Blair & Barker

ESPN insider Jeff Passan (2:51) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker on Hour 2 of the off-day edition to weigh in on the Jays' disappointing June, who they should be targeting at the trade deadline, why Dylan Cease isn't a true No. 1 starter, and how he's handicapping the Wild Card race in the American League. Later, Jeff and Kevin dive deeper into the state of the AL before taking your calls and questions on the Back Leg Line!

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 at the Blue Jays' 9-3 win on Canada Day over the New York Mets, promising swings from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the potential for Spencer Miles in a starting role, Sean Keys' first career home run, and how the team can ride their momentum into Seattle against the Mariners. Then, MLB insider and reporter for Sportsnet Ben Nicholson-Smith joins the guys (28:20) to discuss how many swings do players take before a game, the case for Nathan Lukes to bat lead-off, first impressions of Keys since being called up, what indications does the Jays' front office need to have to add ahead of the trade deadline, Daulton Varsho's struggles, why Miles' next appearance on the mound could be an audition for a increased role, and expectations for Shane Bieber's next start. 

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.

Former Mets manager Terry Collins (4:00) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker following the Jays' series-opening win over the Mets. Terry weighs in on whether moving Vladdy Jr. in the Jays order will help the struggling star, his philosophy on managing ageing stars, and the challenge of following up a World Series run. Then, Jeff and Kevin listen to John Schneider's pre-game availability, in which he outlines the pitching plan for Canada Day following Patrick Corbin's move to the bullpen. Finally, Kevin Pillar stops by (29:34) to help tee up game two between the Jays and Mets, and he discusses New York's fielding dysfunction and whether the All-Star break or an IL stint can get Vladdy back on track. 

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 Blue Jays' 2-1 win over the Mets to open the series and snap a six-game losing streak. They discuss Trey Yesavage's command bouncing back, Sean Keys betting clean up in game two, Patrick Corbin being moved to the bullpen, and what to expect from Kevin Gausman as he looks to get back on the rails. Then, they reflect on Bo Bichette's reception in his return to Toronto. Later, Caleb Joseph stops by (29:05) to discuss what Gausman can take from Yesavage's strong outing against the Mets, Bo's emotional return, and how Vladdy Jr. has optically handled his struggles.

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.

SportsNet New York's John Harper (2:03) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about the Mets firing manager Carlos Mendoza with interim Andy Green stepping in, former MLBer Albert Pujols having potential interest in the gig, how Bo Bichette had acclimated himself in the New York sports environment, and the Mets' trade deadline needs. Then, we hear Blue Jays manager John Schneider's pre-game availability before their series against the Mets. Afterwards, Blue Jays TV analyst Joe Siddall stops by (28:32) to discuss Bichette's return to Toronto, how to produce runs against a starting pitcher, the setback in Addison Barger's return to play, the catcher's job to keep their pitcher focused, and Sean Keys' first impressions. Finally, we hear from Bo Bichette on his return to Toronto. 

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.