Tough Decisions Nearing the Break + All-Star Louis Varland
About this episode
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss the Blue Jays' recent performance and interview reliever Louis Varland about his career and upcoming All-Star Game appearance.
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays series opening loss to the Giants in San Francisco, if the team would have reconsidered 'running it back' after a World Series clinch and losing Bo Bichette in free agency, if the Jays should decide to move expiring contracts at the deadline, the struggling offence and swing decisions, and what went wrong in Kevin Gausman's start against his former team. Then, Blue Jays' reliever Louis Varland joins the guys (26:30) to look back at the move from Minnesota in 2025, how he's grown as a pitcher, if he ever thought he would be heading to the All-Star Game, if he's routine has changed since being placed in a 'closing role', learning from the World Series, and his goals heading into the season and before the end of the year. 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.
People in this episode
Hosts: Jeff Blair, Kevin Barker
Guest: Louis Varland
Topics covered
- Blue Jays
- All-Star Game
- baseball
- trade deadline
- player performance
- team strategy
Keywords
- Blue Jays
- Louis Varland
- Kevin Gausman
- All-Star Game
- trade deadline
- baseball
- player contracts
- offensive struggles
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Blue Jays, Giants, Rogers Sports & Media
Places: Minnesota
More episodes of Blair & Barker
- Remembering Legendary Blue Jays Reliever Duane Ward
- Time for a Roster Shake-Up?
- Francisco Lindor Trade Market + John Schneider's Post-Break Roster Updates
- All-Star Week Reflections + Keys to a Second-Half Turnaround in Toronto
- Okamoto's Success with Madison Shipman + Back-Leg Line!
- Stopping in San Diego Before the Break with John Schneider
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