Blair & Barker

Blue Jays Central analyst Caleb Joseph joins the show with his thoughts on the Blue Jays-Mariners series, particularly the second and deciding game. Caleb goes into detail on the decision to pull Kevin Gausman for Tim Mayza, the need for a few “bad cops” on the coaching staff, if Jackie Bradley Jr. should have been put in the game earlier as a defensive replacement, and how Alek Manoah and Alejandro Kirk pitched to Cal Raleigh in Game 1 (02:49). Throughout the show, Jeff and Kevin open up the phone lines and read messages as listeners weigh-in with their thoughts on the historic loss, John Schneider’s future as manager, and the priorities that are ahead in the offseason.

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.

The Blue Jays postseason is over just as quickly as it began after a crushing 10-9 loss in Game 2 to the Seattle Mariners; a game where Toronto relinquished a 8-1 lead. Jeff Blair & Kevin Barker break down everything from the loss, the turning points in the game, and look ahead to what the offseason now has in store after an earlier than anticipated exit. World Series Champion and Marquee Sports analyst Ryan Dempster discusses John Schneider’s bullpen management in Game 2, the Blue Jays players using the loss as a learning experience, Seattle’s hitters getting to Alek Manoah early in Game 1 of the series, and if the Blue Jays should make a serious run to bring Ross Stripling back (33:33).

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.

Former Mariners All-Star and current Special Assignment coach Mike Cameron joins Blair and Barker to look back on the 2001 season, a historic year for Seattle and the last time they made the postseason until now. Cameron also previews the Wild Card series from a Mariners perspective discussing Julio Rodríguez’s standout season, what intangibles Cal Raleigh brings to the table, and how much previous postseason experience matters in October (01:47). MLB insider Jeff Passan shares why he thinks the Blue Jays-Mariners series is the most exciting of the Wild Card round, if Kevin Gausman should be saved for a potential must-win Game 3, and his final thoughts on Aaron Judge and Albert Pujols’ resurgent second half (27:09).

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.

It’s finally game day! Jeff Blair & Kevin Barker get you ready for Blue Jays-Mariners starting with their instant reaction to the Jays’ postseason roster announcement and Game 1 starter Alek Manoah’s media availability from Thursday. Later, the guys go over the other Wild Card series in the AL & NL and share their predictions for Guardians-Rays, Cardinals-Phillies, and Mets-Padres. Longtime MLB closer & current ESPN analyst Gregg Olson is in town working Jays-Mariners and discusses why he’s anticipating a low-scoring Game 1, starters Alek Manoah and Luis Castillo, and the battle of the bullpens (35:06).

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.

Seattle Mariners play-by-play voice Dave Sims joins Jeff and Kevin to give the lowdown on the team, notably Scott Servais’ managing style and how he runs his bullpen, Ty France covering the entire plate as a hitter, and Robbie Ray making his return to Rogers Centre (02:15). MLB on TBS & Mets analyst Ron Darling discusses Alek Manoah making his postseason debut on Friday, Jordan Romano’s repertoire, gamesmanship in the postseason with managers not tipping their hand, and the Mets being swept by Braves late in the season to cost them the NL East title (26:14).

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.

With Alek Manoah tapped to start Game 1, Jeff and Kevin debate which game Kevin Gausman should pitch in the Wild Card Series against Seattle. The guys then discuss if Toronto would be in this position if a managerial change wasn’t made during the season and look back at the key moments and performances from this team in 2022. In Barker’s Back Leg Bits, the guys ask fans for their confidence level ahead of the Mariners series, which Blue Jays they’re expecting big series from, and which players could be unsung heroes (31:50).

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 radio voice Ben Wagner joins the show on the final day of the season from Baltimore - the site of today’s doubleheader. Ben discusses the plan for today’s double-dip, how John Schneider will be setting today’s lineups ahead of the Wild Card Series, and Toronto's preparation to face Seattle (00:36). Braves’ President & GM Alex Anthopoulos comments on Atlanta winning the NL East after the Mets’ led for most of the season, entering the postseason as defending champions, and if his current roster is more well-balanced than last year’s championship squad (28:28).

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.

It’s official: the Toronto Blue Jays will host the Seattle Mariners in a Wild Card series this weekend at Rogers Centre! Jeff and Kevin share their thoughts on the matchup while looking back at the season series where Seattle went 5-2, including a four-game sweep in back in July. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi joins the show from Arlington, Texas – the site of Aaron Judge’s 62nd home run to set the new American League record. Jon discusses being in the ballpark to witness history, speaking to Judge post-game, and how the Blue Jays' hitters stack up against the Mariners starting rotation in the Wild Card series (30:23).

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 & Barker call up MLB Network’s Alex Avila to hear his thoughts on the Blue Jays, specifically the atmosphere at Rogers Centre, and how players and managers approach the final days of the season when there is nothing left to play for (03:23). Former MLB outfielder and current MLB Network Radio host Ryan Spilborghs breaks down why the Blue Jays shouldn’t care who they face in the Wild Card round, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s 2022 campaign, and how he feels about the Dodgers heading into the postseason having covered their recent games (25:30).

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.

Following their rain-shortened 5-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles, the Toronto Blue Jays learned that they will be hosting the Wild Card Series after the Seattle Mariners' loss to the Detroit Tigers! Jeff and Kevin welcome in Blue Jays Central’s Caleb Joseph to assess José Berríos' season as a whole, who he would start following Alek Manoah in the Wild Card Series, and who would he rather face if he was the Jays: Seattle or Tampa Bay (27:32).

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.