Blair & Barker

Hitting in 2026 with Dexter Fowler + Off Day Check-In with BNS 01.06.2026 49min

Former MLB outfielder and current NBC analyst Dexter Fowler (3:01) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker following the Blue Jays' series against the Orioles in Baltimore. They discuss Jesús Sánchez's odd injury, the Jays' tough injury luck, the American League landscape, why it's so hard to hit in today's MLB, and how Pete Crow-Armstrong can break out of his defensive slump in the outfield. Later, Ben Nicholson-Smith (29:00) stops by ahead of the Blue Jays' series against the Atlanta Braves, and he discusses Jeff Hoffman's role moving forward, Spencer Miles' outing against the Orioles, Ernie Clement's adjustment to being an everyday second baseman, and what the Jays have in Charles McAdoo. Finally, Jeff and Kevin grade John Schneider's 2026 campaign so far. 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.

Odd Ends Against the O's + State of the AL with Jayson Stark 01.06.2026 49min

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back at the Blue Jays' weekend series in Baltimore against the Orioles and touch on Jeff Hoffman's 9th-inning meltdown, Spencer Miles' first start on the road, Jesús Sánchez getting hit by a ball in the outfield from the stands, and Charles McAdoo's debut weekend in the Majors. Then, The Athletic's and host of the Starkville Podcast Jayson Stark joins the guys (29:17) to chat about the New York Yankees 13-run game against the A's, the state of the American League and it's East division with many teams without a winning record, if the Chicago White Sox's pitching staff is sustainable, and why the 2026 NL Cy Young Award is a tight race. 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.

Wrapping Up May + Who is the Jays' MVP? 29.05.2026 49min

Blue Jays Talk's Sho Alli joins Jeff Blair in studio to close out the week (0:15). They reflect on the Jays' play through May, what it would mean to close the month with a .500 record, and what they expect from Adam Macko against the Orioles. Then, they listen in on John Schneider's pre-game availability, where the skipper chats about the decision to start Macko, navigating pitcher injuries, Louis Varland's consistency, and much more. Finally, Jeff goes to the Back Leg Line to answer your questions and ask listeners who the Jays' MVP is at this point in the season. 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.

Chasing .500 in Baltimore with John Schneider 29.05.2026 49min

Blue Jays manager John Schneider (1:05) joins Jeff Blair following the team's series-opening win over the Baltimore Orioles. The skipper shares his expectations for recent call-up Charles McAdoo ahead of his MLB debut, what it would mean to finish May with a .500 record, how he's navigated significant injuries in the rotation, why the outfield defence has dropped off, and Brandon Valenzuela's growth as a catcher. Later, former MLB infielder and co-host of the B-More Baseball Podcast, Mike Bordick, stops by (26:02) to discuss what the Jays can expect from Orioles starter Brandon Young, why the O's have failed to meet expectations placed on their young core, Pete Alonso's fit, and the future at catcher between Adley Rutschman and Sammy Basallo. 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.

Lockout Looming with Jeff Passan 28.05.2026 49min

Jeff Blair welcomes Jays radio analyst Chris Leroux (1:47) into the studio ahead of Toronto's four-game series against the Baltimore Orioles. They discuss the positive signs from their series against the Marlins, whether Tyler Heineman's roster spot is safe when Alejandro Kirk returns, how Patrick Corbin has limited the long ball, and Brandon Valenzuela's maturity. Then, Jeff listens in on John Schneider's pre-game availability. Later, ESPN insider and host of 'Sources Tell,' Jeff Passan (29:50) stops by to discuss the state of JUCO baseball, the large divide between the MLBPA and owners' first labour proposals, and why it seems certain that the league is headed for a work stoppage. 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.

Salary Cap Consequences with Jim Duquette and Jon Morosi 28.05.2026 49min

Jeff Blair is solo on the Thursday edition, and he begins with a look at recent developments in MLB labour discussions, with owners proposing a $245M hard salary cap. MLB Network radio host, analyst, and former general manager Jim Duquette (8:36) joins the show to break down what the owners' proposal means for this season. Then, he helps tee up the Blue Jays' four-game series against the Orioles. Later, MLB Network insider Jon Morosi stops by (29:30) to share his thoughts on the divide in MLB labour negotiations before discussing Christopher Sanchez's dominant, scoreless month of May, and which underachieving AL team is closest to breaking through. 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.

Heineman's Pick-Off Perfection + Orioles Preview with Roch Kubatko 27.05.2026 49min

On the post-game edition, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker welcome Blue Jays TV analyst Joe Siddall (3:41) to reflect on Toronto's 2-1 win to close out their series against the Miami Marlins. They discuss Tyler Heineman's franchise-record-setting day as he caught four Marlins stealing, who will be the odd men out when Addison Barger and Alejandro Kirk return, and whether Jeff Hoffman's recent form is sustainable. Then, MASN Orioles analyst Roch Kubatko (34:10) stops by with the Jays heading off to Camden Yards, and he discusses the frustrating year so far for the O's, Pete Alonso's fit, Chris Bassitt's first season in Baltimore, and 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.

Team Grades with Bob Nightengale + Fielding Details with Mark Budzinski 26.05.2026 49min

USA Today MLB reporter Bob Nightengale (2:58) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker following his recently published article giving each team a letter grade after Memorial Day in the US. He shares why the Jays got a D+, what sets the Brewers apart, which middle-of-the-pack teams he sees emerging in the AL, when the Tigers might decide on a Tarik Skubal trade, and Luis Castillo's beef with the Mariners' piggyback pitching plan. Then, after Houston's no-hitter, Jeff and Kevin debate whether a combined no-hitter means the same as an individual no-hitter. Later, Blue Jays first base coach Mark Budzinski stops by (26:33) to discuss Yohendrick Piñango's defensive mistakes in the team's opener against the Marlins, Daulton Varsho's play in centre field, Jesús Sánchez's next steps on defence, and how he and Carlos Febles are adjusting to the new rules for field coaches. 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.

Defensive Miscues + Hitter's Adjustments with Otto Lopez 26.05.2026 49min

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back at the Blue Jays' 8-2 series-opening loss to the Miami Marlins, Yohendrick Piñango's defensive miscues, the Jays' struggles against starting pitching, how the missing personnel due to injuries have hindered the team's offensive production and Trey Yesavage's outing. Then, Dominican-Canadian and Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez joins the guys (22:14) to chat about returning to the Rogers Centre, how different he is as a player on and off the field compared to when he was with the Jays and now with Miami, preparing against starting pitchers with a big arsenal, how he has adjusted to pitcher's adjustment to his hitting, what it was like facing Yesavage's high release point, if the Marlins can go onto play meaningful games late in the year, and working alongside second basemen Xavier Edwards. 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.

Pressure at the Plate with Ben Shulman and David Samson 25.05.2026 50min

Blue Jays radio voice Ben Shulman (1:53) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker ahead of the team's series opener against the Miami Marlins. They discuss the decision to send Davis Schneider down, Kazuma Okamoto's slump, Jeff Hoffman's turnaround, Dylan Cease's injury and the plan for his spot in the rotation, whether Yohendrick Piñango's production is sustainable, and why the offence has struggled so much in early innings. Later, former MLB president David Samson (27:08) shares how teams self-evaluate at this point in the year, when to start panicking about Vlad Jr., how looming labour negotiations will factor into this season, why the Tigers must trade Tarik Skubal, and Fernando Tatís Jr.'s lawsuit against Big League Advance. 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.

Pushing Through the Pirates + Marlins Preview 25.05.2026 48min

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show discussing Davis Schneider being sent down to Triple-A Buffalo and the Blue Jays activating Nathan Lukes for the series opener against the Miami Marlins. Then, they recap the weekend against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Jeff Hoffman's performance using his slider, how the Jays' hitters approached Paul Skenes, Alejandro Kirk's light rehab in Toronto, updates with Shane Bieber's progress, and Vlad Jr. getting hit in the elbow. Later, Marlins TV host and reporter Craig Mish joins the guys (31:30) to chat about how he would compare this team to previous rosters, Otto Lopez reaching 70 hits, how far the roster is from competing and winning meaningful games, and if Sandy Alcántara will survive another trade deadline. To wrap up the hour, we hear from John Schneider ahead of their series opener against Miami. 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.

Progress in the Bronx with John Schneider + Skubal's Trade Value with Jeff Passan 22.05.2026 49min

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker talk to Blue Jays manager John Schneider (0:40) ahead of the team's return to the Rogers Centre, where they will host the Pittsburgh Pirates. The skipper shares injury updates, reflects on the Jays' road trip, Andrés Giménez's approach adjustments, Adam Macko's potential, Brandon Valenzuela's game-to-game growth, what a save against the Yankees means for Jeff Hoffman, and much more. Jeff continues on the Friday edition solo, and he weighs in on who will be the odd men out with Alejandro Kirk and Nathan Lukes nearing a return. To close out the week, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan stops by (24:50) to discuss Tarik Skubal's rapid progress after undergoing elbow surgery, whether he'll factor into this year's trade deadline, what Gerrit Cole's return means for the AL East landscape, why teams stay away from high school arms in the draft, and what the Jays can expect from the Pirates this 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.

Successful Split in New York + Skenes and Pirates vs. Blue Jays 22.05.2026 49min

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back at the Blue Jays splitting their series against the Yankees in New York, the pitching performances from the opener Braydon Fisher, followed by Adam Macko and Spencer Miles, Jays' success against Aaron Judge, if Miles is ready to get stretched out, Vlad Jr.'s stint hitting second in the order, and what they should expect from Kevin Gausman against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The guys look at Daulton Varsho's performance through May before bringing on Pittsburgh Pirates analyst and former MLB pitcher Matt Capps (34:44) to chat about what Toronto fans should expect to see from Paul Skenes, the team's identity, Bubba Chandler adjusting to a starting role, and if the Pirates' bullpen is strong enough. 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.

Information Overload with Dan O'Dowd + Road Trip Reflections with Caleb Joseph 21.05.2026 49min

Former GM and current MLB Network analyst Dan O'Dowd (1:22) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to kick off the second hour. He shares his thoughts on Trey Yesavage's rise after a dominant start against the Yankees, the difficulties of making big trades at this point in the season, what's behind the Jays' offensive regression, whether the Rays' play is sustainable, and why so many star players are off to slow starts in 2026. Later, Blue Jays Central analyst Caleb Joseph joins the guys in-studio (30:15) to discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s recent approach adjustments, how rain delays change a player's routine, how Louis Varland has gotten the most out of his fastball, and the Jays' recent defensive mistakes. 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.

Yankees Iced by Trey + Pitch Mix Data with Tom Verducci 21.05.2026 50min

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays' 2-1 win over the Yankees, Trey Yesavage's first start at Yankee Stadium, signs of positivity with the Jays' bullpen performance, Vlad Jr.'s at-bat, Brandon Valenzuela's crucial bunt, and Toronto's outfield defence issues. Then, Sports Illustrated's and MLB Network's Tom Verducci stops by (26:00) to chat about Yesavage's historic and meteoric rise from the Minors, World Series, and now a starter in the Jays' rotation, how Toronto's ballclub stacks up against the AL East through May, the pitch mix that Vladdy is receiving, how pitchers and hitters are always experimenting with their attacks, and if the Yankees are a better team in 2026 than last 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.

Inside the Pirates with Ben Cherington + Rotation Questions with Shi Davidi 20.05.2026 49min

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to the news that José Berríos has undergone Tommy John surgery before being joined by Pittsburgh general manager and former Blue Jays executive Ben Cherington (13:05) ahead of the Pirates' weekend series in Toronto. He shares his thoughts on the Pirates' season so far, Brandon Lowe's impact, how Konnor Griffin has adjusted to the majors, and Paul Skenes' elite mentality. Then, Jeff and Kevin listen to John Schneider's pre-game availability. Finally, Sportsnet MLB insider Shi Davidi (32:02) shares the latest on Alejandro Kirk's status, what the team expects from Trey Yesavage against the Yankees, Daulton Varsho's recent adjustment at the dish, the plan for Spencer Miles and the fifth spot in the rotation, and what the batting order might look like when the team is fully healthy. 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.

One-Run Loss + Around the League with Ryan Dempster 20.05.2026 49min

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back at the Blue Jays' 5-4 loss to the Yankees, Dylan Cease's outing, and the lack of converting runs in big moments from Toronto's top two hitters in Springer and Guerrero. Then, World Series champion, former pitcher and MLB Network's Ryan Dempster stops by (29:18) to chat about what has changed for the Phillies since Don Mattingly took over the managerial job, the Padres/Dodgers rivalry, Shohei Ohtani's performance so far this season on both end of the bat, his concern level with the Blue Jays' year so far after their World Series berth a year ago, Cease's pitching arsenal and the state of the American League. 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.

Adjustments at Yankee Stadium with Erik Boland and Dan Shulman 19.05.2026 49min

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker welcome Newsday Yankees reporter Erik Boland (3:05) ahead of the Blue Jays' second game in the Bronx. They discuss the breaking news that Gerrit Cole will return this week, what the Jays bats can expect from Will Warren, Aaron Judge's season so far, and whether Ben Rice's hot start is sustainable. Then, Jeff and Kevin chat about where Judge stands on the list of the greatest hitters of all time before listening to John Schneider's pre-game availability. Later, the voice of the Blue Jays, Dan Shulman (27:55), stops by to discuss the vibes in New York, positive signs from George Springer despite a rough final at-bat, John Schneider's decision to go to Yariel Rodriguez, how Dylan Cease should approach the Yankees' lineup, Brandon Valenzuela's eventful Yankee Stadium debut, and why tonight's matchup is a 'must-win.' 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.

Bronx Out-Bomb the Jays + Pitching in New York with Dellin Betances 19.05.2026 49min

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the New York Yankees series opening win over the Blue Jays, how both teams found ways to score runs, Yariel Rodriguez's 7th inning collapse, George Springer and Vlad Jr.'s at-bats against David Bednar in the 9th, Dylan Cease vs. the Yankees, how the relievers are working to keep runners from stealing and Brandon Valenzuela's home plate tag attempt on Anthony Volpe. Then, YES Network analyst and 4x all-star pitcher with the Yankees, Dellin Betances, stops by (23:37) to share his thoughts on how top-heavy the AL East has become, his experience pitching at Yankee Stadium, how Aaron Boone has evolved as a manager, and roles out of the bullpen. 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.

State of the Yankees with Alex Avila and Suzyn Waldman 18.05.2026 49min

MLB Network analyst and former catcher Alex Avila (2:43) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss the state of the American League after 40 games, how players break out of mid-season slumps, what Brandon Valenzuela can expect in his first game behind the plate at Yankee Stadium, and why Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has so much success in the Bronx. Jeff and Kevin listen to John Schneider's pre-game availability before welcoming in Yankees radio analyst Suzyn Waldman (31:20) to discuss the recent offensive drop-off in New York, solutions for their struggling bullpen, their ceiling in 2026, and her conversation with Bo Bichette. 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.