Baseball Central @ Noon

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker return with their thoughts on the billion-plus dollars dished out by MLB teams at the winter meetings in San Diego, as star players like Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, and Justin Verlander secured new contracts. After some thought that Aaron Judge might go to the Giants, he ultimately remained a New York Yankee. Jeff and Kevin call up WFAN’s Yankees reporter Sweeny Murti to discuss how close the slugger was to leaving New York (18:46). John Schneider checks-in to discuss his first winter meeting as Blue Jays manager, Don Mattingly joining his staff as bench coach, and adapting to MLB’s rule changes for the upcoming season (33:40). 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.

Don Mattingly has been hired as the new bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays. Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker share their thoughts on “Donnie Baseball” joining John Schneider’s staff before inviting former Marlins President David Samson on the show to discuss his experience working with Mattingly when he hired him to be Miami’s manager. Jeff, Kevin, and David also look ahead to next week’s Winter Meetings in San Diego; particularly the top-tier shortstops available in free agency. 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 are back to breakdown the Teoscar Hernández trade news! Are you surprised that Teoscar was the first domino to fall? What did the Jays acquire? And is this move setting up another? Seattle Times reporter Ryan Divish joins the guys to talk about what the Jays acquired and how people in Seattle are feeling following the news (13:30). Finally they preview their offseason schedule and look ahead to what's next! 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 the World Series in the rear-view mirror, Blair and Barker turn their attention towards the offseason. Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi joins the show from the GM Meetings in Las Vegas with a focus on the Toronto Blue Jays: their wants and needs and how active they will be to improve the roster (10:46). Afterwards, MLB insider Jeff Passan discusses Shohei Ohtani’s potential availability, what teams would have to give up for someone of his calibre, and the star players available in free agency including Aaron Judge and Jacob deGrom (36:04). 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 Houston Astros defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in six games to become the 2022 World Series champions; earning Dusty Baker his first championship as a manager! The guys examine the series-clinching game, notably Rob Thomson’s decision to bring in José Alvarado to face Yordan Álvarez and Jeremy Peña's MVP honours, before discussing how closer Edwin Díaz’s new $102M five-year pact with the Mets can impact the free-agent market for relief pitchers. Throughout the show, Jeff and Kevin ask their listeners if this championship changes the way the Astros organization is viewed after the 2017 cheating scandal; and if Houston can be considered a dynasty with their two titles and consistent success. 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.

Justin Verlander picked up his first career World Series win as the Astros took Game 5 by a score of 3-2, and now lead the series by that same margin. Jeff and Kevin recap the game and discuss if it will be finally be manager Dusty Baker’s time to win the championship that has alluded him to this point in his career. 2008 World Series Champion pitcher Jamie Moyer shares his thoughts on the Astros-Phillies, Houston’s Game 6 starter Framber Valdez, and the anxiety and excitement that permeates through the dugout during high-pressure postseason moments (27:42). 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 affiliates.  

History was made in Game 4 of the World Series as Cristian Javier and the Astros' bullpen combined to no-hit the Philadelphia Phillies in a 5-0 win to even up the series. Charlie Manuel, manager of the 2008 World Series-winning Phillies, reflects on the series so far, compares the 2008 World Champions to the 2022 squad, and goes down memory lane when he had a firsthand seat to MLB’s last postseason no-hitter: Roy Halladay’s gem in 2010 (15:12). MLB insider Jeff Passan joins the show from Philadelphia to discuss to tonight’s pivotal Game 5, the decision-making from Dusty Baker and Rob Thomson through four games, and how the Astros’ players involved in the 2017 cheating scandal are perceived today (30:29). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff Blair & Kevin Barker recap Philadelphia’s convincing 7-0 win in Game 3 of the World Series and look into whether or not Lance McCullers Jr. was tipping his pitches during his outing; before discussing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. winning the AL Gold Glove at first base. Former Astros and Phillies closer Brad Lidge reflects on the World Series between his former clubs; notably the atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park, how he would pitch to Bryce Harper amidst his historic postseason, and who is more trustworthy in the World Series going forward: Justin Verlander or Zack Wheeler (27:23). To end the show, Jeff and Kevin discuss Charlie Montoyo’s future, with reports suggesting that the former Blue Jays manager will be named the Chicago White Sox’s bench coach (47:59). 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.

There was no Halloween baseball as rain postponed Game 3 of the World Series in Philadelphia. Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss why the rain delay could provide Philadelphia's bullpen with an advantage, Albert Pujols officially announcing his retirement, and the task ahead for new White Sox Manager Pedro Grifol. The guys welcome Dan Shulman to the show from the "City of Brotherly Love" to preview Game 3, and focuses in on Jeremy Peña's postseason emergence for Houston and Zack Wheeler’s status for the rest of the series (25:28). To end the show, Jeff and Kevin ask each other which team tonight’s game is more of a must-win for (45:51). 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 weekend that was in the World Series as the Phillies and Astros split the first two games. Jeff and Kevin discuss the decisions by managers Dusty Baker and Rob Thomson, particularly the wild Game 1 with Philadelphia prevailing in extra innings. Astros analyst and World Series champion Geoff Blum joins the guys with his thoughts on the series so far, notably if Justin Verlander can be trusted going forward after another sub-par World Series outing on Friday (28:21). 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.

It’s finally time for the World Series to begin between the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros! Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker welcome former Phillies player, manager, and coach Larry Bowa to the show to share his thoughts on Philadelphia’s journey to the World Series, Bryce Harper’s performance to this point, and the intimidation factor playing at Citizens Bank Park (08:40). NY Times baseball columnist Tyler Kepner discusses his new book The Grandest Stage on the history of the World Series ahead of this year’s fall classic (26:48). 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 the World Series only a day away, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker debate the decision by the Philadelphia Phillies to start Aaron Nola in Game 1 over Zack Wheeler, before inviting CBS Sports’ David Samson into the Astros-Phillies conversation (15:28)! He comments on Philly's decision to move Bryce Harper to third in the order, Yankees ownership giving a vote of confidence to Aaron Boone, and how certain organizations can overthink things in the postseason. Afterwards, Jeff and Kevin talk about the Blue Jays’ six Silver Slugger finalists and address Shohei Ohtani’s availability in an extended version of "Barker’s Back Leg Bits" (33:48). 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 continue to get set for the start of the World Series and call up Dan Shulman, who will have the upcoming radio call of Phillies-Astros. The guys discuss Dusty Baker’s influence on the Astros’ club, Baker’s Hall of Fame candidacy, who has the best “stuff” in Houston’s pitching staff, Yankee fans booing Aaron Judge, and the offseason decisions that loom for New York (15:34). The guys catch up with Blue Jays catcher and soon-to-be dad Danny Jansen about the end of Toronto’s season, watching and studying different catchers around the game, and John Schneider returning as manager (39:00). 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 open up the show with some final thoughts on the New York Yankees and their motivational tactics ahead of Game 4 of the ALCS before being swept by the Houston Astros. The guys invite MLB insider Jeff Passan into the conversation to chat about the futures of Aaron Boone and Brian Cashman in the Bronx and examine the Astros and their dominant postseason run so far (04:21). Philadelphia Phillies manager and Corunna, Ontario native Rob Thomson discusses his club’s run to the World Series and the success the Phils have had since he took to reigns as manager midseason (38:05). 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.

It’s official: The Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros will square off in the 2022 World Series! Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the ALCS and NLCS, notably the next steps for the Yankees, and Bryce Harper’s MVP performance for Philadelphia. Phillies analyst and former Yankees catcher Erik Kratz joins the guys to discuss the pressure that comes with playing in Philadelphia, Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola facing Houston’s potent lineup, and Aaron Judge’s free agency: will he be back in pinstripes? (29:16) 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.

On a special edition of the podcast, Blue Jays manager John Schneider speaks to the media after signing a new contract to remain with the club. Sportsnet's Caleb Jospeh weighs in on what this means for the team’s immediate plans and how the rest of the Jays' coaching staff might shake out. 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.

John Schneider is back as the Blue Jays’ manager after agreeing to a three-year contract extension, with a team option for the 2026 season. Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi joins the guys for instant reaction as they discuss who could be joining Schneider on his coaching staff (03:49). Afterwards, San Diego Padres’ President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller discusses his club’s postseason run, Game 3 starter Joe Musgrove, Manny Machado’s Hall of Fame trajectory, and much more as the NLCS heads east to Philadelphia tied 1-1 (28:57). 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 Blair and Kevin Barker recap Wednesday’s postseason action where Juan Soto had his playoff moment for the Padres, and Justin Verlander’s 11 strikeouts kept the Yankees at bay in Game 1 of the ALCS. Jeff Francoeur, former major-leaguer and current TBS broadcaster on the call for Astros-Yankees, shares his thoughts on Houston’s win to open the series and if the Yankees can get to the 'Stros' formidable pitching staff (28:44). 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.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker share their final thoughts on the Yankees-Guardians series with New York now on their way to face Houston in the ALCS. Later, they hone in on the Phillies 2-0 win over the Padres in Game 1 of the NLCS, particularly Zack Wheeler’s masterful performance where he pitched seven innings of one-hit ball. MLB Insider Jeff Passan comments on why no announcement has been made yet by the Blue Jays on John Schneider, Terry Francona’s decision to start Aaron Civale in a do-or-die scenario, and why the Astros should be disappointed if they aren’t the 2022 World Series champions (31:26). 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 preview Game 5 of the ALDS between the Yankees and Guardians after it was cancelled on Monday night. YES Network’s Jeff Nelson comments on the Yankees starting Nestor Cortes in the deciding game over Jameson Taillon and his experience dealing with rain delays as a player (15:13). With the NLCS returning to San Diego for the first time since 1998, Blair and Barker call up former Padres outfielder and current radio analyst Tony Gwynn Jr. to discuss the excitement in the city and the Padres chances against the Phillies (29:28). 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.