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

Apr 21, 2025 · 49 min
Hall of Fame DNA with Billy Wagner + David Samson!
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 pitch
Apr 21, 2025 · 49 min
Unlocking Tony Taters + Astros' Identity Crisis
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 toni
Apr 18, 2025 · 50 min
Early-Season Success with John Schneider
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, Ma
Apr 18, 2025 · 49 min
Meet the Mariners with Ryan Spilborghs
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+ analys
Apr 17, 2025 · 49 min
El Niño's MVP-Level Start
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 Dodge
Apr 17, 2025 · 49 min
Buffalo Bound Babe
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
Apr 15, 2025 · 48 min
Tom Glavine on Strider's Return + A.J. Pierzynski!
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.
Apr 15, 2025 · 49 min
Way of the Braves + Toronto Trends Early On
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, share
Apr 14, 2025 · 49 min
GM Hour: Inside Vladdy Negotiations with Ross Atkins
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
Apr 14, 2025 · 49 min
Insider Hour: Shi Davidi & Jeff Passan
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, be
Apr 14, 2025 · 49 min
It's Official: Vlad Puts Pen to Paper
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 franch
Apr 11, 2025 · 49 min
Encouraging & Concerning Starts with John Schneider
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
Apr 11, 2025 · 49 min
Pete Walker on His Rotation's Historic Start
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 Easto
Apr 10, 2025 · 49 min
Brooms Out in Boston?
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, bef
Apr 10, 2025 · 49 min
Oh My Gausman + Signing Bonus Breakdown with David Samson
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
Apr 9, 2025 · 49 min
The Giménez Effect + Guerrero Jr.'s Extension is Official
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 l
Apr 9, 2025 · 49 min
Easton Bound and Down: Lucas Shines Under the Fenway Lights
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.'
Apr 8, 2025 · 49 min
Carlos Delgado on Toronto's Next Homegrown Hero + Jonathan Papelbon!
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 P
Apr 8, 2025 · 49 min
Cold Monster + Significance of Signing Vladdy with Jon Morosi
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. reach
Apr 7, 2025 · 49 min
Vlad's Splash & MLB Ripple Effects with Jayson Stark
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 CB