Baseball Central @ Noon

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker welcome Toronto Blue Jays President and CEO Mark Shapiro to the show to reflect on the team’s season. Shapiro discusses the upcoming renovations at Rogers Centre, Bo Bichette’s play at SS, Jordan Romano’s emergence into the closer’s role, and potential contract extensions for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bichette (01:1`0). Later on, Blue Jays relief pitcher Anthony Bass talks about returning to the Blue Jays from the Marlins and the success he’s experienced since re-joining their bullpen (31:19). 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’ 5-3 win over the Chicago Cubs, where Teoscar Hernández & Vladimir Guerrero Jr. both hit key home runs to seal the victory. Jeff and Kevin focus in on Hernández needing a big moment amidst a tough stretch of games and injury, guys playing banged up at this time of year, Vlad Jr. in the batter’s box, and Kevin Gausman’s latest outing. Later on, MLB analyst Doug Glanville discusses Aaron Judge’s historic season, how the Yankees should celebrate him if he passes Roger Maris’ 61 HR single-season total, and closers like Jordan Romano pitching multiple innings per appearance (28:36). 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.

Sportsnet’s Buck Martinez shares his view on the Blue Jays' recent play including Jordan Romano starring in the closer’s role, Cavan Biggio’s recent contributions, and Danny Jansen being a sparkplug for the team (01:35). Afterwards in Barker’s Back Leg Bits, Jeff and Kevin answer questions on Bo Bichette’s play at shortstop, MLB players practicing their sliding techniques, the Bradley Zimmer waiver claim, and if there is lack of depth at the minor-league level (28:50). 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 Toronto’s 5-4 win over the Chicago Cubs in extra innings; on a night where Danny Jansen played the hero with a three-run HR and the game-winning RBI. With the Cubs series ongoing, Jeff and Kevin welcome analyst and former pitcher Jim Deshaies to the show to discuss Marcus Stroman’s season to date as he gets ready to pitch opposite Kevin Gausman for his first start in Toronto since being dealt by the Blue Jays in 2019 (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.

MLB analyst for CBS Sports David Samson joins Blair and Barker to discuss the latest around baseball including the MLBPA representing minor-league players, Julio Rodriguez’s massive contract extension with the Seattle Mariners, and if that figure will impact Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or Bo Bichette's contract talks in Toronto (01:32). The fellas then focus in on how the Blue Jays’ AL East rivals fared over the weekend in In the East (24:37), before ending with the latest installment of Barker’s Back Leg Bits where they solicited ZERO questions about the Blue Jays’ home run jacket (34:41)! 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.

The Blue Jays got a taste of their own medicine over the weekend: getting swept by the Angels after Toronto completed the sweep in their previous series against the Red Sox. Jeff and Kevin break down the series and discuss what they’re seeing from Teoscar Hernández and Bo Bichette on a weekend where boos were heard around Rogers Centre. Sportsnet’s Dan Shulman shares his thoughts on the Angels’ series and the Blue Jays’ offensive inconsistencies, before looking into Ross Stripling’s latest outing and his upcoming contract expectations (27:50). 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.

With a 7-3 record in their last 10 games, Blair & Barker ask MLB insider Jon Morosi if his opinion of the Blue Jays has changed as the postseason approaches. Morosi also touches on Ohtani’s future in Los Angeles, the Mariners recent play, the emphasis being put on the upcoming World Baseball Classic, and the players who have already committed to their various respective countries (1:00). Jeff and Kevin head into the weekend by catching up on all of your questions with an extended edition of ‘Barker’s Back Leg Bits’! (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.

The Blue Jays earned a series sweep over the Boston Red Sox as they won their second-consecutive game in extra-innings by a score of 6-5. The guys break down the game and discuss Boston’s difficulty cashing in baserunners, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. defensively at first base, Jordan Romano pitching two innings in relief, and important plays down the stretch from Matt Chapman and Cavan Biggio (1:00). Los Angeles Angels play-by-play voice, Matt Vasgersian, previews this weekend’s series vs. Toronto and talks about the team struggling after a hot start, its potential sale, and the uber-talented Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani (40:00).  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.

MLB Insider and 2022 Dan Jenkins Medal recipient, Jeff Passan, discusses the latest around the league including the potential sales of the Angels and Nationals, a more-balanced 2023 MLB schedule, and who the Blue Jays would match up best with in the postseason: Seattle, Tampa Bay, or Cleveland (5:00). Blue Jays Central Host, Jamie Campbell, shares the story of The Blair Brothers, the subjects of a special feature airing Sunday ahead of the Blue Jays-Angels game (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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays’ 3-2 victory against the Red Sox where George Springer provided the heroics in the 10th inning; they discuss José Berríos’ latest effort on the mound, the bullpen’s scoreless performance, and Matt Chapman’s defensive prowess. 1992 World Series MVP, Pat Borders, joins the show ahead of the 30th Anniversary of the Blue Jays’ first World Series championship to reminisce about the win, what it was like to catch Jack Morris, and to share his thoughts on Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Bo Bichette, and Alejandro Kirk (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.

Blue Jays radio play-by-play voice, Ben Wagner, checks-in from Boston to discuss the latest news surrounding the team; notably Jackie Bradley Jr’s contributions to Toronto since coming over from the Red Sox, the Blue Jays’ bullpen, and how the team will handle their September call-ups (5:00). Maury Brown of Forbes, talks about owner Arte Moreno exploring the sale of the Angels and the impact it could have on Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani (30:00). Who should start Game 3 of a potential wild-card series, Stripling or Berrios? Blair and Barker share their thoughts in the latest edition of Barker’s Back Leg Bits (50:00).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.

After another standout start for Ross Stripling in the Blue Jays’ 9-3 win over the Red Sox, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss his importance to the team and the cost to re-sign him as a pending free agent. Hall of Fame third baseman, Chipper Jones, discusses Bo Bichette’s play this season, the Braves re-signing their core players, and where he ranks future Hall of Famer, Albert Pujols, as he approaches 700 home runs (27:00).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 affiliate

NESN’s Tom Caron, previews the upcoming Blue Jays and Red Sox series and discusses what the future holds for standout SS Xander Bogaerts and the organization (10:00). Former closer and current MLB Network Radio analyst, Brad Lidge, comments on Josh Hader’s struggles since being dealt to the Padres, the Yankees’ banged up bullpen, and how he feels about Albert Pujols’ chances of hitting 700 home runs and passing Alex Rodriguez on the all-time list (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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss Albert Pujols belting his 693rd career home run and if they believe he will eventually get to 700 before focusing on the Toronto Blue Jays as they get ready for a three-game set at Fenway Park in Boston. The guys welcome Marquee Sports’ Ryan Dempster, to the conversation who discussed what it was like to face Pujols (eight career HRs vs. Dempster) and how playoff-bound teams can underestimate inferior opponents down the stretch (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.

In the second hour of Blair & Barker, Hall of Fame pitcher, Jim Kaat, joins the show! They discus his legendary 6+ decades in baseball, how the game has changed and how it has stayed the same. They then talk about what he saw from José Berríos in his last start and how pitching in general has changed during his time in baseball. Finally, Jim offer’s his thoughts on what he saw from the Yankees and Blue Jays this weekend. The guys close out the show by taking a look around the AL east on “In The East”. From the scuffling Yankees, to the red hot Rays. Finally the guys close out Monday with an extended edition of 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off the show by recapping the Jays weekend in New York. Taking three of four from the Yankees, what did the guys see? Should Jays fans be worried about George Springer's absence from the lineup? And what exactly happened between Alek Manoah, Aaron Judge, & Gerrit Cole? Former Blue Jay catcher and Sportnet analyst, Caleb Joseph, joins the show to give his thoughts on the incident. They then delve into some of the details regarding Alek Manoah's last start, whether he saw anything different in Jose Berrios' approach in his last start, and what the addition of Bass & Pop have meant for the Bullpen.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.

New York Yankees beat reporter for WFAN Sweeny Murti joins the guys to recap last night’s 9-2 win for the Blue Jays, before looking into the Yanks' recent slump, if Aaron Boone is on the hot seat, and what the future holds for Brian Cashman (04:23). The guys then take a trip around the league with ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan! He discusses what's going on with the Yankees, where the Padres go from here after the Fernando Tatís Jr. news, and what he makes of the Blue Jays heading into September (30:39). 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 break down the Blue Jays' impressive 9-2 victory in New York last night. They focus in on the adjustments José Berríos made during his start, and look into the opposing dugout to discuss the causes behind the Yankees' uncharacteristic struggles of late. Later on, former MLB closer and host of the "Blackjack and Pap" podcast, Jonathon Papelbon joins the show to talk about Jordan Romano tinkering with pitching from the windup, the pressures of being a closer, and Bo Bichette's 2022 season, before sounding off on the Fernando Tatís Jr. situation (28:00). 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.

Blue Jays analyst Joe Siddall, comments on the decision to take Yusei Kikuchi out of the rotation and move him into the bullpen, opposing pitchers executing their game plans against Toronto’s hitters, and how José Berríos cannot be intimidated by Yankee Stadium in Thursday’s start (1:00). YES Network/ESPN’s Michael Kay discusses playing mediator between Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter on The KayRod Cast and previews the four-game series between New York and Toronto (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 affiliate

Ross Stripling provided a quality start to propel the Blue Jays to a 6-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles. Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss just how important Stripling’s consistency has been to the rotation compared to what his role was thought to be at the start of the season. Former executive and MLB insider Jim Bowden, discusses the Blue Jays’ right-handed heavy lineup, playoff races, the Padres’ disappointment with Fernando Tatis Jr. and the collision rule at home plate (25:00).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 affiliate