# In the Hitting Lab with David Popkins + Kevin Pillar!

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/blair-barker-666748/in-the-hitting-lab-with-david-popkins-kevin-pillar
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/blair-barker-666748/in-the-hitting-lab-with-david-popkins-kevin-pillar.md
Podcast: [Blair & Barker](https://stenobird.com/podcast/blair-barker-666748)
Published: 2026-05-05T19:59:13+00:00
Episode link: https://www.sportsnet.ca/590/blair-barker/
Audio file: https://rogers.simplecastaudio.com/7206b10b-8140-46fd-af9f-b99ab43d03b8/episodes/cecec314-2f1a-4bd3-a569-e5e513e17be1/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=7206b10b-8140-46fd-af9f-b99ab43d03b8&awEpisodeId=cecec314-2f1a-4bd3-a569-e5e513e17be1&feed=3UhSEnAe
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/blair-barker-666748/episodes/in-the-hitting-lab-with-david-popkins-kevin-pillar
Duration seconds: 2975

## Resource

David Popkins, Toronto Blue Jays hitting coach, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about the state of the team. David discusses his work to get the team's offence in sync, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s lack of power, the impact of Kazuma Okamoto's change in approach, Daulton Varsho and Jesús Sánchez' performance at the plate, utilizing the Automated Ball-Strike system, and George Springer's status. Later, Kevin Pillar (27:45), former Blue Jay and Sportsnet analyst, stops by the studio to share his view on Vladdy's start to the season, the current vibe in the clubhouse, the Jays' approach at the plate, and much more! 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.

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## Transcript

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