At The Letters

40 Episodes
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By: Sportsnet

Ben Nicholson-Smith is Sportsnet’s baseball editor. Arden Zwelling is a senior writer. Together, they bring you the most in-depth Blue Jays podcast in the league, covering off all the latest news with opinion and analysis, as well as interviews with other insiders and people around the team.

What a Season
Today at 11:29 AM

The dream 2025 season continues for the Blue Jays, who must now decide what’s next for Trey Yesavage (13:52), how to prepare for the playoffs (29:32) and what the future holds for Bo Bichette (51:37).

Additional audio from MLB.com.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

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.


What's Going Well & What's Not
09/11/2025

With the Blue Jays still atop the AL East, Ben weighs in on the good and bad surrounding this team, including Bo Bichette’s injury (03:32), winning the off-season (21:45) and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (33:25).

Additional audio from MLB.com.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

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.


Jays in Pole Position
09/03/2025

First, a big-picture look at how the Blue Jays are positioned (0:50). Then, Ben and Arden discuss the latest adjustment to the rotation (20:30), Trey Yesavage (30:02) and the team’s big bats (46:38).

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

Audio Credits: Sportsnet 590 The FAN, MiLB.com, WGR 550

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Sho Alli and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

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.


Hanging on Atop the East
08/28/2025

With less than 30 games remaining, the Blue Jays are riding one of their most successful regular seasons in years (0:36). Arden and Ben take a big-picture look at how how the Jays can optimise their rotation deployment down the stretch (16:33), the Yankees' threat in the AL East (33:26), and the future for John Schneider and Mark Shapiro — both on expiring contracts (42:15). Finally, they discuss AndrĂ©s GimĂ©nez's offensive ceiling (52:11) and break down the team's recent bullpen struggles (1:00:00), including potential solutions for Jeff Hoffman.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are t...


New-Look Rotation
08/20/2025

Big picture, the Blue Jays are in a great spot – so Arden and Ben dive into some specific questions about Vlad Jr. (06:01), the newest member of the starting rotation (26:01) and the Jays’ late-inning relief (34:29).

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

Additional audio from MLB.com

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

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.


Jays Add Upside Pitching
08/02/2025

After a busy deadline it’s time to make sense of it all, so Arden and Ben assess the overall impact added (00:48), Louis Varland’s long-term role (42:01) and where Ty France might fit (57:03).

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

Audio Credits: MLB.com

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

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.


Jays Deadline Preview
07/24/2025

With a week remaining before the trade deadline, let’s dive in. Shi Davidi joins Ben to discuss covering the deadline (01:00) the league-wide trade market (20:50) and the Blue Jays’ needs (36:29).

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi.

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.


Suddenly Unstoppable
07/07/2025

All of a sudden, the Blue Jays are unbeatable. Arden and Ben discuss what’s going right for the Blue Jays (2:43) before discussing the starting rotation (29:32) and brainstorming a couple trade ideas (51:32).

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Sho Alli and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

Audio Credits: MLB.com, Sportsnet, Sportsnet 590 The FAN

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any af...


Fighting for First
07/02/2025

After some big wins against the Yankees, the Blue Jays are fighting for first. Arden and Ben discuss the vibes around the team (1:02) and the latest on Scherzer (9:43) before wondering about trade deadline additions (26:15).

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Sho Alli and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

Audio Credits: MLB.com, Sportsnet, Sportsnet 590 The FAN

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc...


Deadline Guidelines
06/26/2025

At this rate, the Blue Jays are likely to be summer buyers. Arden and Ben discuss what pitching the Jays will need (01:31) before wondering about offensive upgrades (27:49) and the role of this front office (40:33).

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

Audio Credits: MLB.com

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

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Still Positioned Well
06/18/2025

Despite a sweep in Philly, the Blue Jays are in a good spot. Arden and Ben discuss what the Rafael Devers trade means (14:18) before turning to manager John Schneider (41:17) and some pitching questions (47:18).

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

Audio Credits: MLB.com

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.


Rolling Into Playoff Position
06/11/2025

Thanks to some big swings, the Blue Jays are playing their best baseball yet (00:35). Arden and Ben break down the success of Kirk and Clase (02:52) before discussing what to do with Bowden Francis & the rotation (28:15).

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

Audio Credits: MLB.com

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.<...


The Bats Break Out
06/04/2025

After a convincing sweep of the A’s, the Blue Jays are finally rolling (00:20). Arden and Ben discuss the Addison Barger breakout (17:51) and wonder what the future holds for the fifth rotation spot (56:50).

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

 


 


Questions & Answers
05/28/2025

On this week’s episode, Ben answers a wide range of listener questions about the 2025 trade deadline (03:54), what’s ahead for some prominent prospects (13:33), and Bo Bichette’s future (34:37).

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

Audio Credits: MLB.com

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.


Time to Step Up
05/21/2025

The Blue Jays aren’t gaining ground in the standings (00:37) so Arden and Ben look closely at Anthony Santander’s struggles (24:37) before checking in on some other off-season moves (37:40).

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

Audio Credits: MLB.com

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.


Holding Their Own
05/15/2025

This week Arden and Ben start with a big-picture check in on the Blue Jays (00:19) before discussing Jeff Hoffman’s struggles (32:08) and the state of the starting rotation (1:02:29).

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

Audio Credits: MLB.com

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.


In Search of a Spark
04/30/2025

With the Blue Jays back in Toronto, Ben looks closely at Kevin Gausman’s 53-pitch inning ((04:36), wonders about the team’s rotation depth (19:11) and gives Arjun Nimmala some credit (22:41).

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

Audio Credits: MLB.com

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.


The Power Hungry Jays
04/25/2025

The Blue Jays aren’t hitting, and it’s costing them in the standings (00:29). Ben and Arden wonder about possible solutions for the offence (29:22) and what’s next for the Jays’ rotation (50:24).

Additional audio from MLB.com.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith.

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.


Building Momentum
04/18/2025

After a strong week for the Jays, Ben and Arden discuss their starting rotation (07:00), give the bullpen some credit (19:24) and wonder whether this lineup can succeed without tons of homers (33:27).

Additional audio from MLB.com.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.


A Blue Jay for Life
04/08/2025

Ben and Arden break down Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s extension and what it means on the field (00:28) and for the team’s future direction (29:14). Plus, a discussion about the team’s tough series against the Mets (52:30).

Additional audio from MLB.com.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith.

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 af...


Off to a Hot Start
04/04/2025

A 5-2 start wouldn’t have been possible without some impressive hitting (02:40). Plus, Ben and Arden look at how the Jays can fill in for Max Scherzer (30:49) and discuss the much-improved bullpen (46:25).

Additional audio from MLB.com

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith.

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.


Renewed Hope for the Jays
03/25/2025

A new season means hope for the Blue Jays (01:17) and a newly finalized roster (07:50). Plus, Arden and Ben break down the Alejandro Kirk deal (31:00) and revisit the Vladimir Guerrero Jr. discussion (43:56).

Additional audio from MLB.com.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

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.


Spring Questions
03/19/2025

Questions around Max Scherzer are impacting the Blue Jays’ pitching staff (01:05). Plus, Arden and Ben look ahead at the Blue Jays’ bench (24:02) and discuss 2025 expectations for George Springer (54:58).

Additional audio from MLB.com.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

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.


New Beginnings
03/08/2025

First, some further intrigue on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1:20). Next, Arden and Ben have lots to discuss from Dunedin, Fla. including some possible strengths and weaknesses of the 2025 team (11:30).

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Sho Alli and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

Audio Credits: MLB.com, Sportsnet

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.


No Deal for Vlad Jr.
02/20/2025

So much for a potential deal with Vlad Guerrero Jr. this week. Arden and Ben look at the fallout for both the team (00:54) and the player (37:02) following negotiations that didn’t result in an extension.

Additional audio from MLB.com.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

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 aff...


Extension or Bust
02/11/2025

The stakes are high for the Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. this week (00:21). Ben and Arden look at how negotiations could unfold (15:32) and dive deep on the potential risks and benefits for both sides (59:09).

Additional audio from MLB.com.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith.

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...


Making Moves
02/07/2025

Arden and Ben begin with a look at the Blue Jays’ new roster. Is it good enough to contend? (00:22) Plus, breaking down the Rƍki Sasaki pursuit (40:59) and a closer look at Anthony Santander and Max Scherzer (1:28:15).

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

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. 


What's Next for the Blue Jays?
12/18/2024

The Blue Jays have made one big trade, but they still have significant needs. Ben and Arden discuss the Jays’ strategy (3:50), a possible Vlad Jr. extension (54:02) and what the deal for AndrĂ©s GimĂ©nez means (1:09:03).

Additional audio from MLB.com.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith.

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 af...


Building Back Up
11/27/2024

With the off-season ramping up, Ben and Arden wonder how the Blue Jays can get better. Juan Soto? (02:15) A frontline starting pitcher? (38:17) Or some under-the-radar moves? (48:46) This episode of ATL covers all angles.

Additional audio from MLB.com

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliates.


Into the Off-Season
10/04/2024

Following the Blue Jays’ season-ending press conference, Ben offers his rapid-fire thoughts on the messaging from the front office (01:26), how to measure success for the Jays (12:36) and how they’ll approach free agency (17:39).

Additional audio from MLB.com

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliates.


And, That’s a Wrap
09/27/2024

The ‘24 season’s all but in the books, so Arden and Ben go big picture and look at some major September developments (06:36), the Jays’ pitching development (30:28) and which of their predictions went wrong (46:19).

Additional audio from MLB.com

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliates.


Peak Bowden Francis
09/13/2024

This week, Shi Davidi joins Ben to discuss the emergence of Bowden Francis (00:40), the big-picture questions facing the Blue Jays this winter (28:56), and how to fix the Toronto bullpen (1:07:34).

Additional audio from MLB.com.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.


Shooting the Breeze
09/06/2024

This week, Sam McKee joins Ben to discuss the biggest Blue Jays storylines including next steps for the front office (12:19), a possible Vlad Guerrero Jr. extension (26:30), and Bo Bichette’s future in Toronto (49:36).

Additional audio from MLB.com.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Sam McKee.

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.


Summer Storylines
08/21/2024

This week, Ben and Arden start with a discussion about the starting rotation – including Chris Bassitt’s comments (8:00). Plus, what’s next for Joey Votto (34:30) and a look at Vlad Guerrero Jr.’s growing leverage (47:20).

 

Additional audio from the Chris Rose Rotation Podcast, Sportsnet, Sportsnet 590 The FAN.

 

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

 

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Sho Alli and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests a...


The New-Look Jays
08/15/2024

A new-look Blue Jays team is emerging. Arden and Ben start with a look at new hitters like Will Wagner (05:39) before putting Vlad Guerrero Jr.’s season in perspective (31:39) and discussing next steps for veteran pitchers (47:22).

Additional audio from MLB.com.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

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...


A Wild Deadline for the Jays
08/02/2024

After eight deadline deals, Arden and Ben have a lot to discuss. They start with a look at who the Blue Jays got (11:55), before asking whether they could have done even more (32:31) and establishing realistic expectations (41:35).

Additional audio from MLB.com.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

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 an...


On Deadline
07/25/2024

With less than a week remaining before the trade deadline, Arden and Ben discuss the Blue Jays’ approach to trades (00:20) and the status of GM Ross Atkins (15:12). Plus, a player-by-player look at who could move (26:18).

Additional audio from MLB.com.

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

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 affi...


Rough Drafts
07/11/2024

This week, we zoom out a bit as Ben wonders: have the Blue Jays drafted well? Bo Bichette was a great pick (02:14) but since then, the Blue Jays have struggled (09:52) and the repercussions have been massive (21:00).

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

Additional audio from MLB.com.

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith.

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.


Setting Summer Strategy
07/03/2024

It’s time to set a summer strategy. Ben and Arden start by discussing the Blue Jays’ best approach to the trade deadline (4:46) before touching on some issues in the bullpen (28:10) and what’s next for Bo Bichette (40:59).

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

Additional audio from Sportsnet & Sportsnet 590 The FAN

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Sho Alli and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers...


Time For a Reset?
06/28/2024

The way things are going, it’s time to look ahead to 2025. Ben and Arden start with a big-picture look at the franchise (00:34) before discussing Orelvis Martinez’ suspension (19:05) and the vibe around the Blue Jays (25:25).

Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca

Additional audio from MLB.com.

This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith.

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 affili...