Blair & Barker

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Milwaukee Brewers dominating 10-1 win in Tampa Bay in Game 3 of the World Series, where this year's Brewers roster ranks amongst the best teams, and if we will look at the Rays organization differently if they get swept. Then, Sportsnet.ca's Shi Davidi joins the guys (11:20) to chat about which player on Milwaukee has exceeded his expectations and how former Canadian pitcher Jim Henderson has changed the outlook of the Brew Crew's pitching staff. Afterwards, host of Nothing Personal David Samson joins the show (29:07) to discuss why the Rays don't have a bad roster, Brewers' path to leading 3-0 in the World Series, the front office personnel experience watching their team compete in the Fall Classic, what it could mean to the city of Milwaukee winning it all, if Aaron Ashby will change the future of a bullpen pitcher, and his pick for MVP. 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 get set for Game 1 of the World Series. They share their picks for the series before welcoming in ESPN insider and host of 'Sources Tell' Jeff Passan (2:17) from Milwaukee to help dive deeper into the matchup. They discuss each team's biggest strengths and weaknesses, the Rays' decision to start Nick Martinez in Game 1, the series' x-factors, and how a Fall Classic between two small-market teams impacts labour negotiations. Later, former MLB catcher Jonathan Lucroy (28:49) shares a player's POV of playing at American Family Field, the pressure on Rays catcher Liam Hicks, and William Contreras' ABS challenges. 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 former MLB pitcher, World Series champion with the Boston Red Sox and co-host of Intentional Talk on MLB Network Ryan Dempster (6:33) to discuss which of the World Series participants have an edge between the Tampa Bay Rays' pitching vs. Milwaukee Brewers' bats, having home field advantage, if Jacob Misiorowski can maintain his location, how Kevin Cash manages his bullpen around the Brewers' lefties, the strength of the Rays' pitching staff, and why Junior Caminero needs to make the biggest impact. Then, Yankees reporter for USA Today Pete Caldera (28:35) stops by to weigh in on the team announcing both Aaron Boone and Brian Cashman will both return next season, Cashman agreeing to a new contract, Boone entering his 10th season with New York, how the organization can construct a World Series roster again, fixing their infield defensive woes, and if Aaron Judge could play everyday at DH. 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 begin the week recapping the Tampa Bay Rays taking a 3-2 series lead after winning 3-1 in Game 5 against the Guardians in Cleveland before bringing on MLB Network's Jon Morosi (9:35) to weigh in on which of the ALCS teams the Milwaukee Brewers would rather face in the World Series, who has the edge if called for one game between Drew Rasmussen or Gavin Williams, José Ramírez's performance against the Rays, pitching in the postseason, Yandy Díaz's confidence in declaring winning Game 6, and potential pitching matchups in the World Series. Then, Jeff and Kevin discuss the Baltimore Orioles hiring former Chicago Cubs assistant Jared Banner as their new general manager, his expected approach to a potential lockout during the offseason, the future of the AL East, Tarik Skubal's free agency, and the 2027 projections for the Blue Jays shortstop and second base positions. 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 open the show discussing the Milwaukee Brewers' chance to sweep the defending World Series champs in Los Angeles before bringing in two-time MLB All-Star and American League Reliever of the Year in 2016, Zack Britton (9:25) to chat about how managers deploy bullpen pitchers in the postseason, the difficulty of being an 'up-down' pitcher, facing scrappy vs. long-ball hitters, figuring out if a batter is tired, and the pressure on a pitcher when the team is struggling on offence. Then, former Blue Jay and outfield consultant with The 3-9 Effect, Kevin Kiermaier (30:35) stops by to weigh in on the Dodgers' offensive struggles in the NLCS, if age has started catching up to the roster, Tampa Bay Rays building through their pitching and defence, Chandler Simpson's speed, playing under Kevin Cash, and what people don't know about Yandy Díaz. 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 check in with the NLCS and ALCS as the Brewers jump ahead 2-0 over the Dodgers and the Guardians stealing Game 1 against the Rays in the Trop. They discuss Shohei Ohtani's rough postseason and whether he'll be benched before bringing in host of 'Nothing Personal' and former MLB executive David Samson (12:58). He weighs in on the Dodgers' Ohtani options, William Contreras' energy, José Ramírez's resurgence, how a Dodgers-less World Series would impact labour negotiations, and much more. Later, MLB Network analyst and former MLB pitcher Dan Plesac stops by (33:22) to discuss Dodgers manager Dave Roberts' difficult lineup decision in Game 3, the Brewers solving Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Aaron Ashby's reliability. 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 react to the Cleveland Guardians' 9-5 win to force a win or go home Game 5 against the Chicago White Sox before bringing in The Athletic's Ian O'Connor (12:09) to chat about the New York Yankees postseason exit, why the team won't make a change with Aaron Boone as their bench boss, if there's any other managers that would be a perfect fit in New York, the team's needs to bolster their lineup, and if Aaron Judge not winning a World Series changes the way we view him as a player. Then, ESPN and host of Sources Tell Jeff Passan joins the guys (31:31) to discuss if it's the right time to change managers for the Bronx Bombers, José Ramírez's all-around performance in Game 4, the difference Jo Adell has made since being acquired by Cleveland, Jackson Chourio's impressive postseason numbers, and who outside of Freddie Freeman needs to step up for the Los Angeles Dodgers. 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 MLB on TBS analyst Ron Darling (6:25) to chat about Alex Cora turning down the Philadelphia Phillies managerial job, why Yoshinobu Yamamoto continues to be the hardest pitcher to hit, Atlanta Braves' September success not translating in the postseason, whether the Chicago White Sox are becoming serious contenders, and Bo Bichette's first season with the New York Mets. Then, former MLB outfielder and Blue Jays Central analyst Kevin Pillar joins the guys (30:08) to discuss playing at Petco Park and why it may be difficult to play there during the playoffs, Jackson Merrill's defense in the outfield, José Ramírez's struggles and dealing with his left wrist issues, Aaron Boone's lineup decision surrounding Jazz Chisholm Jr., Kiké Hernández's clutch hitting in the postseason, and Yamamoto's pitching arsenal. 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 weekend of post-season games including the Atlanta Braves tying their series against the Dodgers in L.A., before bringing on Baseball Today and Dugout Discussions' Chris Rose (9:29) to chat about San Diego Padres' Mason Miller's blown save against the Milwaukee Brewers and on the verge of being swept, the state of playoff pitching, if the Cleveland Guardians would consider moving José Ramírez around the batting order, the team's matchup against Chicago White Sox's Anthony Kay in Game 2, and why the Tampa Bay Rays look dominant against the New York Yankees. Then, Rays TV analyst and former MLB pitcher Brian Anderson (31:15) shares his expectations for Freddy Peralta in Game 2 against the Yankees, how the coaching staff got Peralta's arm extension back, Tampa's lineup against Cam Schlittler, Liam Hicks' transition to the organization, and why Victor Mesa Jr. could be an x-factor. 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 react to the New York Yankees eliminating the Boston Red Sox in their AL Wild Card series, Sonny Gray's post-game comments on being pulled out of the game, Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays matchup for the ALDS, and who has the edge between the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians. Then, Toronto Blue Jays reliever Brendan Cellucci (15:53) chats about his September outings with the team, witnessing his minor league teammates get called up, his conversation with Max Scherzer, the changes in his pitching from being released by the Red Sox to signing with the Jays, and his end of season conversations with Pete Walker and John Schneider. Then, host of Nothing Personal with David Samson joins the guys (31:03) to discuss how MLB teams would adjust to a potential salary cap in the next CBA, why he thinks the Rays are still the best team in the AL, the use of analytics in the postseason, and what's next for the Red 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 Blair and Kevin Barker kick off Blair and Barker breaking down tonight's slate of Wild Card matchups, headlined by Yankees vs. Red Sox. They debate whether the rivalry still carries the same weight, Aaron Judge's absence, Giancarlo Stanton's return, and whether New York's season is a failure without a World Series appearance. Plus, is Aaron Boone on the hot seat if the Yankees fall short? Later, Jon Morosi (9:41) shares his final thoughts on the Blue Jays' disappointing year, lays out an offseason to-do list, and discusses potential targets in free agency. Then, Lou Merloni joins the show (31:37) to tee up Yankees-Red Sox and weigh in on whether Chad Tracy is ready for his first postseason game at Yankee Stadium. The guys also preview Cubs-Padres and explain why it's time for San Diego to start delivering in October. 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.

Ben Shulman (1:39) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss the potential reception Vladimir Guerrero Jr. could receive from fans following his controversial comments, evaluate Jose Soriano's impact since arriving at the trade deadline, and identify the Blue Jays' biggest offseason priorities. They also debate George Springer's future with the club and whether Brett Bateman can establish himself as an everyday leadoff hitter next season. Later, former MLB pitcher Chris Welsh stops by (26:38) to discuss the Reds' disappointing campaign, the mood of the Cincinnati fanbase, Elly De La Cruz's standout year, expectations for Sal Stewart, and the continued rise in pitcher velocity across baseball. 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 welcome Erik Kratz (0:35) to discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s controversial comments, how a clubhouse might react, and what Vladdy’s approach should be for last final games. They also dive into Brandon Valenzuela’s role, Max Scherzer’s future, the Blue Jays’ offseason priorities, and the playoff picture across the AL. Later, Jeff Passan (28:12) weighs in on the reaction to Vladdy’s comments, the futures of George Springer and Scherzer, Aaron Judge’s Wild Card status, and what Toronto must do to bounce back in 2027. 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.