Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker set the stage for the Jays' weekend series in LA against the Dodgers, and what to expect in the Hall-of-Fame head-to-head tonight between Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw. They debate which of the vets had the better prime, whether Shane Bieber is a lock for a postseason start, and storylines to watch at Dodger Stadium. Later, LA Times' Bill Shaikin (27:35) joins the show to discuss how Kershaw has evolved in his veteran years, what's behind Mookie Betts' struggles, the plan for Shohei Ohtani down the stretch and whether he will pitch in the playoffs.

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 are joined by ESPN's Jeff Passan (2:12) to chat about the recent surge by the Milwaukee Brewers, why they're arguably the deepest team in the MLB, Bo Bichette's next contract, the Blue Jays' ability to make contact, similarities between the Jays and the 2015 Kansas City Royals roster, and why the battle within the AL East is still up for grabs. Then, L.A. Dodgers first base coach Chris Woodward stops by (26:58) to discuss if the team still has a lingering World Series hangover, if Shohei Ohtani is a better pitcher or hitter, where Clayton Kershaw stacks up among the best left-handed pitchers of all time, Mookie Betts' hitting slump, and how he would envision the starting rotation rolling out for the post-season.

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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Following the Blue Jays' dominating sweep over the Colorado Rockies, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off the off-edition by going to the Back Leg Line to answer your calls and questions! They get into Shane Bieber's future in Toronto, whether the Jays go big-game hunting in the offseason once again, and the looming return of Alek Manoah. Later, Miami Marlins catcher and Canadian Liam Hicks swings by (31:37) to discuss the Marlins' unexpected run this year, his experience getting selected in the Rule 5 Draft this offseason, building a routine in the big leagues, and his path from the Toronto Mets to MLB.

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 are joined by WEEI Boston Red Sox writer and co-host of 'Baseball Isn’t Boring' Rob Bradford (2:55) to chat about the team's recent hot streak since turning the page from the trade deadline, why Garrett Crochet should be front-running the Cy Young Award, Lucas Giolito's resurgence, and expectations for recently acquired Dustin May from the L.A. Dodgers. Then, Rockies TV analyst Ryan Spilborghs (27:15) stops by to discuss how different the Colorado baseball club is compared to the Blue Jays, Eric Lauer's turnaround and performance against the Rockies, and why he likes the Jays so much as the best team in the American League. 

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 look back on the Blue Jays' offensive barrage to open their series against the Colorado Rockies -- putting up a season-high 15 runs in the road win. They discuss Daulton Varsho's big fly, Bo Bichette's two-homer night, Eric Lauer overcoming his Coors Field demons and whether he's earned consideration for a start in the postseason. Blue Jays Central analyst Caleb Joseph stops by (24:02) to tee up the second game of the series in Colorado and discuss how José Berríos gets back on track with his fastball, Lauer's chances at getting a start in the postseason, Bo's hot streak and why the Jays must work something out on an extension. 

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 are joined by MLB Network's Mark Feinsand (1:09) to chat about the worries around the New York Yankees post-trade deadline and after being swept by the Miami Marlins for the first time in franchise history, how recently traded players from small market teams adjust to the pressure in New York, if Craig Breslow made the right moves for the Boston Red Sox, and the future of the Rockies in Colorado. Then, former MLB outfielder and colour commentator for the Rockies, Jeff Huson, stops by (28:54) to discuss the team's losing season, the difficulties of pitching in Colorado, Warming Bernabel overcoming a robbery to play in the Majors, and the roster's struggles against left-handed pitchers.

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 look back on the Blue Jays' weekend series against the Royals and get into early returns from the new acquisitions, some questionable bullpen management, Daulton Varsho's return, Max Scherzer's strong outing, and Shane Bieber's progress in his latest rehab start at Triple-A. Blue Jays Central analyst Joe Siddall joins the show (27:05) from Colorado to help tee up the Jays' series against the Rockies. He discusses why there's no reason to overreact to the teams' recent slide, George Springer's impactful absence and much more. Finally, Jeff and Kevin discuss Bo Bichette's future and what he might be worth on the open free-agent market.

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 are joined by Blue Jays manager John Schneider to get his thoughts on the front office's trade deadline acquisitions (1:40). The skipper shares how he plans on using Louis Varland out of the bullpen, his job of getting new players acquainted to their roles and setting within a game and clubhouse, Shane Bieber's recovery and fit within the rotation, why they'll have a cautious approach with Daulton Varsho returning, and his options within the pen and on the bench. Then, Blue Jays TV play-by-play voice Dan Shulman stops by (25:47) to discuss how the players feel post-trade-deadline, why Ty France is a depth upgrade in the infield, if Joey Loperfido is predictable, why Max Scherzer could be on a verge of a successful run, and why Vladdy Jr. is the most important player down the stretch.

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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With the deadline down, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look ahead to the Blue Jays' weekend series against the Royals, where some of the new Jays will make their Toronto debuts. They discuss which teams had the best deadlines, what to expect from Daulton Varsho in his return from injury and how the lineup changes when Andrés Giménez returns. Later, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins joins the show following the deadline (25:38). He gets into the decision to target Shane Bieber despite his injury, the competitive relief-pitcher market, what Louis Varland brings to the bullpen, Ty France's fit, his trade negotiation process and much more.

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 wrap up their trade deadline special touching on the Blue Jays' last acquisitions with reliever Louis Varland and first basemen Ty France from the Minnesota Twins, before putting a bow on Toronto's deadline moves, if the team's roster has significantly improved, and how they compare to the New York Yankees after improving their bullpen. Then, they bring on Sportsnet.ca's Shi Davidi (20:35) to chat about the Jays transitioning into a 6-man rotation, how Ty France can help the roster, how the Jays stack up to New York's roster, and where Varland slots in during a game. Then, Jeff and Kevin end the show with the Back-Leg Line with listeners' thoughts on how the Blue Jays' trade deadline went. 

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.