Blair & Barker

Approaching the official deadline, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by former MLB executive David Samson (1:48) to discuss the inflated starting pitcher market, the Jays' hesitancy to 'fully' sell and whether a good deadline can save a GM's job. Then, he shares some winners from the day. Blue Jays Central's Caleb Joseph (20:57) shares his thoughts on the Jays' active deadline, reacts live to the IKF trade and discusses the team's next steps toward their goal of being competitive in 2025. As the deadline passes, Jeff and Kevin do a final roundup of Toronto's trades and the big moves around MLB before they are joined by Astros analyst Geoff Blum (57:36), who shares what the Jays are getting with their return in the Yusei Kikuchi deal - Joey Loperfido, Jake Bloss & Will Wagner.

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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker have you covered with everything related to MLB’s trade deadline. Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi (4:41) joins the show off the top from Baltimore to weigh-in on the Blue Jays’ moves so far and if there’s more to come today. After speaking to Shi,  the guys react to the breaking news of Jays reliever Trevor Richards being dealt to Minnesota. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (32:12) checks-in from Detroit to discuss the industry’s reaction to the Blue Jays moves so far, notably the haul they received from trading Yusei Kikuchi to the Astros. He also discusses the Tigers likely keeping Tarik Skubal, the need for them to move more pieces out like Jack Flaherty to improve their future, and what the White Sox will do with Garrett Crochet.

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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Former MLB executive and host of ‘Nothing Personal’ David Samson discusses White Sox starter Garrett Crochet (and his agent) telling teams interested in acquiring him that he won’t pitch in the bullpen and won’t pitch in the postseason without a contract extension (1:15). Samson explains how he would handle the situation if he was in Chicago’s front office and Toronto starting Yusei Kikuchi tonight despite his name being bandied about in trade rumours. Jeff and Kevin check their voicemails one final time before the trade deadline in this week’s edition of the Back Leg Line (29:00)! 

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 affiliates.

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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to some of the early player movement ahead of the trade deadline before they look ahead to the Blue Jays' series opener against the Rangers tonight with Yusei Kikuchi making his (likely) final start for the team. Then, they evaluate the front office's season thus far and discuss what comes next after Tuesday's deadline. Later, they are joined by Ryan Divish (28:26) of the Seattle Times to help break down the Mariners' trade for Randy Arozarena and he reacts live to them acquiring Jays' reliever Yimi García for prospects Jonatan Clase and Jacob Sharp.

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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MLB Network host and Guardians analyst Jensen Lewis (1:13) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to share his thoughts on the Red Sox extending manager Alex Cora, the Jays' disappointing season, how aggressive the Orioles get at the deadline and AL teams that could make a splash on July 30. Later, Rays reporter Marc Topkin (27:43) reflects on Kevin Kiermaier's career as he reports the veteran outfielder will retire at the end of this season. Finally, he looks ahead to the rest of the Rays series against the Blue Jays and whether Yandy Díaz's status impacts where they go at the deadline.

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 assess the Blue Jays’ 4-2 loss to the Rays in game one of their series; notably Jose Berrios’ performance where he lasted 4.2 innings and walked six Tampa Bay hitters. Sportsnet’s Joe Siddall (29:08) looks ahead to Yariel Rodriguez’s upcoming start, his work with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate, and what he’s seen out of Leo Jimenez since his promotion to the big leagues.  To end the hour, Jeff & Kevin discuss Toronto’s top pitching prospect Ricky Tiedemann and the second and third medical opinions he’s receiving on his arm.

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 are joined by ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan (1:45) to get into detail on his new article previewing the 2024 trade deadline a week away. He discusses the Blue Jays 'subtracting, but not completely,' what type of return they'll look for in trades and Bo/Vlad's long-term futures in Toronto. Then, around MLB, he weighs in on fringe teams that could make a splash, the Braves' & Phillies' arms race and the AL MVP race. Later, Ben Shulman (31:27) helps tee up the Blue Jays' series opener against the Rays tonight, what to expect from José Berríos and how they'll approach workloads for players likely to be traded.

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 open up the show assessing the Blue Jays' potential moves with the trade deadline one week away; notably why it makes more sense to trade Bo Bichette in the offseason if that’s the route the front office wants to take. Rays TV analyst and friend of the show Brian Anderson (28:00) previews the latest Tampa Bay-Toronto series at Rogers Centre and discusses the talent of starting pitcher Taj Bradley.

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.

Sportsnet's MLB insider Shi Davidi (3:33) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to share how the Jays are approaching the upcoming MLB trade deadline. He digs into pitcher/hitter markets across the majors, the Jays' trade assets and what sort of market they could generate for players on expiring contracts. Later, MLB host & analyst Ryan Spilborghs (40:26) weighs in on the Blue Jays' roster flaws, their outlook for the 2025 season and the clubhouse vibes ahead of the deadline.

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 discuss the Blue Jays losing two of three against the Tigers and the types of trades the Blue Jays could make before next week’s deadline citing how the front office has operated in years past. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (16:31) discusses this year’s Hall of Fame class that was inducted in Cooperstown over the weekend; particularly Jim Leyland’s legacy as one of the game’s greatest managers; before discussing the deadline and if the Orioles and Tigers could match up on a deal for starting pitching. Finally, Jeff and Kevin discuss reports that Bo Bichette would 'welcome a trade.'

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.