Blair & Barker

On the final show of the season, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by ESPN's MLB insider and host of Sources Tell Jeff Passan (3:45) to discuss what he discovered from covering and watching the 2026 World Series, why Pat Murphy is the ideal manager for an MLB club, Tampa Bay Rays' offseason outlook, expectations for this year's free agency class headed by NPB's Teruaki Sato and Tarik Skubal, how the Blue Jays could navigate their offseason signings, and if Ketel Marte would be a fit. Then, The Athletic's Jayson Stark (21:10) looks back at the Milwaukee Brewers' first World Series win, the success from Jacob Misiorowski and the rest of their pitching staff, if we will see other team replicate their style of play, how Milwaukee could be poised to be early favourites to repeat, and William Contreras entering free agency following the 2027 season. To wrap up the year, Blue Jays reporter and author of 'Before I Let You Go: My Life in Broadcasting, Baseball & Beyond,' Hazel Mae stops by (37:45) to chat about her takeaways from covering the Fall Classic, the chemistry of the Brewers players and what people can look forward to in her upcoming book.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Milwaukee Brewers winning their first World Series title in franchise history in a 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 5, what went wrong for the Rays roster, manager Pat Murphy's comments about the New York Yankees, if the Brewers' roster construction philosophy can be replicated on other teams, Jacob Misiorowski's postseason performances, and the personalities on the Brew Crew. Then, the guys briefly touch on the upcoming free agency class, the Blue Jays' outgoing free agents and potential targets before bringing on former MLB pitcher and Brewers TV analyst Tim Dillard (32:49) to chat about how Murphy has allowed his players to be themselves, Cooper Pratt's comfortability on both sides of the field, if Misiorowski can replicate a Cy Young-type season next year, which players have exceeded his expectations during the playoffs, what makes Murphy a unique manager, and how William Contreras earned his World Series MVP trophy.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Tampa Bay Rays' 4-3 walk-off win in Game 4 of the World Series to avoid a sweep and force a Game 5 against the Milwaukee Brewers. Can the Rays actually stage a full comeback in the series without their big bats producing? They get into Pat Murphy's decision not to throw Jacob Misiorowski late in the game and save him for Game 5 tonight, the long relief options for the Rays looking shaky, and the Brewers simply looking like the team of destiny. Plus, they're joined by Sportsnet's Madison Shipman (11:39) who reacts live to the Drew Rasmussen starter choice for Game 5, the terrific play of Cooper Pratt as a rookie, and whether or not the Brewers can close the deal in Florida, Afterwards, they chat with Brewers special advisor and former MLB GM Thad Levine (35:50), who gets into his previous experiences being so close to a World Series win, what the ceilings for players like Jackson Chourio and Junior Caminero could be, and what former NL MVP Christian Yelich can still bring to the table.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Milwaukee Brewers dominating 10-1 win in Tampa Bay in Game 3 of the World Series, where this year's Brewers roster ranks amongst the best teams, and if we will look at the Rays organization differently if they get swept. Then, Sportsnet.ca's Shi Davidi joins the guys (11:20) to chat about which player on Milwaukee has exceeded his expectations and how former Canadian pitcher Jim Henderson has changed the outlook of the Brew Crew's pitching staff. Afterwards, host of Nothing Personal David Samson joins the show (29:07) to discuss why the Rays don't have a bad roster, Brewers' path to leading 3-0 in the World Series, the front office personnel experience watching their team compete in the Fall Classic, what it could mean to the city of Milwaukee winning it all, if Aaron Ashby will change the future of a bullpen pitcher, and his pick for MVP.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the first two games of the World Series, Junior Caminero airing his frustrations in the Tampa Bay Rays' dugout, Milwaukee Brewers' rally in Game 2 from an early 4–0 deficit, Yandy Díaz's game-ending check swing, and the quality baseball in the first two matches of the Fall Classic. Then, MLB on TBS analyst and 12-year MLB veteran Jeff Francoeur joins the guys (31:29) to discuss the Rays' decisions on the base paths, Caminero's outburst on Chandler Simpson, Brewers' resilience, Kevin Cash's bullpen management to extend the series, William Contreras' hitting abilities, if the Rays can use homefield advantage for the next three games, and if there should be a 'check swing' challenge.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get set for Game 1 of the World Series. They share their picks for the series before welcoming in ESPN insider and host of 'Sources Tell' Jeff Passan (2:17) from Milwaukee to help dive deeper into the matchup. They discuss each team's biggest strengths and weaknesses, the Rays' decision to start Nick Martinez in Game 1, the series' x-factors, and how a Fall Classic between two small-market teams impacts labour negotiations. Later, former MLB catcher Jonathan Lucroy (28:49) shares a player's POV of playing at American Family Field, the pressure on Rays catcher Liam Hicks, and William Contreras' ABS challenges.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

World Series Champion with the Chicago Cubs in 2016 and co-host of The Book of Joe, Joe Maddon (9:45) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to take us through his experience 24 hours before Game 1 as a manager, how the Milwaukee Brewers balance the work vs. rest, how he would gameplan against the Tampa Bay Rays, using analytics in the World Series, ABS' debut, if Kevin Cash and the Rays will embrace the 'underdog' role, and why he doesn't believe there is home field advantage anymore. Then, TV play-by-play voice for the Brewers and TNT Sports, Brian Anderson (31:07) joins the guys to discuss the differences in calling the local team and national broadcasts, if there's concerns with Jacob Misiorowski's velocity late in the season, if the team expected the performance from Aaron Ashby, and if there's one Rays hitter to pay attention to during the series.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by former MLB pitcher, World Series champion with the Boston Red Sox and co-host of Intentional Talk on MLB Network Ryan Dempster (6:33) to discuss which of the World Series participants have an edge between the Tampa Bay Rays' pitching vs. Milwaukee Brewers' bats, having home field advantage, if Jacob Misiorowski can maintain his location, how Kevin Cash manages his bullpen around the Brewers' lefties, the strength of the Rays' pitching staff, and why Junior Caminero needs to make the biggest impact. Then, Yankees reporter for USA Today Pete Caldera (28:35) stops by to weigh in on the team announcing both Aaron Boone and Brian Cashman will both return next season, Cashman agreeing to a new contract, Boone entering his 10th season with New York, how the organization can construct a World Series roster again, fixing their infield defensive woes, and if Aaron Judge could play everyday at DH.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to the Tampa Bay Rays punching their ticket to the World Series after their 7-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 6 before bringing in Tampa Bay Times reporter Marc Topkin (9:00) to chat about the organization's road back to the Fall Classic, the change in ownership, navigating through Hurricane Milton, if the Milwaukee Brewers will have difficulties playing at the Trop, Kevin Cash's bullpen usage, how they reinvented ALCS MVP Freddy Peralta's pitching, Taylor Walls' defence at shortstop, and Liam Hicks' pitch calling. Then, Sportsnet's MLB insider Ben Nicholson-Smith stops by (31:35) to chat about how the Brewers stack up against the Rays, if Jacob Misiorowski can continue pitching at a high level for the World Series, and William Contreras' hitting abilities. After, they shift their attention to the free agent market specifically the Toronto Blue Jays' interest in Hanshin Tigers' Teruaki Sato and Shane Bieber's potential return.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the week recapping the Tampa Bay Rays taking a 3-2 series lead after winning 3-1 in Game 5 against the Guardians in Cleveland before bringing on MLB Network's Jon Morosi (9:35) to weigh in on which of the ALCS teams the Milwaukee Brewers would rather face in the World Series, who has the edge if called for one game between Drew Rasmussen or Gavin Williams, José Ramírez's performance against the Rays, pitching in the postseason, Yandy Díaz's confidence in declaring winning Game 6, and potential pitching matchups in the World Series. Then, Jeff and Kevin discuss the Baltimore Orioles hiring former Chicago Cubs assistant Jared Banner as their new general manager, his expected approach to a potential lockout during the offseason, the future of the AL East, Tarik Skubal's free agency, and the 2027 projections for the Blue Jays shortstop and second base positions.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Milwaukee Brewers' NLCS sweep over the Los Angeles Dodgers. They reflect on the Brewers' path back to the World Series, the Dodgers' top priorities in the offseason, and how Milwaukee would match up against Cleveland or Tampa Bay. Later, ESPN insider and host of 'Sources Tell' Jeff Passan stops by (31:19) to weigh in on what changes the Dodgers might make for next season, Jackson Chourio's impact, why the Brewers' offensive approach worked this year, and who they'd rather see in the World Series.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open the show discussing the Milwaukee Brewers' chance to sweep the defending World Series champs in Los Angeles before bringing in two-time MLB All-Star and American League Reliever of the Year in 2016, Zack Britton (9:25) to chat about how managers deploy bullpen pitchers in the postseason, the difficulty of being an 'up-down' pitcher, facing scrappy vs. long-ball hitters, figuring out if a batter is tired, and the pressure on a pitcher when the team is struggling on offence. Then, former Blue Jay and outfield consultant with The 3-9 Effect, Kevin Kiermaier (30:35) stops by to weigh in on the Dodgers' offensive struggles in the NLCS, if age has started catching up to the roster, Tampa Bay Rays building through their pitching and defence, Chandler Simpson's speed, playing under Kevin Cash, and what people don't know about Yandy Díaz.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show discussing Shohei Ohtani speaking on his postseason struggles, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts's confidence in Ohtani and not considering benching their star player before bringing in The Athletic's Jayson Stark (5:39). They chat about the Philadelphia Phillies bringing back Don Mattingly as their manager, Alex Cora's name in the running, why the Dodgers cannot afford to sit Ohtani, where the Milwaukee Brewers' bullpen ranks among the teams left, and how William Contreras has impacted the team. Then, Minnesota Twins manager and current MLB Network Radio contributor Derek Shelton joins the guys (29:15) to discuss why the Tampa Bay Rays have the edge on offence over the Cleveland Guardians, Stephen Vogt vs. Kevin Cash, Aaron Ashby's ability to extend his innings for the Brewers, how Pat Murphy would change his approach while up 2-0 in their series, and pitching around batters like José Ramírez.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker check in with the NLCS and ALCS as the Brewers jump ahead 2-0 over the Dodgers and the Guardians stealing Game 1 against the Rays in the Trop. They discuss Shohei Ohtani's rough postseason and whether he'll be benched before bringing in host of 'Nothing Personal' and former MLB executive David Samson (12:58). He weighs in on the Dodgers' Ohtani options, William Contreras' energy, José Ramírez's resurgence, how a Dodgers-less World Series would impact labour negotiations, and much more. Later, MLB Network analyst and former MLB pitcher Dan Plesac stops by (33:22) to discuss Dodgers manager Dave Roberts' difficult lineup decision in Game 3, the Brewers solving Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Aaron Ashby's reliability.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kevin Barker is joined by co-host Sho Alli filling in for Jeff Blair to look back at Milwaukee Brewers taking Game 1 of the NLCS over the Los Angeles Dodgers, Jacob Misiorowski vs. Tarik Skubal, and manager Dave Roberts juggling the lineup in hopes to create offence early, before bringing in Cleveland Guardians TV analyst and former MLB catcher Chris Gimenez (11:32). He weighs in on the team's offence peaking at the right time, José Ramírez's productive at-bats even through an injury, why Jo Adell is the most important player on the Guardians in their series against the Tampa Bay Rays, and if Cleveland's pitching staff can handle the workload in the ALCS. Afterwards, Blue Jays and postseason analyst for Sportsnet, Madison Shipman (26:35) joins the guys in-studio to discuss the difficulty of game planning against Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani's rare playoff struggles, Aaron Ashby's emergence in relief for the Brewers, why Cleveland and Tampa Bay are similar teams, and Christian Yelich's return to the lineup after not starting in Game 1.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to the Cleveland Guardians' 9-5 win to force a win or go home Game 5 against the Chicago White Sox before bringing in The Athletic's Ian O'Connor (12:09) to chat about the New York Yankees postseason exit, why the team won't make a change with Aaron Boone as their bench boss, if there's any other managers that would be a perfect fit in New York, the team's needs to bolster their lineup, and if Aaron Judge not winning a World Series changes the way we view him as a player. Then, ESPN and host of Sources Tell Jeff Passan joins the guys (31:31) to discuss if it's the right time to change managers for the Bronx Bombers, José Ramírez's all-around performance in Game 4, the difference Jo Adell has made since being acquired by Cleveland, Jackson Chourio's impressive postseason numbers, and who outside of Freddie Freeman needs to step up for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to another early exit for the New York Yankees and question whether Aaron Boone will be their manager moving forward. MLB pitcher and co-host of VSiN By The Books Jensen Lewis (6:36) weighs in on the future of NY's bench boss, how a potential MLB lockout could affect their decisions, José Ramírez fighting through an injury with his Cleveland Guardians avoiding elimination, how Parker Messick can pitch his way to help his team force a Game 5, who is the best position player he's faced and an early look into the NLCS between the Milwaukee Brewers and L.A. Dodgers. Then, 2010 NL MVP and six-time MLB All-Star Joey Votto (24:43) joins the guys to discuss whether the Brewers have become a better team to face the Dodgers this season, how hitting has changed over the years as pitching has improved, why you have to earn your way to 'guess' pitches, what makes Freddie Freeman a great hitter in the postseason, and his biggest advice for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to overcome his down 2026 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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by MLB on TBS analyst Ron Darling (6:25) to chat about Alex Cora turning down the Philadelphia Phillies managerial job, why Yoshinobu Yamamoto continues to be the hardest pitcher to hit, Atlanta Braves' September success not translating in the postseason, whether the Chicago White Sox are becoming serious contenders, and Bo Bichette's first season with the New York Mets. Then, former MLB outfielder and Blue Jays Central analyst Kevin Pillar joins the guys (30:08) to discuss playing at Petco Park and why it may be difficult to play there during the playoffs, Jackson Merrill's defense in the outfield, José Ramírez's struggles and dealing with his left wrist issues, Aaron Boone's lineup decision surrounding Jazz Chisholm Jr., Kiké Hernández's clutch hitting in the postseason, and Yamamoto's pitching arsenal.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back at the defensive blunder by the New York Yankees in their Game 2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays, Cam Schlittler's outing, and Chicago White Sox manager Will Venable's management towards a 2-0 series lead over the Cleveland Guardians. FOX Sports play-by-play broadcaster Adam Amin (11:25) joins the guys to chat about the belief within the Milwaukee Brewers to make a deep run in the postseason, how the San Diego Padres can get Fernando Tatís Jr. going on offence, which bullpen has the upper edge, and if age is catching up to Christian Yelich. Then, The Athletic's L.A. Dodgers reporter Katie Woo (30:11) joins the guys to discuss Shohei Ohtani dropping to 5th in the batting order, his future of being a two-way player, how the Dodgers can produce runs outside of the long ball, Kyle Tucker rewriting his 2026 season narrative in the postseason, Dave Roberts' circle of trust when the 7th inning comes around, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto's pitching arsenal.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back at the weekend of post-season games including the Atlanta Braves tying their series against the Dodgers in L.A., before bringing on Baseball Today and Dugout Discussions' Chris Rose (9:29) to chat about San Diego Padres' Mason Miller's blown save against the Milwaukee Brewers and on the verge of being swept, the state of playoff pitching, if the Cleveland Guardians would consider moving José Ramírez around the batting order, the team's matchup against Chicago White Sox's Anthony Kay in Game 2, and why the Tampa Bay Rays look dominant against the New York Yankees. Then, Rays TV analyst and former MLB pitcher Brian Anderson (31:15) shares his expectations for Freddy Peralta in Game 2 against the Yankees, how the coaching staff got Peralta's arm extension back, Tampa's lineup against Cam Schlittler, Liam Hicks' transition to the organization, and why Victor Mesa Jr. could be an x-factor.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.