The JD Bunkis Podcast

JD fawns over Kevin Gausman's latest quality start for the Blue Jays against the Rays, along with the dominance of the Jays' top two starting pitchers in Gausman and Shane Bieber as Toronto gets closer to clinching a postseason berth (00:00). Luke Fox, Sportsnet NHL writer, joins the show to discuss the Maple Leafs opening training camp, potential line combinations with Mitch Marner's departure, the need for Morgan Rielly to improve on last season's performance, Anthony Stolarz' contract negotiations after a career season, and Matthew Knies' continued growth in the offseason (13:11). Later, JD reacts to Connor McDavid's appearance on 32 Thoughts and his comments on his own contract negotiations as the Oilers continue to chase a Stanley Cup (40:58).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 starts with his thoughts the now infamous home run in the Blue Jays' win over the Rays, and whether or not it should have been called fan interference (00:00). Buck Martinez, Sportsnet Blue Jays analyst, joins the show to break down the Blue Jays' series against Tampa, calling Trey Yesavage's first career major league start and projecting how he can help the Blue Jays in the playoffs, the Jays' decision making around the playoff roster, Jeff Hoffman's struggles with his fastball over the last few appearances, and the emergence of Brayden Fisher in the bullpen this season (06:33). Later, JD takes a look at the contract negotiations happening between the Maple Leafs and Anthony Stolarz, and Cal Raleigh's historic season for the Seattle Mariners (37:06).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.

JD is joined by Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, to break down Trey Yesavage's first career MLB start with the Blue Jays, as they defeated the Rays in 11 innings (00:00). They discuss the rookie's dominance in his first major league appearance, his unique arm angle and how it affects hitters, and whether or not he will get another start with the big club. Then, JD and Ben get into the Blue Jays' bullpen, Brayden Fisher's dominance in September, and who will be a part of the playoff roster. Later, the guys chat about Bo Bichette's injury and what the defensive positioning should look like when he returns, before touching on Ken Rosenthal's apology after accidentally knocking over the Brewers cameraman while live on air and Tom Brady's appearance in the coach's booth on Monday Night Football (34:21).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 recaps the Blue Jays' series sweep over the Baltimore Orioles as they continue to push for the AL East pennant, and gives Kevin Gausman his flowers ahead of a potential Game 1 playoff start (00:00). Brady Quinn, FOX NFL analyst, joins the show to break down Week 2 in the NFL (9:32), including the injury to Joe Burrow that will keep him out for three months, the struggles of Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars, and the Lions' embarrassing the Bears at home with former Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson making his return to Detroit, before getting into the poor start to J.J. McCarthy's career in Minnesota, the Eagles' win in the most recent matchup between Philadelphia and Kansas City, and the surprising start from Daniel Jones and the Colts. Later, JD reacts to Orioles analyst Brian Roberts' comments on Blue Jays fans baseball knowledge (47:18).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 is joined by Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, to discuss the Blue Jays' loss to the Astros in dramatic fashion (00:00). The guys get into Jeff Hoffman allowing another 9th inning home run and whether or not a change should be made in the bullpen, the case for Trey Yesavage to be brought up, the recent offensive struggles without Bo Bichette in the lineup, and how the lineup could shake out when Bichette returns from injury. Later, JD and Ben chat about the use of AI in the major leagues to track pitches and steal signs, and the comments made by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver about streaming games (35:00).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 reacts to the Blue Jays' latest stressful comeback victory over the Houston Astros in their series-opener, following the news that Bo Bichette would be placed on the IL (00:00). James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, joins the show to discuss the Maple Leafs as they prepare to open training camp, including the additions made over the offseason and the projected line combinations, expectations for Easton Cowan's development in the pros, potential changes to the powerplay with Mitch Marner's departure, the status of Auston Matthews' health, and the goalie situation with Anthony Stolarz heading into a contract year (9:48). Later, JD breaks down Marner's latest comments on playing in Toronto, and the new reports around Kawhi Leonard's free agency negotiations (45:46).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 sets up the Blue Jays series against the Astros down at Rogers Centre, before breaking down quotes from Matthew Knies at the NHL Player Media Tour (00:00). Brady Quinn, FOX NFL Analyst joins the show to discuss the results from the NFL's first week back. They look at the Vikings and J.J. McCarthy taking down Caleb Williams and the Bears on MNF, the Green Bay Packers' dominant victory over the Detroit Lions, Aaron Rodgers and Justin Herbert's performances in Week 1 wins, the incredible finish between the Bills and Ravens, and the potential trouble brewing in New England and Tennessee (9:29). Later, JD highlights Aroldis Chapman's season with the Red Sox, and another incredible feat from Joey Chestnut (44:10).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 Bills' improbable comeback victory against the Ravens on Sunday Night Football and quickly breaks down Week 1 of the NFL slate, before getting to the Blue Jays series loss against the Yankees in the Bronx (00:00). Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith joins the show to continue the conversation about the Blue Jays, Bo Bichette's recent injury, the Yankees' sign-stealing ability and John Schneider's comments on the subject, Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt's performances as they try to lock down a spot in the post-season rotation, and the current hierarchy in the bullpen (10:45). Later, JD takes a look at the angry Phillies fan who demanded a home run ball, the Ottawa Senators releasing a Ridly Greig empty-net slap shot bobblehead this season, and Connor McDavid's latest comments on his contract negotiations (36:57).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 reflects on the Blue Jays' series win against the Reds following another offensive explosion and praises Jays' ace Shane Bieber for his gutsy six-inning performance, before taking a closer look at the depth throughout the lineup (00:00). JD details the incredible season that George Springer is having, and makes the case for him to be included in the American League MVP conversation. Later, JD previews the start of the NFL regular season ahead of the Eagles-Cowboys matchup on Thursday Night Football, before Scott Hanson, host of NFL RedZone, joins the show to chat about his prep ahead of the first show on Sunday, his thoughts and predictions ahead of the regular season, and the prospect of a Bills-Lions Super Bowl matchup (20:12).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.

JD is joined by Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, to discuss the reports around Kawhi Leonard signing with the Los Angeles Clippers after the 2019 championship and how it effected the Raptors' chances the following season (00:00). They shift to the Blue Jays' pitching situation after their chaotic victory in Cincinnati to discuss José Berríos' challenges on the mound, the competition for spots in the playoff rotation, and the bullpen's recent struggles with top prospect Trey Yesavage making his case to join the team (13:46). Later, the guys take a look at some of the more surprising seasons from Toronto athletes as they reflect on the incredible season George Springer is having (34:25).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.