The 7th Inning Stretch Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jays Balk
Matt Di Nicolantonio brings you his take on everything to do with the Toronto Blue Jays & Major League Baseball.
With the arrival of top prospect Gabriel Moreno, the Blue Jays logjam at catcher intensifies. Matt discusses why this is a great time for his debut, tempers expectations, and looks at how his success could impact the team at the trade deadline and offseason. An injury to Hyun-Jin Ryu makes Nate Pearson even more important, and it's never too early to start thinking about the trade deadline.
Matt dives into the numbers to show the Blue Jays' struggles with runners in scoring position can't possibly continue, a look ahead to the series in Cleveland, and reinforcements on the way.
After a good road trip through Boston and Houston, the Blue Jays find themselves in first place. Matt takes a look at what's gone well, breaks down some of the struggles with runners in scoring position, and heaps praise on the dominant bullpen.
Matt gushes about Alek Manoah's emergence as a front-of-the-rotation stud, offers some insight into the offensive struggles, and discusses what to do with Hyun-Jin Ryu. All that, plus other observations from the first ten games of the Blue Jays season.
On the eve of Opening Day, Matt Di Nicolantonio checks in on where the Blue Jays stand across Major League Baseball, offering 5 Bold Predictions for the upcoming season, and discusses how far he thinks the team can go this season.
Matt Di Nicolantonio returns to the mic to bring podcast updates for the 2022 Blue Jays season.
For the first time in 15 months, Matt & Asher are talking about Blue Jays baseball, teeing up what is sure to be a bizarre 2020 season. The guys share their thoughts on the Canadian government's decision to reject MLB's plan, and how a home away from home will impact the players on the field. They also discuss Nate Pearson's potential service time manipulation, Vladimir Guerrero Jr's move to first base, and whether the Jays can be a playoff team this season.
All Vladdy, all the time! Everything that happens with the Blue Jays this season is now in the scope of Vladimir Guerrero Jr opening the team's competitive window. Matt & Asher discuss expectations for the 20-year old phenom ahead of his debut. Where will he bat? How much third base will he play? What's the impact of his arrival in incumbent third baseman Brandon Drury? Mixed in is some talk of Matt Shoemaker's injury, the early-season success of Stroman & Sanchez, and re-open the debate of whether to trade or sign them. After a short detour to discuss all the injuries to the Yankees, we conclude with some over/unders for Vlad rest of the way, and salute Kevin Pillar.
On the eve of the 2019 MLB season, Matt and Asher discuss a wide range of Blue Jays topics, from the timing and impact of Vladimir Guerrero Jr's arrival, the versatility of the young players on the roster, and the options presented to the front office if Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez deliver strong seasons. It's the second annual instalment of Over/Unders, where the hosts see things a little differently. If you haven't already, please subscribe to the podcast on your preferred streaming platform.
In the debut episode of 2019, Matt & Asher dive into all things Blue Jays. Vladdy's service time manipulation and weight have caused a stir, as have Marcus Stroman's comments about veteran leadership, and the front office's decisions to address that. Plus, the fates of Devon Travis, Dalton Pompey, and a glut of other players will be decided over the next 3 weeks. Our thoughts on Tulo, Morales, and much more!
Despite what the intro says, we've decided to skip Episode 32 in honour of Roy Halladay. Matt & Asher kick things off by talking about the mess that is the starting rotation (5:55) The current DH [Designated Handcuff] Kendrys Morales is becoming a problem, and might find himself off the roster soon (15:30) Devon Travis' struggles have found him in AAA. With other options up the middle, he might be nothing more than a part-time player(23:15) As the season goes on, the decision to keep Vladimir Guerrero Jr in the minor leagues might prove difficult if he continues to rake (37:20) Or maybe an old friend currently manning the hot corner in Hotlanta?(46:25)
For the first time in four years, Asher & Matt record the podcast LIVE AND IN PERSON. What resulted was a chat shoving it to some of the doubters who thought the Blue Jays would be terrible this year, discussing the team's deck of aces, how much rope should be given to struggling players like Randal Grichuk & Devon Travis, and a live home run call. Plus, Name That Jay like you've never heard it before.
Opening Day 2018 is right around the corner. Join Matt & Asher as they offer up some pre-season thoughts, such as J.A. Happ getting the ball for the first game of the new campaign (11:02), realistic expectations for some players with a wide range of outcomes (16:28), a fun Over/Under segment (32:47), and of course, Name That Jay.
After the tragic passing of Blue Jays legend Roy Halladay, Matt and Asher swap some of their favourite Doc stories, and reflect on the life and career of baseball icon.
After a long hiatus, Matt & Asher are back to discuss September call-ups like Teoscar Hernandez and Richard Urena, as well as other prospects in the Blue Jays' system. Which young players might be around next season? What role will players like Joe Biagini, Lourdes Gurriel Jr and Carlos Ramirez play? And it's a September-themed version of Name That Jay.
As the Blue Jays creep closer to .500, Asher & Matt discuss the new injuries and what it means for the situations in left field and at second base. Who are some names to consider to fill in at those positions? Should we be worried about Marco Estrada? Does the rise of Dwight Smith Jr mean the demise of Chris Coghlan? We take a quick look at the Kendrys vs Edwin debate, and give some seldom-voiced praise to Josh Donaldson & Roberto Osuna.
Ahead of J.A. Happ's return to the rotation, Matt & Asher discuss the return to health of the Blue Jays' pitching staff. What to do when everyone is healthy? Does Joe Biagini go back to the bullpen, or start at AAA? What about Francisco Liriano? We also apologize to Justin Smoak, and tip our cap to some under-the-radar achievers.
In their milestone 25th episode, Asher and Matt reflect on yet ANOTHER Blue Jays injury and lament what to do moving forward. In doing so, they reveal a surprising opinion about Ryan Goins, but also ponder potential roster changes and other musings about later in the season.
Hours before Marcus Stroman's reported injury and panic starts anew, Matt and Asher (finally)break down the Blue Jays' slow start to the season, and who is to blame. What are realistic expectations for the club for the rest of the season? And, as uncomfortable as it is, is it time to start talking about trading Josh Donaldson?
As Spring Training (finally) draws to a close, Asher & Matt discuss some of the Jays' injured players and fringe roster decisions. Some players have shown cause for concern—so Dr. DiNic stops by to instruct how worried we should be. And Name That Jay takes an Opening Day twist.
Aaron Sanchez is in the Spring Training headlines again, this time over the low price of his new contract. Matt and Asher discuss the long- and short-term repercussions of the deal. Will Sanchez be tabbed to start Opening Day? If not him, then who? Left field still looks like kind of a mess, and the guys sprinkle in some WBC thoughts along the way.
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With Spring Training under way and most of the roster set, Matt & Asher discuss what roles we might expect from Justin Smoak, Steve Pearce, Melvin Upton and Dalton Pompey. Are there any surprises in the bullpen? And which early-21st century catcher does Matt remember so well in Name That Jay?
We're back! In the first episode of 2017, Matt & Asher discuss the fallout of Edwin Encarnacion signing with Cleveland. Is Jose Bautista a fit to return to Toronto? If not, who replaces him in the outfield? And of course, we have to see if you can Name That Jay.
As the Blue Jays move on, so do Matt & Asher to preview the ALCS against Cleveland from every angle. Joining them is MLB.com associate Blue Jays reporter Alykhan Ravjiani. He discusses challenges presented by the Clevelanders, how the Blue Jays can find success, and reveals his favourite personalities inside the clubhouse. Plus, Name That Former Cleveoronto Player!
Right after Toronto's massive 10-1 victory over Texas in Game 1 of the ALDS, Asher & Matt are joined by old pal Peter Houston to recap the torrid start to the postseason, look ahead to the upcoming DS games, and wax philosophical and political about what's wrong with the crowd culture at the SkyDome.
Playoffs!!!!1! Matt & Asher tee you up for everything you need to know about the Blue Jays Wild Card playoff game against the Baltimore Orioles. Is Stroman over Liriano the right call? Carrera a guaranteed starter? What to make of the struggling bullpen? And Name That Bird! (Guys who have played for both the Blue Jays and Orioles, with varying degrees of success).
Matt and Asher look ahead to the final 23 games of the season, and advise whether it's time to hit the Panic Button or the Simmer Switch. What are the X-factors heading into this weekend's massive series against the Red Sox? Plus, a little rant about how to deal with a loss on social media.
apologies in advance for some poor audio quality on Asher's end
As Dioner Navarro returns for a second tour of duty for the Blue Jays, Asher & Matt speculate how he and Russell Martin might be used down the stretch. With the team close to full health, what is the ideal lineup? The Joey Votto Homecoming rumours continue to swirl, but is he actually a fit in Toronto? In Name That Jay, Matt tries to guess the Blue Jays all-time Top 20 WAR performers.
After another series win in the Bronx, Matt & Asher discuss what improvements, if any, the Blue Jays need to make down the stretch to remain in first place. Where do J.A. Happ, Marco Estrada & Aaron Sanchez stand in the Cy Young race? How about Edwin Encarnacion & Josh Donaldson for MVP? And things get silly in Name That Jay. Don't forget to subscribe to us on your podcasting app, give us a review, and follow us on Twitter, @jaysbalk.
It's our first ever (unintentional) two-day episode! Started Thursday night with a debate on the State of the Sanchize, and due to a Bell internet outage, concluded Friday with an evaluation of the Blue Jays moves at the trade deadline. And, of course, Name That Jay. Don't forget to find us on iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts from. Subscribe to us, and feel free to leave a review.
Aaron Sanchez to the bullpen, Marcus Stroman to Triple-A, Jose Bautista to another team. These are the conundrums hanging over the team as we move to the summer months, so Matt & Asher weigh in on them all; our hosts struggle this week, but can you Name That Jay?
Episode 11 of The 7th Inning Stretch takes us down memory lane--both in the recording studio and on the field. JaysBalk co-founder Peter Houston joins Asher & Matt from B.C. to chime in on the recent turnaround for the Boys in Blue, who have us feeling like it's 2015 all over again. Is Marco Estrada for real? Who have been the most surprising and most disappointing Blue Jays this season? And, of course, Name That Jay.
In episode 10, Asher & Matt talk about--what else--the bullpen. Where do we go from here with Drew Storen, Gavin Floyd, and Jesse Chavez? Should Zeke Carrera get more time over Kevin Pillar? Who is going to be better long-term, Marcus Stroman or Aaron Sanchez? And Name That Jay discusses some obscure hypothetical bobblehead trios.
Asher & Matt weigh in on the controversial 8th inning in Texas on Sunday afternoon. Was anybody in the right? How will MLB discipline those involved? An unintentional dive into the mindset of Blue Jays fans towards Jose Bautista; and the latest Name That Jay.
The Blue Jays hit the road for six, which allows Matt & Asher to debate the DH rule for the first time this season. What exactly is wrong with Drew Storen? And Tulo? How do they get out of the funk? And why does everybody hate Canada? I'm looking at you, San Francisco.
As the Blue Jays continue to drag their feet into May, Asher & Matt discuss all aspects of the struggling team, from offence to bullpen. Matt plays doctor to prescribe the long-term outlook for five key Blue Jays, and Name That Jay takes the customary stroll down memory lane.
As the offence continues to struggle, Matt has seen enough, while Asher attempts to quell his anxiety. When will the madness end?! Also, is it just another slow start, or is R.A. Dickey done? The guys gush over Marcus Stroman, and Name Thay Jay Turns into The History of Blue Jays Catchers.
Asher & Matt break down the Blue Jays first seven games of the 2016 season. Is the 3-4 record a disappointment? How worried should we be about the offence and the bullpen? And, of course, who can Name That Jay!?
It's Opening Day! What better way to celebrate than to listen to the latest edition of The 7th Inning Stretch Podcast. Matt & Asher break down the season to come, give some fearless predictions, the latest edition of Name That Jay and more! (Due to some Internet connectivity issues, Asher's sound quality is less than great. We apologize in advance.)
In the third episode of the 7th Inning Stretch Podcast, Matt & Asher weigh in on the hottest debate in Blue Jays Land--the fate of Aaron Sanchez for the 2016 season. They also discuss Roberto Osuna's desire to remain a reliever, John Gibbons' new contract details, and outline their ideal 2016 batting order.
Asher & Matt discuss the battle for the fifth spot in the Blue Jays rotation, contract negotiations for Jose Bautista & Edwin Encarnacion and the leadoff spot. Israel Fehr from Yahoo Sports joins as guest.
Episode 1 of the 7th Inning Stretch Podcast: Matt & Asher talk about Jose Bautista's contract demands, and whether or not to sign him and/or Edwin Encarnacion. They also talk Aaron Sanchez, starter or reliever; who should hit lead-off; and what's the future for Roberto Osuna.
A review of how some of the best moments from the 2015 Blue Jays season sounded on TV & radio.