Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker assess the Blue Jays’ 4-2 loss to the Rays in game one of their series; notably Jose Berrios’ performance where he lasted 4.2 innings and walked six Tampa Bay hitters. Sportsnet’s Joe Siddall (29:08) looks ahead to Yariel Rodriguez’s upcoming start, his work with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate, and what he’s seen out of Leo Jimenez since his promotion to the big leagues. To end the hour, Jeff & Kevin discuss Toronto’s top pitching prospect Ricky Tiedemann and the...
Jul 24, 2024•50 min
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan (1:45) to get into detail on his new article previewing the 2024 trade deadline a week away. He discusses the Blue Jays 'subtracting, but not completely,' what type of return they'll look for in trades and Bo/Vlad's long-term futures in Toronto. Then, around MLB, he weighs in on fringe teams that could make a splash, the Braves' & Phillies' arms race and the AL MVP race. Later, Ben Shulman (31:27) helps tee up the Blue Ja...
Jul 23, 2024•50 min
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open up the show assessing the Blue Jays' potential moves with the trade deadline one week away; notably why it makes more sense to trade Bo Bichette in the offseason if that’s the route the front office wants to take. Rays TV analyst and friend of the show Brian Anderson (28:00) previews the latest Tampa Bay-Toronto series at Rogers Centre and discusses the talent of starting pitcher Taj Bradley. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts...
Jul 23, 2024•50 min
Sportsnet's MLB insider Shi Davidi (3:33) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to share how the Jays are approaching the upcoming MLB trade deadline. He digs into pitcher/hitter markets across the majors, the Jays' trade assets and what sort of market they could generate for players on expiring contracts. Later, MLB host & analyst Ryan Spilborghs (40:26) weighs in on the Blue Jays' roster flaws, their outlook for the 2025 season and the clubhouse vibes ahead of the deadline. The views and opini...
Jul 22, 2024•50 min
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss the Blue Jays losing two of three against the Tigers and the types of trades the Blue Jays could make before next week’s deadline citing how the front office has operated in years past. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (16:31) discusses this year’s Hall of Fame class that was inducted in Cooperstown over the weekend; particularly Jim Leyland’s legacy as one of the game’s greatest managers; before discussing the deadline and if the Orioles and Tigers could match up on ...
Jul 22, 2024•50 min
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by former MLB executive David Samson (1:23) to review the past week of All-Star activities. He gets into the diminishing allure of the Home Run Derby, its lack of star power and whether it needs a fix. Then, getting back into the swing of the season, he shares a front office's POV of what to look for coming out of the All-Star break, his expectations for the Jays' second half and more around MLB. To close, Jeff and Kevin answer your questions on the Back Le...
Jul 19, 2024•50 min
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker return from the All-Star break ready to look ahead to the unofficial second half of the MLB season! They are joined off the top by Blue Jays manager John Schneider (4:30), who provides a few roster updates and discusses Joey Votto inching closer to his Blue Jays debut as he plays this weekend in Triple-A with the Buffalo Bisons. Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer Matt Stairs (25:53) catches up with the guys to talk some hitting with Barker, this weekend’s WCBL All-Star G...
Jul 19, 2024•49 min
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by Blue Jays manager John Schneider (1:12) for his weekly chat to discuss the difficulties of telling players they've been place on waivers with the news that the team placed Kevin Kiermaier on waivers yesterday. Then, the skipper shares his takeaways from the team's series against the Giants, Bassitt and Gausman's forms heading into the break, Spencer Horwitz's path to everyday play and what he is looking to see from Zach Pop and Trevor Richards at this st...
Jul 12, 2024•50 min
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays' series win over the San Francisco Giants, discuss the team placing Kevin Kiermaier on waivers, the best place to slot Spencer Horwitz in the lineup and how his in-game awareness has improved. Then, former Blue Jay and current Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Randal Grichuk (27:43) stops by to chat about what impressed him the most about his current baseball club prior to signing with them, adjusting to playing under different managers, the art of b...
Jul 12, 2024•50 min
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker welcome in World Series champion and Giants analyst Hunter Pence (1:42) to give his take on the identity of the San Francisco Giants this season, the difficulties to get an offence going at Oracle Park, Heliot Ramos' path to becoming an MLB All-Star and what the Blue Jays can expect facing Jordan Hicks. Blair and Barker then look at their first impressions of Matt Chapman playing in the Bay Area and the offseason fallout between the third baseman and Toronto. Afterwar...
Jul 10, 2024•50 min
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by Blue Jays TV voice Dan Shulman (3:15) to chat about the steps for Spencer Horwitz to become an everyday player, why Daulton Varsho could be the team's future centre fielder, Chad Green's trade value and his first impressions of Leo Jiménez. Then, Blair and Barker share their thoughts on Tim Mayza signing with the New York Yankees on a minor-league deal. Afterwards, Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker (26:25) stops by to discuss the factors of a successf...
Jul 10, 2024•49 min
The Athletic's San Francisco Giants reporter Andrew Baggarly (1:19) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss what he'll remember the most from the late Willie Mays, how the Giants have underperformed to their expectations, Matt Chapman's tenure in the Bay Area, if Blake Snell will be moved at the trade deadline and the team's interest in Juan Soto in free agency. Then, Blair & Barker debate the National League selections for All-Star pitchers - including Paul Skenes - and preview the Blu...
Jul 09, 2024•50 min
Sportsnet.ca's Shi Davidi (2:15) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about the expectations for both Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette to play for the Blue Jays in 2025, the organization staying competitive beyond next season and if Alejandro Kirk can become the team's everyday catcher. Then, Coach and Director of National Teams at Baseball Canada Greg Hamilton (28:41) jumps on to discuss some of the Canadian prospects entering the 2024 MLB Draft, the evolution of the draft process, ba...
Jul 09, 2024•50 min
Blue Jays Central's Caleb Joseph joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker after the Blue Jays' series win in Seattle this weekend to discuss whether Springer's strong return to the lead-off spot is sustainable, Bichette's slump and the relationship between hitting coaches and players (3:32). Then, he evaluates the bullpen's series against a meagre Mariners' offence. MLB Network's Jon Morosi (30:01) looks at different teams' trade deadline plans - the Yankees' biggest needs, why the Red Sox should stand...
Jul 08, 2024•49 min
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker return from the weekend outlining the positives from the Blue Jays series win in Seattle: Yariel Rodriguez’s impressive start, George Springer continuing his hot stretch, and Alejandro Kirk looking more comfortable at the dish. With this year’s Hall of Fame inductions approaching, the guys call up The Athletic’s Jayson Stark (28:25) to talk about which current players are on a Hall of Fame trajectory, and how voters will look at members of the Houston Astros who were ...
Jul 08, 2024•49 min
John Schneider joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker from the team’s road trip in Seattle coming off of their series loss to the Astros (1:07). The Blue Jays manager reflects on how he’s feeling personally amidst this difficult season to date, Spencer Horwitz’s swing, Davis Schneider’s approach at the plate and pitchers throwing stuff away from him, if Bo Bichette is about to turn the corner offensively, and George Springer’s recent improvement and his ability to hit velocity. The guys head into the...
Jul 05, 2024•50 min
Longtime MLB catcher and co-host of Foul Territory Erik Kratz (3:01) shares his thoughts on the Blue Jays, notably which players would be smart fits on certain contending teams and how he views Vladimir Guerrero Jr, before discussing this year’s Home Run Derby and Futures Game during All-Star Weekend. Blue Jays play by play voice Dan Shulman (29:59) checks-in from Seattle ahead of the Mariners series to discuss Toronto’s most recent homestand and the vibes surrounding the team. The views and opi...
Jul 05, 2024•50 min
Former MLB executive David Samson joins Jeff Blair & Kevin Barker to share his thoughts on the Blue Jays - notably how they should handle contract discussions with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - and why it is so difficult to repeat as World Series champions, citing the Rangers as the most recent example (1:17). Former Mariners all-star and podcast host Bret Boone (27:44) previews the Blue Jays' upcoming series against Seattle, discussing Julio Rodriguez’s season to date and if the Mariners got rid ...
Jul 04, 2024•50 min
Following the news of Jordan Romano undergoing arthroscopic surgery today for his elbow, Blue Jays radio analyst Chris Leroux joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker (1:35) to share a pitcher's perspective on recovering from an injuries and surgery and whether Romano stays as the team's closer when he returns. Then, former LA Dodgers pitcher & 2003 NL CY Young Award winner Éric Gagné (15:50) jumps on to chat about how he would be deployed in today's MLB, his views on the pitch clock and the bigges...
Jul 03, 2024•50 min
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show discussing Bo Bichette’s recent struggles at the dish and react to the breaking news that Jordan Romano underwent arthroscopic surgery which puts the rest of his season in question. MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis (30:00) looks ahead to the MLB draft later this month as he breaks down the top prospects and comments on the Blue Jays system. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the pos...
Jul 03, 2024•49 min
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to Isiah Kiner-Falefa hitting the IL after missing yesterday’s game on Canada Day. Astros TV analyst Geoff Blum (27:38) comments on the Houston’s recent play and if he sees similarities between Hunter Brown and veteran ‘Stros starter Justin Verlander. Buck Martinez (1:07:36) checks-in from Rogers Centre ahead of first pitch to discuss Yariel Rodriguez’s standout start and what he expects from Jose Berrios taking the mound in Game 2 vs. Houston. The views and opi...
Jul 02, 2024•1 hr 39 min
Jeff Blair & Kevin Barker react to the Blue Jays’ 9-2 blowout win against the Yankees where George Springer starred once again in the victory. Blue Jays manager John Schneider (25:30) discusses why he continues to believe in Springer and Ross Atkins giving him a vote of confidence when speaking yesterday. The guys empty out their voicemail in the latest edition of Friday’s Back Leg Line. MLB.com’s Yankees reporter Bryan Hoch (1:18:33) discusses the team’s recent play - notably, how Gerrit Co...
Jun 28, 2024•1 hr 40 min
Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker after a big 9-2 win to open the series against the Yankees. The skipper discusses Springer's recent hot stretch and why he always believed the veteran outfielder would find his game at the plate. Later, he weighs in on Bichette's slow return from injury in the lead-off spot, how to get Jansen back on track, Kikuchi's historic dominance over the Yankees and more. Finally, he shares his thoughts on Ross Atkins' comments yesterday. ...
Jun 28, 2024•16 min
Blue Jays EVP/General Manager Ross Atkins (15:47) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker for a lengthy mid-season conversation ahead of a pivotal series against the Yankees. Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi (51:23) checks in from Rogers Centre to react to Bo Bichette’s comments on his status ahead of the trade deadline. MLB insider Jeff Passan (1:17:02) discusses which additions he’d like to see contending teams make at the deadline, how the Blue Jays would factor into the equation if they decide to sell, why ...
Jun 27, 2024•1 hr 39 min
Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker ahead of a pivotal series against the Yankees. He gets into the underlying reasons behind the team's struggles and the declining state of the team's offence. Then, he reflects on the Varsho and Swanson trades, long-term plans for Guerrero and Bichette and why he still has faith in Springer. Finally, he discusses the Jays potentially being buyers this season, fanbase frustration and the future of John Schneider. The views and...
Jun 27, 2024•19 min
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to the Blue Jays win at Fenway Park which snapped their losing streak and in particular the contributions made by George Springer. Jays starter Chris Bassitt (15:30) reflects on the win before discussing how warmups dictate his pitch selection and his unique usage of PitchCom. Host of ‘Nothing Personal’ David Samson (50:35) comments on offence being down in the majors, Orelvis Martinez’s suspension and how honest a front office should be in the media. Blue Jays ...
Jun 26, 2024•1 hr 39 min
Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker following the team's losing-streak-snapping 9-4 win over the Red Sox. 'The Hound' discusses the vibes in the clubhouse, how warmups dictate his pitch selection and his unique usage of PitchCom. Then, he looks ahead at Yariel Rodríguez's start tonight and how he improves on his poor outing last time out. Finally, he gets into the Jays' recent rough stretch and why he has faith they can turn it around. The views and opinions express...
Jun 26, 2024•10 min
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss last night’s Blue Jays loss in Boston after the team relinquished the lead late in the game before welcoming Joe Siddall with his thoughts on the opening game of the series (9:50). USA Today’s Bob Nightengale provides a national perspective on the Jays' recent play and more around the majors (27:10). MLB on TBS analyst Jeff Francoeur checks-in from Citi Field ahead Mets-Yankees with his thoughts on the subway series and how a clubhouse knows if they’re out of ...
Jun 25, 2024•1 hr 39 min
Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays' weekend on and off the field where Toronto was swept for a second consecutive series and Orelvis Martínez was given an 80-game suspension for use of a banned substance. The Athletic’s Jayson Stark (29:19) discusses why offense has been on the decline this season across MLB and more on the legendary ‘Say Hey Kid’ Willie Mays following his passing last week. Red Sox analyst Lou Merloni (54:41) previews this week’s series at Fenway Park. Blue Jays pl...
Jun 24, 2024•1 hr 40 min
Jeff Blair & Kevin Barker open by emptying out the voicemail for this Friday’s edition of the Back Leg Line (12:01). Blue Jays skipper John Schneider (27:18) joins the show to discuss the choice behind having Orelvis Martinez debut against Cleveland's starter Carlos Carrasco. Tom Hamilton, the voice of the Guardians, shares his thoughts on the ballclub ahead of this weekend (51:19). Orioles' broadcaster Melanie Newman (1:25:42) recaps the Baltimore-New York series that went down in the Bronx...
Jun 21, 2024•1 hr 39 min
