Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss last night’s Blue Jays loss in Boston after the team relinquished the lead late in the game before welcoming Joe Siddall with his thoughts on the opening game of the series (9:50). USA Today’s Bob Nightengale provides a national perspective on the Jays' recent play and more around the majors (27:10). MLB on TBS analyst Jeff Francoeur checks-in from Citi Field ahead Mets-Yankees with his thoughts on the subway series and how a clubhouse knows if they’re out of the postseason race (52:08). The guys end the show reacting to John Schneider’s pre-game availability from Boston and comments from MLB Network’s Dan O’Dowd on the direction of the team.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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays' weekend on and off the field where Toronto was swept for a second consecutive series and Orelvis Martínez was given an 80-game suspension for use of a banned substance. The Athletic’s Jayson Stark (29:19) discusses why offense has been on the decline this season across MLB and more on the legendary ‘Say Hey Kid’ Willie Mays following his passing last week. Red Sox analyst Lou Merloni (54:41) previews this week’s series at Fenway Park. Blue Jays play-by-play voice Ben Shulman (1:17:37) drops by the studio to share his thoughts on both the Jays and Guardians after calling this past weekend’s series in Cleveland. 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.

Jeff Blair & Kevin Barker open by emptying out the voicemail for this Friday’s edition of the Back Leg Line (12:01). Blue Jays skipper John Schneider (27:18) joins the show to discuss the choice behind having Orelvis Martinez debut against Cleveland's starter Carlos Carrasco. Tom Hamilton, the voice of the Guardians, shares his thoughts on the ballclub ahead of this weekend (51:19). Orioles' broadcaster Melanie Newman (1:25:42) recaps the Baltimore-New York series that went down in the Bronx between the two best teams in the AL East and discusses the unsung heroes on Baltimore, and her experience overseas covering and calling the London series. 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.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins Jeff Blair & Kevin Barker to discuss the upcoming series against the Guardians kicking off tonight. He gets into the decision to put Orelvis Martinez in for his long-awaited debut and what he can bring to the lineup. Then, the skipper discusses Yariel Rodriguez making his first start since late April and what he expects from him. Finally, he weighs in on the team's home run problems on both sides of the ball, Springer's struggles, how Vladdy can find more consistency at the plate and more.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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker have you covered on the Blue Jays off-day as they react to the team’s sweep at the hands of the Red Sox. Legendary pitcher and Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins (27:29) reflects on what it was like to face Willie Mays and how the Blue Jays can turn things around in the second half of the season. MLB insider Jeff Passan (50:47) comments on Toronto’s home run issues: allowing too many and not hitting enough of them; before debating who the better team is between the Yankees and Orioles and which current player is this generation’s version of Willie Mays. MLB.com’s Mandy Bell (1:21:13) discusses the Guardians as the Blue Jays make the trip to Cleveland for a three-game series starting Friday.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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker go over the Blue Jays' decision to sit Orelvis Martinez for a second consecutive day before welcoming Buffalo Bisons' play-by-play voice Pat Malacaro to the show to talk about how Martinez was performing in AAA before his call-up (12:05). Negro Leagues Baseball Museum President Bob Kendrick discusses the life and legacy of the legendary Willie Mays after his passing at age 93 (25:57). MLB Network’s Dan Plesac shares his view on the Jays ahead of working the finale of the BOS-TOR series (59:01). WEEI’s Rob Bradford comments on the Red Sox play and if Alex Cora remains in Beantown past this year (1:11:33). Sportsnet’s Dan Shulman (1:25:00) checks-in from Rogers Centre as the Blue Jays look to avoid a series sweep.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.

Jeff Blair & Kevin Barker react to the top Blue Jays news of the day: Bo Bichette is hitting the IL and prospect Orelvis Martinez getting called up from the Buffalo Bisons. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (23:06) stops by in-studio with his thoughts on Bichette/Martinez, the Blue Jays’ current youth movement and more from around the majors including this week’s pivotal AL East series between the Yankees & Orioles. Sportsnet’s Buck Martinez (54:07) joins the show ahead of first pitch from Rogers Centre and shares that the Blue Jays’ newest Martinez plans to wear his old # 13 when he debuts for Toronto. 2024 Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum inductee Russell Martin (1:15:59) reflects on the honour and his career.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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays series win over the Cleveland Guardians and discuss the state of the team’s bullpen with Yimi Garcia leaving Sunday’s game with an elbow injury. Former Red Sox closer and NESN analyst Jonathan Papelbon (25:37) comments on Boston’s young talent, Tanner Houck becoming the ace of the rotation and how to deal with bullpen injuries in-season. The guys go around the majors with The Athletic’s Jayson Stark (51:58) and discuss how aggressive Atlanta will be ahead of the trade deadline, the injury bug hitting the Dodgers, the Orioles and more. Sportsnet’s Madison Shipman (1:16:10) checks in from Rogers Centre ahead of Jays-Red Sox with her read on Toronto’s recent play.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.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins Jeff Blair & Kevin Barker ahead of the Guardians series to discuss the team's decision to DFA Daniel Vogelbach and recall Addison Barger (11:04). Later, the guys check their voicemails for this Friday’s edition of the Back Leg Line (30:28). Los Angeles Dodgers EVP & GM Brandon Gomes discusses the Cavan Biggio trade from his club’s perspective, Shohei Ohtani performing as advertised in his first year with the team and Teoscar Hernandez’s standout season (51:02). MLB insider Jeff Passan (1:17:26) discusses Bo Bichette, last weekend’s marquee Dodgers-Yankees series, what the Astros' approach could be leading up to the trade deadline and more from around the major leagues.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.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins Jeff Blair & Kevin Barker ahead of a three-game series against the Guardians over the weekend. The skipper discusses the team's decision to DFA Daniel Vogelbach and why it was the right time to recall Addison Barger and if he has a chance to be a long-time right fielder in the league. Then, how Spencer Horwitz is adjusting to the Majors, Tim Mayza's string of struggles coming out of the pen and if Kevin Gausman can have an effective sinker moving forward. 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.

Jeff Blair & Kevin Barker touch on the Cavan Biggio trade and react to Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts’ comments on his newest player before bringing on MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand (12:06) to discuss Aaron Judge’s hot streak, players garnering interest on the trade market, and Gerrit Cole’s impending return to the Yankees rotation. Sportsnet’s Caleb Joseph (52:52) comments on Toronto’s recent play, notably the loss in the series finale vs. Milwaukee. Foul Territory contributor and Guardians radio analyst Jason Kipnis (1:16:27) looks ahead to this weekend’s series at Rogers Centre and discusses the Guardians' season so far and their extremely successful bullpen.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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker share their thoughts on Toronto’s 3-1 loss to Milwaukee in the opener of the series, and look ahead to game two where Yusei Kikuchi and rookie Carlos Rodriguez will take the mound for their respective clubs. Blue Jays infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa (35:34) discusses how his positional versatility helps take pressure off, adjustments to his approach at the plate and why the fastball has eluded the Blue Jays batting order this season.  David Samson (50:28) discusses the latest around the major leagues; particularly if an in-season tournament would make sense for baseball like it does in the NBA. Former major-league outfielder Jayson Werth (1:18:33) comments about his wild weekend where his horse Dornoch won the 2024 Belmont stakes before looking back on his career including his time with the Blue Jays.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.

Blue Jays infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss how his positional versatility helps take pressure off, adjustments to his approach at the plate and why the fastball has eluded the Blue Jays batting order this season. Then, he gets into how MLB's shift bans have changed fielding, his unique path to the big leagues and lessons from his years with the Yankees.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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap Toronto’s series win over Oakland, notably Sunday’s win in extra innings, and the standout pitching performances from starters Chris Bassitt and Kevin Gausman. Brewers broadcaster Jeff Levering discusses Milwaukee’s successful season so far and how the organization continues to play well following the departure of manager Craig Counsell in the offseason (28:20). Jeff and Kevin discuss and debate the results of The Athletic’s players poll (51:05). MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (1:17:42) discusses the latest around the game including the overwhelming number of teams below .500 and the success of this past weekend’s London series between the Phillies and Mets in the UK.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.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider discusses what improvements he has seen in Spencer Horwitz's game that could possibly warrant a spot on the main roster, the lack of producing runs in the first inning, and more surrounding his club as they get ready to play the Oakland A’s (26:53). Jeff and Kevin open up their voicemail for this Friday’s edition of the Back Leg Line (52:06). Shi Davidi checks-in from Oakland ahead of the final Blue Jays-A’s series in Oakland with his reporting that Horwitz is currently with the team (1:09:20). A’s play-by-play broadcaster Vince Cotroneo previews the series and discusses the young talent on their rebuilding roster (1:21:00).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.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins Jeff Blair & Kevin Barker ahead of a three-game series against the Athletics. The skipper gets into what improvements he has seen in Spencer Horwitz's game that could warrant a spot on the main roster with reports he's with the team in Oakland. Then, he discusses the team's ongoing first-inning scoring drought, the challenges Bo Bichette is facing in his at-bats and Danny Jansen's workload. Finally, how Chris Bassitt can find success against his former team and how he views his team bouncing back after a blowout loss to the Baltimore Orioles. 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.

Sportsnet’s Caleb Joseph joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker between the Orioles and A’s series as the Blue Jays head west to Oakland in hopes of continuing their winning ways (8:54). The Athletic’s Andy McCollough (28:11) discusses the latest story he co-authored on Latin American starting pitchers in MLB and why the number of them has dwindled over the years.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.

Jeff Blair & Kevin Barker discuss Toronto’s 10-1 loss to the Orioles, notably Baltimore’s balanced offensive attack and Ryan Mountcastle continuing his Jays-killing ways with a two-HR performance at Rogers Centre. What makes certain hitters hot at certain ballparks? The guys call up Hall-of-Famer and former Braves hitting consultant Chipper Jones (27:03) to ask him about that and what changes he had to make mechanically whenever he was in a slump. With two games of four completed in the O’s series, Jeff & Kevin open up the Back Leg Line (52:15). Dan Shulman (1:19:05) shares his point of view on the Blue Jays and the series so far ahead of first pitch of tonight’s game. 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss Toronto’s latest loss to the Orioles, the team’s difficulty at scoring runs continuing, and examine a few of the trades and signings Ross Atkins has made during his tenure as Blue Jays GM. Sportsnet’s Joe Siddall (33:03) checks in from field level at Rogers Centre with his thoughts on game one of the O’s series and the team’s recent play. MASN’s Roch Kubatko (54:43) gives the lowdown on Connor Norby, the organization’s latest top prospect to be recalled and Corbin Burnes pitching as advertised since coming over from Milwaukee. Jeff Passan (1:17:01) shares an early look ahead to the trade deadline, if the Jays' mindset can change between now and then and the latest gambling bans and suspensions levied by MLB. 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Toronto Blue Jays series win over the Pirates; notably, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. playing 3B in the finale before reacting to comments Jays GM Ross Atkins made on MLB network radio. Former Orioles closer and ESPN analyst Gregg Olson (32:34) comments on the O’s and how closer injuries can affect the rest of the bullpen. The Athletic’s Jayson Stark (49:42) goes around MLB with the guys with his thoughts on Toronto’s season to date, their important month ahead, Aaron Judge’s hot streak, and Rob Thomson’s successful two-year stint as Phillies manager.  Sportsnet’s Buck Martinez (1:20:58) checks in ahead of first pitch from Rogers Centre.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.