Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker talk all things Blue Jays and MLB. Airing live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN weekdays from 3-4 PM ET during the baseball season.
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker start with a look at the Blue Jays' recently announced Spring Training rotation and lay out expectations for Yariel Rodriguez before going to the Back Leg Line (4:57) to answer listener questions! They get into how big of a distraction a walk year is for players, whether the Jays will regret trading Spencer Horwitz, what defines a 'generational talent,' and much more. Later, the Athletic's Jim Bowden (27:55) joins the show to discuss teams that should be targeting Vladimir Guerrero Jr. next offseason, why the Nationals make sense as a landing spot and whether the door is still open for the Jays on a Vladdy extension. Finally, he weighs in on how the Jays manage contract distractions, the plan for Bo Bichette, and Rafael Devers' commitment to third base in Boston.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.
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49:54
Leading Off at Spring Training + Vladdy's Value with Jeff Passan
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to John Schneider's comments on the Blue Jays' potential lead-off hitter this season and project the team's ideal lineup order. Then, they discuss the task ahead for John Schneider, what Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is actually worth on the open market and how management views him. Later, they share what they're looking forward to from the Jays' Spring Training before welcoming ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan (31:20). The three reflect on the Blue Jays' failure to lock up Vladdy long-term, the front office's flawed approach to talent management, and where the organization goes from this point. Finally, Jeff shares what to expect from Spring Training's trial of the ABS challenge system.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.
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49:28
Jays Swing & Miss on Vlad Extension + What's Next w/ Shi Davidi
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are back with daily episodes of Blair & Barker! The guys open with thoughts on today's breaking news that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays were unable to come to terms on an extension by the slugger's self-imposed deadline. They dive into what this means for Vlad's future in Toronto, if the door is still open for an extension after the 2025 season, and the organization's level of trust in the player long-term. Jeff and Kevin listen back to President and CEO Mark Shapiro's comments from this morning's media availability, before discussing how the team can rebound if the 4x All-Star does not return next season. Later on, Sportsnet MLB Insider Shi Davidi checks in from sunny Dunedin to share his read on the situation with the Blue Jays' first baseman (29:00). He examines the possibility of a deal between the two sides after the season, who's to blame in the failed negotiations, the front office's mentality throughout the process, how the team can stay focused in 2025, and what's next for Bo Bichette. 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.
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49:27
Vladdy's Deadline + Sprinting into Spring with Jeff Passan
With pitchers and catchers beginning to report at Spring Training, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to Ross Atkins' comments on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. negotiations as the slugger's self-imposed extension deadline nears. ESPN insider Jeff Passan (9:27) discusses how Blue Jays management approaches Vladdy's deadline and what he'd be worth after an offseason of mega-deals around MLB. Then, Jeff weighs in on the Red Sox outlook this season after signing Alex Bregman, teams with the most surprising offseasons and the biggest Spring Training storylines. Finally, Jeff and Kevin discuss uncertainties for the Blue Jays at Spring Training and take calls 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.
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49:39
Kevin Gausman Looks Ahead to the 2025 Season
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by Blue Jays’ starter Kevin Gausman before he takes off for Spring Training. Gausman shares his thoughts on the team’s offseason so far, his time as a free agent before signing with Toronto, making adjustments on the fly when pitching, and what three-time Cy Young award winner Max Scherzer will bring to the team’s rotation. Blair and Barker end the show with a discussion on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as he remains unsigned to a long-term contract.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 talk all things Blue Jays and MLB. Airing live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN weekdays from 3-4 PM ET during the baseball season.
Canada - english