kaitlyn mcgrath

On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, Kaitlyn McGrath, Blue Jays reporter for The Athletic, checks in from Dunedin to discuss the vibe down at spring training, Jose Berrios’ slew of mechanical adjustments, how MLB’s balk crackdown will impact Kevin Gausman, George Springer shifting to right field, John Schneider’s approach to his first camp, Don Mattingly’s individual work with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and the future of the home run jacket. Later, Ailish and Justin are joined by Carl Gunnarsson, former NHL defenceman and 2019 Stanley Cup champion, to discuss his experience playing with Ryan O’Reilly in St. Louis, O’Reilly’s leadership prowess, the Blues’ regression since their storybook 2019 season, and the inherent legacy implications that come with playing in Toronto (25:00).

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.

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

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

Blue Jays Central's Chris Black and Joe Siddall joins Blake Murphy to make a case to hold onto a fourth starter for a Wild Card series, who should follow Alek Manoah in Game 2, Teoscar Hernández's improved base running, if the Jays will change their batting approaches in the post-season, and how they would throw to Toronto's lineup if they were an opposing pitching coach (04:09). Then, The Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath chats about covering the playoffs, George Springer's experience in the post-season, and what's she most looking forward to in the upcoming Wild Card games (29:40). 

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

The Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath joins Blake Murphy to chat about the team's need to pay attention to detail as the post-season approaches, interim John Schneider's comments on Vlad Jr.'s baserunning, and her biggest question mark for the playoff roster (04:53). MLB.com's Sarah Langs jumps on to break down Statcast's new metric on "arm strength", Matt Chapman listed second among the third basemen on the new metric, and the importance of a team's baserunning abilities (33:32). Later on, MLB Network's Keith McPherson weighs in on how much it meant for the Yankees to clinch the division after an up and down regular season, what the team has learned in past playoff bounces, Aaron Judge's historic season and potential to add a Triple Crown to it, and how he views a potential matchup between the Yankees and Blue Jays in the playoffs (50:17).  

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.

Blue Jays TV play-by-play voice Dan Shulman joins Blake Murphy to discuss Aaron Judge's pursuit of making history, John Schneider's decision to let Adam Cimber pitch over Anthony Bass in the 10th inning during Wednesday's loss to the Phillies, why Matt Gage has not been called up from the Minors, how the Jays' starting rotation in Tampa Bay could dictate their approach to the upcoming Yankees series, and if Mitch White is in consideration for the playoff roster (04:40). The Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath jumps on to lay her case for the 2022 Blue Jays MVP, who'd she choose between Kevin Gausman or Alek Manoah, if we should contemplate giving the award to a position player, and if there are any concerns with Jordan Romano blowing back-to-back saves (30:18). MLB.com's Mike Petriello weighs in on the Jays decreasing their usage of the shift behind Gausman, if it has a positive effect, and how he would utilize both Alejandro Kirk and Danny Jansen in a post-season lineup (51:03). To wrap up, Robert Orr of Baseball Prospectus stops by to chat about how Bo Bichette brought back the power in his batting approach, how Vlad Jr. can add Bo's improvement into his game, and Judge's historic home run chase this season (01:14:03).

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

The Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath joins Blake Murphy to discuss the Blue Jays' plan to manage George Springer's elbow injury, the amount of solid centerfielders around the league, if Matt Gage has earned a spot in the bullpen after Tim Mayza's injury, and if Vlad Jr. is starting to near his MVP-level of hitting (20:50). FanGraphs' David Laurila weighs in on Whit Merrifield's close play at home plate Sunday, Teoscar Hernandez' underrated season so far and why he thinks Justin Verlander will win the Cy Young Award, before revisiting his pre-season predictions on the Jays winning the World Series and Alek Manoah taking home the Cy Young (51:20). Later on, sideline reporter and play-by-play voice for the Baltimore Orioles Melanie Newman jumps on to chat about Trey Mancini outgrowing his time with the organization, the team's trajectory post-trade deadline, and how Adley Rutschman has performed since his call up this season (01:10:06). 

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.

Blake Murphy is joined by The Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath to discuss Whit Merrifield's ideal defensive position, how it will impact Santiago Espinal's playing time at second base, when she expects the team to utilize Zach Pop out of the bullpen, and scans the Jays' prospect pool to find a pitcher deserving of a call-up (04:51). FanGraphs' Dan Szymborksi gives his thoughts on if the Twins will be the only team with a playoff berth in the AL Central, the difficulties of projecting the playoff picture, if Merrifield fits well in the centre field, and how the Jays and Mariners' rosters compare post-trade deadline (25:49). Later on, The Athletic's Eno Sarris shares why he is intrigued about the Jays' acquisition of Pop and Anthony Bass from the Marlins, the type of slider both relievers provide, if Mitch White has a path to becoming an effective back-end starter, and how he would use Yusei Kikuchi for the rest of the year (50:29). Afterward, Access Twins' Brandon Warne gives his perspective on the upcoming Twins-Jays series, why Minnesota fans love Luis Arráez, and how confident he is that this roster can push for a deep playoff run (01:17:27). 

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.

Blake Murphy is joined by The Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath to discuss how players in the clubhouse reacted to the news of manager Charlie Montoyo being let go, what could be John Schneider's biggest hurdle as their interim manager, if the front office and Ross Atkins are feeling a sense of urgency, Ross Stripling's outing in their finale against the Phillies and looks ahead to Kevin Gausman's return from an ankle injury (05:21). Sports Illustrated's Stephanie Apstein stop by to chat about the Kansas City Royals not having 10 of their players travelling to Toronto due to being unvaccinated, and how this affects the competitive aspect of sports and the trade market (26:18). Sportsnet's Caleb Joseph shares his thought on Montoyo's release, his time playing under him in 2020, how a veteran would handle a mid-season managerial change, his expectations from Schneider for the rest of the year, what he makes of tonight's changes in the batting order, and what he's looking forward to in Gausman's return to the mound (51:15). Finally, Blake previews the Jays' upcoming series against the Royals and shares who Kansas City is calling up from the minors (01:15:43).  

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.

Blake Murphy is joined by The Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath to chat about the most disappointing aspect of the Blue Jays' weekend series against the Rays, the importance of bolstering their pitching staff after Kevin Gausman suffered an ankle contusion, and who the team can look to target in the trade market (04:28). The Athletic's Melissa Lockard stops by to discuss what makes Frankie Montas a special pitcher for Oakland, how the return packages for Matt Chapman are performing, and previews what to look for from A's starter Cole Irvin in their series opener (27:11). Afterward, Ben Shulman of the "Locked on Jays" podcast recaps the rare doubleheader at Rogers Centre, takeaways from Casey Lawrence's relief appearance after Gausman left the game, and the state of the AL East (50:02). To wrap up the show, Blake answers your texts about Yusei Kikuchi, Danny Jansen, and the pitching woes (01:14:53). 

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.

Chris Black joins Blake Murphy for another edition of "Explain It Black" as they touch on Kevin Gausman's bounce-back outing against the Red Sox, the use of the shift especially behind Gausman, if the team should consider moving Yusei Kikuchi to the bullpen, and how Ross Stripling can be effective on the mound (01:52). Then, Blake discusses Vlad Jr. choosing to skip the home run derby, criticisms against Charlie Montoyo, and which Jay would likely be part of a future trade deal (29:28). The Athletic's Britt Ghiroli jumps on to chat about Jays' reliever Matt Gage's journey from the minors to the Majors, why Matt chose to sign with Toronto, and the history behind the AL East being a tough division to play in (51:07). Finally, The Athletic Toronto's Kaitlyn McGrath stops by to discuss Kikuchi's pitching woes, another setback for Nate Pearson, and some early trade targets for Toronto  (01:10:12). 

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.

On today's edition of Jays Talk Plus, Blake Murphy debuts “Explain it Black” with Blue Jays Producer Chris Black and analyst Joe Siddall! They look back on the signs that indicated Kevin Gausman could be tipping his splitter, and weigh-in on Alejandro Kirk’s red-hot bat and what to look for in tonight’s game against the Royals with Alek Manoah on the mound (03:08). FanGraphs writer Ben Clemens joins Blake to break down about some nifty stats, what they mean and how they apply to the Blue Jays, before discussing his latest piece on Adam Cimber's slider usage against lefties (27:45). Later on, Blake opens up his mailbag to answer your questions, and takes a closer look at the Angels' managerial situation with Joe Maddon out the door (51:59). Next up, the Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath chats about Danny Jansen's season, the Jays' surplus at the catcher position, and helps get us set for Game 2 against the Royals tonight (01:15:49)!

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.

On this episode of Jays Talk Plus, Blake Murphy kicks off the show recapping the Blue Jays' 8-3 victory over the White Sox and "pitching coach" Matt Chapman's impact on Alek Manoah. Blake is then joined by The Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath to anticipate the return of Tim Mayza to the bullpen, what that might mean for the Jays' high-leverage relievers, and looks into how the lineup turned itself around in such a dramatic fashion (06:42). Later on, Brandon Warne of Access Twins joins Blake to play a little Blue Jays-Twins trivia, before discussing Minnesota's season so far and which roster pieces will be absent in Toronto due to the COVID 19 protocols (26:37). ESPN's Joon Lee joins afterward to discuss his feature on Bo Bichette, encapsulating his leadership abilities in the Blue Jays' clubhouse (51:13). To wrap up today, Blake breaks down what to look forward to this weekend, looks back on the last time the Jays saw Chi Chi Gonzalez, and shares the freshly released Twins lineup for tonight’s game (01:10:50).

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.