Blair & Barker

Madison Shipman, Blue Jays Central analyst, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about how Toronto can carry over the momentum of last night's electric win. The trio take a closer look at Anthony Santander's clutch home run, Alan Roden at the plate, Jeff Hoffman's presence in high-leverage spots, the rise of Brendon Little, José Berríos' plan of attack tonight, and how to manage Andrés Giménez. Jeff and Kevin then open up the "Back Leg Line" to hear your questions and comments! Rob Bradford (27:45), Red Sox reporter for WEEI and host of the Baseball Isn't Bori...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker rejoice following the Blue Jays' 7-6 walk-off win over the Red Sox in extra innings! The boys recap the marquee moments from the game including Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s clutch tag-up to move to third base, Anthony Santander's three-run blast, and Alejandro Kirk's heroics on his own bobblehead night. Jeff and Kevin also take some time to discuss Yariel Rodriguez' rough start to the game and where he fits in the pitching staff, before debating if Aroldis Chapman's career deserves Hall of Fame recognition. Chris Rose (27:15), host of Dugout Discussions and Baseball Today with...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker air out the remainder of their Blue Jays' frustrations, before teeing up tonight's lineup with Yariel Rodriguez on the mound. They welcome on Alanna Rizzo (12:22), MLB Network analyst and new member of NESN's Red Sox coverage, to take a look around the majors! The trio chat about the Dodgers' road to NL West title, Mookie Betts' adjustment to playing shortstop, and Teoscar Hernández' fit in Los Angeles, before weighing in on Toronto's window to win. Later, ESPN's Tim Kurkjian (29:00) checks in on the Orioles' rough month of April, the Yankees' ceiling, and if i...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker hit the airwaves following the Blue Jays' 10-2 defeat in last night's series opener against the Boston Red Sox. The boys sift through that stats that dictate just how bad Toronto's offense has been to start the season, before zooming out to discuss the level of panic around the organization and the fanbase. Jeff and Kevin take some time to debate if Pete Rose should be reinstated into Major League Baseball following Rob Manfred's meeting with United States President Donald Trump. Later on, Blue Jays play-by-play voice on Sportsnet, Dan Shulman (24:10), lays out some...

Alex Speier, Red Sox writer for the Boston Globe, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to help tee up this week's series in Toronto. Alex dives into how the Red Sox have rounded into form, the fan reception for Garrett Crochet, if Rafael Devers' DH debate is finally put to rest, Kristian Campbell's early returns, the state of Boston's bullpen, Jarren Duran's star-power, and more! After the break, Jeff and Kevin open up the "Back Leg Line" to respond to your questions and comments (21:35).

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

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open the show previewing tonight's series opener between the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. They begin with thoughts on Daulton Varsho's pending return; where he will slot into the lineup and who will be the odd man out on the roster. The boys move on to tee up this week's pitching matchups including who will get the ball on Thursday, the recipe for Bowden Francis' success tonight, and how to attack opposing starter Garrett Crochet. Sportsnet's Shi Davidi (24:42) joins the conversation as news breaks of Daulton Varsho's official return and Will Wagner's...

Jim Bowden, former MLB executive and current CBS Sports analyst, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to share his impressions from the first month of the season. Jim weighs in on when it's time to shake up an unproductive lineup and John Schneider's decision to keep Kevin Gausman on the mound during a tumultuous third inning, before taking a look around the league to discuss the state of the Orioles, Tigers, and Yankees. Buck Martinez (23:50), former Blue Jays catcher and current Sportsnet broadcaster, joins the boys on an off day ahead of Toronto's upcoming homestand. Buck chats about the...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open this week expressing their frustrations after the Blue Jays' series loss to the Yankees, capped off by a sweep of Sunday's double-header. The guys dive into Kevin Gausman's rough start and subsequent ejection, the team's ongoing offensive struggles, and how to address the lineup. Later on, Ryan LaPensee and Paul Lamantia (24:40), co-founders of Backyard Bats, join the show. The pair chat about the origins of their company, the challenges that come with breaking into the professional market, how the relationship with Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos developed, their thoughts on the new "torpedo...

John Schneider, Manager of your Toronto Blue Jays, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker live from Yankee Stadium. Skip shares an update on Daulton Varsho, Nick Sandlin and Erik Swanson as they work back from injury, before getting into where Varsho would likely slot into the lineup when he returns and what went wrong for his team in Houston. John also weighs in Anthony Santander's slow offensive start, Alejandro Kirk at the plate, Paul Goldschmidt's impact in the Bronx, how to contain Aaron Judge, the state of Kevin Gausman's splitter, and the idea of George Springer returning to the...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off Friday's episode teeing up this weekend's series in the Bronx. The pair break down José Berríos' keys to success against the Yankees' sluggers and how to navigate New York's lineup, before discussing Daulton Varsho's pending return and the idea of Bo Bichette batting fourth in the order. ESPN's Jeff Passan (23:28) checks in on the Cubs' red-hot start to 2025, what's wrong with the Phillies, the sustainability of Aaron Judge's .415 average, and Kevin Gausman's work refining his splitter. 

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