Front Burner (CBC)

Episode Title: Blue Jays bandwagon 101

Date: October 24, 2025
Host: Jamie Poisson
Guest: Blake Murphy, host of Sportsnet’s Jays Talk Plus

Episode Overview

In this episode, Jamie Poisson is joined by Blake Murphy to break down the Toronto Blue Jays' extraordinary and unexpected journey to the 2025 World Series— their first appearance in more than 30 years. They explore the team’s surprising rise from underdog status, key player storylines, manager John Schneider’s steady hand, the emotional resonance of this run for fans, and the mammoth challenge ahead: defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers and their superstar, Shohei Ohtani. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just now hopping on the bandwagon, this is a crash course in why this Jays’ run has captivated Canada.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Jays' Unlikely Path to the World Series

[02:30 – 04:47]

• At the season’s start, few expected the Blue Jays to be playing for a championship; most analysts projected a fourth- or fifth-place finish in their division.
• “A lot has to break right... They just had a bunch of little things pulling in the same direction.” — Blake Murphy [02:54]
• Success attributed to both fortunate circumstances (American League’s relative weakness, generally good health) and the culmination of years of player development.

2. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: Playoff Phenom & Yankee Nemesis

[04:47 – 10:23]

• Vladdy Jr., once pegged as the franchise face, is now realizing that generational potential with “one of the best postseason runs we’ve ever seen,” notching six home runs.
• He’s Canadian-born, son of a Hall-of-Famer, and beloved for his joyful presence and open rivalry with the New York Yankees.
• Notable Quote:

  “I like to play in New York. I like to kill the Yankees. I would never sign with the Yankees, not even dead.” — Jamie quoting Vladimir Guerrero Jr. [08:32]

• Guest and host discuss the roots of his Yankee animosity, going back to his father’s time, and how Vladdy’s public Yankee-baiting is celebrated across baseball’s fan base.

3. The Personalities Powering the Run

Max Scherzer—Intensity and Longevity

[10:23 – 14:13]

• 41-year-old ace known as “Mad Max” is lauded for his playoff leadership and unique, fiery mentality—unlike most aging pitchers, he still thrives at the sport’s highest level.
• “If you’re Max Scherzer, you gotta go out there and be Max Scherzer... I think it’s awesome for fans to see that level of intensity, to see that the guys you’re watching and rooting for care every bit as much as you, and even more.” — Blake Murphy [13:33]
• His attitude is credited with helping maintain his effectiveness and inspiring teammates.

Trey Savage—Rookie Sensation

[14:13 – 17:32]

• Savage was drafted only last year and fast-tracked through the minor leagues, something “pretty rare and pretty special” for any pitcher.
• Known for a bizarre, deceptive pitching delivery and rare pitch movement that baffles hitters.
• “He started the year pitching in parks with 300 people in the stands… now he’s helping you punch your ticket to the World Series.” — Blake Murphy [14:30]
• Memorable moment: “Every pitch he throws, because of the weird angle, looks like it’s going to go in the dirt and then it ends up in the strike zone. I can’t even imagine what it’s like hitting against this guy for the first time.” — Blake Murphy [16:22]

4. Manager John Schneider’s Steady Hand

[18:33 – 21:55]

• Schneider has been with the Jays since 2002, rising from catcher to catching instructor, minor league coach, and ultimately manager.
• Known for growth as a leader, learning to blend analytics with personal touch, and fostering team chemistry.
• “How you manage those player relationships... is I think as big a part of the job as the stuff that we can touch, which is, oh, which relief pitcher did you use in this situation?” — Blake Murphy [20:49]
• Notable postgame moment:

  “This is my 24th year with this organization, and I feel, love it here, these fans, this country. You deserve all of this.” — John Schneider [21:36]

5. The Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani, and What’s at Stake

[21:55 – 25:40]

• The Dodgers—dubbed “the Death Star”—are the richest team in baseball, driven by Shohei Ohtani, arguably the best player alive.
• Ohtani’s dominance: first to hit 50 HR, steal 50 bases in a season; excels at both pitching and hitting.
• Notable Quote:

  “There is nothing you could suggest the guy do on the baseball field that it doesn’t feel like Shohei Ohtani is capable of... because we’ve never seen a guy do all of this.” — Blake Murphy [23:26]

• Fun rivalry aspect: Jays made a major pitch to sign Ohtani, reportedly coming very close — which will be a narrative layer in the Series.

6. Nostalgia and National Sentiment

[25:40 – 29:40]

• Host Jamie Poisson describes the Jays run as unlocking “an enormous amount of nostalgia,” with new and old fans coming together—kids, parents, and grandparents all reliving or creating memories.
• “There is like a multi-generational aspect to this that I think is really cool and adds to the vibe in the city as well.” — Blake Murphy [27:16]
• Reflects on how these moments will become core memories for countless Canadians across generations, much like the Raptors’ 2019 championship.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Touch ’em all, Joe. You’ll never hit a bigger home run in your life.” — John Schneider recalling the iconic 1993 World Series moment [00:57]
• “They better call me Papi Guerrero from now on because I own their asses.” — John Schneider quoting Vlad Jr. about the Yankees, with relish [08:19]
• “I imagine we’ve caught some font. I don’t know how that stuff works, but there’s been a couple... during this run.” — Blake Murphy on manager John Schneider’s emotional TV interviews [21:49]
• “If they win the World Series, I will do... every podcast on the planet. But yes, you first.” — Blake Murphy’s promise to Jamie Poisson [29:49]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Blue Jays’ historic run and how it happened: [02:30 – 04:47]
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. deep dive and Yankee rivalry: [04:47 – 10:23]
• Max Scherzer’s impact and mentality: [10:23 – 14:13]
• Trey Savage’s story & pitching style: [14:13 – 17:32]
• Manager John Schneider’s journey: [18:33 – 21:55]
• Dodgers’ challenge and Shohei Ohtani: [21:55 – 25:40]
• Fan sentiment and Blue Jays nostalgia: [25:40 – 29:40]

Conclusion

“Blue Jays bandwagon 101” is a lively, insightful look at why this Toronto squad has become Canada’s team again—blending stats, stories, and pure baseball joy. With a core of resilient, likable players, a manager rooted in Jays history, legends old and new, and the whole country watching, the stage is set for a World Series worth remembering.