Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by The Athletic's Jayson Stark (3:20) to chat about whether the Philadelphia Phillies fanbase could forgive Orion Kerkering's misjudgement in Game 4 giving the L.A. Dodgers the win and ticket to the NLCS, what's next for the Phillies, if the Dodgers have returned to being the best team in the MLB, what the New York Yankees should focus on in the offseason, and potential roster changes for the Blue Jays ahead of the ALCS. Then, FOX Sports' play-by-play broadcaster Adam Amin (35:46) stops by to discuss the Seattle Mariners-Detroit Tigers series heading to 5 games, if Josh Naylor can become an x-factor in a win-or-go-home scenario, and if a Tigers series win will erase a bad end to their regular 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 react to the Dodgers advancing to the NLCS after Orion Kerkering's error cost the Phillies their season in extra innings. They discuss whether the Phillies make big changes in the offseason, look at the lopsided Game 4 between the Cubs and Brewers, and debate who would be a better matchup for the Jays in the ALCS - the Tigers or Mariners. Sportsnet MLB insider Shi Davidi joins the show (27:17) to make predictions for the Blue Jays' roster changes, whether Bo Bichette will be ready and whose spot he would take, why Anthony Santander is safe, where Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt fit in, and why the Mariners might be the better ALCS matchup for Toronto.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 MLB Network's Jon Morosi (0:35) to take a look at the Detroit Tigers-Seattle Mariners series, who would be a better matchup for the Blue Jays between those two teams, Vladdy's new legacy against the New York Yankees, why the Jays have silenced the nay-sayers of their small ball approach, how John Schneider managed the Yankees series and bullpen day, and what's next for the Bronx Bombers. Then, Mariners insider Shannon Drayer (33:30) stops by to chat about the team's feelings after the Tigers forced Game 5, which player needs to step up for Seattle, what makes Cal Raleigh a special player on both ends of the bat, and how Seattle can come out of the series and meet Toronto for the ALCS. 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 reflect on the Blue Jays' series-clinching Game 4 win over the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium to advance to the ALCS. They get into the offensive effort, Nathan Lukes' clutch hit, John Schneider's bullpen deployment, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s dominant series. Later, fresh off a champagne shower in the Jays' clubhouse, reporter Hazel Mae joins the show (28:56) to discuss the Jays' postgame celebrations and how it speaks to the team's personality.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 MLB insider Jeff Passan joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker ahead of Game 4 in the Jays' and Yankees' Divisional Series (3:20). He shares his thoughts on Louis Varland getting the start after giving up a big home run to Aaron Judge in Game 3, whether the Jays use Trey Yesavage or save him for a potential Game 5, Vladdy Jr. and Judge turning around their postseason reputations, and the rise of the splitter. Then, Jeff and Kevin listen in on John Schneider's pre-game availability. Later, former MLB catcher and host of 'Foul Territory' Erik Kratz stops by (35:30) to discuss the Jays' defences lapses in Game 3, whether Yankee Stadium atmosphere made an impact, catching a bullpen day, 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 open the show discussing Aaron Judge's clutch homerun to help the New York Yankees take Game 3, Louis Varland and Alejandro Kirk's approaches to pitching Judge, and the expectations for Varland making his second start for the Blue Jays. Then, Northeastern University Baseball head coach Mike Glavine joins the guys (9:30) to chat about recruiting Yankees rookie starter Cam Schlittler, why he could be a perfect fit to pitch in an elimination game, Cam's pitch mix with his size, and what Mike has learned from his brother Tom Glavine passing on the knowledge to his current pitchers. Afterwards, former MLB pitcher and MLB Network analyst Jake Peavy (29:35) shares his thoughts on switching mindsets from game to game in the postseason, pitching to Aaron Judge, why the Yankees are getting comfortable with being on the other side of an elimination match, and the difficulties of a bullpen day as a pitcher. 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 TV analyst Buck Martinez joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss the Jays' keys to completing the ALDS sweep in the Bronx (1:48). He shares how the lineup must approach Yankees starter Carlos Rodón, his expectations for Shane Bieber off 10 days' rest, the key to Vladdy's postseason success, and how the Jays can manage the hostility of Yankee Stadium. Then, Jeff and Kevin listen in on Aaron Boone's and John Schneider's pregame availability. Finally, they reflect on Schneider's growth as a manager and share what has them worried and what gives them confidence going into Game 3.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 lookahead to Game 3 between the Blue Jays and Yankees in New York, the keys to victory for Toronto's hitters, the importance of scoring first at Yankees Stadium, what to look for with Shane Bieber's post-season start after a 10-day rest period before looking at the L.A. Dodgers taking a 2-0 series lead over the Philadelphia Phillies. Then, Yankees beat writer Erik Boland stops by (23:35) to discuss the fanbase's and team's view on being down two games to start the ALDS, Carlos Rodón's leash in an elimination game, Aaron Judge's search for his defining moment, and if Aaron Boone's job is on the line if the Yankees fall out of the postseason. 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 Blue Jay and Sportsnet analyst Kevin Pillar (1:04) to share impressions from the Blue Jays' scorching start to the ALDS over the weekend. He discusses Daulton Varsho's growth at the plate after a four-hit outing on Sunday, the keys to winning at Yankee Stadium, the Yankees' focus on identifying pitch-tipping, and his nerves on the mound when throwing the first pitch. Later, Jeff and Kevin take a look at the other Divisional Series and discuss Teoscar Hernández's elevated postseason play, Seranthony Domínguez tipping his pitches, the Jays' commitment to defence, the 2025 finalists for the Hank Aaron Award, and Aaron Boone's comments on Vladdy 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 follow up on the Blue Jays' dominating opening weekend of the ALDS against the New York Yankees, and Vladdy Jr. leading the offensive showcase. Then, they break down Trey Yesavage's historic postseason debut, the effectiveness of Trey's high release into a downward angle against the Yankees hitters, Aaron Judge's comments on facing the rookie and why John Schneider made the right call to pull his starter through a commanding no-hitter. Then, former MLBer and current ESPN MLB analyst Eduardo Pérez (28:30) speaks on the Jays leaning on their power, the difficulties of facing Yesavage's arm, John Schneider learning from his first managerial postseason in 2023, and Vlad Jr. stepping up as a leader on the Toronto baseball club.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.