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.

  • 49 minutes 25 seconds
    Overreaction Thursday ft. Caleb Joseph & Jeff Passan

    Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off today's show with thoughts on John Schneider's comments about Max Scherzer and if his thumb injury is related to past ailments. Barker shares his take on the Blue Jays' lineup for this afternoon's spring training matchup against the Orioles, before getting Sportsnet's own Caleb Joseph's opinion (12:30). The former big league catcher shares his view on Bo Bichette's power surge this spring, his level of concern on Scherzer's setback, and what to make Kevin Gausman's performance in Dunedin so far. Later on, MLB Insider Jeff Passan (31:21) shares his view on the Tampa Bay Rays not moving forward with a new ballpark in the St. Petersburg area and the contract negotiations between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and 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.

    13 March 2025, 5:32 pm
  • 49 minutes 28 seconds
    The Vladdy Saga Intensifies with Shi Davidi & Jon Heyman

    Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show with Shi Davidi discussing Max Scherzer's lingering thumb injury and whether it is cause for concern. They also discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s reported contract offer from the Blue Jays, how the offer will be perceived throughout the season, and whether Vladimir Guerrero Jr. can block out the noise. The lads then briefly move to the back leg line before being joined by MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman (29:23). The three discuss how the front office should approach the problem, how to enhance their rotations, and whether first basemen should be paid 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 affiliate.

    12 March 2025, 5:02 pm
  • 49 minutes 30 seconds
    Catching Max Scherzer with Alex Avila

    Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker start the episode by discussing Gerrit Cole's season-ending injury, whether George Springer deserves to continue as a lead-off hitter, and whether Myles Straw should be the everyday center fielder in Daulton Varsho's absence. Later, former MLB catcher and MLB Network analyst Alex Avila (23:35) joins the show to discuss what it's like to catch Max Scherzer, how Alejandro Kirk should catch him, and how other veteran players like Gausman and Bassitt can still learn from Scherzer. Finally, Alex tells one of his favourite stories about Max while playing a 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 affiliate.

    11 March 2025, 5:02 pm
  • 49 minutes 29 seconds
    Blue Jays’ Bullpen Questions + Rays Selling the Team w/ David Samson?

    Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show by reacting to the Blue Jays signing Dillon Tate, discussing how the bullpen could be another negative factor in the season, and delving into their schedule for the season. Next, David Samson (27:15) joins the show to discuss rumours of the Tampa Bay Rays selling the team, as well as the implications and possibilities of such a move. They then turn their attention to the Blue Jays, whether it was smart for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to reveal his contract details, whether Max Scherzer tried to sell himself to other teams and the landscape of the A.L. East.

    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 affiliate.

    10 March 2025, 5:02 pm
  • 49 minutes 23 seconds
    The Blue Jays' Batting Order with John Schneider

    Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by Blue Jays Manager John Schneider, who spoke about Kevin Gausman’s Spring debut, the use and impact of his slider, Alejandro Kirk catching Max Scherzer, how he views the team’s batting order, slotting Anthony Santander behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr, and his impressions of top prospect Arjun Nimmala. MLB Insider Jeff Passan discusses a variety of topics around the sport notably the Rays and A’s both playing in minor-league ballparks in 2025, if Pete Rose will be re-instated, and former Mariner Justin Turner criticizing Seattle and their unwillingness to improve their roster during the offseason (30:27).

     

    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.

    6 March 2025, 6:01 pm
  • 49 minutes 32 seconds
    Gausman Bump Day with Joe Siddall

    Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show by discussing Kevin Gausman’s 2025 spring training debut today, his expectations for the season, and the importance of a hot start. Next, Blue Jays Central Analyst, Joe Siddall (26:49) joins the show to discuss Gauman’s pitching adjustments this spring, they debate what are the Blue Jays' plans with Yariel Rodriguez, Alejandro Kirk's longevity for the season and whether the Jays need to trade for a lead-off man.

    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 affiliate.

    5 March 2025, 6:02 pm
  • 49 minutes 32 seconds
    Spring Training Pitching Adjustments with Ryan Dempster + Back Leg Line!

    Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show by discussing yesterday's game against the Detroit Tigers. MLB Network Analyst Ryan Dempster then joins them to discuss pitchers making spring training changes, the Blue Jays' veteran rotation, and spring training expectations. Finally, the boys close the program with questions from the back leg line (26:38).

    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 affiliate.

    4 March 2025, 6:02 pm
  • 49 minutes 32 seconds
    Projecting the Blue Jays' Opening Day lineup with Dan Shulman

    Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show by discussing their first impressions of Daulton Varsho's 2025 spring training debut, how the Blue Jays should structure their batting lineup, whether Max Scherzer can fine-tune his pitches before the season begins, and who should start in center field on Opening Day. Next up, Blue Jays play-by-play announcer Dan Shulman (25:01) joins the show to talk about Bo Bichette's first home run of the spring, how the team will build their lineup, and who will make the Opening Day roster.

    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 affiliate.

    3 March 2025, 6:02 pm
  • 49 minutes 38 seconds
    An All Jeff Hour: Passan and Hoffman!

    MLB insider Jeff Passan (3:26) joins Blair and Barker to discuss the Red Sox' impressive offseason, their top prospects that should make a huge impact, if Mike Trout can bounce back after another injury-plagued year, and just how good the Dodgers can be in 2025 after winning it all last season. Later, Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman (27:55) joins the guys to reflect on re-joining the team after being traded for Troy Tulowitzki while he was still a prospect, his expectations for the upcoming season, working with a new array of catchers, how free agency unfolded for him and more! Blair and Barker end the show with thoughts on Daulton Varsho, who is returning to the lineup and making his 2025 Grapefruit League debut.

     

    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 February 2025, 6:07 pm
  • 49 minutes 34 seconds
    The Art of Managing with Joe Maddon + Back Leg Line!

    Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open today's episode sorting through the Blue Jays' spring training lineup ahead of this afternoon's game against the Orioles. The pair chat about Anthony Santander's arrival to Dunedin and his critique of how Kevin Gausman and José Berríos pitched to him in 2024, before opening up the 'Back Leg Line' to answer listener questions! Later on, former MLB manager and host of the Book of Joe podcast, Joe Maddon joins the program (26:35)! He discusses the evolution of spring training, what goes into managing players on a walk year, how the Jays stack up in the American League East, and the Yankees finally allowing players to grow beards.

     

    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 February 2025, 6:03 pm
  • 49 minutes 35 seconds
    First Impressions of Mad Max with Jayson Stark + Ben Davis

    Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show with Jayson Stark from The Athletic to discuss Max Scherzer's Blue Jays spring training debut, how much he has left in the tank, an overall check-in with the team, what Jeff Hoffman brings to the team, and how Anthony Santander will help the Blue Jays make a push this season. Later, Philadelphia Phillies TV Analyst Ben Davis (31:02) joins the show to discuss the team's current status, fighting for roster spots, and if the team's bullpen can propel them to a long-term run.

    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 affiliate.

    26 February 2025, 6:03 pm
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