Hour 2: Jays Lineup Flexibility Pros and Cons w/ Kevin Barker

JD asks Kevin Barker, co-host of Blair and Barker, about Addison Barger's start to the season, why Barker is picking the Blue Jays to win the World Series, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s regular season ceiling, Brendon Little's falling standing in the pecking order, how the Jays may manage their injured starting rotation, and early thoughts on ABS. The show ends with 'What We Missed!'  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.  

JD and Jackie Redmond, from the NHL on TNT, chat about Max Domi's quote about the Maple Leafs culture and if "none of your business" is really true or what it could really mean. JD and Jackie then discuss what level of transparency fans deserve and how the organization has created an us-versus-them mentality. JD then reacts to the Raptors worst loss 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.

JD and theScore's Joseph Casciaro dig into the excitement of Scottie Barnes the point guard, make arguments for and against RJ Barrett to be a part of the Raptors long-term future, and talk about Brandon Ingram's first season with the Raptors. JD and Joseph then discuss Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the lingering conversation about officiating, plus NBA expansion on the horizon.  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.

JD reacts to MLSE President and CEO Keith Pelley's press conference following the firing of Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving. JD and Justin Bourne, co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, explain what they tookaway from Pelley's comments about being "data-driven" and a planning a retool versus a rebuild. JD and Justin then debate if the Leafs should continue building around Auston Matthews. JD wonders if there's too many "if's" and what the argument is for the Leafs to be back in playoff contention next 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.

JD and Ben Nicholson-Smith, Sportsnet MLB insider and reporter, talk about the decisions ahead for the Blue Jays after Cody Ponce's knee injury in his Jays debut. JD asks Ben about Trey Yesavage throwing a simulated game and when his return timetable could be, his thoughts on the limited time Ponce was able to pitch, what Brendon Little's disastrous start to the season could mean, his thoughts on Spencer Miles, and what's mattered to him to start the season. The show ends with 'What We Missed!' 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.  

JD reacts to the Maple Leafs firing general manager Brad Treliving and reflects on what the lesson(s) learned are. JD asks James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, why the Leafs made this decision now, if the new general manager will be hired by a hiring firm, how wide Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment might cast their net, how other teams around the league have turned their failures into success, what the biggest concern is as the decision-making begins, and if this changes the timeline or decision on Craig Berube.  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 television analyst, Joe Siddall, joins JD to analyzes the emotional rollover from last season at opening weekend, his most impressive performance of the weekend, early impressions of the Automated Ball-Strike system, the sustainability of Kazuma Okamoto’s debut performance, and Ernie Clement's next step. The show ends with 'What We Missed!' (37:30) 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.

JD and Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, talk about attending the Blue Jays home opener, how Toronto feels connected to this Jays team and their early thoughts that might matter. JD and Ben discuss the lack of confidence in Jeff Hoffman, rank the debuts of the new Jays additions, the waning Brendon Little belief, Kazuma Okamoto's presence, Dylan Cease and Eric Lauer stock, and the evolution of Ernie Clement. 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.

JD and Arden Zwelling, Sportsnet Blue Jays reporter, talk about their expectations for Dylan Cease, why Arden believes pitch framing is more important than ever with the Automated Ball-Strike system, what Cody Ponce could provide, if the bullpen has improved and how John Schneider may deploy it, which bat Arden sees improving, and the difference he's noticed from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The show ends with debate about the crowd-work trend in stand-up comedy.  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.

Dan Shulman, play by play voice of the Toronto Blue Jays, joins JD Bunkis to talk. about the unprecedented popularity and anticipation of the Blue Jays season. Dan shares what he thinks is an underrated storyline to start the season, before getting into Addison Barger's role as the x-factor, how he sees the Jays offence playing out, and his first season broadcasting without Buck Martinez. JD then touches on the Sweet Sixteen of college basketball.  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.