Blair & Barker

John Schneider joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker from the team’s road trip in Seattle coming off of their series loss to the Astros (1:07). The Blue Jays manager reflects on how he’s feeling personally amidst this difficult season to date, Spencer Horwitz’s swing, Davis Schneider’s approach at the plate and pitchers throwing stuff away from him, if Bo Bichette is about to turn the corner offensively, and George Springer’s recent improvement and his ability to hit velocity. The guys head into the weekend hearing from Jays fans (23:44) as they open up the Back Leg Line!

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. 

Longtime MLB catcher and co-host of Foul Territory Erik Kratz (3:01) shares his thoughts on the Blue Jays, notably which players would be smart fits on certain contending teams and how he views Vladimir Guerrero Jr, before discussing this year’s Home Run Derby and Futures Game during All-Star Weekend. Blue Jays play by play voice Dan Shulman (29:59) checks-in from Seattle ahead of the Mariners series to discuss Toronto’s most recent homestand and the vibes surrounding the team.

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.

Former MLB executive David Samson joins Jeff Blair & Kevin Barker to share his thoughts on the Blue Jays - notably how they should handle contract discussions with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - and why it is so difficult to repeat as World Series champions, citing the Rangers as the most recent example (1:17). Former Mariners all-star and podcast host Bret Boone (27:44) previews the Blue Jays' upcoming series against Seattle, discussing Julio Rodriguez’s season to date and if the Mariners got rid of too much offence this past offseason.

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.

Following the news of Jordan Romano undergoing arthroscopic surgery today for his elbow, Blue Jays radio analyst Chris Leroux joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker (1:35) to share a pitcher's perspective on recovering from an injuries and surgery and whether Romano stays as the team's closer when he returns. Then, former LA Dodgers pitcher & 2003 NL CY Young Award winner Éric Gagné (15:50) jumps on to chat about how he would be deployed in today's MLB, his views on the pitch clock and the biggest mental hurdles in recovering from injuries. Afterward, ESPN's Jeff Passan joins the guys (29:19) to discuss the Rays trading away right-handed pitcher Aaron Civale to the Brewers, what it says about MLB's trade market, Bo Bichette trade murmurs and possible shortstop replacements for the Jays.

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 begin the show discussing Bo Bichette’s recent struggles at the dish and react to the breaking news that Jordan Romano underwent arthroscopic surgery which puts the rest of his season in question. MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis (30:00) looks ahead to the MLB draft later this month as he breaks down the top prospects and comments on the Blue Jays system.

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 Isiah Kiner-Falefa hitting the IL after missing yesterday’s game on Canada Day. Astros TV analyst Geoff Blum (27:38) comments on the Houston’s recent play and if he sees similarities between Hunter Brown and veteran ‘Stros starter Justin Verlander. Buck Martinez (1:07:36) checks-in from Rogers Centre ahead of first pitch to discuss Yariel Rodriguez’s standout start and what he expects from Jose Berrios taking the mound in Game 2 vs. Houston.

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 & Kevin Barker react to the Blue Jays’ 9-2 blowout win against the Yankees where George Springer starred once again in the victory. Blue Jays manager John Schneider (25:30) discusses why he continues to believe in Springer and Ross Atkins giving him a vote of confidence when speaking yesterday. The guys empty out their voicemail in the latest edition of Friday’s Back Leg Line. MLB.com’s Yankees reporter Bryan Hoch (1:18:33) discusses the team’s recent play - notably, how Gerrit Cole has looked since his return to the rotation, Gleyber Torres’ underwhelming season, the lack of swing-and-miss stuff in their bullpen and if Luis Gil could be moved to the pen despite his success as a starter.

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.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker after a big 9-2 win to open the series against the Yankees. The skipper discusses Springer's recent hot stretch and why he always believed the veteran outfielder would find his game at the plate. Later, he weighs in on Bichette's slow return from injury in the lead-off spot, how to get Jansen back on track, Kikuchi's historic dominance over the Yankees and more. Finally, he shares his thoughts on Ross Atkins' comments yesterday.

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.

Blue Jays EVP/General Manager Ross Atkins (15:47) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker for a lengthy mid-season conversation ahead of a pivotal series against the Yankees. Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi (51:23) checks in from Rogers Centre to react to Bo Bichette’s comments on his status ahead of the trade deadline. MLB insider Jeff Passan (1:17:02) discusses which additions he’d like to see contending teams make at the deadline, how the Blue Jays would factor into the equation if they decide to sell, why he’s bullish on the Phillies and much more around Major League Baseball.

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.

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker ahead of a pivotal series against the Yankees. He gets into the underlying reasons behind the team's struggles and the declining state of the team's offence. Then, he reflects on the Varsho and Swanson trades, long-term plans for Guerrero and Bichette and why he still has faith in Springer. Finally, he discusses the Jays potentially being buyers this season, fanbase frustration and the future of John Schneider.

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.