The JD Bunkis Podcast

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, 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.

JD reacts to the Blue Jays' Labour Day weekend performances against the Brewers and Reds, looking specifically at the results from both the starting pitching and bullpen (00:00). Dan Shulman, Blue Jays play-by-play voice for Sportsnet, continues the conversation around the bullpen struggles, including Brendon Little, Yariel Rodriguez, and newcomers Louis Varland and Seranthony Domínguez, before getting into Jeff Hoffman's role as the closer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s play since returning from a hamstring injury, and how changes throughout the lineup could positively impact the offence (8:04). Later, JD gives his thoughts on Mitch Marner's comments about leaving the Maple Leafs for Vegas this offseason, and the effect it may have on his legacy in Toronto (45:48). 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 latest comeback win against the Twins, and the decision to implement a six-man rotation for the time being before Brady Quinn, FOX Football analyst, joins the show to discuss some of the biggest stories in the NFL heading into the new season (00:00). They run through Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, the Steelers and the addition of Aaron Rodgers, and the Browns quarterback room that includes Joe Flacco and Shedeur Sanders, before chatting about Caleb Williams heading into his sophomore season with the Bears, and rookie J.J. McCarthy as he begins his NFL career with the Vikings. Later, JD adds on to his Blue Jays rotation take, and reacts to Connor McDavid's comments at Team Canada's Olympic Orientation Camp, regarding his upcoming contract negotiations with the Oilers (34:53). 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 acknowledges that the summer in Toronto is nearing it's end after heading down to Rogers Centre for the Blue Jays' loss to the Twins, and gives his thoughts on George Springer's continued excellence at the plate and the latest collapse by the bullpen (00:00). Joe Siddall, Sportsnet Blue Jays analyst, joins JD to continue the discussion on the concern level in the bullpen, before getting into questions about the outfield with Anthony Santander expected to make an eventual return, and how the rotation is looking with just over a month left in the regular season (8:40). Later, JD dives into William Nylander's comments at the NHL's European Player Media Tour, as he discussed Mitch Marner leaving the Maple Leafs (39:16). 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 begin Tuesday's show. JD opens with thoughts on live events in the city on the heels of Oasis' concert at Rogers Stadium, before getting into the issues with PitchCom during the Blue Jays latest victory in their series opener against the Twins (00:00). They break down Shane Bieber's Blue Jays debut in Miami after missing nearly two seasons to Tommy John surgery, and project how Bieber can elevate the Jays chances in the American League, and they also praise Alejandro Kirk for his performance in 2025 after getting his contract extension in the off-season (15:35). Later, the guys look at the Blue Jays bullpen additions in Seranthony Domínguez and Louie Varland, and continue the conversation on what the pitching staff will look like in the playoffs (33:10). 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.