Baseball Central @ Noon

Radio voice of the Athletics Ken Korach (3:55) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about the expectations of the A's heading into the 2026 campaign and how it has turned out into September, playing in a temporary ball park in West Sacramento, manager Mark Kotsay's message to the clubhouse handling the inconsistencies between the win and loss columns, who stands out in their order, and if Kotsay will be the manager of the future when the team heads to Las Vegas. Then, national MLB writer for USA Today's Bob Nightengale stops by (30:34) to take a deeper dive into MLB's proposed rules for the next agreement including adding an extra roster spot for pitchers, modifying the use of position players pitching, how the L.A. Dodgers handle Shohei Ohtani's future in pitching, concerns of their team's performance towards the end of the year, and if Mike Trout has done enough for a future hall of fame entry despite his down trajectory in recent seasons. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' weekend series win over the Kansas City Royals. They discuss the issues at the bottom of the Jays' pitching rotation, another Jesús Sánchez error in the outfield, Brett Bateman's role, and more. Then, Sportsnet MLB insider Shi Davidi stops by (27:20) ahead of the conclusion of the Jays' road trip in Sacramento against the A's, and he chats about the Jays' plan for Spencer Arrighetti's next start, impressions of Ricky Tiedemann's play so far, Trey Yesavage's recovery timeline, where Anthony Santander would fit if he returns to the lineup this season, and Kazuma Okamoto's recent adjustments.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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (1:12) joins Blair and Barker to chat about the injury statuses for Anthony Santander and Trey Yesavage, if either of them are close to returning to the team, if there has been any adjustments to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s swing after making contact during the Cleveland Guardians series, Brett Bateman moving up and down in the batter's box, if the coaching staff have unlocked the version of José Soriano they wanted on the mound, expectations for Jameson Taillon starting against the Kansas City Royals, the order running up an opposing pitcher's pitch count recently, Ernie Clement's performance in August, and Brandon Valenzuela's catching workload. Then, ESPN's Jeff Passan joins the guys (30:25) to chat about why the Blue Jays should be everyone's pick to make the Wild Card, if Julio Rodríguez or Cal Raleigh will have a comeback year in 2027, why he has Cam Schlittler as the AL Cy Young front runner, why Shohei Ohtani is dictating his career trajectory, and which NL team could overthrow the aging 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get set for the Blue Jays' weekend series against the Kansas City Royals. They look at the AL Wild Card standings before discussing Anthony Santander commencing rehab games in Triple-A, Trey Yesavage nearing a return, what to expect from the bottom of the rotation in Kansas City, and signs that Vladdy Jr. is on the verge of a hot streak. Later, Royals TV analyst Rex Hudler (23:36) stops by to discuss the role the weather plays at Kauffman Stadium, how the Jays can attack starter Daniel Lynch IV, Bobby Witt Jr.'s up and down season, Jac Caglianone and Carter Jensen's potential, and Kansas City's path back to the playoffs 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off the abridged post-game edition with MLB Network insider Jon Morosi (2:51). They discuss how the Blue Jays' series win over the Guardians sets them up in the AL Wild Card race, the impacts of deadline additions Brett Bateman and José Soriano, why he likes the Jays' chances to take the final Wild Card spot over the Orioles. Then, Jon, Jeff and Kevin chat about potential ripple effects of Stan Kroenke's purchase of the Angels, the AL Cy Young race, and the Dodgers' struggles without Will Smith in the lineup.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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Blair and Barker are joined by former MLB infielder and MLB Network analyst Yonder Alonso (1:27) to discuss what makes the Cleveland Guardians historically resilient in the month of September, José Ramírez fully recovering from the broken hamate bone in his left hand, why Vladdy's hitting concerns can't be fixed until the offseason, who will hold the third spot in the AL Wild Card, and the concern level with the Dodgers. Then, Blue Jays Central analyst and former MLB outfielder Kevin Pillar (27:32) joins the guys to chat about Brett Bateman becoming the unlikely hero for the Jays, how his game compares to Steven Kwan, if players are scoreboard watching during a post-season race, if Dylan Cease will be motivated from Cleveland's starter's dominance against his team, and how should we judge hitting coach David Popkins' 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' series-opening loss to the Cleveland Guardians. They discuss Gavin Williams' dominance over the Jays' lineup, the team's standing in the Wild Card race, and the decision to turn to Joe Mantiply in a one-run game. Later, Jeff and Kevin discuss the Angels as MLB's next big spenders after being sold to Stan Kroenke. They are joined by former MLB president David Samson (31:28), who shares some thoughts on the Clippers punishment in the NBA, the Angels' sale, the latest around MLB's CBA negotiations, and much more. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1992 World Series Champion with the Blue Jays and author of his upcoming memoir 'Touching All The Bases', Dave Winfield (1:22) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about his early days being involved in multiple sports prior to playing professional baseball, what made him stick to baseball, going against George Steinbrenner, leaving the New York Yankees, his years in Minnesota and Toronto, and how he adjusted his hitting during a prolonged slump. Then, Cleveland Guardians TV analyst (25:35) and former MLB catcher Chris Gimenez joins to discuss why things have started going the team's way as they hold the final AL Wild Card spot, José Ramírez's dangerous ability to hit towards all areas of the field, Gavin Williams' success on the mound, and Steven Kwan's turnaround this 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get set for the Blue Jays' pivotal series against the Cleveland Guardians. To help, Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker stops by (8:21) to discuss the plan for recently called up prospect Ricky Tiedemann, what he's learned from Spencer Miles' rookie season, early returns from Spencer Arrighetti, what's behind Dylan Cease's dip in velocity, and how José Soriano has adapted with the Jays' process. Later, Blue Jays legend Carlos Delgado joins the show (28:45) to discuss the Jays' Wild Card push, what we need to see from Vladdy Jr. down the stretch, and what it means to be recognized on the Level of Excellence. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Athletic's Jayson Stark (1:11) joins Blair and Barker to chat about why the Los Angeles Dodgers could be vulnerable this season, his research into why Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has yet to hit a home run at home this season, Max Scherzer turning back the clock in his recent outing against the Seattle Mariners, Yankees and Red Sox rivalry renewed, and the state of the AL Wild Card race. Then, Jeff and Kevin head to the Back Leg Line to get listener's reactions to the Blue Jays sweeping the Mariners over the weekend. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the off-day edition, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' weekend sweep over the Seattle Mariners, including Max Scherzer turning back the clock in the series finale. MLB Network analyst and former MLB pitcher Dan Plesac joins the show (7:10) to discuss the wild AL Wild Card race, Scherzer's dominant outing, how the Jays can get the best out of José Soriano, the difficulty of staying focused in the final stretch of a season, and why the White Sox will hold on to the top spot in the AL Central. Later, Jeff and Kevin discuss which players will be called up as rosters expand starting September 1, the Jays passing on recently waived power bats Eugenio Suárez and Luis Robert Jr., and what to expect from the Jays' critical upcoming road trip in Cleveland, Kansas City, and Sacramento. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Blair and Barker are joined by Ryan Divish (2:20) of The Seattle Times to chat about the Mariners' season, Cal Raleigh's down offensive year, why Julio Rodríguez can't find consistency, why lefty starter Kade Anderson stands out from the rest, how the team can collectively fix their offence, and the worst case scenario with the future of the roster and management if the team doesn't make the postseason. Then guys head to the Back Leg Line to hear from Blue Jays fans ahead of their three-game series against the visiting Mariners for the first time since the ALCS. Afterwards, Jeff Blair remembers the late Jacques Doucet who called Montreal Expos games. To wrap up the show, Blue Jays play-by-play TV voice Dan Shulman (30:42) joins the guys to discuss his former broadcast partner Buck Martinez getting inducted into the Jays' Hall of Excellence, getting the job and working with Buck for the first time, if there was a moment when he knew the chemistry was there, how Buck transitioned from being a player, manager and then broadcaster, and his proudest moment with Buck. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' 13-2 unravelling to the Kansas City Royals to drop the series. They discuss why Spencer Arrighetti's pitch sequencing is limiting his success, the importance of the Jays' next series against the Mariners, and what they need to see from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. down the final stretch of the season. Later, Blue Jays manager John Schneider (29:14) shares how the team has been managing a recent rough stretch, how Vladdy handled the boos at Rogers Centre, how they can get the most out of Arrighetti this season, and whether a series against rival Mariners can help get them going. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Blair and Barker are joined by Blue Jays TV analyst and former MLB catcher Joe Siddall (6:05) to chat about the team signing recently DFA'd pitcher Michael Lorenzen, how Spencer Arrighetti can attack the zone, if the Jays can find success with one approach on offence, Eugenio Suárez clearing waivers and whether he would've fit with Toronto, building Brett Bateman into an everyday player, and Louis Varland's changeup. Then, ESPN's and host of Sources Tell Jeff Passan joins Jeff and Kevin (25:35) to discuss the MLB's proposal to shrinking the free agency window in December, who this benefits, and who is the best team to come out of the AL Wild Card. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' win over the Kansas City Royals to tie the series at a game apiece. They discuss the postgame Gatorade incident, the bullpen's shutout, and Nathan Lukes' homer. Then, they react to the Blue Jays signing recently DFA'd pitcher Michael Lorenzen and passing on Eugenio Suárez. Later, former MLB All-Star Bret Boone joins the show (28:52) to reflect on what's gone wrong for the Mariners, the pressure of playing under a big contract, Cal Raleigh's recent turnaround, and potential consequences in Seattle if they miss the postseason cut. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker head to Rogers Centre to hear from Blue Jays' manager John Schneider ahead of their second game against the Kansas City Royals before bringing on radio play-by-play voice Ben Shulman (10:26) to discuss how the series opener ended with Nathan Lukes getting thrown out at second base, Jesús Sánchez returning to play left-field, having both George Springer and Alejandro Kirk's day off scheduled on the same day, and why Vlad Jr. is still having a strong year on the defensive end. Then the guys share a fun activity for all Jays fans to replicate Buck Martinez's iconic home run calls outside of Rogers Centre before having his former teammate, Hall of Fame third baseman and VP of Baseball Operations with the Royals, George Brett (29:00) to chat about their off-field friendship, transitioning and having success as a player to managing to becoming a broadcaster, the amount of advice Buck would give him, his ability to catch and call a game, the differences in the game over the years and what Bobby Witt Jr. has brought to KC. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Toronto Blue Jays' series-opening loss to the Kansas City Royals. They discuss the Jays's standing in the Wild Card race as they fell three games back with four teams ahead, the team's play since Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s return to the lineup, the decision to sub Alejandro Kirk and George Springer in mid game, Max Scherzer's start, and the lineup's struggles with runners in scoring position. Later, MLB Network analyst and former MLB GM Dan O'Dowd (25:32) stops by to share how a front office should approach a struggling superstar like Vladdy, the Jays' resilience in 2026, why the Cubs pose the biggest threat to the Dodgers in the NL, why Kyle Tucker has been the most disappointing player in MLB this season, and Brewers manager benching Cooper Pratt for not running hard out of the box. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

MLB Insider and Blue Jays reporter Ben Nicholson-Smith (1:16) joins Jeff and Kevin to chat about Alejandro Kirk and George Springer's status after being left off the opening lineup against the visiting Kansas City Royals, what Brett Bateman has brought to the club, if the front office will consider dipping into the current free agent market to find a 5th starter while Shane Bieber is on the IL, where Brendon Little sits in the 'circle of trust', why Ben would be worried about Seattle and Cleveland sneaking into the Wild Card, and who is the second-most important bat in the lineup outside of Vlad Jr. Then, Blue Jays legend Buck Martinez (30:53) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss how retirement has been going, the amount of baseball and Blue Jays games he's been tuning in, if he envisioned returning to the sport after his playing days, how much has he reflected on the best moments from playing, managing and broadcasting, and how the team can support Vladdy during and after a down offensive 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get set for the Toronto Blue Jays' series against the Kansas City Royals. They discuss Shane Bieber being moved to the IL, George Springer and Alejandro Kirk both being left off the starting lineup in the series opener, and they outline the importance of the Jays' upcoming stretch against sub .500 teams. Later, Royals analyst and former MLB closer Jeff Montgomery joins the show (30:25) to share what the Blue Jays can expect from the red-hot Royals, who come to Toronto riding an eight-game win streak, what makes Bobby Witt Jr. elite, how the Jays' bats can attack tonight's starter Seth Lugo, and much more. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Baseball Today and Dugout Discussions' Chris Rose (1:22) joins Jeff and Kevin to chat about his recent one-on-one conversation with Blue Jays' Ernie Clement, Houston Astros parting ways with their general manager as they sit at the top of the AL West, his current picks to make the Wild Card and where both Cleveland Guardians and Blue Jays sit, and the Cleveland Browns naming Deshaun Watson as their Week 1 starting quarterback. Then, Blair and Barker head to the Back Leg Line to hear listener's calls after Toronto's weekend series against the Yankees! 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the off-day editon, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays' series loss against the New York Yankees. They discuss the Jays' playoff chances as they enter a lighter stretch in the schedule, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s underwhelming return to the lineup, and why Dylan Cease's ongoing velocity issues are becoming a concern. Later, Sportsnet MLB insider Shi Davidi stops by (29:47) to weigh in on whether the Jays are better without Vladdy in the lineup, the timeline on the team's plan to 'fix' his swing, and their playoff outlook after a difficult nine-game stretch. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Dempster, co-host of 'Intentional Talk' on MLB Network and former MLB pitcher, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to kick off the second hour of the Friday edition (5:17). He discusses why the time off may be a good thing for Vladdy, how pitchers manage with poor defenders behind them, why teams that sold at the deadline are leading the charge for the final AL Wild Card spot, and why the Mariners should consider an offseason rebuild after their disappointing 2026 campaign. Then, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan (27:03) stops by to talk about his recent chat with Joey Votto about hitting fundamentals, what the federal scrutiny on owner Mark Walter means for the Dodgers and upcoming MLB CBA negotiations, and why MLB ownership will see more private equity funding in the future. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get set for the Toronto Blue Jays' weekend set against the New York Yankees in the Bronx. They chat about what a series win would mean for the Jays in the Wild Card race, the sustainability of the team's pitching, what to expect from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as he nears a return to the lineup, and they react to the Jays reinstating Spencer Arrighetti and calling up Davis Schneider. Later, Blue Jays manager John Schneider stops by (16:27) to discuss what role Arrighetti will get in tonight's opener, how the team handled Jesús Sánchez's costly mistakes against the Rays, where Vladdy will hit when he returns, how the clubhouse dynamic has changed since the deadline, and much more. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the post-game edition, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker continue to recap the Blue Jays' series-clinching win over the Tampa Bay Rays. Blue Jays Central analyst Caleb Joseph stops by (2:30) to share his impressions from the game, what José Soriano needs to work on ahead of his next start in the Bronx, whether Shane Bieber's done enough to earn a new contract, where Vladimir Guerrero Jr. should hit when he returns to the lineup, and what to do with Jesús Sánchez after his latest error-filled outing. Later, Orioles reporter Roch Kubatko stops by (28:24) to help break down the jumble that is the AL Wild Card race, and why the Orioles have heated up so much since selling at the trade deadline. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi (3:50) joins Jeff and Kevin to chat about the AL Wild Card race, who could secure the third spot, where Vlad Jr. would hit in the order when he returns from the IL, the margin between Pete Crow-Armstrong and others running for the NL MVP, and what's next for Mark Walter, owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers among other sports teams, who is under federal investigation. Then, Blue Jays radio analyst and former MLB pitcher Chris Leroux (29:16) joins the guys to discuss John Schneider juggling with lining up catchers with certain pitchers, how Max Scherzer can attack the Tampa Bay Rays, how Chris would pitch to Alejandro Kirk, and if he would move Vlad Jr. down the batting order if the team continues their success with him on the IL.  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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Toronto Blue Jays' 10-5 series-opening win over the Rays in Tampa. They discuss Alejandro Kirk returning to his 2026 form, what to expect from Rays starter Drew Rasmussen, José Soriano's outing, and the team's confidence. Later, former Blue Jay and pitching coach for Jays' 2026 first-round pick Cole Carlon, Jeremy Accardo joins the show (14:22) to discuss his son's upcoming opportunity at the Blue Jays Futures game in Vancouver before breaking down what Carlon can become for Toronto. Later, Jeff and Kevin share their expectations for Max Scherzer's start and listen to John Schneider's pre-game availability. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former MLB pitcher and current Tampa Bay Rays TV analyst Brian Anderson (2:03) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss how pitcher Nick Martinez has found his rhythm on the mound after years of switching between starting and bullpen roles, what Liam Hicks has brought to the catching and hitting core, how the Rays can become the best version of themselves and capture the AL East, and hitting coach Chad Mottola's ability to connect this his players. The guys hear from Blue Jays manager John Schneider ahead of the series against the Rays before bringing on Sportsnet's MLB columnist Shi Davidi (31:50) to chat about the rotation for the week, if there's concern with a dip in Dylan Cease's velocity, and can George Springer swing through his shoulder issues.  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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair returns alongside Kevin Barker ahead of the Blue Jays' series against the Tampa Bay Rays. They discuss why the Jays' keys to success starts on the mound, the team's historical struggles at Tropicana Field, the significance of a potential series win, and Joey Votto's recent break down of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s struggles. Then, Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander joins the show (28:23) to discuss how the team's return to the Trop sparked their success this season, what makes their reseach and development elite, Chandler Simpson's unique role, his thought process behind trading for Liam Hicks at the deadline, and much more. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ben Ennis and Kevin Barker begin the second hour discussing what Brett Bateman has brought to the lineup, Charles McAdoo's hard-hitting abilities, José Soriano's third start with the Blue Jays before bringing on Tampa Bay Times' Marc Topkin (20:25) to chat about the leading the AL East team, what Junior Caminero's ceiling could be, the roster relishing in bunt opportunities, and their running game. Then, Blue Jays reporter Arden Zwelling (31:17) joins the guys to chat about Ricky Tiedemann's major league debut, what has gone right for Brendon Little, how John Schneider and Pete Walker approaches their open spot in the rotation, Kazuma Okamoto trying to find consistency at the plate, Max Scherzer's approach for the rest of the season, and how David Popkins has navigated an up and down offensive season. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ben Ennis, filling in for Jeff Blair, and Kevin Barker open the week with a look back on the Blue Jays' weekend series against the New York Yankees. They discuss recent improved pitching performances, the Jays' standing in the Wild Card race, Alejandro Kirk's hot stretch, the implications of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s concussion, and Ricky Tiedemann's Major League debut. Then, Sportsnet TV's voice of the Blue Jays Dan Shulman (28:03) stops by to discuss the different feel around the team since the trade deadline, whether the recent run is sustainable, Kazuma Okamoto's streaky rookie season, Brett Bateman's instant impact, Tyler Rogers' unsung dominance, and much more. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Blue Jays radio play-by-play voice Ben Shulman (2:55) joins Jeff and Kevin to discuss the confidence John Schneider and the coaching staff have in putting Brett Bateman leading off the order, how Shane Bieber can learn from his start against the Phillies now against the visiting New York Yankees, the clubhouse's mood against a division rival, the Jays' struggles with using the ABS, Jesús Sánchez's future playing everyday, Paul Sewald's deployment, and if Gerrit Cole has a upper hand in facing Toronto for the first time since 2024. Then, Yankees radio colour commentator Suzyn Waldman stops by (27:00) to chat about what has changed for Cole since Tommy John surgery, if George Lombard Jr. has solidified his spot as New York's shortstop of the future, how Ben Rice has adjusted his hitting without Aaron Judge around him, when Yankees fans can expect Judge will return, and if Aaron Boone has navigated his way in securing AL Manager 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get set for the Blue Jays' crucial upcoming stretch, starting with a weekend set against the New York Yankees. They discuss the Jays standing in the Wild Card race, the team's 7-0 series-closing loss against the Red Sox, what Paul Sewald brings to the bullpen, and more. Then, Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins the show (27:40) to discuss the team's keys to success against Gerrit Cole, a different feel in the clubhouse, the plan for Sewald, whether he'd consider moving Vladimir Guerrero Jr. down the order, Brett Bateman's early success, and what Kazuma Okamoto has learned through his rookie season. 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.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Blue Jays TV play-by-play voice Dan Shulman (1:34) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about the team's resurgence since the trade deadline, where right-handed pitcher Paul Sewald fits on the staff, growing confidence in Brendon Little, improvement on the defensive end, José Soriano's adjustments in his second start as a Blue Jay, and the pressure on Vlad Jr. Then, we hear from manager John Schneider ahead of the third game against the Boston Red Sox and what Sewald could bring out of the bullpen. Afterwards, Jays pitcher Tyler Rogers join the guys (30:57) to discuss the recent stretch of success from the team, the difficulties of pitching three days in a row as a reliever, how he recovers, becoming a submarine thrower, working with and earning pitching coach Pete Walker's trust, and his definition of 'leverage'.  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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays 5-3 win over the Boston Red Sox to pull closer in the American League's Wild Card race. They discuss the team's recent pitching uptick, the addition of reliever Paul Sewald, Dylan Cease's dip in velocity, Brendon Little's adjustments, why Brett Bateman gives the lineup a different look, and the pressure on Vladdy Jr. down the stretch. Later, ESPN MLB insider and host of 'Sources Tell' Jeff Passan stops by (28:30) to share his thoughts on the Jays' post-deadline bump, whether the Dodgers' recent offensive woes makes them vulnerable in the playoffs, whether Mark Walter selling the Lakers could have an impact on the Dodgers, the concern around Paul Skenes after his latest start was cut short, and why Cam Schlittler has the edge over Cease in the AL Cy Young race. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Blue Jays Central analyst and former MLB outfielder Kevin Pillar (1:15) joins Jeff and Kevin to weigh in on the 'fourth out' rule, how Dylan Cease's delivery adds to his success, post-trade deadline relief in the clubhouse, his playing time with former L.A. Angels teammate José Soriano, why Nathan Lukes is a great defender in the outfield, and what would be his advice to Vlad Jr. to work on in the offseason. Then, Jeff and Kevin continue their conversation surrounding the controversial fourth out with New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone's reaction to the play before bringing on former MLB player and manager Bobby Valentine (27:02) to get his thoughts on the ruling, how he used to his advantage while managing in Japan, how the Angels used former starter Soriano and what he can contribute to the Jays' staff, and why some pitchers are getting away with not standing on the rubber.  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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Toronto Blue Jays' series-opening win over the Boston Red Sox, and they discuss the strange 'fourth out' rule at the end of the seventh inning. They look back on the controversial play, break down the rarely applied rule, and discuss the clutch performances from Andrés Giménez, Brandon Valenzuela, and Louis Varland. NESN analyst and host of 'Dodgers Territory' Alanna Rizzo (2:20) joins the show to discuss what sparked the Red Sox's mid-season turnaround, whether they're peaking too soon, what Adley Rutschman brings to Boston ahead of his potential debut, and what's happened to the suddenly slumping 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Athletic's and co-host of the Starkville Podcast Jayson Stark (1:09) joins Jeff and Kevin to discuss the Boston Red Sox's turnaround on both end of the field, whether Aroldis Chapman will enter the Baseball Hall of Fame once his career ends, how the Blue Jays and Phillies came out of the trade deadline, why he doesnt' understand AL Central-leading Tigers trading away Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize, and if the day of the trade deadline should be moved. Then, Red Sox analyst and former MLB infielder Lou Merloni (28:46) jumps on to chat about why Willson Contreras is a definition of what it means to be a Red Sox, Wilyer Abreu's hitting, how Garrett Crochet could be used once he return from the IL, and Chad Tracy's impact as interim manager. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Toronto Blue Jays' weekend series win over the Philadelphia Phillies. They discuss the team's recent resilience in close games, wear and tear on the bullpen, the decision to send Davis Schneider back to Triple-A, the Jays' standing in the Wild Card race, and José Soriano's debut. Then, Jeff and Kevin react to Kazuma Okamoto being named a late scratch ahead of the Jays series-opener against the Red Sox, and they take your calls and questions on the Back Leg Line! 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (2:21) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss calling up outfielder and Jays' 20th ranked prospect Brett Bateman, why he doesn't envision moving Vlad Jr. down the lineup, José Soriano's club debut, Dylan Cease's recent run of dominance, Anthony Santander's recovery, Trey Yesavage update, and if a path is open for Ricky Tiedemann to get to the Majors. Then, Sportsnet's Ben Shulman joins the guys (27:36) to share his expectations for Soriano's Jays' debut, why Alejandro Kirk has moved up into the two-hole, if there's caution around Louis Varland's control in the 9th inning, Spencer Miles' usage, and if Shane Bieber is turning the corner. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get set for the Blue Jays' weekend series against the Philadelphia Phillies. They discuss how the Jays can attack Phillies starter Zach Wheeler in the opener and what to expect from José Soriano in his Blue Jays debut. Then, they look at the American League standings, the Jays' outlook in the Wild Card race, and whether the Red Sox are now the team to beat. Later, former Phillies GM and host of 'The Phillies Show' Ruben Amaro Jr. stops by (27:28) to share his early impressions of deadline addition Luis Arráez, why the team has been so streaky in 2026, and where Bryce Harper stands among the franchise's all-time greatest players. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Blue Jays analyst and former MLB catcher Caleb Joseph (2:49) joins Jeff and Kevin to chat about post-trade deadline clubhouse environment during his career, why he wasn't surprised who was traded off the Jays' roster, how José Soriano could be valuable in Toronto, and Spencer Miles and Braydon Fisher battling for a bigger role. Then, the guys hear from the newest Blue Jays pitcher José Soriano ahead of their second game against the Houston Astros. To wrap up, MLB Pipeline's Jonathan Mayo stops by (28:45) to discuss the return for Jeff Hoffman including left-handed pitcher Dasan Hill, how fans should analyze deals that include prospects, what separates between former Jays' prospect Arjun Nimmala and current top prospect JoJo Parker, and the Detroit Tigers' return for Tarik Skubal.  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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' series-opening win over the Houston Astros before welcoming ESPN insider Jeff Passan (5:38) to help break down Monday's trade deadline. They discuss the Jays' moves, why it's difficult to move position players at the deadline, the Orioles' return for Adley Rutschman, why the Yankees weren't aggressive, and the Braves and Astros' underwhelming days. Later, Blue Jays Executive Vice President and GM Ross Atkins (25:18) joins the show to discuss what went into the team's unique approach to the deadline, why they didn't add an impact bat, what went wrong for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in 2026, José Soriano's fit, how he evaluates opposing team's farm systems, the light-powered return in the Kevin Gausman deal, and much more. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.