Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 6-5 win over the Chicago White Sox where Alejandro Kirk propelled the offence with two home runs and 4 RBI. On top of Kirk’s hot bat, the guys discuss Teoscar Hernandez’s strong game, Kevin Gausman’s outing, a base-running blunder from White Sox catcher Reese McGuire that may have cost Chicago a crucial run, and the Blue Jays designating Ryan Borucki for assignment. Later on, White Sox radio analyst and former outfielder Darrin Jackson shares his view on the opening game of the series and previews tonight’s starter Michael Kopech (33:36).  

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.

Barker’s Winter League manager, Current White Sox analyst and World Series-winner Ozzie Guillen comments on the 2022 edition of the team, notably Tim Anderson’s impact at shortstop and in the lineup, the decision to part ways with Dallas Keuchel, and the ceiling for flame-thrower Michael Kopech (06:16). Later on, 1993 AL Cy Young Winner with Chicago Jack McDowell discusses the technology used in the game today, how baseball is different now compared to his era, and his short stint with the Buck Showalter-managed Yankees in 1995 (27:21).

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.

As the Blue Jays get ready to face the Chicago White Sox, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look ahead to the series and pitching matchups, particularly what to expect from Kevin Gausman in his start and how he plans to attack the White Sox hitters. After announcing his retirement, 14-year MLB catcher Russell Martin reflects on his career, his time with the Blue Jays, his new business venture, working as a consultant alongside his agent, and what's next for him (29:02).

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.

MLB Network Radio’s Kevin Frandsen comments on the Blue Jays' season so far, how the team must learn to win with expectations, Juan Soto’s standing in Washington, and the Phillies’ struggles (04:42). Later, ESPN’s Jeff Passan discusses the Blue Jays' need for a lefty bat and if the Royals’ Andrew Benintendi could be a solution via trade (29:04).

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' bats have officially heated up as they completed a four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels, highlighted by Sunday’s wild 11-10 win. Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker examine the team’s offensive surge, the productivity of catchers Alejandro Kirk and Danny Jansen, and their level of concern with Jose Berrios after lasting only 2.1 innings in his latest start. Afterwards, the guys examine the Rays talking smack and the recent rise of the Red Sox in the latest edition of “In the East” (31:47).

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.

Blue Jays' Bench Coach John Schneider joins Blair and Barker to discuss the club's hitting with runners in scoring position, the work the players are putting in with the coaching staff, and Danny Jansen’s hot bat since coming off the IL (15:55). Later on, Angels General Manager Perry Minasian comments on his club’s impressive 27-19 start, what Noah Syndergaard has brought to the starting rotation, Mike Trout’s greatness & more (30:27)! To wrap up, we head to Twitter and the text-line for Barker's Back Leg Bits (41:31).

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.

Despite his success against right-handed hitters in 2022, the Blue Jays were able to attack the reigning AL-MVP Shohei Ohtani as they won the opener against the Angels 6-3. Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss George Springer’s success batting leadoff, Danny Jansen’s hot bat, and the impact of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s hitting drills off of a tee. Later on, Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times talks about the Angels and the latest news surrounding their stadium after city council voted to kill the sale (35:07).

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 and Kevin welcome ‘Big Time Baseball’ host and Padres analyst Tony Gwynn Jr. to the show! He discusses the mentality of overcoming struggles throughout a long season, how to deal with unlikeable teammates, the NL West, and the job Bob Melvin has done as San Diego’s Manager (04:52). Later on, former ace and current Angels radio analyst Mark Langston shares his thoughts on the team’s starting rotation being a strength, and the standout seasons from the likes of Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, and Taylor Ward (31:21). The guys concentrate on the Blue Jays' lineup configuration in the latest edition of Barker’s Back Leg Bits (41:49).

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.

The Blue Jays prepare to face the L.A. Angels in a four-game series. Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker examine the matchup, particularly Shohei Ohtani’s season so far on the mound and his success against right-handed hitters. Later on, Buffalo Bisons Manager Casey Candaele discusses the latest news around the Blue Jays’ AAA affiliate including the emergence of Adrian Hernandez, Gabriel Moreno, Jordan Groshans, and how Cavan Biggio has performed during his stint with the club (28:56).

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.

World Series Champion and Marquee Sports Network analyst Ryan Dempster discusses Fergie Jenkins being honoured at Wrigley Field last weekend, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. going up against Shohei Ohtani, and different rallying points for struggling teams during a season (02:29). Afterwards, NESN’s Tony Massarotti talks about the surging Red Sox and Trevor Story turning his season around after an abysmal start (28:18). We wrap up by answering your questions with a quick edition of Barker's Back Leg Bits (41:05)!

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.