

Blair & Barker
Sportsnet
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker talk all things Blue Jays and MLB. Airing live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN weekdays from 4-6 PM ET during the baseball season.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 18, 2024 • 50min
Orioles Spiral + Catcher Chemistry
Blair and Barker start with former Phillies GM and MLB Network's Ruben Amaro Jr. (2:12), who discusses Craig Kimbrel being DFA'd, how the Orioles can turn things around ahead of October and what the Phillies learned from last season's playoff exit. Later, Jays radio analyst Chris Leroux (27:07) ahead of the teams' second game of their series against the Rangers and what to expect from Bowden Francis without his regular catcher, Brian Serven.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.

Sep 18, 2024 • 50min
Bichette Returns and the Surging Tigers
Blair and Barker begin the show discussing the Blue Jays dropping their series opener to the Rangers in Texas and Bo Bichette's return to the lineup. Then, Detroit Tigers TV voice Jason Benetti jumps on (12:32) to chat about the team's recent surge in hopes of securing the last AL Wild Card spot and how A.J. Hinch has performed as their manager. Afterwards, Blair and Barker check in on the post-season picture across the 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.

Sep 17, 2024 • 50min
September Uncertainties with Buck Martinez + Bo's Back!
Buck Martinez joins Blair and Barker (3:53) ahead of the Blue Jays' three-game series in Arlington against the Rangers and he discusses the decision to DFA Brian Serven, Will Wagner's 2025 outlook now that he's been ruled out for the rest of the season and what to expect from Bo Bichette's return to the lineup tonight. Later, Jeff & Kevin discuss the Jays' free agent options in the offseason and why extending Vlad & Bo is essential in hooking the big fish.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.

Sep 17, 2024 • 50min
Playoff Pitching with Ryan Dempster + Jays & Rangers Preview
Blair and Barker are joined by former MLB pitcher and 2013 World Series champion Ryan Dempster (13:10) to chat about the difficulties in trying to win back-to-back World Series, Shohei Ohtani's potential return to pitching in the post-season, why the Philadelphia Phillies are the team to beat and why Gerrit Cole intentionally walking Rafael Devers sets a bad tone. Then, Rangers TV analyst David Murphy (29:05) discusses how GM Chris Young will approach their offseason after an underwhelming title defence, Kirby Yates' success on the mound and whether the Houston Astros are the best team in 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.

Sep 16, 2024 • 50min
Evolution of the Canadian Futures Showcase
The Athletic's Jayson Stark (2:25) joins Blair and Barker to discuss his recent interview with Joey Votto about his post-playing-career vocation and Hall of Fame case. Then, he shares concerns about the Dodgers' rotation after losing Glasnow and whether Ohtani will pitch in the playoffs. Later, TJ Burton (28:33), tournament director & program manager of Canadian Futures Showcase, tees up the event and shares how it and Canadian youth baseball have evolved over the decade it's been running.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.

Sep 16, 2024 • 50min
Berríos' Tenure + Yankees' Intentional Decision
Blair and Barker begin the week recapping the Blue Jays' weekend sweep against the Cardinals, José Berríos' success rate since he's joined the organization, and designating Brian Serven for assignment. Then, The Athletic's Tyler Kepner (26:13) takes us through the Yankees' and Gerrit Cole's decision to intentionally walk Rafael Devers, the Bronx ace's performance in 2024 and the Mets' chances of sneaking into the Wild Card. 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.

Sep 13, 2024 • 50min
Clashing with the Cardinals + Back Leg Line!
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker start the second hour by answering your questions on Friday's Back Leg Line! To close out the week, Cardinals TV analyst & former MLB pitcher Brad Thompson (29:13) tees up the Jays' weekend series against St. Louis and discusses the Cards' disappointing season, who's most to blame for their falloff and how they can fix it in 2025.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.

Sep 13, 2024 • 50min
Schneider, Walker, Blair & Barker
Blair and Barker are joined by Blue Jays manager John Schneider (5:55) to share an update on Bo Bichette's progress rehabbing his calf injury, Bowden Francis' September performances and finding consistency on the mound, and how the team has played against playoff-bound opponents. Then, Jays' pitching coach Pete Walker (35:47) stops by to chat about the workload for his starters nearing the end of the season, helping Yariel Rodriguez find success in his outings, Jose Berrios' 2024 starts and what he wants to see from Chad Green when he enters the 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.

Sep 12, 2024 • 50min
Lindor Or Ohtani?
Blair and Barker are joined by ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan (3:55) to dig deep into the NL MVP race and why Shohei has the edge over Lindor despite playing DH. Then, they discuss Dave Roberts leaving the door open for Ohtani to pitch in the playoffs and ESPN's recent poll on the most exciting player in baseball. Blue Jays Central's Caleb Joseph (31:01) weighs in on Serven's impact on Bowden Francis' recent outings, Chad Green's role in 2025 and what position the Jays should target in the offseason.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.

Sep 12, 2024 • 50min
Bowden's Big Night & Evaluating in September
Blair and Barker recap the Blue Jays loss to the Mets in their series finale and Bowden Francis's 8-inning no-hitter. Then, Sean Casey (27:05) stops by to chat about player fatigue entering the final month of the season, evaluating in September, his experience with opposing pitchers having a good outing, improving in hitting within the Majors, and Shohei Ohtani's MVP 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.


