- 49 minutes 42 secondsState of the Squad with John Schneider + Thad Levine!
Blue Jays Manager John Schneider joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker for his weekly chat! Skip shares the latest on José Berríos and Addison Barger as they continue to work back from injury, his takeaways from Trey Yesavage's return to the mound, and what he learned from the team's "State of the Squad" meeting. They also touch on his lineup's lack of home run production, what's changed for Daulton Varsho and Kazuma Okamoto at the plate, the keys to success for Patrick Corbin and Tyler Rogers, and how Jeff Hoffman has handled his role change. John wraps up with his thoughts on the Blue Jays' outlook heading into May with a 14-17 record. Later, Thad Levine (27:45), former Twins GM and co-host of Rosters to Rings, investigates Carlos Mendoza's vote of confidence in New York, the Red Sox clearing house, and the Phillies' struggles through April. They wrap up the week with discussion about a potential lockout in 2027 and what's on the table for both sides.
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.
1 May 2026, 7:58 pm - 49 minutes 20 secondsApril Ends With an L + Paul Molitor!
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin with thoughts on the Blue Jays' 7-1 loss in the series opener against the Twins. They break down what went wrong for Kevin Gausman and the lineup's quiet night offensively, before debating how to view Toronto's 14-17 record as the calendar flips. Paul Molitor (28:31), 1993 World Series MVP, Hall of Famer and Twins analyst, joins the guys to chat about when in a season it's time to be concerned and if there's any truth a "World Series hangover". Paul also discusses the state of the Twins, Byron Buxton's work to stay healthy, former Blue Jay Austin Martin, and Louie Varland's growth since his trade to 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.
1 May 2026, 6:59 pm - 49 minutes 55 secondsTwins Preview with Former Catchers Anthony Recker & Joe Siddall
Former MLB catcher and current MLB Network analyst Anthony Recker (3:21) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about the identity of the 2026 Minnesota Twins, if they're working towards a defensive or offensive-first mindset, Bailey Ober's changeup, why a healthy Mick Abel would help the team's pitching staff, what impresses him the most about Kevin Gausman, and why the Padres have been the biggest surprise to start the year. Then, Blue Jays analyst Joe Siddall joins the guys (26:54) to discuss the adjustments Kazuma Okamoto has made, Brandon Valenzuela's potential, Ernie Clement's ability to cover all areas in his at-bats, Daulton Varsho's strengths and weaknesses, and Jeff Hoffman's usage in low-leverage situations.
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.
30 April 2026, 8:01 pm - 49 minutes 53 secondsApril MLB Reflections with Jeff Passan
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look ahead to the Blue Jays' series against the Minnesota Twins after an 8-1 win over the Red Sox. They discuss the bullpen's recent turnaround, Kazuma Okamoto's adjustment paying off, and what to expect from Kevin Gausman tonight against a Twins team he's struggled against historically. Later, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan joins the show (28:08) to reflect on the first month of the MLB season, including the Red Sox's disappointing start, Ben Rice's All-Star-calibre play, Drake Baldwin's emergence, the Reds' success on the road, 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.
Break: 25:29.800
30 April 2026, 7:03 pm - 49 minutes 52 secondsThe Roundtable with Shulman & Leroux!
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open today's pregame episode setting up this afternoon's rubber match at Rogers Centre. They discuss George Springer's activation from the 10-day IL, Eloy Jiménez' subsequent DFA, and Eric Lauer's start today, before looking back on Tuesday's 3-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox. They break down Trey Yesavage's strong form his return to the mound, Kazuma Okamoto heating up at the plate, the Hoffman-Rogers-Varland bullpen experience, and some eye-popping Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stats. Later, Ben Shulman and Chris Leroux (26:25) join the guys live from the Sportsnet 590 The FAN radio booth for a roundtable chat! They touch on a variety of topics including the Jiménez' decision, Okamoto's form, Vladdy's April, the state of the rotation, Yesavage's return, Lauer's start, and Hoffman's new role.
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.
29 April 2026, 7:01 pm - 50 minutes 1 secondWorst-Case Scenarios for the Mets, Phillies and Red Sox
Host of 'Nothing Personal' and former MLB president David Samson (1:02) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about seeing a team with high expectations into the new year start on a losing skid, if he's surprised by the managerial firings of Alex Cora and Rob Thomson, why it's better to make the change early, Don Mattingly stepping into an interim role with the Philadelphia Phillies, which teams have a bigger issue between the Red Sox, Phillies and New York Mets, and when Blue Jays fans should start to panic. Then, Red Sox analyst, former closer with Boston and Philly, Jonathan Papelbon (34:36) joins the guys to weigh in on which market was the toughest to play for, if Chad Tracy has a chance to get his interim managerial tag removed, and how hard it is to lose your closer job.
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.
28 April 2026, 8:03 pm - 49 minutes 53 secondsTrey Day + Phillies Fire Thomson
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to the Philadelphia Phillies cutting ties with Rob Thomson and naming Don Mattingly interim manager after a 9-19 start. Then, they discuss the Toronto Blue Jays' series-opening loss to the Red Sox, Dylan Cease's up-and-down start, the impact of Alejandro Kirk and George Springer's absence, and what they expect from Trey Yesavage in his season debut tonight. Later, MLB Network insider Jon Morosi joins the show (27:52) to share his thoughts on the Phillies' coaching shake-up, whether the Mets could be the next team to make a move, Alex Cora turning down the offer to manage the Phillies, and whether the firing signals more change on the player side in Philadelphia.
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.
28 April 2026, 7:05 pm - 49 minutes 59 secondsMax Scherzer on the IL + Kevin Gausman's Longevity
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by Baseball Today's Chris Rose (3:48) to chat about the worst start to the New York Mets' season, his recent conversation with Kevin Gausman and his longevity on the mound, the Boston Red Sox firing their coaching staff including manager Alex Cora, who's in a tougher situation between the Mets, Red Sox and Phillies, and if Cora could return to manage the Phillies. Then, former MLB catcher and Blue Jays Central analyst Caleb Joseph stops by (32:22) to discuss Max Scherzer being placed on the 15-day IL, how the Jays can get Dylan Cease to pitch deep into games, Patrick Corbin's success in keeping the ball inside the park, Louis Varland's changeup usage, next steps for Jesús Sánchez with his at-bats, and what has changed for Kazuma Okamoto at the plate.
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.
27 April 2026, 8:00 pm - 49 minutes 41 secondsBullpen Hierarchy + Red Sox Staff Overhaul
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Toronto Blue Jays' weekend series win over the Cleveland Guardians. They discuss Max Scherzer's inconsistent start, the bullpen hierarchy without a clearly defined closer, Kazuma Okamoto's improvements, the next steps for Jesús Sánchez, and Ernie Clement's play in the lead-off spot. Then, Red Sox reporter Rob Bradford stops by (30:14) to discuss why Boston decided to fire manager Alex Cora and overhaul their coaching staff before May, the ups and downs on the mound, and potential further consequences if they can't turn it around this 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.
27 April 2026, 7:02 pm - 49 minutes 37 secondsBullpen Options & Glimpse of the 2026 Identity with John Schneider
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (2:20) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to share some injury updates on George Springer, Trey Yesavage and more, why he isn't definitive on who he's bringing out in the 9th inning, Louis Varland's increase high-leverage workload, what adjustments he'd like to see from Kazuma Okamoto's at-bats, if he sees remnants of the 2025 Jays' identity on their recent road trip, Ernie Clement's contact rate, and Brandon Valenzuela's adjustment to the Majors. Then, the guys hear from GM and VP Ross Atkins on the team's start to the 2026 season and Jeff Hoffman not being designated as their closer. Afterwards, The Athletic's Jayson Stark stops by (33:38) to discuss the state of the Phillies, their president declaring manager Rob Thomson is not on the hot seat, if fans could dictate his future, and why the New York Yankees could be a real threat to the L.A. Dodgers.
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.
24 April 2026, 7:59 pm - 50 minutes 7 secondsGearing Up for the Guardians with Chris Gimenez
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get set for the Toronto Blue Jays' series against the Cleveland Guardians. They discuss the Guardians' start to the season, whether José Ramírez is a top-five MLB talent, what the Jays can expect from Guardians starter Gavin Williams, and why hitting is a bigger early concern for the Jays than relief pitching. Later, Guardians TV analyst and former MLB catcher Chris Gimenez joins the show (29:27) to discuss what's behind Williams' recent dominance on the mound, Ramírez's clubhouse leadership, Brayan Rocchio's development, and Bo Naylor's slow start. Finally, Jeff and Kevin discuss potential solutions for Kazuma Okamoto’s struggles at the plate.
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.
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