Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show previewing the Blue Jays road series against the Boston Red Sox, how the Jays should gameplan against lefty Payton Tolle and Fenway Park. Then, ESPN's and Sources Tell Jeff Passan joins the guys to chat about the 1994 MLB strike, if this generation of owners and players would navigate a work stoppage, why he's not given up on the Blue Jays, the American League being wide open for the post-season, how the Red Sox will handle the 2026 trade deadline, and if Jarren Duran would be on the trade list. 

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 affiliate.

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Blue Jays reporter and recent recipient of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame's Jack Graney Award, Hazel Mae (1:57), joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to kick off the second hour of the off-day edition. She shares her thoughts on the Jays' series loss against the Yankees, missed opportunities on offence, and the bullpen's workload. Then, co-host of Intentional Talk and former MLB pitcher Ryan Dempster (21:13) discusses the state of the American League, who should make the call on Max Scherzer's future, Trey Yesavage's rookie road bumps, how players stay motivated on slumping teams, and Jacob Misiorowski's all-time stuff.

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.

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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays' weekend series against the New York Yankees, why some of their biggest takeaways weren't the lack of extra base hits, whether Alejandro Kirk should have started the second game, growing concerns with how the bullpen performed against New York, Yankees shortstop Jose Caballero's pitch clock antics and John Schneider's thoughts on the issue. Then the guys head to the Back Leg Line to hear from fans about the team and how they played against the AL East-leading Yankees. 

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.

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Sportsnet's Shi Davidi (10:20) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker ahead of the Blue Jays' series opener against the Yankees. They break down the Jays' recent roster moves with Tyler Heineman being DFA'd, whether George Springer could be back in the outfield, Addison Barger's rehab progress, and the plan for Max Scherzer as Shane Bieber nears a return. Later, ESPN's Tim Kurkjian (31:11) stops by to share his thoughts on the Jays' season so far, what the Jays can expect from the Yankees' pitching, how the Yankees manage in Aaron Judge's absence, Ernie Clement's All-Star case, and why the Tigers shouldn't trade Tarik Skubal.

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.

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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker share their reaction to the Blue Jays' roster moves including reinstating Alejandro Kirk, recalling Davis Schneider, Daulton Varsho placed on the IL and designating Tyler Henieman for assignment before bringing on the Jays' manager John Schneider (2:24). The skipper explains some of the moves, Shane Bieber's status, how he will balance the workload for Kirk and Brandon Valenzuela, if he would consider moving George Springer back to the outfield, Vlad Jr.'s struggles against the breaking ball, if he's had conversations with Max Scherzer about his future, and Trey Yesavage's second outing against the New York Yankees. Then, Jeff and Kevin chat about Bieber's recent rehab start and why fans should trust the management team to handle Scherzer's next steps.

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.

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Buffalo Bisons manager Casey Candaele (2:27) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker following some rehab starts from Dylan Cease, Max Scherzer and Shane Bieber. The skipper outlines the plan for Bieber's second rehab start tonight, what Bisons regulars have learned from the experienced group of starters, Davis Schneider's progress at the plate, and much more. Later, Jeff and Kevin open the Back Leg Line to answer your calls and questions, including what to expect from Alejandro Kirk when he returns, and what the Jays should do with Scherzer.

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.

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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap Max Scherzer's return outing against the Philadelphia Phillies, how the Blue Jays should use him moving forward after the loss, and where the Jays rank in extra-base hits through June. Then, Chris Rose (26:56) of Baseball Today joins the guys to chat about how John Schneider and the rest of the staff should approach Scherzer about his future, the need for Vlad Jr. to produce runs, and if the Chicago White Sox can challenge the Cleveland Guardians for the division. 

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former Blue Jays MVP Josh Donaldson (0:43) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to kick off the second hour. He shares his experience playing in a local slow-pitch softball game, the challenges Max Scherzer faces as he returns to the Jays' rotation, and how Vladimir Guerrero Jr. can get his power back. Then, Jeff and Kevin listen to John Schneider's pre-game availability ahead of the Jays' series finale against the Phillies. Later, Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker (27:05) joins the show to discuss what he expects from Scherzer in his return, the team's confidence in Jeff Hoffman, the expanded workloads for Braydon Fisher and Mason Fluharty, and whether Spencer Miles will get a look in higher leverage.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap Dylan Cease's successful outing following his IL stint against the Phillies, if he has a case to make the All-Star game, why Brandon Valenzuela has solidified his case to remain on the main roster once Alejandro Kirk comes back, George Springer's return to lead-off after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. held his spot for one game, what Vlad Jr. should focus on during his at-bats and expectations for Max Scherzer first start since his injury. Then, ESPN insider and host of Sources Tell, Jeff Passan (30:45), joins the guys to chat about why we haven't seen the best of the Blue Jays yet through June, where Louis Varland ranks among the best closers and relivers this season, Springer's future role, and if MLB will replicate a similar salary cap structure to other leagues. 

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker start the second hour by listening to John Schneider's availability ahead of the Blue Jays' second game against the Philadelphia Phillies, where the skipper discussed the decision to move Vladdy Jr. to the leadoff spot. Then, Phillies manager and former Blue Jays bench coach Don Mattingly joins the show (8:10) to discuss taking over the manager job mid-season, what he learned from his time in Toronto, what it's like working with his son, Preston, as a GM, the pressure in Philly, and managing elite veterans like Cristopher Sánchez and Bryce Harper. Later, Blue Jays Central's Joe Siddall (27:42) stops by to weigh in on Vladdy Jr.'s move to the leadoff spot, the Jays' catcher decision, what to expect from Dylan Cease in his return tonight, and the odd-pitchers-out when Shane Bieber and Max Scherzer return.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.