Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker had the chance to chat with Blue Jays' pitching coach Pete Walker (1:13) from the World Series Media Day to talk about Trey Yesavage making his first Fall Classic start, Chris Bassitt's adjustment into a bullpen role during the ALCS and his projected workload against the L.A. Dodgers, and Jeff Hoffman's closing confidence. Then, MLB Network host Greg Amsinger (8:43) weighs in on how Game 1 is a must-win for the Blue Jays, if we'll see a complete game from a Dodgers' pitcher, and Vladdy's perception in America. Afterwards, Sportsnet's Shi Davidi stops by (22:53) to discuss Bo Bichette's deployment at 2B, who ends up facing Shohei Ohtani coming out of the bullpen, and Louis Varland's expected usage. To wrap up before Game 1, The Athletic's Jayson Stark jumps on (45:17) to give his thoughts on the impact of Bichette's long layoff, Blake Snell's strong competitive pitch arsenal, if the Dodgers have 'ruined' baseball, and who is the most important player for the Blue Jays outside of Guerrero Jr. 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 the Blue Jays' Game 1 lineup, which includes Bo Bichette in the clean-up spot and at second base. They weigh in on the decision and look at the rest of the World Series roster before listening in on Ross Atkins' and Bichette's game-day availability. Later, TVA Sports' play-by-play announcer Denis Casavant (27:58) discusses the Jays' reception in Quebec considering the province's historical ties to the Dodgers, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s similarities and differences to his father and his expectations for Trey Yesavage in Game 1. Finally, Jeff and Kevin listen to John Schneider's pre-game availability.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 are joined by the Commissioner of Major League Baseball Rob Manfred (0:35) to chat about the current state of the game on the field and for audiences across all mediums and the world, the international stage being highlighted for the Fall Classic, how MLB approaches the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in L.A., Rogers Centre renos and Toronto's prospects of hosting an MLB All-Star weekend, the rule changes over the years and ABS coming in 2026 and the chance of expansion in Canada. Then, '93 World Series MVP and National Baseball Hall of Famer Paul Molitor stops by (29:38) to discuss the difficulties of reaching the final series in a playing career, memories of Joe Carter's walk-off homer, home-field advantage playing a role, and his advice to Trey Yesavage and other young players.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 the Blue Jays announcing Trey Yesavage as the Game 1 starter for the World Series and lay out their expectations for the 22-year-old. Then, Bo Bichette sits down with Jeff and Kevin (16:40) to discuss his recovery and how he'd approach possibly playing second base. Later, Dodgers President Stan Kasten (20:52) reflects on a second straight World Series trip, how the team has changed from last season, the rotations' postseason dominance, and the narrative that the Dodgers' spending is 'bad for baseball.' Finally, former Blue Jay pitcher and World Series winner Pat Hentgen (34:55) discusses the franchise's return to the Fall Classic, his advice for Yesavage, and his postseason memories from his playing days.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.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker (1:11) to discuss how the Blue Jays match up against the L.A. Dodgers, the differences in types of pitchers and hitters the Milwaukee Brewers have compared to the American League champions, John Schneider's bullpen usage, why Chris Bassitt should get more run in the World Series, and projecting Bo Bichette's deployment. Then, National Baseball Hall of Famer and former Blue Jay Frank Thomas stops by (29:41) to chat about winning MLB's Comeback of the Year and George Springer potentially winning the same award, living up to the expectations bestowed on a player like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., if home field advantage plays a factor in the Fall Classic, if Shohei Ohtani can pitch and hit throughout his MLB career and his memories of his time with the Blue 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 look ahead to Friday's Game 1 of the World Series and discuss the Blue Jays' keys against the Dodgers. They get into L.A.'s starting pitching edge and project how John Schneider will deploy the bullpen. Then, former MLB pitcher and cohost of Intentional Talk, Ryan Dempster, stops by (23:46) to discuss his World Series run with the 2013 Red Sox after finishing last in the division in the previous season, the mentality required to win a Fall Classic, and how the Jays' bats attack Blake Snell in Game 1. Finally, Jeff and Kevin discuss the pressure of the World Series vs. the League Championship Series and whether Game 1 is a must-win 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 welcome back former MLB President and host of Nothing Personal, David Samson (1:05) to revisit the fallout of the Montreal Expos as the newest Netflix documentary "Who Killed the Montreal Expos" releases which included Jeff and David, before looking towards the financial implications for both teams entering the World Series, the front office's influence on the post-season run, why Mookie Betts could be an x-factor for the L.A. Dodgers, if the Blue Jays should be favourites in the Fall Classic and if Albert Pujols will be a great player turned manager. Then, Jeff and Kevin head to the Back-leg Line to hear your calls with reactions on the Jays' berth to 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 affiliates.

The Blue Jays are going to the World Series for the first time in 32 years! Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker listen back on all the calls of George Springer's clutch, go-ahead home run in the seventh inning of Game 7, discuss the teams' winding path to this point, and look ahead at the decisions the team will have to make ahead of Friday's Game 1 against the L.A. Dodgers. Later, Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins the show (26:27) to reflect on the Game 7 victory, Springer's clutch gene, the veteran starters' impact out of the bullpen, Bo Bichette's status for the World Series, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s rise into superstardom.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.

ESPN's MLB Insider Jeff Passan joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker (3:20) to chat about if the Los Angeles Dodgers care who they face in the World Series between the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays, Vlad Guerrero Jr.'s incredible offensive performance throughout October, and if his view on John Schneider as a manager changed after his pitching decision in Game 5. Then, we hear from George Springer on his experience playing Game 7s and manager John Schneider. Finally, Jeff and Kevin share the keys for the Jays in the do-or-die stage at 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.

We've got a Game 7 in Toronto! Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get set with former GM and MLB Network analyst Jim Duquette (4:30), who discusses the Jays' momentum heading into the do-or-die stage, how the bats approach George Kirby the second time around and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s dominant postseason. Then, Jeff and Kevin project how John Schneider will manage the bullpen with the season on the line, share expectations for Shane Bieber, and look at the two teams' lineups. Later, Jays Central analyst Madison Shipman stops by (27:45) to weigh in on Addison Barger's adjustment at the plate, the impact of George Springer's knee injury, the plan for Jeff Hoffman after a busy Game 6, the Mariners' mental mistakes, and the importance of a strong start. Finally, Jeff and Kevin share who they think will be the x-factor in Game 7.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 are joined by Jays Central analyst Caleb Joseph (0:49) to go over the Blue Jays' Game 4 win and how they keep it rolling in Game 5. He discusses Max Scherzer's throwback start, how John Schneider will adjust in managing Kevin Gausman, how the bats attack Bryce Miller, and what's behind Andrés Giménez's recent offensive breakthrough. Then, Jeff and Kevin discuss Giménez's impact, Scherzer's mound-meeting moment and Ernie Clement's evolution before listening in on the Jays' pre-game availability. 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 open Friday's show with thoughts on the Blue Jays' Game 4 victory over the Seattle Mariners. Dan Plesac, former MLB pitcher and current MLB Network analyst, discusses Toronto's momentum moving forward and Max Scherzer's fiery interaction with John Schneider in the fifth inning, before setting the stage for Kevin Gausman's start in Game 5 this evening. Derek Shelton (26:10), former MLB player and manager, joins the guys to chat about how each team in the ALCS has managed their pitching staff, how to approach Bryce Miller, Trey Yesavage's meteoric rise, Isiah Kiner-Falefa's utility, and George Springer's resurgence. Derek wraps up his segment addressing his future in Major League Baseball, before Jeff and Kevin weigh in on Addison Barger's outfield defence.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 are joined by former Seattle Mariners' manager and current special assistant with the San Diego Padres, Scott Servais (3:53) to chat about Luis Castillo as a starter, how Cal Raleigh grew into an MVP-caliber ballplayer, Julio Rodríguez's performance with the team, the magnitude of the ALCS for Seattle, how well home field advantage plays in post-season baseball, and how a manager's game planning changes from the regular season to playoffs. Then, Jeff and Kevin react to Isiah Kiner-Falefa being inserted into the lineup with Anthony Santander being placed on the bench. To wrap up, the guys look ahead to Max Scherzer's return to the postseason mound. 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 look back on the Blue Jays' 13-4 win over the Seattle Mariners to pull back to 2-1 in the ALCS, highlighting Shane Bieber bouncing back after a shaky first inning and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. getting back to his ALDS form. Buck Martinez joins the show (6:54) to discuss the Jays' aggressive approach in Game 3, Bieber's adjustment, what to expect from Max Scherzer in Game 4 after nearly a month since his last start, and Ernie Clement's growth. Later, MLB on TBS's Jeff Francoeur stops by (29:06) ahead of Game 3 in the NLCS to discuss the pitching showcase between the Dodgers and Brewers, Shohei Ohtani's postseason slump, and what to expect from Tyler Glasnow. Finally, Jeff and Kevin react to the Mariners announcing Bryce Miller as the Game 5 starter and break down Daulton Varsho's clutch two-run double in Game 3.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 are joined by 2015 AL MVP with the Blue Jays, Josh Donaldson (3:35), to chat about his experience being doing 0-2 in a series, batting in Seattle, blocking out the noise of the Mariners' strength in pitching, combating the elevated fastball and his thoughts on Cal Raleigh's historic offensive season. Then, he looks back at Jose Bautista's iconic bat flip and the controversial and chaotic inning leading up to it. Later, Jays radio analyst Chris Leroux joins the guys (28:18) to chat about how Shane Bieber can be dominant against the Mariners' batters, holding batters away from hitting towards the 'big part' of the field, Anthony Santander and Addison Barger switching spots in the batting order, Chris Bassitt's outing out of the bullpen in Game 2, and sets the scene for T-Mobile Park. 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 open their discussion on their expectations for Shane Bieber in his second postseason start ahead of Game 3 in Seattle, how the Blue Jays' hitters should game plan against George Kirby, and how the season will be viewed if Toronto falls out of the ALCS. Then, they turn their attention to the L.A. Dodgers taking a 2-0 series lead over the Milwaukee Brewers. Later, 4-time World Series champion, member of the '01 Mariners and current Yankees & Marlins analyst Jeff Nelson stops by (28:55) to chat about his experience in New York completing a 0-2 comeback against the Atlanta Braves in 1996, the intimidation of a road game, if he sees changes to the Yankees roster, bullpen days in the postseason, and how managers are utilizing their starters. To wrap up, Jeff and Kevin react to John Schneider changing up the batting order with Anthony Santander returning and hitting cleanup. 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 are joined by Blue Jays TV play-by-play voice Dan Shulman (1:24) to chat about the positives coming out of the first two losses against the Seattle Mariners, if John Schneider will make any changes to the batting order, whether Shane Bieber can bounce back in his second postseason start, Trey Yesavage's Game 2 outing, and if Jeff Hoffman has got back his command of his pitches. Then, we hear from Jays' closer Hoffman in his off-day availability before bringing on former pitcher and VSiN host Jensen Lewis (28:15) to get his thoughts on how Bieber can find success against Seattle, the adjustments the Jays need to make for Game 3, pitching decisions from Alejandro Kirk, and where he sees the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers series moving towards.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 look back on the Blue Jays' 10-3 loss to the Seattle Mariners in Game 2 to fall into an 0-2 hole in the ALCS. They break down the meat of the order's struggles, Jorge Polanco's go-ahead home run and John Schneider's pitcher decisions before discussing what the Jays need to do to turn it around in Game 3 in Seattle. Then, World Series champion manager Joe Maddon stops by (27:15) to discuss managing around analytics in the postseason, when to pull a starter from a playoff start, and how the Jays approach Cal Raleigh.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 Passan, ESPN MLB insider, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker ahead of Game 2 of the ALDS. They touch on Anthony Santander's late scratch, what to expect from Trey Yesavage in his second-career playoff start, and feelings in Toronto down 0-1 in the series. Jeff also checks in on the strength of the Mariners' pitching staff, Jorge Polanco's ability to perform in high-pressure spots, and what to make of John Schneider's decision making. Later, the boys listen in to Shane Bieber's media availability ahead of his Game 3 start on Wednesday. Ryan Divish (28:02) of the Seattle Times gets us set for first pitch with thoughts on Cal Raleigh's defensive prowess, the difference makers in the M's lineup, the team's ability to keep their arms fresh, and what to expect from Logan Gilbert.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 hit the airwaves following the Blue Jays' 3-1 loss at the hands of the Seattle Mariners to open the American League Championship Series. They break down John Schneider's decision to pull Kevin Gausman in the sixth inning, Bryce Miller's performance on short rest, and what caused Toronto's bats to fall silent in Game 1. The boys also touch on the crowd noise at Rogers Centre last night, and how it compared to the electric atmosphere during the ALDS. Caleb Joseph (22:35), former MLB catcher and current Sportsnet analyst, discusses how to attack Cal Raleigh at the plate, what went wrong for Brendon Little last night, and the scouting report for today’s opposing starter, Logan Gilbert. Caleb also checks in on Raleigh's elite defence behind the plate and how to navigate bullpen usage throughout a seven-game series. The boys wrap up this hour with thoughts on John Schneider's pregame comments.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.