Lockout Chronicles: Training For an Open-Ended Opening Day

Donaldson Back in the AL East: A solo Jeff Blair recaps the Yusei Kikuchi signing and talks about the Blue Jays treating pitchers like Ross Stripling and Nate Pearson as starters this spring (4:00). Next, Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae joins Jeff from Florida and discusses the players arrivals, the plan Blue Jays pitchers were on during the lockout, and the Yankees’ acquisition of Josh Donaldson and Isiah Kiner-Falefa (8:35). To finish, SNY’s John Harper weighs-in on the Yankees’ trade, Mets’ owner Steve Cohen’s willingness to spend, and Chris Bassitt joining Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer in the rotation (28:22). 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

43 min listen

The Need to Know on Yusei Kikuchi: The Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a three-year, $36M deal with free-agent SP Yusei Kikuchi. Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker call-up Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times to discuss Kikuchi’s 2021 season and what to expect from the former Mariner (9:02). Later, Blue Jays radio voice Ben Wagner weighs-in from Dunedin on the Kikuchi signing, what it means for Nate Pearson going forward, and possible trade targets to bolster the lineup (25:01). 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

48 min listen

Lockout Chronicles: Training For an Open-Ended Opening Day: Blair and Barker catch up with Toronto Blue Jays radio voice Ben Wagner to discuss his visit to the organization’s player development complex in Florida: a “nonstop hub of activity” as minor league players, coaches and members of the front office ramp things up despite the lockout (07:17). Afterwards, Jeff and Kevin call up Red Sox beat reporter Chris Cotillo who spoke about Chris Sale hosting pitchers at his alma mater to train during the lockout and the expectations for the pitching staff and Sale himself coming off of an injury-shortened season (28:59). To end the show, the guys present the latest edition of 'Barker’s Back Leg Bits’ (39:55)! 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. by Blair & Barker

51 min listen

Goodbye Randal, Hello Raimel: Blair and Barker open with a chat about the Blue Jays' acquisition of Raimel Tapia from the Rockies in exchange for Randal Grichuk, Adrian Pinto and cash, and how Kevin had the inside scoop (1:09). Next, the guys take your calls on the trade, how the Jays stack up in the AL East, and what the team might be missing to be a true World Series contender (12:31). Afterwards, the guys touch on Bo Bichette's comments to Arden Zwelling regarding the Jays' pre-arbitration system, before taking more of your calls and texts (32:27). 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

49 min listen

Personal Goals and Evolving Roles with Nate Pearson: Blair and Barker open with a chat about Ross Atkins being open to carrying three catchers with expanded rosters, before touching on Nate Pearson's role with the Blue Jays (4:45). Next, Shi Davidi phones in to discuss Bo Bichette and Alek Manoah's contracts being renewed and what that means, whether this fuels the fire for both players, if this could mean Bichette wants to sign a multi-year contract with the team, and Pearson's possible role with the club (12:00). To wrap, Nate Pearson joins the show to talk about where he's at right now, what his goal was coming into spring training, if there's a velocity that will show him he's where he needs to be, the emergence of hybrid roles across the majors, his own role with the team, the challenges that come with being a starter, how he's changed over the years, and what he's seen from Yusei Kikuchi (34:42). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests by Blair & Barker

48 min listen

Done Deal! What's Next for the Blue Jays?: Baseball is back! Blair and Barker break down today's negotiations, the voting process and how both sides came to an agreement, the international draft stumbling block, the rule changes that will come into effect, and some of the numbers in the agreement (0:28). Next, a discussion about what's next for the Blue Jays, including free agents the team could pursue, possible trades, and fits (12:50), before pivoting to chat about Jon Heyman's report that the player's union executive board vote was 8-0 against the MLB proposal but teams voted 26-4 in favor of it (22:35). Then Shi Davidi joins to discuss the agreement, what Ross Atkins may look to add to improve the club, how quickly he expects the player market to pick up, and the pressure on Charlie Montoyo (34:42). Blair and Barker then discuss why this year the focus for Toronto has to be on winning the World Series- not just making the postseason (55:54). To wrap, Blue Jays player rep Ross Strip by Blair & Barker

83 min listen

Danny Jansen + Inside the Tyler Skaggs Trial w/ TJ Quinn: Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker check-in with Toronto Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen on the week that pitchers and catchers were supposed to report to Spring Training (3:52). Former MLBPA Director of Communications Greg Bouris weighs-in on the lockout, the ongoing labour negotiations, and what he believes the players want to ultimately get a deal done (18:37). ESPN Investigative Reporter T.J. Quinn discusses the latest from the trial over the death of Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs where Matt Harvey and other former teammates testified that they received pills from a club employee (39:02). 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

50 min listen

Where Should Vlad Jr. Hit in the Order? & Twins GM Thad Levine: Blair and Barker open up the phone lines on where Vladimir Guerrero Jr. should hit in the order and a plethora of Jays-related topics, and react to the news that Nate Pearson will be out “for awhile” according to Charlie Montoyo with a bout of mononucleosis (3:28). Later, Minnesota Twins VP and GM Thad Levine discusses his team’s busy off-season, surprising the baseball world after signing prized free-agent shortstop Carlos Correa, and revisits the Jose Berrios trade with Toronto (36:54). 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

49 min listen

Emergency Pod: Opening Day Cancelled...What's Next?: Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to the news that MLB and the Players Association were not able to come to a labour agreement, and that the coming season's first two series have been cancelled as a result. They discuss the press conferences by Rob Manfred and Tony Clark, Manfred's path forward as commissioner, and players wanting to be treated as people instead of assets. Afterwards, they break down the major remaining issues, including the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) and how both the players and owners view it very differently. 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

38 min listen

A Bird in the Blue Jays Nest?: Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss the Blue Jays’ roster composition, who they think will make the cut and why they believe Greg Bird is an intriguing lefty bat for the club (0:34). Jeff and Kevin also address the rumours that Toronto has interest in longtime Yankee Brett Gardner - but would he actually make the team better at this stage in his career (10:48)? Joe Siddall joins the show with the latest from Florida, what Jays pitchers and catchers thought of the new-pitch technology, what the team still needs to add, and why he wouldn’t carry three catchers on the roster (31:50). 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

49 min listen

Jim Kaat & Breaking Down Batting Orders: Blair and Barker talk about how they would like to see the Blue Jays batting order shake out, specifically where Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette should slot in, and compare it to how the Nationals are utilizing their young superstar Juan Soto (1:45). Afterwards, MLB broadcaster and 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee Jim Kaat discusses his new book Good As Gold and how the sport has evolved over his eight different decades in the game (25:21). 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

50 min listen

Teoscar's 2022 Outlook + Blue Jays' Next Steps w/ Dan O'Dowd: The Blue Jays host the Yankees this afternoon in Grapefruit League action! Jeff and Kevin discuss Teoscar Hernandez’s absence from today’s lineup due to a sore wrist and the slugger’s mindset heading into the season (0:28). Afterwards, the guys discuss a new pitch-calling system that is being tested by MLB teams that allows catchers to electronically send signals to pitchers (18:58). To wrap, MLB Network analyst Dan O’Dowd discusses the Blue Jays recent moves, why he feels Kyle Schwarber would have been the perfect fit in Toronto, and why he is high on Danny Jansen this season (34:25). 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

49 min listen

Can Anyone Save Baseball From Itself?: With the ongoing lockout and the start of the regular season now cancelled, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker wonder: is there anybody who can save Major League Baseball from itself? Longtime baseball columnist Ken Davidoff covered the most recent round of labour talks between MLB and the players and discusses who is most to blame for the current stalemate and how Rob Manfred has handled negotiations (2:29) . Afterwards, 1996 American League Cy Young winner Pat Hentgen shares his thoughts on potential rule changes and talks about what pitchers did to stay ready after the 1994 strike (17:14). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate. by Blair & Barker

40 min listen

Blair, Barker, Bo Bichette!: Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss where he’s working out this offseason, Dante Bichette resigning from his role with the Blue Jays in order to work with him and other players during the lockout, his hitting mechanics, improving defensively at shortstop, and if he’s thinking about a potential contract extension once CBA talks come to an end (5:12). In this week’s edition of 'Barker’s Back Leg Bits’ Jeff asks Kevin Barker about where he would put Bichette in the Blue Jays’ batting order and if anybody famous ever tried to fix his swing. 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

50 min listen

Carlos Peña: Bullish on The Blue Jays: With Opening Day approaching, MLB Network analyst Carlos Peña explains why he’s bullish on the Blue Jays dating back to last season, where he would slot Vlad Jr. in the batting order, and why four teams in the AL East can all make the postseason (0:23). Next, Ben Wagner, the radio voice of the Blue Jays checks-in with his final thoughts on the roster that made it north (17:03). To conclude the show, Blair & Barker share their 2022 predictions for the National League and end with the latest edition of “Barker’s Back Leg Bits” (33:53). 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

49 min listen

Alex Anthopoulos & Building the Jays' Bullpen w/ Buck Martinez: Jeff and Kevin examine the latest around Spring Training including how their views on the Blue Jays bullpen, Tim Mayza’s place in it, and the “cuts” made at the Blue Jays’ major-league camp including top prospects Gabriel Moreno and Orelvis Martinez (0:54). Next Buck Martinez reflects on his time as a manager and the conversations he had with players when they didn’t crack the roster, how he sees the bullpen being built, and what he needs to see from the Blue Jays in their final seven Grapefruit League games (19:12). To wrap, Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos then phones in to chat about how spring training has been thus far, Freddie Freeman not returning to the team, why Kenley Jansen made sense for Atlanta, the team's pursuit of a second-straight World Series, and the impact the DH will have in the NL (37:05). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the by Blair & Barker

54 min listen

Biggio's Bounce Back in 2022: Jeff and Kevin examine the Blue Jays Opening Day-like lineup against the Tigers in Grapefruit League play (0:37). 2B Cavan Biggio joins the guys to discuss getting regular reps at second base this season, his ability to play all over the diamond, being able to focus on his hitting this spring, and learning and bouncing back from a tough 2021 campaign (8:03). Later, Blue Jays Central analyst Joe Siddall shares his outlook on the Blue Jays after covering the team in Florida and the Tigers as a team on the rise in the AL (33:09). 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

49 min listen

Have Your Say: Blue Jays' Trade and Free Agency Targets: Jeff and Kevin chat about the Blue Jays' signing Joe Biagini and Greg Bird, before opening up the phone lines and taking your calls on who the Blue Jays could target in free agency, how the trade market is shaping up, what a potential trade package for José Ramírez might look like, and more (2:40). Later, the guys react to Tony Clark's media availability, and his comments on how vaccine mandates will impact players travelling to Canada (34:31). 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

49 min listen

Greg Bird Flies the Coop: Blair and Barker open with a chat about Greg Bird exercising his release from the Blue Jays after an impressive camp and his decision to re-sign with the division rival New York Yankees, Gōsuke Katō making the big-league team, Andrew Vasquez being sent to the minors, and more (0:27). Afterwards, Pat Tabler gives his thoughts on the Bird move, before evaluating the Jays' batting order and explaining his confidence level in Biggio-Espinal at second base and the team’s swing and miss stuff in the bullpen (22:16). To wrap, Rays TV analyst and former MLB pitcher Brian Anderson discusses the use of the PitchCom technology used by pitchers and catchers, Tampa Bay trading away Austin Meadows, and previews the Rays’ outlook for the 2022 season (37:18). 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

49 min listen

Blue Jays Get Their (Chap)Man: Blair and Barker discuss the Matt Chapman trade, and Shi Davidi's report on what Toronto sent to Oakland in the deal (0:43). Next, Cliff Floyd shares his thoughts on the trade, how the team might feel after a move like this is made, keeping Vlad Guerrero Jr. at first base, if too much emphasis is placed on having a balanced lineup, how dangerous the Jays' lineup is, and the biggest challenge facing Vlad Jr. and Bo as they strive to replicate their success from last season (11:15). Afterwards, Shi stops by to give his perspective on the trade, the cost of acquisition, whether a Cavan Biggio and Santiago Espinal platoon situation is the plan at second base, what Toronto might look to add next, moves that may need to be made to optimize the roster, and whether we could see a deal involving prospect Jordan Groshans (30:30). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers by Blair & Barker

49 min listen

Managing Injuries with Dan O'Dowd + Mariners SP Matt Brash: MLB Network analyst and former Rockies GM Dan O’Dowd shares a front-office perspective on how to handle injuries early in the season, if Danny Jansen’s IL stint might force the Blue Jays to call up Gabriel Moreno, and his thoughts on Clayton Kershaw being pulled mid-perfect game (3:10). To wrap, Seattle Mariners starter and Kingston, ON native Matt Brash discusses making his MLB debut against the White Sox and winning a rotation spot out of Spring Training (27:56). 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

50 min listen

Berríos Is Ready To Go: Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss the latest transactions around MLB including Freddie Freeman agreeing to sign a six-year pact with the Dodgers, and the Rockies inking 3B/OF Kris Bryant to a 7-year $182M deal (1:08). Blue Jays TV analyst Buck Martinez checks-in from Spring Training with his thoughts on the Matt Chapman trade, the team concentrating on a fast start to the season, and what he’s seen from Jose Berrios so far in camp (30:40). 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

49 min listen

Ryu Hurt, Manoah Shines, and Vlad & Bo Takeaways: Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays weekend at Rogers Centre where they escaped with a series win taking two of three against the Oakland A’s (2:22). In particular, the guys examine what they’re seeing from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette at the plate since Teoscar Hernandez hit the IL and Alek Manoah’s performance on the mound in Sunday’s win. Later they open up the phone lines and take calls discussing concerns with Hyun-jin Ryu in the early going, the Yankees standing in the AL East, and umpiring in the game after a questionable performance from home plate umpire Jeff Nelson in Saturday’s TOR-OAK game (26:08). 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

51 min listen

Spring Training Nuts and Bolts with John Schneider: Blue Jays bench coach John Schneider joins Blair and Barker to discuss where the team is at right now, how his role has changed with the club, what it's like working with players who are fighting for jobs, how honing in on one position will help Cavan Biggio offensively, working with Matt Chapman to help integrate him with his new teammates, the challenges of bringing new pitchers into the fold and deciding which catchers they'll work with, the process in filling out the final spots on the roster, and how Charlie Montoyo has grown as a manager (5:51). Next, Blair and Barker chat about a bit more about Charlie Montoyo and what Kevin saw from him in Dunedin (20:17). To finish, the guys talk about Pete Walker being arrested on a charge of driving under the influence, what impressed Barker the most from spring training, and what his biggest concern is (28:42). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and gu by Blair & Barker

49 min listen

Divisional Rival Check-in w/ Lou Merloni: Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi talks about the Blue Jays’ strategy when it comes to hitting and what Hunter Mense and Dave Hudgens provide in their current roles, before discussing how the team will deal with sky-high expectations from media both north and south of the border, and if there has been any talk about extensions for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette (10:45). Afterwards, former MLB infielder and WEEI host Lou Merloni previews the season of the division rival Boston Red Sox who added shortstop Trevor Story but will be missing Chris Sale to start the year (29:07). 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

49 min listen

Tip Your Cap to Vladdy: Blair and Barker open with a chat about the Blue Jays' 6-4 win over the Yankees on Wednesday night, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s three-home run performance (two of which came after his hand was stepped on and bloodied), Teoscar Hernandez leaving the game with left side discomfort, and how the team might make up for the potential loss of the outfielder (038). Afterwards, the guys take your calls on the bullpen, the Tapia-Grichuk trade, Alejandro Kirk, and more (23:30). 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

50 min listen

Freddie’s Still A Free Man: Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker (from sunny Florida!) discuss the latest on free-agent slugger Freddie Freeman: the interest from the Blue Jays and others, what a possible contract could look-like, and Atlanta moving on after acquiring Matt Olson from the A’s (2:16). The guys also examine Kyle Schwarber as a possible fit for the team and wonder if the Reds and Blue Jays could be trade partners (8:30). Next, C. Trent Rosecrans of the Athletic talks about the latest Reds sell-off and how Joey Votto perceives the current state of the franchise (21:05). Afterwards, Hall of Famer Tom Glavine discusses Freeman’s departure from the Braves, his importance to the organization, and compares it to when he left the club (36:38). 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

50 min listen

Jays and White Sox Swap Backstops: Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss the Blue Jays’ catching depth after dealing Reese McGuire to Chicago for Zack Collins, with Danny Jansen and Alejandro Kirk left to handle Blue Jays pitchers (0:53). Next, Sportsnet’s Dan Shulman weighs-in on the McGuire-Collins deal, the Blue Jays’ tough schedule to start the season with 30 games in 31 days, Vladimir Guerrero Jr’s love for running the bases, and the José Ramirez rumours that won’t go away (21:20). 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

49 min listen

How Will Border Restrictions Impact the Blue Jays?: Blair and Barker open with a discussion on the Canadian border remaining closed to unvaccinated visitors, and how that impacts the Blue Jays' trade options and free agency targets (2:41). Next, the guys touch on some of the positives from the new CBA, before pivoting to discuss what the Jays need to add(11:16). Afterwards, Ben Wagner phones in from the Jays' complex in Dunedin to chat about what the mood's like there, how Vlad Guerrero Jr. looks, how the border-vaccination situation impacts the Jays' free agency plans, Dave Phelps and Ryan Borucki's roles with the team, and his thoughts on Gabriel Moreno (35:06). 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

50 min listen

Play Ball: Blue Jays Baseball Starts Today!: Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look ahead to the Blue Jays' first Spring Training game against the Baltimore Orioles where José Berríos will make the start, and react to comments from Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman about joining the team, talking to Marcus Semien about what to expect in Toronto, and working alongside Bo Bichette (9:58). Next, former Dodgers GM Ned Colletti examines LA's lineup with Freddie Freeman, and chats about his views on how to build a successful organization for the long-term, who will close for the Dodgers this season, and whether Kenley Jansen could be a fit as a closer or set-up man for the Jays (29:19). Lastly, Blair gives Barker another Spring Training assignment as they head into the weekend (48:01)! 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

50 min listen

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Lockout Chronicles: Training For an Open-Ended Opening Day

Lockout Chronicles: Training For an Open-Ended Opening Day

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