Blair & Barker Sportsnet

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss Toronto’s 9-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers before Blue Jays manager John Schneider (16:21) talks about what it’s like managing with an ongoing power outage, when he knows Vladdy and Bo Bichette's hitting and approach have signs of life, and the decision to put Daulton Varsho in the lead-off spot in tonight’s game. Following Schneider, the guys take your phone calls for this week’s edition of the Back Leg Line (30:31). ESPN’s Jeff Passan discusses the newest pitches in the game that are taking MLB by storm (51:41). Tigers analyst & former outfielder Craig Monroe comments on the ongoing DET-TOR series, particularly reliever Alex Lange and his demotion (1:17:52).

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.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s home run in the series opener against the Tigers, when he knows Vladdy and Bo Bichette's hitting and approach have signs of life, the decision to put Daulton Varsho in the lead-off spot, Alek Manoah's adjustment to pace of play and attacking left-handed batters. Then, the Jays' skipper shares some updates on Chad Green, Bowden Francis and Yariel Rodriguez.

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 offensive surge in the series finale against the White Sox which coincided with the return of the team’s home run jacket. Former MLB manager Bobby Valentine (28:20) comments on how to handle scuffling lineups on the job and the success of Japanese pitchers across major league baseball. David Samson (51:19) joins the show to discuss Astros closer Josh Hader and his 'rules,' if MLB is behind the curve when it comes to successful national TV deals and the emergence of Ranger Suarez. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (1:16:32) checks in from Comerica Park ahead of Jays-Tigers.

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 start the show with thoughts on Toronto’s 5-0 loss to the White Sox where the bats once again went cold. Calgary’s Michael Soroka joins the guys to discuss his fresh start and how he’s fitting in with Chicago after an injury-riddled stint in Atlanta (16:10). White Sox radio analyst Darrin Jackson stops by with his thoughts on the series to date ahead of the rubber match (34:37). Braves President & General Manager Alex Anthopoulos comments on his club’s recent play, Chris Sale’s resurgent 2024 and why run differential is big factor in determining how aggressive to be on the trade market (51:27). Dan Shulman checks-in from Rogers Centre with his view on the Blue Jays, notably what to expect from Justin Turner and George Springer going forward and Alek Manoah’s encouraging last two starts (1:17:03).

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 Foul Territory’s Trevor May (27:35) to go around the majors; notably his thoughts on former teammate Jose Berrios’ start to the year, and the trust that exists between managers and starting pitchers after Sonny Gray asked to be taken out of his start against the Orioles. Shi Davidi (50:05) checks in pre-game from Rogers Centre, as does former White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham (1:19:00) with his scouting report on starter Garrett Crochet and more surrounding the Chi Sox.

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 and Kevin begin the show talking to Ben Shulman, Blue Jays play-by-play voice on Sportsnet 590 The FAN, about his takeaways from the weekend, before getting us set for this week's series with the Chicago White Sox.

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.