Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker had the chance to chat with Blue Jays' pitching coach Pete Walker (1:13) from the World Series Media Day to talk about Trey Yesavage making his first Fall Classic start, Chris Bassitt's adjustment into a bullpen role during the ALCS and his projected workload against the L.A. Dodgers, and Jeff Hoffman's closing confidence. Then, MLB Network host Greg Amsinger (8:43) weighs in on how Game 1 is a must-win for the Blue Jays, if we'll see a complete game from a Dodgers' pitcher, and Vladdy's perception in America. Afterwards, Sportsnet's Shi Davidi stops by (22:53) to discuss Bo Bichette's deployment at 2B, who ends up facing Shohei Ohtani coming out of the bullpen, and Louis Varland's expected usage. To wrap up before Game 1, The Athletic's Jayson Stark jumps on (45:17) to give his thoughts on the impact of Bichette's long layoff, Blake Snell's strong competitive pitch arsenal, if the Dodgers have 'ruined' baseball, and who is the most important player for the Blue Jays outside of Guerrero Jr. 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 react to the Blue Jays' Game 1 lineup, which includes Bo Bichette in the clean-up spot and at second base. They weigh in on the decision and look at the rest of the World Series roster before listening in on Ross Atkins' and Bichette's game-day availability. Later, TVA Sports' play-by-play announcer Denis Casavant (27:58) discusses the Jays' reception in Quebec considering the province's historical ties to the Dodgers, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s similarities and differences to his father and his expectations for Trey Yesavage in Game 1. Finally, Jeff and Kevin listen to John Schneider's pre-game availability.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 Commissioner of Major League Baseball Rob Manfred (0:35) to chat about the current state of the game on the field and for audiences across all mediums and the world, the international stage being highlighted for the Fall Classic, how MLB approaches the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in L.A., Rogers Centre renos and Toronto's prospects of hosting an MLB All-Star weekend, the rule changes over the years and ABS coming in 2026 and the chance of expansion in Canada. Then, '93 World Series MVP and National Baseball Hall of Famer Paul Molitor stops by (29:38) to discuss the difficulties of reaching the final series in a playing career, memories of Joe Carter's walk-off homer, home-field advantage playing a role, and his advice to Trey Yesavage and other young players.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 react to the Blue Jays announcing Trey Yesavage as the Game 1 starter for the World Series and lay out their expectations for the 22-year-old. Then, Bo Bichette sits down with Jeff and Kevin (16:40) to discuss his recovery and how he'd approach possibly playing second base. Later, Dodgers President Stan Kasten (20:52) reflects on a second straight World Series trip, how the team has changed from last season, the rotations' postseason dominance, and the narrative that the Dodgers' spending is 'bad for baseball.' Finally, former Blue Jay pitcher and World Series winner Pat Hentgen (34:55) discusses the franchise's return to the Fall Classic, his advice for Yesavage, and his postseason memories from his playing days.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.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker (1:11) to discuss how the Blue Jays match up against the L.A. Dodgers, the differences in types of pitchers and hitters the Milwaukee Brewers have compared to the American League champions, John Schneider's bullpen usage, why Chris Bassitt should get more run in the World Series, and projecting Bo Bichette's deployment. Then, National Baseball Hall of Famer and former Blue Jay Frank Thomas stops by (29:41) to chat about winning MLB's Comeback of the Year and George Springer potentially winning the same award, living up to the expectations bestowed on a player like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., if home field advantage plays a factor in the Fall Classic, if Shohei Ohtani can pitch and hit throughout his MLB career and his memories of 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look ahead to Friday's Game 1 of the World Series and discuss the Blue Jays' keys against the Dodgers. They get into L.A.'s starting pitching edge and project how John Schneider will deploy the bullpen. Then, former MLB pitcher and cohost of Intentional Talk, Ryan Dempster, stops by (23:46) to discuss his World Series run with the 2013 Red Sox after finishing last in the division in the previous season, the mentality required to win a Fall Classic, and how the Jays' bats attack Blake Snell in Game 1. Finally, Jeff and Kevin discuss the pressure of the World Series vs. the League Championship Series and whether Game 1 is a must-win for the 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 welcome back former MLB President and host of Nothing Personal, David Samson (1:05) to revisit the fallout of the Montreal Expos as the newest Netflix documentary "Who Killed the Montreal Expos" releases which included Jeff and David, before looking towards the financial implications for both teams entering the World Series, the front office's influence on the post-season run, why Mookie Betts could be an x-factor for the L.A. Dodgers, if the Blue Jays should be favourites in the Fall Classic and if Albert Pujols will be a great player turned manager. Then, Jeff and Kevin head to the Back-leg Line to hear your calls with reactions on the Jays' berth to 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.

The Blue Jays are going to the World Series for the first time in 32 years! Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker listen back on all the calls of George Springer's clutch, go-ahead home run in the seventh inning of Game 7, discuss the teams' winding path to this point, and look ahead at the decisions the team will have to make ahead of Friday's Game 1 against the L.A. Dodgers. Later, Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins the show (26:27) to reflect on the Game 7 victory, Springer's clutch gene, the veteran starters' impact out of the bullpen, Bo Bichette's status for the World Series, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s rise into superstardom.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.

ESPN's MLB Insider Jeff Passan joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker (3:20) to chat about if the Los Angeles Dodgers care who they face in the World Series between the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays, Vlad Guerrero Jr.'s incredible offensive performance throughout October, and if his view on John Schneider as a manager changed after his pitching decision in Game 5. Then, we hear from George Springer on his experience playing Game 7s and manager John Schneider. Finally, Jeff and Kevin share the keys for the Jays in the do-or-die stage at Rogers Centre.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.

We've got a Game 7 in Toronto! Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get set with former GM and MLB Network analyst Jim Duquette (4:30), who discusses the Jays' momentum heading into the do-or-die stage, how the bats approach George Kirby the second time around and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s dominant postseason. Then, Jeff and Kevin project how John Schneider will manage the bullpen with the season on the line, share expectations for Shane Bieber, and look at the two teams' lineups. Later, Jays Central analyst Madison Shipman stops by (27:45) to weigh in on Addison Barger's adjustment at the plate, the impact of George Springer's knee injury, the plan for Jeff Hoffman after a busy Game 6, the Mariners' mental mistakes, and the importance of a strong start. Finally, Jeff and Kevin share who they think will be the x-factor in Game 7.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.