Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker rejoice following the Blue Jays' 7-6 walk-off win over the Red Sox in extra innings! The boys recap the marquee moments from the game including Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s clutch tag-up to move to third base, Anthony Santander's three-run blast, and Alejandro Kirk's heroics on his own bobblehead night. Jeff and Kevin also take some time to discuss Yariel Rodriguez' rough start to the game and where he fits in the pitching staff, before debating if Aroldis Chapman's career deserves Hall of Fame recognition. Chris Rose (27:15), host of Dugout Discussions and Baseball Today with Jomboy Media, chats about Lucas Giolito's first start of the season, the cream of the crop in the American League, and the state of the Mariners through April. Chris wraps up with his thoughts on the Blue Jays, Orioles, and Mike Trout's injury troubles resurfacing.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 air out the remainder of their Blue Jays' frustrations, before teeing up tonight's lineup with Yariel Rodriguez on the mound. They welcome on Alanna Rizzo (12:22), MLB Network analyst and new member of NESN's Red Sox coverage, to take a look around the majors! The trio chat about the Dodgers' road to NL West title, Mookie Betts' adjustment to playing shortstop, and Teoscar Hernández' fit in Los Angeles, before weighing in on Toronto's window to win. Later, ESPN's Tim Kurkjian (29:00) checks in on the Orioles' rough month of April, the Yankees' ceiling, and if it's time for the Jays to panic. Tim wraps up with thoughts on Pete Rose's Hall of Fame eligibility following United States President Donald Trump's call to lift the former player's ban.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 hit the airwaves following the Blue Jays' 10-2 defeat in last night's series opener against the Boston Red Sox. The boys sift through that stats that dictate just how bad Toronto's offense has been to start the season, before zooming out to discuss the level of panic around the organization and the fanbase. Jeff and Kevin take some time to debate if Pete Rose should be reinstated into Major League Baseball following Rob Manfred's meeting with United States President Donald Trump. Later on, Blue Jays play-by-play voice on Sportsnet, Dan Shulman (24:10), lays out some lineup changes that could help the team get back on track. Dan also dives into Eric Lauer's potential as a spot starter, Andrés Giménez' struggles of late, Bowden Francis' trouble limiting homeruns, and Kevin Gausman's extra day of rest.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.

Alex Speier, Red Sox writer for the Boston Globe, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to help tee up this week's series in Toronto. Alex dives into how the Red Sox have rounded into form, the fan reception for Garrett Crochet, if Rafael Devers' DH debate is finally put to rest, Kristian Campbell's early returns, the state of Boston's bullpen, Jarren Duran's star-power, and more! After the break, Jeff and Kevin open up the "Back Leg Line" to respond to your questions and comments (21:35).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 the show previewing tonight's series opener between the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. They begin with thoughts on Daulton Varsho's pending return; where he will slot into the lineup and who will be the odd man out on the roster. The boys move on to tee up this week's pitching matchups including who will get the ball on Thursday, the recipe for Bowden Francis' success tonight, and how to attack opposing starter Garrett Crochet. Sportsnet's Shi Davidi (24:42) joins the conversation as news breaks of Daulton Varsho's official return and Will Wagner's subsequent demotion to Triple-A Buffalo. Shi reacts to the roster moves, before diving into Casey Lawrence's potential as a spot starter, options to align the Jays' defence, how to get Andrés Giménez back on track at the plate, where Toronto stacks up in the American League East, and Max Scherzer's status.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.

Jim Bowden, former MLB executive and current CBS Sports analyst, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to share his impressions from the first month of the season. Jim weighs in on when it's time to shake up an unproductive lineup and John Schneider's decision to keep Kevin Gausman on the mound during a tumultuous third inning, before taking a look around the league to discuss the state of the Orioles, Tigers, and Yankees. Buck Martinez (23:50), former Blue Jays catcher and current Sportsnet broadcaster, joins the boys on an off day ahead of Toronto's upcoming homestand. Buck chats about the value of changing the batting order, the signs that a player need more time to develop, what was behind Gausman's poor outing, and how Yariel Rodriguez has reinvented himself in 2025. 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 this week expressing their frustrations after the Blue Jays' series loss to the Yankees, capped off by a sweep of Sunday's double-header. The guys dive into Kevin Gausman's rough start and subsequent ejection, the team's ongoing offensive struggles, and how to address the lineup. Later on, Ryan LaPensee and Paul Lamantia (24:40), co-founders of Backyard Bats, join the show. The pair chat about the origins of their company, the challenges that come with breaking into the professional market, how the relationship with Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos developed, their thoughts on the new "torpedo bats", 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.

John Schneider, Manager of your Toronto Blue Jays, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker live from Yankee Stadium. Skip shares an update on Daulton Varsho, Nick Sandlin and Erik Swanson as they work back from injury, before getting into where Varsho would likely slot into the lineup when he returns and what went wrong for his team in Houston. John also weighs in Anthony Santander's slow offensive start, Alejandro Kirk at the plate, Paul Goldschmidt's impact in the Bronx, how to contain Aaron Judge, the state of Kevin Gausman's splitter, and the idea of George Springer returning to the leadoff spot. After the break, former MLB pitcher and current YES analyst, Jeff Nelson (28:48), chats about Judge's incredible start to 2025, the early returns on the Yankees' off-season moves, and what to expect from Carlos Carrasco on the mound tonight. Jeff and Kevin wrap up the week with thoughts on how the Jays' bats can wake up this weekend and beyond.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 Friday's episode teeing up this weekend's series in the Bronx. The pair break down José Berríos' keys to success against the Yankees' sluggers and how to navigate New York's lineup, before discussing Daulton Varsho's pending return and the idea of Bo Bichette batting fourth in the order. ESPN's Jeff Passan (23:28) checks in on the Cubs' red-hot start to 2025, what's wrong with the Phillies, the sustainability of Aaron Judge's .415 average, and Kevin Gausman's work refining his splitter. 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.

Sean Casey, former big leaguer and MLB Network analyst, kicks off the second hour alongside Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker! "The Mayor" weighs in on the Blue Jays' offensive shortcomings, the contagious nature of hitting, signs that a "slow starter" is heating up, what constitutes a mechanical change, and his most-underrated batter in baseball. Later on, former MLB backstop and Blue Jays Central analyst, Caleb Joseph (23:25), joins the conversation. He talks about which Jays hitter is nearing a breakout, Bo Bichette's identity at the plate, the volume of home runs given up by Toronto's pitching staff, and more! Jeff and Kevin wrap up with your 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are back on the airwaves following the Blue Jays' sweep at the hands of the Houston Astros. The boys are fed up with Toronto's offensive drought and voice their concerns over the lack of quality at bats in Wednesday's series finale, along with the absence of slugging throughout the lineup. They then take some time to open up the "Back Leg Line" to respond to your questions and comments. Jon Morosi (27:50), MLB Network insider, stops by to share what's different about this year's version of the Chicago Cubs. Jon takes a look around the league to chat about the Mets' positioning in the NL East, Jordan Romano's struggles in Philadelphia, and Bo Bichette's performance in a contract 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 affiliates.

Casey Candaele, Manager of the Buffalo Bisons, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to share the latest news from Sahlen Field! Skip breaks down Orelvis Martinez' work at the plate, how Daulton Varsho is progressing in his rehab stint, early standouts from the Triple-A roster, and Jake Bloss' upside on the mound. Later, David Schoenfield (31:42) takes us through his latest piece for ESPN detailing some early trade deadline targets for all 30 teams, along with his 2025 MLB watchability index! Jeff and Kevin wrap up with thoughts on who the Jays should look at to help bolster the lineup.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 recapping another quiet night for the Blue Jays' bats at Daikin Park. The guys dive into Chris Bassitt's six innings of work, Daulton Varsho's status as he continues to rehab his shoulder, and where Toronto's centre fielder should slot into the lineup when he returns. Later, Jeff and Kevin zoom out to share their view on how to fix the batting order as the team's losing streak stretches to four games. Ben Shulman (26:00), radio voice of the Blue Jays, checks in after the break live from Houston! The trio chat about Bassitt's post-game comments surrounding the team's upcoming stretch, how to fix to the team's the stalled offence, what to expect from Bowden Francis on the bump tonight, the state of the bullpen, and who's next in line to heat up. The boys wrap up with thoughts on Will Wagner's ideal position in Toronto's infield, along with Alan Roden's first month in 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.

Joe Siddall, former MLB catcher and current Sportsnet Blue Jays analyst, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to help diagnose Toronto's offensive issues following yesterday's 7-0 shelling. Joe shares his view on potential lineup changes to come, before sifting through the performances of Anthony Santander, George Springer, Alan Roden, and Alejandro Kirk. Later on, Astros analyst Steve Sparks (28:22) previews Ronel Blanco's start in Houston tonight. The trio also chat about what's changed in Josh Hader's approach in 2025, the aftermath of Alex Bregman's departure, what's behind Jose Altuve's move to the outfield, Jeremy Peña's development, 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 open today's show rehashing their debate about Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s lack of home run power early on this season. After agreeing to disagree, the guys move on to discuss the Blue Jays' 7-0 shutout loss at the hands of the Houston Astros. They chat about what they saw from Kevin Gausman on the mound Monday night, how to fix Toronto's sputtering offence, and what to make of limited production from the top of the batting order. Ryan Dempster (29:06), World Series champion and co-host of Intentional Talk on MLB Network, shares what it's like pitching for a team without an offensive punch. Ryan weighs in on Anthony Santander's slow start and the challenges that come with pitching in different ballparks, before taking a look around league to discuss the crowded N.L. West and the state of the Cubs. 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 Samson, former MLB executive and host of Nothing Personal, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to forecast the sustainability of the Cubs, Tigers and Padres' hot starts to the season. The trio take a trip around the league to discuss Aaron Judge's case as the best hitter in baseball, if there's any truth to certain players being "slow starters", Juan Soto's comments about the Mets' lineup protection, the fallout from Jarred Kelenic's lack of hustle, and the Marlins' farm system calling pitches from the dugout. After the break, National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Billy Wagner (30:17) joins the program! He shares how life has changed since getting the call to the Hall, his enjoyment of teaching the next generation, and his inspirations growing up on the mound. Billy wraps up with thoughts on his son Will's MLB journey so far and offers some advice for the road ahead. 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 this week with thoughts on the Blue Jays' lack of production at the plate to start the season. The pair dive into how the team can unlock Anthony Santander's offence and Nick Sandlin's status after being placed on the 15-day IL, before setting the stage for tonight's series opener in Houston. The conversation continues with Geoff Blum (26:40), Astros TV analyst. Geoff discusses Houston's identity crisis in 2025 and Hunter Brown's strong form heading into tonight's start, before sharing his early impressions of Cam Smith, Yainer Diaz and Christian Walker. 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 ahead of the team's series against the Seattle Mariners (1:25). The skipper starts with the decision to send Davis Schneider down to Triple-A and the injury statuses of George Springer, Daulton Varsho and Max Scherzer. Then, he gets into Andrés Giménez coming back to earth, how he's preparing for Blue-Jay-killer Cal Raleigh, Anthony Santander getting into rhythm, the team's different feel from last season and much more. Later, Mariners TV play-by-play voice Aaron Goldsmith (27:54) joins the show to discuss Raleigh's scorching stretch, Seattle's ceiling this season, Julio Rodriguez's inconsistency and what to expect from the Mariners' pitching staff in the weekend series in 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off Friday's show teeing up the Blue Jays' series against the Seattle Mariners this weekend. The guys dive into Cal "Big Dumper" Raleigh's red-hot stretch coming into Toronto, Randy Arozarena's impact on Seattle's roster, and how Julio Rodríguez' first few years in the majors compare to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s, before taking a closer look at some other intriguing teams around the American League. Ryan Spilborghs (22:20), former MLB outfielder and Apple TV+ analyst, checks in ahead of tonight's game at Rogers Centre! He shares his view on J-Rod's future in Seattle, how much early season stats matter, and Jeff Hoffman's revival in Toronto, before weighing in on the tough road ahead for the Rockies in 2025. 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 with today's trivia question, before taking a closer look at the San Diego Padres' hot start to the season. Ben Higgins, co-host of Ben & Woods on 97.3 The Fan, joins the conversation to discuss who can be the difference-maker on the Padres' roster, the underrated contributors on the squad, and Fernando Tatís Jr.'s MVP-caliber performance. Ben also dives into what's behind Tatís' breakout start, the lasting effects of the team's 2024 playoff series with the Dodgers, and the job Mike Shildt has done. Later, Jeff and Kevin debate how the conversation surrounding PEDs has changed over the years, before chatting about the state of the Blue Jays' bullpen (28:15). Today's program wraps up with your questions and comments 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.

Kevin Barker returns alongside Jeff Blair to recount the Blue Jays' 3-1 victory to seal a series victory over the Braves, fueled by Chris Bassitt's 10 strikeout performance. The duo break the news of Davis Schneider's demotion to Triple-A Buffalo, before getting into who's next in line to get called up to big leagues, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Anthony Santander simultaneously heating up, and the roles players are taking on early this season. After the break, Jeff and Kevin open up the "Back Leg Line" to respond to your questions and comments (25:20).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 opens this episode with a sneak preview of Hazel Mae's interview with Jeff Hoffman recounting how an at-bat with Bryce Harper helped save his MLB career. Jeff then opens up the "Back Leg Line" to respond to your questions and comments. A.J. Pierzynski (12:47), World Series champion and host of Foul Territory, shares his perspective on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s mega-extension, how it changes the perception of Toronto as a free agent destination, and the state of the American League East. Later, JB reacts to Ryan Yarbrough's comments about his split with the Blue Jays organization. Tom Glavine (26:40), two-time Cy Young Award winner and Hall of Famer, joins the show to discuss Spencer Strider's looming return, the strength of Atlanta's rotation when healthy, and Kevin Gausman's recipe for success. 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 opens today's show with thoughts on what went wrong for the Blue Jays during their 8-4 blowout at the hands of the Atlanta Braves. Brandon Gaudin, play-by-play voice of the Braves, discusses what's contributed to the team's slow start, how Spencer Strider's pending return will solidify the team's rotation, what to expect from Spencer Schwellenbach on the mound tonight, and the priorities for Alex Anthopoulos. Later, Dan Shulman (22:08), Blue Jays play-by-play voice on Sportsnet, shares his takeaways from yesterday's press conference officially announcing Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s contract extension. Dan also comments on what's next for Easton Lucas, Yariel Rodriguez' outlook as a reliever, and the state of Toronto's offence. 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 is joined by Jim Bowden - former GM and MLB analyst with CBS Sports and the Athletic - to continue the conversation around Vladimir Guerrero Jr. making his extension official (0:46). They discuss the industry's reaction to Vladdy's deal, costly timing for the Jays and ownership's role in negotiations. Then, he tees up the Jays' series against the struggling Atlanta Braves. Later, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins joins the show (26:09) to share a timeline of the negotiation process with Vladdy, the clubhouse's reaction to the deal, the next steps towards a potential Bo Bichette extension 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.

Sportsnet's own Shi Davidi joins Jeff Blair live from Rogers Centre following the press conference announcing Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s contract extension. Shi discusses the role ownership played in the signing, how the rest of the league views the deal, the positive direction this move signifies for the franchise, and what's ahead for Bo Bichette. Later on, ESPN's Jeff Passan (23:12) shares his perspective on Vlad's 14-year extension and the potential ripple effects for future MLB free agents, before shifting to chat about the how the American East-leading Blue Jays have started 2025. 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 opens the program by teeing up today's press conference at Rogers Centre officially announcing Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s $500 million, 14-year contract extension. General Manager Ross Atkins, President and CEO Mark Shapiro, and Rogers Executive Chairman Edward Rogers III, join Vladdy on the podium as he puts the pen to paper to sign the historic deal. Jeff checks back in following the media availability to reflect on the magnitude and importance of this contract for the Blue Jays franchise. 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 (1:15) ahead of the team's weekend series in Baltimore. The skipper follows up on umpire Manny Gonzalez's questionable call in the Jays' series finale at Fenway and how he manages around inconsistent strike zones. Then, he gets into the pleasant surprise of Tyler Heineman, early concerns at the top of the lineup, the rotation's red-hot start to the season, the big-league adjustment for Will Wagner and Alan Roden, and much more. Finally, Jeff and Kevin close out the week by going to the Back Leg Line to answer your calls and questions!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 with thoughts on the Blue Jays' 3-2 extra innings loss to the Red Sox. They listen back to John Schneider's postgame comments about some questionable umpiring calls behind the plate, before teeing up tonight's matchup to open a three-game series against the Orioles. Toronto Blue Jays Pitching Coach Pete Walker (05:55) joins the show to discuss his rotation's historic numbers early on, the challenges that come with pitching in the elements, and what's behind Easton Lucas' strong start. Pete also dives into the effectiveness of Kevin Gausman and Brendon Little, the messaging to the team when calls don't go your way, Nick Sandlin's early returns, and Yariel Rodriguez work out of the bullpen. After the break, Jeff and Kevin examine Anthony Santander's slow start, the troubling weather rolling into Baltimore this evening, and the state of Toronto's offence two weeks into the season. 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.

Lou Merloni, former MLB infielder and current NESN analyst, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to tee up today's matinee at Fenway Park! He discusses Walker Buehler's start this afternoon, Boston's issues striking out, if the team's third base debate is finally put to rest, Tristan Casas' rough start at the plate, Trevor Story's deterioration, and Kristian Campbell's outlook. Afterwards, Jeff and Kevin listen to what John Schneider had to say about his relievers' work in high-leverage spots, before opening up the "Back Leg Line" to respond to your questions and comments!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 sorting through the Blue Jays' lineup ahead of this afternoon's series finale against the Red Sox. The guys look back on Kevin Gausman's elite performance in last night's win in Boston, with a focus on his adjustments game to game. They also zero in on Alejandro Kirk's night to forget on both sides of the ball, Jeff Hoffman's dominant two innings of work, and state of Toronto's offence early on this season. David Samson (25:20), former MLB executive and current host of Nothing Personal, joins the program to share his view on the structuring of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s 14-year contract extension. He breaks down how the $325 million signing bonus could impact relations with the Major League Baseball Players Association, the process of getting a deal of this magnitude done, what's ahead for Bo Bichette, and the rationale of having team captains in 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.

Jensen Lewis of MLB Network Radio and By the Books on VSiN, kicks off the second hour of the show alongside Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker. He dives into Andrés Giménez' "fun factor", how the baseball world outside of Toronto views Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s contract, the state of the Guardians' bullpen, and Cleveland's outlook in 2025. Next, Jeff and Kevin discuss the reported details of Vlad's extension including a $325 million signing bonus spread out of the 14-year deal, before debating who's in line to receive MLB's next mega-contract. Today’s program wraps up by going live to Guerrero Jr.'s media availability in Boston on the heels of the Blue Jays' officially announcing his 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off today's program with thoughts on the Blue Jays' 6-1 victory over the Red Sox powered by Easton Lucas. The duo highlight the work by Toronto's starter and "low leverage" bullpen arms in the win, the continued lack of power from the team's power bats, and John Schneider's level of trust among his relievers! Later, former MLB catcher and current Sportsnet analyst, Caleb Joseph (25:00) checks in on George Springer's revival this season, how Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s extension could influence what's next for Bo Bichette, and the keys for Kevin Gausman's success tonight in Boston. Caleb also chats about Lucas' strong start to 2025, Tyler Heineman's efforts behind the plate, and the strength of the team defensively. 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 this hour giving away a pair of tickets, before welcoming on Blue Jays legend, Carlos Delgado! The two-time All-Star weighs in on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s mega-extension and the pressure that comes with signing a deal of that magnitude. Carlos also shares his view on the place of analytics in today's game, Vlad's ceiling as a power hitter, how to maintain on-field efficiency as you age, and more! Later on, World Series champion and NESN Red Sox analyst, Jonathan Papelbon (30:15) joins the conversation. He chats about Boston overcoming adversity early in the season, the challenges of pitching in the cold, Jeff Hoffman's return to Toronto, how Alex Bregman is settling in with his new team, and his first impressions of Garrett Crochet. 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 the show discussing the Blue Jays' win in their series opener against the Boston Red Sox, the positive changes in George Springer's mechanics and mental approach, Andrés Giménez's addition to the infield's defence, José Berríos battling through the cold weather at Fenway Park, and Pete Walker jawing back and forth with Red Sox third base coach Kyle Hudson. Then, MLB Network's Jon Morosi (28:32) stops by to chat about the Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reaching the finish line in a contract extension early in the regular season, Toronto front office's next move is for Bo Bichette, what Kyle Tucker's next contract is projected to be, and who could be the next biggest free agent signing on the 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 start the second hour of 'Vladurday' by going to the Back Leg Line to get your questions and takes on the Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s newly inked extension! Later, The Athletic's Jayson Stark joins the show (27:34) to discuss Vladdy's $500M deal from a broader, MLB point of view. He shares his thoughts on the deal itself before getting into how it might impact the free agent market, realistic post-contract expectations for Vladdy, the role the looming new CBA plays in teams' negotiations, the AL landscape 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 open this week with today's news: the Toronto Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have agreed to a 14-year, $500 million extension! The guys dive into the specifics of the deal, the impact of the signing for the organization, and the how the outlook changes as time rolls on. Jeff and Kevin take some time to tee up Blue Jays upcoming series against the Red Sox at Fenway Park, before Sportsnet's Shi Davidi stops by (24:16)! The man who helped break the news discusses the timeline of how the extension came to be, the major sticking pieces along the way, and if the deal can lift some pressure off the slugger's shoulders. Shi also weighs in on where the signing ranks among significant moments in team history, how it will impact the MLB free agent market, 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.

The Blue Jays are back in action, and so are Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker! The guys start by teeing up Kevin Gausman's start this afternoon in New York with thoughts on his unorthodox splitter grip, the rotation he's searching for, and its sustainability over the course of a season. Jeff and Kevin continue to set the stage by sorting through today's lineups, before ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan (27:00) stops by! He weighs in on the wave of "torpedo bats" taking baseball by storm, the state of the Houston Astros, the reasoning behind Kristian Campbell's eight-year extension in Boston, 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker welcome Tim Britton (0:24), Mets reporter with the Athletic, ahead of the Blue Jays' series at Citi Field. He gets into the state of the Mets' rotation without Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas, their team identity, how aggressive they'll be in the Vladdy Jr. free agency market, breakout candidates and much more. Finally, Jeff and Kevin dip into the Back Leg Line to answer your questions - including what's behind Andrés Giménez's hot start, why the Jays have struggled on challenge calls and how Yimi Garcia brings stability to the bullpen.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 this off-day episode celebrating the Blue Jays' sweep of the Nationals to push them atop the American League East! The guys start off with thoughts on how the switch to playing outdoors could impact Toronto's young players as the team heads to New York to take on the Mets. They also chat about the team's standouts and surprises from the first week, the Dodgers' winning ways to kick off the season, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s form early on. Joe Siddall (24:00), former MLB catcher and current Sportsnet analyst, joins the guys on the heels of the Jays' first homestand of 2025. Joe weighs in on the team's depth contributors, the sustainability of their hot start, early impressions of Alan Roden, George Springer, Bowden Francis, Yariel Rodriguez, Anthony Santander, and Guerrero, before sharing his expectation for the team's upcoming road trip. 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 the program teeing up this afternoon's snowy series finale against the Nationals in search of a sweep. They begin with thoughts on the Blue Jays' game plan to attack opposing starter Mackenzie Gore, what's behind Anthony Santander's slow start, and Davis Schneider's opportunity in the lineup today. Jeff and Kevin also share their expectations for Easton Lucas ahead of his first start of the season, before looking into how John Schneider has deployed his bullpen early on and José Berríos' bounce-back start last night. The guys chat about Kristian Campbell and Jackson Merrill signing long-term extensions, before Blue Jays Manager John Schneider joins the show (29:55)! Skip shares his view on Lucas getting the ball for today's game, Yariel Rodriguez' efforts out of the 'pen, Jeff Hoffman's early returns, George Springer's hot start, and what's stood out about Alan Roden and Will Wagner. John wraps up by answering this week's fan question from Darrell in Ingersoll! 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 Kevin Frandsen (0:50), Washington Nationals TV colour analyst, former MLB player, and host of MLB Network Radio, to discuss the potential of Vlad Jr. receiving an offer from the Nats if he entered free agency, CJ Abrams’ ceiling, the rising star of James Wood, what would define a successful season for the team, the future trajectory of the Washington baseball club, scouting report on left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore, and weighs in on the controversial torpedo bats. Then, Jeff and Kevin look ahead to Jose Berrios' second start of the year and how he can bounce back from Opening Day in the Blue Jays' second game against the Nationals.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 with thoughts on the Blue Jays' 5-2 victory over the Nationals to move above .500 for the first time in 2025. The guys break down Andrés Giménez' third home run in his first five games, Bowden Francis' first outing of the season, and George Springer's promising start to the year. Dan Shulman (24:50), play-by-play of the Blue Jays on Sportsnet, shares his view on Brendon Little's work out of the bullpen, how José Berríos can rebound from his rough Opening Day start, and the sustainability of Springer's hot start. Dan also weighs in on Will Wagner and Alan Roden's expectations in 2025, Davis Schneider's stats that matter, what's behind Anthony Santander's slow start, early returns of Alejandro Kirk hitting behind Giménez, 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.

Former MLB General Manager, Jim Bowden, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to share his take on the Yankees' use of "torpedo bats", how the Blue Jays' signing of Max Scherzer looks in hindsight, and what's behind Rafael Devers' 0-for-16 start to the season. Jim also chats about Rōki Sasaki's rough outing for the Dodgers, as well as what to make of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s agency being in attendance over the weekend. Blair and Barker wrap up with thoughts on Alan Roden's MLB debut, if his approach at the plate is sustainable, Bo Bichette's form to start to season, and what to expect heading into a three-game set with the Nationals (23:55). 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 this week on the program looking back on the Blue Jays' opening series of the 2025 season. They dive into Max Scherzer's thumb injury that limited the veteran's debut in Toronto, Yariel Rodriguez' performance out of the bullpen, the options to fill out the rotation, George Springer's change in approach and the lack of power from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Anthony Santander. Later, Jeff and Kevin share their take on the "torpedo bat" the Yankees have implemented. Chris Leroux (31:20), former MLB pitcher and current Sportsnet Blue Jays analyst, joins the conversation to share his view the new bat technology being utilized, before weighing in on Chris Bassitt's 105-pitch outing and Rodriguez' form in Sunday's series finale. 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 start the second hour by going to the Back Leg Line where they answer your burning Blue Jays questions after a lopsided Opening Day loss at the Rogers Centre. Later, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan (27:11) joins the show to discuss his chat with Juan Soto, Soto declaring himself 'the best hitter of all time,' and his ceiling with the Mets. Then, the three get into how the standard of Hall of Fame pitching is shifting, whether Teoscar Hernandez is underappreciated 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 affiliate.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin Friday's show finding some positives from the Blue Jays' 12-2 loss to open the regular season. The conversation shifts to the underlying concerns that Opening Day exposed including José Berríos' ugly debut and the lack of offensive power, before looking into how the team can regroup ahead of tonight's game. Later on, Manager John Schneider (21:34) joins the guys to share his view on his club's disappointing start to 2025 and how to combat the volume of home runs given up by the pitching staff. Skip also weighs in on Alan Roden's first major league hit, the challenge Charlie Morton poses tonight, the highs and lows of Alejandro Kirk's first game, Yariel Rodriguez' appearance out of the bullpen, what to expect from Kevin Gausman, George Springer's progress, and Daulton Varsho's timeline. 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 the show with Blue Jays’ play-by-play announcer Ben Shulman, discussing the Opening Day lineup, game expectations, Alejandro Kirk’s season outlook, Jose Berrios’ start, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s contract situation. Later, former MLB Manager Fredi Gonzalez (25:43) joins to share insights on Anthony Santander, strategies against Berrios, and his expectations for Adley Rutschman.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 kick off the second hour with Blue Jays Central analyst Caleb Joseph (1:15) to share his impressions of the team ahead of Opening Day on Thursday. They discuss Alan Roden's early opportunity, Alejandro Kirk's importance, expectations for Max Scherzer, and the hierarchy in the bullpen. Later, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins (35:26) joins the show to discuss the latest in the organization's negotiations with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., his evaluation of the team's offseason, takeaways from Spring Training 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.

On the eve of Opening Day, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show by sifting through Manager John Schneider's press conference. They dive into their expectations for the Blue Jays in 2025, as well as the latest on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s contract negotiations. Later, Emmanuel Berbari (28:05), Yankees broadcaster on WFAN, checks in from New York to share his read on the Bronx Bombers. He chats about the state of the roster with Gerrit Cole sidelined for the season, if the rest rotation can pick up the slack, and how the team can rebound from the loss of Juan Soto. Emmanuel also looks into Jazz Chisholm's importance, Oswaldo Cabrera's job security, the Yanks' bullpen arms to watch, Paul Goldschmidt's veteran presence, 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by Blue Jays TV analyst Buck Martinez (5:51) to chat about his expectations for Will Wagner and Alan Roden, the buildup to 'Opening Day' each year, whether Kevin Gausman can return to form, what classifies a good year for Max Scherzer, bullpen depth, Alejandro Kirk's workload behind the plate and on offence, and whether Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. can find some comfort alongside Andrés Giménez in the infield. Then, MASN's Roch Kubatko (27:10) stops by to discuss the impact moving the left field wall closer to home plate will have for hitters at Camden Yards, who are the Orioles heading into the 2025 season, projections for Zach Eflin, not signing Corbin Burnes, if the team will look into calling up prospect catcher Samuel Basallo, and concerns for the aging pitching staff.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.