Blair & Barker

Jeff and Kevin share their thoughts on the Blue Jays’ pitching plans for the final two weeks of the regular season and where things stand with the Red Sox and Yankees heading into the weekend. Justin Morneau, former MLB first baseman, current Twins analyst, and contributor to Blue Jays Central, joins the show to discuss the Twins’ long-term outlook and Jose Berrios’ consistent presence on the mound (21:10). Cliff Floyd, former MLB outfielder and current MLB Network analyst, weighs in on the Yankees’ flaws and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s maturation at the plate (48:54). Ben Wagner checks in from Rogers Centre to chat about the Buffalo Bisons clinching their first division title since 2005, Hyun-Jin Ryu’s recent struggles, and George Springer’s continued progress since coming off the IL (1:08:14).

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 affiliate.

Jeff and Kevin break down Robbie Ray’s seven-inning performance against the Rays on Wednesday and discuss how the Blue Jays can line up their starting rotation ahead of a potential playoff appearance. Minnesota Twins Chief Baseball Officer Derek Falvey joins the show to chat about his team’s struggles this season, early returns on Austin Martin after being acquired from the Blue Jays at the trade deadline, and Jose Berrios’ impact on Toronto’s playoff push (21:11). ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan stops by to chat about Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s MVP case and the potential of MLB adopting expanded playoffs under their next CBA (45:44). Eric Karros, former MLB first baseman and current FOX analyst, chimes in on Ray’s emergence as a Cy Young contender this year, Vlad Jr.’s dynamic offensive prowess, and the Dodgers-Giants battle in the NL West (1:07:56).

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 affiliate.

It’s Walk Off Wednesday! Jeff and Kevin discuss the Blue Jays’ 2-0 loss to the Rays on Tuesday and Jose Berrios’ strong outing before exiting with abdominal tightness. Doug Waechter, former MLB pitcher and current Rays analyst, joins the guys to discuss Drew Rasmussen’s emergence for Tampa and the veteran leadership provided by Mike Zunino behind the plate (17:47). ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian stops by to chat about the Rays’ unique formula for sustained success, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s MVP case, and the Cy Young battle between Robbie Ray and Gerrit Cole (50:03). The guys also take your calls and texts throughout the show!

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.

Jeff and Kevin share their thoughts on Alek Manoah’s dominant outing against the Rays and Breyvic Valera’s three-hit effort in Monday’s 8-1 win. Joe Siddall, former MLB catcher and current Blue Jays Central analyst, joins the guys to discuss the team’s recent offensive surge, Manoah’s increased slider usage on Monday, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s MVP chances (21:42). Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen stops by to chat about his success since returning from the IL and his experience catching Hyun-Jin Ryu (34:18). Jim Duquette, former MLB GM and current MLB Network Radio analyst, weighs in on Vlad Jr.’s pursuit of the triple crown, the potential market for Robbie Ray this off-season, and what Teosar Hernandez’s next contract might look like (46:35). Ben Wagner checks in from Rogers Centre to discuss Jose Berrios’ recent success and Bo Bichette’s aggressive approach at the plate (1:06:52).

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

Jeff and Kevin discuss the Blue Jays’ offensive explosion against the Orioles over the weekend and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s continued assault on the MLB record books. Brian Anderson, former MLB pitcher and current Rays colour analyst, weighs in on Tampa’s success this season, Nelson Cruz’s impact since being acquired ahead of the trade deadline, and Wander Franco’s standout rookie campaign (21:58). Later, the guys share their thoughts on the Robbie Ray-Brandon Hyde altercation on Friday, Charlie Montoyo’s muted response to the incident, and Danny Jansen’s offensive ceiling. Ben Wagner checks in from Rogers Centre to chat about the importance of this week’s series against the Rays, George Springer’s improved health, Hyun-Jin Ryu’s struggles this season, and Ryan Borucki’s return to the big leagues (1:03:26).

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.

Jeff and Kevin discuss the Blue Jays’ four-game sweep of the Yankees, Jose Berrios’ strong outing on Thursday, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s pursuit of the AL triple crown. ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan weighs in on the Red Sox’s lingering COVID-19 issues, Robbie Ray’s Cy Young chances, and Trevor Bauer’s uncertain future amidst ongoing legal troubles (22:14). Bill Ripken, former MLB infielder and current MLB Network analyst, chimes in on George Springer’s return to the lineup on Friday, the Blue Jays’ statement series in the Bronx, and Vlad Jr. rebounding after a sluggish August (46:12). Ben Wagner joins the guys in studio to chat about Nate Pearson’s performance since rejoining the Blue Jays, the team’s current bullpen hierarchy, and Bo Bichette’s deployment in the leadoff spot during Thursday’s series finale in New York (1:05:14).

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 affiliate.

Blue Jays pitcher Steven Matz joins Jeff and Kevin from the Bronx to discuss the team’s current seven-game winning streak and his success since the beginning of August (4:27). Legendary Yankees play-by-play voice John Sterling stops by to chat about New York’s recent struggles, the team’s depleted bullpen, and his memories from covering Derek Jeter’s Hall of Fame career (22:58). Later, Jeff and Kevin share their thoughts on Hunter Renfroe’s comments about MLB’s handling of the Red Sox’s COVID-19 situation and Bo Bichette batting leadoff for tonight’s series finale against the Yankees. Ben Wagner joins the guys in studio to discuss Alek Manoah’s outing on Wednesday and Bichette’s fit in the leadoff hole (1:00:06).

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 affiliate

It’s Walk-off Wednesday! Jeff and Kevin share their thoughts on Larry Walker’s Hall of Fame induction speech and the Blue Jays’ 5-1 win over the Yankees on Tuesday. Former MLB GM Pat Gillick stops by to chat about today’s Hall of Fame ceremony, Walker’s Canadian roots, and Derek Jeter’s iconic career (16:04). Jeff Nelson, former MLB pitcher and co-host of the New York Post’s Pinstripe Podcast, checks in from Yankee Stadium to discuss his experience playing with and against Jeter, the Yankees’ current offensive woes, and Gleyber Torres’ struggles this season (27:25). Brad Lidge, former MLB closer and co-host of Inside Pitch on MLB Network Radio, weighs in on the Yankees’ strikeout issues and Jordan Romano thriving as a closer (46:27). Ben Wagner joins the guys in studio to discuss Steven Matz’s recent success, how Alek Manoah matches up against the Yankees, and Julian Merryweather’s long-awaited return to the bullpen (1:07:17). The guys also incorporate your calls and texts throughout the show!

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.

Jeff and Kevin share their thoughts on Corey Dickerson batting leadoff for the Blue Jays on Tuesday and how the team should approach facing Yankees ace Gerrit Cole. Carlos Pena, former MLB first baseman and current MLB Network analyst, weighs in on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s recent resurgence, Joey Gallo’s strikeout woes, and the AL Cy Young race (23:11). Dan O’Dowd, former MLB executive and current MLB Network analyst, discusses Vlad Jr.’s mature approach at the plate, Robbie Ray’s breakout season, and Marcus Semien’s natural fit with the Blue Jays (46:21). Ben Wagner joins the guys in studio to chat about Steven Matz’s recent stretch of productive outings and Nate Pearson’s transition to the bullpen (1:04:07).

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 affiliate.

It’s a post-game edition of Baseball Central as the Blue Jays blank the Yankees 8-0 on Labour Day! Ben Wagner, voice of the Blue Jays, joins Jeff and Kevin to discuss Hyun-Jin Ryu exiting Monday’s game due to arm tightness, George Springer’s nagging knee injury, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s disciplined approach at the plate (4:40). Later, the guys share their thoughts on Julian Merryweather rejoining the Blue Jays in New York and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.’s heroics this past weekend against the A’s (40:03). Ken Singleton, former MLB outfielder and current YES analyst, weighs in on the Yankees’ recent struggles, their defensive woes on Monday, and their depleted bullpen (46:45). Jeff and Kevin also discuss the Rays’ wild 11-10 extra-innings victory over the Red Sox and the Blue Jays’ reinvigorated playoff hopes amidst their current five-game winning streak (1:12:12).

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.