Pete Walker’s Spring Training Observations

Matt Chapman Player Profile with Ed Sprague and Dallas Braden: Ed Sprague, the Oakland A’s Director of Player Development and former MLB third baseman discusses Matt Chapman’s defensive prowess at third and provides a front office perspective on the trade (4:09). Next, Jeff and Kevin react to Ken Rosenthal’s tweet regarding the Blue Jays' interest in Jose Ramirez and him possibly playing 2B (30:06). To finish, A’s TV analyst Dallas Braden talks more about Chapman’s platinum glove, the type of teammate he is, and how his presence will be beneficial to Bo Bichette on that side of the infield (32:09). 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

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

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

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

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

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

Next Level Talent & Tech with Doug Glanville: Blair and Barker go around the majors with ESPN and Marquee Sports Network’s Doug Glanville who discusses how he views the AL East, teams experimenting with PitchCom technology in the early going, Cubs’ rookie Seiya Suzuki, and more (0:56). To wrap, Jeff and Kevin touch on the pitching matchups for the remainder of the Jays-Yankees series, how the Blue Jays should handle Danny Jansen, some injury news across the majors, how teams may be monitoring players after a shortened spring, and the Jays' shift rate (29:37 ) 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Live from Rogers Centre, It's Opening Day!: Happy Opening Day! Blair and Barker are live from Rogers Centre as the Blue Jays get set to take on the Texas Rangers, and are joined off the hop by Dan Shulman to chat about the atmosphere at the ballpark, how a crowd can impact play-by-play, Bo and Vlad Jr. being "young veterans", reasonable expectations for Alek Manoah, Danny Jansen and Cavan Biggio, the acquisition of Bradley Zimmer, how key a healthy George Springer and Jordan Romano will be to the team's success, how aggressive Charlie Montoyo might be, and how the Jays might use PitchCom (2:22). Next, Rangers manager Chris Woodward stops by to discuss the makeup of his group after a busy offseason, if chemistry is an issue, what Corey Seager brings to the club, and his experiences so far with PitchCom (30:47). 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

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

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

At the Plate w/ Jays Assistant Hitting Coach Hunter Mense: The MLB Season starts today! Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open the show with their American League predictions for the 2022 season and who they think will meet in the World Series (0:24). Next, Hunter Mense, Blue Jays assistant hitting coach and minor league hitting coordinator, talks about working with the Blue Jays hitters this Spring, Lourdes Gurriel Jr’s potential this year, and the emergence of Blue Jays hitters from their time in the minors to the big leagues (26:56). 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

Breaking Down Opening Weekend & Inside Danny Jansen's Strong Start: The Blue Jays are 2-1 to start the season after winning their opening home stand against Texas and Blair and Barker break it all down! Jeff and Kevin recap the series, notably the performances from Jose Berrios, Hyun-jin Ryu, the bullpen, and missing an arm like Nate Pearson to pitch a few innings in relief (2:50) Next, Blue Jays Central’s Joe Siddall comments on Danny Jansen’s two home runs, Berrios’ outing, Matt Chapman making adjustments at the plate, and what Bradley Zimmer brings to the Blue Jays lineup after getting called up (28:04). To end the hour, Barker describes what he’s seeing out of Jansen and why he is seeing positive results early at the plate (41:41). 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

Inside the Dugout with Charlie Montoyo & John Schneider: Jeff & Kevin are joined by Toronto Blue Jays Bench Coach John Schneider to help break down the new PitchCom system introduced this season, before chatting about the feeling around the team and the atmosphere surrounding Opening Day in Toronto (03:00). Then Blair & Barker share their thoughts on the Vladdy-Bo experience and the latest Rogers Centre face-lift, take in some pre-game defensive drills, and discuss Matt Chapman's impact on the left side of the infield (10:51). Finally, Manager of the Blue Jays Charlie Montoyo stops by and takes a moment to reflect on what Opening Night means to help, before shifting his attention to his team to chat about their athleticism on the bases and how the bullpen has shaped up this off-season (26:23). 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

49 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

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

Josh Donaldson & Bullpens with Jeff Nelson: Four-time World Series champion Jeff Nelson discusses the makeup of the Yankees' bullpen, the importance of relief pitchers when starters aren’t completely stretched out, and how he views the Blue Jays rotation and they stack up in the AL East (8:04). Following another edition of “Barker’s Back Leg Bits” (28:06), 2015 American League MVP Josh Donaldson calls-in to discuss how he’s fitting in with the New York Yankees following the offseason trade with the Twins (37:24). 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

Dexter Fowler: The Newest Blue Jay?: Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker assess the teams in the AL East, before reacting to the breaking news that free agent outfielder Dexter Fowler has a nameplate in the Blue Jays clubhouse and will presumably be joining the team (2:44). Later on, Jeff and Kevin welcome Yankees broadcaster Suzyn Waldman to the show to discuss Greg Bird’s chances at making the Blue Jays opening day roster, Josh Donaldson’s early impressions amongst his teammates, what Aaron Judge’s next contract could look like and more (20:35). To end the show, the guys examine the Blue Jays' catching depth with Danny Jansen, Reese McGuire, and Alejandro Kirk behind the plate (40:20). 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

Beyond the Numbers with Dante Bichette + Jon Heyman's NY Report: The NY Post’s Jon Heyman joins Blair & Barker to examine the hot starts by both the Yankees and Mets, the mindset behind the Mets' designating Robinson Cano for assignment, and which team’s start is more sustainable (04:49). Later on, four-time MLB All-Star and former Blue Jays' Special Assistant Dante Bichette breaks down what he’s seen from Bo at the plate and how George Springer has helped him this season (26:35). 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

49 min listen

No Way José: Ramírez Re-Signs in Cleveland: Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open by discussing the day’s breaking news: star infielder (and rumoured Blue Jays trade target) José Ramírez has re-signed with the Cleveland Guardians on a new 5-year deal. Next, Buffalo Bisons manager Casey Candaele joins the show following his club’s 3-2 win in their home opener to talk about this year’s squad and the potential of prospects like Gabriel Moreno and Otto Lopez (18:43). Afterwards, Chris Rose of “The Chris Rose Rotation” shares his thoughts on the Ramírez deal and why he thought the Padres were a potential destination for the slugger before assessing the AL East and if the Blue Jays can meet expectations as the current favourites to win the division (35:13). 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

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

Changing Speeds with Alek Manoah: Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays’ 4-0 loss to the Yankees, specifically Yusei Kikuchi’s outing where his velocity was up but only lasted 3.1 innings (0:40). The guys also examine the Blue Jays catching depth without Danny Jansen and how Alejandro Kirk will handle the pitching staff for an extended time with crucial matchups against the Red Sox and Astros approaching on the schedule (10:30). Later, Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah re-visits his impressive start in the opener of the Yankees series, his approach on the mound, and what Kevin Gausman has taught him since joining the Blue Jays (31:19). 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

Zack Attacks Baseballs & Tim Kurkjian: Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker speak with Blue Jays DH/catcher Zack Collins after a successful series against the Oakland A’s and his HR off Nathan Eovaldi Tuesday night at Fenway Park. Collins talks about his experience with the club after coming over from the White Sox, working with the coaching staff, and embracing the hitch in his swing (1:38) . To finish, Hall of Fame writer and broadcaster Tim Kurkijan joins the guys with his early season thoughts and if anything can be learned from small sample sizes this month (24:16). 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

Jackie Robinson Reflections with Bob Kendrick: Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays 3-0 loss and series split against the Yankees, including the game’s ending with closer Aroldis Chapman being pulled and Toronto leaving the bases loaded with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on deck and Kevin Gausman’s second start (1:35). Afterwards, Blue Jays radio announcer Ben Wagner shares his thoughts on the team after one week of regular season play and how he would tweak the lineup with injuries to Danny Jansen and Teoscar Hernandez (26:09). Later, Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, discusses the importance of Jackie Robinson Day on the 75th anniversary of him breaking baseball's colour barrier (40:01). 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

54 min listen

Catching up with Kevin Smith + Have Your Say!: Former Blue Jays infielder Kevin Smith joins the guys to reflect on his time with the organization and discuss his role with the Athletics after being traded to the team for Matt Chapman (3:17). Later in the hour, Jeff and Kevin take calls on the Jays' batting order, the roster’s depth being tested with injuries, and the bullpen (30:27). 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

45 min listen

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Pete Walker’s Spring Training Observations

Pete Walker’s Spring Training Observations

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