Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker reflect on the club's biggest shortcomings and what must change heading into next year. They discuss Max Scherzer's potential final MLB start, whether the future Hall of Famer could return for one more season, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sitting out the season finale. Blue Jays reporter Hazel Mae joins the show (13:10) to share stories from covering Scherzer and George Springer throughout their careers, revisit Springer's tenure in Toronto, and examine the biggest challenges faced by John Schneider this season. Plus, Hazel discusses her new book Before I Let You Go: My Life in Broadcasting, Baseball & Beyond, before the conversation shifts around MLB, including Dan Wilson's future in Seattle and a preview of the upcoming postseason. 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.

Ben Shulman (1:39) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss the potential reception Vladimir Guerrero Jr. could receive from fans following his controversial comments, evaluate Jose Soriano's impact since arriving at the trade deadline, and identify the Blue Jays' biggest offseason priorities. They also debate George Springer's future with the club and whether Brett Bateman can establish himself as an everyday leadoff hitter next season. Later, former MLB pitcher Chris Welsh stops by (26:38) to discuss the Reds' disappointing campaign, the mood of the Cincinnati fanbase, Elly De La Cruz's standout year, expectations for Sal Stewart, and the continued rise in pitcher velocity across 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 reflect on a disappointing Blue Jays season as the club heads into its final three games. They react to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s press conference, dissect his apology, examine the factors behind his struggles, and discuss how both Vladdy and the organization can rebound next year. Later, Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins the show (28:03) to discuss missing the playoffs, Guerrero's comments and their impact in the clubhouse, why he'll remain in the lineup to finish the season, Max Scherzer's and George Springer's futures, and his message to fans after a disappointing 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker welcome Erik Kratz (0:35) to discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s controversial comments, how a clubhouse might react, and what Vladdy’s approach should be for last final games. They also dive into Brandon Valenzuela’s role, Max Scherzer’s future, the Blue Jays’ offseason priorities, and the playoff picture across the AL. Later, Jeff Passan (28:12) weighs in on the reaction to Vladdy’s comments, the futures of George Springer and Scherzer, Aaron Judge’s Wild Card status, and what Toronto must do to bounce back in 2027. 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 Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s controversial comments, what they could mean for his teammates and the fan base, and whether his contract expectations are a fair explanation for his struggles. They debate how the Blue Jays should handle Vladdy over the season’s final games, the pressure he'll face moving forward, and whether he can carry a contender on his own. Later, Ben Nicholson-Smith joins the show (30:21) to weigh in on Vladdy’s comments, clubhouse reactions, and the road ahead for a club facing a pivotal winter. 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.

Following the Blue Jays' elimination from postseason contention after a loss to the Baltimore Orioles, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off the abridged edition with radio analyst Chris Leroux (1:30). They discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s recent comments about his contract, how the clubhouse might react to it, and whether it warrents an apology to the team. Then, they look ahead and discuss whether the Jays have found something in José Rodríguez for 2027, what the front office will need to do on the pitching side in the offseason, 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 open Hour 2 with Sportsnet MLB insider Shi Davidi (2:15) to discuss the mood around the Blue Jays clubhouse after last night's loss, the futures of Brett Bateman, Myles Straw, and Josh Smith, and where Jose Berrios stands. They also dig into how John Schneider and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s relationship has evolved this year, Spencer Miles' future role, how a lockout could affect offseason plans, and whether Anthony Santander returns to the Jays' lineup next season. Later, The Athletic's Jayson Stark (27:22) joins to debate his AL Least Valuable Player pick between Guerrero Jr. and Cal Raleigh, breaks down Jacob Misiorowski's excellent season and whether he can sustain it, Pat Murphy's managerial style, and the extensions for Chad Tracy and Andy Green. 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' game rained out, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on their series-opening loss to the Baltimore Orioles. They discuss Brett Bateman's injury, Pete Alonso getting the better of Tyler Rogers, Trey Yesavage's performance in his return, early impressions of José Rodríguez, what is still left to learn with five days left in the regular season, and the uncertainties clouding the Blue Jays' offseason. Later, WEEI's Rob Bradford stops by (30:26) to discuss Red Sox manager Chad Tracy's newly signed extension, the catalyst behind Boston's turnaround this season, the state of their bullpen ahead of the postseason, and why they have a chance to go on a deep 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 affiliates.

Orioles analyst and former MLB pitcher Ben McDonald joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker ahead of the Blue Jays' penultimate series of the regular season in Baltimore (0:24). They discuss the role weather may play at Camden Yards, how pitchers deal with rain delays disrupting their routines, how the Orioles' front office will react to their disappointing year in the offseason, and Coby Mayo's star ceiling. Jeff and Kevin tune into John Schneider's availability before welcoming Blue Jays Central analyst Caleb Joseph into the studio (27:30). He weighs in on Cease's injury, what to expect from Trey Yesavage in his return, how Alejandro Kirk can call a more efficient game, and José Soriano's pitch sequencing. 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 edition sharing their reactions to the Blue Jays losing two of three over the weekend in Texas. They discuss the injuries to Dylan Cease and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., whether Cease will make another start this season, the Jays’ postseason chances with just six games remaining, and how the lineup needs to change this offseason. Then, Jeff and Kevin welcome former Twins GM and co-host of Rosters to Rings, Thad Levine (31:01). He touches on the impact of Dylan Cease missing his next start, how concerning his velocity dip is, what the Jays' outlook is, his worries around Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and whether the Brewers' regular season success will hold up in the playoffs. 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.