Baseball Central @ Noon

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker start off breaking down the lineups ahead of the Blue Jays - Red Sox finale, including days off for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Xander Bogaerts (00:05). WEEI's Rob Bradford stops by to break down the game of pitcher Garrett Whitlock and why Bogaerts still doesn't have a long term deal (11:14). Sportsnet's Ben Wagner joins from Rogers Centre to shed some light on the foot injury for Vladdy Jr., and what injury replacements could fill in if Teoscar Hernandez is unable to go in the next few weeks (33:17). 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.

Host of Off The Mound and World Series Champion pitcher Ryan Dempster weighs-in on Mets starter Chris Bassitt’s comments on the game’s “bad baseballs” and how teams can elevate their game when a particular pitcher is starting on the mound (01:34). Later on, former Blue Jays' All-Star Ricky Romero discusses Kevin Gausman’s splitter, what it’s like as a pitcher to possess a devastating pitch like it, and his thoughts on Bassitt’s comments and the Blue Jays in the early-going (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.

Jeff and Kevin recap the Blue Jays’ thrilling 6-5 comeback win vs. the Red Sox at Rogers Centre. The guys focus in on George Springer’s big game and game-tying home run, his flair for the dramatic, Raimel Tapia’s at-bat in extra innings to win it, and Kevin Gausman’s second consecutive strong start against Boston. Afterwards, MLB Network’s Bill Ripken joins the guys to share his perspective on the game and how good hitters like Bo Bichette work out of slumps (31:21). 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.

Blair and Barker are joined by Toronto Blue Jays' GM Ross Atkins to provide his thoughts on his team’s play in the early portion of the season. The guys discuss Bo Bichette following his big game, the energy of the home crowd at Rogers Centre, Alejandro Kirk’s defence behind the plate, and the overall feeling of excitement around the clubhouse. 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.

Jeff and Kevin recap the Blue Jays' 6-2 win over the Red Sox - led by Bo Bichette’s tie-breaking grand slam in the eighth inning! They discuss how big of a hit it was for both the team and Bichette personally, Toronto’s strong start with the potential to see even more from Alek Manoah and Jose Berrios, and the effort from Adam Cimber and the bullpen (00:36). Sportsnet’s Dan Shulman discusses the Blue Jays’ team camaraderie, league-wide likability, Charlie Montoyo putting the bullpen in positions to succeed, and Berrios’ demeanour on the mound (26:40). 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap a successful road trip for the Blue Jays, despite losing the final game 8-7 to the Houston Astros, and examine how the bullpen has been a catalyst for the team’s success, particularly Yimi Garcia. Afterwards, Blue Jays Central’s Joe Siddall shares his thoughts on Kikuchi’s propensity for throwing the cutter, what he needs to do in his next start, and Bo Bichette’s defence (30:46). 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.

Jeff and Kevin welcome Former Marlins President David Samson to the show to discuss Miguel Cabrera reaching 3000 hits, how he grew into one of the sport’s best hitters, why they had to trade him to the Tigers, and who else was involved in the talks (02:23). Former Red Sox infielder Lou Merloni previews the upcoming Red Sox-Blue Jays series and how Boston will adjust with unvaccinated players like Tanner Houck unable to make the trip (29:44). Barker’s Back Leg Bits looks at the possibility of an automatic strike and ball-calling system after a tough game for home plate umpire Angel Hernandez on Sunday Night Baseball (39:36). 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 affiliate.

Jeff and Kevin re-visit Yusei Kikuchi’s last start against Boston, the confidence he can gain from it, and pitching coach Pete Walker working with him as the newest member of the rotation (09:34). They also assess how Alejandro Kirk has handled the pitching staff after taking over for Danny Jansen behind the plate. Later on, three-time All-Star and MLB insider Carlos Baerga talks about what MLB is doing to speed up the game, Miguel Cabrera’s pursuit of 3000 hits, if there will ever be another person to accomplish the feat, and the art of switch-hitting (26:16). 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss the Blue Jays’ latest series victory after taking the rubber match 3-2 at Fenway Park, fueled by the best performance by a Blue Jays’ starter so far this season as Kevin Gausman pitched eight strong innings, striking out eight batters without issuing a walk (00:17). Afterwards, Astros studio analyst Mike Stanton shares what the Blue Jays can expect from Houston this weekend; specifically starter Justin Verlander after missing significant time due to Tommy John surgery (27:20). 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 affiliates.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker speak with Blue Jays DH/catcher Zack Collins after a successful series against the Oakland A’s and his HR off Nathan Eovaldi Tuesday night at Fenway Park. Collins talks about his experience with the club after coming over from the White Sox, working with the coaching staff, and embracing the hitch in his swing (1:38) . To finish, Hall of Fame writer and broadcaster Tim Kurkijan joins the guys with his early season thoughts and if anything can be learned from small sample sizes this month (24:16).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

The Blue Jays dropped the series opener against the Boston Red Sox 2-1 and Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break it all down discussing Yusei Kikuchi’s outing, Bo Bichette’s defence, and the Jays’ lack of production with runners in scoring position (1:14). Afterwards, the guys open up the phone lines and take calls on prospect Gabriel Moreno, the Raimel Tapia-Randal Grichuk deal, Kikuchi’s start and upcoming opponents, and the lineup without Teoscar Hernandez (24:42).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. 

1995 American League MVP and Red Sox analyst Mo Vaughn discusses the offensive struggles for certain teams to start the season, what Trevor Story brings to the Red Sox, and what makes a great defensive first baseman (1:45). Later, former All-Star closer and MLB Network Radio host Brad Lidge talks about the emergence of Jordan Romano, the adrenaline that takes over in the ninth inning, and knowing your strengths as a closer (26:03).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 affiliate.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look ahead to the Blue Jays-Red Sox series where Yusei Kikuchi will take the mound in the opener on extra rest – what results are they expecting from the Blue Jays’ starter (1:09)? Next, Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi talks about the coaching staff’s level of confidence in Raimel Tapia, Ross Stripling taking on an expanded role in Hyun-jin Ryu’s absence, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hitting cleanup, and the chances we could see Gabriel Moreno called up from AAA Buffalo (31:15).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. 

Dan Shulman shares his thoughts on the Blue Jays leading the division despite a few rough outings from the starting pitching, the team’s improved bullpen, how Alek Manoah compares to different Jays starters of the past, and his broadcast partner Buck Martinez (2:37). Afterwards, Red Sox TV analyst Tony Massarotti talks about Boston dealing with a current COVID-19 situation within their organization, how the team will get by without James Paxton and Chris Sale in their rotation, and if the contract statuses of Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts will be distractions for the organization going forward (28:37).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays weekend at Rogers Centre where they escaped with a series win taking two of three against the Oakland A’s (2:22). In particular, the guys examine what they’re seeing from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette at the plate since Teoscar Hernandez hit the IL and Alek Manoah’s performance on the mound in Sunday’s win. Later they open up the phone lines and take calls discussing concerns with Hyun-jin Ryu in the early going, the Yankees standing in the AL East, and umpiring in the game after a questionable performance from home plate umpire Jeff Nelson in Saturday’s TOR-OAK game (26:08).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.

Former Blue Jays infielder Kevin Smith joins the guys to reflect on his time with the organization and discuss his role with the Athletics after being traded to the team for Matt Chapman (3:17). Later in the hour, Jeff and Kevin take calls on the Jays' batting order, the roster’s depth being tested with injuries, and the bullpen (29:55).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 affiliate.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays 3-0 loss and series split against the Yankees, including the game’s ending with closer Aroldis Chapman being pulled and Toronto leaving the bases loaded with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on deck and Kevin Gausman’s second start (1:35). Afterwards, Blue Jays radio announcer Ben Wagner shares his thoughts on the team after one week of regular season play and how he would tweak the lineup with injuries to Danny Jansen and Teoscar Hernandez (26:09). Later, Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, discusses the importance of Jackie Robinson Day on the 75th anniversary of him breaking baseball's colour barrier (40:01).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 

MLB Network analyst and former Rockies GM Dan O’Dowd shares a front-office perspective on how to handle injuries early in the season, if Danny Jansen’s IL stint might force the Blue Jays to call up Gabriel Moreno, and his thoughts on Clayton Kershaw being pulled mid-perfect game (3:10). To wrap, Seattle Mariners starter and Kingston, ON native Matt Brash discusses making his MLB debut against the White Sox and winning a rotation spot out of Spring Training  (27:56).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Blair and Barker open with a chat about the Blue Jays' 6-4 win over the Yankees on Wednesday night, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s three-home run performance (two of which came after his hand was stepped on and bloodied), Teoscar Hernandez leaving the game with left side discomfort, and how the team might make up for the potential loss of the outfielder (038). Afterwards, the guys take your calls on the bullpen, the Tapia-Grichuk trade, Alejandro Kirk, and more (23:30).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Four-time World Series champion Jeff Nelson discusses the makeup of the Yankees' bullpen, the importance of relief pitchers when starters aren’t completely stretched out, and how he views the Blue Jays rotation and they stack up in the AL East (8:04). Following another edition of “Barker’s Back Leg Bits” (28:06), 2015 American League MVP Josh Donaldson calls-in to discuss how he’s fitting in with the New York Yankees following the offseason trade with the Twins (37:24).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.