Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker go over the Blue Jays' decision to sit Orelvis Martinez for a second consecutive day before welcoming Buffalo Bisons' play-by-play voice Pat Malacaro to the show to talk about how Martinez was performing in AAA before his call-up (12:05). Negro Leagues Baseball Museum President Bob Kendrick discusses the life and legacy of the legendary Willie Mays after his passing at age 93 (25:57). MLB Network’s Dan Plesac shares his view on the Jays ahead of working the finale of the BOS-TOR series (59:01). WEEI’s Rob Bradford comments on the Red Sox play and if Alex Cora remains in Beantown past this year (1:11:33). Sportsnet’s Dan Shulman (1:25:00) checks-in from Rogers Centre as the Blue Jays look to avoid a series sweep.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 & Kevin Barker react to the top Blue Jays news of the day: Bo Bichette is hitting the IL and prospect Orelvis Martinez getting called up from the Buffalo Bisons. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (23:06) stops by in-studio with his thoughts on Bichette/Martinez, the Blue Jays’ current youth movement and more from around the majors including this week’s pivotal AL East series between the Yankees & Orioles. Sportsnet’s Buck Martinez (54:07) joins the show ahead of first pitch from Rogers Centre and shares that the Blue Jays’ newest Martinez plans to wear his old # 13 when he debuts for Toronto. 2024 Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum inductee Russell Martin (1:15:59) reflects on the honour and his career.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 recap the Blue Jays series win over the Cleveland Guardians and discuss the state of the team’s bullpen with Yimi Garcia leaving Sunday’s game with an elbow injury. Former Red Sox closer and NESN analyst Jonathan Papelbon (25:37) comments on Boston’s young talent, Tanner Houck becoming the ace of the rotation and how to deal with bullpen injuries in-season. The guys go around the majors with The Athletic’s Jayson Stark (51:58) and discuss how aggressive Atlanta will be ahead of the trade deadline, the injury bug hitting the Dodgers, the Orioles and more. Sportsnet’s Madison Shipman (1:16:10) checks in from Rogers Centre ahead of Jays-Red Sox with her read on Toronto’s recent play.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.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins Jeff Blair & Kevin Barker ahead of the Guardians series to discuss the team's decision to DFA Daniel Vogelbach and recall Addison Barger (11:04). Later, the guys check their voicemails for this Friday’s edition of the Back Leg Line (30:28). Los Angeles Dodgers EVP & GM Brandon Gomes discusses the Cavan Biggio trade from his club’s perspective, Shohei Ohtani performing as advertised in his first year with the team and Teoscar Hernandez’s standout season (51:02). MLB insider Jeff Passan (1:17:26) discusses Bo Bichette, last weekend’s marquee Dodgers-Yankees series, what the Astros' approach could be leading up to the trade deadline and more from around the major leagues.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.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins Jeff Blair & Kevin Barker ahead of a three-game series against the Guardians over the weekend. The skipper discusses the team's decision to DFA Daniel Vogelbach and why it was the right time to recall Addison Barger and if he has a chance to be a long-time right fielder in the league. Then, how Spencer Horwitz is adjusting to the Majors, Tim Mayza's string of struggles coming out of the pen and if Kevin Gausman can have an effective sinker moving forward. 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 & Kevin Barker touch on the Cavan Biggio trade and react to Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts’ comments on his newest player before bringing on MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand (12:06) to discuss Aaron Judge’s hot streak, players garnering interest on the trade market, and Gerrit Cole’s impending return to the Yankees rotation. Sportsnet’s Caleb Joseph (52:52) comments on Toronto’s recent play, notably the loss in the series finale vs. Milwaukee. Foul Territory contributor and Guardians radio analyst Jason Kipnis (1:16:27) looks ahead to this weekend’s series at Rogers Centre and discusses the Guardians' season so far and their extremely successful 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker share their thoughts on Toronto’s 3-1 loss to Milwaukee in the opener of the series, and look ahead to game two where Yusei Kikuchi and rookie Carlos Rodriguez will take the mound for their respective clubs. Blue Jays infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa (35:34) discusses how his positional versatility helps take pressure off, adjustments to his approach at the plate and why the fastball has eluded the Blue Jays batting order this season.  David Samson (50:28) discusses the latest around the major leagues; particularly if an in-season tournament would make sense for baseball like it does in the NBA. Former major-league outfielder Jayson Werth (1:18:33) comments about his wild weekend where his horse Dornoch won the 2024 Belmont stakes before looking back on his career including his time with the 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.

Blue Jays infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss how his positional versatility helps take pressure off, adjustments to his approach at the plate and why the fastball has eluded the Blue Jays batting order this season. Then, he gets into how MLB's shift bans have changed fielding, his unique path to the big leagues and lessons from his years with the Yankees.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 recap Toronto’s series win over Oakland, notably Sunday’s win in extra innings, and the standout pitching performances from starters Chris Bassitt and Kevin Gausman. Brewers broadcaster Jeff Levering discusses Milwaukee’s successful season so far and how the organization continues to play well following the departure of manager Craig Counsell in the offseason (28:20). Jeff and Kevin discuss and debate the results of The Athletic’s players poll (51:05). MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (1:17:42) discusses the latest around the game including the overwhelming number of teams below .500 and the success of this past weekend’s London series between the Phillies and Mets in the UK.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.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider discusses what improvements he has seen in Spencer Horwitz's game that could possibly warrant a spot on the main roster, the lack of producing runs in the first inning, and more surrounding his club as they get ready to play the Oakland A’s (26:53). Jeff and Kevin open up their voicemail for this Friday’s edition of the Back Leg Line (52:06). Shi Davidi checks-in from Oakland ahead of the final Blue Jays-A’s series in Oakland with his reporting that Horwitz is currently with the team (1:09:20). A’s play-by-play broadcaster Vince Cotroneo previews the series and discusses the young talent on their rebuilding roster (1:21:00).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.