Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

The Houston Astros have fired general manager Dana Brown as their season and the American League playoff race descend into chaos. DVR and Eno break down what went wrong for Houston, and what's next for their pitching plan and roster-building misses.

Plus, the Dodgers lose Andy Pages for approximately four to five weeks, prompting a deeper discussion about outfield defense and how we should evaluate metrics like Outs Above Average, Defensive Runs Saved and Statcast Fielding Run Value.

Then it's time to answer your mailbag questions. What has happened to Bryce Miller? Eno digs into Miller's declining velocity and inconsistent command — and explains why Kade Anderson's arrival creates even more pressure on Miller's rotation outlook.

Plus, Andrew Painter's arsenal changes, Matthew Liberatore, Justin Martinez and the best fantasy baseball waiver-wire options for the stretch run.

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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: McEnroe Francis

#houstonastros #dodgers #mlb #baseball #alwest #mlbplayoffs

00:00 Today on Rates & Barrels

01:27 Chicago Meetup & Show Business

03:05 AL Playoff Race Remains Total Chaos

05:34 Could a Losing Team Make the Playoffs?

07:39 Astros Fire GM Dana Brown

09:03 What Has Changed Inside the Astros?

09:49 Houston’s Analytics Brain Drain

12:16 What Went Wrong Under Dana Brown?

13:18 Astros’ Pitching Plan & Roster Misses

15:20 Can Houston Build Another Contender?

17:58 AL West Front Offices in Turmoil

19:31 Can the Mariners Still Win the AL West?

21:22 Dodgers Lose Andy Pages

22:41 How Should We Measure Outfield Defense?

27:41 Who Steps Up for the Dodgers?

29:09 Is It Time to Move On From Bryce Miller?

30:11 What’s Wrong With Bryce Miller?

32:21 Kade Anderson Changes Miller’s Outlook

34:00 Can You Still Start Bryce Miller?

36:56 Jacob Lopez’s Surprising Run

39:01 Has Cleveland Unlocked Joe Adell?

40:13 Can Better Coaching Really Fix a Hitter?

44:04 Kade Anderson’s First MLB Start

46:15 Eno’s Kade Anderson Evaluation

48:22 Is Kade Anderson Already Overvalued?

51:06 Andrew Painter Is Making Real Changes

52:57 Matthew Liberatore & Two-Start Pitchers

56:15 Justin Martinez Returns

57:32 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire

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Legendary Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow will be retiring from the booth after 36 seasons. He shares the emotional outpouring he's received from fans, the gut-wrenching moment he told his partner Duane Kuiper, and highlights from a lifetime of stories — from homering off Steve Carlton to lessons learned from Harry Caray and Vin Scully.

Rundown:

00:00 Intro

02:35 Showing Love to Local Voices

10:43 Welcoming Mike Krukow

13:47 The Magic of Kruk and Kuip

17:04 How Kruk and Kuip Evolved

20:30 The Hard Decision to Step Away

26:05 Surprising Fans

28:30 Krukow's Baseball History

35:36 Most Important Item

38:58 The Hall of Fame

41:56 The Remainder of the Season

43:42 Sliding Doors

47:41 Playing in Candlestick Park

49:53 Silly Kruk and Kuip Stories

57:29 Farewell Mike Krukow

59:27 Strange But True

Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.social

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E-mail: starkville@theathletic.com

Starkville Hotline: (347) 313-8371

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Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville

With: Mike Krukow

Producer: Tauri J. Miller

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Who are the best starting pitchers in baseball right now — and which arms actually belong in the ace tier? Eno Sarris returns with his updated starting pitcher rankings as DVR breaks down some of the toughest calls, biggest risers and most surprising placements on the board.

Blake Snell is back in the top 10, landing at No. 10 after another strong stretch, while Drew Rasmussen climbs all the way to No. 11 as his health and consistency continue to change the way we value him. How sustainable are the pitch-mix and process changes that have helped pitchers like Snell and Rasmussen reach another level?

Then there’s Bryan Woo at No. 22. Woo has flashed ace-level stretches and was pushed aggressively during fantasy draft season, but familiar home-road splits and questions about sustaining an elite strikeout rate may leave him looking more like a high-end SP2 than a true fantasy ace.

Then, one of baseball’s top pitching prospects arrives. Kade Anderson is set to make his MLB debut Saturday against the Chicago Cubs after skipping Triple-A. The Mariners’ left-hander has dominated Double-A pairing elite command with a four-pitch arsenal.

Finally, the guys preview the fantasy baseball waiver wire, including Ethan “Tugboat” Holliday, Ethan Pecko’s MLB debut, Jackson Kent’s second look and several pitchers who could matter during the fantasy playoffs.

Rates & Barrels with Derek Van Riper and Eno Sarris delivers fantasy baseball strategy, MLB analysis, advanced pitching metrics, prospects, waiver-wire advice and everything you need for the stretch run.

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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

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Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels

Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: McEnroe Francis

Thumbnail Credit: Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images(SNELL)

Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images(WOO)

00:00 Eno’s Updated Starting Pitcher Rankings

03:24 Blake Snell Is Back in the Top 10

05:16 Drew Rasmussen Keeps Rising

09:00 Logan Henderson vs. Kyle Harrison

11:48 Managing Pitcher Workloads Down the Stretch

12:43 When Will Chase Burns Be Shut Down?

14:58 Bryan Woo at No. 22 — Ace or SP2?

17:57 Why Is Joey Cantillo Ranked No. 40?

20:38 What’s Going Wrong With José Soriano?

25:19 Kade Anderson Is Coming to the Majors

26:35 What Should We Expect From Kade Anderson?

27:37 What Troy Melton Can Teach Us About Anderson

31:01 How Historic Is Anderson’s Double-A Dominance?

35:14 Does Dominating Double-A Predict MLB Success?

36:58 Projecting Kade Anderson in the Majors

38:18 Where Would Anderson Rank Right Now?

41:10 Should You Add Kade Anderson?

42:33 Why Second-Half Stats Can Mislead Us

42:52 Pete Crow-Armstrong & the Second-Half Trap

43:43 What Brice Turang Tells Us About Recency Bias

45:01 Can Second-Half Slumps Create Draft Bargains?

51:08 Waiver Wire & Baseball News

51:29 A’s Hit Hard By Season-Ending Injuries

55:09 Orioles Playing-Time Opportunities

57:43 What’s Going On With Ketel Marte?

59:09 Jordan Lawlar Gets His Opportunity

1:01:31 Rookie Pitchers to Target on Waivers

1:01:54 Tugboat, Ethan Pecko & Jackson Kent

1:07:00 Ethan Pecko’s Stuff & Role

1:07:28 What Happened With Tugboat’s Fastball?

#FantasyBaseball #BlakeSnell #BryanWoo #MLB #Pitching #KadeAnderson #RatesAndBarrels

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Shohei Ohtani isn't the No. 1 pick in the first major 2027 fantasy baseball draft. So who went ahead of him? Ryan Bloomfield of Baseball HQ and Bubba and the Bloom joins DVR to break down the Meatball Draft and give us an incredibly early look at the 2027 fantasy baseball rankings, ADP, breakouts, bargains and potential first-round picks.

Pete Crow-Armstrong steals the No. 1 spot in the Meatball Draft. PCA's combination of power and speed has pushed him all the way to the top of this early 2027 fantasy baseball draft board, ahead of Ohtani and the rest of baseball's biggest fantasy stars. The guys discuss how much weight to give a breakout season and when fantasy managers should trust a young player enough to pay a first-round price.

Then there's Paul Skenes. One of baseball's biggest pitching stars falls all the way to the fifth round amid questions about his recent performance and health. Plus, Edwin Díaz falls to Round 11, Gavin Williams continues his rise, Zach Neto becomes a potential buy-low candidate and position eligibility creates some unexpected complications.

The guys break down how pitching risk, injuries and the final weeks of the 2026 MLB season could completely reshape this draft board by next spring.

Before looking ahead to 2027, DVR and Mac break down the latest chaos in the American League playoff race, including Pete Alonso's apparent go-ahead home run against the Yankees that was ruled foul.

With seven teams separated by only 2.5 games around the final AL Wild Card race, virtually nobody has been able to separate from the pack.

Plus, the Tigers' recent struggles, the Twins' surprising playoff position and one extremely important question: what is the greatest baseball video game of all time?

#ShoheiOhtani #FantasyBaseball #MLB #FantasyBaseball2027 #PeteCrowArmstrong #PaulSkenes #Baseball #RatesAndBarrels

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Contributor: Ryan Bloomfield

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: McEnroe Francis

00:00 The First Look at 2027 Fantasy Baseball

02:11 Pete Alonso’s Controversial Foul Ball

04:03 The AL Wild Card Race Is a Mess

05:20 Twins, Tigers & the Crowded AL Playoff Picture

08:10 Pirates Walk Off the Tigers

11:22 What’s the Greatest Baseball Video Game Ever?

14:57 Inside the First 2027 Fantasy Baseball Draft

17:15 How Do You Draft for 2027 This Early?

19:56 Ohtani, Judge & the Top of the 2027 Draft Board

21:05 Jordan Walker & Konnor Griffin Make Huge Leaps

23:56 Proven Stars vs. Breakout Players

25:15 Buying Low on Vlad Jr., Acuña, Raleigh & Marte

29:56 Does Draft Position Really Matter?

32:04 Where Are the Top Starting Pitchers?

33:57 Why Drafting Pitchers Early Is So Risky

38:44 Finding the Next Breakout Fantasy Ace

43:18 How Far Should Paul Skenes Fall?

45:52 Is Edwin Díaz a Massive 2027 Bargain?

49:14 José Ramírez & Corbin Carroll Value

50:08 Gavin Williams’ Rise

52:09 Is Zach Neto a 2027 Bounce-Back?

54:36 Late-Round Values & Position Eligibility

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Kevin McGonigle isn't just running away with the American League Rookie of the Year race — he's already playing like one of the best players in baseball. DVR, Eno Sarris and Jed Lowrie take a deep dive into McGonigle, JJ Wetherholt and an incredibly deep 2026 MLB rookie class to determine which young stars have the skills to sustain their early success.

On the National League side, JJ Wetherholt has emerged as another remarkably polished young hitter. The guys compare Wetherholt and McGonigle's swings, plate approaches, defense and power potential — including why Wetherholt's deeper contact point could leave him with more untapped power as he develops.

The rookie conversation doesn't stop there. Munetaka Murakami presents a fascinating power-versus-strikeout dilemma, while Konnor Griffin, Carson Benge and Sal Stewart offer very different combinations of tools, plate discipline, defense and long-term upside. Griffin's elite physical tools in particular make him one of the most intriguing young players to watch heading toward 2027.

Plus: Shohei Ohtani and Pete Crow-Armstrong continue their nightly NL MVP battle, Fernando Tatis Jr. makes one of the catches of the year, and the Brewers hang 22 runs on the Mariners.

First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Contributor: Jed Lowrie

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: McEnroe Francis

Thumbnail Courtesy: Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

00:00 MLB’s Loaded Rookie Class

02:14 Ohtani vs. PCA, Tatis’ Incredible Catch & Brewers Score 22

03:26 Kevin McGonigle’s Historic Rookie Season

12:42 Kevin McGonigle vs. JJ Wetherholt

22:35 Munetaka Murakami’s Extreme Power Profile

29:50 Konnor Griffin’s Superstar Upside

32:19 Carson Benge & Sal Stewart

38:22 Which Other Rookies Have Star Potential?

39:52 Rookies Flying Under the Radar

42:06 A.J. Ewing & George Lombard Jr.

49:01 Cole Carrigg

52:46 Sam Antonacci

56:56 Ryan Waldschmidt

1:00:41 What’s Going On With Travis Bazzana?

1:04:05 Which Rookie Baseball Cards Should You Buy?

#KevinMcGonigle #DetroitTigers #MLB #MLBRookies #RookieOfTheYear #Baseball #FantasyBaseball #RatesAndBarrels

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Pete Crow-Armstrong is making a serious push in the National League MVP race. After another huge night for the Chicago Cubs — including two home runs and a walk-off blast against the White Sox — PCA now has back-to-back 30/30 seasons and has put himself squarely into the NL MVP conversation with Shohei Ohtani.

DVR and Eno break down PCA's remarkable surge and how dramatically his outlook has changed. Since June 2, PCA has hit 23 home runs with 19 stolen bases and a 197 wRC+ — the best mark among all MLB hitters during that span. Has Pete Crow-Armstrong reached another level, and can he really challenge Ohtani for the 2026 NL MVP Award?

Plus, the guys discuss the strange situation surrounding Ketel Marte and the Arizona Diamondbacks. DVR and Eno examine what we know, the apparent communication breakdown between Marte and the D-backs, and whether the situation could eventually impact his future in Arizona.

There is also significant injury news for the New York Yankees, as Max Fried returns to the injured list with an elbow bone bruise just as Carlos Rodón returns to the Yankees rotation. What should New York expect from Rodón down the stretch, and how concerning is Fried's recurring elbow issue as the Yankees prepare for a potential postseason run?

Then, The Athletic's Chandler Rome joins the show for a deep dive on the Houston Astros and the AL West race. The Astros have surged to the top of the division despite a season filled with pitching injuries. The group examines Hunter Brown's command, Houston's pitching development, its uncertain postseason rotation and whether the lineup around its biggest stars is deep enough for October.

On the National League side, The Athletic's Dennis Lin joins the show to break down the San Diego Padres' playoff push. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill have helped revive the Padres' offense as San Diego attempts to hold onto an NL Wild Card spot.

Finally, the guys break down a wild Padres night on the bases and one important lesson: do not run on Carson Benge. After San Diego repeatedly challenged Benge's arm, DVR and Eno look at MLB's strongest outfield arms and how baserunning decisions can swing games during a tight playoff race.

Rates & Barrels with Derek Van Riper and Eno Sarris delivers MLB analysis, advanced baseball metrics, fantasy baseball insight, player development, prospects and the biggest stories from around Major League Baseball.

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Contributors: Chandler Rome & Dennis Lin

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: McEnroe Francis

#petecrowarmstrong #cubs #shoheiohtani #NLМVP #mlb #baseball

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The American League Wild Card race is complete chaos. With the Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners and Minnesota Twins battling for position in a crowded AL playoff picture, DVR and Eno Sarris break down which teams have the best chance to survive the final weeks of the 2026 MLB season.

The Orioles are playing their way back into the postseason race despite selling at the MLB Trade Deadline, while the Rangers, Tigers and Mariners are all trying to find enough consistency to grab a Wild Card spot. How much should we trust Baltimore's resurgence? Can Texas overcome its pitching concerns? And which of these flawed American League contenders is actually built to make a playoff run?

The guys also look at the Chicago White Sox's sweep of the Detroit Tigers and what it means for the AL Central race. Plus Joshua Baez makes MLB history with an unforgettable debut for the St. Louis Cardinals. Baez homered three times in his first three Major League plate appearance

In the Monday mailbag, DVR and Eno examine how the Tampa Bay Rays continue to find pitching advantages, including their unusual success developing and deploying changeups.

Rates & Barrels is your home for MLB analysis, advanced baseball statistics, fantasy baseball strategy, prospects, player development and everything happening around Major League Baseball with Derek Van Riper and Eno Sarris.

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: McEnroe Francis

00:00 - Today on Rates & Barrels

03:06 - The AL Playoff Picture Is a Mess

03:10 - White Sox Sweep the Tigers

05:10 - What’s Gone Wrong for Detroit?

08:23 - Breaking Down the AL Playoff Race

08:53 - Orioles, Rangers & Mariners Battle for Wild Card

11:56 - Joshua Baez Makes MLB History

12:18 - Breaking Down Joshua Baez’s Incredible Debut

15:00 - Can Baez Overcome the Swing-and-Miss?

26:18 - Mailbag: What Have the Rays Found With Changeups?

29:32 - How Tampa Bay Keeps Finding Pitching

32:25 - George Kirby & Long-Term Pitcher Value

39:13 - Early Look at 2027 Fantasy Hitter Rankings

46:13 - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire

46:21 - How Much FAAB Should You Spend on Joshua Baez?

58:35 - Late-Season Closer Targets

#mlb #mlbplayoffs #orioles #rangers #fantasybaseball

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The Dodgers are ruining baseball—or they’re not. These days, it depends on who you ask. This week, Jayson and Doug go straight to the source, sitting down with Dodgers president Andrew Friedman to get his take on the firestorm, as well as the inside story of how he pulled off the trade for Tarik Skubal. Plus, Jayson and Doug try to make sense of what happened in Toronto, where the Red Sox scored on one of the strangest plays in recent baseball history.

Rundown:

2:55 A Fourth Out in Toronto?

15:33 Andrew Friedman Stops By

15:57 The Rich Get Richer with Tarik Skubal

21:33 Are the Dodgers Ruining Baseball?

29:21 How a Big Deal Goes Down

31:20 Listening to the Players

32:24 Transitioning From Player to GM

33:17 The Awe-Inspiring Shohei Ohtani

36:06 Strange But True

41:10 Doug’s Strange But True Moment

Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.social

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Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville

With: Andrew Friedman

Producer: Jason Potere

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The Seattle Mariners sent Colt Emerson back to Triple-A — so what went wrong for one of baseball’s most talented young prospects? DVR and Eno Sarris break down Emerson’s struggles, his alarming strikeout rate, what Seattle should expect from him going forward and why a reset in the minors could ultimately be the right move for his development.

Plus, Jacob deGrom left his latest start with right triceps fatigue, adding another major injury concern for a Rangers rotation already dealing with the loss of Nathan Eovaldi. DVR and Eno look at potential replacements and break down several pitchers nearing returns, including Edward Cabrera and Carlos Rodón. DeGrom said afterward that he was optimistic the issue wasn't serious, though further evaluation was expected.

The guys also discuss another blown save from Edwin Díaz and whether the Dodgers should temporarily make a change in the ninth inning. Could Tanner Scott become the reliever to roster if Los Angeles gives Díaz a break from closing?

Then Niv Shah joins the show to help navigate fantasy trade deadlines. Is Corbin Carroll worth paying up for? Is Gunnar Henderson becoming a potential 2027 draft-day bargain? And how should fantasy managers value stars like Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto as keeper and dynasty decisions loom?

First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026

Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social

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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Contributor: Niv Shah

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: McEnroe Francis

Thumbnail Courtesy: Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

00:00 Today on Rates & Barrels

03:00 Taj Bradley & Field of Dreams Takeaways

05:15 Is Baseball Better Without the Strike Zone Box?

11:01 Brewers Hit Hard by Injuries

15:08 Cooper Pratt’s Fantasy Outlook

18:28 What Went Wrong With Colt Emerson?

24:33 Mariners’ Struggles & Cal Raleigh’s Down Year

27:48 Jacob deGrom Injury & Pitchers Returning Soon

30:45 Is Jared Jones Still a Must-Roster Pitcher?

34:24 Fantasy Waiver Wire: Hunter Dobbins

36:09 Jackson Kent’s Fantasy Potential

40:20 Should Dodgers Make a Change at Closer?

43:07 Fantasy Saves & Bullpen Targets

45:23 Young Shortstops & Fantasy Waiver Targets

45:43 Is Zac Veen Finally Breaking Out?

52:35 Fantasy Baseball Trade Deadline Strategy

53:58 Ohtani, Judge & Soto’s Massive Keeper Prices

59:25 Buy Low on Corbin Carroll?

1:00:36 What Happened to Gunnar Henderson?

1:04:49 Fantasy Value of Gunnar Henderson in 2027

1:05:20 The Chicago Hot Dog Review

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Buster Posey is a San Francisco Giants legend — but could running the team put that legacy at risk? Britt Ghiroli joins DVR and Eno Sarris to discuss her exclusive reporting on Posey’s transition from franchise icon to president of baseball operations, the decisions that have defined his tenure so far, and what comes next for the struggling Giants.

They also break down the major roster decisions of the Posey era, including the Rafael Devers trade, Willy Adames contract and Matt Chapman, while looking at whether San Francisco can remain competitive as its next wave of young talent develops. With much of the Giants’ best prospect talent still years away from the majors, how should Posey approach the offseason and build a bridge to the organization’s future?

DVR, Eno and Britt also examine growing concerns surrounding the Philadelphia Phillies. Philadelphia's offense remains near the bottom of MLB in wRC+, the bullpen has struggled to protect leads, and the Phillies find themselves in a tightening National League playoff race with the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks.

Plus, Hunter Greene needs a second Tommy John surgery, potentially sidelining the Cincinnati Reds ace for most or all of 2027. What does Greene's latest injury mean for Cincinnati's future, and is pressure mounting on the Reds' front office after six seasons under Nick Krall?

🎧 Rates & Barrels with Derek Van Riper, Eno Sarris and Britt Ghiroli.

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Britt's article on Buster Posey

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7499186/2026/08/13/san-francisco-giants-buster-posey-legacy/

Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Contributor: Britt Ghiroli

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: McEnroe Francis

Thumbnail Courtesy: Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

00:00 Today on Rates & Barrels

04:18 Field of Dreams Game Returns

07:38 Is It Time to Worry About the Phillies?

12:46 Phillies on the Outside of NL Playoff Picture

15:04 Inside Buster Posey’s Giants Gamble

18:19 Evaluating the Rafael Devers Trade

21:59 What Happened to the Giants’ Pitching?

26:06 Are the Giants Falling Behind Other Front Offices?

29:15 What Could Posey Have Done Differently?

32:52 The Tony Vitello Gamble

38:42 Does Posey Have the Right People Around Him?

42:54 How Can Posey Fix the Giants?

47:44 What Happened to Willy Adames?

55:29 How Long Will the Giants’ Rebuild Take?

57:16 Hunter Greene Needs Another Tommy John Surgery

1:01:13 How Long Should MLB Front Offices Get?

1:06:56 Is It Time for Changes in Cincinnati?

1:10:36 What’s Next for the A’s Front Office?

1:14:45 Thanks for Watching

#phillies #sanfranciscogiants #mlbwildcard #cincinnatireds

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The Cleveland Guardians once looked like they were cruising toward an AL Central title. Now, after losing 13 of 17, Cleveland has fallen back into one of baseball’s most unpredictable division races. DVR and Eno Sarris are joined by Zack Meisel to break down what has gone wrong for the Guardians and whether they can turn their season around.

The guys take a deep dive into the AL Central playoff race, where the Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins and Guardians remain tightly packed. Are the Tigers actually the best team in the division even after moving Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline? And could young players like Max Clark help swing the race down the stretch?

Then, the Rates & Barrels mailbag opens with a fascinating question: Are Dodgers prospects consistently overrated? DVR and Eno look back at Los Angeles’ highly ranked prospects to separate prospect hype from the reality of player development.

Plus, they examine River Ryan’s long-term outlook and injury history, whether Jake McCarthy's breakout is sustainable, the Brewers' unusual save situations involving Chad Patrick, and what to make of Jake Bauers' strong season.

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Contributor: Zack Meisel

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: McEnroe Francis

#tigers #guardians #whitesox #dodgers #mlbwildcard

00:00 - Today on Rates & Barrels

01:24 - Breaking Down the Wild AL Central Race

03:20 - Who Is Actually the Best Team in the AL Central?

11:14 - Which AL Central Lineup Is Best?

15:40 - Why the Tigers Still Look Like the Team to Beat

16:46 - Max Clark’s Impressive MLB Start

20:00 - Young White Sox & the AL Central’s X-Factors

24:30 - What’s Gone Wrong With the Cleveland Guardians?

29:01 - Steven Kwan’s Turnaround

31:07 - Why Cleveland’s Offense Struggles in Big Moments

34:42 - The Guardians’ Young Hitters

37:26 - Cleveland’s Pitching & Bullpen Workload

39:31- Did the Guardians Do Enough at the Trade Deadline?

43:02 - Mailbag: Are Dodgers Prospects Overrated?

45:12 - What Happened to the Dodgers’ Top Prospects?

49:36 - How Often Do Top Prospects Actually Hit?

51:18 - River Ryan’s Talent vs. Injury Risk

57:48 - Is Jake McCarthy’s Breakout Sustainable?

1:01:53 - What’s Going On With the Brewers’ Saves?

1:03:16 - Is Jake Bauers’ Breakout for Real?

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How do pitchers handle doubt, failure and the pressure of knowing one bad pitch can change an outing? Trevor May joins DVR and Eno for a conversation about the mental side of pitching in the major leagues. Trevor explains the battle to convince yourself that you belong, how pitchers build confidence and an on-field persona, and why the mental side of the game can be every bit as important as mechanics or stuff.

Plus, DVR, Eno and Trevor discuss the latest pitching news and performances around MLB, along with one of baseball's strangest rules sequences after the Red Sox scored against the Blue Jays on a rare timing play. They explain why the run counted, what Toronto could have done differently, and how an incorrect scoreboard helped create the confusion.

Finally, Trevor takes the show inside his post-MLB experience with Banana Ball, including what it's like competing in a completely different baseball environment and the adjustments that come with stepping back onto the mound.

Rates & Barrels brings together advanced baseball analysis, pitching development, fantasy baseball strategy and the perspective of someone who has experienced the mental and physical challenges of pitching in the major leagues.

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Contributor: Trevor May

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: McEnroe Francis

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Red Sox aren't cheating—they're simply playing better baseball.

DVR and Eno break down why Boston's offense has transformed over the last three months, examining the coaching changes, a dramatically more aggressive approach in the strike zone and why the numbers suggest this turnaround is completely sustainable—not the result of anything nefarious. They also react to the growing online conspiracy theories surrounding Boston's recent surge and explain why the underlying metrics tell a much different story.

Elsewhere around baseball, the Dodgers continue to pile up pitching while questions remain about their aging offense after another series against Arizona. The guys discuss Eduardo Rodriguez's resurgence, Brandon Pfaadt's adjustments, Ryan Waldschmidt's development, and whether Los Angeles should have any real concerns heading toward October.

The Tigers welcomed Jackson Jobe back to the rotation, and his electric season debut has fantasy managers—and Detroit fans—dreaming big. DVR and Eno explain why Jobe's Stuff+ and Location+ numbers make him one of the most exciting pitching pickups of the season and whether he's ready to become a major weapon down the stretch.

The show also covers Garrett Cole's encouraging return to form, Peyton Tolle's incredible rise and what the latest offensive trends around baseball tell us about which teams are built for October.

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

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The Phillies made one of the biggest splashes at the trade deadline by landing a three-time batting champion, and Dave Dombrowski joins Jayson and Doug to break down how it all came together. The guys also look back at a whirlwind deadline that saw a former No. 1 overall pick dealt within the division, while Doug shares what it was like to be traded himself at the 2003 deadline. Plus, another edition of Strange But True heads to the Motor City for a one-of-a-kind line score you won't believe.

Rundown:

2:34 Adley Rutschman Traded to Boston

5:00 Doug Deadline Deal

12:47 Dave Dombrowski Visits Starkville

13:50 Luis Arraez Trade Impact

18:24 Trade Deadline Reaction

43:36 Defeating a Juggernaut

46:39 Dave’s Future in Baseball

47:54 Strange But True

Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.social

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Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville

With: Dave Dombrowski

Producer: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The MLB Trade Deadline is over, but the biggest debate is just beginning. Jayson Stark joins DVR and Eno to break down whether modern front offices have become too focused on future value—and whether the Detroit Tigers made the biggest mistake of the deadline by trading Tarik Skubal while sitting in the middle of a playoff race.

The conversation dives into the philosophy behind today's trade market, why more teams are willing to sacrifice tomorrow for today, and whether aggressive executives like A.J. Preller and Dave Dombrowski are becoming the exception rather than the rule. The trio also discusses why rental prices climbed this season, how the Red Sox approached the deadline differently, and what other contenders can learn from Boston's aggressive strategy.

Later in the episode, the focus shifts to fantasy baseball as DVR and Eno identify the biggest winners and losers following the deadline, highlighting new opportunities, lineup changes and playing-time battles that could shape fantasy leagues over the final two months of the season.

Whether you're following the playoff race, preparing for fantasy baseball's stretch run, or looking for deeper insight into how today's front offices think, this episode of Rates & Barrels has you covered.

#Dodgers #tigers #mlbwildcard #mlbtradedeadline

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

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Editor: McEnroe Francis

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Are the Los Angeles Dodgers really the team with the best playoff rotation in baseball? DVR and Eno rank every MLB contender's projected postseason rotation, debating where the Dodgers, Phillies, Brewers, Yankees, Mariners, Pirates and every other playoff hopeful belong heading into October. Then they compare their rankings against the numbers to see where the biggest surprises emerge.

Before diving into the tier list, DVR and Eno examine whether Paul Skenes is actually struggling or simply suffering from bad luck. They break down the Pirates ace's recent stretch, discuss why his strikeout rate still points toward elite production, and explain why now may be the perfect time to buy low in fantasy baseball.

The guys also discuss Chris Sale's incredible resurgence as the Braves ace continues throwing harder than ever at age 37. Is Sale building a Hall of Fame résumé, and how sustainable is this version of one of baseball's most dominant pitchers?

Finally, they look at Cleveland prospect Angel Genao's impressive four-hit MLB debut, what it means for the Guardians moving forward, and one of the most entertaining pitching celebrations baseball has seen all season from Mets reliever Jeffrey Yan.

If you're looking for MLB playoff analysis, fantasy baseball advice, advanced pitching breakdowns, prospect analysis and postseason projections, Rates & Barrels has you covered.

00:00 - Introduction and Week Overview

03:39 - Analazing Paul Skeens' Performance

05:28 - Chris Sale's Resurgence

09:36 - Evaluating Playoff Rotations

11:27 - Team Tier Rankings Discussion

35:56 - Evaluating Pitching Rotations

40:34 - Analyzing Team Performance and Projections

54:34 - Prospect Promotions and Player Debuts

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Contributor: Jed Lowrie

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Editor: McEnroe Francis

#dodgers #brewers #phillies #yankees

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The MLB Trade Deadline fallout continues as Tarik Skubal makes his highly anticipated debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers. DVR, Eno and Jed Lowrie break down Skubal's first start in Dodger blue, what it means for Los Angeles' loaded rotation, and whether the Chicago Cubs' recent success against the Dodgers should change expectations in the National League.

The Boston Red Sox continue to surge despite injuries, and the latest updates on Garrett Crochet and Roman Anthony provide hope for one of baseball's hottest teams.

Plus, the Philadelphia Phillies unveil their new defensive alignment after acquiring Luis Arraez, moving Bryce Harper back to right field while reshuffling the infield for the stretch run.

DVR, Eno and Jed also take a deep dive into several contenders who's hitters are underperforming expectations. Are the Brewers becoming too dependent on unexpected offensive contributors heading toward October? Is the Dodgers' lineup showing major flaws ahead of the postseason? Will the Mariners' offensive struggles rediscover their power before October arrives.

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Contributor: Jed Lowrie

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: McEnroe Francis

00:00 - Intro

04:00 -Tarik Skubal Debuts for the Dodgers

10:55 - Red Sox Continue Rolling Despite Injuries

14:25 - Phillies Unveil Their New Defensive Alignment

20:50 - What's Wrong with Christian Yelich?

28:15 - William Contreras & Milwaukee's Offensive Questions

34:30 - Dodgers Hitters Showing Signs of Regression?

44:50 - Should Mariners Fans Be Worried?

49:15 - Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez & Josh Naylor Breakdown

#dodgers #brewers #mariners #phillies

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The MLB Trade Deadline may be over, but the fallout is only beginning. DVR and Eno break down the biggest stories still shaping baseball, including the shocking trade that sent Adley Rutschman from the Baltimore Orioles to the Boston Red Sox and what it means for both franchises moving forward.

The New York Yankees made one of the most surprising roster moves of the season by promoting top prospect George Lombard Jr. while optioning Anthony Volpe and Jasson Domínguez. DVR and Eno discuss what the moves say about New York's future, how Elliott Ramos fits into the roster, and whether the Yankees are positioning themselves for another deep postseason run.

The guys also examine the biggest winners and losers from the trade deadline, including a closer look at Emmet Sheehan's demotion, the Dodgers' loaded rotation after acquiring Tarik Skubal, Washington's infield auditions and Atlanta's playoff outlook.

If you're looking for the latest MLB trade deadline analysis, fantasy baseball advice, prospect breakdowns and playoff outlooks, Rates & Barrels has you covered.

#newyorkyankees #redsox #mlbtradedeadline #braves #dodgers

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: McEnroe Francis

00:00 - Intro

01:30 - Trade Deadline Fallout

01:55 - Biggest Surprise Move: Adley Rutschman to Red Sox

09:55 - Playoff Odds role in Trade Deadline

20:00 -Yankees Roster Moves

24:35 -Yankees Injuries

26:00 - George Lombard Jr Call-up

31:45 - Prospect impact from Trade Deadline

38-20 - Emmet Sheehan gets optioned

41:35 - Dodgers Pitching Rotation

43:45 - Braves roster Moves

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The MLB Trade Deadline is here and Eno and DVR are live, reacting to the blockbuster deals and surprise moves from around the league. Which contenders did the most to improve their World Series chances? Which teams fell short of expectations? Plus, we break down the biggest winners, losers, and lingering questions as the postseason picture begins to take shape.

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: Matt Shilts

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Tarik Skubal has been traded to the Dodgers in a four-player trade with the Tigers. Despite the crowded playoff picture in the AL Central, the Tigers opted to deal their ace in hopes of getting multiple contributors capable of keeping them in the mix for future playoff runs. Eno and DVR discuss the details of the trade, and the potential of the Dodgers’ rotation if they can have everyone healthy during the playoffs.

Don't miss our LIVE Trade Deadline show; Monday August 3rd at 4p ET on the Rates & Barrels YouTube Channel

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Rundown

0:00 Intro Starts

0:25 Tarik Skubal to the Dodgers in Four-Player Swap

4:40 River Ryan’s Ceiling

9:23 Zyhir Hope’s Clearer Path to the Big Leagues in Detroit

12:44 A Tigers Core Positioned Well Beyond 2026?

15:29 Don’t Crown The Dodgers Yet!

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: Matt Shilts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Red Sox have been one of baseball's hottest teams since late June, and this week Jayson and Doug are joined by former major leaguer and NESN studio analyst Will Middlebrooks to break down what's behind Boston's surprising turnaround and why the club has become one of the biggest stories in baseball. Then, Jayson shares stories from Hall of Fame Weekend in Cooperstown, including a chance encounter with one of the greatest hitters in baseball history and why even Hall of Famers are still in awe of the game's most exclusive club.

Rundown:

2:13 Jayson’s Weekend in Cooperstown

10:23 Will Middlebrooks Visits Starkville

11:23 The Red-Hot Red Sox

18:02 Being a Top Prospect

23:48 Curtis Mead-Connelly Early Trade

26:46 Evaluating the American League

33:28 Reliving the 2013 World Series

37:25 The Infamous Obstruction Play

41:11 Hall of Fame Perspectives

45:19 Strange But True

Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.social

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E-mail: starkville@theathletic.com

Starkville Hotline: (347) 313-8371

Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels

Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville

With: Will Middlebrooks

Producer: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Monday’s trade deadline fast approaching, Eno and DVR break down the A.J. Minter trade from the Mets to the Twins and explain why the smaller deals can be just as important as the blockbuster moves. Then, the guys dig into the waiver wire before welcoming Niv Shah to discuss perhaps his biggest hot dog review yet, ranking four Harry Potter-inspired dogs—one for each Hogwarts house.

Rundown:

1:33 Max Clark Gets the Call: Can He Hit Right Away?

7:49 Bryan Baker Gets Save No. 30

10:10 Is Baker a Top-10 Closer for Next Year?

12:25 A.J. Minter to Twins: Two Prospects to Mets

16:10 Luke Murphy Gets the Call

17:57 Will Quinn Mathews Stick after Debut?

19:52 Late-Season Looks for Whisenhunt & Tidwell?

23:40 Will Phillies Upgrade No. 5 Starter Spot?

27:58 Stash Héctor Rodríguez?

30:49 Matt McLain Returns

33:05 Odds & Ends: Miller Replacements, Walcott DH Duty & Jays Depth

38:52 An Aggressive Assignment: A Four Hot-Dog Saturday?

44:21  Finding Your House

50:10  Should You Pay Up for Roch Cholowsky?

56:13 Blocking Others From a Deal?

Don't miss our LIVE Trade Deadline show; Monday August 3rd at 4p ET on the Rates & Barrels YouTube Channel

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a Wednesday it was around baseball. Today, Eno, Trevor, and DVR break down Don Mattingly’s pointed comments about Bryce Harper and why he’s calling for help at the trade deadline. Then, the guys play general manager, debating which pitchers they'd target if they were making deals. Plus, could Casey Mize and Hunter Greene be on the move before Monday’s trade deadline?

1:20 A Wild Wednesday: Big Comebacks, Injuries & A Trade!

3:51 ‘Harper-Dombrowski Cold War’ Continues?

6:44 Injury-Plagued Season Puts KC in Tough Spot

15:07 Rangers Add Chase Silseth & Logan O’Hoppe

21:15 Pitchers We’d Trade For: Eno’s Case for Freddy Peralta

28:10 Casey Mize: The Tigers Pitcher More Likely to Move?

33:00 Nick Lodolo: Could a Fresh Start Bring a Rebound Down the Stretch?

41:24 Hunter Greene Rumblings: Should the Reds Actually Trade Him?

50:24 Intriguing Relievers: Edgardo Henriquez, Tejay Antone & Daniel Lynch IV

Don't miss our LIVE Trade Deadline show; Monday August 3rd at 4p ET on the Rates & Barrels YouTube Channel

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Contributor: Trevor May

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MLB Trade Deadline is just days away, DVR, Eno and Jed Lowrie explain why the Detroit Tigers are good enough to make a legitimate run and why trading Tarik Skubal could be the wrong move. They discuss Detroit's dominant pitching staff, the emergence of Troy Melton, potential deadline upgrades, and why the Tigers should not be sellers.

The crew also breaks down the Mariners' comeback win over the Dodgers, what Seattle needs to take control of the AL West, and the latest update on Shohei Ohtani's pitching timeline as Los Angeles continues its push toward another postseason.

Plus, Eno, DVR and Jed dive into one of baseball's most fascinating scouting discussions: What is "hit tool?"

Don't miss our LIVE Trade Deadline show; Monday August 3rd at 4p ET on the Rates & Barrels YouTube Channel

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Contributor: Jed Lowrie

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: McEnroe Francis

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MLB Trade Deadline week continues with DVR, Eno and Britt Ghiroli discussing strategies for both ends of the spectrum. The Yankees and Dodgers are looking towards the postseason while the Mets are looking towards next year. They break down the Yankees' search for offensive help following Cody Bellinger's injury and the ongoing absence of Aaron Judge. Plus, they examine whether the Dodgers should make another blockbuster move despite already having baseball's deepest roster, and what the Mets' long-term plan should be.

The crew also debates potential landing spots for trade targets including Zach Neto, CJ Abrams, Matt Chapman and Tarik Skubal, examines which roster upgrades make the most sense for each contender, and wraps up the show by discussing Salvador Perez's Hall of Fame case after he became the Royals' all-time home run leader.

Don't miss our LIVE Trade Deadline show; Monday August 3rd at 5p ET on the Rates & Barrels YouTube Channel

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Guest: Britt Ghiroli

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: McEnroe Francis

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jacob Misiorowski was rolling again Sunday, striking out 11 of the first 12 batters he faced. Eno and DVR discuss The Miz’s ongoing dominance and prepare for the return of Ronald Acuña Jr. to the Atlanta lineup. Should Acuña’s increasing injury history significantly lower his playing time projections in the future? Plus, Spencer Nusbaum joins the show to discuss the trade that sent Curtis Mead to the Red Sox and brought Connelly Early to the Nationals, as well as a few young starters getting closer to contributing in Washington.

First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

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Editor: McEnroe Francis

Thumbnail Credit: Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images

#Brewers #Braves #Orioles #Nationals #RedSox #Padres

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There’s one thing sports fans can all agree on: Phillies fans love to boo. This week, Jayson and Doug look back at All-Star Week, share stories from the wrong side of a hostile Philly crowd, and discuss why the city’s fans have earned their reputation. Then, legendary broadcaster Joe Buck joins the show to talk about being honored at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, along with a few behind-the-scenes details from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding. To close things out, Jayson and Doug dive into another edition of Strange But True in Sacramento.

Rundown:

1:34 All-Star Game in Philadelphia

3:00 Phillies Fans LOVE to Boo

9:22 Joe Buck Visits Starkville

10:38 Hall of Fame  Weekend

14:04 Baseball’s Impact

19:19 Calling Baseball Games

28:50 Entering the Hall of Fame

30:36 Announcing Baseball vs. Football

33:29 Broadcasting Baseball

36:25 Joe’s Cooperstown Speech

46:07 Observations on Today’s Game

48:12 Swift-Kelce Wedding

54:25 Strange But True

Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.social

Follow Doug on Bluesky: @dougglanville.bsky.social

E-mail: starkville@theathletic.com

Starkville Hotline: (347) 313-8371

Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels

Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville

With: Joe Buck

Producer: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A fresh batch of starting pitcher rankings is here, and Eno already has a few regrets. On this week's Fantasy Friday, Eno and DVR break down the latest rankings, discussing the biggest risers, fallers, and surprises. Then, they hit the waiver wire to highlight hitters and pitchers worth adding before wrapping up with a look at Clay Holmes' impending return.

Rundown:

0:32 Updated SP Rankings!

5:22 The Summer of Justin Wrobleski

11:15 Logan Webb’s Fall

14:53 Sean Burke is a Tough Rank!

20:41 Hunter Brown’s Woes

27:20 Keider Montero’s Surge

32:01 Is Ethan Pecko a Deep Sleeper in Houston?

33:30 Sonny Gray’s Changes

40:48 Injuries of Note

41:54 Hitters of Interest: Ty France, Victor Mesa Jr. & Joey Ortiz

53:45 Pitchers of Interest: Zac Thornton, Brandon Pfaadt & Keider Montero

57:02 Clay Holmes Nears Return

First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026

Eno's Updated SP Rankings ($): https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7461994

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Editor: Jason Potere

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Pitchers have to evolve fast to stay ahead, and this season has been no exception. Today, Eno, Trevor, and DVR break down the traits today's game values most and the adjustments a handful of starters are making—with varying degrees of success. Plus, the guys take a closer look at Eury Pérez's growth and the strides he's made in his third major league season.

Rundown:

2:17 The Speed of Adjustments

7:25 Faster Solutions: Who Actually Finds and Implements Them?

12:12 Pitcher Traits: What Are You Valuing More Today?

19:35 Kumar Rocker is Changing

26:57 Tanner Bibee: Pitching Deep Into Starts, Not Missing Bats

32:37 Brandon Sproat: Good Stuff, Inconsistent Results

40:23 Janson Junk: The Intrigue Continues

44:50 Eury Pérez: Has Increased Two-Seamer Usage Unlocked Ace Ceiling?

48:09 Logan Gilbert: More Adjustments?

Link to the Big Board: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7448958/

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Trevor May

Editor: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s time to fire up the Trade Master 3000! Today, Eno, Jed, and DVR unveil their boldest trade proposals ahead of the MLB trade deadline, including one that sends a former batting champ east and another that ships a former first-round pick south. Then, it’s another round of Name! That! Dude!, as the guys put their baseball knowledge to the test. To wrap things up, Jed recaps his trip to Fanatics Fest and shares some of his favorite moments.

Rundown:

0:48 A Win for Eno!: Four Free Fish & Chips?!

6:19 Position Player Fits

11:12 Middle-Infield Communication is Key

16:50 Trade Proposal: Luis Arraez to Tampa Bay

21:03 Trade Proposal: CJ Abrams to the Red Sox

26:42 Trade Proposal: Luis Robert Jr. to Cleveland

36:07 Trade Proposal: Jorge Soler to the Brewers

42:18 The League’s Struggles vs. LHP

44:15 Trade Proposal: Anthony Volpe to Atlanta

52:25 Name! That! Dude!

56:00 Jed Gets Behind the Plate at Fanatics Fest

Link to the Big Board: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7448958/

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Jed Lowrie

Editor: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The MLB Trade Deadline is almost here, and the Big Board is out! Eno, Britt, and DVR break down the players they think will be on the move before August 3 and discuss where they could land. Then, they recap a few key games with playoff implications from last night before diving into Britt's latest story on a bizarre alleged spying scandal involving the Angels and Rockies.

Rundown:

1:36 Building the Big Board:

5:01 Non-Stars Move the Needle

12:55 Contenders Trading From Their MLB Rosters?

15:10 Will Angels Approach Deadline Differently with John Mozeliak?

23:03 Joe Ryan Gives Up Six Homers in Loss Monday

28:22 Yankees-Pirates

31:18 Mookie Betts vs. Xander Bogaerts

34:18 Tigers-Cubs

36:35 White Sox-Rangers

39:01 Marlins-Astros

42:19 Angels Fired Member of Scouting Staff for Filming Rockies Coaches

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Britt Ghiroli

Editor: Jason Potere

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What is going on with Shohei Ohtani's knee? Eno and DVR break down the latest update, what it means that Ohtani has continued to serve as the Dodgers' designated hitter, and why he's missed just one game since June 20. Then, they head to the AL East to discuss the red-hot Red Sox amid their 13-game winning streak and Kyle Bradish's new five-year deal with the Orioles. Later, they examine bullpen usage around the league and how it could shape the trade deadline market.

Rundown:

2:08 Shohei Ohtani’s Knee

6:56 The Red Sox Are Rolling: 13-Game Winning Streak

14:51 Remember Kristian Campbell?

18:30 Kyle Bradish Extension

26:32 Corbin Carroll & Bobby Witt Jr. Ailments

28:08 Puzzling Bullpens: Pirates, Marlins, D-backs & Angels

43:04 Where the Money Went

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Editor: Jason Potere

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The guys head to the bullpen for Fantasy Friday. With DVR out, Eno is joined by Eric Samulski of Rotoworld to break down the latest injury news, including updates on Jacob Misiorowski, Jacob deGrom, Garrett Crochet, Ranger Suárez, and more. They also discuss the Astros-Brewers trade that sent veteran Lance McCullers Jr. and pitcher Colton Gordon to Milwaukee as part of a deal for prospect Jadyn Fielder. Later, Eno and Eric wrap things up by highlighting the top hitters and pitchers to target on the waiver wire heading into the weekend.

Rundown:

1:30 Latest on Injured Pitchers

13:43 Lance McCullers Jr. Traded

19:49 A Different Kind of League Winner

37:35 Returns of Aging Aces

42:50 Waiver Wire Preview: Pitchers

55:07 Waiver Wire Preview: Hitters

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Eric Samulski

Editor: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MLB has cracked down on teams' increasing use of generative artificial intelligence for on-field decision making. Eno Sarris, Derek VanRiper and Trevor May explain how teams were pushing their technology too far through the approved dugout iPads, and how quickly things have changed with the tablets in the short time since Trevor retired three years ago.

Plus, the trio offers up a few ideas for adding excitement to future All-Star Games, before highlighting some of their favorite second-half storylines, and reacting to breaking news of a seven-year, $105M extension for Chase Burns.

Rundown

0:00 Intro

1:17 MLB Cracks Down on AI Usage From Dugout Tables

24:28 Let’s Actually Fix the All-Star Game!

35:43 Creating Strategic Decision-Making & Unique All-Star Moments

40:46 Second-Half Storylines

50:43 Breaking News! Chase Burns Signs Seven-Year Extension

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Trevor May

Editor: McEnroe Francis

Eno's Story 'MLB cracks down on using AI via dugout iPads to help shape in-game decisions':

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The MLB Draft is in the books, and The Athletic's senior writer Keith Law joins Eno and DVR to break it all down. They discuss the first two selections, shortstops Roch Cholowsky and Grady Emerson, the Rockies' standout draft, the A's landing four players from Keith's Top 50, and the Phillies' puzzling approach. Later, the guys look back at this year's Futures Game and discuss why MLB missed an opportunity to give the event a bigger spotlight.

Rundown:

0:54 White Sox Draft Roch Cholowsky at 1.1

4:17 High School Arms Continue to Slide

8:15 Grady Emerson to Tampa Bay

13:53 Giants Get Pitching: Jackson Flora at No. 4

20:15 The Rockies’ Impressive Draft

27:26 The A’s Load Up

31:25 Will A’s Prove Capable of Developing Arms in Vegas?

34:56 Quick Paths to The Show: Derek Curiel & Zion Rose

41:12 Lingering Questions About the Phillies’ Approach

47:51 Futures Game: The Difficulty of One-Inning Looks

56:17 Any Surprises From Sunday’s Showcase?

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Keith Law

Editor: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new king has been crowned, and his name is Jordan Walker! Today, Eno and DVR recap the Home Run Derby, breaking down the new format, Netflix's presentation of the event, and whether All-Star Week can help bring new fans to baseball. Then, they discuss which players are the best candidates to turn their careers around the way Walker has this season. Later, they go head-to-head in a draft of the biggest first-half underperformers, debating which struggling players are most likely to bounce back after the break.

Rundown:

0:37 Jordan Walker Wins HR Derby

4:54 Eno Didn’t Love Netflix’s Presentation

9:11  Does All-Star Week Bring Influx of New Viewers?

16:11 Sometimes It Takes Time For Things to Click

23:54 Is Jasson Domínguez Trending Into a Group Like This?

30:45 Curtis Mead: Another Post-Hype Sleeper Delivering?

33:50 Dylan Crews vs. Marcelo Mayer

40:29 First-Half Underperformers Draft

49:57 Eno’s Case for Heliot Ramos

53:00 First-Half Underperformers Draft

1:03:46 Draft Recap

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Editor: Jason Potere

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We've made it to the Midsummer Classic! Today, Eno and DVR break down the new Home Run Derby rules and discuss which sluggers could benefit from the changes. Then, they take a look at several notable players who suffered injuries before the All-Star break and will miss Tuesday night's game, including Jacob Misiorowski and Shohei Ohtani. Later, they examine JJ Wetherholt's contract extension with the Cardinals and how it compares to other recent rookie deals. They wrap up the show by highlighting the players who have stood out the most from a fantasy perspective during the first half of the season.

Rundown:

2:57 Who Could Benefit From New HR Derby Format?

11:40 Drafting the Derby Winner

15:48 Miz Management: Scratched Sunday

20:33 White Sox-Pirates Swap Before the MLB Draft

26:06 JJ Wetherholt Gets Paid

33:25 No Shohei Ohtani in Philly

36:41 MLB’s All-Star Problem: Pitching Availability

43:19 Monitoring Jacob deGrom

43:59 Fantasy All-Stars: Top Valued 5x5 Players at the Break

1:00:09 Where the Money Went

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Editor: Jason Potere

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It's time to wrap up the first half of the baseball season, and there's no better guest to do it with than Ken Rosenthal. This week, Jayson and Doug are joined by their longtime Starkville friend to break down the season's biggest surprises and disappointments, make their midseason MVP picks, and discuss whether Tigers ace Tarik Skubal could actually be moved before the trade deadline—and why that might be a mistake.

Rundown:

1:45 Ken Rosenthal Joins the Show

4:02 Most Surprising Team of 1st Half

9:10 Most Disappointing Team of 1st Half

13:02 First Half MVPs

17:51 MLB Trade Deadline

21:04 Should the Tigers Trade Tarik Skubal?

28:20 Teams to Watch in 2nd Half

31:17 One Surprise Playoff Contender

35:54 Strange But True w/ Yordan Alvarez

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Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville

With: Ken Rosenthal

Producer: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With All-Star Week approaching, it's time to get a head start on the weekend waiver wire. But first, Eno and DVR discuss the reduced suspensions for Willson Contreras and Cade Cavalli before breaking down the latest injury news, including which players are returning soon and why Aaron Judge still needs more time to recover. Then, Ottoneu founder Niv Shah joins the show to examine the biggest fantasy price risers since Opening Day, explain why Paul Skenes' price continues to climb despite an underwhelming season, and share his latest hot dog reviews from Kansas City and Chicago's South Side.

Rundown:

1:12 Reduced Suspensions for Willson Contreras & Cade Cavalli

3:45 Aaron Judge: Will Have Imaging During All-Star Break

4:29  Munetaka Murakami: Expectations for Second Half?

10:55 Michael Busch: Does Limited Bat Speed Prevent Power Surge?

17:18 Vinnie Pasquantino Returns

21:45 Ryan Waldschmidt is Back

24:06 How Does Luis Lara Fit in Brewers’ OF Mix?

27:11 Garrett Mitchell: Are We Buying Growth This Season?

32:41 Niv Shah Joins the Show

33:52 Six Picks: Biggest Price Risers Since Opening Day

37:25 Confidence In Paul Skenes?

40:40 Link Between Six Picks Trends & Keeper Costs

44:36 Eno & DVR Make a Trade!

54:40 Taste of the Majors

1:01:09 Lucky’s Korean Dogs For the Win!

1:06:58 Other Bats to Consider

1:13:07 Pitchers to Consider

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Niv Shah

Editor: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the greatest pitchers of his generation, Justin Verlander, has decided to hang up his cleats. Today, Eno, Trevor, and DVR reflect on Verlander's remarkable career, where he ranks among baseball's all-time greats, and the legacy he leaves behind. Then, the guys examine why some pitchers, including Robbie Ray, are targeting the bottom of the strike zone more often and how that approach is changing their effectiveness. Later, they explore whether the data can reveal when hitters are sitting on a particular pitch.

Rundown:

0:35 Justin Verlander to Retire

3:40 A Look Back at Verlander’s Career

11:27 Multiple No-Hitters: Rare Air & Near No-Nos

17:58 26 Complete Games!

19:39 The Top of the Zone is Dead!

23:41 Why Losing Part of the Zone Is a Big Deal

35:16 Return of the Sinker

41:53 Do Any Stats Reveal Hitters Sitting on Pitches?

49:35 Tipping Struggles: Looking Back at Ryan Helsley and Jesús Luzardo

52:15 Did the Blue Jays Take Away Roupp’s Best Pitch?

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Trevor May

Editor: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the All-Star break nears, it's time to revisit some preseason predictions that didn't quite pan out. DVR explains why he'd be less bullish on Kyle Tucker today, Jed breaks down the Braves' surprising fall, and Eno evaluates the Astros' first-half performance against expectations. Plus, the guys discuss Zack Wheeler's frustration over his All-Star snub and whether the surging Marlins can make a legitimate postseason run.

Rundown:

0:38 DVR’s Mulligan: Kyle Tucker Will Win NL MVP Award

4:41 NL MVP Candidates

11:59 Eno’s Mulligan: Expectations for 2026 Astros

16:46 Jed’s Mulligan: Choosing Atlanta in Four vs. The Field

23:39 Austin Riley’s Struggles

28:59 Who Does Jed Want in Place of Atlanta Now?

32:42 Zack Wheeler is Mad

40:19 A ‘Target Home-Run Rate’

50:00 An Intriguing Change?

58:42 The Marlins Are Cooking

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Jed Lowrie

Editor: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a few exciting weeks, the U.S. Men’s National Team came crashing back to earth Monday night and were eliminated from the World Cup. Eno and DVR lament a disappointing effort before turning their attention back to baseball. The guys discuss what baseball and soccer have in common when it comes to developing young athletes. They examine how different types of pitchers age and highlight a few who have exceeded expectations this season. Later, they tackle the fan debate surrounding whether the Mets should consider trading Francisco Lindor and spotlight some unexpected relievers from around the league.

Rundown:

0:45 U.S. Men’s National Team’s World Cup Loss

3:08 Youth Development: Similar Issues in Soccer and Baseball?

12:40 Cam Schlittler’s Outlook

21:47 Will League Eventually Adjust to Three Fastballs?

27:52 Which Pitchers Have Topped OOPSY K% and BB%?

35:50 Francisco Lindor Rumors

40:11 Is Eno Jumping Ship with E. Hancock, B. Ashcroft, C. Cavalli & K. Harrison?

47:22 Casey Mize’s K% Rise

52:06 Surprising Relievers

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Editor: Jason Potere

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From a bullpen call that sparked chants of "Shame!" to the never-ending pile of streaming apps and another Tommy John surgery for Cole Ragans, the boys have plenty to get off their chests. This week, Eno and DVR discuss Eury Pérez’s bid for perfection and why Marlins manager Clayton McCullough may have made the right call by pulling the young right-hander. Then, they dig into why it's often tougher than fans realize for pitchers like Ragans to regain their previous form after undergoing UCL reconstruction. Later, they welcome back Hunter Greene and break down where the money went over the weekend.

Rundown:

0:56 Is Eno Mad About Baseball?

4:44 Eury Pérez’s Bid for Perfection

9:54 DVR Is Mad About App Mania to Watch Baseball Continues

11:54 Junior Caminero’s Streak Ends with 11 HR in 11 Days

16:42 Tommy John Recovery

24:37 In-Season Usage Also a Challenge Post TJ Surgery

29:10 Can Gerrit Cole Recover to 2023 Skills Levels?

32:33 Batting Average Blues: When Should You Punt the Category?

40:47 Jordan Walker’s June

45:51 Looking for Intriguing Players ~1,000 Career PA

51:03 Hunter Greene Returns!

56:21 Where the Money Went

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Editor: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pete Crow-Armstrong was thrown out stealing on a walk... except he wasn't actually caught stealing on a walk. Confused? So were Jayson and Doug. This week, they break down PCA's controversial play at second base against the Mets, explain exactly what happened, and debate whether the league needs to change the rule.

Then, the guys revisit last week's search for a nickname worthy of Jacob Misiorowski's electric fastball, turning to the Starkville Hotline to hear listeners' best submissions.

Later, Jon ‘Boog’ Sciambi joins the show to talk about his working relationship with Doug, the Cubs' up-and-down season, the unique atmosphere at Wrigley Field, the time he bought mozzarella sticks for an entire bar, and a couple hilarious stories about Chipper Jones.

Rundown:

2:59 Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Steal That Wasn’t

13:58 Nickname for Jacob Misiorowski’s Fastball

20:18 Jon ‘Boog’ Sciambi Joins the Show

22:08 Was PCA Safe or Out?

28:13 The 2026 Chicago Cubs

33:38 Great Rivalries

35:57 Boog the Broadcaster

41:15 ‘Mozzarella Sticks for Everybody’

44:29 Calling Games at Wrigley Field

47:31 Calling the World Series

49:41 Boog’s Bucket List

50:52 Chipper Jones’ Stories

57:15 Strange But True w/ the Phillies

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Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville

With: Jon ‘Boog’ Sciambi

Producer: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As America celebrates its birthday, fantasy managers are getting ready for the second half of the baseball season. This week, Eno and DVR take a closer look at what's behind Paul Skenes' recent struggles, and whether his declining fastball velocity helps explain the dip in results. Then, they size up several players around the league to determine who could be worth targeting in a trade. Plus, they wrap up the show by highlighting the best waiver-wire pickups on both the hitting and pitching sides ahead of the holiday weekend.

Rundown:

2:52 Concerns About Paul Skenes

14:40 Trade Activity Picking Up in Second Half

20:40 Which Lagging Bats Should Be Targets?

24:30 Younger Position Players to Trade For

29:02 First-Rounder Challenge Trade - Gunnar Henderson vs. Paul Skenes?

31:36 Plate Discipline Forward Targets

32:41 Pitchers to Deal For: Leaning on ERA-SIERA?

41:25 Is Drew Rasmussen Underrated in Long-Term Leagues?

43:27 Weekend Waiver Targets: Pitchers of Interest

54:47 Weekend Waiver Targets: Looking for Hitters Back After the Break?

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Editor: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the weather warms up, the guys are bringing the heat to some intriguing pitching storylines. Eno, Trevor, and DVR examine Tatsuya Imai's inconsistencies and Jake Bennett's promising start to his career. They also explore why Bryan Woo has been so much more effective at home than on the road, whether Brandon Woodruff can continue to thrive with a diminished fastball, and how pitchers can still succeed even without high velocity.

Rundown:

0:58 Brent Rooker’s Season is Over

6:16 Corey Seager Returns to IL

9:15 Ryan Helsley Injured

11:26 Tatsuya Imai: Extreme Command Fluctuations Continue

14:27 Jake Bennett: Seizing Opportunity in Boston

23:57 Is Regression on the Horizon for Jake Bennett?

26:08 Have Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers Found Something?

41:35 Bryan Woo: What Is Driving Road Struggles?

52:30 What Drives Pitchers’ Success When They Lack Top Velo?

1:03:02 Brandon Woodruff: It’s Extremely Difficult to Adjust This Well

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Trevor May

Editor: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s time for a tour around the National League, where every division has its own storylines taking shape. Eno, Jed, and DVR begin in the NL West, where the Dodgers have opened up a sizable lead. They discuss whether the Padres can still make a push, what needs to happen for the Diamondbacks' offense to get going, and where the Giants and Rockies go from here. From there, they head to "America’s Division," the NL Central, where the Brewers and Cubs are battling for the top spot while the Cardinals and Pirates remain in the postseason mix. Finally, they wrap up in the NL East, where the Phillies are gaining ground on the Braves and tightening the division race.

Rundown:

0:45 Jed The Banana

4:28 MLB Baseballs’ Manufacturing Error

6:52 The 2026 Dodgers: The Machine is Working

16:05 The Padres’ League-Worst Offense

25:12 Can the D-backs’ Outhit Pitching Woes?

30:46 Giants Falling to Sellers?

31:46 Rockies Taking Steps Forward

34:37 Should Brewers Go Big with Upgrades?

39:10 Can the Cubs Find Enough Pitching?

44:24 Cardinals Have 34.2% Chance of Reaching Playoffs

48:37 Is Pirates’ Biggest Need a Top-End Reliever?

51:05 Check In on Your Cincinnati Friends

57:25 Philly Closes Gap on Atlanta to 2.5 Games

1:00:28 Phillies Climbing: Where Will They Upgrade?

1:06:02 The Marlins Need Bats: A Sneaky-Good Mid-Pack Team?

1:11:55 The Nats Need Pitching: An Intriguing Deadline on Tap?

1:13:47 Mets Owner Steve Cohen Says Stearns is Safe

Eno’s Article on MLB Baseballs: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7410468/

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Jed Lowrie

Editor: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Baseballs started flying in June -- and it wasn't simply warmer weather -- it might be a manufacturing error! Eno and DVR explain why changes in drag on the baseball have a significant impact on home runs, and how Major League Baseball's revelation of a manufacturing error may provide some clues as to why we have seen so much variation in how the ball has played throughout the first half of the season. With drag recently returning to the same levels we saw in 2019, they wonder if we're going to see a massive uptick in home runs throughout the second half.

Story from Eno Sarris & Evan Drellich 'MLB sees no link between factory defect and liveliest baseball since year of the homer in ‘19'

Gift Link: https://theathletic.lnk.to/TA26Ball

Rundown

0:17 Breaking News: MLB Reveals Manufacturing Error with Ball

1:44 A Sudden Change: Drag Significantly Dropped in Recent Weeks

6:40 Don’t Forget 2019 When 6,776 Home Runs Were Hit

9:19 Hitters and Pitchers Notice and React to Ball Changes

12:20 Will Barrels Recover?

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Editor: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s time to take a tour around the American League, and there’s plenty to unpack. Eno, Britt, and DVR begin in the AL East, where the Rays have surged into first place as the Yankees try to stay afloat without their captain, Aaron Judge. From there, they head to the AL Central to break down the surprising White Sox, the steady Guardians, and the disappointing Tigers. Finally, they wrap up in the AL West, where the Rangers sit atop the division and the Astros are left trying to prove they still have one more run in them.

Rundown:

1:35 Atop the AL East: The Rays Are Holding On, For Now!

6:09 The Yankees Weathering the Storm Without Aaron Judge

9:54 Jays, O’s & Red Sox Scrambling to Make Up Ground

12:25 A Case for the Blue Jays to Continue Buying

17:22 Most Likely to Rally: Blue Jays, Orioles, or Red Sox?

21:15 Key Injuries for Boston

22:15 Cleveland Pitching, Again

27:43 Can White Sox Build On a Surprising Start?

32:16 Eno’s Bold Prediction on the Tigers

38:23 The Twins Aren’t Bad: But Are They Stuck in the Middle?

46:04 What If Wyatt Langford & Corey Seager Get Healthy?

50:06 Does Anyone Still Like Houston?

59:59 Future Autopsies: 2026 Royals and 2026 Angels

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Britt Ghiroli

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The first domino has fallen for two of baseball's most disappointing teams. Today, Eno and DVR break down the firings of Mets manager Carlos Mendoza and Angels GM Perry Minasian, what comes next for both clubs, and which managerial opening — between the Mets, Red Sox, and Phillies — offers the most upside. Plus, they take a closer look at this year's MLB players' poll from The Athletic, including the results that stood out most.

Rundown:

2:29 MLB’s Latest Proposal

5:00 Mets Fire Carlos Mendoza

6:48 Best Managerial Role: Mets, Red Sox, or Phillies?

16:54 Grade 3 Hip Flexor Strain for Marcus Semien

20:45 Tragedy in Venezuela

23:07 Konnor Griffin Returns, Homers

31:35 Rolling Aaron Nola & Shane Baz for Two-Start Weeks?

38:20 Buehler Delivers, Roki Slides & Trevor Rogers Rolls

40:58 Luis García Jr.: Did We Miss His Power Potential?

45:40 Where the Money Went

58:02 Angels Fire GM Perry Minasian

59:43 The Athletic’s Players’ Poll

MLB Players Poll: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7382921

Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social

Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social

e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe

Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels

Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Editor: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.