Blair & Barker

Episod

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  Closing Out a Disappointing Season + Chris Welsh 25.09.2026 49min

  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 in pitcher velocity across baseball. 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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  Vladdy Addresses the Controversy + John Schneider Joins the Show! 25.09.2026 44min

  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. 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 Max Scherzer Return Next Season? + Dissecting Vladdy's Comments 24.09.2026 49min

  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. 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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  All Eyes on Vladdy + What’s Next for the Blue Jays 24.09.2026 49min

  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. 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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  Vladdy's Controversial Contract Comments 23.09.2026 24min

  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. 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’ Vibes Plummet + AL's Least Valuable Player with Jayson Stark 22.09.2026 49min

  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 Raleigh, breaks down Jacob Misiorowski's excellent season and whether he can sustain it, Pat Murphy's managerial style, and the extensions for Chad Tracy and Andy Green. 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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  Blue Jays on the Brink + Red Sox Shed Chad Tracy's Interim Tag 22.09.2026 49min

  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 the postseason, and why they have a chance to go on a deep run. 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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  Do-or-Die in Baltimore 21.09.2026 49min

  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, how Alejandro Kirk can call a more efficient game, and José Soriano's pitch sequencing. 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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  Cease, Vladdy and Playoff Chances All Banged Up with Thad Levine 21.09.2026 49min

  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, his worries around Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and whether the Brewers' regular season success will hold up in the playoffs. 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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  Wild Card Down to the Wire with Jon Morosi and Evan Grant 18.09.2026 49min

  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' rotation. 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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  Must-Win in Texas with John Schneider 18.09.2026 49min

  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 with his velocity dip, whether he'll be more aggressive with in-game decisions in the final stretch, 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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  Blue Jays' Offseason Options with David Samson 17.09.2026 49min

  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 Murakami's recent struggles, and what he's learned about Pete Crow-Armstrong during his MVP-level campaign. 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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  Pitching Plans, Playoff Pushes, and CBA Clashes 17.09.2026 49min

  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 his show, who he thinks will take that final AL Wild Card spot with the Guardians having overtaken the White Sox in the AL Central, and Junior Caminero’s season with the Rays. 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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  Rotation Plan Before the Postseason + Dan Shulman and Jensen Lewis 15.09.2026 43min

  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 49min

  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 49min

  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 49min

  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 49min

  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 49min

  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 49min

  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.