Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open Friday's program with a preview of this afternoon's Blue Jays vs. Rays spring training game. They look back on Thursday's 8-7 loss to the Marlins and discuss Andrés Giménez' first home run of the spring, before projecting how the Jays rotation and 26-man roster might come together ahead of Opening Day. The boys also take a moment to chat about Alek Manoah's comments about Toronto's World Series run, before Jayson Stark (15:08) of The Athletic joins to discuss his recent piece on the Blue Jays outlook in 2026. He debates if the team is better equipped this season, how to manage the rotation, and Jeff Hoffman's opportunity to bounce back. Later, MLB Network host Robert Flores (30:50) chats about the Jays' ability to rebound this year, the players at camp he's keeping his eye on, the Max Scherzer signing, the upcoming World Baseball Classic and Tarik Skubal's limited availability. 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 open Thursday's podcast with thoughts on Blue Jays re-signing Max Scherzer to a one-year, $3 million deal with plenty of incentives. Ben Nicholson-Smith (10:47), Sportsnet's MLB insider and host of At the Letters, joins the boys to share how this morning breaking news came together and who might be the odd-man-out of the rotation. BNS also highlights Cody Ponce's first start in a Blue Jays uniform, the bats vying for a roster spot, and how the batting order might shape up. Later, we hear from the man himself, Max Scherzer (27:25)! The starter shares what sparked his reunion with the Jays, his goals for the upcoming season, and his thoughts on the ABS system. 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 open today's show with a recap of the Blue Jays' 8-7 loss to the Yankees in spring training action. They tee up Cody Ponce's start this afternoon against the Tigers, discuss how to properly evaluate talent in the Grapefruit League, and gauge their expectations for Eloy Jiménez, Jesús Sánchez and Daulton Varsho in 2026. Adam Ottavino (14:50), former MLB pitcher and host of Baseball and Coffee, chats about his return to the mound for Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Adam also touches on the Yankees' mentality against the Blue Jays, Gerrit Cole's return to the mound, the American League East landscape, and the newly-implemented ABS system. Later, we hear the latest from Manager John Schneider, before Sportsnet's Caleb Joseph (29:34) joins the program. They chat about how players are utilizing the challenge system early on, Ponce's first Blue Jays start, what Drew Butera brings to the coaching staff, and the opportunity for some Rule 5 relievers. 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 open today's show reacting to Kazuma Okamoto's first Blue Jays home run in Monday's spring training game. The boys take some time to set up this afternoon's game against the Yankees and look back on José Berríos first start of the spring, before discussing Ricky Tiedemann's setback, Eric Lauer's post-arbitration comments, and Tyler Rogers first impressions. Later, the boys question how the American League East will shake out in 2026, share an update on Trey Yesavage as he continues to ramp up, and project where Jesús Sánchez might slot into the batting order. Jeff and Kevin wrap up with thoughts what Drew Butera brings to the Jays coaching staff, Brandon Valenzuela's upside, and some positional battles around the diamond. 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 a new week on the program breaking down the Blue Jays first two games of Spring Training. They begin with thoughts on what José Berríos' role might look like this season, Shane Bieber's status as we ramp up to Opening Day, and first impressions of Kazuma Okamoto. The boys then set up this afternoon's game against the Mets and discuss the scrutiny surrounding Bo Bichette's first reps at third base. Sportsnet's Madison Shipman (18:01) joins to share her early takeaways from Jays camp so far including Daulton Varsho's breakout potential and Berríos' first spring start today. Later Tim Britton (27:08) of The Athletic checks in on Bichette's work at the hot corner, how Canadian Jonah Tong might factor into the pitching staff, Francisco Lindor's injury, positional battles around the diamond, and 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 affiliates.

With the Blue Jays' Grapefruit League season kicking off on Saturday, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open up the Back Leg Line for the first time this season to take your calls and questions! They get into how the Jays will replace Bo Bichette's offensive production, how the team can avoid another slow start to the season, and whether a 'bullpen-by-committee' can work in the playoffs. Then, Jeff and Kevin react to the news that the Blue Jays are negotiating with Max Scherzer before welcoming Greg Hamilton (30:49), Director of National Teams and Baseball Canada coach, to the show to help set the stage for the World Baseball Classic. Greg discusses the WBC's evolution since its debut in 2006, what he's looking forward to most at the tournament, and the state of Canadian baseball.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 continue to count down to the Blue Jays' first taste of Grapefruit League action against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. They discuss the introduction of the ABS challenge rule and whether any Jays will be 'exempt' from using it in a game. Then, they look at the rotation and project who will occupy the fourth and fifth starter roles, share expectations for Trey Yesavage's first full MLB season, and react to the news that Kevin Gausman is considering retirement following this year. Later, Blue Jays radio voice Ben Shulman stops by (25:45) from Dunedin to discuss the mood around camp, the battle for roster spots in the bullpen, Ricky Tiedemann's Spring outlook, and where Leo Jimenez fits in the mix of infielders.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 follow up on yesterday's conversation on whether or not the Blue Jays are better than they were at this point last year. Then, they discuss whether Leo Jimenez could crack the big-league roster, pitchers on the roster bubble, what to expect from Kazuma Okamoto in the field, and the pressure on Jeff Hoffman. Sportsnet MLB insider Shi Davidi (28:54) joins the show from Dunedin to share insight into the timeline of Anthony Santander's injury, his first impressions of Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, the team's plan for Okamoto, and much 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 affiliates.

With Spring Training games around the corner, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are back to their daily schedule! They start with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s comments about being 'happier' this season, whether the Jays are better this year than last year — even without Bo Bichette, and where the Jays stand in a much-improved American League. Then, they discuss the biggest camp storylines for the Jays, including where Kazuma Okamoto will line up, whether the number of Jays in the World Baseball Classic is cause for concern, and if Jesús Sánchez fits as a clean-up hitter. Later, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan (32:02) stops by to discuss what Tony Clark's recent resignation as MLBPA executive director means for upcoming MLB CBA talks and why players should be concerned about an impending lockout.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.

With pitchers and catchers reporting for Spring Training, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are back! They discuss what to expect from a post-Bo Bichette Blue Jays lineup, how Kazuma Okamoto's production in Japan will translate to the MLB level, and why the bullpen is still the biggest weakness heading into the 2026 regular season. Then, they get into José Berríos's role for the Jays moving forward, Toronto's standing in a much-improved AL East, and whether there's cause for concern over the number of Jays participating in the World Baseball Classic.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.

Blake Murphy and Kevin Barker are in for an offseason edition to react to Kyle Tucker signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Mets signing Bo Bichette, and what it means for the Blue Jays. They start with Bo and what the Jays' lineup will look like without their long-time shortstop and his fit at third base with the Mets. Then, they discuss where the Jays may turn for an impact bat, how aggressively they should approach Cody Bellinger's market, and whether adding to the bullpen is a higher priority at this point. Finally, Blake and Kevin look at Cardinals' infielder Brendan Donovan as a potential trade target, and where the Jays stand in an improved AL East if their offseason work is now complete.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 Sho Alli listen in on the Toronto Blue Jays' newest addition, Kazumo Okamoto's press conference. They follow up with their thoughts on the move, a discussion on what the six-time NPB All-Star brings to the lineup, and a projection of what comes next in the Blue Jays' offseason, including where the team stands in Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker's market.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 are back for a special holiday edition! They kick off with a quick recap of the Toronto Blue Jays' offseason, discuss the team's plans in the position player market — be it Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker or Alex Bregman — and share their favourite memories from the World Series and the Jays' unforgettable 2025 season. Then, they get into the team's need for a ninth-inning reliever, their trust in Ross Atkins and John Schneider moving forward, and whether the Jays' success can be sustained in 2026. Later, Jeff and Kevin take the temperature of the AL East as the Yankees stay quiet while the Orioles get aggressive. For the final word of 2025, the guys share some early 2026 World Series picks and project where Bichette will land.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.

For the final episode of 2025 —barring any emergency podcasts— Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open with their reactions to the Atlanta Braves taking closer Robert Suárez off the market with a 3-year, $45M deal. Then, they share their thoughts on Jeff Passan's report that the Jays could be in on both Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker. MLB Network's Dan Plesac joins the show (13:08) to discuss the Jays' narrowing options for a top-end reliever, why Pete Fairbanks makes sense as a target for Toronto, how Dylan Cease can improve under Pete Walker and the Yankees' offseason uncertainties. Later, ESPN's Jesse Rogers stops by (34:32) to discuss Tucker's market, how he'd fit in with the Jays' culture and how Bo's defence impacts his free agent value.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 check in on the final day of MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando. They react to Pete Alonso signing a 5-year, $155M deal with the Baltimore Orioles, follow up with some takeaways from Dylan Cease's introductory press conference yesterday, and revisit Shane Bieber's decision to pick up his player option. Cease's former manager and current Orioles instructor, Mike Shildt, joins the show (10:20) to share what the starter brings to Toronto, what he's like away from the mound, and a scouting report on a potential Jays target, Robert Suárez. Later, former MLB executive Thad Levine (31:27) shares his thoughts on the Jays' offseason so far, how the team navigates the José Berríos situation, a front office POV of Kyle Tucker, and the fundamental importance of roster turnover.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 open today's program ahead of this afternoon's introductory press conference for new Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher, Dylan Cease. The boys sift through the news of the day including Edwin Diaz's three-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers and Kyle Schwarber's five-year, $150 million extension with the Phillies. Sportsnet Shi Davidi (03:19) checks in from MLB's Winter Meetings with thoughts on what the Blue Jays are now prioritizing this offseason, the names potentially on the table for the team, Shane Bieber's status for 2026, and what's next for José Berríos. Later, Jeff and Kevin listen back to John Schneider's comments reflecting on the 2025 World Series, before heading live to Orlando to listen to Cease's introductory press conference (26:00).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 are back for the week to cover MLB's winter meetings! They go through the Blue Jays' early offseason moves, what free agents they'd be willing to part with, the need for a closer, and back-up plans if the team can't bring Bo Bichette back. MLB Network insider Jon Morosi joins the show (16:00) from the winter meetings in Orlando to discuss Jeff Kent's selection to the Baseball Hall of Fame and whether voters will ever change tunes on Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds and Don Mattingly. Then, Morosi shares his impressions of the trade talks in Orlando, where the Blue Jays fit into the conversations surrounding big-name relievers, and what contracts for Bo, Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger might look like. Finally, Jeff and Kevin discuss the contract status of the Jays' front office personnel and review some of the early offseason moves around the majors.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 are back for an offseason edition as the Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly signed starting pitcher Dylan Cease to a 7-year, $210 million contract. They share their reactions to the move, what Cease can bring to Toronto's rotation, and what comes next on the Jays' list of offseason priorities. Sportsnet insider Shi Davidi (6:55) shares his thoughts on the signing, its impact on the team's plans moving forward, and what the rotation might look like with José Berríos and Louis Varland both competing for the 5th spot. Later, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan stops by (30:32) to discuss the timing of Cease's signing, the terms of the deal, and which position the Jays should target —by trade or signing— next. Finally, Passan looks at Bo Bichette's market and how he's valued as a free agent.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 reconvene for an emergency podcast to discuss the Blue Jays reported signing of right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease to a 7-year, $210 million contract. It's the largest pitching contract handed out by Toronto in franchise history and Blair and Barker break it all down!  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. 

We hear from Blue Jays President and CEO Mark Shapiro and General Manager Ross Atkins discussing a wide range of topics, including Shapiro's contract, Bo Bichette's free agency, Shane Bieber picking up his player option and much more! Plus, Jeff Blair heads to the Back-Leg Line to get your reactions on the Jays' front office end-of-season media avails.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.