Blue Jays Talk

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 6-2 loss vs. the Mariners in Game 5 of the ALCS. They take your calls and texts, and get right to the question on everyone's mind: why did John Schneider bring in Brendon Little over Seranthony Domínguez or Jeff Hoffman to start the eighth inning to face Cal Raleigh? They debate the reasoning behind the decision, listen to Schneider's own reflections on the move, and discuss what could have gone differently (if anything). They get into the start from Kevin Gausman, the injury to George Springer, and how you b...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap Max Scherzer’s incredible performance last night and highlight the big hits and clutch defensive plays leading to the win. Afterwards, Sportsnet’s Chris Black (30:06) dives into Andres Gimenez’s home run, Daulton Varsho’s bases-loaded walk and Addison Barger throwing out Josh Naylor at third base. Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi (50:25) reflects on Scherzer’s outing and what the removal of Anthony Santander from the roster means. Following that, Nathan Bishop (1:07:49) of ‘The Light Bat’ Substack outlines the Mariners’ side of the first 4 games and in what capacity Bryan Woo could factor into the rest of the se...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 8-2 win over the Mariners in Game 4 of the ALCS! They take your calls and texts, and get right to Max Scherzer's 5.2 IP of two-run ball - how important was that moment for 'Mad Max' with John Schneider atop the mound? They get into a four-RBI night for Andrés Giménez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. blasting his fifth home run of the playoffs (a Blue Jays playoff record), and discuss the bullpen as well, which saw Seranthony Domínguez get the ninth inning over Jeff Hoffman. Plus, with at lea...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap the win vs. the Mariners, where Toronto’s approach prevailed, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was a triple away from the cycle, and Shane Bieber rebounded after a tough 1st inning. Afterwards, ESPN’s Doug Glanville (31:34) discusses the Dodgers-Brewers series, where Milwaukee is facing a 0-2 series deficit. Sportsnet’s Dan Shulman (50:07) checks in from Seattle to discuss expectations for Max Scherzer, his thoughts on Game 3 and more. Lastly, Mariners broadcaster Gary Hill Jr. (1:16:10) discusses Luis Castillo, when we can expect to see Bryan Woo, and the atmosphere in Seattle.

The views and opinio...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 13-4 win over the Mariners in Game 3 of the ALCS! They take your calls and texts, and get right to the start from Shane Bieber - was that his best start in a Jays uniform? How important was it for the team to pick him up after a rough first inning? They discuss the offensive explosion that saw the Jays launch five home runs, three coming off George Kirby - what did they change in their approach after the first two games in Toronto? Plus, they get into Max...

Madison Shipman in-studio joins Blake Murphy to discuss how the Mariners are game planning vs. the Blue Jays and why Toronto is struggling to put together hits (26:46). Afterwards, Angie Mentink (50:11) of Root Sports Northwest pops in to talk all things Mariners, including Josh Naylor’s series, Cal Raleigh, and she expands on Seattle’s pitching staff. Lastly, MLB.com’s Mike Petriello (1:19:45) discusses first-pitch swinging, the Dodgers' strategy of allowing their starters to go deep in games, and more.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessa...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap the Game 2 stinker, where Toronto’s ALCS bats remained quiet, the bullpen got lit up and more. Afterwards, Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer Rob Ducey (30:41) discusses his MLB career, the Jays-Mariners series, and the state of baseball in Canada. Following that, Foul Territory’s Erik Kratz (50:18) tries to calm the fanbase heading to Seattle and tells a legendary John Schneider story. Lastly, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (1:13:50) comes in-studio before he travels to Seattle to discuss Toronto’s chances of coming back, Josh Naylor and previews the starting pitching matchups ahead. 

The views...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 10-3 loss vs. the Mariners in Game 2 of the ALCS. They take your calls and texts, and get right to the offence - where have the bats gone after such a successful ALDS? Is it all Mariners pitching, or has the team failed to make meaningful in-game adjustments? Is there a different configuration of the batting order that might lead to more productivity? They discuss the Mariners bats bombing the Jays' bullpen, Trey Yesavage with a rough second playoff outing, and also look ahead to the next few games...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap the Game 1 loss, where Toronto struggled against Bryce Miller and Kevin Gausman was yanked in controversial fashion. Afterwards, Sportsnet’s Buck Martinez (25:26) joins to discuss what Vladimir Guerrero Jr. mentioned to him that could explain his late-season struggles before the postseason. Yahoo Sports’ Jake Mintz (51:28) comes in-studio to break down the series and look ahead to Trey Yesavage’s start today. Lastly, Fangraphs’ Meg Rowley (1:17:26) provides the Mariners’ perspective, including Cal Raleigh’s home run and Seattle’s postseason.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and gues...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 3-1 loss vs. the Mariners in Game 1 of the ALCS in Toronto. They take your calls and texts, and discuss John Schneider's decision to take out Kevin Gausman after 5.2 IP - does the loss fall on that turning point? They get into the offence managing just one run in the game alongside two total hits, and chat about the surprising start (and velo) from Bryce Miller on only three days of rest. Plus, they get into the lineup and what it may have in store for Seattle's Game 2 starting...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz are joined by former Blue Jay Vernon Wells to discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s dominance vs. the Yankees, John Schneider’s decision to remove Shane Bieber from Game 3, and Toronto’s team identity and how it serves in the playoffs. Afterwards, Former Blue Jay manager John Gibbons (26:43) reflects on his time in Toronto, watching John Schneider climb up the Blue Jays’ franchise and more. Afterwards, Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith (51:35) gives his thoughts on the ALCS roster with tough decisions on Bo Bichette, Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt coming up. Lastly, Root Sports Northwest’s Brad Adam (1...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap Game 4, where John Schneider and his staff masterfully planned their bullpen day and big hits by Nathan Lukes, Ernie Clement, George Springer and Myles Straw paced Toronto to a win. Afterwards, the Athletic's Ian O’Connor (31:27) reflects on the Yankees’ season and the questions facing their franchise. Blake and Julia then take your texts (50:25), including Daulton Varsho, Clement and Alejandro Kirk’s series. Lastly, Fangraphs’ Davy Andrews (1:17:28) shares what he saw in the Blue Jays’ locker room last night and previews Game 5 between the Mariners and Tigers.

The views and opinions expressed...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 5-2 win over the Yankees as they are headed to the ALCS for the first time since 2016! They take your calls, and get to the sparkling bullpen day - how impressive were the moves John Schneider made to prevent any Yankees rallies from beginning? They get into the performances from each of the relievers that excelled, and also discuss the big offensive moments from Nathan Lukes, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Myles Straw. Plus, they look ahead to the ALCS - who could be the Jays' opponent when Game 1 comes...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap last night’s loss to the Yankees, including the decision to pull Shane Bieber, Aaron Judge’s ridiculous swing on his 3-run homer and more. Afterwards, Fangraphs’ Jay Jaffe (31:06) breaks down the recent success of the Yankees’ bullpen and the increased use of relievers in playoff games. The Score’s Jonah Birenbaum (50:51) gives his take on pulling Bieber and the lineup options for John Schneider against Cam Schlittler in Game 4. Lastly, 1992 and 1993 World Series champion Pat Borders (1:15:29) recalls his title-winning runs with the Blue Jays in the early 90’s and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. rising to th...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 9-6 loss vs. the Yankees in Game 3 of the ALDS. They take your calls and texts, and they get to the five-run blown lead - who wears that the most? Shane Bieber after only managing 2.2 IP, the defence after an error-filled night, or the bullpen for allowing six runs after Bieber's departure? They get into the decision to pull Bieber, uncharacteristic errors from Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Addison Barger, Anthony Santander's role on defence, and who gets rolled out for Game 4.

The views and opinions expressed i...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz are joined by Madison Shipman in-studio to discuss Kevin Gausman and Trey Yesavage’s outings, the Blue Jays’ approach at the plate, Daulton Varsho and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s winning mentality (28:06). Afterwards, ESPN’s Jorge Castillo (50:31) discusses the Yankees electing to skip workouts on Monday, Aaron Judge’s series and more. Lastly, Sportsnet’s Dan Shulman (1:16:15) looks ahead to Game 3 with Shane Bieber on the mound and the lineup we could see Tuesday night. 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily r...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz break down the weekend’s action, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s home runs, the raucous atmosphere at Rogers Centre, and Trey Yesavage’s sensational playoff debut. Afterwards, WFAN660’s Keith McPherson (29:34) provides the Yankees’ side of the weekend as we look ahead to Game 3. Afterwards, 2009 MLB All-Star Carlos Pena (50:10) discusses Guerrero Jr.’s incredible weekend, mental preparation for the postseason, Yesavage’s stuff and more. Lastly, Yesavage’s former coach at East Carolina, Cliff Godwin (1:15:54), joins to reflect on ways he knew the rookie pitcher was going to be special. 

The views and opinions expr...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 13-7 win over the Yankees as Toronto takes a 2-0 series lead in the ALDS! They take your calls and texts, and get right to Trey Yesavage, who struck out 11 without allowing a hit over 5.1 IP in a historic start for a rookie - why did the Yankees have nothing against him? Was it the right move for John Schneider to take him out in the sixth inning? They also get into the offence exploding against Max Fried and Will Warren, including two home runs for Daulton Varsho, an...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 10-1 win over the Yankees in Game 1 of the ALDS at the Rogers Centre! They take your calls and texts, and get right to the late offensive explosion - how important were those late-game swings from Nathan Lukes and Andrés Giménez? They discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr. smashing his first career postseason home run, and Alejandro Kirk coming through again with a pair of long bombs. Plus, they chat about Kevin Gausman grabbing the win, the bullpen looking sharp, and what's to come in Game 2.

T...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz are joined by Keegan Matheson to discuss Game 3 between Boston and New York, the Yankees’ matchup and roster questions facing John Schneider to prepare for the Bronx Bombers (33:13). Afterwards, 2009 World Series Champion Joba Chamberlain (51:09) breaks down Cam Schlittler’s huge Game 3 performance, New York’s roster, and keys to success in the postseason as a pitcher. Lastly, Yahoo Sports’ Jake Mintz (1:15:06) shares what Yankees Stadium was like during Game 3 and shares thoughts on Trey Yesavage pitching in the postseason and how to approach Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. 

The views and opinions expressed...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz are joined by Joe Siddall to discuss the Blue Jays’ rotation, the benefits of intrasquad games, and Toronto heading into the postseason. Afterwards, The Score’s Brandon Wile (31:39) previews Game 3 between the Red Sox and Yankees. Afterwards, comedian Roy Wood Jr. (51:10) joins to break down the Cubs ahead of Game 3 vs. the Padres, and how sport unites fans. Lastly, former Blue Jay Kevin Pillar (1:20:09) discusses playoff baseball, postseason games in Toronto and more! 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily refle...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz are joined by former Blue Jays pitcher Tom Henke to discuss the runs in the early 90’s and watching Toronto become baseball crazy. Former Blue Jay Chris Colabello (24:59) discusses finding calm in pressure situations and the 2015 Blue Jays. Afterwards, Fangraphs’ Ben Clemens (51:24) bounces around the wild matchups. Lastly, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (1:15:29) breaks down the memorable Game 1s from Tarik Skubal and Garrett Crochet, along with who’s a better matchup for Toronto between Boston and New York. 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guest...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz are joined by Foul Territory’s Erik Kratz and Mike Petriello in the first hour to preview the Wild Card Series and discuss the Blue Jays heading into the postseason. Afterwards, Mike Petriello (26:41) joins the show to tee up the start of the MLB Postseason. Later, Ben Nicholson-Smith (49:59) comes in-studio to break down options for Toronto’s ALDS roster and decisions facing John Schneider as they prepare for the Red Sox or Yankees (1:17:52). 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily refle...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz celebrate the Blue Jays clinching the AL East and the top seed, discussing the atmosphere at Rogers Centre and the team's identity. They cover Alejandro Kirk's adjustment, the bullpen's performance, and Trey Yesavage's rise, alongside the impact of the bye on the rotation and health strategy (26:18). Sportsnet’s Chris Black (52:31) joins to assess the regular season and argue for John Schneider as Manager of the Year, highlighting Ernie Clement's role, George Springer's surprising swing, and the significance of 94 wins in the division. Finally, The Athletic’s Levi Weaver (1:16:07) discusses the final week's chaos, late game...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' season finale, a 13-4 blowout win over the Rays to clinch both the AL East and the top seed in the American League! They take your calls and texts, and get right to Alejandro Kirk leading the team with six RBI, including a grand slam in the first inning - how important is his resurgence going into the playoffs? They discuss the resilience of the team all year, John Schneider's job as manager, the bullpen coming through in big moments, Kevin Gausman's start and what lies ahead for him...

Sho Alli and Julia Kreuz break down the Blue Jays' 5-1 win over the Rays to set up Game 162 - win, and Toronto will clinch the American League East! They take your calls and texts, and get right to Trey Yesavage coming through for his first major league win - how impressive is it that the rookie shut down the Rays in such an important game? Where (and when) will Yesavage pitch next in 2025? They discuss the offence, including big games from Ernie Clement and Nathan Lukes, and get into Alejandro Kirk smashing the second-longest home run of his...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 4-2 win over the Rays to open the three-game series in Toronto! They take your calls and texts, and get to the big night from Nathan Lukes, who clobbered a two-run bomb that held up as the game-winner - how important is it to get contributions from the two-hole again? They get into Jeff Hoffman's wild outing - despite him locking down the save, could the closer situation change for the playoffs? Plus, with only two games to go, what are the scenarios lying ahead for the starting rotation...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap the win vs. the Red Sox, where Louis Varland and Eric Lauer held things down, and the bats woke up in the 6th. MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch (30:25) joins to preview the Yankees ahead of their series vs. the Orioles. Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi (50:30) describes the atmosphere around the team after the win, Daulton Varsho responding against a lefty and the weekend ahead. Lastly, Apple TV’s Heidi Watney (1:14:55) provides the state of the Rays and what Clayton Kershaw’s final start was like. 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast ar...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 6-1 win over the Red Sox in the series finale! They take your calls and texts, and they get into the Jays bullpen who completed six perfect innings - what was clicking for Louis Varland, Eric Lauer, and the rest of the relievers tonight? Plus, they discuss Daulton Varsho smashing a grand slam, George Springer with a two-run bomb, and Anthony Santander narrowly missing a grand slam of his own earlier in the game.  

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of th...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap Max Scherzer’s rough first inning, John Schneider’s comments postgame, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s recent struggles and the decision to have a bullpen day and push Shane Bieber’s start back to Friday. Afterwards, Hannah Keyser (31:38) discusses the MLB's implementation of the ABS Challenge System in 2026 and new rules protecting teenagers from overusing their arms. The Score’s Jonah Birenbaum (54:08) pops in to talk about Scherzer’s start and how Toronto has lined up the rest of their starters for the remainder of the regular season. Lastly, the Athletic’s. Cody Stavenhagen (1:15:04) notes what has...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 7-1 loss vs. the Red Sox to lose the series in Toronto. They take your calls and texts, and get right to another game with a startling lack of offence - what can be gleaned from this extended slump after the bats were hot for most of the year? They discuss the Yankees dispatching the White Sox to finish the evening tied with the Blue Jays atop the division (tiebreaker notwithstanding), get to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and David Popkins both getting ejected late in the game, and discuss Max...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap the loss to the Red Sox, where Toronto couldn’t drive in runs, and George Springer had a clear double called foul. They also discuss the surprising decision to DFA Alek Manoah. Afterwards, MassLive’s Chris Cotillo (31:28) joins to break down what’s gone into the Red Sox’s turnaround, the team’s pitching behind Garrett Crochet. Sportsnet’s Dan Shulman (50:17) joins to give his thoughts on the Manoah move, the lack of run production and what he’s expecting from Max Scherzer tonight. Lastly, the Athletic’s Zack Meisel (1:15:48) describes how the Guardians have m...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 4-1 loss vs. the Red Sox to open the three-game series in Toronto. They take your calls and texts, and get to the lack of offence - what's going on? They also discuss some suspect umpire decisions that contributed to the loss, and get into the Yankees' walk-off win over the White Sox as the division lead narrows further. Plus, they get into the pre-game news that Alek Manoah has been designated for assignment - why was that decision made now as opposed to in the offseason?

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz are joined by 2007 World Series champion Jonathan Papelbon to discuss Boston’s starting rotation and the keys to relief pitching when you don’t have your best stuff. The Athletic’s C. Trent Rosecrans (26:47) talks about the surprising Cincinnati Reds, who’ve found themselves in a playoff spot as the Mets snowball. Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith (50:15) looks at how the Blue Jays have built their roster and what happens once Anthony Santander returns to the roster. Lastly, former Blue Jay B.J. Ryan (1:15:51) shares Roy Halladay stories, explains why Toronto was a memorable experience for him, a...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap the weekend’s action, where the Blue Jays finally clinched a playoff spot. They also look at the math for Toronto to clinch the A.L. East. Afterwards, Chad Jennings (31:49) of The Athletic discusses the playoff races heading into the final week of the regular season. Afterwards, Sportsnet’s Ben Shulman (51:56) talks about Jose Berrios moving to the bullpen, Chris Bassitt heading to the IL and the week ahead for Toronto. Lastly, WFAN 660 host Keith McPherson (1:16:49) discusses the Yankees’ late-season surge for the division crown and their chances of overtaking the Blue Jays with on...

Sho Alli and Daniele Franceschi break down the Blue Jays' 8-5 win over the Royals to officially punch their ticket to the 2025 MLB Playoffs! They take your calls and texts, and get right to the team's champagne-soaked celebrations - even with the division title still ahead, how great is it to see the team clinch a playoff spot just a year after finishing dead last in the AL East? They get into the win itself, including the controversial Daulton Varsho non-catch, some timely hitting from the bottom of the order, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. smashing a two-run double, Trey Yesavage...

Sho Alli and Jesse Rubinoff break down the Blue Jays' 2-1 loss vs. the Royals to lose the series in Kansas City. They take your calls and texts, and get right to another game where the bats were completely shut down - what gives? Is more needed from not just Vladimir Guerrero Jr., but George Springer, Alejandro Kirk, and the rest of the order? They get to a few positives as well, including Daulton Varsho smashing his 19th home run of the year and Shane Bieber nabbing a quality start despite the loss, and discuss the roster moves that...

Jeff Blair breaks down the Blue Jays' 20-1 loss vs. the Royals in Kansas City to open the final road series of the regular season. He takes your calls and texts, and discusses the tough start from Max Scherzer - should he no longer be considered for a playoff rotation, or should he get a few more shots? He gets into the lack of offence - outside of a Springer Dinger on his 36th birthday - in not just this game, but over the last three games...can they turn it around? Plus, José Berríos was seen in th...

Blake Murphy is joined by Sportsnet’s Chris Black to discuss Toronto’s depth and why they struggled to hit against the Rays. Afterwards, Joon Lee (30:22) joins to discuss the experiences of Dodgers Stadium, commonalities between the best teams in the MLB and more. Following that, Ryan Spilborghs (50:23) of Apple TV pops in to talk his concerns about Toronto’s bullpen, celebrating postseason and division titles and why Trey Yesavage puts hitters in a bind with his release. Lastly, MLB.com’s Anne Rogers (1:14:56) provides the state of the Kansas City Royals, who haven’t met expectations this season. 

The vie...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 4-0 loss in the series finale vs. the Rays. They take your calls and texts, and get right to the lack of offence against Shane Baz - is this just a blip or are there larger trends to be worried about? Is there concern about Vladimir Guerrero Jr.? They discuss Chris Bassitt' 4.1 IP allowing three earned runs - what's the level of confidence in Bassitt as the playoffs approach? Plus, they get into the starters for the coming series vs. the Royals, and discuss Anthony Santander smashing a home...