Blair & Barker

The Houston Astros prevailed in Game 5 with a 9-5 win but the Atlanta Braves continue to lead the World Series three games to two. Jeff and Kevin recap the weekend at the World Series, specifically how pitchers are being used (and have been used all postseason), the way the Astros batters got the job done in Game 5, and Dusty Baker’s comments on his hitters feeling comfortable in that game (1:14). Next, 1995 World Series Champion with Atlanta and former Blue Jays coach Mike Mordecai compares this year’s edition of the Braves to his teams in ’95/’96, the biggest challenge for an infielder dealing with so many pitching changes, why Atlanta didn’t win more World Series with their dominant pitching staff, and managing pitchers at the high school level and how it differs from years past (32:07).

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.

Mark Bradley, columnist at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, examines Game 3 from a Braves’ perspective and how this year’s team compares to the great Braves teams of the 1990s (3:50). MLB insider Jeff Passan joins Blair & Barker for his weekly segment and discusses the Braves’ tomahawk chop, how weather could effect Game 3, tonight being vital to the Braves chances at being crowned champions, Bob Melvin being hired as Padres’ manager, and the latest on CBA negotiations between MLB and the MLBPA (32:00).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

After an off night at the World Series, Jeff and Kevin discuss Marcus Semien changing his representation and hiring super agent Scott Boras ahead of free agency – what does this mean for the Blue Jays chances to re-sign him? With news that Albert Pujols is suiting up for Dominican Winter League team Leondes del Escogido, Kevin goes down memory lane when he played first base for them in his career (1:56). Houston Astros radio analyst Steve Sparks looks ahead to Game 3 of the World Series from an Astros’ point-of-view and how they will set their lineup without the DH in Atlanta (30:31).

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.

Jeff and Kevin discuss a report in the New York Post that the New York Mets asked the Toronto Blue Jays for permission to speak with Blue Jays President Mark Shapiro about their vacant President of Baseball Operations position (0:30). Dan Evans, former Dodgers GM and Blue Jays scout, discusses the plans ahead for the Field of Dreams site in Iowa, the first two games of the World Series, his time working with Alex Anthopoulos in Toronto, and the importance of Game 3 in a tied World Series (27:45).

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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to the Astros win in Game 2 of the World Series, and discuss Dusty Baker going with Jose Siri in the lineup, the performances of starters Jose Urquidy and Max Fried, the Braves having problems with the shift, and another big postseason performance from Jose Altuve (1:04). Dan Shulman is calling the World Series for ESPN radio and stops by with his thoughts on the series so far including what Michael Brantley brings to the Astros lineup and if he’s seeing any signs of Alex Bregman breaking out of his slump (31:41).

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 continue the World Series conversation but also examine news and notes from around MLB. The guys discuss Blue Jays prospect Gabriel Moreno’s impressive performance up to this point in the Arizona fall league and his current standing within the organization, Nelson Cruz winning the 2021 Roberto Clemente award and his HOF candidacy, and Ozzie Guillen interviewing for the San Diego Padres (15:33). National MLB writer and former Astros executive Kevin Goldstein shares his thoughts on Game 1, mainly Framber Valdez’s outing, how the Astros will configure their lineup with NL rules, how Drew Smyly’s role could change for the Braves, and what separates Carlos Correa from other shortstops in MLB (27.18).

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 Atlanta Braves prevailed in Game One of the World Series as they picked up a 6-2 win despite starter Charlie Morton leaving the game with a broken leg. Blair & Barker break down the game and touch on Morton’s injury and what it means for the Braves, Brian Snitker’s decision to put Jorge Soler in the leadoff spot, Framber Valdez’s start for the Astros, and if Alex Bregman should be moved down in the Astros’ batting order (0:52). Next, ESPN senior writer Howard Bryant discusses Henry Aaron’s influence and importance to the 2021 World Series and how Dusty Baker can rally the Astros down 0-1 (33:14).

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.

Blair & Barker ask for fan reaction on the World Series and who they’d like to see to win before Jeff explains that he’s sick of seeing of seeing pitchers hit in the postseason (3:09). Atlanta Braves legend, two-time NL MVP and restauranteur Dale Murphy weighs-in on the World Series matchup, what he expects from Freddie Freeman, Ian Anderson’s performance in the NLCS, and 3B Austin Riley’s breakout campaign (26:29).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

The World Series starts tonight! Jeff and Kevin open up the show discussing Atlanta manager Brian Snitker’s relationship with GM Alex Anthopoulos, why they are selecting the Astros to win it all, and expecting more from Houston’s Alex Bregman (4:50). Later in the hour, Barker’s former manager currently with the Nashville Sounds, Rick Sweet joins the show to discuss his friendship with Dusty Baker and why he knew the Astros made the right choice hiring him after the organization’s cheating scandal (32:15).

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 Astros-Braves World Series matchup is a special one to Cito Gaston. The two-time World Series-winning manager with the Toronto Blue Jays discusses his personal friendships with managers Dusty Baker and Brian Snitker as their teams get ready to square off against each other (2:29). Chris Rose, host of “The Chris Rose Rotation” weighs-in on the World Series, why Dusty Baker will be a hall of famer, the Astros cheating scandal still hovering around the organization, and how he’ll feel about the Astros if they win it all again this year (32:05).

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.