Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down Kevin Gausman’s strong outing against the Red Sox in the Blue Jays' 7-2 victory. They also discuss Alejandro Kirk’s offensive output, working with Gausman behind the plate, and Matt Chapman looking more comfortable offensively. Former Blue Jays catcher Caleb Joseph joins the show and to discuss what made Gausman successful against Boston, and what's stood out to him about Jose Berrios and Yusei Kikuchi's recent form (31:31).

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.

Sportsnet’s Joe Siddall discusses the concerns surrounding Yusei Kikuchi and Jose Berrios after their most recent outings, if he believes the Blue Jays would benefit from having a veteran catcher, and Toronto’s crucial AL East schedule this week facing Boston and Tampa Bay (03:52). Former MLB infielder and current WEEI host Lou Merloni comments on the surging Red Sox, who currently hold second place in the division, and weighs in on what has led to their turnaround (34:22).

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 after dropping two of three to the Brewers. The conversation revolves around the latest starts by Jose Berrios and Yusei Kikuchi as their struggles continue, and question if Kikuchi will make his next scheduled start against the Rays. In the latest edition of “In The East”, the guys examine the weekend series between the Yankees and Astros that included walk-off home runs and a combined no-hitter; and the Red Sox and Rays getting ready to face Toronto this week (30:37).

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.

MLB insider Jeff Passan takes a trip around the Majors with the guys as they discuss if the Yankees are peaking too early, Aaron Judge’s arbitration case, the Brewers and Cardinals vying for top spot in the NL central, and if the Blue Jays absolutely need to acquire a starting pitcher this season (04:30). In the latest edition of ‘Barker’s Back Leg Bits’, the guys answer questions on if Alejandro Kirk and Alek Manoah should both start the All-Star Game, Nate Pearson’s setback at Triple-A Buffalo, and the availability of Rockies reliever Daniel Bard (29:45).

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.

After a few days off, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker return to address the Blue Jays' performance on the road against the White Sox and the team currently leading the league in ejections. Brewers play-by-play voice Brian Anderson talks about his history with Barker, previews the weekend series between Milwaukee and Toronto, and discusses the quality arms they have in the starting rotation (Corbin Burnes) and the back end of their bullpen (Devin Williams and Josh Hader) (30:27).

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.

Longtime Yankees reporter and author of ‘The Franchise: New York Yankees – A Curated History of the Bronx Bombers” discusses the Yankees season to date and their historic win-pace, Aaron Judge’s MVP-type performance, the Yankees shopping list at the deadline, and how their needs are similar to the Blue Jays’ (4:30). Sportsnet’s Caleb Joseph tries to make sense of Kevin Gausman’s recent struggles (26:22). To end the show, Jeff and Kevin discuss just how close Justin Verlander was to signing with Toronto in the offseason along with an abbreviated version of “Barker’s Back Leg Bits” (42:10).

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 10-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles which saw them split the four-game series. The guys discuss the tough loss, particularly what they saw out of Kevin Gausman on the hill. Later on, they open up the phone lines as Toronto prepares for an important three-game set against the MLB-leading New York Yankees (28:25).

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 start off looking back on the Blue Jays' 7-6 win over the Orioles in extra innings. They discuss Brandon Hyde’s decision to pitch to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the 10th inning with a base open, Toronto’s bullpen giving up the lead, and if a trade for “swing and miss stuff” in the backend of the bullpen could happen before the deadline. Jonathan Mayo of MLB Pipeline gives the lowdown on the top prospects in the MLB Draft as they have arrived at Petco Park in San Diego for the 2022 Draft Combine. They guys then ask who might interest the Blue Jays at pick #23 (28:01)?

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.

Dan Shulman comments on the Blue Jays' recent play including Yusei Kikuchi searching for confidence with his fastball, if Toronto needs to roster three catchers when Danny Jansen returns, and if 3B Matt Chapman has turned the corner offensively (02:36). Later on, MLB insider Jeff Passan discusses the trade market for relief pitching, the Yankees’ daunting lead in the AL East, if he expects teams could sell ahead of August 2nd , and what the strategy is for under-achieving yet talented teams like the Phillies and White Sox (32:16).

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.

ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian discusses the Blue Jays’ needs at the trade deadline, if he thinks there will be any early activity on the trade market before August 2nd, and the state of the Orioles' ownership and their rebuilding roster (03:12). If the Blue Jays trade for a starter, could Yusei Kikuchi be moved to the bullpen for the postseason? We answer that and more in the latest edition of Barker’s Back Leg Bits (29:51)!

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.