Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair rides solo on today's show as Kevin Barker travels to Dunedin to take in some Blue Jays spring training action. We hear the latest updates from John Schneider including José Berríos' doctor's visit, before Chris Leroux (06:22), former MLB pitcher and Sportsnet analyst, joins the conversation. They chat about who's in line to start in Toronto's rotation, before setting the stage for Canada's matchup against Team USA in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinal. After the break, ESPN's Jeff Passan (27:04) shares his thoughts on tonight's Canada-USA clash, Mark DeRosa's blunder, and the top contenders to win the tournament. They wrap up the week by detailing Jeff's latest ultimate season preview and getting his view on the 2026 Blue Jays. 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open today's episode with thoughts on Team Canada's historic win over Cuba to qualify for the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic. They touch on the complicating factors of José Berríos' injury, before digging in on the players that contributed to Canada's success. Kevin Gausman (06:58), Toronto Blue Jays pitcher, joins the boys live from Dunedin to discuss the team's revamped rotation, building off last year's World Series run, and his process of getting ready for the season. KG also chats about being a baseball dad, his first impressions of Dylan Cease, the potential of starting on Opening Day, and much more! Later, we hear John Schneider's comments on Berríos' status, before the boys open up the "Back Leg Line" to respond to your questions and comments (26:48). 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open today's show with thoughts on Team USA's loss to Italy in the World Baseball Classic, opening the possibility of USA not qualifying for the quarterfinals. Jon Morosi (07:17), MLB Network insider, joins the boys to reflect on Manager Mark DeRosa's confusion about his team's clinching scenario, how the Italians were able to complete the upset, and Canada's outlook heading into this afternoon's must-win against Cuba. Joe Siddall (30:00), former MLB catcher and Sportsnet Blue Jays analyst, checks in to discuss Canada's opportunity to advance, before checking in the standout performers from Blue Jays spring training. They touch on Toronto's stretch of four-consecutive shutout wins, Brandon Valenzuela's upside behind the plate, the battle for the final rotation spots, Addison Barger's strong spring, and what Dylan Cease needs to get to the next level. 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open the show setting up this afternoon's Blue Jays game against the Atlanta Braves with José Berríos taking the mound. They sort through the lineups for today's game and detail how the bullpen is shaping up, before moving on to discuss tonight's World Baseball Classic matchup between Canada and Puerto Rico with Sportsnet's Shi Davidi (12:21). They dive into the strengths and weaknesses of Team Canada's squad and outline their path to the quarterfinals. David Samson (28:22), former MLB executive and host of Nothing Personal, chats about the business side of the WBC, the best stories from the tournament so far, Randy Arozarena and Cal Raleigh's moment at home plate, 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off a new week on the program with thoughts on Team Canada's first weekend of action at the World Baseball Classic. They begin with James Paxton's costly error in Sunday's 4-3 loss to Panama, before taking a look at how some Blue Jays players are faring around the tournament. The boys pivot to the Grapefruit League to chat about the Jays' three-win weekend including Max Scherzer's four scoreless innings of work and Cody Ponce's latest outing. Chris Rose (27:23) of Jomboy Media joins to chat about Canada's path to the quarterfinals and the rise of the WBC over the years, before setting the stage for knockout round. 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the final episode of this week setting up this afternoon's Blue Jays vs. Braves Grapefruit League matchup with Dylan Cease missing today's start. They pivot to chat about the preliminary World Baseball Classic action with Cal Quantrill (09:02), pitcher for Team Canada! He chats about the opportunity ahead of the squad, switching gears from spring training to tournament play, the Group A competition, and their mentality heading into their first game Saturday. Later, Dan Shulman (27:38), Blue Jays play-by-play voice on Sportsnet, discusses the biggest stories out of Dunedin, the battle for the rotation, the prospects making the most noise, and early outlook for 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.

Jon Morosi, MLB Network insider known for deep tournament coverage, previews the World Baseball Classic. He discusses WBC and Olympic ties, the strength of Team USA versus rising international squads, surprise dark-horse nations to watch, and Canada’s realistic pool outlook. Short, sharp takes on rosters, pitching questions, and tournament atmosphere.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open today's program with thoughts Team Canada's lineup as they get set to face the Blue Jays in this afternoon's World Baseball Classic tune-up game. The boys pivot to chat about the battle for the Jays final rotation spot and how the back-end of the bullpen is shaping up. Dale Scott (09:21), former MLB umpire, joins to chat about the new Automated Ball-Strike system, how it could change the relationship between players and umpires, and offers insight into calling a game. Later, ESPN's Jeff Passan (28:42) discusses how ABS could change our view on umpires, Max Scherzer's one-year deal, and Konnor Griffin's immense potential in Pittsburgh. 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open a new week on the show with thoughts on Max Scherzer joining the Blue Jays down in Dunedin. Florida. The boys look back on the Jays' weekend of Grapefruit League action, before projecting Friday's anticipated José Berríos-Eric Lauer tandem on the mound. Could this be an indicator of what's to come this season? They also chat about Jeff Hoffman's role in 2026, how the rotation is shaping up, and who might potentially be the odd-man-out. Kevin Pillar (27:47), former Blue Jay and host of To the Majors, stops by to chat about the impact of re-signing Scherzer, his experience facing Dylan Cease, and expectations for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in 2026. KP wraps up with a discussion about Daulton Varsho's strong spring so far, balancing outfield and DH reps for George Springer, 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.

Robert Flores, MLB Network reporter who scouts camps and storylines, and Jayson Stark, senior MLB writer famed for deep baseball analysis, join to unpack the Blue Jays’ spring impressions. They discuss roster construction, rotation management including Max Scherzer and an eight-starter debate, spring standouts like Addison Barger, and the rising buzz around the World Baseball Classic.