Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off the second hour with Tim Kurkjian of ESPN who shares his thoughts on which team is under the most pressure to make the playoffs, the most disappointing team this season, who can stop the Braves and how an explosion in steals around the league changes the game. Later, MLB Network’s Bill Ripken shares his thoughts on the expectations around Vladdy Jr., the positives and negatives of off-days and Corey Seager’s unique but effective approach (28:48).

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.

Team & Player Pressures with Kurkjian & Ripken

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker talk all things Blue Jays and MLB. Airing live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN weekdays from 4-6 PM ET during the baseball season.

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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.

Manoah Update, Managers Hour & José Bautista!

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.

Manoah to IL & Approach Shifts with John Schneider

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.

Manoah's Setback, City Connects & Superman Pillar

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.

Davis Schneider, Paul Janish & Passan’s Trival Pursuit

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.

Team & Player Pressures with Kurkjian & Ripken

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