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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600 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes600

Newest first

June 24 · 49 min
Midseason Check-In and Deadline Approach with GM Ross Atkins
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by Blue Jays EVP and general manager Ross Atkins (0:45) to chat about how he's assessed his team with the amount of injuries this season, how wide open the AL East could be, Kazuma Okamoto's transition to the MLB, the growth in Ernie Clement's game on both sides of the field, how the organization is supporting Vladdy through his down year, if Jesús Sánchez can become an everyday player for the Jays, if there's any worry about the increased usage for Louis V
June 22 · 49 min
Defensive Decisions + Around the Majors with Jayson Stark
Jeff Blair is solo on the second hour of the Monday edition. He kicks it off by welcoming in The Athletic's Jayson Stark (3:03) to discuss his recent conversation with Nolan Ryan about Jacob Misiorowski's velocity, Bryce Harper's cycle, whether the Astros can catch the Mariners, and the Giants' rocky start in the first year of Buster Posey's tenure as President. Then, ahead of the Jays' series-opener against the Astros, Jeff listens to John Schneider's pre-game availability. Finally, Jays radio
June 22 · 49 min
Season Turnaround? + Yordan Álvarez's Elite Hitting with Geoff Blum
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays' weekend series against the Chicago Cubs, Jays acquiring infielder Luis Urías from the Arizona Diamondbacks for cash considerations and sending outfielder Yohendrick Piñango down to Triple-A Buffalo, Kevin Gausman getting torched against the Cubs, if there's signs for a turnaround this season for the Blue Jays or Houston Astros, Kazuma Okamoto's stability at the plate, Daulton Varsho's at-bats since returning from his injury, and Louis Varland's si
June 18 · 49 min
A Sweep at Fenway and a Spark from Vladdy
Jeff Blair is solo for the post-game edition following the Blue Jays' win over the Boston Red Sox to secure the series sweep in Fenway. Jeff recaps the game before listening to John Schneider's post-game availability. Then, Sportsnet insider Ben Nicholson-Smith (7:39) stops by to share his takeaways from the series, including Trey Yesavage's control, what the sweep means for the Jays, whether Vladdy Jr. can build off his first home run since May 17, and whether Max Scherzer has pitched his last
June 17 · 49 min
The Catcher Hour with Erik Kratz and Caleb Joseph
Erik Kratz, former MLB catcher and host of Foul Territory, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker ahead of the Blue Jays' second game against the Red Sox (3:21). They discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s slump, Max Scherzer being moved to the IL, the state of the American League, the Red Sox's struggles at home, how the Phillies turned it around under Don Mattingly, and why the Brewers should swing big at the trade deadline. Later, Blue Jays Central's Caleb Joseph (29:19) weighs in on Scherzer's MLB futur
June 17 · 49 min
Max Scherzer Heads to the IL + Springer's 300th HR with John Schneider
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by Blue Jays manager John Schneider (0:45) to chat about Max Scherzer being placed on the 15-day IL, Braydon Fisher getting the opener spot against the Boston Red Sox, Shane Bieber's most recent rehab outing, how Fenway Park and Wrigley Field affects a hitter's mindset, George Springer hitting his 300th homerun, what impresses him from Miles Straw, Alejandro Kirk's implementation since returning from his injury, if he would consider moving Vladdy down the b
June 16 · 49 min
Uncertainty in Boston + Pitching in Fenway with Chris Leroux
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the second hour hearing from Blue Jays' manager John Schneider ahead of their three-game series against the Red Sox in Boston before being joined by WEEI's and host of Baseball Isn't Boring Rob Bradford to discuss why the franchise doesn't have a concrete plan for their future, Roman Anthony's injury concerns, who is likely to be moved at the trade deadline, and their managerial options. Then, Blue Jays radio analyst Chris Leroux stops by to chat about how to pi
June 16 · 49 min
New Series Against Boston + Can MLB Handle a Strike in the Future?
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show previewing the Blue Jays road series against the Boston Red Sox, how the Jays should gameplan against lefty Payton Tolle and Fenway Park. Then, ESPN's and Sources Tell Jeff Passan joins the guys to chat about the 1994 MLB strike, if this generation of owners and players would navigate a work stoppage, why he's not given up on the Blue Jays, the American League being wide open for the post-season, how the Red Sox will handle the 2026 trade deadline, and
June 15 · 49 min
Off-Day Check-In with Hazel Mae and Ryan Dempster
Blue Jays reporter and recent recipient of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame's Jack Graney Award, Hazel Mae (1:57), joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to kick off the second hour of the off-day edition. She shares her thoughts on the Jays' series loss against the Yankees, missed opportunities on offence, and the bullpen's workload. Then, co-host of Intentional Talk and former MLB pitcher Ryan Dempster (21:13) discusses the state of the American League, who should make the call on Max Scherzer's
June 15 · 49 min
New Fuel to Blue Jays-Yankees + Alejandro Kirk's Playing Time
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays' weekend series against the New York Yankees, why some of their biggest takeaways weren't the lack of extra base hits, whether Alejandro Kirk should have started the second game, growing concerns with how the bullpen performed against New York, Yankees shortstop Jose Caballero's pitch clock antics and John Schneider's thoughts on the issue. Then the guys head to the Back Leg Line to hear from fans about the team and how they played against the AL E
June 12 · 49 min
Reinforcements on the Way + Jays Take on Judge-Less Yankees
Sportsnet's Shi Davidi (10:20) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker ahead of the Blue Jays' series opener against the Yankees. They break down the Jays' recent roster moves with Tyler Heineman being DFA'd, whether George Springer could be back in the outfield, Addison Barger's rehab progress, and the plan for Max Scherzer as Shane Bieber nears a return. Later, ESPN's Tim Kurkjian (31:11) stops by to share his thoughts on the Jays' season so far, what the Jays can expect from the Yankees' pitching,
June 12 · 49 min
Alejandro Kirk Returns + How John Schneider Balances Workloads
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker share their reaction to the Blue Jays' roster moves including reinstating Alejandro Kirk, recalling Davis Schneider, Daulton Varsho placed on the IL and designating Tyler Henieman for assignment before bringing on the Jays' manager John Schneider (2:24). The skipper explains some of the moves, Shane Bieber's status, how he will balance the workload for Kirk and Brandon Valenzuela, if he would consider moving George Springer back to the outfield, Vlad Jr.'s struggles a
June 11 · 49 min
Triple-A Rehab Round-Up with Casey Candaele + Back Leg Line!
Buffalo Bisons manager Casey Candaele (2:27) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker following some rehab starts from Dylan Cease, Max Scherzer and Shane Bieber. The skipper outlines the plan for Bieber's second rehab start tonight, what Bisons regulars have learned from the experienced group of starters, Davis Schneider's progress at the plate, and much more. Later, Jeff and Kevin open the Back Leg Line to answer your calls and questions, including what to expect from Alejandro Kirk when he returns,
June 11 · 49 min
What Does the Future Hold for Max Scherzer?
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap Max Scherzer's return outing against the Philadelphia Phillies, how the Blue Jays should use him moving forward after the loss, and where the Jays rank in extra-base hits through June. Then, Chris Rose (26:56) of Baseball Today joins the guys to chat about how John Schneider and the rest of the staff should approach Scherzer about his future, the need for Vlad Jr. to produce runs, and if the Chicago White Sox can challenge the Cleveland Guardians for the divisio
June 10 · 49 min
Mad Max Returns, Pitching Report with Pete Walker + Josh Donaldson!
Former Blue Jays MVP Josh Donaldson (0:43) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to kick off the second hour. He shares his experience playing in a local slow-pitch softball game, the challenges Max Scherzer faces as he returns to the Jays' rotation, and how Vladimir Guerrero Jr. can get his power back. Then, Jeff and Kevin listen to John Schneider's pre-game availability ahead of the Jays' series finale against the Phillies. Later, Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker (27:05) joins the show to disc
June 10 · 49 min
Cease to Amaze, Valenzuela's Case and Springer's Future
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap Dylan Cease's successful outing following his IL stint against the Phillies, if he has a case to make the All-Star game, why Brandon Valenzuela has solidified his case to remain on the main roster once Alejandro Kirk comes back, George Springer's return to lead-off after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. held his spot for one game, what Vlad Jr. should focus on during his at-bats and expectations for Max Scherzer first start since his injury. Then, ESPN insider and host of
June 9 · 49 min
Inside the Phillies with Don Mattingly
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker start the second hour by listening to John Schneider's availability ahead of the Blue Jays' second game against the Philadelphia Phillies, where the skipper discussed the decision to move Vladdy Jr. to the leadoff spot. Then, Phillies manager and former Blue Jays bench coach Don Mattingly joins the show (8:10) to discuss taking over the manager job mid-season, what he learned from his time in Toronto, what it's like working with his son, Preston, as a GM, the pressure
June 9 · 50 min
Vlad Jr.'s New Batting Spot and Dylan Cease Returns
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker share their reaction to reinstating Dylan Cease to start in their second game against the Phillies and sending Adam Macko to Triple-A, the new batting order with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. moved to the leadoff spot, why George Springer won't be an everyday player moving forward, and how Cease should attack the Phillies' hitters. Then, MLB Network's Jon Morosi joins the guys (27:55) to chat about why a winning baseball club hinges on Vladdy, why John Schneider made the righ
June 8 · 49 min
Too Many Voices Around Vladdy?
Former MLB president and host of 'Nothing Personal,' David Samson (1:08), joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss the Jays' potential solutions for a struggling Jeff Hoffman, the number of voices around Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s hitting, whether Aaron Judge's injury will up the Yankees' deadline aggression, and why the Tigers should act now on Tarik Skubal after his first rehab stint. Later, Jeff and Kevin listen to John Schneider's pre-game availability ahead of the Jays' series-opener again
June 8 · 49 min
Base Running 101 + Cristopher Sánchez Scouting Report
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays' weekend series against the Baltimore Orioles, including their 6-4 win, the comeback in the 6th inning, Jeff Hoffman's blown save in their second game, Ernie Clement dodging Gunnar Henderson's tag, Kevin Gausman's outing against his former team and his slider usage. Then, former MLB umpire and crew chief Dale Scott (16:04) takes a deeper dive on the base-running and infield defensive plays between Toronto and O's, and the leash he would have for ma