Baseball Central @ Noon

Blair & Barker react to Brian Snitker’s post-game availability and share their final thoughts on the World Series: notably Max Fried and Jorge Soler’s MVP performance and violent swing (0:07). They also discuss what the loss means for the Astros and how they were unable to pair their tainted 2017 championship with another one in 2021 (11:48). Host of “Nothing Personal” and former Miami Marlins President David Samson joins the show and discusses how the Braves will be a different looking team come next year, the difficulty repeating as champions, four of the five NL East teams winning championships since 2003, the Astros as baseball’s “villains”, and the upcoming CBA talks and if he thinks a resolution can be reached sooner than later (32:02). 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.

The Atlanta Braves are World Series Champions! GM Alex Anthopoulos joins Jeff and Kevin to discuss his club’s historic postseason run, the team playing below .500 for much of the season, the impact of World Series MVP Jorge Soler and the other trade deadline acquisitions, bringing back Freddie Freeman, and his own journey in baseball to get to this point (7:45). Next, ESPN MLB analyst Doug Glanville shares his views on the World Series, playing for Dusty Baker, if Baker will return to manage Houston next season, and Atlanta becoming a “buzzsaw” as the postseason progressed (31:55). 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 affiliates.

Jeff and Kevin react to Atlanta Braves’ manger Brian Snitker’s comments on whether his team feels pressure at this juncture in the World Series, before going over the approach that Astros and Braves lineups must have against Max Fried and Luis Garcia respectively (0:08). World Series Champion and former Astros closer Brad Lidge discusses the pitching in the World Series to this point: how hitters have the advantage the longer the series goes on, how to mix things up to hitters as a relief pitcher in a long series, Martin Maldonado’s at-bats in Game 5, and why Max Fried has to establish the inside fastball in his start (26:11). 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 Game 6 of the World Series in Houston. Jeff and Kevin talk about which team has more pressure on them, Carlos Correa hitting third in the Astros order, and how they wouldn’t tinker with Braves lineup at all if they’re manager Brian Snitker (0:54). ESPN’s Dan Shulman joins the guys ahead of his call to discuss what Max Fried has learned from facing Houston earlier this series, what can be expected of Kendall Graveman, how going from a 60 to 162 is affecting pitchers late in the season, and more before the pivotal game (30:57). 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.

Jeff and Kevin look ahead to Game 6 and how Brian Snitker and Dusty Baker will manage the pitching for both the Braves and Astros (0:30). The Mariners declined their club option on Kyle Seager – would a team like the Blue Jays be a fit for the veteran 3B (11:02)? National baseball writer Scott Miller joins the show from Houston to weigh-in on Alex Bregman being moved down in the batting order, Max Fried’s upcoming start in Game 6, how Dusty Baker will maneuver his bullpen, and Bob Melvin coming in to manage the Padres (26:45). To end the show, Jeff and Kevin wonder what the future holds for Freddie Freeman in Atlanta at the conclusion of the World Series (37:15). 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 affiliates.

The Houston Astros prevailed in Game 5 with a 9-5 win but the Atlanta Braves continue to lead the World Series three games to two. Jeff and Kevin recap the weekend at the World Series, specifically how pitchers are being used (and have been used all postseason), the way the Astros batters got the job […]

Mark Bradley, columnist at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, examines Game 3 from a Braves’ perspective and how this year’s team compares to the great Braves teams of the 1990s (3:50). MLB insider Jeff Passan joins Blair & Barker for his weekly segment and discusses the Braves’ tomahawk chop, how weather could effect Game 3, tonight being vital to the Braves chances at being crowned champions, Bob Melvin being hired as Padres’ manager, and the latest on CBA negotiations between MLB and the MLBPA (32:00). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

After an off night at the World Series, Jeff and Kevin discuss Marcus Semien changing his representation and hiring super agent Scott Boras ahead of free agency – what does this mean for the Blue Jays chances to re-sign him? With news that Albert Pujols is suiting up for Dominican Winter League team Leondes del Escogido, Kevin goes down memory lane when he played first base for them in his career (1:56). Houston Astros radio analyst Steve Sparks looks ahead to Game 3 of the World Series from an Astros’ point-of-view and how they will set their lineup without the DH in Atlanta (30:31). 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.

Jeff and Kevin discuss a report in the New York Post that the New York Mets asked the Toronto Blue Jays for permission to speak with Blue Jays President Mark Shapiro about their vacant President of Baseball Operations position (0:30). Dan Evans, former Dodgers GM and Blue Jays scout, discusses the plans ahead for the Field of Dreams site in Iowa, the first two games of the World Series, his time working with Alex Anthopoulos in Toronto, and the importance of Game 3 in a tied World Series (27:45). 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to the Astros win in Game 2 of the World Series, and discuss Dusty Baker going with Jose Siri in the lineup, the performances of starters Jose Urquidy and Max Fried, the Braves having problems with the shift, and another big postseason performance from Jose Altuve (1:04). Dan Shulman is calling the World Series for ESPN radio and stops by with his thoughts on the series so far including what Michael Brantley brings to the Astros lineup and if he’s seeing any signs of Alex Bregman breaking out of his slump (31:41). 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.

Jeff and Kevin continue the World Series conversation but also examine news and notes from around MLB. The guys discuss Blue Jays prospect Gabriel Moreno’s impressive performance up to this point in the Arizona fall league and his current standing within the organization, Nelson Cruz winning the 2021 Roberto Clemente award and his HOF candidacy, and Ozzie Guillen interviewing for the San Diego Padres (15:33). National MLB writer and former Astros executive Kevin Goldstein shares his thoughts on Game 1, mainly Framber Valdez’s outing, how the Astros will configure their lineup with NL rules, how Drew Smyly’s role could change for the Braves, and what separates Carlos Correa from other shortstops in MLB (27.18). 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 Atlanta Braves prevailed in Game One of the World Series as they picked up a 6-2 win despite starter Charlie Morton leaving the game with a broken leg. Blair & Barker break down the game and touch on Morton’s injury and what it means for the Braves, Brian Snitker’s decision to put Jorge Soler in the leadoff spot, Framber Valdez’s start for the Astros, and if Alex Bregman should be moved down in the Astros’ batting order (0:52). Next, ESPN senior writer Howard Bryant discusses Henry Aaron’s influence and importance to the 2021 World Series and how Dusty Baker can rally the Astros down 0-1 (33:14). 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.

Blair & Barker ask for fan reaction on the World Series and who they’d like to see to win before Jeff explains that he’s sick of seeing of seeing pitchers hit in the postseason (3:09). Atlanta Braves legend, two-time NL MVP and restauranteur Dale Murphy weighs-in on the World Series matchup, what he expects from Freddie Freeman, Ian Anderson’s performance in the NLCS, and 3B Austin Riley’s breakout campaign (26:29). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

The World Series starts tonight! Jeff and Kevin open up the show discussing Atlanta manager Brian Snitker’s relationship with GM Alex Anthopoulos, why they are selecting the Astros to win it all, and expecting more from Houston’s Alex Bregman (4:50). Later in the hour, Barker’s former manager currently with the Nashville Sounds, Rick Sweet joins the show to discuss his friendship with Dusty Baker and why he knew the Astros made the right choice hiring him after the organization’s cheating scandal (32:15). 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 affiliates.

The Astros-Braves World Series matchup is a special one to Cito Gaston. The two-time World Series-winning manager with the Toronto Blue Jays discusses his personal friendships with managers Dusty Baker and Brian Snitker as their teams get ready to square off against each other (2:29). Chris Rose, host of “The Chris Rose Rotation” weighs-in on the World Series, why Dusty Baker will be a hall of famer, the Astros cheating scandal still hovering around the organization, and how he’ll feel about the Astros if they win it all again this year (32:05). 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.

The Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves will meet in the World Series. Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back at the ALCS & NLCS, Eddie Rosario’s MVP performance vs. LA and the Red Sox and Dodgers’ high-priced rosters going home (0:54). Later in the hour, Jeff and Kevin discuss if the Dodgers’ loss makes them feel different about last year’s World Series win in a shortened season, if Justin Verlander would be an intriguing pitcher for the Blue Jays to pursue in free agency, and the roster decisions looming for both teams in the “Fall Classic”. 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.

Dodgers analyst and former GM Ned Colletti talks about the organization finding key players like Chris Taylor and Max Muncy, how Joe Kelly’s injury effects the Dodgers’ bullpen, Cody Bellinger’s play in the postseason and much more (6:24). ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan is covering the ALCS and discusses how long the leash should be […]

Blair & Barker discuss the Dodgers extending the NLCS after their 11-2 win over the Atlanta Braves in Game 5. The guys break down Chris Taylor’s phenomenal game where he became the first player in MLB history to hit three-home runs in the postseason while facing elimination, Albert Pujols’ significance to the club, and what […]

Mark Shapiro, President and CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays, discusses his thoughts on next season and the potential for full capacity at Rogers Centre, the off-season plans for the Blue Jays and how he hopes to improve the ballclub, the negotiation process with the Jays’ pending free agents, the future of third base, the […]

The Astros and Braves both won big on Wednesday night and now have Boston and the World Champion Dodgers facing elimination. Jeff and Kevin examine the NLCS particularly Julio Urias’ performance in Game 4 and the Dodgers not having a set starter and using their bullpen in a must-win Game 5 (1:37). Later, they transition […]