Blair & Barker

Sportsnet

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker talk all things Blue Jays and MLB. Airing live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN weekdays from 4-6 PM ET during the baseball season.

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603 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes603

Newest first

Sep 17, 2025 · 49 min
AL Playoff Picture and MVP Pulse with Jeff Passan
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' 6-5 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, moving their magic number to clinch a playoff spot down to three. They get into the fan-interference review, José Berríos' outing, and Jeff Hoffman's velocity. Then, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan (16:15) stops by to discuss the AL MVP race after Cal Raleigh's recent switch-hitting milestone, why the Yankees' place in the standings doesn't hurt Aaron Judge's case, George Springer's resurgent season and how the
Sep 16, 2025 · 49 min
A Catcher's Responsibility with Joe Siddall + Pete Walker's First Impressions
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined in-studio by Blue Jays Central analyst Joe Siddall (1:19) to recap Trey Yesavage's MLB debut, how Tyler Heineman approached catching Trey's first game, Jeff Hoffman's pitch sequencing, Andrés Giménez's stint as shortstop while Bo Bichette is on the IL, who would round out as the Jays' three starters in a three-game series, the final roster spots on the pitching end, and José Berríos' slurve. Then, the guys are joined by pitching coach Pete Walker (25:45) to
Sep 16, 2025 · 49 min
Yesavage Deals in Debut + Extra Innings Hero Braydon Fisher
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open with a look back on Trey Yesavage's 9-strikeout debut against the Tampa Bay Rays. They weigh in on how the Jays should deploy Yesavage in the postseason, news on Bo Bichette's injury, Andrés Giménez's play at shortstop, and potential solutions for Jeff Hoffman's dipping velocity. Later, following his heroics in extra innings on Monday, Blue Jays reliever Braydon Fisher stops by (26:40) to discuss how his trip to Triple-A helped him reset, the difference between p
Sep 15, 2025 · 49 min
Trey Yesavage Scouting Report + An Update on Bo Bichette
Buffalo Bisons' pitching coach Drew Hayes joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to describe Trey Yesavage as a pitcher and person in the clubhouse, his best pitch within his arsenal, the dynamics of his high release point, the stints between starting a game and coming out of the bullpen, and what would be a clear indicator that he's on the right path to success ahead of his Blue Jays' debut (11:00). Then, Sportsnet's Shi Davidi stops by (35:19) to discuss the news that Bo Bichette is looking into a
Sep 15, 2025 · 50 min
Trey Day in Tampa
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get set for Blue Jays' top prospect Trey Yesavage's MLB debut to kick off the team's series against the Tampa Bay Rays. They share expectations for the young starter, takeaways from the Jays' weekend sweep over the Baltimore Orioles, Addison Barger's push for a larger role, and much more. Later, Rays TV analyst and former pitcher Brian Anderson (32:40) joins the show to discuss what's behind Tampa's streaky season, Junior Caminero's breakout year, and how the Rays' ba
Sep 12, 2025 · 49 min
Pennant Races with Troy Tulowitzki
Former Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about his transition to coaching for the University of Texas, how he's navigated being a mentor versus a coach, working closely with Bo Bichette, his hitting style, the unique style of playing at short, Bo's overall performance in 2025, working through a contract year, memories of Rogers Centre and the 2015 baseball club, and his advice to the current Jays on pushing through October. To wrap up the show, Blair a
Sep 12, 2025 · 49 min
Lineup Decisions Without Bichette + Bisons Report
Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker for his weekly chat about his lineup decisions with Bo Bichette on the IL, if Addison Barger can be a mainstay as the clean-up hitter, Anthony Santander's rehab stint with Buffalo, revisiting Jeff Hoffman's workload and sequencing his pitches, when he would consider changing the closer role, Kevin Gausman's longevity, Jose Berrios' progression back towards being himself on the mound, confidence in Davis Schneider, and the feeling
Sep 10, 2025 · 49 min
AL & NL MVP Races + The Jays' Resilience
ESPN's Jeff Passan joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss whether Bo Bichette is a bigger loss to the Blue Jay than Trea Turner to the Philadelphia Phillies, the scouting reports on relivers and why there wasn't a greater market for them during the trade deadline, the NL and AL MVP race, if the San Francisco Giants can sneak into the post-season, and what could Kyle Schwarber get on the free agency market. Then, Blue Jays TV play-by-play voice Dan Shulman stops by to chat about the basebal
Sep 10, 2025 · 49 min
Walking Off the Astros + Alejandro Kirk's Biggest Adjustment
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back at the Blue Jays-Astros series opening thriller, Vladdy's decision to throw to Addison Barger at third base to cut off Jose Altuve, the bottom of the order's rally in the 9th including Isiah Kiner-Falefa's crucial hit, Daulton Varsho's stint as the clean-up hitter, and the gap increasing between the Jays and New York Yankees. Then, MLB Network's and former MLB catcher Alex Avila joins the guys to chat about what it means for the Jays to secure their 8th walk
Sep 9, 2025 · 49 min
The Next Most Important Series Against Astros
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by Blue Jays Central analyst Caleb Joseph to chat about Daulton Varsho's mechanical changes at the plate, pitching against Yordan Alvarez, if Braydon Fisher is the front-runner to takeover Louis Varland's spot in high leverage, and his expectations for Jose Berrios in his next start. Then, we hear from manager John Schneider ahead of their series against the Astros. Afterwards, Houston Astros TV analyst Geoff Blum stops by to discuss how Jeremy Peña has bee
Sep 9, 2025 · 49 min
Late Season Stretch without Bo Bichette
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open the show discussing the Blue Jays' roster move sending Bo Bichette to the 10-day IL and calling up Joey Loperfido, expectations for the team moving forward without Bo for the final stretch of September, and the upcoming series opener against the Houston Astros. Then, host of Foul Territory and former MLB catcher Erik Kratz stops by to chat about stealing signs across the league and in particular during the New York Yankees-Blue Jays series finale, if the Jays can
Sep 8, 2025 · 49 min
Yankees' Path to October + Stealing Signs in Baseball
New York Yankees reporter Pete Caldera joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about the chances for the team to make up some ground for the top of the AL East before the end of the regular season, how Aaron Boone deploys Aaron Judge or Giancarlo Stanton in the right field, narrowing down their circle of trust in the bullpen, Cody Bellinger's season, and Anthony Volpe's future at shortstop. Then, host of Nothing Personal with David Samson stops by to discuss the Yankees embracing the sign stea
Sep 8, 2025 · 49 min
Pitch-Tipping and Learning from Jays-Yankees
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open the show with their thoughts from the Blue Jays' weekend series at Yankees Stadium, Max Scherzer's pitch tipping, Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger picking up on it, how it's part of the game of baseball and how the Jays handled the situation. Then, Blair and Barker head to Back Leg Line to hear listener's calls on what they've learned from the series loss to the New York Yankees. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests a
Sep 5, 2025 · 49 min
The Most Important Series for the Yankees & Blue Jays
The Athletic's Jayson Starks joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about why it's a bigger series for the New York Yankees against the Blue Jays, Aaron Judge's return to the outfield, the BBWAA adding Relief Pitcher of the Year Award in 2026 for both the NL and AL, if the Philadelphia Phillies are the best team in the National League after taking two of three against the Milwaukee Brewers, if it takes a superstar to win a World Series, concerns with L.A. Dodgers' offence, and the Baltimore O
Sep 5, 2025 · 49 min
AL East Battle in New York with John Schneider
Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about facing the New York Yankees as they close the gap to his team in the AL East, his expectations for his pitchers to attack the Bronx Bombers, how he'll utilize Jose Berrios nearing the end of the year, giving Max Scherzer an extra days rest, Brendon Little's pitches, Jeff Hoffman's workload, Addison Barger's recent stretch of at-bats, the status of Anthony Santander, calling up Braydon Fisher and Trey Yesavage's path
Sep 4, 2025 · 49 min
Preparing for Yankees Stadium with John Smoltz & Jon Morosi
MLB Network's Jon Morosi (2:17) jumps on with Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about a messy 8th inning during the New York Yankees and Houston Astros game, if the Blue Jays pitchers can attack against the Yankees' hitters, Aaron Judge's future in the outfield, Bo Bichette's market value, and the chaotic race within the American League for a playoff spot. Then, MLB Hall of Famer and MLB on FOX analyst John Smoltz stops by (28:01) to discuss how difficult it is to be a closer vs. a starter nea
Sep 4, 2025 · 49 min
Who is the Blue Jays' MVP?
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' 13-9 comeback win over the Cincinnati Reds to close out the series. They debate who is the Jays' MVP this season between George Springer and Bo Bichette, break down Shane Bieber's mid-game adjustments, and share their confidence levels in the bullpen heading into their pivotal series against the Yankees. Then, they get into where Anthony Santander would slot in if he gets healthy. Later, ESPN's Tim Kurkjian (28:00) stops by to discuss the s
Sep 3, 2025 · 49 min
Houston's Pitcher-Catcher Problem with Joe Siddall + Jeff Passan
Blue Jays Central analyst Joe Siddall (0:20) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker in-studio to chat about the pitching incident between Houston Astros' starter Framber Valdez and his catcher César Salazar, what he expects from Shane Bieber in his third start since coming off the IL, how he views the Jays handling Jose Berrios' struggles against the Cincinnati Reds, Trey Yesavage's future in Buffalo, who will become Toronto's second hitter in the lineup in October, how Bo Bichette has controlled his
Sep 3, 2025 · 49 min
Bullpen Bounces Back
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' 12-9 win over the Cincinnati Reds, the bullpen limiting the damage, Louis Varland figuring it out, and José Berríos's waning confidence on the mound. Then, they get into how George Springer's season impacts his legacy, Framber Valdez seemingly intentionally crossing up his catcher, and their expectations for Shane Bieber in his third start. Later, Adam Ottavino (28:35), former pitcher and host of Baseball and Coffee, stops by to give his ta
Sep 2, 2025 · 49 min
September Decisions with Thad Levine + Buck Martinez
Blue Jays' TV analyst Buck Martinez (2:30) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about his expectations for Jose Berrios' start after coming off an extended rest, Shane Bieber's first two starts with the Jays, if Brendon Little can adjust to his pitches this late into the year, how he would catch Jeff Hoffman, why Addison Barger moving down in the lineup could benefit him, and Bo Bichette's consistent at-bats. Then, former MLB executive and host of "Roster to Rings" podcast Thad Levine joins