Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look ahead at the Blue Jays’ series against the red-hot Phillies starting tonight. Phillies analyst Ben Davis helps tee up the first game of the series, how Philadelphia has managed their league-best start, a tough matchup for Berríos and what the Jays’ lineup can expect from Cristopher Sanchez (27:21). Chris Rose of the Chris Rose Rotation discusses the Guardians’ unexpected, AL Central-leading campaign and whether they can sustain it in the suddenly competitive division (49:55). Then, he shares his thoughts on the Jays’ frustrating offence, Manoah’s return and the Luis Arráez deal. Finally, Blue Jays Central’s Joe Siddall weighs in on possible batting order changes to consider, the Jays bullpen issues heating up without Garcia and how Berríos attacks the Phillies’ lineup (01:17:15). 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 recap the Blue Jays' series loss to the Washington Nationals, notably what they saw out of Alek Manoah in the finale and George Springer’s lack of production in the lead off spot. Intentional Talk’s Ryan Dempster joins the guys with his thoughts on Manoah’s results and how to battle through struggles as a pitcher, Luis Arráez being dealt to the Padres, and Shota Imanaga’s incredible start with the Cubs (28:49). What have we learned in MLB so far this season? The guys discuss that and more with The Athletic’s Jayson Stark, including his thoughts on the Blue Jays and what they have to trade if it comes to that (49:49). Former Phillies GM and MLB Network analyst Ruben Amaro Jr. looks ahead to the Jays' series in Philadelphia and how to evaluate your club in-season when falling low of expectations (01:16:47). 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.

Is there a reckoning coming for the Toronto Blue Jays? Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker share their thoughts on Ken Rosenthal’s latest piece in The Athletic on the direction of certain teams including Toronto. The guys call up Nationals’ analyst Kevin Frandsen to preview this weekend’s upcoming series (26:04). José Berríos joins the show to reflect on his start to the season after being named American League Pitcher of the Month for April (49:48). Later on, Foul Territory’s A.J. Pierzynski comments on the status of the Jays, the competition overall in the AL, and if he has any interest in coaching or managing in the big leagues (01:10:24). 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.

AL Pitcher of the Month for April, José Berríos joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss receiving the recognition from the MLB, how effective he's been pitching against left-handed batters, his process in learning something new towards his game, the pitching staff's success, and how they've approached to run prevention on the bases. 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 are joined by Sportsnet’s Caleb Joseph to discuss the Blue Jays’ offence following the series finale vs. Kansas City where the team earned only one run on four hits (27:22). Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times discusses Mike Trout’s latest injury and how he seems to be stuck in Anaheim with other clubs unwilling to take on his mammoth contract (49:38). Later on, the guys empty out the voicemail on the 'Back Leg Line' with listener questions on the Blue Jays ahead of their next series against the Washington Nationals (01:13:00). 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker start the pre-game show with some takeaways on the Jays’ 4-1 loss to the Royals yesterday before being joined by Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi. He discusses Yariel Rodriguez’s move to the IL and whether the Jays will run a 4-man rotation or elevate Alex Manoah off his stellar Triple-A start. Will Rodriguez be moved to the bullpen when he returns? Later, they chat about how the Jays’ batters have attacked the fastball this season and their biggest concerns when it comes to the order. Finally, they react to John Schneider’s pre-game availability as they tee up the rubber match at the 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker weigh in on the Blue Jays' 6-5 win over the Royals to kick off the series, highlighted by Justin Turner's two home run night. Eric Hosmer, former MLB player and host of the Diggin’ Deep podcast, discusses Bobby Witt Jr’s player profile and how good he can become, if the Padres can get to another level with their talent-laden roster, and looks back at the 2015 ALCS between the Royals and Blue Jays (26:08). Blue Jays radio play-by-play voice Ben Shulman joins the show with his thoughts on Toronto’s recent play including how Yariel Rodriguez fared in game one of the series (49:53). Blair and Barker end the show talking some baseball business with former MLB executive David Samson; notably the latest on the A’s situation in Vegas and the current state of the Marlins (01:17:20). 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 where the Dodgers took two of three against Toronto; despite the losses the guys discuss how it was encouraging to see Kevin Gausman return to his elite form. World Series champion closer and NESN analyst Jonathan Papelbon comments on Canadian Tyler O’Neill’s hot start with the Red Sox and the competition within the American League East (27:48). Later on, Sportsnet’s Buck Martinez shares his most recent thoughts on the Jays as they get set to re-familiarize with the Royals at Rogers Centre after facing them last week in Kansas City (49:53). 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open up the 'Back Leg Line' for fan reaction on a Friday. Blue Jays Pitching Coach Pete Walker talks about preparing for the Dodgers talent-laden lineup and what he expects from Kevin Gausman in his next start (25:12). Blue Jays Manager John Schneider joins for his weekly appearance and comments on if he’s given any thought to switching around the batting order (49:50). Dodgers President and CEO Stan Kasten discusses his ballclub ahead of this weekend’s series; notably L.A.’s pursuit of Shohei Ohtani, his marketability, and how he has fit in since joining his new team (01:16:30) 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 and Kevin Barker to discuss his takeaways from the team's trip to Kansas City, the structure of the batting order, the state of the Jays' offence and how to deal with the Dodgers ahead of this weekend's 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays’ 3-2 loss in Kansas City with thoughts on Vladimir Guerrero Jr’s game, Kevin Gausman’s fastball usage, and Kevin Kiermaier leaving the game with a hip injury. Royals analyst and franchise saves leader, Jeff Montgomery, weighs-in on Jays-Royals, Jordan Romano, and how to sustain longevity as a closer (28:35). The Athletic's Jayson Stark discusses the results of a poll ranking the best front offices in MLB (49:50). Later on, Blue Jays Central analyst Joe Siddall comments on Guerrero’s plate approach and if Addison Barger can add a spark to the big league lineup (01:16:58). 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.

Guest host Blake Murphy and Kevin Barker recap Toronto’s 5-3 win over the Kansas City Royals; where Bo Bichette and Daulton Varsho provided the offence and Jordan Romano locked down his 100th career save. The guys welcome Sportsnet’s Dan Shulman on the show after his call of Monday’s game to discuss the Blue Jays’ recent play and look ahead to tonight’s matchup at Kauffman Stadium with Kevin Gausman on the hill (24:55). With Varsho on an absolute tear offensively, Blake and Kevin call-up his dad, former MLBer Gary Varsho, to discuss the work he put into the offseason and how to stay consistent at the plate and in the field (49:50). To end the show, the guys go around the majors with Hall of Famer Tim Kurkjian, notably Heston Kjerstad being the latest prospect promoted in Baltimore and his honest thoughts on Toronto’s offence in the early-going (01:15:12). 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.

Jeff and Kevin kick off a new week on the program looking back on the Blue Jays' near sweep of the San Diego Padres; what we've seen from Toronto's starters, the bullpen management at the tail end of Sunday's game, and which bats in the lineup are finding their stride. Blue Jays Central analyst Caleb Joseph shares his takeaways from the series and previews Yusei Kikuchi's start in Kansas City tonight (25:52). Buffalo Bisons announcer Pat Malacaro updates us on the Jays' farm system including Orelvis Martinez' red-hot stretch and Addison Barger's upside (49:56). Later on, Royals colour commentator Rex Hudler weighs in on Bobby Witt Jr.'s breakout and the keys to Kansas City's strong start to the 2024 season (01:14:36). 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 open up the Back Leg line for their usual fan interaction on Friday. Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi checks-in from San Diego with an update on prospect Ricky Tiedemann after being placed on the IL (32:07). Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins the show for his weekly hit to reflect on his club’s 6-3 homestand before heading west (49:47). Padres TV analyst Mark Grant previews the Jays' weekend series with a scouting report on Friday’s starter Matt Waldron, before discussing young phenom Jackson Merrill and Manny Machado continuing to play at an elite level (01:15:42). 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.

Blue Jays Manager John Schneider joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker for his weekly visit to discuss his team's offence, bullpen deployment, Daulton Varsho's strong homestand, Alek Manoah's next steps 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.

Blair and Barker discuss the Blue Jays' bullpen use in the series finale vs. the New York Yankees, and the notion that they should have activated Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson in a more staggered approach, and not demoted Nate Pearson. MLB insider Jeff Passan talks about umpire Angel Hernandez’s strike zone, if the Royals are for real, and more across the big leagues (27:02). Baseball America’s JJ Cooper talks about Jack Leiter’s promotion to the Texas Rangers and how he views Toronto's prospects overall (49:47). To end the show, Blair and Barker react to Rays reliever Pete Fairbanks' post-game comments after blowing the save against the Angels, before looking ahead to the pitching matchups for Toronto’s weekend series against the Padres (01:21:37). 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 examine Yusei Kikuchi’s standout performance over the Yankees. Later, they react to Aaron Judge’s post-game comments on facing the Blue Jays’ lefty; and look forward to Wednesday’s series finale where ex-Jay Marcus Stroman and Kevin Gausman will be taking the mound. To end the show, the guys go around the majors with MLB Network analyst and former General Manager Dan O'Dowd and ask him about when the time is right to commit long-term to certain players (24:07). 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 3-1 win over the Yankees, highlighted by the battery of Chris Bassitt and Alejandro Kirk. Blue Jays top prospect Ricky Tiedemann joins to discuss what his goals are for the rest of 2024, doing whatever it takes to stay healthy, and being ready for the call to the majors when it comes (27:51). Jays’ radio analyst Chris Leroux stops-by in-studio with his thoughts on Toronto’s recent play and what Yusei Kikuchi needs to do to have success tonight against New York (49:52). To end the show, Jeff and Kevin react to the breaking news regarding Blue Jays pitchers: Nate Pearson has been optioned to the Buffalo Bisons and Mitch White has been designated for assignment (01:16:25). 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker share their weekend takeaways after the Blue Jays took two of three against the Colorado Rockies. The guys break down José Berríos’ outstanding start, Yariel Rodriguez’s MLB debut, Alek Manaoh’s performance with the AAA Buffalo Bisons, and Daulton Varsho sitting on Sunday after hitting a grand slam in Saturday’s win. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com and MLB Network shares the latest from New York ahead of the Jays-Yankees series: notably how they have mitigated the loss of ace Gerrit Cole in the early-going (29:42). Sportsnet’s Buck Martinez discusses Danny Jansen being reinstated from the IL, what he’s seen from Nate Pearson out of the bullpen, and why he sees Berríos being in the American League Cy Young running in 2024 (49:41). To end the show, Jeff and Kevin examine the Blue Jays lineup for game one against the Yankees and give some love to Isiah Kiner-Falefa for his recent play (01:18:53). 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker address the reports that Yariel Rodriguez will be called up by the Blue Jays and examine Erik Swanson and Jordan Romano’s outings at AAA Buffalo; before opening up the Back Leg Line for fan questions. Rockies analyst Ryan Spilborghs weighs in ahead of Colorado's weekend series in Toronto (24:25). Blue Jays manager John Schneider makes his weekly appearance to comment on Rodriguez’s status with the club, his team's series win over Seattle, Danny Jansen working his way back, Alejandro Kirk handling the pitchers in his absence, and Yimi Garcia’s outstanding start to the year (49:51). Former MLB executive and host of ‘Nothing Personal’ David Samson discusses the latest developments in the Ippei Mizuhara-Shohei Ohtani gambling story, the A’s moving to Sacramento pre-Vegas, Scott Boras losing Jordan Montgomery as one of his clients and more (01:16:56). 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.