Blair & Barker
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.
Sizing Up the Mariners with Aaron Goldsmith and Dan Shulman
Ahead of the Blue Jays series-opener in Seattle, Mariners play-by-play voice Aaron Goldsmith (0:58) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker. They discuss the Mariners' frustrating season so far, what's behind Cal Raleigh's regression, their power-centric offensive approach, the rotation's 'piggy-back' drama, and what they'll be targeting at the trade deadline. Then, Jeff and Kevin look at the American League landscape at the midway point and the lingering impacts of the WBC on players like Raleigh and Vladdy. Finally, Sportsnet's Dan Shulman (30:28) stops by to discuss Vladdy's exhaustive batting cage routine, whether he should skip the All-Star game, and the case for Nathan Lukes to hit lead-off when George Springer returns. 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.
Jul 3
49 min
The Second Home in Seattle + Lead-Off Decisions with John Schneider
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin their Friday edition discussing the Blue Jays' upcoming road series against the Seattle Mariners, game plans for Dylan Cease and attacking Luis Castillo, George Springer's playing time vs. Sean Keys, and the need for a successful outing from Shane Bieber. Then, Blue Jays manager John Schneider stops by (27:00) to share some updates on Anthony Santander and Max Scherzer, whether Nathan Lukes has a case to remain on the top of the order when Springer returns, Vlad Jr.'s double during Canada Day, how Cease can go deeper into games starting against the Mariners, Bieber controlling his walks, and why Keys' swing has been working at the Major League level. 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.
Jul 3
49 min
American League Pillow Fight with Jeff Passan + Back Leg Line!
ESPN insider Jeff Passan (2:51) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker on Hour 2 of the off-day edition to weigh in on the Jays' disappointing June, who they should be targeting at the trade deadline, why Dylan Cease isn't a true No. 1 starter, and how he's handicapping the Wild Card race in the American League. Later, Jeff and Kevin dive deeper into the state of the AL before taking your calls and questions on the Back Leg Line! 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.
Jul 2
49 min
Building Off of Canada Day Win + Sean Keys' to Success
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back at the Blue Jays' 9-3 win on Canada Day over the New York Mets, promising swings from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the potential for Spencer Miles in a starting role, Sean Keys' first career home run, and how the team can ride their momentum into Seattle against the Mariners. Then, MLB insider and reporter for Sportsnet Ben Nicholson-Smith joins the guys (28:20) to discuss how many swings do players take before a game, the case for Nathan Lukes to bat lead-off, first impressions of Keys since being called up, what indications does the Jays' front office need to have to add ahead of the trade deadline, Daulton Varsho's struggles, why Miles' next appearance on the mound could be an audition for a increased role, and expectations for Shane Bieber's next start.  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.
Jul 2
49 min
The Vladdy Conversation with Terry Collins and Kevin Pillar
Former Mets manager Terry Collins (4:00) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker following the Jays' series-opening win over the Mets. Terry weighs in on whether moving Vladdy Jr. in the Jays order will help the struggling star, his philosophy on managing ageing stars, and the challenge of following up a World Series run. Then, Jeff and Kevin listen to John Schneider's pre-game availability, in which he outlines the pitching plan for Canada Day following Patrick Corbin's move to the bullpen. Finally, Kevin Pillar stops by (29:34) to help tee up game two between the Jays and Mets, and he discusses New York's fielding dysfunction and whether the All-Star break or an IL stint can get Vladdy back on track. 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.
Jun 30
50 min
Jays Snap the Skid in Bo's Emotional Return
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' 2-1 win over the Mets to open the series and snap a six-game losing streak. They discuss Trey Yesavage's command bouncing back, Sean Keys betting clean up in game two, Patrick Corbin being moved to the bullpen, and what to expect from Kevin Gausman as he looks to get back on the rails. Then, they reflect on Bo Bichette's reception in his return to Toronto. Later, Caleb Joseph stops by (29:05) to discuss what Gausman can take from Yesavage's strong outing against the Mets, Bo's emotional return, and how Vladdy Jr. has optically handled his struggles. 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.
Jun 30
49 min
Bichette's Mets Tenure + Struggles Against Starters with Joe Siddall
SportsNet New York's John Harper (2:03) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about the Mets firing manager Carlos Mendoza with interim Andy Green stepping in, former MLBer Albert Pujols having potential interest in the gig, how Bo Bichette had acclimated himself in the New York sports environment, and the Mets' trade deadline needs. Then, we hear Blue Jays manager John Schneider's pre-game availability before their series against the Mets. Afterwards, Blue Jays TV analyst Joe Siddall stops by (28:32) to discuss Bichette's return to Toronto, how to produce runs against a starting pitcher, the setback in Addison Barger's return to play, the catcher's job to keep their pitcher focused, and Sean Keys' first impressions. Finally, we hear from Bo Bichette on his return 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.
Jun 29
49 min
Jays in Turmoil as Bo Makes Toronto Return
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get set for the Blue Jays' series against the Mets as Bo Bichette makes his return to Toronto. They discuss the Jays being swept by the Rangers, Vladdy's continued struggles, the rotation starting to scuffle, Albert Pujols' recent comments on Vladdy's mechanics, the Alejandro Kirk/home run jacket incident on Saturday, and whether the Jays should start to consider a soft sell. Later, Sportsnet MLB insider Shi Davidi stops by (35:35) to discuss the vibes heading into Toronto's series against the Mets, the recent discussion around Vladdy, Trey Yesavage's inconsistency, Addison Barger's injury setback, and whether the Jays should start thinking toward 2027 as the deadline nears. 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.
Jun 29
49 min
Finding a Fix for Vladdy with Jeff Passan and Bret Boone
ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan (1:34) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to kick off the final hour of the week. They discuss the New York Mets firing Carlos Mendoza, Albert Pujols' candidacy as manager, the Jays' playoff hopes, peculiar results in the fans' All-Star Game voting, the MLBPA pushing to ban prop bets, and how the proposed five-year maximum length on contracts will impact pending free agents like Tarik Skubal. Later, former MLB All-Star and Rangers hitting coach Bret Boone stops by (28:38) to share his view of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s season, Corey Seager's preparation, how the Yankees have managed without Aaron Judge, and the state of the American League ahead of the All-Star break. 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.
Jun 26
49 min
Welcome to the Show, Sean Keys + John Schneider
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show reacting to the news of the Blue Jays calling up left-handed power-hitting prospect Sean Keys to the main roster, if there's a spot on the roster for him to become an everyday player, why it's a different team when George Springer and Vlad Jr. aren't having success at the plate, and the lack of quality starts from the starters, especially from Kevin Gausman. Then, Blue Jays manager John Schneider (28:38) joins the guys to chat about the 23-year old prospect before officially bringing him to the Majors, if there's signs of positive progress in Vlad Jr. finding himself at the plate, how the first baseman has handled himself through the rough stretch this year, concerns with the recent outings from his starters, Gausman's slider usage, Ernie Clement's growth as a player, and how has staff and himself navigated through the rollercoaster 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.
Jun 26
49 min
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