Yankees + Vasek Pospisil's Last Tournament
07/22/2025

Justin Cuthbert and Jesse Rubinoff kick things off with Sportsnet 590 The FAN's Ben Shulman ahead of the second game against the Yankees. They discuss the Jays win in the first game of the series, how the they've found ways to win ballgames, how Toronto should approach bringing in players at the deadline, the needs on both sides of the ball, what to expect from Max Scherzer, and much more. Then, following his announcement that he will be retiring following the NBO, Vasek Pospisil joins the show. They discuss his decision to retire, the highlights of his career including representing...