The Athletic's Jayson Stark joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker (2:23) to discuss the separation between manager Buck Showalter and the New York Mets, who could be their next bench boss, why the Los Angeles Dodgers have dropped out of the limelight, and a look around the upcoming Wild Card series. Then, Sportsnet's Shi Davidi stops by (29:41) to chat about who's the number one closer heading into the post-season for the Blue Jays, who's the x-factor on the offensive side, final playoff roster cuts, Alejandro Kirk's game calling since Danny Jansen's injury, and who could pitch in Game 2. Plus, we hear comments from GM Ross Atkins ahead of their AL Wild Card 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 affiliates.

Gearing Up for the Wild Card

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker talk all things Blue Jays and MLB. Airing live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN weekdays from 2-4 ET during the baseball season.

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Blair and Barker look back on the Blue Jays' 3-2 loss to the Orioles and discuss the back end of the bullpen; notably how good Yimi Garcia has been all season long. Sportsnet’s Caleb Joseph calls up the guys with his recent thoughts on Toronto’s play ahead of their weekend series against the Rays (25:50). Current Rays and former Blue Jays hitting coach Chad Mottola talks about his role with Tampa, why great hitters aren’t necessarily the best hitting coaches, pitchers “stuff” nowadays getting better and better, and Yandy Diaz’s improvement as a player (50:00). Sean Casey, former Yankees hitting coach and host of The Mayor’s Office, joins the guys to talk about life in the minor leagues, if hitters can be given too much data, and how to approach players about moving down in the lineup when they’re struggling (01:15:58).

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.

Minor League Reminiscing with The Mayor

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap Toronto’s 3-2 extra innings victory over the Orioles, notably Daulton Varsho getting it done offensively and defensively. The guys also react to Corbin Burnes’ post-game comments on Toronto’s hitters crediting them for making him work during his start. Orioles Bench Coach Fredi Gonzalez joins the show to discuss the influx of young talent joining the O’s at the same time and how they compare to other hitters he’s coached such as Freddie Freeman when he managed in Atlanta (28:00). USA Today’s Bob Nightengale discusses the  rumoured interest in Jordan Romano league-wide and predicts what the market for both he and Yusei Kikuchi would fetch if the Blue Jays become sellers at the deadline (49:45). To end the show, ESPN’s Jeff Passan does a deep-dive on the bat-tracking data released by MLB and shares his takeaways with Jeff and Kevin (01:16:10).

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.

A Comeback at Camden Yards

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays’ weekend series against the Twins; notably Alek Manoah’s performance in the finale, George Springer in the lead-off spot, and Vladimir Guerrero’s recent success at the dish. MLB Network Radio’s Jim Duquette comments on if the Orioles will part with young talent to further improve their major league roster, why Toronto needs to sign at least one of Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, and his read on the Yankees and their ability to sign Juan Soto (27:23). Ahead of Jays-Orioles, former Baltimore GM (and Jim’s cousin) Dan Duquette discusses the Orioles’ trajectory as an organization, how front offices decide who to commit to long-term, and pivoting in-season as a GM when your team is playing below expectations (49:52). To end the show, Sportsnet’s Buck Martinez checks-in from Camden Yards to preview tonight’s pitching matchup between José Berríos and Corbin Burnes (01:21:03).

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.

Meet the Duquettes

Barker’s back and so are the Blue Jays as they open up a weekend series against Minnesota. Twins Senior VP and GM Thad Levine joins the show to discuss his ballclub’s play up to this point and the improvements made by Canadian infielder Edouard Julien. Later the guys open the Back Leg Line with fan questions on a Friday (30:05), before being joined by Blue Jays skipper John Schneider who talked about Yimi Garcia’s status, tonight’s lineup, what he’s seeing from George Springer at the dish, Davis Schneider, and Danny Jansen since his return from injury (49:50).

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.

Back Leg Line Friday with Thad Levine & John Schneider

Blue Jays skipper John Schneider joins Jeff and Kevin to give the guys an update on Yimi Garcia, shares his approach to shuffling the batting order and talks about Davis Schneider's ability to reinvent in his at-bats. Schneider also touches on Bo Bichette's struggles, biggest differences in playing baseball from the minor leagues to the majors, and making the case to keep Danny Jansen in the lineup. 

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.

Gearing Up for the Wild Card

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