Show Notes
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.
More from Blair & Barker
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.