Blair & Barker

The Athletic's and co-host of the Starkville Podcast Jayson Stark (1:09) joins Jeff and Kevin to discuss the Boston Red Sox's turnaround on both end of the field, whether Aroldis Chapman will enter the Baseball Hall of Fame once his career ends, how the Blue Jays and Phillies came out of the trade deadline, why he doesnt' understand AL Central-leading Tigers trading away Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize, and if the day of the trade deadline should be moved. Then, Red Sox analyst and former MLB infielder Lou Merloni (28:46) jumps on to chat about why Willson Contreras is a definition...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Toronto Blue Jays' weekend series win over the Philadelphia Phillies. They discuss the team's recent resilience in close games, wear and tear on the bullpen, the decision to send Davis Schneider back to Triple-A, the Jays' standing in the Wild Card race, and José Soriano's debut. Then, Jeff and Kevin react to Kazuma Okamoto being named a late scratch ahead of the Jays series-opener against the Red Sox, and they take your calls and questions on the Back Leg Line!

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Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (2:21) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss calling up outfielder and Jays' 20th ranked prospect Brett Bateman, why he doesn't envision moving Vlad Jr. down the lineup, José Soriano's club debut, Dylan Cease's recent run of dominance, Anthony Santander's recovery, Trey Yesavage update, and if a path is open for Ricky Tiedemann to get to the Majors. Then, Sportsnet's Ben Shulman joins the guys (27:36) to share his expectations for Soriano's Jays' debut, why Alejandro Kirk has moved up into the two-hole, if there's caution around Louis Varland's control in the 9th inning, Spe...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get set for the Blue Jays' weekend series against the Philadelphia Phillies. They discuss how the Jays can attack Phillies starter Zach Wheeler in the opener and what to expect from José Soriano in his Blue Jays debut. Then, they look at the American League standings, the Jays' outlook in the Wild Card race, and whether the Red Sox are now the team to beat. Later, former Phillies GM and host of 'The Phillies Show' Ruben Amaro Jr. stops by (27:28) to share his early impressions of deadline addition Luis Arráez, why the team ha...

Blue Jays analyst and former MLB catcher Caleb Joseph (2:49) joins Jeff and Kevin to chat about post-trade deadline clubhouse environment during his career, why he wasn't surprised who was traded off the Jays' roster, how José Soriano could be valuable in Toronto, and Spencer Miles and Braydon Fisher battling for a bigger role. Then, the guys hear from the newest Blue Jays pitcher José Soriano ahead of their second game against the Houston Astros. To wrap up, MLB Pipeline's Jonathan Mayo stops by (28:45) to discuss the return for Jeff Hoffman including left-handed pitcher Dasan Hill, how fans should analyze de...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' series-opening win over the Houston Astros before welcoming ESPN insider Jeff Passan (5:38) to help break down Monday's trade deadline. They discuss the Jays' moves, why it's difficult to move position players at the deadline, the Orioles' return for Adley Rutschman, why the Yankees weren't aggressive, and the Braves and Astros' underwhelming days. Later, Blue Jays Executive Vice President and GM Ross Atkins (25:18) joins the show to discuss what went into the team's unique approach to the deadline, why they didn't add an impact bat, what went wrong for...

With the 2026 MLB trade deadline in the books, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker reflect on the Blue Jays' moves, grade Ross Atkins' performance, and react to the flurry of deals finalized after the 6 PM cutoff, including the Padres' buzzer-beater acquisition of Casey Mize. Sportsnet MLB insider Shi Davidi (7:19) weighs in on the biggest surprises for the Blue Jays on deadline day, who will take Jeff Hoffman's leverage innings, the clubhouse vibe, and how the centrefield-duties will be split without Daulton Varsho. Later, Jeff and Kevin chat about where the Jays stand for the rest of 2026 and beyond and hear...

On the second hour of the trade deadline edition, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker touch on the future of the Blue Jays' starting rotation, Max Scherzer's second start since coming off the IL against the St. Louis Cardinals, Kevin Gausman's tenure as a Jay both on and off the field, the door for Spencer Miles to become a starter, and why the team aren't selling. The guys then shift their attention to the Baltimore Orioles trading away Adley Rutschman to the Boston Red Sox and how this adds fuel to what has been a magical season for Boston. Afterwards...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off the first of their three-hour trade deadline special with a look-back on the Blue Jays' deals so far, including Kevin Gausman being sent to the Cubs and the addition of José Soriano. Then, they discuss the moves around the majors, the Dodgers predictably winning the Tarik Skubal sweepstakes, the Red Sox and Orioles coming to terms on trade for Adley Rutschman, and they react live to the Jays trading Daulton Varsho to the Astros. Then, former pitcher and MLB Network Radio host Jensen Lewis (29:25) shares his thoughts on the Jays' unique deadline s...

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (2:11) joins the guys to chat about approaching the last series before the trade deadline as business as usual, his goal for Vladdy with the remaining games on the year, Dylan Cease's increased workload and success on the mound, how Andres Gimenez and Ernie Clement acclimated themselves in different roles around the infield, Jesús Sánchez's return, and Kevin Gausman's comments around the chemistry in the clubhouse compared to the 2025 World Series team. Then, Blue Jays TV play-by-play voice Dan Shulman stops by (27:48) to discuss why the Jays' deadline plans could be fluid th...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get set for the Blue Jays' final series ahead of the trade deadline, a three-game set against the St. Louis Cardinals. They discuss the team's goals down the stretch, predict which Jays will be moved on or ahead of deadline day, and catch up on the latest trade buzz around the majors. Then, Phillies reporter Lochlahn March (26:56) stops by amid reports that the Phillies have emerged as a potential trade partner for the Blue Jays. She discusses Don Mattingly and Bryce Harper's back-and-forth through the media, why the Phillies will go 'all-in' this season...

Co-host of Cardinal Territory and World Series Champion, Lance Lynn (5:00) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about the St. Louis based-team's record, their projections before the season, Jordan Walker's growth, how the organization will approach the trade deadline and potentially build around Walker, navigating a trade deadline as a veteran player, and clubhouse dynamics in a losing season. Then, Sportsnet's MLB insider Shi Davidi stops by (29:02) to chat about the state of the Blue Jays heading into their final series before the trade deadline, whether he sees Jeff Hoffman on the move, if they'd consider moving their...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open the off-day edition with the latest trade buzz ahead of the deadline, including Tarik Skubal being linked to the LA Dodgers and the Phillies emerging as a trade partner with the Blue Jays. ESPN investigative reporter Tisha Thompson joins the show (22:27) to talk about and share some stories from her new podcast series, 'The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani,' which documents how Ohtani's relationship with interpreter Ippei Mizuhara unraveled amid the gambling scandal in 2024. Later, MLB.com Tigers reporter Jason Beck stops by (38:54) to share the latest on the Skubal sweepstakes, whether trading...

Following the Blue Jays' 5-2 win over the Nationals to clinch the series, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker welcome former MLB catcher and host of 'Four Territory' Erik Kratz (0:41) to the post-game edition! They discuss Shane Bieber's six-walk inning, why the Jays should be bold at the deadline, and what's behind the Phillies' recent skid. Later, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan (28:55) stops by to share why Kevin Gausman's trade value hasn't dropped after a run of rocky outings, whether the Jays could add at the deadline to address needs in 2027, and the case to sell high on Louis Varland.<...

Blue Jays radio analyst and former MLB pitcher Chris Leroux (0:18) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about Max Scherzer's first start since coming off the IL against the Washington Nationals, how Shane Bieber has started to trust his pitches again, getting back the 'competitive edge' after an injury, Jeff Hoffman's slider, his trade value, why he would be content with trading Ernie Clement, and Spencer Miles' future on the rotation. Then, the guys hear from manager John Schneider ahead of their second game against the Nats and head to the Back Leg Line to hear listeners' calls!<...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' series-opening win against the Washington Nationals and discuss Max Scherzer's return, Jeff Hoffman and Tyler Rogers' trade values, and whether a win streak could change the Jays' deadline plans. Then, former Washington Nationals GM and President Mike Rizzo joins the show (25:48) to discuss retooling a team after a World Series run as he did with the Nats in 2021, the trade deadline from an executive's point of view, the challenges of moving a player with trade protection, Max Scherzer's legacy, and what went into the Juan Soto trade negotiations.<...

Former Blue Jay, current Blue Jays Central analyst and host of Blue Bird Territory Kevin Pillar (2:48) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss dealing with the noise around the trade deadline as a player, why pending free agents could be on the move, Shane Bieber's performances since coming off of Tommy John surgery, why the season so far has been a failure on the players over the manager and coaching staff, Dylan Cease's evolution, and his role in the upcoming 'The Catch' movie. Then, we hear from manager John Schneider and share some reactions on injury updates for...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open the week by teeing up the Blue Jays' series against the Washington Nationals, with Max Scherzer returning to the mound in the series-opener on his 42nd birthday. Then, they discuss the team's goals as they inch closer to the trade deadline, Dylan Cease's complete game against the Red Sox, and Kevin Gausman's trade value after a recent rough stretch. Later, USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale stops by (30:16) from the Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cooperstown to discuss what the Jays could net in a potential Shane Bieber trade, Alejandro Kirk's trade...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to the news of Addison Barger out for the rest of the season with a scheduled surgery on his elbow before bringing in MLB Network's Jon Morosi to discuss if the Blue Jays sweeping the streaking Red Sox in Boston would change their approach towards the trade deadline, Philadelphia Phillies' rumoured interest in Jeff Hoffman, if Alejandro Kirk has a potential market amongst the other catchers, Tarik Skubal's next team, and the 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame class. Then, WEEI's and host of 'Baseball Isn't Boring' Rob Bradford stops by to chat about how...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get set for the Blue Jays' weekend series against the Boston Red Sox. They discuss Brandon Valenzuela being left off the lineup in the series opener, whether Shane Bieber's resurgence makes him available at the trade deadline, and whether Vladdy Jr.'s swing is fixable in 2026. Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins the show to discuss Max Scherzer's triple-A progress, how Kazuma Okamoto can avoid extended slumps, what's behind the team's historic success at Fenway Park, Trey Yesavage’s in-game adjustments, and much more.

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Blue Jays Central analyst Caleb Joseph joins the show (3:50) to share his thoughts on whether the 2026 roster can get back on track, if defensive slumps are real, Kevin Gausman's last five starts, and the veteran buy-in during a down season. Then, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker hear from manager John Schneider ahead of their third game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Afterwards, The Athletic's Jayson Stark (26:47) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about his mid-season awards, Vlad Jr.'s low home run numbers, the Boston Red Sox tying their franchise record win streak, and which teams are...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' 12-2 loss to the Rays. Tampa Bay Times reporter Marc Topkin stops by (6:42) to discuss the Rays' biggest deadline need, the success of the Yandy Díaz, Jonathan Aranda and Junior Caminero hitting trio, and Kevin Cash's growth as a manager. Then, Jeff and Kevin discuss where Chandler Simpson stands amongst the fastest MLB players of all time, listen to Max Scherzer's availability after his Triple-A start, and take your calls and questions on the Back Leg Line!

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

Blue Jays TV play-by-play voice Dan Shulman (0:43) looks at the team's trade deadline options, the potential last start for Kevin Gausman in Toronto, the change in his delivery on the mound, John Schneider's decision to move Ernie Clement in the third spot of the order, the clubhouse vibe through the down season and towards the deadline, and if the Tampa Bay Rays are one bat away towards becoming contenders. Then, host of Baseball Today and Dugout Discussions Chris Rose (27:55) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about what could be behind the Boston Red Sox's recent surge, the...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' 7-1 loss to open their series against the Tampa Bay Rays. They discuss the team becoming a 'tough watch,' Kevin Gausman's reworked delivery ahead of his potential final start at the Rogers Centre, John Schneider's future as manager in Toronto, and whether this is more than just a bad season for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Later, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan joins the show (31:28) to weigh in on whether Nolan Arenado will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, if the Jays are 'fixable' after 100 games, Kevin Gausman's trade...

Todd Stottlemyre (3:08), two-time World Series champion pitcher with the Blue Jays, reflects on the life and career of his former teammate Duane Ward, his presence in the clubhouse and on the mound, the pitcher's game-day routines, and the importance of the 1991 season and its impact on the following back-to-back World Series wins. Then, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker listen to John Schneider's pre-game media availability ahead of their series against the Tampa Bay Rays before bringing on Rays' TV analyst and former pitcher Brian Anderson (30:00) to look at how the team can hold the top spot of the AL...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off the week with a look back on the Blue Jays' series loss to the Chicago White Sox over the weekend. They discuss Shane Bieber's bounce-back, dwindling playoff chances, and why so many of the Jays' top players from 2025 have regressed in 2026. Then, they discuss the Joe Carter statue unveiling ceremony in honour of the Jays' World Series wins in 1992 and 1993, and reflect on the life and legacy of Duane Ward, who passed away on Sunday. Later, Sportsnet MLB insider Shi Davidi stops by (29:06) to discuss reasons to hold out hope with the...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin their second hour listening to Blue Jays' manager John Schneider's pre-game availability ahead of their first series post-All-Star break against the visiting Chicago White Sox, updates on Max Scherzer, the next steps for Addison Barger, if Jesús Sánchez and Yimi Garcia are closer to a return, the implementation of putting two catchers in the lineup and second-half goals. Then, ESPN's and host of 'Sources Tell,' Jeff Passan joins the guys (27:05) to chat about the new format for the Home Run Derby, if U.S. politicians would involve themselves with ending of...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are back after the MLB All-Star break! They take stock of the Blue Jays as they begin the second half before welcoming White Sox outfielder Tristan Peters (6:00) ahead of their series in Toronto. He discusses his path from being a 7th-round pick out of Winkler, Manitoba, to being selected to the All-Star team, the keys to the White Sox's success this season, his experience with the Savannah Bananas, and much more. Later, Jeff and Kevin discuss the Jays' keys to a second-half turnaround, their expectations for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Dylan Cease's performance in the...

Blue Jays analyst Madison Shipman (1:15) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to look at the importance of their final series before the All-Star break, Shane Bieber vs. the Padres in San Diego, Alejandro Kirk's recent at-bats, George Springer in the clean-up spot, home run props, Kazuma Okamoto performing above expectations, and if there are any concerns with Daulton Varsho. Then, the guys head to the Back Leg Line to hear listeners' calls, including Max Scherzer's future, if it changes now with the announcement that Justin Verlander will retire at the end of the year, the lack of 'blockbuster' trades...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to the Blue Jays trading Tommy Nance to the Twins before they welcome Hall of Fame closer and Padres executive Trevor Hoffman (3:13) ahead of the Jays' series in San Diego. He discusses what makes Mason Miller elite, how the role and profile of the closer have changed since his playing days, and what the Jays can expect from the Padres in their final series before the All-Star break. Later, Blue Jays manager John Schneider (26:31) stops by from San Diego to discuss the Nance trade, managing Dylan Cease's near no-hitter, who he might choose...

MLB Network insider Jon Morosi (0:58) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker in the second hour of the off-day edition. They look ahead to the All-Star game and which pitchers will get the start, the state of the trade market, the Jays' deadline plans, Aaron Judge's absence taking a toll on the slumping Yankees, and whether we'll ever see another pitching career like Justin Verlander's or Max Scherzer's. Later, ESPN insider Jeff Passan stops by (26:25) to discuss Kevin Gausman's trade market, why the Jays shouldn't look to build for 2027 at the trade deadline, Dylan Cease's near no-hitter, and the looming...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays' 10-0 shutout series win on the road against the Giants, Dylan Cease's near no-hitter, whether the momentum from Vladdy's slump-snapping homer can carry over to the Jays' next series against the Padres in San Diego, and the introduction of the home run 'dragon'. Then, special assistant with the San Diego Padres, former MLB manager and catcher Scott Servais (27:30) to chat about being one of the few people to catch and manage a no-hitter, how he handled his conversations with his pitcher going through a no-hit game, home run props, what's...

MLB Network's Sean Casey (0:50) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss the Blue Jays' recent stretch and whether they still have a chance at making a run, what the All-Star break can do for Vladdy Jr., Sean Keys' potential, and how players deal with trade rumours at this time in the season. Later, four-time World Series-winning manager Bruce Bochy (26:45) joins the guys to discuss the challenges of following up a deep playoff run, how Buster Posey is handling his first year as Giants President, facing the media in a down season, and the right time to rip the...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays series opening loss to the Giants in San Francisco, if the team would have reconsidered 'running it back' after a World Series clinch and losing Bo Bichette in free agency, if the Jays should decide to move expiring contracts at the deadline, the struggling offence and swing decisions, and what went wrong in Kevin Gausman's start against his former team. Then, Blue Jays' reliever Louis Varland joins the guys (26:30) to look back at the move from Minnesota in 2025, how he's grown as a pitcher, if he ever thought he would...

Former pitcher and MLB Network Radio host Jensen Lewis (0:45) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to kick off the second hour. They discuss the Marlins' decision to pull Eury Pérez after seven perfect innings, whether Miami is 'for real,' the Padres' offensive struggles, why it's still too early for the Jays to start thinking about selling, and whether Aaron Judge's absence has exposed the Yankees' weaknesses. Later, F.P. Santangelo (26:30), Giants broadcaster and former Major Leaguer, stops by ahead of the Blue Jays' series in San Francisco. He weighs in on what's gone wrong for the Giants t...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap a disappointing weekend series for the Blue Jays in Seattle, the offence going quiet, and why that could dictate the franchise's direction at the trade deadline. Then, Sportsnet's Shi Davidi joins the guys (29:57) to share his thoughts on the lack of scoring against the Mariners, why it's up to the players to perform to the best of their ability versus manager John Schneider shaking the lineup, concerns for Daulton Varsho, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. deciding to sit out the MLB All-Star Game, what's next for Shane Bieber after throwing just four innings in their...

Ahead of the Blue Jays series-opener in Seattle, Mariners play-by-play voice Aaron Goldsmith (0:58) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker. They discuss the Mariners' frustrating season so far, what's behind Cal Raleigh's regression, their power-centric offensive approach, the rotation's 'piggy-back' drama, and what they'll be targeting at the trade deadline. Then, Jeff and Kevin look at the American League landscape at the midway point and the lingering impacts of the WBC on players like Raleigh and Vladdy. Finally, Sportsnet's Dan Shulman (30:28) stops by to discuss Vladdy's exhaustive batting cage routine, whether he should skip the All-Star game, and the case...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin their Friday edition discussing the Blue Jays' upcoming road series against the Seattle Mariners, game plans for Dylan Cease and attacking Luis Castillo, George Springer's playing time vs. Sean Keys, and the need for a successful outing from Shane Bieber. Then, Blue Jays manager John Schneider stops by (27:00) to share some updates on Anthony Santander and Max Scherzer, whether Nathan Lukes has a case to remain on the top of the order when Springer returns, Vlad Jr.'s double during Canada Day, how Cease can go deeper into games starting against the Mariners...

ESPN insider Jeff Passan (2:51) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker on Hour 2 of the off-day edition to weigh in on the Jays' disappointing June, who they should be targeting at the trade deadline, why Dylan Cease isn't a true No. 1 starter, and how he's handicapping the Wild Card race in the American League. Later, Jeff and Kevin dive deeper into the state of the AL before taking your calls and questions on the Back Leg Line!

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

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back at the Blue Jays' 9-3 win on Canada Day over the New York Mets, promising swings from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the potential for Spencer Miles in a starting role, Sean Keys' first career home run, and how the team can ride their momentum into Seattle against the Mariners. Then, MLB insider and reporter for Sportsnet Ben Nicholson-Smith joins the guys (28:20) to discuss how many swings do players take before a game, the case for Nathan Lukes to bat lead-off, first impressions of Keys since being called up, what indications does the Jays...