Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Rangers' 3-1 win in game three over the Diamondbacks while focusing on the injuries sustained to Adolis Garcia & Max Scherzer and the questionable strike zone throughout the game. The guys hit up Barker’s Back Leg Line for a few thoughts from listeners before welcoming Sportsnet’s Caleb Joseph (27:17) to the show to discuss the strike zone during Gabriel Moreno’s crucial AB and Texas being fortunate to win the game with their injuries before looking ahead to game four of the World Series.

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 share their thoughts on the World Series being all tied up as the Rangers and Diamondbacks head to Arizona for Game 3. Former MLB closer and radio host Brad Lidge discusses how the managers have used their bullpens and pitching with adrenaline in the postseason. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (28:40) looks ahead to Max Scherzer’s start in Game 3 and shares why Arizona has the pitching advantage at this point in time. 

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 are joined by MLB host & analyst Ryan Spilborghs ahead of his call of the World Series: can the Diamondbacks continue to play spoiler? Later they are joined by MLB insider Jeff Passan (29:54) to discuss Dusty Baker’s tenure in Houston, the defensive prowess of both the Rangers and Diamondbacks, and Max Scherzer going up against his former club.

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 are joined by MLB Network Radio Host and Rangers analyst CJ Nitkowski to discuss Texas’ run to the World Series, Arizona’s Cinderella postseason and which version of Max Scherzer will show up when called upon. Legendary Blue Jays Manager Cito Gaston (29:57) joins the guys to talk about potentially being named to the Hall fo Fame in Cooperstown, managing in the postseason and how it differs from his era, his good friend Dusty Baker’s retirement, and to re-visit the 1993 World Series win on the week of its 30th anniversary.

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.

The World Series is officially set after the Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 in Game 7 of the NLCS. Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss Arizona’s remarkable and unexpected run, starter Brandon Pfaadt’s performance, Gabriel Moreno’s series, Ketel Marte winning MVP, and take a look ahead at the Rangers-Diamondbacks matchup. Phillies analyst and former MLB catcher Ben Davis (27:59) talks about what went wrong for Philadelphia, how Torey Lovullo managed his bullpen, how Moreno profiles as a catcher long-term, and Bruce Bochy’s experience managing in big games. To end the show, the guys go to Barker’s 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 affiliate.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss the Texas Rangers victory over the Houston Astros to advance to the World Series; notably Adolis Garcia’s MVP performance and Cristian Javier’s struggles in the deciding game. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale touches on Dusty Baker’s potential retirement before concentrating on Arizona’s game six win in the NLCS to force a game 7 against the Phillies. Former Marlins President and host of 'Nothing Personal’ David Samson (29:51) shares his latest thoughts around the game, notably Texas advancing, how the Astros lineup could look next year and his understanding of what happened with Kim Ng and the Marlins.

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 & Kevin Barker discuss Texas and Houston’s series going the distance and look ahead to Game 7 with Max Scherzer and Cristian Javier taking the hill for their respective clubs. Later, the guys recognize the Blue Jays’ 1993 World Series win on its 30th anniversary before welcoming Turner Sports’ Brian Anderson (25:01) to the show to focus on the NLCS. BA discusses preparing for big calls, the fanbases in Philadelphia and Arizona, the level of trust in Craig Kimbrel and more ahead of tonight’s pivotal Game 6 from Philly.

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 discuss Arizona winning Game 3 of the NLCS over the Phillies; notably Torey Lovullo pulling starter Brandon Pfaadt after 5.2 innings and turning it over to the bullpen, and the Astros tying up the ALCS. 2013 World Series champion and host of 'Intentional Talk' Ryan Dempster comments on yesterday’s postseason action, how bullpens are being deployed, and what Mike Maddux and Bruce Bochy have unlocked with Jordan Montgomery. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi checks-in (27:53) from Arizona to talk about how the press box wasn’t surprised when Pfaadt got pulled, the Diamondbacks organization being enamoured with Gabriel Moreno, and whether or not Jose Altuve is a first-ballot hall of famer.

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 & Kevin Barker discuss Houston winning game three of the ALCS over the Rangers, how the pitch clock is keeping players on their toes defensively, the pace of play making games more fun to watch, and if the Phillies can sweep the Diamondbacks. Before the break, they take two calls on the back line as some still aren’t over the Blue Jays postseason exit. Astros analyst and 2005 World Series champion Geoff Blum joins the show (30:45) and tells the guys why Houston has been such a strong road team all season long and why there was no panic in the clubhouse with the team down 0-2 headed to Arlington.

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 & Kevin Barker discuss the Phillies scoring early and often against Arizona before being joined by Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae ahead of Game 3 of the ALCS between the Rangers and Astros. Hazel talks about the mood surrounding both teams with Texas leading the series, what Dusty Baker is telling his players down 0-2, and what to expect from ace pitcher Max Scherzer tonight in front of the home crowd. Later, long-time Cardinals ace and MLB on FOX analyst Adam Wainwright (27:47) shares his thoughts on the current postseason overall, pitching in the postseason compared to the regular season, his view on starting pitchers having a shorter leash and getting pulled earlier, and more on Scherzer’s return tonight.

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.