Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker start the off-day with a look back on the Blue Jays' streak-breaking loss to the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. Then, they get into some early trade action with the Orioles trading Bryan Baker to the Rays, why the Jays should act quick for bullpen help and what they should be willing to give up. Later, New York Mets pitching prospect Jonah Tong (26:20) joins the show to discuss his path from Markham to the minors, how he developed his unique mechanics, the biggest challenges in Double-A, and what he's looking forward to at the All-Star Futures Game.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 are joined by Blue Jays TV play-by-play voice Dan Shulman (3:05) to chat about the contributions across the entire lineup during Toronto's winning streak, Chris Bassitt's performance on the road, where Addison Barger has grown the most, why Nathan Lukes leads the order, how they will split outfield and DH duties between George Springer and Anthony Santander when he comes back, and if Chad Green is within the circle of trust. Then, Barry Svrluga of The Washington Post jumps on (33:07) to discuss the changes with the Nationals' management, the direction of the franchise now, why ownership hasn't sold the team, and Dave Martinez's tenure as the bench boss.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 look back on the Blue Jays' series-opening win over the Chicago White Sox to extend their win streak to nine games. They get into Joey Loperfido's improvements since his last stint in the majors, John Schneider's decision to pull José Berríos early, Nathan Lukes' jump and more. Then, they discuss the Jays' positional surpluses and needs as they approach the deadline. Later, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan (27:45) stops by to share his thoughts on George Springer's All-Star snub, what type of pitcher the Jays should be zeroing in on at the trade deadline, the Red Sox's plans at the deadline, why the Royals should be sellers, how aggressive the Yankees will be in the third baseman market after Jazz Chisholm's move to second base, and how teams view Marlins starter Sandy Alcántara.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 are joined by former MLB outfielder Kevin Pillar (3:25) to chat about his decision to retire from the game of baseball, how differently he views the games now through the lens of a fan, the clubhouse experience near the trade deadline, and the importance of chemistry with his teammates. Then, former MLB president David Samson (28:38) stops by to discuss the Blue Jays hot stretch and leading the AL East, adding pitching at the deadline, how a front office analyzes their team during a winning streak, if they factor teammates' chemistry in roster decisions, Bryan Reynolds's peculiar no-trade list, and the Washington Nationals deciding to let go of both their manager and general manager halfway through 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off the week by breaking down the Blue Jays' weekend sweep over the Angels to extend their winning streak to eight games. They get into the Jays' home-field advantage, call-ups Joey Loperfido, Lazaro Estrada and Ryan Burr making an impact, the vibes around the team, and Alejandro Kirk earning All-Star honours. Later, former MLB catcher and host of Foul Territory, Erik Kratz (28:10), weighs in on George Springer's snub from the All-Star game, shares a national perspective of the Blue Jays, discusses the Nationals' decision to fire manager Dave Martinez, 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker start the second hour with a look down the Blue Jays' lineup with Vladdy out and Bo returning for their series opener against the Angels. They take some calls on the Back Leg Line before welcoming in Sportsnet MLB insider Shi Davidi (9:18) to discuss how this year's team compares to the roster from the last time the Jays led the AL East in 2016, how they've managed Jeff Hoffman, what to expect from Max Scherzer's next start and the latest on Daulton Varsho's recovery. Finally, they close out the week by going back to the Back Leg Line to answer your calls and questions.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 show discussing Anthony Santander moving to the 60-day IL and Lazaro Estrada's promotion to the Majors, if the Blue Jays can keep the top spot of the AL East, how the coaching staff utilizes Chad Green, and how the trade deadline focus will be dictated by the roster's health and success. Then, Jays manager John Schneider stops by (30:37) to chat about his team's winning streak, George Springer's ability to hit the fastball this season, Addison Barger's plate discipline, Max Scherzer's status for the weekend series against the Los Angeles Angels, the pitching staff's approach against the Halos and how much credit he gives to the infield coaches for the team's baserunning improvements.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 the second hour with reaction to the All-Star teams, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. getting the honour for a fifth time. ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan (3:24) stops by to discuss MLB's gambling investigation on Luis Ortiz, the Jays' place atop the AL East despite a meagre run differential, and their chances at holding on to the division lead through this season. Later, Yankees analyst Pete Caldera (25:55) helps tee up the series finale between the Yanks and Blue Jays and discusses what Brian Cashman will need to prioritise at the trade deadline, whether this is the best version of Aaron Judge and the team's future at shortstop.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 revisit the Blue Jays' thrilling win against the New York Yankees to tie them at the top of the AL East, their resilience throughout the series while missing Bo Bichette, if the Jays a truly a first-place team in comparison to the Bronx Bombers and Yimi Garcia's return. Then, Jeff and Kevin go to the Back-Leg Line to hear callers' voicemails!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 are joined by The Athletic's Jayson Stark (1:05) to get his thoughts on the New York Yankees' slide with the potential to lose the lead in the AL East, the gap between the American League teams and the Detroit Tigers, Dave Dombrowski's history in the front office, and if the Chicago Cubs are the third-best team in the MLB. Then, WFAN New York Yankees radio broadcaster Suzyn Waldman stops by (24:45) to discuss the players juggling around the infield, the Blue Jays pitching away from Aaron Judge, the state of the team's bullpen, and their trade deadline focus.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.