Blair & Barker

Blair & Barker is a podcast that offers up-to-date news on the Toronto Blue Jays. The team occupies a unique space in MLB, as they are the only non-American team in American baseball. The two-time World Series winners have often been one of the better teams in the league. This podcast enthuses on how their favorite team handles the baseball world. This is the podcast version of their Toronto-based radio show.

The hosts of Blair & Barker are Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker. Both men have a considerable amount of expertise when it comes to Blue Jays baseball. Blair has been reporting on the Blue Jays for over four decades. He was previously a sports reporter for The Globe and Mail and the Montreal Gazette. He is the author of the book Full Count: Four Decades of Blue Jays Baseball.

Podcast cohost Barker is a former baseball player who played first baseman for various MLB teams. These include the Milwaukee Brewers, the San Diego Padres, the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Cincinnati Reds. He retired from MLB in 2009 after spending a decade in and out of the league.

One of the things that makes Blair & Barker a compelling listen is the contrast between the two hosts. Blair speaks with an erudite Canadian accent and analyzes the team and its players with a dry wit. Barker, by contrast, has a Southern accent and is more boisterous than Blair. The dynamic is similar to legendary critics Siskel and Ebert, but for Blue Jays baseball instead of movies.

Blair & Barker examines the Blue Jays and who they play against before each game. Roster depth and player-by-player comparisons are a part of almost every episode. Blair often likes to determine whether the Blue Jays will win by being as systematic as possible. This approach has likely played a large part in his success as a sports writer and commentator.

New episodes of Blair & Barker air daily from Monday to Friday in the regular season. During MLB's offseason, the hosts talk when there is breaking Blue Jays baseball news.