Baseball Central @ Noon

After the Red Sox avoided a series sweep, Toronto gets ready to host another AL East opponent: The Tampa Bay Rays. Jeff and Kevin wonder what version of Yusei Kikuchi they will see on the mound against Tampa, before discussing David Phelps' 10th inning performance and the life on Alek Manoah’s fastball yesterday. Rays Senior VP & GM Peter Bendix discusses if the Yankees' lead in the division impacts what they do at the deadline, Shane McClanahan’s emergence as an ace, and how their front office is viewed by rival teams (30:38). 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 affiliates.

Hall of Famer and Braves analyst Tom Glavine joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to talk about Freddie Freeman’s return to Atlanta over the weekend, and how to make adjustments in-game and in-season as a pitcher when things aren’t going well on the mound. 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.

Jeff and Kevin welcome Shi Davidi to the show to share his thoughts on the Jays-Red Sox series and discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr’s decision to skip this year’s home-run derby at All-Star Week in Los Angeles (03:11). Former Red Sox 3B and MLB analyst for NESN Will Middlebrooks joins the guys ahead of the TOR-BOS series finale to chime-in on the Red Sox bullpen missing Tanner Houck, Alex Cora's management of the team, the heart of Boston’s batting order, and the team’s needs at the deadline (28:07). The fellas wrap up with another installment of Barker's Back Leg Bits (37:27)! 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 affiliates.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down an exciting night at Rogers Centre as the Blue Jays’ walked off the Red Sox 6-5. The guys discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr’s game-winning hit in the ninth inning, Alejandro Kirk’s clutch pinch hit appearance, and their confidence level in Toronto’s bullpen. Hall of Famer and Braves analyst Tom Glavine talks about Freddie Freeman’s return to Atlanta over the weekend, and how to make adjustments in-game and in-season as a pitcher when things aren’t going well on the mound (28:56). 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 affiliates.

Former Marlins President and CBS Sports HQ analyst David Samson discusses the Angels-Mariners brawl, the suspensions handed out by MLB, ownership's role in an intentional hit-by-pitch, and the Angels' struggles despite having Mike Trout and reigning MVP Shohei Ohtani (04:10). In an extended edition of Barker’s Back Leg Bits, Kevin answers questions on the potential of the Orioles going forward in the AL East and players dealing with the “yips” (30:14). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down Kevin Gausman’s strong outing against the Red Sox in the Blue Jays' 7-2 victory. They also discuss Alejandro Kirk’s offensive output, working with Gausman behind the plate, and Matt Chapman looking more comfortable offensively. Former Blue Jays catcher Caleb Joseph joins the show and to discuss what made Gausman successful against Boston, and what's stood out to him about Jose Berrios and Yusei Kikuchi's recent form (31:31). 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 affiliates.

Sportsnet’s Joe Siddall discusses the concerns surrounding Yusei Kikuchi and Jose Berrios after their most recent outings, if he believes the Blue Jays would benefit from having a veteran catcher, and Toronto’s crucial AL East schedule this week facing Boston and Tampa Bay (03:52). Former MLB infielder and current WEEI host Lou Merloni comments on the surging Red Sox, who currently hold second place in the division, and weighs in on what has led to their turnaround (34:22). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays' series loss after dropping two of three to the Brewers. The conversation revolves around the latest starts by Jose Berrios and Yusei Kikuchi as their struggles continue, and question if Kikuchi will make his next scheduled start against the Rays. In the latest edition of “In The East”, the guys examine the weekend series between the Yankees and Astros that included walk-off home runs and a combined no-hitter; and the Red Sox and Rays getting ready to face Toronto this week (30:37). 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 affiliates.

MLB insider Jeff Passan takes a trip around the Majors with the guys as they discuss if the Yankees are peaking too early, Aaron Judge’s arbitration case, the Brewers and Cardinals vying for top spot in the NL central, and if the Blue Jays absolutely need to acquire a starting pitcher this season (04:30). In the latest edition of ‘Barker’s Back Leg Bits’, the guys answer questions on if Alejandro Kirk and Alek Manoah should both start the All-Star Game, Nate Pearson’s setback at Triple-A Buffalo, and the availability of Rockies reliever Daniel Bard (29:45). 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.

After a few days off, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker return to address the Blue Jays' performance on the road against the White Sox and the team currently leading the league in ejections. Brewers play-by-play voice Brian Anderson talks about his history with Barker, previews the weekend series between Milwaukee and Toronto, and discusses the quality arms they have in the starting rotation (Corbin Burnes) and the back end of their bullpen (Devin Williams and Josh Hader) (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 affiliates.

Longtime Yankees reporter and author of ‘The Franchise: New York Yankees – A Curated History of the Bronx Bombers” discusses the Yankees season to date and their historic win-pace, Aaron Judge’s MVP-type performance, the Yankees shopping list at the deadline, and how their needs are similar to the Blue Jays’ (4:30). Sportsnet’s Caleb Joseph tries to make sense of Kevin Gausman’s recent struggles (26:22). To end the show, Jeff and Kevin discuss just how close Justin Verlander was to signing with Toronto in the offseason along with an abbreviated version of “Barker’s Back Leg Bits” (42:10). 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays 10-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles which saw them split the four-game series. The guys discuss the tough loss, particularly what they saw out of Kevin Gausman on the hill. Later on, they open up the phone lines as Toronto prepares for an important three-game set against the MLB-leading New York Yankees (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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker start off looking back on the Blue Jays' 7-6 win over the Orioles in extra innings. They discuss Brandon Hyde’s decision to pitch to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the 10th inning with a base open, Toronto’s bullpen giving up the lead, and if a trade for “swing and miss stuff” in the backend of the bullpen could happen before the deadline. Jonathan Mayo of MLB Pipeline gives the lowdown on the top prospects in the MLB Draft as they have arrived at Petco Park in San Diego for the 2022 Draft Combine. They guys then ask who might interest the Blue Jays at pick #23 (28:01)? 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 affiliates.

Dan Shulman comments on the Blue Jays' recent play including Yusei Kikuchi searching for confidence with his fastball, if Toronto needs to roster three catchers when Danny Jansen returns, and if 3B Matt Chapman has turned the corner offensively (02:36). Later on, MLB insider Jeff Passan discusses the trade market for relief pitching, the Yankees’ daunting lead in the AL East, if he expects teams could sell ahead of August 2nd , and what the strategy is for under-achieving yet talented teams like the Phillies and White Sox (32:16). 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 affiliates.

ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian discusses the Blue Jays’ needs at the trade deadline, if he thinks there will be any early activity on the trade market before August 2nd, and the state of the Orioles' ownership and their rebuilding roster (03:12). If the Blue Jays trade for a starter, could Yusei Kikuchi be moved to the bullpen for the postseason? We answer that and more in the latest edition of Barker’s Back Leg Bits (29:51)! 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays’ 6-5 loss to the Baltimore Orioles – notably the performance of starter Yusei Kikuchi who struggled through four innings. The guys also delve into Hyun-Jin Ryu’s injury status as he is slated to miss the remainder of the 2022 season, and discuss how the Blue Jays will replace those innings. Orioles Manager Brandon Hyde joins the show in he midst of the O’s-Jays series to comment on his young roster, Adley Rutschman breaking into the big leagues, and the importance of having a strong bullpen with an inexperienced roster (23:41). 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 affiliates.

Blue Jays starter Ross Stripling joins the show to discuss the team’s recent success, the personality of the pitching staff, how he’s changed as a pitcher, and his impressive last few starts in the rotation (01:17). Next up, Author of “Rickey: The Life and Legend of an American Original” Howard Bryant discusses the life and Hall of Fame career of lead-off hitter and speedster Rickey Henderson (26:57). To wrap up, Blair and Barker answer your questions on a quick edition of "Barker's Back Leg Bits" (45:05)! 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.

Jeff Blair & Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays’ 11-1 blowout win over the Baltimore Orioles on a night where Alek Manoah improved to 8-1 on the season. The guys focus on the teamwide offensive output, the pickoff play the Jays pulled off in the third inning, Manoah’s consistency and his case as the best pitcher in the American League at this point in the season. Later on, Orioles reporter for MASN Roch Kubatko shares his view on the Orioles-Blue Jays series so far and comments on the future of the team remaining in Baltimore (29:14). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Blue Jays play by play voice Ben Wagner discusses the Blue Jays following their road trip, notably Gabriel Moreno looking comfortable behind the plate, the club’s mindset heading into the Orioles series, and Cavan Biggio’s play since rejoining the team (06:14). In an extended edition of "Barker’s Back Leg Bits", Jeff and Kevin answer questions on if Moreno could play anywhere else besides catcher, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s spot in the batting order, and what Cavan Biggio’s role is going forward (29:35). 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Toronto Blue Jays' series win over the Detroit Tigers. The guys concentrate on Gabriel Moreno making his MLB debut on Saturday and the pitching performances from the rotation, including a bounce back performance from Jose Berrios on Friday and Ross Stripling continuing to fill-in admirably for Hyun-Jin Ryu.  Afterwards, the guys examine how the Blue Jays' rivals fared over the weekend for “In The East”: Matt Carpenter’s breakout game for the Yankees, the upcoming Rays-Yankees series, the Red Sox' recent run, and the ownership situation in Baltimore (30:03) 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.