Episodios

  • Cubs’ Division Outlook + Scherzer Concerns with Ben Shulman
    Mar 18 2025

    Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off the show with ESPN MLB Writer, Jesse Rogers to discuss Max Scherzer’s looming injury and whether Yariel Rodriguez will get the start over Scherzer. Next, they hit on Kyle Tucker’s free agency, the state of the A.L. Central and the Chicago Cubs division outlook. Later, Blue Jays Announcer Ben Shulman (27:46) joins the show to weigh in on Scherzer’s thumb implications, whether Davis Schneider’s impressive spring training will be sustainable, how the Opening Day lineup will look like and debate Yariel Rodriguez’s role this year.

    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.

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    50 m
  • Berríos Gets the Opening Day Start + Vladdy’s Alleged New Offer?
    Mar 17 2025

    On this St. Patrick's Day edition, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off the show by discussing an outfield scare involving Anthony Santander and Alan Roden, José Berríos' Opening Day start, the decision to start Daulton Varsho, and reports of a new contract offer for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Next, MLB Analyst and Insider Jim Bowden (27:51) joins the show to discuss the continued injuries in spring training, whether prospect spring training stats matter and his thoughts on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s alleged new offer.

    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.

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    50 m
  • Meet the Managers: Don Mattingly & John Schneider
    Mar 14 2025

    Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker step into Friday's edition of Blair & Barker with managers on the mind. Toronto Blue Jays Bench Coach Don Mattingly joins the guys to discuss how his role with the team has evolved, how he applies tactics from his playing career as a coach, and how that strategy changes from player to player. "Donnie Baseball" also weighs in on how the team envisions the batting order, his first impressions of Anthony Santander and Andrés Giménez, and what he's focusing on as spring training winds down. Later, Manager John Schneider (26:05) checks in from the team bus on the way to tonight's game against the Astros. John updates us on Erik Swanson's health after experiencing elbow discomfort, before diving into Addison Barger's spring, what he wants to see from George Springer at the plate this season, who's in contention for the final roster spots, and how Bowden Francis can build off of a strong 2024.

    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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    49 m
  • Overreaction Thursday ft. Caleb Joseph & Jeff Passan
    Mar 13 2025

    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.

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    49 m
  • The Vladdy Saga Intensifies with Shi Davidi & Jon Heyman
    Mar 12 2025

    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.

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    49 m
  • Catching Max Scherzer with Alex Avila
    Mar 11 2025

    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.

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    50 m
  • Blue Jays’ Bullpen Questions + Rays Selling the Team w/ David Samson?
    Mar 10 2025

    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.

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    49 m
  • The Blue Jays' Batting Order with John Schneider
    Mar 6 2025

    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.

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    49 m