Raptors Season Wrap and the Most Compelling NBA Playoff Matchups w/ Joseph Casciaro + Vladdy's Leadership Expectations Arden Zwelling
JD brings on Joseph Casciaro, lead Raptors and NBA reporter at theScore, to react to the Raptors locker room clean-out day and put a bow on their season (8:00). JD and Joseph chat about Scottie Barnes' improvements on defense and in leadership, how Darko Rajaković can be judged in a tanking season, what they'd like to hear from Masai Ujiri, next season's expectations and what may have gone overlooked. Afterwards, JD and Joseph look at the points of the interest in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Arden Zwelling, Blue Jays reporter, joins JD in-studio for the second hour to sift through the Jays' season thus far (52:00). JD and Arden discuss John Schneider's feel for taking out starting pitchers, how the Jays' base-running might improve, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as a leader, how Guerrero Jr.'s contract extension impacts what's next with Bo Bichette, and the status of Daulton Varsho and Max Scherzer. The show finishes with discussion of Paddy Pimblett's star-power following his victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 (1:29:00). 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.
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1:38:00
Rory's Rollercoaster Ride to History w/ Ben Ennis, Jason Sobel & Sam McKee
JD recaps The Masters alongside Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, and Sam McKee, host and producer at Sportsnet 590 The FAN, discussing Rory McIlroy's weekend performance at Augusta, the matchup with Bryson DeChambeau, the humanity of McIlroy's reaction after finally winning his Green Jacket, and where the 2025 finish stands in the Masters hierarchy (00:00). Later, JD and Ben dive into the Blue Jays' comeback win in Baltimore, Jeff Hoffman's start to the season amidst injury fears in the offseason, and the expectations of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. after signing his big contract (36:33). Then, CBS and Sirius XM Golf Analyst, Jason Sobel joins the show to continue the conversation around McIlroy's Masters' win, the history within McIlroy's play in the tournament, the adversity that he faced along the way, and what the next compelling story in golf could be (52:15). Finally, JD takes a look at UFC 314, before he and the producers jump into “What We Missed” (01:20:56). 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.
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1:36:43
The Jays' Power Outage and Vladdy's Pressure Era w/ Kevin Barker + Éric Gagné's Journey From Elite Closer to Helping Hitters
JD is excited for baseball season. Kevin Barker, co-host of Blair & Barker, joins JD (6:00) to dive into the state of the Blue Jays 14 games into the season; Vladimir Guerrero Jr. getting an early day off, Guerrero Jr.'s pressure and expectations following his pay day, Anthony Santander's slow start, what's working well for George Springer and the pathways to a successful season. Éric Gagné, former CY Young Award winner, World Series champion, and chairman of bat manufacturing company B45, chats about the explosion of torpedo bats and the nuance of the closer role (51:45). Brent Gunning, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, touches on Rory McIlroy and The Masters (1:09:30). The week ends with 'What We Missed!' (1:17:00)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.
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1:37:12
The Knies Game w/ James Mirtle, What the Leafs Can Learn From the 2018 Caps w/ Devante Smith-Pelly + Early Jays Surprises w/ Jared Carrabis
JD is joined by James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, to break down the Toronto Maple Leafs' crucial win over the Tampa Bay Lightning last night (6:50). They discuss Matthew Knies' exponential growth, Anthony Stolarz' edge over Joseph Woll as the postseason starter, Max Domi's imperfect bottom-six fit, and why the Leafs are set up better than ever for a long playoff run. Then, JD reacts to Ross Atkins speaking with the media yesterday, and a sudden feeling of optimism around Bo Bichette's future with the Toronto Blue Jays (47:18). Afterwards, JD catches up with Devante Smith-Pelly, Stanley Cup champion with the Washington Capitals (52:30). Devante reflects on being in attendance to see Alex Ovechkin break the all-time record NHL goal record, the Great 8's ability to bond an entire dressing room, and how the Capitals overcame their playoff ghosts to win it all in 2018. Later, the conversation shifts back to the MLB with Jared Carrabis, co-host of the Baseball is Dead and Section 10 podcasts (1:20:08). Jared comments on Boston Red Sox fans' hopes of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reaching free agency and his impressions on the Blue Jays following three straight wins at Fenway Park. 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.
JD reacts to the Maple Leafs loss to their potential playoff foes, the Florida Panthers. Derek Lalonde (8:00), former NHL head coach, breaks down what the Leafs can takeaway from their loss to the Cats, what he's seen from the Leafs this season, what he'd emphasize in the Leafs' film room, and how long a coach needs to evaluate a depth line. Shane Ryan, writer from Golf Digest, joins JD to get into The Masters (52:45). JD and Shane chat about the course at Augusta, how competition is driving golf, interesting storylines, and Rory McIlroy's chances. The show ends with 'What We Missed!' (1:24:00)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.
JD Bunkis breaks down the biggest stories in sports every weekday morning. Honest, direct, and a touch of diablerie. Airing live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN from 9am-11am ET.
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