Blair & Barker

Епизоди

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  Rotation Plan Before the Postseason + Dan Shulman and Jensen Lewis 15.09.2026 43мин

  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 Hall of Famer, and Louis Varland's closer mentality. 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.
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  Questionable Decisions + Tigers' Future with Bobby Scales 15.09.2026 49мин

  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. 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.
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  Can Vladdy's Homer Spark Jays' Push? 14.09.2026 49мин

  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 against Detroit, Kevin McGonigle's evolution in his rookie season, A.J. Hinch's managerial performance, and what to expect from starter Troy Melton. 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.
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  The First Home Run at Home + Brewers' Best Chance 14.09.2026 49мин

  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 to his first home run at home, the AL Wild Card race, how he would handle catching Cease and his secondary pitches, if either the Tampa Bay Rays or New York Yankees are the best team in the AL East, and whether this is the best chance for the Milwaukee Brewers to win 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.
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  Final Stretch: Expectations for Vlad Jr. with Jim Duquette & Madison Shipman 11.09.2026 49мин

  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 Ohtani's future in both pitching and hitting for 2027 season. Then, Blue Jays Central analyst Madison Shipman (26:00) weighs in on the Jays moving Sánchez, how the team should attack their former teammate Chris Bassitt, expectation for Vladdy in the final 15 games, what has stood out to her from Brett Bateman's swing, how dangerous Spencer Miles' sinker is, and how can Dylan Cease overcome his velocity dipping.  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.
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  Jays DFA Sánchez + Taking on Bassitt's Orioles with John Schneider 11.09.2026 49мин

  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 Cease's next start, the message for the team after a rough series in Sacramento, and much more! 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.
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  Will Bo Bichette Stay in New York + Post-Athletics Back Leg Line! 10.09.2026 49мин

  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 series against the Athletics.  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.
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  Road Trip Reflections with Caleb Joseph 10.09.2026 49мин

  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, and how Dylan Cease can manage through his dropping velocity. 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.
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  Angels' New Ownership + Barker's Former Skip Rick Sweet 08.09.2026 49мин

  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 with new owner Stan Kroenke, the future for the city of Anaheim, the differences between the Dodgers and Angels, if Stan would be willing to pay Mike Trout, if Shohei Ohtani will pitch a game again, and if the age and mileage is catching up to the Dodgers.  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.
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  Why Cease Is Slowing Down with Dallas Braden and Ricky Romero 08.09.2026 49мин

  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 the A's, José Soriano's evolution with the Jays, and Tyler Rogers' reliability. 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.
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  Proposed Pitching Rule Changes + Athletics Series Preview 07.09.2026 49мин

  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 proposed rules for the next agreement including adding an extra roster spot for pitchers, modifying the use of position players pitching, how the L.A. Dodgers handle Shohei Ohtani's future in pitching, concerns of their team's performance towards the end of the year, and if Mike Trout has done enough for a future hall of fame entry despite his down trajectory in recent seasons.  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.
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  Closing Out the Road Trip in Sacramento with Shi Davidi 07.09.2026 49мин

  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 the lineup this season, and Kazuma Okamoto's recent adjustments. 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.
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  Climbing the Standings + Vlad Jr.'s Adjustment with John Schneider 04.09.2026 49мин

  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, Ernie Clement's performance in August, and Brandon Valenzuela's catching workload. Then, ESPN's Jeff Passan joins the guys (30:25) to chat about why the Blue Jays should be everyone's pick to make the Wild Card, if Julio Rodríguez or Cal Raleigh will have a comeback year in 2027, why he has Cam Schlittler as the AL Cy Young front runner, why Shohei Ohtani is dictating his career trajectory, and which NL team could overthrow the aging Dodgers.  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.
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  Lighting Candles in Kansas City + Rex Hudler 04.09.2026 49мин

  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 season, Jac Caglianone and Carter Jensen's potential, and Kansas City's path back to the playoffs in 2027. 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.
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  Jays' Wild Card Case with Jon Morosi 03.09.2026 24мин

  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. 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.
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  Guardians' September Resilience + Lead-Off Hitting with Kevin Pillar 02.09.2026 42мин

  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 game compares to Steven Kwan, if players are scoreboard watching during a post-season race, if Dylan Cease will be motivated from Cleveland's starter's dominance against his team, and how should we judge hitting coach David Popkins' year. 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.
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  Quiet Start in Cleveland + Inside the Angels' Sale with David Samson 02.09.2026 49мин

  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 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.
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  Surviving the Bronx with Dave Winfield + Guardians Preview with Chris Gimenez 01.09.2026 44мин

  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 AL Wild Card spot, José Ramírez's dangerous ability to hit towards all areas of the field, Gavin Williams' success on the mound, and Steven Kwan's turnaround this year.  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.
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  Meaningful September Baseball with Pete Walker and Carlos Delgado 01.09.2026 49мин

  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 to be recognized on the Level of Excellence. 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.
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  Dodgers At Risk with Jayson Stark + Post-Sweep Back-Leg Line! 31.08.2026 49мин

  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. 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.