Blair & Barker

Sportsnet TV play-by-play voice of the Blue Jays Dan Shulman (0:43) joins Blair and Barker following the Jays' series-opening loss to the Detroit Tigers. He discusses the plan for Dylan Cease down the stretch, why we might see Trey Yesavage return sooner than later, Kazuma Okamoto's case for AL Rookie of the Year, what Brett Bateman's role will be in 2027, and much more. Later, MLB Network Radio host and former MLB pitcher Jensen Lewis (22:49) stops by to discuss the Guardians' historical success in Septembers, José Ramírez still fighting lingering effects from his hamate bone injury, whether Kenley Jansen is a Hall of Famer, and Louis Varland's closer mentality.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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin by sharing their reactions to the Blue Jays’ series-opening loss to the Tigers. They discuss John Schneider’s bullpen decisions, Charles McAdoo not stealing, Kazuma Okamoto’s home run, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s struggles at the plate. Then, former Major Leaguer and current Tigers broadcaster Bobby Scales joins the show (27:15) to chat about Kevin McGonigle’s stellar rookie season, what to expect from Drew Anderson on the mound, Kenley Jansen needing just four saves to reach 500 in his career, and Max Clark’s rise to 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Co-Host of Intentional Talk and former MLB pitcher Ryan Dempster (3:43) joins Blair and Barker to discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s first homer at home of the season, whether Vladdy's season can be written off as a fluke, and how the home run can ignite the Jays' playoff push. Then, they chat about what makes José Soriano's sinker elite, how pitchers recover from non-arm injuries like Trey Yesavage, and whether the Cubs' pitching is good enough for a deep playoff run. Later, Tigers analyst and former Barker teammate Andy Dirks (32:44) stops by to help tee up the Blue Jays series against Detroit, Kevin McGonigle's evolution in his rookie season, A.J. Hinch's managerial performance, and what to expect from starter Troy Melton.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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show discussing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hitting his first home run at Rogers Centre since the 2025 postseason as the Blue Jays won the last two games against the visiting Baltimore Orioles, Dylan Cease overcoming his dip in fastball velocity, Brett Bateman's power, if he could be the future lead-off hitter, and Spencer Arrighetti's improvements against the Orioles. Then, former MLB catcher, World Series champion and co-host on Foul Territory A.J. Pierzynski joins the guys (29:25) to chat about the crowd's reaction to Vlad Jr. getting picked off on base in the series opener to his first home run at home, the AL Wild Card race, how he would handle catching Cease and his secondary pitches, if either the Tampa Bay Rays or New York Yankees are the best team in the AL East, and whether this is the best chance for the Milwaukee Brewers to win the World Series. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff and Kevin are joined by MLB Network Radio's and former Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets manager Jim Duquette (1:22) to get his thought on the Blue Jays designating Jesús Sánchez for assignment after being with the team majority of the season, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s decline this year and the lack of home run power compared to 2025, who will sneak into the last AL Wild Card spot, if Bo Bichette would opt out of his contract after his first year with New York, what Pete Alonso has brought to the Orioles, and who should dictate Shohei Ohtani's future in both pitching and hitting for 2027 season. Then, Blue Jays Central analyst Madison Shipman (26:00) weighs in on the Jays moving Sánchez, how the team should attack their former teammate Chris Bassitt, expectation for Vladdy in the final 15 games, what has stood out to her from Brett Bateman's swing, how dangerous Spencer Miles' sinker is, and how can Dylan Cease overcome his velocity dipping. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.