Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker dissect Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins' media availability and his comments on Alek Manoah, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Anthony Bass. Sportsnet’s Dan Shulman checks-in from Rogers Centre ahead of the series finale against the Astros (30:43). MLB Network analyst Bill Ripken shares his views on the Blue Jays, their decision to send Manoah to Florida to work on his game,  Luis Arraez’s standout campaign with Miami, and Elly De La Cruz debuting with the Reds (51:30). Astros analyst and three-time World Series Champion Mike Stanton provides a scouting report on Framber Valdez and discusses what Mauricio Dubon brings to the Houston lineup (1:15:42).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 latest thoughts on the Blue Jays after a 5-1 win and a standout 13-strikeout performance from Kevin Gausman. Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Glavine discusses his process on the mound, how he adjusted out of season-long slumps, his thoughts on Alek Manoah and looking forward to sharing the broadcast booth with former Braves Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, and Jeff Francoeur (28:05). MLB Network’s Jon Morosi talks about poor air quality due to wildfires forcing the postponement of games, if a trade is on the horizon to help Toronto and the stiff competition in the American League (1:17:02).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 react to the big Blue Jays news of the day: starter Alek Manoah being sent down to the Florida Complex League. Sportsnet’s Buck Martinez comments on the club’s decision to send Manoah to Florida and compares it when he was Blue Jays manager and Roy Halladay was sent to the minors (29:42). MLB columnist Shi Davidi checks-in from field level with his thoughts on Manoah and how teammates reacted to the news before hearing audio from fellow starter Jose Berrios on the matter (52:40). Houston Astros General Manager and former member of the Blue Jays front office Dana Brown discusses his first season as GM after taking over the role in January (1:15:36).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 the Blue Jays sweep over the Mets at Citi Field, particularly Toronto’s strong starting pitching in the series. The guys examine how the weekend went for the Jays’ division rivals in the latest installment of ‘In The East’ (28:27). Former MLB executive Jim Duquette discusses Alek Manaoh’s 2023 season ahead of his next start against the Astros, the Mets confusing play of late, and if there’s been a passing of the torch in the AL West (52:31). Astros analyst Steve Sparks previews the Toronto-Houston series from Rogers Centre to end the show (1:16:15).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 reflect on Armando Galarraga’s near-perfect game and the botched call on the final out on its anniversary; before focusing on the Blue Jays and their series in New York. Dan Shulman joins the show from Citi Field to discuss Chris Bassitt leaving the ballpark after his start to join his wife who is in labour and the reasons for optimism for the Blue Jays with the calendar turning to a new month (26:58). MLB manager Joe Maddon talks about how to coach hitters out of slumps, having tough conversations with players if they need to be sent to the minors, and how he views Alek Manoah and Kevin Kiermaier’s contributions to the lineup (50:44). Jays Manager John Schneider joins the guys for his weekly appearance where he reflects on Manoah’s latest start vs. Milwaukee, the other pitchers on the staff supporting him through his struggles, Brandon Belt’s recent plate approach, and the conversations he’s having daily with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1:16:11).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 the Blue Jays 3-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, particularly Kevin Gausman’s dominant outing and working with catcher Tyler Heineman. SNY’s Gary Apple previews the Blue Jays upcoming series against the New York Mets and talks about the young players contributing to their lineup, and how the bullpen has performed without regular closer Edwin Diaz (27:26). Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi joins the guys for a deep dive on Alek Manoah following his latest start and how the organization can help him turn things around (49:41) before ending the show with questions from the ‘Back Leg Line’ (1:14:27). 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 and Kevin begin the show discussing the Blue Jays’ win over the Milwaukee Brewers, particularly Nate Pearson’s contributions to the bullpen. Howard Stutz of the Nevada Independent shares the latest news on the Oakland Athletics’ potential move to Las Vegas and how a new stadium will be funded (29:11). Blue Jays play by play voice Ben Wagner checks-in from Rogers Centre with his thoughts on the team; notably Pearson and Alek Manoah’s pitch arsenal ahead of his important start in game two of the Brewers series (49:41). The number-one ranked Canadian prospect in the upcoming 2023 MLB Draft Myles Naylor discusses his game and what he’s learned from his older brothers Bo and Josh (1:14:18) 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 and Kevin open the show with their thoughts on Anthony Bass and his statement from earlier today at Rogers Centre. Brewers play by play broadcaster Jeff Levering previews this week’s Milwaukee-Toronto series and talks about how ex-Blue Jay Rowdy Tellez is contributing to the lineup (31:32). Jayson Stark of The Athletic discusses what he and others are seeing lately from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at the plate and which current players are shoe-ins for Cooperstown when their time comes (53:34). MLB Network analyst Dan Plesac talks about the point in the season when players start looking at the standings, Alek Manoah’s confidence on the mound, and Nate Pearson’s pitch arsenal (1:16:41).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 return from the weekend discuss the Blue Jays series win over the Minnesota Twins; particularly Jose Berrios’ outing and the job from the bullpen as they put up zeros in relief on Sunday. Afterwards, the guys take a look at how the weekend went for Toronto’s AL East rivals in the latest installment of “In The East” (33:14). Hall of Fame pitcher and broadcaster Jim Kaat relies on his eight decades in baseball to discuss the pitch clock, pacing on the mound, the key to a good elevated fastball and what Jose Berrios has to do to stay successful in Toronto’s rotation (52:08). Sportsnet’s Caleb Joseph looks ahead to the Blue Jays upcoming week and discusses what he’s seen from Nate Pearson in recent outings (1:18:48).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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open up the ‘Back Leg Line’ as Blue Jays fans weigh-in with questions and comments following a tough series against the Rays. Dan Hayes of The Athletic comments on Carlos Correa’s foot injury, why he’s surprised he avoided the IL, and why the Twins are better than their record indicates (55:19). Blair and Barker are then joined by Jays Manager John Schneider who discusses his ballclub’s recent play and if there has been any consideration of sending Alek Manoah to the minors to work on his craft (1:18:24).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 provide instant reaction to the Blue Jays dropping the series finale against the Rays at Tropicana Field; as Toronto’s players called a meeting post-game in an effort to get things to turn around. Minnesota Twins SVP & GM Thad Levine discusses his ballclub as they get ready to welcome Toronto to Target Field for a weekend series (28:10). With Alek Manoah lasting only three innings, MLB Network’s Ryan Dempster talks about the importance of pitchers having pace on the mound and his experience being in players only meetings (49:40). MLB insider Jeff Passan examines how robot umpires have been working out in Triple-A and if a trade could shake things up for Toronto (1:19:33) 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 the Rays’ decision to use position players on the mound in a nine-run ninth inning. Later on, the guys break down Aaron Judge’s latest home-run over the Orioles and his success hitting with two strikes, before opening up the ‘Back Leg Line’ for some questions. Former MLB Catcher and ‘Foul Territory’ host Erik Kratz reflects on the seven times he’s been asked to pitch in the big leagues, Alejandro Kirk and Danny Jansen behind the plate, and his view on the antics between the Blue Jays and Yankees last week at Rogers Centre (50:51).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 provide their thoughts on Toronto dropping the series opener against the Rays as hitting with runners in scoring position continued to plague the team. Diamondbacks reporter Nick Piecoro re-visits the Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Gabriel Moreno for Daulton Varsho offseason trade as Gurriel finds himself in the midst of a 15-game hit streak (35:11). The guys provide an injury update on Blue Jays pitchers Chad Green and Hyun-jin Ryu before being joined by former Marlins President David Samson who spoke about trading top prospects from a front-office point-of-view, the rumours of a potential Rays sale, and his assessment of Vladimir Guerrero Jr’s season to date (52:48).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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays’ disappointing showing at home as they got swept by the Orioles over the weekend after losing three of four to the Yankees. With Toronto starting their next series against Tampa Bay, Rays analyst Brian Anderson discusses how impressive Tampa has been this season especially at Tropicana Field (28:47). To end the show, the guys examine the recent play of Toronto’s division rivals in ‘In The East’ and open up the Back Leg Line! 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 look ahead to the Blue Jays-Orioles series at Rogers Centre after Toronto struggled offensively and lost three of four against the Yankees. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden shares his thoughts on the Blue Jays, particularly Alek Manoah’s season to date, and the Orioles getting even better this year with the glut of talented prospects they have in their system (32:38). Orioles TV analyst Ben McDonald previews this weekend’s series and discusses Baltimore’s impressive season to date (49:45). Blue Jays’ Manager John Schneider looks back on the “eventful” series against New York, if Adam Cimber could be activated this weekend, Alek Manoah’s side sessions, and what he’s seen from Jordan Romano and Nate Pearson in the ‘pen (1:15:34)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 3-0 extra innings win over the New York Yankees, thanks to Danny Jansen’s walk-off three-run home run. The guys discuss starter Chris Bassitt extending his scoreless innings streak, Jordan Romano pitching two innings for the win, the runners left on base, and the look of the Blue Jays’ lineup without Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Sportsnet’s Dan Shulman shares his thoughts on the Yankees series so far and why it would be huge for Toronto to earn a split after dropping the first two games (49:48). MLB insider Jeff Passan comments on the entertainment provided by Jays-Yankees, Liam Hendriks working his way back to the White Sox bullpen, the Padres struggles and more (1:39:56)!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 6-3 loss to the New York Yankees, a game that was overshadowed by Domingo German’s ejection after a substance check from the umpiring crew. MLB insider Jon Morosi discusses the Blue Jays start to the season, and whether they should look at emptying a bit of their prospect cupboard and making an early season trade or two to fill some needed holes (31:29). “The Guru of Goo” Jayson Stark chimes-in with his thoughts on German getting caught, the Yankees picking up Toronto’s tipped pitches, the effect MLB’s new rules are having on the game, and the impressive Orioles before they head to Rogers Centre this weekend (49:18).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 start with the Blue Jays dropping the first game of the series against the Yankees last night, Aaron Judge peeking at the dugout, what he could have possibly been looking at and whether it was cheating or just good old-fashioned baseball gamesmanship.  Then, Alek Manoah's struggles; is it a simple fix or a longer-term problem? Sportsnet colour commentator Buck Martinez joins the show (29:31) to talk about Judge-Gate, what he makes of Manoah’s struggles and how he would address them.  MLB.com Yankees reporter and author of 62: Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees, and the Pursuit of Greatness, Bryan Hoch joins the guys to go over the Aaron Judge situation and whether or not he thinks he was cheating (52:55). Bryan also goes over how the new contract and being captain of the Yankee’s has affected him. The guys close out the day with the ‘Back Leg' line!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 the weekend that was at Rogers Centre as the Toronto Blue Jays came away with an impressive sweep over the NL East leading Atlanta Braves! The guys break down the series, notably Danny Jansen’s clutch at-bat in the finale, Whit Merrifield on the basepaths, and Chris Bassitt pitching a complete game in the opener. Afterwards, they examine Toronto’s division rivals in the latest installment of ‘In The East’ (30:06). Later on, Yankees radio analyst Suzyn Waldman previews the upcoming series down at Rogers Centre and discusses New York’s season to date (50:05). Jeff and Kevin open up the 'Back Leg Line' to end the show. 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.

MLB insider Jeff Passan joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss Marlins phenom Eury Perez making his MLB debut and how he would rank the top MLB teams so far this season (28:31). Current Braves outfielder and long-time Blue Jay Kevin Pillar joins the show ahead of this weekend’s series at Rogers Centre and discusses hitting his 100th career home run and how he’s evolved as a hitter before looking back at his time in Toronto (52:07). Blue Jays Manager John Schneider makes his weekly appearance following two consecutive losses in Philadelphia (1:39:49).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.