Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss Toronto’s latest loss to the Orioles, the team’s difficulty at scoring runs continuing, and examine a few of the trades and signings Ross Atkins has made during his tenure as Blue Jays GM. Sportsnet’s Joe Siddall (33:03) checks in from field level at Rogers Centre with his thoughts on game one of the O’s series and the team’s recent play. MASN’s Roch Kubatko (54:43) gives the lowdown on Connor Norby, the organization’s latest top prospect to be recalled and Corbin Burnes pitching as advertised since coming over from Milwaukee. Jeff Passan (1:17:01) shares an early look ahead to the trade deadline, if the Jays' mindset can change between now and then and the latest gambling bans and suspensions levied by 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Toronto Blue Jays series win over the Pirates; notably, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. playing 3B in the finale before reacting to comments Jays GM Ross Atkins made on MLB network radio. Former Orioles closer and ESPN analyst Gregg Olson (32:34) comments on the O’s and how closer injuries can affect the rest of the bullpen. The Athletic’s Jayson Stark (49:42) goes around MLB with the guys with his thoughts on Toronto’s season to date, their important month ahead, Aaron Judge’s hot streak, and Rob Thomson’s successful two-year stint as Phillies manager.  Sportsnet’s Buck Martinez (1:20:58) checks in ahead of first pitch from Rogers Centre.

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 Alek Manoah heading to the IL and more with Blue Jays Manager John Schneider ahead of this weekend’s Pirates series (2:18). Former Blue Jays coach and current Pirates bench boss Derek Shelton comments on his club, notably phenom Paul Skenes taking MLB by storm following his call-up (25:22). Blair & Barker open up the voicemail for this week’s edition of the Back Leg Line (50:05). Blue Jays legend Jose Bautista (1:14:41) joins the show with his thoughts on Vladimir Guerrero Jr’s season and the team’s new City Connect jerseys! 

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 to share his thoughts on unveiling the team's City Connect jerseys. Then, he shares the latest on Alek Manoah as he heads to the IL and their plans in his absence, including elevating newly acquired pitcher Ryan Burr. Later, the skipper evaluates his coaching staff, Springer's play in the 7th-spot and Romano's recent dip in fastball velocity.

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 recap Toronto’s 3-1 victory and sweep of the Chicago White Sox, notably, starter Alek Manoah’s status after leaving the game in the second inning. David Samson (25:54) shares why he’s feeling for Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins before discussing the release of ‘City Connect’ jerseys around MLB and the renderings of a new ballpark in Tampa Bay. LA Angels' outfielder Kevin Pillar (50:38) speaks on his resurgent year and reflects on his unique career path after reaching the 1000-hit milestone. SNY's Andy Martino (1:07:48) breaks down the Jorge Lopez situation and shares what's wrong with the Mets. Finally, former MLB pitcher Jason Grilli (1:21:45) on the Pirates' exciting outlook with Paul Skenes and to what level ownership will invest in building around him.

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.

Chicago White Sox Director of Player Development (and Barker’s former teammate!) Paul Janish discusses his role, joining a young and up-and-coming front office and how his time as a player has helped him transition to management (23:59). Blue Jays’ OF Davis Schneider joins the show to talk about his move to the lead-off spot, playing in both the infield and outfield and his overall success since his promotion last season (51:02). ESPN’s Jeff Passan comments on Paul Skenes’ latest elite start, the Pirates duty to surround him with strong talent, Angel Hernandez’s retirement and also fact-checks previous trivia questions asked on this show (1:16:31).

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' infielder and outfielder Davis Schneider joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss his approach to being the team's lead-off hitter, the types of batting stances he has and the adjustment between playing in the outfield versus on second base. Then, he shares when he knew he's capable of playing in the Majors, the difficulty of cracking the 40-man roster and if he gets star struck by other players he's watched and now play against. Finally, he discusses the mood in the clubhouse as the baseball club navigates through an up and down 2024 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.

Ahead of Game two of the Blue Jays-White Sox series, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by Foul Territory’s Erik Kratz who discussed umpire Angel Hernandez’s retirement, Chris Bassitt’s latest start and the rest vs. rust debate when it comes to clinching a postseason berth (27:00). Legendary MLB manager Terry Francona comments further on Hernandez before talking about the emergence of the Naylor brothers in Cleveland, how his managing style changed over the years and the best players he’s ever played with and managed (51:16). Sportsnet’s Caleb Joseph breaks down the latest surrounding the Blue Jays, notably the decision to send down Erik Swanson with Chad Green returning to the team’s bullpen (1:16:13).

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 Toronto’s 9-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers before Blue Jays manager John Schneider (16:21) talks about what it’s like managing with an ongoing power outage, when he knows Vladdy and Bo Bichette's hitting and approach have signs of life, and the decision to put Daulton Varsho in the lead-off spot in tonight’s game. Following Schneider, the guys take your phone calls for this week’s edition of the Back Leg Line (30:31). ESPN’s Jeff Passan discusses the newest pitches in the game that are taking MLB by storm (51:41). Tigers analyst & former outfielder Craig Monroe comments on the ongoing DET-TOR series, particularly reliever Alex Lange and his demotion (1:17:52).

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 affiliates.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s home run in the series opener against the Tigers, when he knows Vladdy and Bo Bichette's hitting and approach have signs of life, the decision to put Daulton Varsho in the lead-off spot, Alek Manoah's adjustment to pace of play and attacking left-handed batters. Then, the Jays' skipper shares some updates on Chad Green, Bowden Francis and Yariel Rodriguez. 

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.