Blair and Barker Are Back!

02/20/24 • 49 min

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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are back on-the-air five days a week as full teams have now reported to spring training! The guys look back to last season and agree that internal improvements from players like Alejandro Kirk, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Alek Manoah will go a long way to the Blue Jays’ overall success in 2024. Sportsnet’s Buck Martinez joins the show (27:50) from Dunedin with his early impressions from camp, notably players buying in by showing up early and the emphasis on attention to detail from the Jays’ coaching staff.

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.

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.

Previous Episode

Pete Walker Preps for Pitchers and Catchers in Dunedin

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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker (0:22) from Florida, as they discuss the state of the starting rotation, how they're aiming to repeat the successful (and healthy) season the starters had last year, where Alek Manoah is at in his 2024 preparation, and what Yariel Rodriguez might contribute as one of the newest pitchers on the roster. Plus, Walker discusses the bullpen, including a fully healthy start to the season for Chad Green - is the Jays bullpen being slept on? Afterwards, Blair and Barker chat the process of getting ready for exhibition games over a month before meaningful games begin, and Barker shares his experience on what it's like trying to prove yourself at this stage of the season.

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.

Next Episode

Who Will Sign the ‘Boras Five’?

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With everyone in camp, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker turn their attention to the free agents who remain unsigned; notably super agent Scott Boras’ clients: Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, JD Martinez, and Jordan Montgomery. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale checks-in from Spring Training in Arizona with his free agency thoughts (27:47) and Mike Trout’s future with the Angels. To end the show, the guys discuss Montgomery further and why they’re surprised he’s still available to sign with any team.

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.