
We discuss the Blue Jays’ season-opening win over the Yankees, and whether Julian Merryweather should be named the team’s closer after an impressive showing.  Toronto Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins discusses the team at the start of the season, and the topic of COVID-19 vaccinations for players. We also dive into the Los Angeles Dodgers’ gaffe on the basepaths in their opener against the Colorado Rockies.



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.

April 2: 1-and-0. Ross Atkins Joins The Show

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker talk all things Blue Jays and MLB. Airing live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN weekdays from 2-4 ET during the baseball season.

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Baseball

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.

Getting Ready to Play the Padres

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.

Blue Jay Bats, Bullpens and Battleships with John Schneider

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.

A Nervous Ninth Inning + Prospect Report with JJ Cooper

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.

Kikuchi: The Yankees Kryptonite

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.

April 2: 1-and-0. Ross Atkins Joins The Show

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