Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show discussing the Atlanta Braves punching their ticket to the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers before bringing on Milwaukee Brewers TV analyst and former MLB pitcher Tim Dillard (7:42). They chat about the sustainability of power pitching and hitting through the post-season, who would be some of the x-factors on the Brewers during their series against the San Diego Padres, Brice Turang's ability to drive in multiple runs, and how batters would attack Jacob Misiorowski. Then, ESPN and host of Sources Tell Jeff Passan joins the guys (30:47) to touch on the New...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to the New York Yankees eliminating the Boston Red Sox in their AL Wild Card series, Sonny Gray's post-game comments on being pulled out of the game, Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays matchup for the ALDS, and who has the edge between the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians. Then, Toronto Blue Jays reliever Brendan Cellucci (15:53) chats about his September outings with the team, witnessing his minor league teammates get called up, his conversation with Max Scherzer, the changes in his pitching from being released by the Red Sox to signing with the...

Ross Atkins (5:30) joins Blair & Barker to discuss the Blue Jays' biggest offseason priorities after a disappointing year, including the challenge of getting Vladimir Guerrero Jr. back to his elite level. Atkins addresses the causes behind Vladdy's struggles, the club's injury-filled campaign, Dylan Cease's first season in Toronto, Brandon Valenzuela's rise, and what lies ahead for Spencer Miles. He also weighs in on John Schneider's season, the need for veteran leadership, and whether lockout uncertainty could impact the team's approach to free agency. Later, Shi Davidi (29:55) reacts to the front office's end-of-season press conference and examines whether the organization has...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off Blair and Barker breaking down tonight's slate of Wild Card matchups, headlined by Yankees vs. Red Sox. They debate whether the rivalry still carries the same weight, Aaron Judge's absence, Giancarlo Stanton's return, and whether New York's season is a failure without a World Series appearance. Plus, is Aaron Boone on the hot seat if the Yankees fall short? Later, Jon Morosi (9:41) shares his final thoughts on the Blue Jays' disappointing year, lays out an offseason to-do list, and discusses potential targets in free agency. Then, Lou Merloni joins the show (31:37) to...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker reflect on the club's biggest shortcomings and what must change heading into next year. They discuss Max Scherzer's potential final MLB start, whether the future Hall of Famer could return for one more season, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sitting out the season finale. Blue Jays reporter Hazel Mae joins the show (13:10) to share stories from covering Scherzer and George Springer throughout their careers, revisit Springer's tenure in Toronto, and examine the biggest challenges faced by John Schneider this season. Plus, Hazel discusses her new book Before I Let You Go: My Life in Broadcasting...

Ben Shulman (1:39) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss the potential reception Vladimir Guerrero Jr. could receive from fans following his controversial comments, evaluate Jose Soriano's impact since arriving at the trade deadline, and identify the Blue Jays' biggest offseason priorities. They also debate George Springer's future with the club and whether Brett Bateman can establish himself as an everyday leadoff hitter next season. Later, former MLB pitcher Chris Welsh stops by (26:38) to discuss the Reds' disappointing campaign, the mood of the Cincinnati fanbase, Elly De La Cruz's standout year, expectations for Sal Stewart, and the continued rise...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker reflect on a disappointing Blue Jays season as the club heads into its final three games. They react to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s press conference, dissect his apology, examine the factors behind his struggles, and discuss how both Vladdy and the organization can rebound next year. Later, Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins the show (28:03) to discuss missing the playoffs, Guerrero's comments and their impact in the clubhouse, why he'll remain in the lineup to finish the season, Max Scherzer's and George Springer's futures, and his message to fans after a disappointing season.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker welcome Erik Kratz (0:35) to discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s controversial comments, how a clubhouse might react, and what Vladdy’s approach should be for last final games. They also dive into Brandon Valenzuela’s role, Max Scherzer’s future, the Blue Jays’ offseason priorities, and the playoff picture across the AL. Later, Jeff Passan (28:12) weighs in on the reaction to Vladdy’s comments, the futures of George Springer and Scherzer, Aaron Judge’s Wild Card status, and what Toronto must do to bounce back in 2027.

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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s controversial comments, what they could mean for his teammates and the fan base, and whether his contract expectations are a fair explanation for his struggles. They debate how the Blue Jays should handle Vladdy over the season’s final games, the pressure he'll face moving forward, and whether he can carry a contender on his own. Later, Ben Nicholson-Smith joins the show (30:21) to weigh in on Vladdy’s comments, clubhouse reactions, and the road ahead for a club facing a pivotal winter.

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Following the Blue Jays' elimination from postseason contention after a loss to the Baltimore Orioles, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off the abridged edition with radio analyst Chris Leroux (1:30). They discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s recent comments about his contract, how the clubhouse might react to it, and whether it warrents an apology to the team. Then, they look ahead and discuss whether the Jays have found something in José Rodríguez for 2027, what the front office will need to do on the pitching side in the offseason, and more.

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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open Hour 2 with Sportsnet MLB insider Shi Davidi (2:15) to discuss the mood around the Blue Jays clubhouse after last night's loss, the futures of Brett Bateman, Myles Straw, and Josh Smith, and where Jose Berrios stands. They also dig into how John Schneider and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s relationship has evolved this year, Spencer Miles' future role, how a lockout could affect offseason plans, and whether Anthony Santander returns to the Jays' lineup next season. Later, The Athletic's Jayson Stark (27:22) joins to debate his AL Least Valuable Player pick between Guerrero Jr. and Cal...

With the Blue Jays' game rained out, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on their series-opening loss to the Baltimore Orioles. They discuss Brett Bateman's injury, Pete Alonso getting the better of Tyler Rogers, Trey Yesavage's performance in his return, early impressions of José Rodríguez, what is still left to learn with five days left in the regular season, and the uncertainties clouding the Blue Jays' offseason. Later, WEEI's Rob Bradford stops by (30:26) to discuss Red Sox manager Chad Tracy's newly signed extension, the catalyst behind Boston's turnaround this season, the state of their bullpen ahead of th...

Orioles analyst and former MLB pitcher Ben McDonald joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker ahead of the Blue Jays' penultimate series of the regular season in Baltimore (0:24). They discuss the role weather may play at Camden Yards, how pitchers deal with rain delays disrupting their routines, how the Orioles' front office will react to their disappointing year in the offseason, and Coby Mayo's star ceiling. Jeff and Kevin tune into John Schneider's availability before welcoming Blue Jays Central analyst Caleb Joseph into the studio (27:30). He weighs in on Cease's injury, what to expect from Trey Yesavage in his return...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open this edition sharing their reactions to the Blue Jays losing two of three over the weekend in Texas. They discuss the injuries to Dylan Cease and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., whether Cease will make another start this season, the Jays’ postseason chances with just six games remaining, and how the lineup needs to change this offseason. Then, Jeff and Kevin welcome former Twins GM and co-host of Rosters to Rings, Thad Levine (31:01). He touches on the impact of Dylan Cease missing his next start, how concerning his velocity dip is, what the Jays' outlook is...

MLB Network insider Jon Morosi (1:47) joins Blair and Barker to discuss the penultimate weekend of the regular season, and what the Jays need to do to win the Wild Card race. He discusses Dylan Cease's concerning finish, potential consequences in Toronto if the Blue Jays miss the playoffs, and whether the Dodgers are vulnerable heading into the postseason. Later, Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant stops by (30:45) to share a Rangers POV of the Blue Jays' weekend series, discuss how Justin Foscue has revitalized their lineup, and break down what the Jays' bats can expect from the top of Texas...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker tee up the Blue Jays' pivotal weekend series against the Texas Rangers. They discuss what it'll take from the Jays to get a playoff spot with just nine games remaining, the nasty collision between Mets' Jared Young and Nolan McLean, their expectations for Dylan Cease in the series opener, and how the Jays attack the top of the Rangers' rotation. Then, Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins the show from Arlington (26:21) to discuss what recent call-up José Rodríguez can bring to the team, Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage's progress, how Cease is dealing wi...

Host of 'Nothing Personal' and former MLB executive David Samson (0:38) joins Blair and Barker to kick off the second hour. He weighs in on whether this is finally the Brewers' year, Kyle Tucker's down season, why the Blue Jays shouldn't overreact and over-correct in the offseason, and Pete Alonso's getting a curtain call on the road in Queens. Then, Jeff and Kevin react to Anthony Santander's latest setback before ESPN MLB reporter Jesse Rogers stops by (28:00) to discuss the White Sox's path to reclaiming the top spot in the AL Central in the final stretch of the season, Munetaka...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin this off-day edition by looking at the possible pitching plans for both the Blue Jays and Texas Rangers for their upcoming three-game series, before diving into what the Jays will need to do in their remaining nine games to make the playoffs, and touch on the playoff outlooks for the Rays and Dodgers. Then, ESPN MLB insider and host of Sources Tell Jeff Passan joins the show (25:50). He chats with Jeff and Kevin about whether this year’s playoff outcomes could change MLB’s CBA negotiations, no MLB owners accepting his invite to join...

Sportsnet TV play-by-play voice of the Blue Jays Dan Shulman (0:43) joins Blair and Barker following the Jays' series-opening loss to the Detroit Tigers. He discusses the plan for Dylan Cease down the stretch, why we might see Trey Yesavage return sooner than later, Kazuma Okamoto's case for AL Rookie of the Year, what Brett Bateman's role will be in 2027, and much more. Later, MLB Network Radio host and former MLB pitcher Jensen Lewis (22:49) stops by to discuss the Guardians' historical success in Septembers, José Ramírez still fighting lingering effects from his hamate bone injury, whether Kenley Jansen is a...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin by sharing their reactions to the Blue Jays’ series-opening loss to the Tigers. They discuss John Schneider’s bullpen decisions, Charles McAdoo not stealing, Kazuma Okamoto’s home run, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s struggles at the plate. Then, former Major Leaguer and current Tigers broadcaster Bobby Scales joins the show (27:15) to chat about Kevin McGonigle’s stellar rookie season, what to expect from Drew Anderson on the mound, Kenley Jansen needing just four saves to reach 500 in his career, and Max Clark’s rise to the majors.

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Co-Host of Intentional Talk and former MLB pitcher Ryan Dempster (3:43) joins Blair and Barker to discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s first homer at home of the season, whether Vladdy's season can be written off as a fluke, and how the home run can ignite the Jays' playoff push. Then, they chat about what makes José Soriano's sinker elite, how pitchers recover from non-arm injuries like Trey Yesavage, and whether the Cubs' pitching is good enough for a deep playoff run. Later, Tigers analyst and former Barker teammate Andy Dirks (32:44) stops by to help tee up the Blue Jays series a...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show discussing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hitting his first home run at Rogers Centre since the 2025 postseason as the Blue Jays won the last two games against the visiting Baltimore Orioles, Dylan Cease overcoming his dip in fastball velocity, Brett Bateman's power, if he could be the future lead-off hitter, and Spencer Arrighetti's improvements against the Orioles. Then, former MLB catcher, World Series champion and co-host on Foul Territory A.J. Pierzynski joins the guys (29:25) to chat about the crowd's reaction to Vlad Jr. getting picked off on base in the series opener...

Jeff and Kevin are joined by MLB Network Radio's and former Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets manager Jim Duquette (1:22) to get his thought on the Blue Jays designating Jesús Sánchez for assignment after being with the team majority of the season, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s decline this year and the lack of home run power compared to 2025, who will sneak into the last AL Wild Card spot, if Bo Bichette would opt out of his contract after his first year with New York, what Pete Alonso has brought to the Orioles, and who should dictate Shohei Oh...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get set for the Blue Jays' weekend series against the Baltimore Orioles. They react to the Jays' decision to DFA Jesús Sánchez and call up Rudy Martin Jr., the team's opportunity to make up ground in the Wild Card race, and what to expect from former Blue Jay Chris Bassitt who starts for Baltimore in the series opener. Later, Blue Jays manager John Schneider stops by (26:28) to discuss the timing of the decision to DFA Sánchez, Anthony Santander's progress, Spencer Miles' potential future role, what he wants to see from Dylan Cea...

Blair and Barker are joined by ESPN's MLB insider and Host of Sources Tell Jeff Passan (1:06) to give an early look at the 2027 Blue Jays opening day roster, who overlaps from the 2026 squad, the upcoming free agency class, why it's too early to give up on Vladimir Guerrero Jr., if Bo Bichette believes he can win in New York, the potential of him opting out of his new contract, and the future of the aging L.A. Dodgers' roster. Then, Jeff and Kevin head to the Back-Leg Line to hear from listeners after the Blue Jays lost their road...

On the off-day edition, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker start with a look back on the Blue Jays' series loss to the Athletics. They discuss the Jays' bats going quiet in the series finale, whether they could make the playoffs without Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contributing offensively, the significance of the upcoming series against the Orioles, and Alejandro Kirk's missed opportunity on the basepaths. Later, Blue Jays Central's Caleb Joseph stops by (31:12) to share his takeaways from the Jays' road trip, the vibe in the clubhouse after a frustrating series, why Vladdy's struggles are more 'between the ears' than mechanical...

Kevin Barker's former skipper and current Nashville Sounds, Milwaukee Brewers AAA Affiliate manager Rick Sweet (12:00) joins the guys to chat about how he has dealt with players who've had struggles both in their at-bats and on defence, how difficult is it to throw and manage a no-hitter after former Blue Jay Thomas Pannone made history in International League history, and the biggest changes in managing a team since he first started up till today. Then, L.A. Times national MLB writer Bill Shaikin joins the guys (31:36) to discuss what it means for the Angels to have a fresh start...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' series-opening loss to the A's in Sacramento, including Dylan Cease's worrying drop in velocity, another quiet offensive game from Vladdy Jr., and whether Kazuma Okamoto can be an everyday third baseman for a championship team. Then, A's analyst and former MLB pitcher Dallas Braden (14:30) shares his thoughts on Cease's velo dip, Henry Bolte's potential, and the ceiling of a healthy A's team in 2027. Later, former Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero (29:52) weighs in on what's behind Cease's recent dip, why he's not overly concerned after the rocky start against...

Radio voice of the Athletics Ken Korach (3:55) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about the expectations of the A's heading into the 2026 campaign and how it has turned out into September, playing in a temporary ball park in West Sacramento, manager Mark Kotsay's message to the clubhouse handling the inconsistencies between the win and loss columns, who stands out in their order, and if Kotsay will be the manager of the future when the team heads to Las Vegas. Then, national MLB writer for USA Today's Bob Nightengale stops by (30:34) to take a deeper dive into MLB's...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' weekend series win over the Kansas City Royals. They discuss the issues at the bottom of the Jays' pitching rotation, another Jesús Sánchez error in the outfield, Brett Bateman's role, and more. Then, Sportsnet MLB insider Shi Davidi stops by (27:20) ahead of the conclusion of the Jays' road trip in Sacramento against the A's, and he chats about the Jays' plan for Spencer Arrighetti's next start, impressions of Ricky Tiedemann's play so far, Trey Yesavage's recovery timeline, where Anthony Santander would fit if he returns to th...

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (1:12) joins Blair and Barker to chat about the injury statuses for Anthony Santander and Trey Yesavage, if either of them are close to returning to the team, if there has been any adjustments to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s swing after making contact during the Cleveland Guardians series, Brett Bateman moving up and down in the batter's box, if the coaching staff have unlocked the version of José Soriano they wanted on the mound, expectations for Jameson Taillon starting against the Kansas City Royals, the order running up an opposing pitcher's pitch count recently, E...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get set for the Blue Jays' weekend series against the Kansas City Royals. They look at the AL Wild Card standings before discussing Anthony Santander commencing rehab games in Triple-A, Trey Yesavage nearing a return, what to expect from the bottom of the rotation in Kansas City, and signs that Vladdy Jr. is on the verge of a hot streak. Later, Royals TV analyst Rex Hudler (23:36) stops by to discuss the role the weather plays at Kauffman Stadium, how the Jays can attack starter Daniel Lynch IV, Bobby Witt Jr.'s up and down...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off the abridged post-game edition with MLB Network insider Jon Morosi (2:51). They discuss how the Blue Jays' series win over the Guardians sets them up in the AL Wild Card race, the impacts of deadline additions Brett Bateman and José Soriano, why he likes the Jays' chances to take the final Wild Card spot over the Orioles. Then, Jon, Jeff and Kevin chat about potential ripple effects of Stan Kroenke's purchase of the Angels, the AL Cy Young race, and the Dodgers' struggles without Will Smith in the lineup.

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Blair and Barker are joined by former MLB infielder and MLB Network analyst Yonder Alonso (1:27) to discuss what makes the Cleveland Guardians historically resilient in the month of September, José Ramírez fully recovering from the broken hamate bone in his left hand, why Vladdy's hitting concerns can't be fixed until the offseason, who will hold the third spot in the AL Wild Card, and the concern level with the Dodgers. Then, Blue Jays Central analyst and former MLB outfielder Kevin Pillar (27:32) joins the guys to chat about Brett Bateman becoming the unlikely hero for the Jays, how his ga...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' series-opening loss to the Cleveland Guardians. They discuss Gavin Williams' dominance over the Jays' lineup, the team's standing in the Wild Card race, and the decision to turn to Joe Mantiply in a one-run game. Later, Jeff and Kevin discuss the Angels as MLB's next big spenders after being sold to Stan Kroenke. They are joined by former MLB president David Samson (31:28), who shares some thoughts on the Clippers punishment in the NBA, the Angels' sale, the latest around MLB's CBA negotiations, and much more.

The...

1992 World Series Champion with the Blue Jays and author of his upcoming memoir 'Touching All The Bases', Dave Winfield (1:22) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about his early days being involved in multiple sports prior to playing professional baseball, what made him stick to baseball, going against George Steinbrenner, leaving the New York Yankees, his years in Minnesota and Toronto, and how he adjusted his hitting during a prolonged slump. Then, Cleveland Guardians TV analyst (25:35) and former MLB catcher Chris Gimenez joins to discuss why things have started going the team's way as they hold the final...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get set for the Blue Jays' pivotal series against the Cleveland Guardians. To help, Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker stops by (8:21) to discuss the plan for recently called up prospect Ricky Tiedemann, what he's learned from Spencer Miles' rookie season, early returns from Spencer Arrighetti, what's behind Dylan Cease's dip in velocity, and how José Soriano has adapted with the Jays' process. Later, Blue Jays legend Carlos Delgado joins the show (28:45) to discuss the Jays' Wild Card push, what we need to see from Vladdy Jr. down the stretch, and what it means t...

The Athletic's Jayson Stark (1:11) joins Blair and Barker to chat about why the Los Angeles Dodgers could be vulnerable this season, his research into why Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has yet to hit a home run at home this season, Max Scherzer turning back the clock in his recent outing against the Seattle Mariners, Yankees and Red Sox rivalry renewed, and the state of the AL Wild Card race. Then, Jeff and Kevin head to the Back Leg Line to get listener's reactions to the Blue Jays sweeping the Mariners over the weekend.

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On the off-day edition, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' weekend sweep over the Seattle Mariners, including Max Scherzer turning back the clock in the series finale. MLB Network analyst and former MLB pitcher Dan Plesac joins the show (7:10) to discuss the wild AL Wild Card race, Scherzer's dominant outing, how the Jays can get the best out of José Soriano, the difficulty of staying focused in the final stretch of a season, and why the White Sox will hold on to the top spot in the AL Central. Later, Jeff and Kevin discuss w...

Blair and Barker are joined by Ryan Divish (2:20) of The Seattle Times to chat about the Mariners' season, Cal Raleigh's down offensive year, why Julio Rodríguez can't find consistency, why lefty starter Kade Anderson stands out from the rest, how the team can collectively fix their offence, and the worst case scenario with the future of the roster and management if the team doesn't make the postseason. Then guys head to the Back Leg Line to hear from Blue Jays fans ahead of their three-game series against the visiting Mariners for the first time since the ALCS. Afterwards, J...