Bat Flipping to the Level of Excellence With José Bautista

Manfred v. Clark: Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by ESPN’s Jeff Passan to discuss all things regarding MLB’s lockout, including the respect level between adversaries Rob Manfred and Tony Clark, how commissioner Manfred is perceived by fans of the game, and when the he foresees MLB and the MLBPA ultimately reaching an agreement (16:44). 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

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

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

Randal Grichuk & No Rays in Montreal: A deal that could have seen the Tampa Bay Rays split their regular season home games in Montreal is dead. Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss the situation from the viewpoint of all parties in involved: MLB, the Rays organization, and Stephen Bronfman’s Montreal group. Blue Jays outfielder Randal Grichuk discusses how he’s preparing for the lockout and what he thinks his role will be going forward with the club in 2022 (12:59). The voice of the Montreal Expos Dave Van Horne looks back on his legendary career after announcing his retirement and weighs-in with his thoughts on the future of baseball in Montreal (25:39). On This week’s edition of 'Barker’s Back Leg Bits’ Kevin answers questions about: Cody Bellinger, Ryan McMahon, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 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

50 min listen

Will Baseball Return to La Belle Province?: Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back to 1994, the last time there was a labour stoppage in baseball. The Expos were never the same after the 1994 strike; but could there be positive news on the horizon for baseball fans in Montreal (0:20)? John Romano of the Tampa Bay Times discusses the Rays’ stadium plans, its discussions with local government, and the concept of splitting home games between Florida and Montreal going forward (15:10). Next, Hall of Fame pitcher and former MLBPA representative Tom Glavine joins the show to talk about his role during the 1994 strike, why he suggests players stay off of social media during the lockout, and if he foresees free-agent slugger Freddie Freeman re-signing in Atlanta (33:25). To end the show, Kevin answers listeners’ questions for 'Barker’s Back Leg Bits!' (49:55). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rog by Blair & Barker

58 min listen

Big Papi Reflections with Mike Timlin & Johnny Damon: No Bonds, No Clemens, this year’s Hall of Fame induction is all about David Ortiz. Jeff and Kevin weigh-in on the writers decision to omit Bonds, Clemens and others before speaking to two of Ortiz’s Red Sox teammates. Four-time World Series champion Mike Timlin discusses Ortiz’s emergence into a star from when he first arrived to the Red Sox organization and how he always had a plan at the plate (11:43). Afterwards, outfielder Johnny Damon talks about David Ortiz’s clutch performances in the postseason, his popularity with teammates, and the Red Sox “Idiots” turning Cooperstown into Woodstock to celebrate Big Papi’s induction (25:09)! 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

51 min listen

Ross Stripling & Brady Before Becoming The GOAT: Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by Blue Jays pitcher and player representative Ross Stripling to discuss the state of the CBA talks, working with Pete Walker and the tweaks he made in the 2021 season, and the opportunity to work with newly-signed Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman (6:27). With Tom Brady retiring, former Montreal Expos GM talks about Brady’s strengths as a baseball player and wonders what might have been if the NFL’s greatest quarterback changed sports (26:49). This week’s edition of 'Barker’s Back Leg Bits’ Jeff asks Kevin about playing football growing up and if he was ever a consideration over 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 affiliate. by Blair & Barker

51 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Catching up with Alek Manoah: Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker comment on Thursday’s session of labour talks between the league and the players. Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah reflects on his rookie season, picking the brain of new acquisition Kevin Gausman, and takes the guys inside his offseason routine (10:44). Afterwards, Jeff and Kevin discuss the Atlantic League and the changes they plan on making as part of its partnership with Major League Baseball (28:25). 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 affiliates. 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

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

How Real Is the Mets’ Interest in Pete Walker?: Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker return to discuss the interest the Toronto Blue Jays had in signing Corey Seager before he agreed to his ten-year pact with the Texas Rangers, the Mets’ level of interest in Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker, and if a first-time manager is what the Mets need right now (1:00). Next, Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano talks about his offseason and continuing his conditioning without the team’s facilities during the lockout (12:30). To finish, longtime MLB agent Barry Axelrod talks about how an agent’s role is impacted by the lockout, when players start to get antsy about returning to work, and when he ultimately sees the stoppage coming to an end (30:00). 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

57 min listen

Blair & Barker Come Bearing Gifts!: Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss the plans to upgrade Rogers Centre (2:20) before getting into the gift-giving mood for the holiday season! Jeff and Kevin dole out presents tailored to the American League teams (9:51), National League teams (29:39), and the Toronto Blue Jays (42:08). Afterwards, they end the show with another edition of 'Barker's Back Leg Bits!' 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

50 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Bat Flipping to the Level of Excellence With José Bautista

Bat Flipping to the Level of Excellence With José Bautista

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