Blair & Barker

Former MLB right fielder and current hitting coach for the Tampa Bay Rays Chad Mottola (0:34) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about what makes a great run producer, the types of development paths for his hitters, if batter technology has caught up to pitcher tech, the transition back to playing at Tropicana Field after a season at Steinbrenner Field, the next steps in Junior Caminero's offence, Kevin Cash's managerial philosophy, and how to be athletic in a player's at-bats. Then, MLB Insider and Sportsnet Blue Jays reporter Ben Nicholson-Smith (25:08) takes a look at how the baseball club are either actively looking or just monitoring the pitching market, if an impact player on both sides could be moved earlier in the trade market, the clubhouse vibe around the quarter mark, if John Schneider would consider moving Vlad Jr. in the lineup, Jeff Hoffman's potential return to the 9th inning, Brandon Valenzuela's adjustment to the Majors, and Andrés Giménez's hot bat. 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' series-opening loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. They discuss whether Vladimir Guerrero Jr. should be moved from second in the lineup like fellow struggling superstar Cal Raleigh, Kevin Gausman's rough outing, and whether the 'Rays Way' is sustainable. Later, former pitcher and MLB Network's Jensen Lewis (28:27) joins the show to share his take on the first quarter of the Jays' season, the Rays' pitching dominance, Chandler Simpson's elite speed, and which AL teams can emerge as 'the best of the rest' after the Yankees and Rays. 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.

Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Glavine (3:30) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to remember the former third baseman, manager and Baseball Hall of Famer Bobby Cox, what it was like playing for him, Bobby's relationship with his pitching staff, and how he managed different personalities throughout his tenure with the Atlanta Braves. Then, Blue Jays analyst Caleb Joseph jumps on (28:38) to weigh in on the Monday roster moves including Eric Lauer DFA'd, Drew Rasmussen vs. Kevin Gausman to open up their home series against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays, Yariel Rodriguez getting called up, Spencer Miles' projection in the rotation, how the Jays can produce runs like the L.A. Angels over the weekend and if Jeff Hoffman is ready to return to the 9th inning. 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' weekend series win over the Angels. They discuss Addison Barger's brief return as he is set for an MRI on his elbow, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. showing frustration, Trey Yesavage's outing on Saturday, and whether Spencer Miles can be the Jays' fifth starter. Later, host of 'Nothing Personal' and former MLB president David Samson (26:34) stops by to share his thoughts on what's gone wrong for the Mets this season, Vladdy's season so far, how front offices evaluate their teams at the quarter-season mark, and whether the Giants trading Patrick Bailey to the Guardians will spur more trade action 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 joined by Blue Jays manager John Schneider to discuss looming roster decisions once Addison Barger returns, the latest on José Berríos’ injury, and Jeff Hoffman settling back in after changing roles. They also get into Dylan Cease’s efficiency, Trey Yesavage’s pitch mix, Jesús Sánchez’s struggles, and whether there’s lingering concern around George Springer’s injury. Plus, why Toronto’s stars need to deliver in big moments and a final round of questions from the Back Leg 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 affiliate.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by Dan Shulman to dig into what’s fueling the Blue Jays’ struggles, including unexpected defensive issues and John Schneider’s performance through the skid. They also hit on early MLB surprises, Jeff Hoffman’s return to form, Kazuma Okamoto’s hot streak, and Dylan Cease’s ceiling this season. The hour wraps with listener questions on the Back Leg 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 affiliate.

John Gibbons, bench coach for the Los Angeles Angels, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about how the role has changed in the modern game. The former Jays skipper also shares what it's like coaching a healthy Mike Trout, how he would've fit into Toronto's 2016 lineup, and his early impressions of the Automated Ball-Strike system. Jeff Passan (22:43), host of Sources Tell Jeff Passan, joins the boys to discuss the slow starts around the American League, if the slump could spark some early-season trades, and how he views the Mariners and Rays. Jeff also details how umpires receive feedback mid-game with the ABS system and the buy-in from veteran officials, along with Tarik Skubal's recovery process. 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 break down the Blue Jays' 3-0 loss Wednesday afternoon in Tampa Bay, completing a three-game sweep. They take a closer look at Toronto's sputtering offence and discuss what needs to change to get it back on track. With Addison Barger nearing a return, the boys also chat about the jolt he can bring to the lineup and who will be the odd man out once he's activated, along with thoughts on Patrick Corbin's form at the back of the rotation. Jon Morosi (27:48), MLB Network analyst, weighs in on the teams going through early season struggles around the league, Framber Valdez' eight-game suspension, and Tarik Skubal's outlook as he recovers from surgery. 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.

David Popkins, Toronto Blue Jays hitting coach, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about the state of the team. David discusses his work to get the team's offence in sync, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s lack of power, the impact of Kazuma Okamoto's change in approach, Daulton Varsho and Jesús Sánchez' performance at the plate, utilizing the Automated Ball-Strike system, and George Springer's status. Later, Kevin Pillar (27:45), former Blue Jay and Sportsnet analyst, stops by the studio to share his view on Vladdy's start to the season, the current vibe in the clubhouse, the Jays' approach at the plate, 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off today's show breaking down the Blue Jays' 5-1 loss to the Rays including Eric Lauer's issues in the first inning and how Tampa Bay shut down Toronto's bats. Marc Topkin (16:15) of the Tampa Bay Times checks in with his evaluation of the Rays' season so far. The boys ask Marc about Tampa's place in the American League East, Bryan Baker's strong 2026, the recent changes at Tropicana Field, and what Jonathan Aranda brings to the lineup. After the break (29:50), Jeff and Kevin share today's trivia question, before discussing the approach change behind Kazuma Okamoto's power surge and who the odd man out might be once Addison Barger is ready to return. 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 joined by Vancouver Canadians' Jose Mayorga (3:11) to chat about the promotion of No. 3 prospect in the Blue Jays organization Arjun Nimmala to Double-A, his development at shortstop and running the bags, how coachable he is, his advice to Arjun in playing in a league up, pitchers Johnny King and Holden Wilkerson's developments on the mound, and if he's seen a difference between the current group of players compared to previous years coming through the organization. Then, Kevin shares his experience getting promoted, playing in the minors and when we can expect Nimmala to play in the Majors. Later, former MLB pitcher and Tampa Bay Rays TV analyst Brian Anderson (28:00) stops by to discuss the differences between the 2026 team and the AL East-dominating rosters of the past, Nick Martinez's reliance on his secondary pitches this season, Bryan Baker's success in the 9th inning, and Drew Rasmussen's fastball usage. 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' split series against the Minnesota Twins. They discuss John Schneider's decision to bench Tyler Heineman, Kazuma Okamoto's hot streak, and whether Dylan Cease's pursuit of efficiency is compromising his strikeout stuff. Later, Sportsnet MLB insider Shi Davidi joins the show (27:18) to help tee up the Jays' series against the Rays in Tampa and discuss Heineman's benching, George Springer's tough luck in the batter's box, and what the lineup might look like when the team is back healthy. 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.

Blue Jays Manager John Schneider joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker for his weekly chat! Skip shares the latest on José Berríos and Addison Barger as they continue to work back from injury, his takeaways from Trey Yesavage's return to the mound, and what he learned from the team's "State of the Squad" meeting. They also touch on his lineup's lack of home run production, what's changed for Daulton Varsho and Kazuma Okamoto at the plate, the keys to success for Patrick Corbin and Tyler Rogers, and how Jeff Hoffman has handled his role change. John wraps up with his thoughts on the Blue Jays' outlook heading into May with a 14-17 record. Later, Thad Levine (27:45), former Twins GM and co-host of Rosters to Rings, investigates Carlos Mendoza's vote of confidence in New York, the Red Sox clearing house, and the Phillies' struggles through April. They wrap up the week with discussion about a potential lockout in 2027 and what's on the table for both sides. 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 begin with thoughts on the Blue Jays' 7-1 loss in the series opener against the Twins. They break down what went wrong for Kevin Gausman and the lineup's quiet night offensively, before debating how to view Toronto's 14-17 record as the calendar flips. Paul Molitor (28:31), 1993 World Series MVP, Hall of Famer and Twins analyst, joins the guys to chat about when in a season it's time to be concerned and if there's any truth a "World Series hangover". Paul also discusses the state of the Twins, Byron Buxton's work to stay healthy, former Blue Jay Austin Martin, and Louie Varland's growth since his trade to Toronto. 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.

Former MLB catcher and current MLB Network analyst Anthony Recker (3:21) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about the identity of the 2026 Minnesota Twins, if they're working towards a defensive or offensive-first mindset, Bailey Ober's changeup, why a healthy Mick Abel would help the team's pitching staff, what impresses him the most about Kevin Gausman, and why the Padres have been the biggest surprise to start the year. Then, Blue Jays analyst Joe Siddall joins the guys (26:54) to discuss the adjustments Kazuma Okamoto has made, Brandon Valenzuela's potential, Ernie Clement's ability to cover all areas in his at-bats, Daulton Varsho's strengths and weaknesses, and Jeff Hoffman's usage in low-leverage situations. 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 ahead to the Blue Jays' series against the Minnesota Twins after an 8-1 win over the Red Sox. They discuss the bullpen's recent turnaround, Kazuma Okamoto's adjustment paying off, and what to expect from Kevin Gausman tonight against a Twins team he's struggled against historically. Later, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan joins the show (28:08) to reflect on the first month of the MLB season, including the Red Sox's disappointing start, Ben Rice's All-Star-calibre play, Drake Baldwin's emergence, the Reds' success on the road, 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. Break: 25:29.800

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open today's pregame episode setting up this afternoon's rubber match at Rogers Centre. They discuss George Springer's activation from the 10-day IL, Eloy Jiménez' subsequent DFA, and Eric Lauer's start today, before looking back on Tuesday's 3-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox. They break down Trey Yesavage's strong form his return to the mound, Kazuma Okamoto heating up at the plate, the Hoffman-Rogers-Varland bullpen experience, and some eye-popping Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stats. Later, Ben Shulman and Chris Leroux (26:25) join the guys live from the Sportsnet 590 The FAN radio booth for a roundtable chat! They touch on a variety of topics including the Jiménez' decision, Okamoto's form, Vladdy's April, the state of the rotation, Yesavage's return, Lauer's start, and Hoffman's new role. 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.

Host of 'Nothing Personal' and former MLB president David Samson (1:02) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about seeing a team with high expectations into the new year start on a losing skid, if he's surprised by the managerial firings of Alex Cora and Rob Thomson, why it's better to make the change early, Don Mattingly stepping into an interim role with the Philadelphia Phillies, which teams have a bigger issue between the Red Sox, Phillies and New York Mets, and when Blue Jays fans should start to panic. Then, Red Sox analyst, former closer with Boston and Philly, Jonathan Papelbon (34:36) joins the guys to weigh in on which market was the toughest to play for, if Chad Tracy has a chance to get his interim managerial tag removed, and how hard it is to lose your closer job. 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 react to the Philadelphia Phillies cutting ties with Rob Thomson and naming Don Mattingly interim manager after a 9-19 start. Then, they discuss the Toronto Blue Jays' series-opening loss to the Red Sox, Dylan Cease's up-and-down start, the impact of Alejandro Kirk and George Springer's absence, and what they expect from Trey Yesavage in his season debut tonight. Later, MLB Network insider Jon Morosi joins the show (27:52) to share his thoughts on the Phillies' coaching shake-up, whether the Mets could be the next team to make a move, Alex Cora turning down the offer to manage the Phillies, and whether the firing signals more change on the player side in Philadelphia. 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 joined by Baseball Today's Chris Rose (3:48) to chat about the worst start to the New York Mets' season, his recent conversation with Kevin Gausman and his longevity on the mound, the Boston Red Sox firing their coaching staff including manager Alex Cora, who's in a tougher situation between the Mets, Red Sox and Phillies, and if Cora could return to manage the Phillies. Then, former MLB catcher and Blue Jays Central analyst Caleb Joseph stops by (32:22) to discuss Max Scherzer being placed on the 15-day IL, how the Jays can get Dylan Cease to pitch deep into games, Patrick Corbin's success in keeping the ball inside the park, Louis Varland's changeup usage, next steps for Jesús Sánchez with his at-bats, and what has changed for Kazuma Okamoto 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.