Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

Eno and DVR discuss the news that MLB has integrated stats from the Negro Leagues into its official records, a bad day for the Mets, fallers from Eno's latest Starting Pitcher Rankings update, prospect news, and a few names to consider as waiver-wire targets this weekend.

Rundown

1:18 Negro League Stats Added to MLB's Official Records

7:06 An Eventful Day for the Mets

11:52 'There is No Way They Are the Worst Team in Baseball'

16:42 Fallers From Eno's Starting Pitcher Rankings Update

($) https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5513570

30:45 The Z-Contact% Laggardboard

36:40 Ben Brown's Excellent Outing, Window to Continue Starting

39:40 Junior Caminero, Jasson Dominguez, James Wood, Jett Williams & Drew Gilbert Updates

47:05 Can Chase DeLauter Take Over a Spot in Cleveland By Season's End?

50:00 Jacob Wilson: Another Low Barreler with a Great Hit Tool?

52:22 Spencer Schwellenback Arrives

56:17 Matt Waldron & Other Weekend Waiver-Wire Considerations

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Eno and DVR discuss a brutal diagnosis for Ronald Acuña Jr., who suffered another torn ACL over the weekend. Plus, they consider the ongoing struggles of Corbin Carroll, Ángel Hernández's abrupt retirement, and a few May risers from Eno's updated Starting Pitcher Rankings. 

Rundown

2:06 Ronald Acuña Jr.'s 2024 Season Ends with Another Torn ACL

10:43 The Ongoing Struggles of Corbin Carroll

18:43 Victor Robles: DFA'd by Nationals

27:13 Is Passing on Low Barrel Rate Bats An Easy Call?

31:15: Ángel Hernández Retires

35:24 Injury Updates: Cristian Javier, Jorge Polanco & Kodai Senga

46:49 May Risers: Eno's Updated Starting Pitcher Rankings

($) https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5513570

59:38 Jake Meyers & Colt Keith As Popular Weekend Waiver-Wire Adds

1:09:35 David Fry is Unbelievable

1:12:09 Casey Mize's Rapidly Declining Stuff

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Eno, DVR and Trevor go live at 1p ET/10a PT to discuss pitch tipping, the 'fighters' we did not choose last week and their long-term outlook -- Tanner Bibee, Kyle Harrison, Hunter Greene, Taj Bradley, and Christian Scott -- the best strikeouts they have seen so far this season, and a case for massive expansion that would completely change baseball as we know it.

Rundown

1:18 Tipping Pitches

8:27 A Recent Example from Clarke Schmidt

10:45 Taj Bradley: Tipping Pitches or Too Predictable?

18:40 Tanner Bibee: A Fastball That Is Getting Hammered

26:41 Kyle Harrison: Will He Build Confidence in Secondaries?

31:58 The Case for Hunter Greene

38:33 Christian Scott: The Need For Improved Command

44:55 The Best Strikeouts We’ve Seen This Season

51:31 A Case for Massive Expansion in MLB

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Eno and DVR discuss aging stars whose long-term value might be on the cusp of falling, as well as a few players to target despite an overall body of work that leaves something to be desired. 

Rundown

10:07 Freddie Freeman Is the Power & Speed Drop a Sign of Things to Come?

18:02 Marcus Semien & Nearly Impossible Durability

23:12 Jose Altuve & Extreme Pull Tendencies Over Time

28:59 Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: Should We Still Chase A 2021 Ceiling?

34:58 Adolis García: Fearing the Fast Peak From Late Bloomers with Aggressive Approaches

36:37 Oneil Cruz: Will He Improve Enough Against Lefties in the Long Run?

43:02 Zach Neto: Sacrificing Ceiling for a Safer Floor?

46:01 Jordan Walker: No Homers at Triple-A This Season?!

53:58 Alex Kirilloff: A Delayed Breakout Coming, or WYSIWYG?

1:02:14 Project Prospect: The Prospects to Target Via Trade As Top 100 Lists Have In-Season Updates

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Eno and DVR discuss Garrett Whitlock's injury and the prolonged opportunity for Cooper Criswell in the Red Sox's rotation, expectations for Edwin Díaz's break from the closer role, Luis Gil's impressive stretch to begin 2024, ways to consider leveraging pitching depth, where the money went this weekend, a few frequently dropped players from the weekend.

Rundown

1:50 Cooper Criswell's Extended Window in Boston

7:47 Edwin Díaz's Break From the Closer Role

16:00 Luis Gil: Analyzing his Early 2024 Breakout

29:52 Any Reason to Worry About Framber Valdez?

33:24 Did Ryan Weathers Figure Something Out?

39:00 Leveraging Starting Pitching Depth

43:24 Disconnect Between Stuff+ & D-backs Starting Pitching

47:56 Still Optimistic About Daulton Varsho?

51:24 Big Weekend Adds

1:02:11 Buying Any Drops? MJ Melendez, Brett Baty & James Outman

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Eno is joined by co-parent of Stuff+ and former member of the Houston Astros' analytics department Max Bay. The guys dive into the state of analytics in the sport...

Rundown:

4:09 - The past, present and future of Stuff+

29:45 - How should we be using the new bat tracking data

41:44 - How can people who want to get into baseball analytics for a team stand out

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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

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Eno, Trevor and DVR discuss Elly De La Cruz's bid for 100-steal season, how bat tracking info could be used to supplement scouting reports and game plans against hitters, and their choices from a group of a dozen starting pitchers in an effort to project the next few seasons.

Rundown

1:06 Keeping a Good Receipt (Don't Worry, We Keep The Bad Ones Too)

2:10 Elly De La Cruz's Bid for a 100-Steal Season

8:25 How Many Stolen Bases Would Rickey Henderson Rack Up with Today's Rules

10:49 Building Scouting Reports From Bat Tracking Info

17:31 How Interested Would Players Be In Utilizing This Angle?

30:45 Choose Your Fighters: Two Starting Pitchers From This Dozen, Next Three-Plus Seasons

50:28 Does Trevor Buy Eno's Plan to Make Ben Brown a Closer in 2024?

55:10 How Much Information Does a Typical Player Consume?

1:01:07 Trevor's Wiffle Ball Update

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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

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Eno and DVR discuss Ronel Blanco's sticky-stuff suspension, Austin Riley's quiet start and recent injury, another opportunity for Luis Matos in San Francisco, and the bullpen woes of the Cubs before digging into the early struggles of many prospect pitchers, and a few waiver-wire targets to consider as the weekend approaches.

Rundown

1:29 Ronel Blanco's Sticky-Stuff Suspension

7:38 Austin Riley's Side Injury; Slow Start

11:39 Jung Hoo Lee: Structural Damage in Shoulder

19:26 Adbert Alzolay to the IL; Searching for Answers in the Cubs' Bullpen

27:39 Still Waiting on Junior Caminero

33:16 Heston Kjerstad Usage & Demotion to Triple-A

44:37 A Look at the Early Struggles of Many Pitching Prospects

54:57 Weekend Waiver-Wire Considerations

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Eno, DVR and Britt discuss baseball's aim to preserve starting pitchers. How much of a problem is the current use of starting pitchers compared to the past? With injury rates on the rise, what rule changes and tweaks make sense? Will small changes to move the game slightly in the direction of previous era's pitcher usage cause other problems? Plus, they discuss Britt's recent story about a partnership between Perfect Game and Fanatics, and former big leaguer Travis Snider's efforts to improve youth sports. 

Rundown

1:13 The Starting Pitcher 'Problem'

6:55 Big Changes in the Last 10 Years

11:15 Incentivizing Pitching Deeper Into Starts

16:39 The Difficult of Getting Everyone on Board with New Rules

20:00 DVR Blames the Reliance on Short Relievers

26:40 Reducing the Fifth Inning Exits When a Starter is Dealing

31:37 Why Don't Starters Try to 'Save' Velocity for Later Innings?

42:46 Britt's Story About the Concerning Perfect Game-Fanatics Partnership

48:52 Travis Snider's Efforts to Improve Youth Sports

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Eno and DVR discuss Paul Skenes' MLB debut against the Cubs before digging into ways they are utilizing the new bat tracking and bat speed leaderboards from Statcast, including a few players to consider targeting via trade. 

Rundown

1:45 Takeaways From Paul Skenes' Debut & Unexpected Comp

13:39 New Bat Tracking & Bat Speed Leaderboards from Statcast!

https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/bat-tracking

19:27 How Should We Apply Bat Speed Information?

25:47 'Squared Up' vs. 'Blasts'

27:59 Players to Target

40:14 A Tool to Use for 'Buy High' Players?

44:44 Learning From Good Players Without 'Ideal' Swing Speed & Length

52:11 Robert Gasser's Debut & Where the Money Went

1:04:13 Other Bids & Frequently Dropped Players

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Eno, Trevor and DVR discuss an all-time no-hitter jinx, Willson Contreras' injury and the sharp increase in catcher's interference around baseball, pitchers going through role changes in 2024 -- and who they would like to see make a switch in the future -- plus their game plan for hitters facing Pirates pitcher Jared Jones.

Rundown

1:30 An All-Time Great No-Hitter Jinx?

5:48 Willson Contreras' Injury & The Rise of Catcher's Interference

15:05 Maybe Just Stop Erasing the Batter's Box?

19:48 Is It Time to Regular the Sliding Mitt?

25:41 Switching Roles Between Starting & Relieving

31:41 Adrian Morejón & Needing to Fix Splits Before Becoming a Starter?

36:00 From Long Relief to the Rotation (Bryse Wilson)

40:53 Luke Weaver's Success in the Bullpen

52:06 Game Planning to Hit Jared Jones

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Eno and DVR discuss the highly-anticipated debut of Paul Skenes, set for Saturday against the Cubs, before digging into a deep list of news items including an injury for Christian Encarnacion-Strand, a quick return to Nashville for Tyler Black following Christian Yelich's activation from the IL, Taj Bradley's return to health, and the triumphant return of Prospect of the Week. 

Rundown

0:57 Paul Skenes is Joining the Pirates! Rest of Season Expectations?

9:14 Christian Encarnacion-Strand: On IL with Fractured Wrist

20:06 Christian Yelich's Return Bumps Tyler Black Back to Triple-A

26:50 Finding Replacements for Willson Contreras (Fractured Forearm)

30:22 A Setback for Max Scherzer

33:31 The Rays' Rotation Shuffle: Taj Bradley is Back, Ryan Pepiot to the IL, Shane Baz at Triple-A on Rehab Assignment

46:13 Braxton Garrett: Tread Carefully Upon Activation?

49:42 Project Prospect: Bryan Ramos, Rhett Lowder, Mason Black & Parker Meadows

60:11 Other Waiver Targets to Consider: Jonny DeLuca, Again!

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Eno, DVR and Britt discuss Walker Buehler's return to the Dodgers' rotation before digging into the four contenders in the AL Central to assess each team's current strengths and weaknesses. Plus, they share a few players they underestimated in the past. 

Rundown

0:51 Walker Buehler Returns to the Dodgers' Rotation

4:04 Forays Into Free Agency After Two Tommy John Surgeries

10:57 Buying the Guardians' Early Uptick in Offensive Output?

21:32 Weathering Early Injuries In Minnesota

26:15 If Nothing Else, The Royals Are Interesting Again

33:11 Can the Tigers Fix Their Struggling Hitters?

45:02 Players We Were Wrong About (Exceeded Expectations)

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Eno and DVR discuss the five-player trade that sent Luis Arraez to the Padres, the Marlins' return from the trade, a few hitters that made significant moves up in DVR's updated hitter rankings, and how aggressively Christian Scott was pursued in weekly leagues after an impressive weekend debut against the Rays. 

Rundown

3:35 Luis Arraez Traded to the Padres

8:05 Dillon Head & Betting on Best Long-Term Outcome

19:56 Injuries News & Notes: Trea Turner, Joe Musgrove, Wyatt Langford, Christian Yelich, Grayson Rodriguez

31:46 Is Robert Gasser the Next Pitching Prospect to Get the Call?

36:23 A Few Big Risers in DVR's Updated Hitter Rankings

($): https://theathletic.com/5344859/

44:59 Christian Scott & Massive Weekend Bids

59:59 Frequently Dropped Players From The Weekend

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Eno, Trevor and DVR discuss Christian Scott ahead of his debut against the Rays, and four surprising starting pitchers that have put up great numbers over the first month-plus of the season. They also examine the unique challenges of hitting in Seattle -- and try to determine why the park consistently boosts strikeouts -- before building a game plan to pitch to Elly De La Cruz.

Rundown

1:10 Christian Scott Debuting Saturday

3:45 Jack Flaherty: Career-Best K%, BB% & SwStr%!

14:07 Spencer Turnbull: Can He Maintain the Elevated K%?

21:48 Tanner Houck’s Breakout

29:38 Is Zack Littell’s Approach Meshing Well in Tampa?

35:42 What Makes Hitting in Seattle So Difficult?

55:15 Building a Game Plan: Elly De La Cruz

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Eno and DVR discuss several news items including a trip to the IL for Grayson Rodriguez, the return of two other Baltimore starters, more knee trouble for Byron Buxton, and several rehabbing pitchers. Plus, they examine the missing power from Ronald Acuña Jr. this season, strength of schedule considerations, and several players to consider as waiver-wire targets as the weekend approaches.

Rundown

4:53 News & Notes: Grayson Rodriguez, John Means, Byron Buxton

12:48 Suspensions & Rehab Updates: Shane Baz, Taj Bradley & Walker Buehler

20:11 Ronald Acuña Jr.'s Currently Missing Power

25:13 Factors to Consider in Strength of Schedule

30:52 Fluctuations in Lineup Quality Due to Absences

35:08 Toughest Stuff+ Faced This Season

41:57 Project Prospect: Tyler Black, Jordan Beck, Jackson Jobe, Paul Skenes & Heston Kjerstad

57:24 Weekend Waiver Preview: Wenceel Pérez, Nick Senzel, Jacob Young & Pitching Darts/Matchup Plays

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Eno, DVR and Britt discuss Mike Trout's knee injury, José Abreu's demotion to West Palm Beach, the Twins' unusual home-run celebration, and the newest additions to the City Connect uniform lineup, before taking a look at the Nationals' current rebuilding efforts. 

Rundown

1:12 Mike Trout Has a Torn Meniscus; Looked Like He Was 'Back'. Before Injury

9:46 José Abreu Optioned to rookie-level West Palm Beach

18:09 Bring Food to Home-Run Celebrations?

22:22 Thoughts on Mets, Rays City Connects

29:49 How Far Along Is the Nats' Rebuild?

45:21 Early-Season Series of Note: O's-Yankees, Rays-Brewers & Dodgers-D-backs

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Eno and DVR discuss promotions for Joey Loperfido and Pete Crow-Armstrong, the impact of the ABS strike zone and Triple-A, big movers among top hitters in DVR's upcoming hitter rankings, concern about Corbin Carroll's power outage, and fallout from another weekend of waiver-wire adds and drops.

Rundown

2:33 Joey Loperfido Promoted to Houston

7:35 The Impact of Triple-A ABS Strike Zone on Strikeouts and Walks

17:32 Injury Updates: Kyle Bradish, Vaughn Grissom & Taj Bradley

25:55 Elly De La Cruz Moving Up Redraft Rankings

33:11 Concern Level About Corbin Carroll's Shoulder, Lack of Pop

39:24 Nolan Jones Struggles + IL Stint

41:53 Where the Money Went: Jo Adell & Pete Crow-Armstrong

51:26 Tempering In-Season Bids w/Streamers vs. Players That Might Stick

58:03 Frequently Dropped Players From the Weekend

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Eno and DVR are joined by Mets pitcher Adam Ottavino to discuss sweepers, pitch design and development, and the success he had during a long run in Colorado. Plus, they examine the quick demotion for Jackson Holliday, several surprising starting pitchers, and hitting metrics that move the needle despite limited samples from the first month of the season.

Rundown

0:21Adam Ottavino Joins the Show!

8:44 How Adam Throws His Sweeper

16:35 Citi Field's Unique Park Factors Based on Game Time

21:22 Players Entering the Game with More Pitches, Even as Relievers

27:11 Jackson Holliday Sent Back to Triple-A

36:57 Erick Fedde's Successful Return to MLB from a One-Year Stint in the KBO

43:01 Ranger Suárez's Early K% Jump

47:37 Graham Ashcraft: Casey Mize in Reverse? Ks Preceding Better Ratios?

51:24 What Matters for Hitters in Smaller Samples?

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Eno, Trevor and DVR discuss Jordan Walker's demotion, the Pirates' plan for building up Paul Skenes' workload while trying to backload his innings, and the key ingredients to building an elite bullpen.

Rundown

0:43 Make It Make Sense: Jordan Walker's Demotion to Triple-A

6:31 Falling Between Organizational and Individual Coaching

15:34 Tracking Workloads: The Pirates' Plan for Paul Skenes

21:41 In-Game Monitoring Technology

29:51 Building an Elite Bullpen

30:17 What Traits Do You Want In a Closer?

35:03 How Many Defined Roles Do You Want?

46:13 Unintended Consequences with Limited Pitcher Availability?

56:19 Command Thresholds For Elite Relievers

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Eno, DVR and Britt discuss another excellent showing from Jared Jones and an impressive outing from Mason Milller in the Bronx on Monday afternoon. With teams having greater incentives to bring prospects up when they are ready, the new challenge is having a plan to change course if they struggle. Plus, is there legitimate reason to worry about the slow start of the Astros (7-16 entering play Tuesday) or the Cardinals (10-13)? And, is Blake Snell's bumpy start in San Francisco the byproduct of a late-spring signing?

Rundown

4:10 Jared Jones & Mason Miller Continue to Impress

13:50 An Ump Show in the Bronx

17:52 Jackson Holliday's Early Struggles & When to Adjust a Plan

28:45 Having Defensive Value to Fall Back On

36:53 What's Different About the 2024 Astros?

49:35 The Cardinals' Offense is Going to Wake Up (Right?)

58:01 Is Blake Snell Struggling Because of Signing Delay?

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Eno and DVR discuss news and notes from the weekend including an encouraging diagnosis for Spencer Strider before examining several risers from Eno's first in-season update of his 2024 starting pitcher rankings. 

Rundown

4:20 Underwent Internal Brace Procedure Rather Than Second Tommy John Surgery

7:28 Another SP Injury for Arizona: Merrill Kelly

13:10 Francisco Àlvarez: Out 6-8 Weeks

21:46 Eno's Updated Starting Pitcher Rankings

($) https://theathletic.com/5426812

27:31 Reid Detmers' Early Success

32:22 Casey Mize: Will Strikeouts Show Up With His New Arsenal?

38:09 Javier Assad: What Eno Likes About Him

40:51 Brady Singer: Moves Up Slightly!

44:21 Zack Littell: LODEM Goodness?

48:56 Paul Skenes: Callup Coming Shortly?

53:47 Where the Money Went: Looking Back at Weekend Pickups

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Eno and DVR discuss Tanner Houck's excellent start to 2024 on the heels of a 'Maddux' against the Guardians on Wednesday. Plus, they look at the ongoing health struggles for Kris Bryant in Colorado, Yu Darvish's move to the IL, hitters with a path to develop more power over time, and a few recent callups including Jack Leiter, Andy Pages, and Landon Knapp. 

Rundown

1:45 Tanner Houck and Buying High on Surging Starting Pitchers

9:35 Ryan Weathers Makes DVR Look Dumb

15:02 Yu Darvish & Kris Bryant Land on the IL

27:25 Finding Power that Follows Contact Skills

37:08 Jack Leiter Gets the Call

40:31 Andy Pages & Landon Knack Join the Dodgers

47:02 Jonatan Clase Lands in Seattle

51:16 A Very Quick Look Ahead at Weekend Waiver Consideration

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Eno, DVR and Britt discuss John Sterling's abrupt retirement after 36 years with the Yankees, the Marlins' surprising decision to send Max Meyer back to Triple-A, the current state of baseball rivalries including a few potential new feuds that could develop. Plus, they discuss the Cubs as a potential top-five team for the next five years, before a round of 'Buy, Sell, Hold'. 

Rundown

1:07 John Sterling Abruptly Announces Retirement

6:03 The Changing Role of Baseball Broadcasters

11:25 Why Did the Marlins Option Max Meyer to Triple-A?

17:50 Baseball's Rivalry Heat Check

24:20 New Rivalries On the Horizon?

29:30 The Case for the Cubs as a Top-Five Team for the Next Five Years

43:46 Buy, Sell, Hold: Tyler O'Neill's Excellent Start in Boston

47:29 Buy, Sell, Hold: Francisco Lindor's Quiet Bat, When to Actually Worry About Early-Season Slumps

56:21 Buy, Sell, Hold: Joe Musgrove

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Eno and DVR discuss the idea exercising more caution with high velocity starting pitchers in the future, weekend news and notes, several recent drops and difficult holds amidst early struggles, and where the money went in weekly free-agent pickups from the weekend. 

Rundown

2:28 Jackie Robinson Day, 2024

8:20 Another High Velocity Starter (Bobby Miller) Heads to the IL

15:40 Will Trends Make Starters with Slightly Less Velocity (93-94 mph fastballs) More Popular?

20:28 Justin Verlander Nearing Return

31:25 Surprising Drops & Difficult Holds

43:23 A Pod Divided: Brandon Pfaadt in Shallow Leagues

56:07 Where the Money Went: Colton Cowser, Kirby Yates, Jeff Hoffman and Jose Buttó 

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Eno, Trevor and DVR discuss a few surprising takeaways from the criminal complaint against Shohei Ohtani's former translator Ippei Mizuhara, the difficulty of making early-season adjustments, and Henry Davis' current struggle against elevated fastballs. Plus, they introduce a new segment 'How I Would Pitch to This Guy' where Eno and Trevor share a detailed gameplan for pitching to Mookie Betts, before taking a few live questions.

Rundown

1:28 Surprises From Criminal Complaint Against Ippei Mizuhara

8:07 The Difficulty of Making Early Adjustment & Henry Davis' Struggles w/High Fastballs

20:23 An At-Bat Trevor Will Never Forget

24:38 How I Would Pitch to This Guy: Mookie Betts

36:59 Looking Beyond Swinging Strikes

40:45 Guessing v. Anticipating

49:51 Are Certain Hitters More Prone to Pop-Ups?

56:24 Making Sense of Hunter Brown's Rough Day Against the Royals

1:02:35 Most Underrated Second Baseman?

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Eno and DVR discuss recent progress in the Ippei Mizuhara story, as Mizuhara is in the process of negotiating a guilty plea with federal prosecutors with evidence suggesting that Mizuhara may have stolen more than $4.5 million from Shohei Ohtani. Plus, they consider the arrival of Jackson Holliday and his 2024 comps before taking a look at several minor league injury updates, the early-season struggles of Ceddanne Rafaela, waiver-wire targets, and a few mailbag questions.

Rundown

2:07 Movement in the Ippei Mizuhara Case

5:25 Jackson Holliday Gets the Call to Baltimore; Debuts Wednesday

15:17 Spencer Arrighetti: Promoted by Astros to Fill Rotation Vacancy

18:16 Minor League Injury Updates: Junior Caminero, Jeferson Quero, Robert Gasser, River Ryan & Walker Jenkins

27:42 Ceddanne Rafaela's Ongoing Struggles at the Plate

37:22 Good News (Nick Pivetta), Bad News (Yoán Moncada)

43:13 Early Waiver Wire Outlook: Colton Cowser, Cody Bradford, Bryce Elder and José Soriano

55:30 Mailbag Questions: Pitching+, David Bednar's Hold on the Closer Role, and JP Sears

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Eno, DVR and Britt take a closer look at pitcher injuries that have mounted at all levels in recent years, and dissect the varying reasons behind the significant increase in major elbow and shoulder problems. Plus, they consider the fast start of the Pirates and the dismal start of the Marlins in their first installment of 'Buy, Sell, Hold' for 2024. 

Rundown

1:25 The Problem Starts at Youth Levels

7:31 Incentivizing Starters with In-Game Rules to Reduce Velocity & Pitch Deeper Into Games

12:33 Justin Verlander's Thoughts on the Uptick in Injuries

17:58 Lack of Consistency Across Different Levels

21:13 Adding More Factors to a Multi-Factor Problem

26:55 Injuries Spike Early in the Season

32:11 The Benefits of Playing on Multiple Sports

36:42 Strikeout Rate Growth from the 1970-1990 20-Year Window Compared to 2004-2024

42:02 Eno's Unexpected Suggestion for a Solution

46:15 Buy, Sell, Hold: The Pirates' 9-2 Start

54:22 Buy, Sell, Hold: The Marlins' Miserable 1-10 Start

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Eno and DVR discuss another round of injuries including a UCL sprain for Spencer Strider, Tommy John surgery on tap for Shane Bieber, a significant hip flexor strain for Luis Robert Jr, and a dislocated shoulder for Trevor Story. Beyond injuries, they discuss Ronel Blanco's encore and the ongoing battle in the Astros' rotation for a spot once Justin Verlander returns, and several players whose value shifted over the past week. 

Rundown

1:31 Spencer Strider Has a UCL Sprain; Course of Action TBD

6:20 Shane Bieber Will Have Tommy John Surgery

14:09 How to Adjust to Losing an Ace Early

17:04 Luis Robert Jr.: Grade 2 Hip Flexor Strain

25:30 Gerrit Cole: Ready to Begin Throwing Program!

32:11 Adjusting Draft Strategy or League Setting in the Future to Counter Multi-Year Trend of Elevated Pitching Injuries?

44:25 Trevor Story's Suffers a Dislocated Shoulder

48:01 Alex Kirilloff & Oliver Dunn

53:22 Eno's Bargain Adds From Week 2

59:22 A Case for Spencer Turnbull Beyond Streaming

1:04:10 Good Pickup, Bad Pickup?

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Eno, Trevor and DVR discuss John Fisher's decision to temporarily move the A's to Sacramento for the next three years (2025-2027) while attempting to complete an eventual move to Las Vegas. Plus, they examine the teams currently facing the toughest path to winning in the next five years, before resuming their pitch deep dive series with changeups.

Rundown

0:54 The A's Are Making a Three-Year Stop in Sacramento

9:01 Challenges In Making the A's Competitive Again

17:00 The Rockies' Built-In Uphill Battle

21:36 Another Rebuild Coming in Miami Under New Leadership?

27:47 Loyalty to a Fault on the South Side of Chicago?

34:49 Is It All On Arte Moreno in Anaheim?

45:51 Pitch Deep Dive: Changeups

56:35 Q&A: Changeup Feel in Games v. Bullpens, Commanding Splitters & What You Would Want for Ohtani's HR Ball

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Eno and DVR discuss several injury updates, including a longer-than-expected timetable for Josh Jung's return following wrist surgery,Justin Verlander's progress to a two-start rehab assignment, Walker Buehler's rehab work, and a pair of prospects that avoided scares. Plus, Shōta Imanaga's debut against the Rockies, listener league strategy and roster rates, and several mailbag questions about Luis Gil, monitoring pitcher workloads, and Triston McKenzie's fastball velocity drop

Rundown

2:17 Josh Jung: Lengthier Absence Than Initially Anticipated

5:41 Justin Verlander: Two Rehab Starts on Tap

10:38 Junior Caminero: Avoids Major Injury

15:52 Norfolk & Charlotte Light Up the Scoreboard in the International League

23:25 Shōta Imanaga's Debut

29:10 Listener League Strategy; Notable High & Low Roster Rates

39:15 Luis Gil: No Innings Limit From Yankees?

45:37 How Would a Forward-Thinking Organization Handle RP to SP Shifts?

55:42 Triston McKenzie's Fastball Velocity Drop in Start No. 1

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Britt Ghiroli returns to Rates & Barrels (regularly on Tuesdays, all season!) with Eno and DVR to discuss Ronel Blanco's no-hitter, and the start of a new chapter in Baltimore with an ownership change accompanying the organization's rise toward multi-year success. The trio then discusses the five MLB teams best position for the next five seasons. Is the Astros' window coming to a close, or will Dana Brown's front office begin to thrive in the first-year player draft? Plus, if there are a consensus three teams that belong in the group of five, which two teams are the most deserving of the remaining spots.

Rundown

1:40 Ronel Blanco Throws a No-Hitter

8:36 Yainer Diaz's Big Night At and Behind the Plate

11:44 The Next Chapter of Orioles Baseball

22:21 Which Organizations Are Best Positioned for the Next Five Years?

30:42 Agreement About the Dodgers, Braves & Orioles?

36:52 Buying Britt's Case for the Rangers?

45:01 Eno's Ideas for the Fifth Spot

56:54 Getting Buy-In with New Voices

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Eno and DVR take a look back at the Opening Series for each team and discuss their takeaways, along with some of the surprisingly good and bad starting pitcher performances that have unfolded so far. Plus, they highlight a few other important things to monitor in the early days of the season.

Rundown

2:40 Where the Money Went: Jason Foley, Kevin Ginkel, Griffin Jax, Brock Stewart, Jordan Hicks & Garrett Crochet

15:52 Making Sense of Starting Pitcher Debuts (Good & Bad)

20:45 Keeping a Close Eye on Zac Gallen's Upcoming Starts

26:51 Bailey Ober's Brutal Start Against the Royals

34:17 Impressive Outings from the Red Sox's Starters

38:32 What Else Matters In Small Samples?

51:56 Trey Lipscomb's Opportunity to Start at Third Base in Washington

55:11 Injury Updates: Eloy Jiménez, Royce Lewis, Edward Cabrera & Sean Murphy

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Join Eno, Trevor & DVR as they recap Opening Day and share their predictions for the 2024 MLB Season! From Garrett Crochet's excellent start to Royce Lewis' homer and early exit with an injury, they discuss some of the highest and lows from the first "full" day of the season before making several predictions for the upcoming campaign.

Rundown

1:03 Opening Day Takeaways

18:57 Rookie of the Year Predictions

30:28 Cy Young Award Predictions

41:53 MVP Predictions

45:14 AL Division Winners

48:46 NL Division Winners

52:53 World Series Matchup & Winners

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Happy Opening Day! Eno and DVR discuss Will Smith's 10-year extension with the Dodgers, good news for Jordan Romano, a tough break for Jordan Lawlar, and other news and notes as the 2024 MLB season gets underway in full. Plus, they break down a few Eno's bold predictions for the upcoming campaign, and discuss a few wrinkles from this year's Main Event of the NFBC.

Rundown

3:42 Will Smith Signs 10-Year Extension w/Dodgers

8:26 Jordan Romano May Return Quickly From IL

9:26 Jordan Lawlar Out 8-10 Weeks Following Thumb Surgery

12:38 Other News & Notes (Jon Berti, Ronel Blanco, Marco Luciano)

29:08 Eno's 2024 Bold Predictions ($): https://theathletic.com/5351937

47:12 Unique Wrinkles of the NFBC's Main Event

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Eno and DVR discuss Jordan Montgomery's move to Arizona on a one-year, $25 million deal, shoulder surgery for Matt McLain, and an opportunity for Victor Scott II following a late-spring injury to Dylan Carlson. Plus, they examine a few spring stats worth caring about, and reveal their selections for The 2024 All-Oatmeal Team. (Reminder: We *Like* Oatmeal!)

Rundown

1:53 Jordan Montgomery to the Diamondbacks

6:32 Matt McLain Undergoes Shoulder Surgery

9:39 Will Victor Scott II Offer More Pop Than Similarly Speedy Outfielders?

16:00 Spring Training Stats We Care About: Stolen Bases

32:40 Spring Training Stats We Care About: K-BB%

40:18 The 2024 All-Oatmeal Team

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Eno and DVR discuss the latest in the story involving Shohei Ohtani and his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, before catching up on a lot of other news around baseball including job battles that have been decided, late spring injuries wreaking havoc on depth charts, and the subsequent opportunities that have opened up. They wrap up the episode with a quick look at some of their most heavily-rostered players as the rest of the league approaches Opening Day on Thursday. 

Rundown

1:37 Shohei Ohtani Speaks About Ippei Mizuhara's Gambling Debts

15:20 Ezequiel Tovar Signs Extension with Rockies

24:20 Injury Follow-Ups: Corey Seager, Josh Jung, Kevin Gausman & Eury Pérez

30:20 Luis Gil, Jared Jones and Max Meyer Get Early-Season Opportunities

38:46 Paul Sewald Heads to IL w/Oblique Strain

47:03 Jackson Holliday Misses Opening Day Roster

52:48 Dylan Carlson's Shoulder Injury Creating Path for Victor Scott II?

56:17 J.D. Martinez's Fit with the Mets

59:38 Our Most Heavily-Rostered Players for 2024

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Eno and DVR are live in Brooklyn for their second show at Other Half Brewing to discuss a slugfest in Game 2 of the Dodgers-Padres series in Korea and a developing story around the swift firing of Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. Plus, they're joined by Mike Petriello of MLB.com to discuss several groups of tough hitters to rank, and much more before an excellent round of listener questions.

Rundown

0:51 A Slugfest in Game 2 Between the Dodgers-Padres; Yamamoto's Debut

3:22 Continuing Struggles for Joe Musgrove

6:43 Dodgers Fire Shohei Ohtani's Interpreter Amidst Illegal Gambling Allegations

11:52 Mike Petriello of MLB.com Joins the Show!

17:02 Tough Rankings: Aging Veterans Still Producing (Paul Goldschmidt, Salvador Perez & George Springer)

22:56 Tough Rankings: Younger Players We Still Believe In (Ke'Bryan Hayes, Jeremy Peña & Andrés Giménez)

34:24 Tough Rankings: Big-Side Platoon Risk (Edouard Julien, Gavin Lux, Colt Keith)

44:22 Mike's Favorite Stats

52:08 Listener Q&A

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Eno and DVR are live in Brooklyn and joined by several friends as the 2024 MLB season is underway! Guests include Nick Pollack of Pitcher List, Niv Shah of Ottoneu, Chris Towers of CBS Fantasy and Ellen Adair from the Take Me In to the Ballgame podcast, and several great listener questions!

Rundown

0:45 What Are We Trying to Learn From One-Game Samples & Early-Season Baseball?

10:30 Nick Pollack of Pitcher List Joins the Show! (Cole Ragans Love)

20:52 Tough Rankings: Converted Relievers

30:56 Tough Rankings: Model Surgers w/Bad Spring Results

38:30 Would You Rather? Toss-Ups

52:10 Niv Shah of ottoneu Joins the Show!

59:24 Chris Towers of CBS Fantasy Joins the Show!

1:11:13 Ellen Adair from the 'Take Me In to the Ballgame' podcast Joins the Show!

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Eno and DVR discuss Jhoan Duran's oblique injury and the short-term pecking order for saves for the Twins during his absence before discussing some of the most difficult pitchers (and groups of pitchers) to rank in 2024. 

Rundown

1:15 Jhoan Duran: Headed to IL with Oblique Strain

5:25 Pitchers with Uncertain Health Situations (Eury Pérez, Gerrit Cole, Kyle Bradish)

13:26 Future Aces with Short MLB Track Records (Bobby Miller and Grayson Rodriguez)

29:01 Model Disagreement with Other Projections (Zac Gallen, Cole Ragans, Bailey Ober)

34:44 Non-Buzzy Veterans (Merrill Kelly, Chris Bassitt, Eduardo Rodriguez)

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Eno and DVR discuss another busy weekend filled with injury news including elbow soreness for Eury Pérez, a fractured wrist for TJ Friedl, and an IL stint to begin 2024 for Josh Lowe. Plus, they dig into several tough hitter rankings as draft season heats up. 

Rundown

2:58 Eury Pérez: Dealing with Sore Elbow

7:08 TJ Friedl: Out with Fractured Wrist

11:33: Josh Lowe: Will Open Season on IL

16:26 Kyle Manzardo: Sent to Minor League Camp

23:40 Corey Seager: May Be Ready for Opening Day?

28:29 Any Reason to Worry About Bryce Harper or Aaron Judge?

31:15 Tough Rankings: Luis Robert Jr. & Frequently Injured Early-Rounders

38:52 Oneil Cruz & Young Players Returning From Lengthy Absence

50:42 Luis Arraez & Categorically Imbalanced Players

56:04 Junior Caminero & Players We're Waiting For in 2024

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Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss the latest news on Gerrit Cole’s elbow injury, the Astros’ interest in Blake Snell, the best rotations in baseball, and several new faces in new places, before digging into curveballs, and taking a few viewer/listener questions. 

Rundown

0:55 Gerrit Cole: No UCL Tear Detected

7:20 Blake Snell: Astros Interested?

8:45 Best Rotations in Baseball Right Now

New Faces in New Places

14:50 Chris Sale’s Fit in Atlanta

21:00 Josh Hader: Adding to the Astros’ Strength

24:59 DL Hall’s Starting Opportunity in Milwaukee

31:16 Jorge Polanco’s Fit in New-Look Seattle Lineup

34:43 Teoscar Hernández: Getting Into a Better Fit for a Home Park

39:15 Michael Soroka: A Fresh Opportunity for Rebuilding White Sox

42:05 Pitch Deep Dive: Curveballs

59:41 Q&A: Which Spring Stats Do We Pay Attention To?

1:03:32 Q&A: Game Planning for Opponents’ Weaknesses, or Your Own Strengths?

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Eno and DVR discuss the trade that sent Dylan Cease to the Padres, the impact of a significant injury for Brewers closer Devin Williams, the increasing possibility of an early-season opportunity for Victor Scott II in St. Louis, and swing decisions in 'The Shadow Zone'.

Rundown

5:20 Dylan Cease Traded to the Padres

10:01 Assessing the White Sox's Return

14:10 Buying the Similarities Between Dylan Cease & Blake Snell?

22:17 Devin Williams' Extended Absence

30:43 Injury Updates: Ronald Acuña Jr. & Tommy Edman

35:58 Swings v. Takes and 'The Shadow Zone'

54:23 Mailbag Questions: Quinn Priester & Unique Leagues in FanGraphs' Auction Calculator

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Eno and DVR discuss Eno's recent story examining the tendencies of position players in their walk year, disagreements across projection systems and how to work through those differences (and when to target players with projection systems agreement). Plus, they discuss Junior Caminero getting sent to Triple-A to begin the season, Jackson Merrill's upcoming flight to Korea, an injury for Taj Bradley, and the growing concerns about Gerrit Cole as the wait for an update on his status lengthens. 

Rundown

5:52 What Happens in Position Players' Walk Years? ($ Eno's story: https://theathletic.com/5321626/)

11:13 Gleyber Torres' Path to More Power

16:24 Eno's Most Rostered Player From Story?

23:43 Disagreement Between Projection Systems

31:26 Rookies of Interest v. How the Fantasy Market Treats Rookies

38:17 Jackson Merrill Gets a Seat on the Plane

46:53 Taj Bradley's Pectoral Strain

53:20 Ongoing Uncertainty with Gerrit Cole & Current Rankings Adjustment

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DVR is joined by Mike Gianella of Baseball Prospectus to discuss a busy weekend of news and notes including MRIs for Gerrit Cole and Aaron Judge (among others), an 80-game PED suspension for Noelvi Marte, and more. Plus, they discuss their strategies from the 15-team Mixed LABR draft in which Mike built a roster around a power-heavy base and DVR opted for a 'Pocket Aces' build. 

Rundown

2:06 Gerrit Cole: Has MRI on Elbow; Likely to Miss Opening Day

3:40 Aaron Judge: MRI on Abdomen; Timetable Unclear

5:02 Noelvi Marte: Suspended 80 Games for Positive PED Test

8:48 Edward Cabrera: MRI Reveals Shoulder Impingement; Targeting Late-Round Marlins Starting Pitchers?

13:14 Sonny Gray: Progressing From Hamstring Injury

15:10 Devin Williams: Visiting with Spine Specialist

21:16 Jordan Lawlar: Optioned to Reno; Stashing Prospects in Redraft Leagues

29:04 Mixed LABR Draft Apporaches (Full Draft Board: https://rtsports.com/labr-mixed-draft) | Building From a Late-Round Position

42:46 When Do You Disagree with Projections?

55:42 Experiences with Pocket Aces

Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper

Follow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.social

Follow Mike on Bluesky: @mikegianella.bsky.social

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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com

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Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss Eno's co-authored story with Ken Rosenthal about the ongoing concern regarding pitcher injuries as velocity and breaking ball usage continues to increase. Plus, they examine the Rays' use of a relatively simple approach to maximize the effectiveness of their pitchers, and how some pitchers like the Cubs' Justin Steele alter the shape of a smaller arsenal to keep hitters off-balance. Finally, they wrap up the show with the deep dive into the slider and sweeper and a few listener/viewer questions.

Rundown

0:58 The Neverending Quest to Reduce Pitcher Injuries

(Related reading -- Eno's story with Ken Rosenthal ($) https://theathletic.com/5325032/)

17:24 Catcher Targets & How the Rays Simplify Their Pitching Plans

(Related reading -- Chad Jennings' story on the Rays' pitching development ($) https://theathletic.com/5318763/)

28:22 Altering Pitch Shapes to Increase a Small Arsenal

(Related reading -- Sahadev Sharma on Justin Steele's ability to change the shape of his 'two' main pitches ($) https://theathletic.com/5311112)

41:43 Deep Dive: Sliders & Sweepers

53:32 Viewer + Listener Q&A

58:01 Joey Votto Signs with the Blue Jays

Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris

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Eno and DVR finish up their 2024 Team Preview series with the Braves, Phillies, and Mets. What's next for the Atlanta lineup after an excellent 2023 that featured five players among the league's 20 biggest risers in wRC+? With quality young pitching depth, is the rotation stronger than ever behind Spencer Strider, Max Fried, and Chris Sale? Will the Phillies get even more from Trea Turner during his second season in Philly? Behind Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, which starting pitchers are most likely to deliver quality innings? Will the retooling Mets exceed expectations with a potentially underrated lineup and a pitching staff with a few intriguing rebound candidates?

Rundown

4:13 2024 Atlanta Braves Preview

9:25 Jarred Kelenic's Fresh Start in Atlanta

18:01 Good Pitching Getting Even Better?

28:24 2024 Philadelphia Phillies Preview

37:16 Starters of Interest Behind Zack Wheeler & Aaron Nola

44:01 2024 New York Mets Preview

50:11 Buying the Mets' Rebound Candidates in the Rotation (Luis Severino, Sean Manaea & Tylor Megill)

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Eno and DVR continue their Team Preview series with the Red Sox, Marlins and Nationals. Can the Red Sox's lineup produce enough to cover the potential shortcoming of their pitching staff? Will the Marlins' young rotation find enough quality innings in a season without Sandy Alcantara? As the Nats' rebuild continues, how long will we have to wait before James Wood and Dylan Crews enter the mix in Washington?

Rundown

3:37 2024 Boston Red Sox Preview

5:55 Nick Pivetta's New Pitch Mix

13:30 The Red Sox's Current Outfield Situation

23:27 2024 Miami Marlins Preview

37:39 A.J. Puk's Growing Pitch Mix

40:10 2024 Washington Nationals Preview

47:48 Underappreciated Catcher: Keibert Ruiz

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Eno and DVR discuss a busy weekend of news including further examination of Ronald Acuña Jr.'s surgically-repaired knee, shoulder fatigue for Kevin Gausman, Zack Wheeler's extension with the Phillies, Matt Chapman's three-year deal with the Giants, a pair of big March movers in recent drafts, and the increasingly complicated playing time situations in Baltimore and Cincinnati. 

Rundown

1:31 More Knee Trouble for Ronald Acuña Jr.?

7:36 Chris Sale's Rapidly-Rising ADP

11:00 Kevin Gausman Slowed by Shoulder Fatigue

12:57 Zack Wheeler Signs Three-Year Extension w/Phillies

16:07 Matt Chapman Goes to the Giants

23:43 Fallout & Secondary Benefits to Chapman's Arrival in San Francisco

30:57 Wyatt Langford is Flying Up Draft Boards

37:05 Colt Keith v. Jordan Westburg?

38:44 Building a Bench: Orioles Edition

44:45 Jordan Hicks v. A.J. Puk v. Reynaldo López

51:04 Building a Bench: Reds Edition

58:57 How Much Do We Pay Attention to First- and Second-Half Splits?

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Eno, Trevor and DVR discuss Statcast's new Bat Tracking technology and the potential benefits of having that information as it becomes publicly available in 2024. Plus, they discuss Blake Snell as a free agent still available in March in a league desperate for quality starting pitchers, the importance of Spencer Strider's developing curveball, the challenges of getting ready for an earlier Opening Day, and take a deep dive into the cutter.

Rundown

1:10 Trevor's Takeaways From Oakland's Fans Fest

7:38 Coming Soon! Statcast's Bat Tracking Leaderboards

15:20 Blake Snell's Big-Miss Dominance

21:56 League-Wide Similarities in Contract Offers & Player Valuations

29:37 The Clear Need for Snell in San Francisco

32:28 The Importance of Spencer Strider's Developing Curveball

38:26 Challenges for the Dodgers and Padres Ramping Up for Early Opening Day in Korea

42:48 Cutter Deep Dive

54:09 Live Q&A: Camilo Doval's Unusual Cutter Movement, Mo's Cutter v. Maddux's Two-Seamer to Lefties, Evaluating Pitchers Coming Back from Tommy John surgery

Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris

Follow Trevor on Twitter: @IamTrevorMay

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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes!

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