Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker talk all things Blue Jays and MLB. Airing live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN weekdays from 3-4 PM ET during the baseball season.
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off today's episode with thoughts on Blue Jays President and CEO Mark Shapiro's optimism that the team and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will reach an agreement. ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan (06:52) joins the conversation to share his view on divide between the two parties, before discussing his efforts to republish a story on Jackie Robinson's military service that was removed from the United States Department of Defense website. After the break, Blair and Barker open up the 'Back Leg Line' to respond to your questions and comments (27:10)! 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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49:47
Should Ohtani Stay Off the Mound + Red Sox Taking the A.L. East?
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off the show with Brian Kenny from the MLB Network to discuss whether the Los Angeles Dodgers can repeat as champions this year, whether Shohei Ohtani should abandon pitching and what the Blue Jays need to do to make the playoffs. Later in the show, Red Sox reporter, Rob Bradford (27:47) joins the show to discuss the state of the team, whether they’re capable of taking the A.L. East, whether Rafael Devers should be DH and Alex Bregman’s contribution to the Red Sox.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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49:48
Cubs’ Division Outlook + Scherzer Concerns with Ben Shulman
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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49:42
Berríos Gets the Opening Day Start + Vladdy’s Alleged New Offer?
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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49:30
Meet the Managers: Don Mattingly & John Schneider
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.
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker talk all things Blue Jays and MLB. Airing live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN weekdays from 3-4 PM ET during the baseball season.