Blair & Barker

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.

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.

Anthony McCarron, Mets analyst for SNY, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to detail the latest news around the team after snapping their 12-game losing streak last night. Anthony looks into what's behind New York's slow start this season, Bo Bichette's comfortability with his new club, and the next steps to right the ship. Later, two-time All Star Jason Kipnis (23:26) stops by to share his impressions of Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins during his time in Cleveland. Jason also discusses his experience battling through April struggles, the reality of George Springer's broken toe, the ever-persistent Guardians, and Juan Soto's radio silence on the IL. Jeff and Kevin wrap up today's show responding to your questions on the Backleg 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Toronto Blue Jays' 7-3 loss in their series finale against the LA Angels. They discuss the signs that the offence is starting to turn a corner with George Springer nearing a return, and who would be the odd man out of the rotation when Trey Yesavage returns. Later, Jeff Passan (24:16), ESPN MLB insider and host of Sources Tell, joins the show to discuss his recent sit-down with World Series managers John Schneider and Dave Roberts, whether the Phillies will make a move after their losing streak hit eight games, and if Mets manager Carlos Mendoza is on the hot seat after their rough 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off today's pregame edition of Blair and Barker with a chance for the Blue Jays to sweep away the Angels! They dive into last night's 4-2 victory and break down how the team survived another shaky outing from Jeff Hoffman, before sharing the lineups for today's matinee. Toronto Blue Jays starter Dylan Cease (05:12) chats about his experience with the Jays' coaching staff, balancing strikeouts with soft contact, his process on the mound, the variety of pitches in his arsenal, his view on the ABS system, and more! After the break (29:15), the guys touch on Trey Yesavage's subpar outing with Triple-A Buffalo, listen back to John Schneider's comments about the ninth inning, and project who will close games moving forward.

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.