Best Josh Barker Podcasts (2025)

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Episode #308 - C. S. Lewis & The Bible with Dr. Leslie Baynes 1:01:19

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1h ago1:01:19

1:01:19

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Leslie Baynes, associate professor in the Department of Cultures, Languages, and Religions at Missouri State University and the author of the book that we're discussing in this episode, Between Interpretation and Imagination: C. S. Lewis and the Bible (published by Eerdmans). Over the course of our conversation,…

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Bishop Boswell 26:11

3h ago26:11

26:11

This week, Sarah Detwiler sits down with Bishop Boswell, one of the breakout stories of Tennessee Basketball. Bishop talks about finding joy in the game, stepping into a major role this season, and what the Vols learned from both a statement win over No. 5 Houston and a tough stretch of losses. He breaks down his Players Era Tournament breakout, wh…

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Dwindling Reliever Options + Kyle Tucker's Market 49:56

11d ago49:56

49:56

For the final episode of 2025 —barring any emergency podcasts— Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open with their reactions to the Atlanta Braves taking closer Robert Suárez off the market with a 3-year, $45M deal. Then, they share their thoughts on Jeff Passan's report that the Jays could be in on both Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker. MLB Network's Dan Plesa…

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Getting to Know Dylan Cease with Mike Shildt 49:50

12d ago49:50

49:50

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker check in on the final day of MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando. They react to Pete Alonso signing a 5-year, $155M deal with the Baltimore Orioles, follow up with some takeaways from Dylan Cease's introductory press conference yesterday, and revisit Shane Bieber's decision to pick up his player option. Cease's former manager…

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Episode #307 - From Dropout to Doctorate with Dr. Terence Lester 1:09:44

2h ago1:09:44

1:09:44

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Terence Lester, who is a minister, speaker, community activist, author, and founder of Love Beyond Walls, a not-for-profit organization focused on poverty awareness and community mobilization. He also serves as the director of public policy and social change and as a professor at Simmons College of Kentucky (HBC…

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Welcome to Toronto, Dylan Cease! 50:48

11m ago50:48

50:48

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open today's program ahead of this afternoon's introductory press conference for new Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher, Dylan Cease. The boys sift through the news of the day including Edwin Diaz's three-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers and Kyle Schwarber's five-year, $150 million extension with the Phillies.…

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Winter Meetings Buzz with Jon Morosi 49:55

3h ago49:55

49:55

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are back for the week to cover MLB's winter meetings! They go through the Blue Jays' early offseason moves, what free agents they'd be willing to part with, the need for a closer, and back-up plans if the team can't bring Bo Bichette back. MLB Network insider Jon Morosi joins the show (16:00) from the winter meetings in …

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Hayden Kubik 23:16

4d ago23:16

23:16

This week, Sarah Detwiler sits down with Lady Vol standout Hayden Kubik, who was recently selected third overall by the San Diego Mojo in the 2025 Major League Volleyball Draft. She recaps Tennessee’s 19–6 regular season, the team’s growth through the SEC Tournament, and the mindset heading into the NCAA Tournament. Hayden reflects on the moment sh…

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Episode #306 - Debriefing SBL 2025 1:16:54

2d ago1:16:54

1:16:54

In this episode, we debrief our time in Boston at SBL 2025. We discuss some of our highlights from the conferences, including our favorite papers and panels, and we took the mics around the book stalls for some impromptu interviews with (in order of appearance): Dr. Eva Puschautz, Prof. James McGrath, Dr. Andy Judd, Dr. Chris Fresch, Kent Hendricks…

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What Dylan Cease Brings + What's Next for the Blue Jays? 49:29

26d ago49:29

49:29

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are back for an offseason edition as the Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly signed starting pitcher Dylan Cease to a 7-year, $210 million contract. They share their reactions to the move, what Cease can bring to Toronto's rotation, and what comes next on the Jays' list of offseason priorities. Sportsnet insider Shi Davidi…

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Emergency Pod: Blue Jays Land Dylan Cease 15:11

20d ago15:11

15:11

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker reconvene for an emergency podcast to discuss the Blue Jays reported signing of right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease to a 7-year, $210 million contract. It's the largest pitching contract handed out by Toronto in franchise history and Blair and Barker break it all down! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are th…

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Episode #305 - Medieval Virtues and Vices with Dr. Grace Hamman 1:00:29

20d ago1:00:29

1:00:29

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Grace Hamman, who is an independent scholar of late medieval poetry and contemplative writing, and is the author of Jesus through Medieval Eyes as well as the book that we’re discussing in this episode, Ask of Old Paths: Medieval Virtues and Vices for a Whole and Holy Life (published by Zondervan). Over the cour…

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Braylon Staley 22:20

1M ago22:20

22:20

This week, Sarah Detwiler sits down Tennessee Football wide receiver Braylon Staley, a breakout star for one of the nation’s top offensive units. Staley opens up about his upbringing, his always-positive personality, and the family support that shaped him long before he stepped onto the field at Neyland Stadium. He reflects on why Knoxville felt li…

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EP 149 - How to Get Your Church’s December Guests Back in January, with Ryan Wakefield 27:06

1M ago27:06

27:06

Church Fuel CEO, Ryan Wakefield, and Leaders.Church Co-Founder, Dick Hardy, dialogue on what pastors and church leaders should focus on as they head into the holidays. Their major focus is not only on Christmas invites but even MORE on getting those December guests to return for whatever you have planned for January. Ryan is also giving away three …

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Episode #304 - Political Polarization with Tim Dixon 1:15:33

1M ago1:15:33

1:15:33

In this episode, we're joined by Tim Dixon, who is the co-founder of More in Common, an organization that works to build stronger and more inclusive democratic societies that are resilient to the threats of populism and division. In our conversation, we discuss political polarization and perceptions of "the other side's" willingness to perpetuate v…

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Janiah Barker 27:42

1M ago27:42

27:42

This week, Sarah Detwiler sits down with Lady Vol forward Janiah Barker for her first in-depth conversation since joining Tennessee Basketball. Barker reflects on her journey from playing at Texas A&M and UCLA to finding her home at Rocky Top. She shares what drew her to Tennessee, the connection she’s built with Coach Kim Caldwell, and how she’s a…

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Episode #303 - Rereading Revelation with Professor Greg Carey 48:44

1M ago48:44

48:44

In this episode, we're joined by Professor Greg Carey, who is Professor of New Testament at Lancaster Theology Seminary and Moravian Theological Seminary, and the author of the book that we’re discussing in this episode: Rereading Revelation: Theology, Ethics, and Resistance (published by Eerdmans). In our conversation we talk about the meaning of …

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Josh Elander 25:14

1M ago25:14

25:14

This week, Sarah Detwiler sits down with newly named Tennessee Baseball head coach Josh Elander for his first in-depth conversation since taking over the program. Elander reflects on a whirlwind few weeks for him and his family, the moment it all became real, and the overwhelming support from fans, alumni, and players across Vol Nation. He discusse…

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Mark Shapiro & Ross Atkins End-Of-Season Avails 1:24:13

1M ago1:24:13

1:24:13

We hear from Blue Jays President and CEO Mark Shapiro and General Manager Ross Atkins discussing a wide range of topics, including Shapiro's contract, Bo Bichette's free agency, Shane Bieber picking up his player option and much more! Plus, Jeff Blair heads to the Back-Leg Line to get your reactions on the Jays' front office end-of-season media ava…

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Episode #302 - The Fourth Synoptic Gospel with Professor Mark Goodacre 57:31

2M ago57:31

57:31

In this episode we're joined by Professor Mark Goodacre, who is Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Duke University and the author of The Fourth Synoptic Gospel: John’s Knowledge of Matthew, Mark, and Luke (published by Eerdmans). In this episode we discuss Prof. Goodacre's thesis that John knew and used each of the Synoptic Gospels…

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Post-World Series Priorities with David Samson 49:44

2M ago49:44

49:44

Former MLB President and host of 'Nothing Personal' David Samson (1:28) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about how he would plan for the upcoming offseason, assessing 'breakout years' from the likes of Ernie Clement and George Springer, Jeff Hoffman overcoming the game-tying home run in Game 7, Yoshinobu Yamamoto's uniqueness, how he would…

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An Incredible Run Comes to an End 49:38

1M ago49:38

49:38

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker reflect on the Toronto Blue Jays' Game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, falling short of a World Series title. They break down the game, including Jeff Hoffman giving up a game-tying home run to the Dodgers' nine-hole hitter and Isiah Kiner-Falefa's base-running in the ninth inning. Then, they share positive takeaways …

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When to Pivot, Persevere, or Purge with Josh Barker 33:31

2M ago33:31

33:31

Pivoting isn’t failure—it’s progress. In this episode of the City Innovations Podcast, Chris Tromp (COO, City Innovations) talks with Josh Barker (CEO & Founder, City Innovations) about the emotional and strategic realities of changing course, calling it quits, or pivoting. They unpack why failure is a critical part of learning and how focusing on …

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The Magnitude of 'One More Game' with Pat Gillick 49:26

2M ago49:26

49:26

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker hear from both Bo Bichette and John Schneider ahead of Game 6, reacting to Bo's comments about his future, returning from injury to play in the World Series, his maturity through the years within the Blue Jays' organization, and John's comments on how he spent Halloween at his doorstep a year ago to now having the chance…

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A Chance to Close Out Against Yamamoto 50:17

2M ago50:17

50:17

It's game day! Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look ahead to Game 6, a potential World Series-clinching stage for the Jays against the Dodgers. They go through the lineup, including George Springer's return to the lead-off spot and Bo Bichette's corresponding move back to second base. Then, two-time World Series champ and MLB Network's Al Leiter joins …

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Closing Out the World Series with MVP Jack Morris 49:52

2M ago49:52

49:52

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by 3-time World Series Champion and National Baseball Hall of Famer Jack Morris (4:20) to chat Trey Yesavage's historic Game 5 start in the World Series, the differences in pitching in the Fall Classic and regular season, how Kevin Gausman should approach pitching in a clincher, playing in extra-inning postsea…

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One. More. Win. 49:48

2M ago49:48

49:48

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker reflect on the Blue Jays' 6-1 win over the LA Dodgers in Game 5 to take a 3-2 World Series lead back to Toronto. They discuss Trey Yesavage's masterpiece on the mound and Addison Barger's awareness on the basepaths before looking ahead to Game 6 and how the Jays adjust to Yoshinobu Yamamoto the second time through. Later…

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Can Jays Take a Fall Classic Lead Back to Toronto? 49:43

2M ago49:43

49:43

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker start the second hour leading up to Game 5 of the World Series with Baseball Today host and Jomboy Media's Chris Rose (1:00). He shares his impressions of the first four games of the Fall Classic, the Dodgers' bottom-of-the-order hole, Chris Bassitt's bullpen breakout, and a national POV of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s postse…

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Jays Get to Ohtani to Even Up World Series 49:33

2M ago49:33

49:33

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker start with a look back on the Blue Jays' 6-2 win over the Dodgers in Game 4 to tie up the World Series, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s big home run off Shohei Ohtani and Shane Bieber's bounce-back. Then, they look ahead to Game 5, how the starters in Blake Snell and Trey Yesavage will adjust from their Game 1 outings,…

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Episode #301 - Scared by the Bible with Professor Brandon Grafius 56:43

2M ago56:43

56:43

In this episode we're joined by Professor Brandon Grafius, who is academic dean and professor of biblical studies at Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit, Michigan, and he’s the author of several works on religion and horror, including the book that we’re excited to talk about in this episode, Scared by the Bible: The Roots of Horror in Scrip…

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Overcoming an 18-Inning Loss Ahead of Game 4 49:25

2M ago49:25

49:25

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by MLB Network analyst and two-time World Series champion Jake Peavy to chat about what he thinks the message would be in the Blue Jays clubhouse before Game 4 after a gut-wrenching Game 3 loss, Shane Bieber's gameplan at attacking Shohei Ohtani, hitting against high velo pitches, and why we're seeing two of t…

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Questionable Decisions in the Game 3 Marathon 49:48

2M ago49:48

49:48

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' marathon Game 3 against the LA Dodgers, a 6-5 in the 18th inning. They reflect on the Jays' consequential decision to pitch to Shohei Ohtani in the seventh inning, John Schneider's pinch-run replacements, questionable umpire calls, Nathan Lukes' 12-inning at-bat against Clayton Kershaw with th…

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A Must-Win for Both Teams at Dodger Stadium 49:37

2M ago49:37

49:37

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by former MLB pitcher and co-host of 'VSiN By The Books' Jensen Lewis (1:03) to chat about the challenges for the Blue Jays playing in a late afternoon game in L.A. for the next three World Series games that includes shadows, the keys to attacking Tyler Glasnow and vice versa for pitching against the Jays' bat…

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Sizing Up Game 3's Starters with Jeff Passan and Eric Karros 49:21

2M ago49:21

49:21

As the World Series heads to Los Angeles, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look ahead to Monday night's Game 3 and share their expectations for the game's starters in Max Scherzer and Tyler Glasnow before welcoming ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan to the show (11:33). They discuss how Scherzer and George Springer are viewed in LA, whether Game 3 is a must-w…

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World Series Game 1 Special Preview 1:08:07

1M ago1:08:07

1:08:07

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker had the chance to chat with Blue Jays' pitching coach Pete Walker (1:13) from the World Series Media Day to talk about Trey Yesavage making his first Fall Classic start, Chris Bassitt's adjustment into a bullpen role during the ALCS and his projected workload against the L.A. Dodgers, and Jeff Hoffman's closing confidenc…

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Bo is Back + Blue Jays' National Reach 56:34

2M ago56:34

56:34

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to the Blue Jays' Game 1 lineup, which includes Bo Bichette in the clean-up spot and at second base. They weigh in on the decision and look at the rest of the World Series roster before listening in on Ross Atkins' and Bichette's game-day availability. Later, TVA Sports' play-by-play announcer Denis Casavant (27:58…

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EP 147 - Dealing with Conflict in the Church - Tim Barker 18:39

2M ago18:39

18:39

Every church will eventually encounter conflict. It’s a tough but essential challenge for growth and unity. In today’s podcast, we have the privilege of speaking with Pastor Tim Barker, the South Texas Network Superintendent, who oversees more than 300 churches and nearly 1,000 pastors. With decades of experience, he understands how to lead through…

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Cade Phillips 29:16

2M ago29:16

29:16

This week, Sarah Detwiler chats with junior forward Cade Phillips as Tennessee basketball gears up for the 2025 season. Phillips reflects on a fast offseason, lessons from back-to-back Elite Eight runs, and stepping into a leadership role as the most tenured Vol on the roster. He talks about the team’s chemistry with five new freshmen and three tra…

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State of MLB with Rob Manfred + '93 World Series MVP Paul Molitor 49:31

2M ago49:31

49:31

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by the Commissioner of Major League Baseball Rob Manfred (0:35) to chat about the current state of the game on the field and for audiences across all mediums and the world, the international stage being highlighted for the Fall Classic, how MLB approaches the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in L.A., Rogers Centr…

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Yesavage Gets Game 1, Bo's Options, and Pat Hentgen 49:51

2M ago49:51

49:51

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to the Blue Jays announcing Trey Yesavage as the Game 1 starter for the World Series and lay out their expectations for the 22-year-old. Then, Bo Bichette sits down with Jeff and Kevin (16:40) to discuss his recovery and how he'd approach possibly playing second base. Later, Dodgers President Stan Kasten (20:52) re…

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How Dodgers & Jays Match Up + Hall of Famer Frank Thomas 49:47

2M ago49:47

49:47

MLB Network's Jon Morosi joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker (1:11) to discuss how the Blue Jays match up against the L.A. Dodgers, the differences in types of pitchers and hitters the Milwaukee Brewers have compared to the American League champions, John Schneider's bullpen usage, why Chris Bassitt should get more run in the World Series, and projec…

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Is Game 1 a Must-Win? 49:47

2M ago49:47

49:47

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look ahead to Friday's Game 1 of the World Series and discuss the Blue Jays' keys against the Dodgers. They get into L.A.'s starting pitching edge and project how John Schneider will deploy the bullpen. Then, former MLB pitcher and cohost of Intentional Talk, Ryan Dempster, stops by (23:46) to discuss his World Series ru…

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EP 148 - Is Deconstruction in the Church Really the Right Thing to Be Doing? - Bobby Gourley 12:22

2M ago12:22

12:22

In this podcast, we talk with Leaders.Church member pastor Bobby Gourley, on the topic of Deconstruction in the Church. This discussion will clarify for many, what is good and what is bad about deconstruction. Pastor Bobby challenges all of us to seek God in the leadership of our churches. In doing so, we need to always separate what has become acc…

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Episode #300 - Celebrating 300 Episodes 1:56:35

2M ago1:56:35

1:56:35

In this episode, we're celebrating our 300th episode, which means that this episode is full of listener comments and questions, our responses to those questions, several examples of bloopers over the past two years, new music for the next 100 episodes, some exciting announcements and updates from the team, and the names of the winners of our nine b…

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Who Killed the Expos? + World Series Back-Leg Line! 49:45

2M ago49:45

49:45

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker welcome back former MLB President and host of Nothing Personal, David Samson (1:05) to revisit the fallout of the Montreal Expos as the newest Netflix documentary "Who Killed the Montreal Expos" releases which included Jeff and David, before looking towards the financial implications for both teams entering the World Ser…

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The Blue Jays Are Going to the World Series! 49:54

2M ago49:54

49:54

The Blue Jays are going to the World Series for the first time in 32 years! Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker listen back on all the calls of George Springer's clutch, go-ahead home run in the seventh inning of Game 7, discuss the teams' winding path to this point, and look ahead at the decisions the team will have to make ahead of Friday's Game 1 agains…

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Can Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Deliver Once Again? 49:53

2M ago49:53

49:53

ESPN's MLB Insider Jeff Passan joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker (3:20) to chat about if the Los Angeles Dodgers care who they face in the World Series between the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays, Vlad Guerrero Jr.'s incredible offensive performance throughout October, and if his view on John Schneider as a manager changed after his pitching…

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Game 7 in the Six 49:54

2M ago49:54

49:54

We've got a Game 7 in Toronto! Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get set with former GM and MLB Network analyst Jim Duquette (4:30), who discusses the Jays' momentum heading into the do-or-die stage, how the bats approach George Kirby the second time around and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s dominant postseason. Then, Jeff and Kevin project how John Schneider w…

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The Blue Jays' Game 5 Blueprint 49:32

2M ago49:32

49:32

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by Jays Central analyst Caleb Joseph (0:49) to go over the Blue Jays' Game 4 win and how they keep it rolling in Game 5. He discusses Max Scherzer's throwback start, how John Schneider will adjust in managing Kevin Gausman, how the bats attack Bryce Miller, and what's behind Andrés Giménez's recent offensive b…

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Managing the Moment with Derek Shelton & Dan Plesac 48:48

2M ago48:48

48:48

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open Friday's show with thoughts on the Blue Jays' Game 4 victory over the Seattle Mariners. Dan Plesac, former MLB pitcher and current MLB Network analyst, discusses Toronto's momentum moving forward and Max Scherzer's fiery interaction with John Schneider in the fifth inning, before setting the stage for Kevin Gausman'…