The FAN Morning Show

Sho Alli and Zach Bodenstein welcome Sportsnet MLB reporter Shi Davidi to discuss takeaways from the tournament, the success for MLB, and the implications of a potential lockout. They analyze standout performances like Andrés Giménez for Venezuela and expectations for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The conversation shifts to Aaron Judge and his clutch performance. Afterward, ESPN's Greg Wyshynski (20:29) joins to talk about the U.S. gold medal goal's legacy and the World Cup of Hockey cities. They also discuss player safety and the role of stars like Connor McDavid in advocating for change. The morning wraps up with listener texts.

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 affiliate.

Sho Alli and Zach Bodenstien open this hour by previewing the Raptors’ trip to Chicago to face the Bulls. They share their expectations for the team’s late-season push, before discussing Toronto's standing in the Eastern Conference and the impact of key contributors like RJ Barrett and a healthy Jakob Poeltl. The conversation shifts to the NFL briefly with thoughts on the Broncos trading for WR Jaylen Waddle. After the break, Sportsnet's Luke Fox (24:00) joins to break down the Maple Leafs’ recent effort level, team toughness, and standout players during a disappointing stretch. They also touch on Doug Armstrong stepping down from roles with Team Canada and the St. Louis Blues, and speculate about a potential front office role with the Leafs. They wrap up by discussing George Parros’ comments on the NHL’s Department of Player Safety.

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.

Sho Alli and Zach Bodenstien open the program with thoughts on Venezuela’s dramatic 3–2 win over Team USA to capture their first World Baseball Classic title! They highlight the significance of the victory and the tournament’s overall impact on baseball’s global reach, before getting into Aaron Judge’s underwhelming performance in big moments. The boys zero in on the Blue Jays’ at the tournament and discuss what it could mean for the upcoming MLB season, including standout performances from Andrés Giménez and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. After the break, they turn to the Maple Leafs’ loss to the Islanders and chat about what can still be learned this season, the team’s physicality, and whether Morgan Rielly’s fight and Craig Berube’s messaging signals progress. The conversation wraps with a look at the team’s future, questioning Brad Treliving’s role in a potential rebuild, the implications of the Doug Armstrong news for MLSE leadership, as well as George Parros’ comments on player safety.

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.

Brent Gunning and Sho Alli wrap up with NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, discussing the fallout from Auston Matthews' injury and potential Department of Player Safety changes. They also consider the Leafs' surprising performance without star players and the trade market for goaltenders, including Anthony Stolarz. The chat shifts to Bill Guerin's concerns about the playoff format and the struggles of Edmonton and Vegas. They discuss the World Cup of Hockey's host city selection and its legitimacy challenges. Finally, they analyze the Raptors' recent win (31:08) over the Pistons and what it means for their future, ending with thoughts on the World Baseball Classic final: which outcome is better for baseball, America or Venezuela?

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 affiliate.

Brent Gunning and Sho Alli open the second hour by speaking with James Paxton, Team Canada pitcher and former MLB All-Star. James shares what it was like representing Canada at the World Baseball Classic, as well as the team’s historic progress and what’s next for his career. They also discuss the mental side of pitching and the challenges of playing in major markets like New York and Boston. Later, they’re joined by Maple Leafs broadcaster Joe Bowen (25:42), who reflects on the team’s disappointing season, player development, coaching decisions, and what to watch for down the stretch and into next year. The hour wraps with a discussion about building a franchise from scratch and where top prospects like Matthew Schaefer might rank.

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.