Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show discussing how John Schneider could navigate the pitching rotation with Cody Ponce's status up in the air, the best way forward for Brendan Little after strong Spring outings and two rocky relief stints to start the regular season, why Kazuma Okamoto's second career MLB home run was impressive, and Ponce's first pitches in the Majors. Then, the guys bring on play-by-play voice of the Buffalo Bisons Pat Malacaro (27:00) to chat about potential options for the main roster to call up if Ponce misses time, Josh Kasevich's popularity among the managers and coaches, and Josh Rivera's growing potential. 

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 co-host of VSiN By The Books and former MLB pitcher Jensen Lewis (0:58) to chat about the first weekend of ABS' implementation, his takeaways from the Blue Jays' pitchers successful weekend with the strike zone, why he's not overreacting to Jeff Hoffman's first blown save to the year, and Rōki Sasaki's 2026 debut after a rocky Spring Training. Then, Blue Jays President and CEO Mark Shapiro (25:40) stops by to discuss the World Series' effect on the 2026 roster and organization, how he would define a successful season, what Kazuma Okamoto brings to the team on and off the field, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s growth into a leader and his ceiling, the Jays' pitch to Dylan Cease, and maintaining a high-end minor league teams.

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 look back on the Toronto Blue Jays' first series of the 2026 season - a three-game sweep over the Athletics. They discuss the rotation's early statement, as Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, and Eric Lauer combined for 32 strikeouts, share their first impressions of Jesús Sánchez and Kazuma Okamoto, and express early concerns for Brendon Little and Jeff Hoffman in the bullpen. Later, ahead of the Jays' series opener against the Rockies, Colorado TV analyst Ryan Spilborghs (27:25) joins the show to discuss the Rockies' goals this season, Ethan Holliday's progression, and his expectations for Cody Ponce's first start of the 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.

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (0:39) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss why the end of the 2025 World Series won't define the team's 2026 season, how he's evolved as a manager, Addison Barger's confidence, Andrés Giménez finding his swing and transitioning into an everyday shortstop, if the 9th inning will be Jeff Hoffman's, Brendon Little's outlook and the challenge for Kazuma Okamoto playing third base in MLB. Then, Blue Jays TV analyst Joe Siddall (22:45) gives his thoughts on the opening-day batting order, who could be a long-term solution batting in the 2-hole, Barger's ceiling, the top left-handed option out of the bullpen, Okamoto's impressions, and whether Giménez has found his 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 and Kevin Barker look ahead to first pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays get set for their Opening Day matchup against the Athletics. They react to the starting lineup, predict how it might change against lefty starters, and share their expectations for the first series of the season. Later, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan stops by (26:30) to discuss some of the storylines heading into the 2026 season, including the Dodgers' chances to three-peat, who will challenge them in the National League, and why he sees the Mariners running away with the AL West. Then, he gets into the Jays, their path to a second-straight AL East title, bullpen concerns, and how the industry views offseason additions, Kazuma Okamoto and Dylan Cease. Finally, Jeff and Kevin break down Shane Baz's 5-year extension with the Orioles.

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.