Baseball Central @ Noon

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to a busy and entertaining weekend of baseball where the Astros, Padres, and Phillies all advanced to the next round. The guys discuss the current postseason format, the layoff the Dodgers had ahead of the NLDS, the Padres and Phillies meeting in the NLCS, and Josh Naylor’s home run off Gerrit Cole and subsequent celebration. Afterwards, Blair and Barker welcome former Marlins President & MLB analyst David Samson in on the conversation ahead of Game 5 between the Yankees and Guardians (34:39). 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 and Kevin continue to be in awe of Yordan Álvarez' ability and hear why manager Dusty Baker says the Astros' slugger reminds him of Barry Bonds. ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian looks back at the Blue Jays’ quick postseason exit, before discussing Carlos Correa opting-out of his Twins contract, this winter’s free-agent shortstop market and the division series in both the AL & NL (11:47). Blair and Barker call up Fox Sports’ Adam Amin, who is calling Dodgers-Padres tonight, to get his thoughts on the series so far, bullpen usage throughout this postseason, who needs to step up for the Padres at home, and the raucous atmosphere he’s expecting at Petco Park (32:29). 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 and Kevin Barker discuss the Padres evening their series with the Dodgers in Game 2, capped off with Manny Machado and Jake Cronenworth providing the heroics. Yankees radio analyst Suzyn Waldman discusses the weather forecast for Game 2 of Cleveland vs. New York, if a cancelled game will alter each team's pitching plans, Nestor Cortes pitching on extra rest, an injury update on DJ LeMahieu, and why the Yankees continue to bat Aaron Judge in the leadoff spot (16:09). Three-time World Series Champion and current Astros analyst Mike Stanton reflects on Houston’s thrilling Game 1 win over Seattle, Yordan Álvarez' propensity to hit the fastball, and explains why Game 2 starter Framber Valdez has the best stuff in Houston’s rotation (yes, even better than Justin Verlander) (33:38).In Barker’s Back Leg Bits, the guys discuss Blue Jays pitcher Nate Pearson and his upcoming stint in Winter Ball (44:45). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily

Jeff and Kevin start off the show reacting to Yordan Álvarez’ walk-off home run off of Robbie Ray in Game 1 of Houston & Seattle’s divisional series, before getting into why Scott Servais decided to use Robbie Ray out of the bullpen. Afterwards, the guys look back on Ross Atkins’ end-of-season news conference and discuss why ultimately, they both believe John Schneider will be back as manager of the Blue Jays in 2023. Sportsnet’s Joe Siddall shares his takeaways from Atkins’ availability and day one of the 2022 division series, notably Cal Quantrill’s start against the Yankees, Dodgers-Padres West coast showdown, and his breakdown of the Ray-Álvarez at-bat (33:50). 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.

Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi joins the guys ahead of Ross Atkins' news conference to discuss what he would like to hear from the Blue Jays’ GM, the state of the team’s bullpen, keeping George Springer healthy, and if he thinks the organization should sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and/or Bo Bichette to a long-term extension this offseason (01:18). Following Shi, Blue Jays fans have their say on what they want to hear from Atkins and what they would like to see happen to the roster in the offseason. 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 open up the show looking ahead to Ross Atkins’ media availability – what will the Blue Jays’ GM say after a quick two-game sweep at the hands of the Mariners? Later on, the guys transition to the divisional series and make their predictions for both the American and National Leagues. Hall of Fame pitcher and Braves broadcaster Tom Glavine joins to preview Game 1 between the Braves and Phillies and chat about Atlanta’s chances at repeating, the pressures of postseason pitching, and Spencer Strider’s recent extension with the ball club (33:05). 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.

Blue Jays Central analyst Caleb Joseph joins the show with his thoughts on the Blue Jays-Mariners series, particularly the second and deciding game. Caleb goes into detail on the decision to pull Kevin Gausman for Tim Mayza, the need for a few “bad cops” on the coaching staff, if Jackie Bradley Jr. should have been put in the game earlier as a defensive replacement, and how Alek Manoah and Alejandro Kirk pitched to Cal Raleigh in Game 1 (02:49). Throughout the show, Jeff and Kevin open up the phone lines and read messages as listeners weigh-in with their thoughts on the historic loss, John Schneider’s future as manager, and the priorities that are ahead in the offseason. 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 postseason is over just as quickly as it began after a crushing 10-9 loss in Game 2 to the Seattle Mariners; a game where Toronto relinquished a 8-1 lead. Jeff Blair & Kevin Barker break down everything from the loss, the turning points in the game, and look ahead to what the offseason now has in store after an earlier than anticipated exit. World Series Champion and Marquee Sports analyst Ryan Dempster discusses John Schneider’s bullpen management in Game 2, the Blue Jays players using the loss as a learning experience, Seattle’s hitters getting to Alek Manoah early in Game 1 of the series, and if the Blue Jays should make a serious run to bring Ross Stripling back (33:33). 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.

Former Mariners All-Star and current Special Assignment coach Mike Cameron joins Blair and Barker to look back on the 2001 season, a historic year for Seattle and the last time they made the postseason until now. Cameron also previews the Wild Card series from a Mariners perspective discussing Julio Rodríguez’s standout season, what intangibles Cal Raleigh brings to the table, and how much previous postseason experience matters in October (01:47). MLB insider Jeff Passan shares why he thinks the Blue Jays-Mariners series is the most exciting of the Wild Card round, if Kevin Gausman should be saved for a potential must-win Game 3, and his final thoughts on Aaron Judge and Albert Pujols’ resurgent second half (27:09). 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 game day! Jeff Blair & Kevin Barker get you ready for Blue Jays-Mariners starting with their instant reaction to the Jays’ postseason roster announcement and Game 1 starter Alek Manoah’s media availability from Thursday. Later, the guys go over the other Wild Card series in the AL & NL and share their predictions for Guardians-Rays, Cardinals-Phillies, and Mets-Padres. Longtime MLB closer & current ESPN analyst Gregg Olson is in town working Jays-Mariners and discusses why he’s anticipating a low-scoring Game 1, starters Alek Manoah and Luis Castillo, and the battle of the bullpens (35:06). 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.

Seattle Mariners play-by-play voice Dave Sims joins Jeff and Kevin to give the lowdown on the team, notably Scott Servais’ managing style and how he runs his bullpen, Ty France covering the entire plate as a hitter, and Robbie Ray making his return to Rogers Centre (02:15). MLB on TBS & Mets analyst Ron Darling discusses Alek Manoah making his postseason debut on Friday, Jordan Romano’s repertoire, gamesmanship in the postseason with managers not tipping their hand, and the Mets being swept by Braves late in the season to cost them the NL East title (26:14). 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.

With Alek Manoah tapped to start Game 1, Jeff and Kevin debate which game Kevin Gausman should pitch in the Wild Card Series against Seattle. The guys then discuss if Toronto would be in this position if a managerial change wasn’t made during the season and look back at the key moments and performances from this team in 2022. In Barker’s Back Leg Bits, the guys ask fans for their confidence level ahead of the Mariners series, which Blue Jays they’re expecting big series from, and which players could be unsung heroes (31:50). 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.

Blue Jays radio voice Ben Wagner joins the show on the final day of the season from Baltimore - the site of today’s doubleheader. Ben discusses the plan for today’s double-dip, how John Schneider will be setting today’s lineups ahead of the Wild Card Series, and Toronto's preparation to face Seattle (00:36). Braves’ President & GM Alex Anthopoulos comments on Atlanta winning the NL East after the Mets’ led for most of the season, entering the postseason as defending champions, and if his current roster is more well-balanced than last year’s championship squad (28:28). 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.

It’s official: the Toronto Blue Jays will host the Seattle Mariners in a Wild Card series this weekend at Rogers Centre! Jeff and Kevin share their thoughts on the matchup while looking back at the season series where Seattle went 5-2, including a four-game sweep in back in July. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi joins the show from Arlington, Texas – the site of Aaron Judge’s 62nd home run to set the new American League record. Jon discusses being in the ballpark to witness history, speaking to Judge post-game, and how the Blue Jays' hitters stack up against the Mariners starting rotation in the Wild Card series (30:23). 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 call up MLB Network’s Alex Avila to hear his thoughts on the Blue Jays, specifically the atmosphere at Rogers Centre, and how players and managers approach the final days of the season when there is nothing left to play for (03:23). Former MLB outfielder and current MLB Network Radio host Ryan Spilborghs breaks down why the Blue Jays shouldn’t care who they face in the Wild Card round, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s 2022 campaign, and how he feels about the Dodgers heading into the postseason having covered their recent games (25:30). 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 affiliates.

Following their rain-shortened 5-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles, the Toronto Blue Jays learned that they will be hosting the Wild Card Series after the Seattle Mariners' loss to the Detroit Tigers! Jeff and Kevin welcome in Blue Jays Central’s Caleb Joseph to assess José Berríos' season as a whole, who he would start following Alek Manoah in the Wild Card Series, and who would he rather face if he was the Jays: Seattle or Tampa Bay (27:32). 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 the Wild Card standings and what needs to be done for the Blue Jays to secure home-field advantage, before hearing from Mariners’ manager Scott Servais and Rays’ skipper Kevin Cash after clinching their spots in the postseason. Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins the show to discuss what he’d like to see from his team in their final three games of the season vs. Baltimore, if he would consider changing the bottom of the batting order, and provides an update on the health of Kevin Gausman, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Santiago Espinal (24:34) 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 return after the Blue Jays' sweep of the Boston Red Sox; a team that Toronto dominated in 2022 compiling a 16-3 record. Jeff and Kevin discuss Teoscar Hernández heating up at the right time, Whit Merrifield getting more and more comfortable, and Kevin Gausman leaving his start early with a cut on his finger. Dan Shulman, play-by-play voice for Sportsnet and ESPN, comments on the Jays' play over the weekend, if Moreno or Zimmer should be the final player on the postseason roster, and if he would move Hernández into the cleanup spot (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. 

CBS Sports HQ Analyst & former Marlins President David Samson discusses how much playoff revenue means to ownership, the logistics of travelling teams and families in the postseason, where he would slot Alek Manoah in a series, and what Aaron Judge’s value is to the New York Yankees beyond his contributions on the field (02:03). Jeff and Kevin mix in some more phone calls on the Jays’ postseason hopes and end off the week with a couple of Barker’s Back Leg Bits (29:06). 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 Toronto Blue Jays are heading to the postseason! Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open up the phone lines to hear from fans: who would like to see Toronto face in the Wild Card round? Sportsnet’s Dan Shulman joins the show ahead of this weekend’s series against the Boston Red Sox and talks about why he would like to see Alek Manoah start game one of any Wild Card series, who should make the Blue Jays’ post-season roster, and if it should include three catchers (30:33). 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.