Baseball Central @ Noon

Detroit Tigers Manager A.J. Hinch joins Blair and Barker to talk about how his Tigers are performing as they play host to the Blue Jays, his philosophy managing his mixed-bag roster with top prospects and Hall of Famers, and how external factors can affect player performance (05:52). Finally, the guys wrap up the week with today's trivia question, before answering all your questions in "Barker's Back Leg Bits" (26:07)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

On today’s episode of Blair and Barker, the boys start off by anticipating Gabriel Moreno's debut weekend against the Tigers. Barker then shares a story about when he got called up to the Majors, before they look into Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s struggles at the plate. Later on, former Blue Jays catcher Caleb Joseph joins the show the talk about the intricacies of the catcher position at the MLB level and what qualities he looks for in a solid backstop ahead of Moreno's debut (26:43). 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.

2007 Cy Young Award winner & MLB Network analyst Jake Peavy comments on the Blue Jays rotation, what it can be like throwing to rookie catchers, Kevin Gausman tipping pitches, and how he views the Yankees and the other AL East competition (02:04). Later on, ESPN’s Jeff Passan shares why he believes Gabriel Moreno will hit at the MLB level, the Red Sox 7-game win-streak, the Angels 14-game losing streak, and who could replace Joe Maddon in L.A. (30:36). With their depth at the position, should the Blue Jays trade away a catcher? Blair and Barker cover it in Barker’s Back Leg Bits (45:17). 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.

It’s time! The Toronto Blue Jays are calling up top prospect Gabriel Moreno and he is expected to join the club for the upcoming series against the Detroit Tigers. Jeff and Kevin discuss the organization’s decision, the timing of the move and Yusei Kikuchi failing to get out of the first inning in Toronto’s 8-4 loss to the Royals Wednesday afternoon. Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi discusses Moreno getting the call, how often he’ll be behind the plate, and why he thinks Toronto made the move (23:57). 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.

Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times joins to talk about the Angels' firing Manager Joe Maddon after a twelve-game losing streak, and if the change was initiated GM Perry Minasian or Owner Arte Moreno (02:52). Following the conversation, Blair and Barker wonder where Maddon could wind up next and which teams would make sense if he’d like to continue managing. Royals pre and post-game analyst and former closer Jeff Montgomery discusses his impressions of today's starter Brady Singer, his similarities to Alek Manoah, and the Royals’ challenging season to date (28:17). For "Barker’s Back Leg Bits", the guys mention who they would like to see represent the Blue Jays at the 2022 All-Star Game (39:24). 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 affiliates.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker touch on another blowout win for the Blue Jays over the Royals, led by Alejandro Kirk's offensive outburst with four hits! Should Gabriel Moreno be called up from AAA Buffalo with fellow catcher Danny Jansen hitting the IL? The guys pose this question to Sportsnet’s Dan Shulman who also discussed Alejandro Kirk’s emergence, how Jansen might have avoided a longer-term injury, and Kevin Gausman not getting swings and misses with his splitter during his last start (17:27). 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.

Kansas City Royals TV analyst & friend of the show Rex Hudler shares his view on the Blue Jays and Royals series so far, rookie phenom Bobby Witt Jr, and outfielder Andrew Benintendi’s availability before the deadline (06:28). No deGrom, no Scherzer, no problem for the New York Mets. SNY analyst Jerry Blevins discusses New York leading the National League, Buck Showalter pushing the right buttons as manager, and the improved defence behind the pitching staff (26:24). To wrap up, Kevin recalls his encounters with the media as a player on today's "Barker's Back Leg Bits" (40:50). 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 affiliates.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays' 8-0 win over the Kansas City Royals in the opening game of the series. The guys focus in on Ross Stripling’s quality start, the Jays' bats getting to KC's starter Daniel Lynch, and the team’s ability to stay ready for the game after its start was delayed. MLB Network insider Jon Morosi examines the market for relief pitching, if the Blue Jays or another contending team should have interest in FA Trevor Rosenthal, and the cost for Toronto to bolster their bullpen (30:05). 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.

Former MLB executive David Samson discusses why he still feels the Blue Jays are the team to beat in the East, if the Yankees pitching will be good enough for October, Joe Girardi’s firing, and how front office executives evaluate their managers (03:51). Blair & Barker complete the show with the latest installment of “Barker’s Back Leg Bits” (32:05) and discuss what they expect tonight out of Ross Stripling when Toronto opens up their series against Kansas City (43:34). 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 weekend series against the Minnesota Twins; in particular Sunday’s 8-6 loss in the rubber match. Jeff and Kevin comment on Kevin Gausman’s outing and the possibility of him tipping his pitches, Toronto not being sharp defensively in the game, and Jose Berrios’ best start of the season with his 13 strikeout performance against his former team. Afterwards, the guys examine how the Blue Jays' rivals fared over the weekend for “In The East” (30:41), and share their thoughts on Yusei Kikuchi getting pulled on Friday, Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. coming together on an infield pop-up, and how it was handled afterwards by both players (40:23). 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.

Minnesota Twins Senior VP & General Manager Thad Levine joins the show to discuss who isn’t making the trip to Toronto, Carlos Correa’s status after being placed on the COVID-IL, Byron Buxton’s impact on the team, and Gio Urshela and his postseason experience being on the roster (02:38). Finally, Blair & Barker head into the weekend with an extended cut of Barker’s Back Leg Bits (31:43). 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 discuss the red-hot Toronto Blue Jays who have now won eight straight games following their second consecutive series sweep and another strong outing from Alek Manoah. The guys also look at the upcoming Twins series and who will be missing for Minnesota after being placed on the restricted list. Afterwards, they open up the phone lines for fans to have their say on the Blue Jays’ best stretch of the season to date (30:44). 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 affiliates.

Blue Jays announcer Dan Shulman comments on the Blue Jays' recent winning streak, the team’s improving offence, Toronto’s shopping list ahead of the deadline, and Bo Bichette drawing three walks in yesterday’s win (02:29). Next up, White Sox closer and friend of the show Liam Hendriks discusses his evolution as a closer, his personal experiences using PitchCom, and how he’s fit in with the Tony La Russa-managed White Sox since signing with the team as free-agent (22:50). We wrap up by fielding your questions on a quick edition of Barker's Back Leg Bits (40:40)! 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 affiliates.

Danny Jansen continued his hot streak at the plate as he belted a three-run home run to lead the Blue Jays to a 7-3 win over Chicago. Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss the team’s seventh straight win, commenting on Jansen’s productivity, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s encouraging game at the plate, and the job Ross Stripling and the bullpen did in relief of Hyun Jin Ryu. Later on, White Sox Play by Play voice Jason Benetti shares his thoughts on the series, today’s starter Johnny Cueto, and the use of PitchCom ahead of the series finale (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 affiliates.

Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman joins “Blair and Barker” to recap his start against Chicago. He discusses his arsenal of pitches, working with Pete Walker, the Blue Jays finding their rhythm offensively, and the starting rotation supporting one another and watching each others bullpens (06:26). To wrap up today, Jeff and Kevin address questions on the trade market for left-handed bats and bullpen help in the latest edition of Barker’s Back Leg Bits (32:34).  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 the Blue Jays' 6-5 win over the Chicago White Sox where Alejandro Kirk propelled the offence with two home runs and 4 RBI. On top of Kirk’s hot bat, the guys discuss Teoscar Hernandez’s strong game, Kevin Gausman’s outing, a base-running blunder from White Sox catcher Reese McGuire that may have cost Chicago a crucial run, and the Blue Jays designating Ryan Borucki for assignment. Later on, White Sox radio analyst and former outfielder Darrin Jackson shares his view on the opening game of the series and previews tonight’s starter Michael Kopech (33:36).   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.

Barker’s Winter League manager, Current White Sox analyst and World Series-winner Ozzie Guillen comments on the 2022 edition of the team, notably Tim Anderson’s impact at shortstop and in the lineup, the decision to part ways with Dallas Keuchel, and the ceiling for flame-thrower Michael Kopech (06:16). Later on, 1993 AL Cy Young Winner with Chicago Jack McDowell discusses the technology used in the game today, how baseball is different now compared to his era, and his short stint with the Buck Showalter-managed Yankees in 1995 (27:21). 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 affiliates.

As the Blue Jays get ready to face the Chicago White Sox, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look ahead to the series and pitching matchups, particularly what to expect from Kevin Gausman in his start and how he plans to attack the White Sox hitters. After announcing his retirement, 14-year MLB catcher Russell Martin reflects on his career, his time with the Blue Jays, his new business venture, working as a consultant alongside his agent, and what's next for him (29:02). 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 affiliates.

MLB Network Radio’s Kevin Frandsen comments on the Blue Jays' season so far, how the team must learn to win with expectations, Juan Soto’s standing in Washington, and the Phillies’ struggles (04:42). Later, ESPN’s Jeff Passan discusses the Blue Jays' need for a lefty bat and if the Royals’ Andrew Benintendi could be a solution via trade (29:04). 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.

The Blue Jays' bats have officially heated up as they completed a four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels, highlighted by Sunday’s wild 11-10 win. Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker examine the team’s offensive surge, the productivity of catchers Alejandro Kirk and Danny Jansen, and their level of concern with Jose Berrios after lasting only 2.1 innings in his latest start. Afterwards, the guys examine the Rays talking smack and the recent rise of the Red Sox in the latest edition of “In the East” (31:47). 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 affiliates.