Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker host; they discuss the Boston Red Sox coming to town for four games – the final time the Blue Jays and Red Sox will see each other this season – and also discuss the breaking news that Oakland OF Ramon Laureano was handed an 80-game suspension for PEDs. WEEI’s Rob Bradford (31:25) joins to discuss the Red Sox rotation vs. the Blue Jays rotation, and how Kyle Schwarber will help the lineup (once he comes off the IL). Blue Jays President and CEO Mark Shapiro (45:46) discusses how good it is to be back in Toronto, George Springer in the leadoff spot, Alek Manoah’s athleticism, and why it’s sometimes difficult getting pitchers to want to stay in the AL East. SN590’s Ben Wagner (1:15:28) breaks down the closer situation for the Jays, including whether or not Adam Cimber can continue to get saves for Toronto.

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 Blair and Kevin Barker host; they discuss Steven Matz’ start and George Springer hitting another leadoff home run, and are later joined by Padres radio broadcaster Tony Gwynn Jr to discuss San Diego, Fernando Tatis Jr potentially being done for the year, and the NL West as a whole (11:40). Former MLB Pitcher and SiriusXM’s Brad Lidge joins to discuss the role of a bullpen pitcher and the mentality that the role requires, as well as his picks for the AL Wild Card spots at this point in the season (47:17). Ben Wagner wraps things up by previewing the final game of the series against Cleveland, including Ross Stripling heading to the mound for Toronto (1:13:00).

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

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker host; they discuss the Blue Jays lineup, including Breyvic Valera starting at third base, and Steven Matz getting the start for Toronto against Cleveland’s JC Mejia. Astros TV Analyst Geoff Blum (25:24) stops by to discuss Houston’s place at the top of the AL West, and whether or not they might be the best team in the American League. Ben Wagner (1:18:59) breaks down Teoscar Hernandez staying hot, and what to do with the rotation, specifically in regard to Matz or Ross Stripling.

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 Corey Dickerson making his Jays debut, the struggles of Brad Hand, and the team’s offence sputtering late in games. GM Ross Atkins (21:42) talks about how much the team has enjoyed their return to Toronto, Cavan Biggio’s tough season, how quickly the Berrios deal came about with Minnesota, and George Springer catching fire since the All-Star break. Next, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan (48:38) drops by to discuss the possibility of MLB using another playoff bubble as a backup plan if COVID becomes a bigger issue down the stretch, who the team to beat in the NL West is, and shares his thoughts on how the Jays did on deadline day. Finally, Blue Jays radio voice Ben Wagner (1:14:11) projects what Corey Dickerson can do for the club, where Brad Hand fits in the bullpen, and tells us why Breyvic Valera is starting over Santiago Espinal in Game 2 of Toronto’s series against Cleveland.

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 Blair and Kevin Barker react to the Blue Jays series sweep against the Kansas City Royals with the team now back at Rogers Centre; particularly Jose Berrios’ scoreless debut on Sunday. WFAN’s Sweeny Murti discusses the New York Yankees new-look lineup with Anthony Rizzo and Joey Gallo and the state of the AL East after the trade deadline. Jeff and Kevin open up the text-line before being joined by Blue Jays radio voice Ben Wagner from Rogers Centre ahead of Toronto’s four-gamer against Cleveland.

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 open the show with his thoughts on the Toronto Blue Jays returning home to play their first game at Rogers Centre since September 2019 (0:20). Jeff and Kevin break down the Blue Jays-Twins trade that sent Jose Berrios to the Blue Jays for Austin Martin and Simeon Woods-Richardson and the decision to part with top prospects at the deadline, before discussing the other trade deadline deals around Major League Baseball (6:35) before hearing from Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins (33:34). Royals broadcaster Rex Hudler previews the Blue Jays’ weekend series against KC (51:15). Dodgers analyst and former GM Ned Colletti talks about LA’s major move: getting stars Trea Turner and Max Scherzer from the Nationals (1:11:42). Blue Jays radio voice Ben Wagner joins the show from the ballpark (1:27:00)!

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss the wheeling and dealing ahead of the MLB trade deadline, notably the Blue Jays acquiring reliever Brad Hand from the Nationals and the reports that Max Scherzer is close to being dealt to the San Diego Padres. MLB.com / MLB Network’s Mark Feinsand joins the show with the latest news on the trade market and breaks down the New York Yankees’ deal for slugger Joey Gallo(21:12). Blue Jays pitcher Ryan Borucki talks about the team’s excitement about returning home to Rogers Centre (44:09). Ben Wagner weighs-in on what else he thinks the Blue Jays could do before the deadline and the breaking trade that would send Anthony Rizzo from the Cubs to the Yankees (1:19:09).

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays 4-1 win in Game One of their day-night doubleheader against the Red Sox. Jeff and Kevin discuss George Springer’s game, Robbie Ray’s performance, and to what degree the Blue Jays will be buyers at the MLB trade deadline before answering the text-line and reacting to the breaking news of the Nationals-Phillies game being postponed due a COVID-19 outbreak. Blue Jays radio voice Ben Wagner looks ahead to the deadline, talks about the team can expect from Nate Pearson this season, and the excitement of the Blue Jays returning to Toronto to play their home games (53:09)

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss the Blue Jays latest loss after the Red Sox rallied from behind to earn a 5-4 win at Fenway Park. Ellis Burks, former Red Sox outfielder and current MLB analyst, discusses the Red Sox season to date, Bo Bichette’s approach at the plate, and the pressure that comes with being acquired by a winning team at the deadline (24:47). Former MLB infielder and current radio host Lou Merloni chimes-in with more on the Red Sox-Blue Jays series and talks about what Alex Cora’s intangibles as manager (48:35).

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 Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays series to the New York Mets, notably yesterday’s one-run 5-4 loss. Tampa Bay Rays reporter Marc Topkin discusses how Nelson Cruz is fitting in with the Rays after their deal with the Minnesota Twins and what else the team might be shopping for at the deadline as they battle the Boston Red Sox atop the AL East (25:36). Speaking of Boston, former AL MVP and NESN analyst Mo Vaughn joins the show to preview this week’s Blue Jays-Red Sox series (47:44).

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.