Avsnitt
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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.
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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off today's show with thoughts on John Schneider's comments about Max Scherzer and if his thumb injury is related to past ailments. Barker shares his take on the Blue Jays' lineup for this afternoon's spring training matchup against the Orioles, before getting Sportsnet's own Caleb Joseph's opinion (12:30). The former big league catcher shares his view on Bo Bichette's power surge this spring, his level of concern on Scherzer's setback, and what to make Kevin Gausman's performance in Dunedin so far. Later on, MLB Insider Jeff Passan (31:21) shares his view on the Tampa Bay Rays not moving forward with a new ballpark in the St. Petersburg area and the contract negotiations between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Jays.
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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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show with Shi Davidi discussing Max Scherzer's lingering thumb injury and whether it is cause for concern. They also discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s reported contract offer from the Blue Jays, how the offer will be perceived throughout the season, and whether Vladimir Guerrero Jr. can block out the noise. The lads then briefly move to the back leg line before being joined by MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman (29:23). The three discuss how the front office should approach the problem, how to enhance their rotations, and whether first basemen should be paid 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 affiliate.
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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker start the episode by discussing Gerrit Cole's season-ending injury, whether George Springer deserves to continue as a lead-off hitter, and whether Myles Straw should be the everyday center fielder in Daulton Varsho's absence. Later, former MLB catcher and MLB Network analyst Alex Avila (23:35) joins the show to discuss what it's like to catch Max Scherzer, how Alejandro Kirk should catch him, and how other veteran players like Gausman and Bassitt can still learn from Scherzer. Finally, Alex tells one of his favourite stories about Max while playing a game.
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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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show by reacting to the Blue Jays signing Dillon Tate, discussing how the bullpen could be another negative factor in the season, and delving into their schedule for the season. Next, David Samson (27:15) joins the show to discuss rumours of the Tampa Bay Rays selling the team, as well as the implications and possibilities of such a move. They then turn their attention to the Blue Jays, whether it was smart for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to reveal his contract details, whether Max Scherzer tried to sell himself to other teams and the landscape of the A.L. East.
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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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by Blue Jays Manager John Schneider, who spoke about Kevin Gausman’s Spring debut, the use and impact of his slider, Alejandro Kirk catching Max Scherzer, how he views the team’s batting order, slotting Anthony Santander behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr, and his impressions of top prospect Arjun Nimmala. MLB Insider Jeff Passan discusses a variety of topics around the sport notably the Rays and A’s both playing in minor-league ballparks in 2025, if Pete Rose will be re-instated, and former Mariner Justin Turner criticizing Seattle and their unwillingness to improve their roster during the offseason (30:27).
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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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show by discussing Kevin Gausman’s 2025 spring training debut today, his expectations for the season, and the importance of a hot start. Next, Blue Jays Central Analyst, Joe Siddall (26:49) joins the show to discuss Gauman’s pitching adjustments this spring, they debate what are the Blue Jays' plans with Yariel Rodriguez, Alejandro Kirk's longevity for the season and whether the Jays need to trade for a lead-off man.
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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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show by discussing yesterday's game against the Detroit Tigers. MLB Network Analyst Ryan Dempster then joins them to discuss pitchers making spring training changes, the Blue Jays' veteran rotation, and spring training expectations. Finally, the boys close the program with questions from the back leg line (26:38).
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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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show by discussing their first impressions of Daulton Varsho's 2025 spring training debut, how the Blue Jays should structure their batting lineup, whether Max Scherzer can fine-tune his pitches before the season begins, and who should start in center field on Opening Day. Next up, Blue Jays play-by-play announcer Dan Shulman (25:01) joins the show to talk about Bo Bichette's first home run of the spring, how the team will build their lineup, and who will make the Opening Day roster.
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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MLB insider Jeff Passan (3:26) joins Blair and Barker to discuss the Red Sox' impressive offseason, their top prospects that should make a huge impact, if Mike Trout can bounce back after another injury-plagued year, and just how good the Dodgers can be in 2025 after winning it all last season. Later, Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman (27:55) joins the guys to reflect on re-joining the team after being traded for Troy Tulowitzki while he was still a prospect, his expectations for the upcoming season, working with a new array of catchers, how free agency unfolded for him and more! Blair and Barker end the show with thoughts on Daulton Varsho, who is returning to the lineup and making his 2025 Grapefruit League debut.
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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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open today's episode sorting through the Blue Jays' spring training lineup ahead of this afternoon's game against the Orioles. The pair chat about Anthony Santander's arrival to Dunedin and his critique of how Kevin Gausman and José Berríos pitched to him in 2024, before opening up the 'Back Leg Line' to answer listener questions! Later on, former MLB manager and host of the Book of Joe podcast, Joe Maddon joins the program (26:35)! He discusses the evolution of spring training, what goes into managing players on a walk year, how the Jays stack up in the American League East, and the Yankees finally allowing players to grow beards.
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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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show with Jayson Stark from The Athletic to discuss Max Scherzer's Blue Jays spring training debut, how much he has left in the tank, an overall check-in with the team, what Jeff Hoffman brings to the team, and how Anthony Santander will help the Blue Jays make a push this season. Later, Philadelphia Phillies TV Analyst Ben Davis (31:02) joins the show to discuss the team's current status, fighting for roster spots, and if the team's bullpen can propel them to a long-term run.
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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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off the show with Blue Jays play-by-play announcer Buck Martinez, who discusses Max Scherzer's first spring training start today, what fans can expect from him, how his new relationship with Alejandro Kirk will play out, forecasting Yariel Rodriguez's bullpen season, and the Blue Jays' biggest questions and new additions. In the second half of the hour, Jon Morosi (28:26) of the MLB Network joins the show to discuss Nolan Arenado's trade scenario with the St. Louis Cardinals, how the team needs to get back to winning, and how the Boston Red Sox can be a major threat in the American League East.
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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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show by addressing Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s contract extension discourse, if it will be a distraction for the rest of the season, whether Orelvis Martinez will make the team and their observations from the Blue Jays' first spring training games. Next up, former MLB executive David Samson (27:53) joins the show to discuss the Vladdy situation, how the Blue Jays front office should approach it, and Rob Manfred's statements about a potential lockout. Finally, they address Giancarlo Stanton's latest injury.
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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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get set for the Blue Jays' Grapefruit League season kicking off tomorrow against the Yankees and look at the biggest position battles for the team in Spring. They discuss what Orelvis Martinez has to prove, ripple effects of the Ryan Yarbrough signing and their expectations for Max Scherzer. Blue Jays radio voice Ben Shulman (13:46) shares the vibes from Dunedin and the biggest storylines for the team this Spring. Later, Blue Jays manager John Schneider (25:55) joins the show to discuss early action at Spring Training, the team's injury news, Vlad Guerrero Jr. pushing through contract distractions, the positions up for grabs 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.
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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker start with a look at the Blue Jays' recently announced Spring Training rotation and lay out expectations for Yariel Rodriguez before going to the Back Leg Line (4:57) to answer listener questions! They get into how big of a distraction a walk year is for players, whether the Jays will regret trading Spencer Horwitz, what defines a 'generational talent,' and much more. Later, the Athletic's Jim Bowden (27:55) joins the show to discuss teams that should be targeting Vladimir Guerrero Jr. next offseason, why the Nationals make sense as a landing spot and whether the door is still open for the Jays on a Vladdy extension. Finally, he weighs in on how the Jays manage contract distractions, the plan for Bo Bichette, and Rafael Devers' commitment to third base in Boston.
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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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to John Schneider's comments on the Blue Jays' potential lead-off hitter this season and project the team's ideal lineup order. Then, they discuss the task ahead for John Schneider, what Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is actually worth on the open market and how management views him. Later, they share what they're looking forward to from the Jays' Spring Training before welcoming ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan (31:20). The three reflect on the Blue Jays' failure to lock up Vladdy long-term, the front office's flawed approach to talent management, and where the organization goes from this point. Finally, Jeff shares what to expect from Spring Training's trial of the ABS challenge 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.
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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are back with daily episodes of Blair & Barker! The guys open with thoughts on today's breaking news that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays were unable to come to terms on an extension by the slugger's self-imposed deadline. They dive into what this means for Vlad's future in Toronto, if the door is still open for an extension after the 2025 season, and the organization's level of trust in the player long-term. Jeff and Kevin listen back to President and CEO Mark Shapiro's comments from this morning's media availability, before discussing how the team can rebound if the 4x All-Star does not return next season. Later on, Sportsnet MLB Insider Shi Davidi checks in from sunny Dunedin to share his read on the situation with the Blue Jays' first baseman (29:00). He examines the possibility of a deal between the two sides after the season, who's to blame in the failed negotiations, the front office's mentality throughout the process, how the team can stay focused in 2025, and what's next for Bo Bichette.
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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With pitchers and catchers beginning to report at Spring Training, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to Ross Atkins' comments on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. negotiations as the slugger's self-imposed extension deadline nears. ESPN insider Jeff Passan (9:27) discusses how Blue Jays management approaches Vladdy's deadline and what he'd be worth after an offseason of mega-deals around MLB. Then, Jeff weighs in on the Red Sox outlook this season after signing Alex Bregman, teams with the most surprising offseasons and the biggest Spring Training storylines. Finally, Jeff and Kevin discuss uncertainties for the Blue Jays at Spring Training and take calls 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 affiliates.
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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by Blue Jays’ starter Kevin Gausman before he takes off for Spring Training. Gausman shares his thoughts on the team’s offseason so far, his time as a free agent before signing with Toronto, making adjustments on the fly when pitching, and what three-time Cy Young award winner Max Scherzer will bring to the team’s rotation. Blair and Barker end the show with a discussion on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as he remains unsigned to a long-term contract.
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.
- Visa fler
