At The Letters
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.
No Offence, But...
Back-to-back series losses have intensified the pressure on the Blue Jays to either start stacking up wins or counting down days until the off-season. Ben and Arden start by sizing up the difficult task ahead for the club (00:31) before considering the club’s pitching options in light of Shane Bieber’s injury (21:10) and the ongoing mystery that is Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s 2026 (40:57).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are th...
Moment of Truth
The Blue Jays return home with a big opportunity in front of them. Arden and Ben discuss the state of the team (00:50), Kazuma Okamoto’s production (36:53) and the pitching puzzle (46:15).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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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They Don’t Ask How
The Blue Jays are right back in it. Arden and Ben marvel at the team’s success (0:11) and discuss how they can keep it going (6:42) before discussing Brett Bateman and the rotation (32:59).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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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Weird Ways to Win
Well, that was bizarre. Ben breaks down a rarely seen play (1:36) and what it says about the Blue Jays (12:38) before checking in on the health of the team’s pitching staff (17:30).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Sho Alli and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
Audio Credits: 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 affiliates.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz co...
Down But Not Out
Fresh off the road, Arden checks in to take stock of a Blue Jays team that suffered some tough losses in Chicago and Philadelphia while showing a lot of fight. He also covers what we’ve learned of late about Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s difficult season (24:28), José Soriano’s Blue Jays debut (37:18), and JoJo Parker’s promotion (1:10:32).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Sho Alli and hosted by Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
Audio Credits: Sportsnet, milb.com
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of t...
A Little Bit of Everything
After a busy, unique, fascinating trade deadline, Arden and Ben regroup to take stock of it all. In the first half, Ben shares his perspective from being around the team on a complicated, emotional day, (0:00) before the guys take a high-level look at what the Blue Jays accomplished (13:47). Then, in the second half, Arden and Ben compare notes on each of the six trades the Blue Jays made (35:30).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Cristian Ceniti and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
The views a...
Deadline Queries
The countdown is on to the MLB trade deadline. Arden and Ben discuss some Blue Jays trade chips (5:33) before looking at a couple potential targets (33:42) and making some predictions (58:34).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Cristian Ceniti and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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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The Alamo
A series loss against the Red Sox has inched the Blue Jays closer to a trade deadline sell-off few expected entering the season. Arden gets the low down from Ben on what he saw while with the team in Boston (4:57) before the two dive into Dylan Cease’s one-hitter (19:00) and the nuance of Toronto’s trade deadline strategy (27:26).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host...
Reality’s Setting In
As Toronto’s postseason hopes grow increasingly remote, Arden and Ben take a big picture look at how the Blue Jays could approach the trade deadline as sellers (2:53). Then, after shouting out a five-star season from Toronto’s fanbase (31:53), they dive in on some ancillary factors that could impact the club’s behaviour as August 3 approaches (40:26).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests...
Time to Win – Or Sell
A series loss to the White Sox raises the question: will the Blue Jays have to sell? Ben shares some thoughts on the weekend (1:37) then looks ahead at the Jays’ deadline decision (11:55).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Cristian Ceniti and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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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Majoring in the Minors
After watching the Blue Jays limp into the all-star break with a series loss in San Diego, Arden looks at how a lack of attention to detail led to a pair of one-run losses (00:55). He also takes stock of where the team stands heading into a critical stretch (24:13), talks about the Blue Jays heading to the all-star game (42:51), and looks at who the club selected in MLB’s draft (50:11).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
The views and opinions ex...
Stuck in the Middle
Not all is well with the Blue Jays as the all-star break looms. But are they any worse off than the similarly middling competition around the American League? Arden and Ben ponder the club’s trade deadline strategy (2:42) before checking in on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s struggles. (19:23) Then, a quick trip around the rotation with thoughts on Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, and Trey Yesavage. (32:08)
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
The views and opinions expr...
Cease the Presses!
Arden and Ben had just recorded an episode and kicked up their feet to enjoy an afternoon of Blue Jays baseball… when Dylan Cease happened. So, the guys jumped back on the mics to offer their first blush reactions to Cease’s near no-hitter (00:39) and dig into the decisions John Schneider made — or didn’t make — as the game wore on (13:31).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of t...
Blue Jays Vibe Check
After a series win over the Mets, it’s time for a mid-season vibe check. Sam McKee joins Ben to talk about the state of the Jays (2:53), Bo Bichette’s return (24:36) and what happens next (33:32).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Cristian Ceniti and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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.
Hosted by Simplecast, an A...
More Art Than Science
With the Blue Jays suffering their roughest stretch of the season, Arden and Ben convene for a big picture look at where things stand and the various potential pathways ahead over the five weeks between now and the trade deadline (00:44). Plus, thoughts on Sean Keys' sudden promotion (29:49) and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s effort level during his extended slump (42:01).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the ho...
Running Through Walls
After an unexpected off-day in Chicago, Ben and Arden reconvene to assess the state of the Blue Jays heading into an important, 10-game homestand. How is an extended slump by Toronto’s starters impacting the club’s overworked bullpen? (13:39) As Shane Bieber returns, which options open at the backend of the rotation? (21:16) Plus, what do we make of the Luis Urías acquisition, recent outfield deployments, and George Springer’s hot streak? (33:12)
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
T...
Finally, a Sweep
Finally, some momentum. Ben shares his takeaways from the week (1:13) before offering some big-picture thoughts on the trade deadline (13:23) and sharing a few rapid-fire thoughts (20:29).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and...
In Need of a Big Swing
How can the Blue Jays score more runs? Arden and Ben start with a big-picture check-in (4:54) before turning their attention to the Jays' rotation (21:19) and a rule change idea from Ben (39:41).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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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Catching Strays
With the Yankees in town, the Blue Jays face some big questions. Arden and Ben discuss Brandon Valenzuela’s impact behind the plate (2:04) before wondering which Jays will be all-stars (22:47).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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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Questions for the Rotation
A series loss to the Phillies raises questions about the rotation. Arden and Ben discuss Simeon Woods Richardson (5:27) and Max Scherzer (12:54) before turning to the top of the batting order (28:58).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm...
3.1 Steps Forward, 2.9 Back
Ben and Arden are in Georgia as the Blue Jays tangle with MLB’s best team. They seize on some interesting Kevin Gausman comments to consider the Blue Jays' current trajectory (1:00), break down the factors behind which catcher will exit upon Alejandro Kirk’s impending return (24:52), and round up some pitching developments including what comes next for Jeff Hoffman (37:30).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Cristian Ceniti and hosted by Arden Zwelling and Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the h...
Baltimore & Beyond
The roster moves keep coming for the Blue Jays. Charles McAdoo is up (1:43) and the pitching staff keeps evolving (10:33). Plus, Arden and Ben discuss some Jays outfielders (29:32).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for i...
Beaten and Bruised
The Blue Jays appear to have avoided serious injuries with two stars (1:16). Arden and Ben discuss some questions on the pitching side (8:45) as well as some positives on offence (28:13).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Sho Alli and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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.
Hosted by Simplecast, an...
Seeking Damage
Has Vlad Jr. found his swing? Arden and Ben discuss the first baseman’s plate approach (1:25) before weighing in on the pitching staff (12:11) and Lenyn Sosa’s future (38:24).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for...
Simple, Not Easy
Ben joins Arden from Detroit to chat about where things stand for the Blue Jays coming off a 3-3 homestand (1:40), how the club will address its rotation vacancy in both the short- and long-term (6:58), and what Vladimir Guerrero Jr. can do to get out of his slump (35:21).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of...
Necessity Is the Mother of Invention
A quarter of the way through the season, Shi Davidi (00:29) and David Singh (40:28) join Ben for wide-ranging conversations on the state of the Blue Jays and where they go from here.
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com...
How Silver Is This Lining?
After watching the Blue Jays get swept at Tropicana Field to cap a 2-5 road trip, Ben joins Arden to discuss the team’s sputtering offence (05:24), the legitimacy of various reasons for optimism (19:52), and how the roster dominoes will fall upon Addison Barger’s return from the injured list (31:49).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the posi...
Ups and Downs
What better way to cap a 22-games-in-23-days stretch than with a visit to the Trop? Fresh off the road, Arden checks in to look ahead to this week’s Rays series (01:21) before recounting what he saw from the Blue Jays in Minneapolis (07:53), including thoughts on Kazuma Okamoto’s heater (16:23), Dylan Cease’s changeup development (44:15), and what happened between John Schneider and Tyler Heineman (53:41).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those...
Spring Forward
The Blue Jays keep stacking series wins. Arden and Ben discuss the return of George Springer (02:37) the state of the starting rotation (16:20) and the MLB managerial carousel (42:17).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for...
Piecing It Together
The Blue Jays are playing better baseball as the reeling Red Sox come to town. Arden and Ben react to Boston’s stunning weekend (01:26) before exploring Toronto’s upcoming rotation decisions (17:10) and how bullpen roles are evolving over time (34:44).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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.
Ho...
Seeking Closure
What to do with the closer’s job? Arden and Ben discuss Jeff Hoffman’s job security (08:34) before considering alternate approaches at closer (16:36) Juan Soto and the Yankees’ uniforms (37:24).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com fo...
A Case of Vertigo
As the Blue Jays’ road trip nears an end, Arden and Ben discuss the latest developments surrounding Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (12:17) Nathan Lukes (31:45) and Eric Lauer (50:11).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about ou...
In Need of a Spark
After a series loss in Milwaukee, Ben checks in with Shi Davidi to discuss the state of the Jays (00:41) before talking with David Singh about Myles Straw – and throwback jerseys (36:03).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for in...
More Adversity for the Jays
A disappointing weekend leads to more questions. Arden joins Ben to discuss the Jays’ veteran starters (04:39), the George Springer injury (14:37) and the Lenyn Sosa trade (25:17).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about ou...
Fighting Against the Current
After a tough start to the Dodgers series, the Blue Jays manage a win. Arden and Ben discuss the latest wave of injuries (09:35), the ongoing pitching puzzle (16:42), and the underperforming offence (49:40).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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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Swept Out of Chicago
Fresh off the Blue Jays getting swept by the White Sox, Arden connects with Ben in Chicago for an on-the-ground look at the team’s various health issues (04:32), an underperforming offence (19:08), and what led to Brendon Little’s optioning (38:08).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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.
Ho...
Intrusive Thoughts
Arden spent an unexpected Blue Jays off-day taking a closer look at the early returns of newcomers Jesus Sanchez and Kazuma Okamoto (06:49), examining organizational starting depth following another rotation injury (29:03), and offering thoughts on left-handed relievers Brendon Little and Mason Fluharty (37:30).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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 Raised
A series loss to the Rockies raises questions. Ben checks in from Chicago to discuss the Cody Ponce injury (05:37), what it means (06:45) and the weekend against the White Sox (14:17).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information...
What a Start for the Jays
What a weekend for the Blue Jays. Ben and Arden discuss Spencer Miles’ impressive debut (09:50), Dylan Cease’s swing and miss stuff (34:48) & Kazuma Okamoto’s strong start (50:17).
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.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz compan...
The 2026 Over/Unders
An ATL institution returns as Ben and Arden go back and forth making predictions that will undoubtedly look comical and misguided in hindsight. They begin with garden variety player and team expectations (02:35) before getting more peculiar and unorthodox in the episode’s second half (26:08).
This podcast is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling.
Contact us: attheletters@sportsnet.ca
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...
