Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to the Blue Jays getting no-hit by Houston Astros starter Ronel Blanco on April Fools Day; notably the lack of adjustments made at the plate by Toronto’s hitters. Intentional Talk host Ryan Dempster weighs-in on the no-no, takes the guys inside the mind of a pitcher when he’s dealing on the mound, and comments on what’s caught his eye MLB-wide early on (26:17) . MLB Insider Jim Bowden shares why he was concerned about Toronto’s lineup even before last night’s...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker share their takeaways from the Blue Jays' series split against the Rays; notably clean-up hitter Justin Turner’s big game and why having him swinging free-and-easy in that spot makes it easier on every other hitter in the lineup. Buck Martinez joins the guys with further thoughts on Turner, Kevin Gausman’s 2024 debut, and the amount of stolen base attempts across MLB in the early-going (24:00). Next hour, Blair and Barker look ahead to Toronto’s series against the...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by Sportsnet’s Dan Shulman with his Opening Day takeaways after being on the call for Toronto’s 8-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. Following Dan, Blair and Barker open up the ‘Back Leg Line’ for fan reaction to yesterday's maiden win (25:14). Blue Jays Manager John Schneider comments on his club’s impressive victory, provides an update on Justin Turner, and admits he will keep today’s lineup the same after its success in game one (49:35). Later, MLB...

Following their first win in Tampa Bay, Blue Jays skipper John Schneider joins Blair & Barker to chat about translating their success from Spring Training to the regular season, his batter's two-strike approach, if there's any pressure on Bo Bichette and Vlad Jr. heading into the new year, expectations for Isiah Kiner-Falefa, how much workload Alejandro Kirk will have with Danny Jansen out, Kevin Gausman's injury status and much more! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are...

Opening Day has finally arrived and Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined in-studio by Caleb Joseph to set the stage for the Blue Jays' 2024 opener against the Rays. They discuss the lineup, José Berríos' outlook and who will need to step up in the pen with Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson out. Then, Rays TV analyst Brian Anderson weighs in on Tampa's pitching depth, how they stay competitive after significant losses in the offseason and what to expect from Zach Eflin today (22:30). Next,...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show anticipating who will be named to the Blue Jays’ Opening Day roster and talk about who the team’s ex-factors will be, before discussing Jordan Montgomery’s deal with the Diamondbacks - was it a missed opportunity for AL East teams like the Red Sox and Orioles? MLB Network Radio and ‘Rates & Barrels’ host Trevor May reflects on his experience transitioning from Spring Training to the start of the regular season, the composition of a successful...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker examine Kevin Gausman’s outing against the Pirates as he impressed in his only start of the Grapefruit League season. Later, they discuss how important Yimi Garcia will be in the back of the Blue Jays' bullpen amidst the unknown status of Erik Swanson and Jordan Romano. MLB analyst David Samson shares his thoughts on Shohei Ohtani’s press conference and where he thinks the Blue Jays will finish in the AL East (26:18). The Athletic’s Sam Blum shares more on Ohtani...

The Blue Jays opening day roster is beginning to take shape as the team prepares for their final Grapefruit League game against the Pirates. Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss Kevin Gausman’s prognosis as he makes the start, Bo Bichette potentially moving around the batting order, and John Schneider announcing Ernie Clement, Davis Schneider, and Daniel Vogelbach will break camp with the team. Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi joins the guys (20:45) with the latest on Gausman ahead of his start, who’s...

Kevin Barker makes his return from Dunedin and joins Jeff Blair to discuss Blue Jays President and CEO Mark Shapiro’s comments to reporters about pursuing Shohei Ohtani in free agency and doubling down on the belief in their own players after he signed with the Dodgers. The guys also talk about Bowden Francis being named to Toronto’s starting rotation and Ricky Tiedemann impressing in his latest tune-up against Pittsburgh. It’s Friday so the guys open up the Back Leg Line before welcoming MLB...

It’s Barker’s last day in Dunedin as he and Jeff Blair comment on the Blue Jays parting ways with Santiago Espinal after he was dealt to the Cincinnati Reds for P Chris McElvain. Later they discuss Kevin Gausman’s timetable after he threw on Wednesday, and Barker outlines his concerns going into the season after covering the team throughout his time in Florida. To end the show, Blair is joined by MLB insider Jeff Passan (32:51) to discuss two major off-the-field stories: Shohei Ohtani and his...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker examine the state of the Blue Jays bullpen, mentioning Chad Green and Nate Pearson as pitchers who could be relied upon to step up in the absence of Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson. The guys also wonder about Kevin Gausman’s readiness for the season, and Barker explains why Daulton Varsho is the hitter who has impressed him most in Dunedin. Blue Jays Central’s Joe Siddall joins Jeff (28:21) to share his thoughts on Green, why Ernie Clement is making his Opening Day...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss the latest news out of Spring Training as both Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson are dealing with arm issues, and why this team can't afford to be without their top two relievers for too long. With the Orioles in Dunedin to face the Blue Jays, analyst Ben McDonald breaks down Baltimore’s exciting young lineup and if he thinks 20-year-old phenom Jackson Holliday can make the team out of camp. Later, Blair and Barker react to Chris Bassitt’s comments on pitching...

Jeff Blair is joined by Kevin Barker, who is currently on-site in Dunedin. The guys discuss Kevin Gausman’s ongoing rehab process when the Blue Jays’ ace might be ready to rejoin the team’s starting rotation, Alek Manoah’s current injury timeline, Yariel Rodriguez’s intriguing Grapefruit League debut, Joey Votto’s performance in his brief outing on Sunday, and the Blue Jays’ encouraging offensive trends this spring. Later, Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com prospects writer, stops by (32:04) to discuss...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open the show discussing Friday’s breaking news that Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen will miss time with a fractured pisiform bone. Jays manager John Schneider then joins the guys with more on Jansen’s prognosis, Kevin Gausman’s availability for the start of the season, and the decision-making into who makes the opening day roster. The guys head to the Back Leg Line for a few calls before Jeff welcomes former catcher and Sportsnet analyst Caleb Joseph (31:41) on for...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open the show discussing Vladimir Guerrero Jr’s admission that he would like to see the Blue Jays’ home run jacket return in 2024 - will he get his wish? Later they transition to Joey Votto after his minor-league debut and the importance of Bowden Francis going into the season. In the second segment, Blair welcomes former MLB executive and host of ‘Nothing Personal’ David Samson (31:31) to talk about the Padres reversing course and trading for SP Dylan Cease after...

With Barker in Dunedin, both he and Blair discuss Ernie Clement and Santiago Espinal battling it out for Toronto’s final roster spot, and the season ahead for catcher Alejandro Kirk – can he improve on his 2023 campaign? Blue Jays play by play voice Ben Shulman joins the show (31:30) with his thoughts on likely opening day starter Jose Berrios after his most recent Spring tune-up, and provides updates on pitchers Kevin Gausman, Alek Manoah, and Yariel Rodriguez. The views and opinions...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss health updates on Blue Jays hurlers Alek Manoah, Kevin Gausman, and free-agent signing Yariel Rodriguez. Later they examine some of the roster battles in camp for pitchers like Mitch White and Bowden Francis, and talk about Ernie Clement’s hot Grapefruit League season and John Schneider’s praise for the infielder. With the Yankees facing Toronto, Jeff welcomes SNY reporter and author of The Yankee Way Andy Martino to discuss the latest on Gerrit Cole’s...

Jeff Blair is joined by our resident Dunedin correspondent, Kevin Barker, who is currently on site at the Blue Jays’ Spring Training complex in Florida. The guys discuss Joey Votto’s arrival at Jays camp, his chances of cracking the team’s Opening Day roster, Justin Turner’s potential usage at third base, the current state of the Blue Jays’ bullpen, and how the team will manage Votto’s playing time during the remainder of the spring. Later, Jayson Stark, MLB Insider for The Athletic, stops by...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get into the news that the Blue Jays have allegedly signed former Reds first baseman - and Canada's own - Joey Votto to a non-roster invite at Spring Training. They discuss what it means for the rest of the roster, including for Daniel Vogelbach - could the team bring in Votto over either Vogelbach or Eduardo Escobar? Who needs to go for Votto to make the roster? Plus, they debate his clubhouse presence, and what it could mean for a team that already has Bo...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss John Schneider’s recent comments about the Blue Jays’ naysayers heading into 2024 and Kevin Kiermaier’s omission that he dealt with persistent foot issues last season. Then, the guys head to the Back Leg Line to field questions from the B&B audience! Later, ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan drops by (31:12) to chat about the genesis of MLB’s new Spring Breakout series, the potential fallout from this year’s slow-moving free agent market, the Blue Jays’...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss Jose Berrios following his latest Spring tune-up against the Pirates, can the Jays starter improve on his successful 2023 campaign? Later the guys are joined by Blue Jays Central analyst Joe Siddall (10:30) with his assessments from camp and who he thinks will crack Toronto’s opening-day roster once the season starts. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by 2015 American League MVP Josh Donaldson (13:33) after the slugger announced his retirement after 13 MLB seasons. Donaldson talks about his tenure in Toronto, the brotherhood of the 2015-2016 Blue Jays, his plans in retirement, and how he wants to be remembered now that his playing career has come to an end. Jomboy Media’s Chris Rose (32:00) discusses the unfortunate prognosis on his co-host Lucas Giolito, his view on the Jays and the AL East, and if...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open up the show concentrating on Kevin Gausman and the starting rotation after John Schneider announced that the Blue Jays’ ace has been dealing with shoulder soreness in camp. Giants analyst and former player F.P. Santangelo comments on former Jay Matt Chapman signing with San Francisco (29:23), if the Giants are done making moves, and the perception vs. reality when it comes to luring free agents to the Bay Area. Following Santangelo, Blair & Barker examine...

As they head into the weekend, Jeff Blair & Kevin Barker open up the back leg line and answer fan questions including who they think is most likely to be the Blue Jays' fourth outfielder and who Kevin ranks as his top ten players in baseball heading into the 2024 season. Blue Jays radio play-by-play voice Ben Shulman shares his Spring Training observations and discusses the fourth outfielder spot, Toronto’s players and coaches emphasizing longer at-bats, and what the team is looking for...

“The Mayor” Sean Casey joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker with his thoughts on Vladimir Guerrero Jr’s upcoming 2024 campaign, the Blue Jays adding Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and his view on the Yankees offense after being their hitting coach in 2023. Later on, the guys react to comments from Jays manager John Schneider on what he’s seeing from both Jose Berrios & George Springer in Spring Training. The show ends with the guys welcoming former MLB executive David Samson (31:17) to the show who...