Hitting in 2026 with Dexter Fowler + Off Day Check-In with BNS
The Blue Jays' 2026 season is a study in resilience amid chaos, as host Blair and guest Ben Nicholson-Smith dissect a team defined by injury, roster turnover, and defensive slumps. Despite being just two games under .500, the Jays remain optimistic—especially after a promising off-day check-in with former MLB star Dexter Fowler, who argues that the team’s potential is undeniable once healthy. Fowler highlights Vladdy’s hidden power and the importance of patience, noting that hitting hard and taking walks are the true signs a player is finding his stride. The conversation turns to the league-wide offensive drought, with Fowler blaming the shift from pitch control to velocity-driven pitching, calling today’s game a 'power, power, power' arms race. Meanwhile, the Jays’ outfield defense—once a calling card—has deteriorated due to constant personnel changes, a problem compounded by players like PCA and Taylor Oscar struggling with slumps. The episode ends on a surreal note: a 12-year-old fan ejected for throwing a baseball at Jesus Sanchez, sparking a debate on fan conduct, player safety, and the thin line between interaction and interference. The takeaway? In 2026, baseball isn’t just about talent—it’s about continuity, accountability, and surviving the unexpected. The core tension in the episode is between hope and realism. The Jays are not a broken team—they’re a work in progress.
Vladdy’s offensive slump is temporary; hard contact and walk rates are the real indicators he’s about to break out.
The Blue Jays’ outfield defense has declined due to constant roster churn, not lack of talent.
Pitching velocity has replaced pitch control, making it harder for hitters to time pitches.
A 12-year-old fan was ejected for throwing a baseball at Jesus Sanchez—highlighting the fragility of fan-player boundaries.
John Schneider’s 3.75/5 rating reflects his ability to manage a broken roster with no clear answers.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Jays' Struggle and the Road Ahead
The hosts open with a candid assessment of the Blue Jays' 2026 season: two games under .500, plagued by injuries and inconsistent play, yet still in contention. They reflect on missed opportunities in the Orioles series and the need for health and momentum.
Dexter Fowler on Vladdy and the Path to Power
“I don't put too much into it. I mean, Vladi is a superstar. And him going out, he's hitting .300. Everybody's mad. The dude's hitting .300. He doesn't have the pop right now, but you can go ahead and book him in for 20 and 120. At all times.”
The Rise of Velocity and the Death of Pitching Chess
“Now it's just power, power, power. Okay, you played a long time. You do have those guys that are finessed. But other than that, it's like you see the veteran guys. I mean, they can pitch. The young dudes coming in are just throwing. I mean, they know how to pitch, but they're just... They got good stuff.”
The Hidden Problem: Defensive Slumps and Roster Churn
“When you're playing a day-to-day game, people talk about a lack of continuity in sports. Well, it's one thing when you're playing once every week and there's a lack of continuity. Good God, if you're going out there five days a week and you've got four different guys.”
The 12-Year-Old Who Threw a Baseball at a Player
“A 12-year-old fan was ejected for throwing a baseball at Jesus Sanchez—highlighting the fragility of fan-player boundaries.”
“I don't put too much into it. I mean, Vladi is a superstar. And him going out, he's hitting .300. Everybody's mad. The dude's hitting .300. He doesn't have the pop right now, but you can go ahead and book him in for 20 and 120. At all times.”
“Now it's just power, power, power. Okay, you played a long time. You do have those guys that are finessed. But other than that, it's like you see the veteran guys. I mean, they can pitch. The young dudes coming in are just throwing. I mean, they know how to pitch, but they're just... They got good stuff.”
“When you're playing a day -to -day game, people talk about a lack of continuity in sports. Well, it's one thing when you're playing once every week and there's a lack of continuity. Good God, if you're going out there five days a week and you've got four different guys.”
Hosts
Guests
blue jays
other
vladdy
person
ben nicholson-smith
person
john schneider
person
atlanta braves
other
jesus sanchez
person
baltimore orioles
other
spencer miles
person
charles mcadoo
person
taylor oscar
person
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