Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

Eno and Jed discuss the big baseball news of the day and they do a big breakdown of some young hitters and their swing paths

Rundown

Ronel Blanco to have Tommy John Surgery

Miguel Amaya out 4-6 weeks with an oblique

Bryce Harper hit by pitch in TJ elbow and leaves game

Corey Seager is back for Texas, but are the Rangers still in it?

Junior Caminero hitter breakdown

Noelvi Marte hitter breakdown

Chase Meidroth hitter breakdown

Andy Pages hitter breakdown

Kristian Campbell hitter breakdown

Brett Baty hitter breakdown

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Hosts: Eno Sarris & Jed Lowrie

Executive Producer: Brian Sith

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

Eno and DVR discuss a few injuries from the long weekend including the potential for an extended absence for Alex Bregman, an opportunity for Marcelo Mayer at third base, Michael King's long-term outlook, and Tarik Skubal's Sunday morning gem in Detroit. Plus, Joshua Rodrigues joins the show to discuss how we might be able to re-think classifying hitters with the recently released swing data from Baseball Savant using a combination of swing traits.

Rundown

1:07 Alex Bregman to the IL, Marcelo Mayer Promoted

6:48 Michael King on the IL w/Shoulder Inflammation

11:26 Free Agency Outlook for King

15:29 Tarik Skubal's 'Maddux' Pulls No-Hitter Level Game Score

18:45 A Weekend Full of Statcast Goodness

24:25 Joshua Rodrigues Joins the Show!

26:09 Contact Point Heat Maps

32:37 Grouping Hitters By Three Swing Traits (Bat Speed, Attack Angle, Swing Path Tilt)

35:18 Cluster Rankings by Batted Ball Metrics

45:03 The Challenge of Making Good Bat Path Grades

54:56 Where the Money Went: Late May Edition

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno and DVR discuss George Kirby's first start back from the IL, Ronald Acuña Jr.'s outlook as he returns from a second ACL tear this weekend, a case for Carson Whisenhunt to get a look in San Francisco, Matt Shaw's viability in shallow leagues, and Denzel Clarke's path to avoiding a platoon in the A's outfield. Plus, Senior Hot Dog Correspondent Niv Shah returns with big news at Nationals Park. 

Rundown

2:16 George Kirby: Back in Action on Thursday; Scouting Report?

7:59 Ronald Acuña Jr.: Returns on Friday against the Padres

12:41 Ronel Blanco Seeks Second Opinion; Astros Rotation Depth Questions Persist

17:44 News & Notes: Lane Thomas, Gleyber Torres, Corey Seager, Jordan Westburg and Justin Verlander

24:57 Matt Shaw: Back on Shallow League Radar?

33:32 Denzel Clarke & Robert Hassell III Get Promoted

38:16 Shane Baz v. Rising Starting Pitchers

44:47 Niv Shah Joins to the Show!

52:06 Most Auctioned, Added & Dropped on ottoneu, last seven days

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno, DVR, and Jed discuss the new tools and leaderboards at Baseball Savant offering more public-facing data than ever for bat paths and attack angles. Plus, they talk about the eventual arrival of ABS for regular season games, and their 2025 predictions they want to use a mulligan on. 

Rundown

1:02 New Toys at Baseball Savant -- Swing Path & Attack Angle Leaderboards

9:12 Looking for Ideal & Unusual Combinations

16:00 Is Swing Path Tilt the Most Difficult Thing to Change?

25:09 Do Flatter Swing Path Hitters Have Higher Floors?

34:40 ABS Getting Closer to Become a Reality in MLB Games Beyond Spring?

52:03 Which 2025 Prediction(s) Do You Want a Mulligan On?

Baseball Savant's Swing Path & Attack Angle Leaderboards: https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/bat-tracking/swing-path-attack-angle

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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Jed Lowrie

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno and DVR discuss a busy weekend of baseball news including the Orioles' dismissal of manager Brandon Hyde, an 80-game suspension for José Alvarado following a failed PED test, Mick Able's impressive debut, the upcoming return of Matt Shaw, and where the money went this weekend in fantasy baseball leagues.

Rundown

4:52 Brandon Hyde: Fired by Orioles

12:21 José Alvarado Suspended 80 Games for Positive PED Test

17:10 Mick Abel Impresses in Debut

21:00 Hayden Wesneski to Undergo Tommy John Surgery

26:41 Jared Jones: Will Have Follow-Up with Dr. Keith Meister on Tuesday

30:09 Other News & Notes: Evan Carter, Spencer Strider & Matt Shaw

33:30 Angels Sweep Dodgers in Freeway Series

38:42 Where the Money Went: Drake Baldwin Earning More Starts, Big Bids on Jordan Romano, and Noah Cameron as a Temporary Solution

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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno and DVR discuss several news and notes around Major League Baseball including another unfortunate injury for Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa, and potential improvement from the Royals' lineup in the months ahead before discussing 'Rivalry Weekend' and several players on the roster fringes in fantasy baseball leagues.

Rundown

0:57 Byron Buxton & Carlos Correa in Concussion Protocol

8:23 Maikel Garcia: Skills Growth *and* First Quarter Heater?

14:12 Spencer Strider: Returning During Nats Series: AJSS Sticking?

21:56 Other News & Notes: Eury Pérez, Tyler Glasnow, Spencer Horwitz, and Carson Palmquist

28:22 Rivalry Weekend: Anything You're Excited About?

37:38 Weekend Waiver Preview

50:20 Hitter Leaderboard: This Weekend's Bats to Consider

54:21 Intriguing Names on the Pitching Front

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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss a few of the 16 'other' baseball figures reinstated by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred this week including Shoeless Joe Jackson and several members of the 1919 White Sox, and when 'bad' secondary pitches become a problem by looking at six pitchers whose fastballs currently exceed the quality of their breaking and off-speed offerings.

Rundown

1:05 The 'Other' 16 Reinstated by Commissioner Rob Manfred

12:50 No, Oyster Burns Wasn't Banned for Life

15:31 When Are 'Bad' Secondaries A Problem?

19:46 Robbie Ray's Limited Arsenal

22:20 An Attempt to Understand Bryan Woo's Success & Splits

33:13 The Andrew Heaney Odyssey

40:05 We're Still Puzzled by Taj Bradley; Is It All Linked to Poor Command?

53:01 Do Ownership Blueprints Come From Ownership's Approach to Other Businesses?

Related Reading

SABR's Eight Myths Out: https://sabr.org/eight-myths-out

Matt Moret on the 'other' 16: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6354320

Zach Buchanan's 2019 Story 'A cold case, not a closed case: The baseball obsessives correcting the record about the 1919 Black Sox Scandal': https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1260436

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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Trevor May

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno and DVR discuss Rob Manfred's decision to reinstate Pete Rose, along with 16 others from Major League Baseball's "Permanently Ineligible List" (more on the 16 others in a future episode). Plus, they discuss IL stints for Corey Seager, Roki Sasaki and Ian Happ, before taking a deep dive into the Astros with The Athletic's Chandler Rome.

Rundown

0:41 Rob Manfred Reinstates Pete Rose, 16 Others From MLB's Permanently Ineligible List

9:53 Corey Seager: Back to the IL w/Hamstring Strain

14:14 Roki Sasaki to the IL w/Shoulder Impingement

17:09 Ian to the IL, Moises Ballesteros Promoted by Cubs

24:14 Chandler Rome Joins the Show, Early Impressions of Cam Smith

31:36 Zach Dezenzo Gets an Increased Opportunity

37:50 Slow Starts for Jose Altuve, Christian Walker, and Yainer Diaz

43:17 Changes for Jeremy Peña Behind 25-25 Pace?

48:09 Other Depth Options for Starting Rotation

53:14 Time to Acquire Left-Handed Bat(s)?!

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Chandler Rome

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Joe Sheehan joins Eno and DVR to discuss dropping the skepticism around the Tigers as AL Central frontrunners, where credit (and blame) belong with the 2025 Giants, over-performing teams they expect to see fade from the playoff picture over the course of the season, and under-performing teams they believe will find their way into the playoffs. Plus, the lack of top-end results from Jordan Walker despite top-end bat speed, and a few selections for summer breakouts.

Rundown

5:30 Should We Believe in the Tigers?

12:41 The 'Bustarhan' Giants Are Pretty Good

21:18 Best Teams Today That Won't Make the Playoffs This Season

25:15 Is the Guardians' Pitching Development Fading?

30:57 2025 Playoffs Teams with Worst Record on May 13th?

39:41 Why Are Teams Reluctant to Make 'Early' Trades?

46:12 Jordan Walker: Top-End Bat Speed, Without Top-End Results

53:32 Who Is Your Favorite Breakout On Tap This Summer?

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Joe Sheehan

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper 

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

Eno and DVR discuss the D-backs' decision to recall Jordan Lawlar, Zach Eflin's importance for the Orioles' injury-plagued rotation, and the Rockies' decision to dismiss manager Bud Black, before looking at some of the biggest risers and fallers (among hitters) in initial 2025 projections v. rest-of-season projections with The BAT X.

Rundown

3:33 Jordan Lawlar: Recalled by D-backs; How Does He Fit Right Now?

8:52 Zach Eflin: Returns from the IL

12:59 The Rockies Fire Manager Bud Black

21:55 Projections Movers: Biggest Risers

28:22 Who Has Moved Their Projections Enough to Change Their Role?

34:50 Andrew Vaughn's Projection Has Improved Despite Tough Stretch?

44:26 Projections Movers: Biggest Fallers

52:57 Willy Adames: A Good Buy-Low Candidate?

57:15 Where the Money Went: Cade Horton & Intriguing, Affordable Bats

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno and DVR discuss Rafael Devers' rejection of a move to first base and answer a few mailbag questions -- including an intriguing reason the Dodgers' Stuff+ numbers may be lagging in public models -- before examining several waiver-wire options to consider ahead of the weekend.

Rundown

4:30 Rafael Devers Rejects a Move to First Base

10:56 The New Pope is a White Sox Fan, 2025 Chances?

13:15 Is Dodgers' Low Stuff+ This Season Just Being Ahead of Public Models?

20:29 Why is David Robertson Still a Free Agent?

22:38 Does Trent Grisham Have Shallow League Appeal?

36:29 A Waiver-Wire Leaderboard for This Weekend's Bats

49:39 Adjusting Age for Players Switching Roles?

53:01 Weekend Pitcher Leaderboard

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss the Pirates' decision to fire manager Derek Shelton after a 12-26 start and wonder how making a change in that role will can make an impact. Plus, they dig into the slow start for Roki Sasaki and wonder if he can improve his fastball command and make a tweak to his pitch mix on the fly to get better results over the course of his rookie campaign, before drafting struggling starting pitchers and discussing a great piece about Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz from Alex Chamberlain of FanGraphs.

Rundown

1:10 The Pirates Fire Manager Derek Shelton

8:54 The Overall Struggles Under Bob Nutting's Ownership

15:44 Injury Follow-Ups: Hunter Greene, Dylan Cease, Corbin Burnes, Yordan Alvarez & William Contreras

18:30 Checking In on Roki Sasaki

24:24 Comps for Roki Sasaki's Fastball

32:49 What's the Role *If* the Dodgers' Rotation Gets Healthier?

36:40 A Four-Round Rebound Pitchers Draft

54:16 A Great Read About Andrés Muñoz'

Andrés Muñoz Is an Analytical Blind Spot' by Alex Chamberlain of FanGraphs: https://blogs.fangraphs.com/andres-munoz-is-an-analytical-blind-spot/

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Trevor May

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno, DVR, and Jed discuss a brutal day at the office for Ryan Pressly and Chase Meidroth, before looking at the Orioles' sluggish start to 2025 and the rash of injuries that have played a role along the way, as well as the organization's approach to pitching. Plus, they talk about the changes in Seattle where the Mariners have put together a top-five offense to begin the season, and wonder if new philosophies will make that improvement stick all year.

Rundown

1:24 Ryan Pressly's Historically Bad Day

13:18 Bouncing Back From a Blunder

19:29 It Actually Happens...A Lot

32:38 Making Sense of a 13-21 Start in Baltimore

40:14 What Would You Have Done Differently?

50:34 The Mariners Have Been a Top-Five Offense

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Jed Lowrie

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Will Sammon joins Eno and DVR to discuss the Mets' increasing distance from 'LOL Mets' thanks to their continued growth in pitching development throughout the organization. Plus, they discuss the ongoing questions around Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuña's path to lock down the second-base job, and changes to Mark Vientos' approach that haven't paid off yet. Plus, they discuss bloated ratios, Dylan Cease's bad luck to begin 2025, and Jasson Domínugez as a long-term target.

Rundown

2:11 Clay Holmes' Excellent Start to 2025

5:56 Griffin Canning's Relatively Simple Adjustments

11:49 Taking Small Market Success Into a Big Budget Situation

14:33 Tylor Megill's Short & Long-Term Changes

17:27 David Peterson is the Mets' Andrew Abbott

21:06 Questions Around the Mets' Bats

27:24 Trading Bat Speed for an All-Fields Approach?

37:04 Hope for Damaged ERA and WHIP?

44:26 What's Going On with Dylan Cease?

49:56 Jasson Domínguez: Still a Long-Term Target?

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Will Sammon

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno and DVR discuss the likely season-ending injury for Triston Casas among several other absences that popped up over the weekend including Yordan Alvarez, Shota Imanaga (both on the IL since recording), Freddy Peralta and Corbin Burnes. They also discuss BABIP as a tool to help find buy-low targets and pickups, and marvel at Aaron Judge's .500 BABIP to begin the season before looking at how Coby Mayo might fit on the Orioles' depth chart once they get a infielders back from the IL.

Rundown

3:00 Triston Casas: 2025 Season Likely Over

11:19 Corbin Burnes: Early Skills Decline Followed By Shoulder Inflammation

17:52 Freddy Peralta & Shota Imanaga: Leave Early w/Injuries

22:16 Other News & Notes From the Weekend

28:54 Inspector BABIP: Using BABIP as an Entry Point for Buy Lows & Pickups

43:54 Concerns About Junior Caminero's Launch Angle?

51:27 Favorite In-Season Projections

54:58 Where the Money Went: Light Bidding on Coby Mayo Thanks to Upcoming Crowded Depth Chart?

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith\

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno and DVR discuss the surprising early May demotion to Triple-A for Jake Burger, and look at some of the biggest movers on the O-Swing% leaderboard  from 2024 to 2025. Plus, they discuss another injury for Mike Trout, Jazz Chisholm's shift to the IL, and a few intriguing names to consider on the waiver as the weekend begins.

Rundown
3:40 Jake Burger Optioned to Triple-A
10:02 O-Swing% Changers: 2024 to 2025; The Rangers' Aggressive Approach
16:59 Mike Trout Placed on the IL
24:37 The Angels' Curious Late-Inning Bullpen Management
30:06 Jazz Chisholm Jr.: Oblique Injury Leads to IL Trip
35:19 Updates on Gelof, Ohtani, Darvish & Buehler
41:15 Pitchers to Consider
50:22 Shelby Miller's Path for Saves Opens Up

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss the strike zone, which is shrinking in 2025. They dig into why that changes have taken place and consider a few implications of that adjustment. Plus, they look at a trio of underperforming starting pitchers through the first month of the season including Zac Gallen, who may have started a turnaround Thursday against the Mets, Sandy Alcántara, and Aaron Nola.

Story from Jayson Stark, Ken Rosenthal, Eno & several writers from The Athletic MLB team ($): https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6328105

Rundown
2:32 Is The Strike Zone Really Shrinking?
4:36 Where Is The Strike Zone Getting Smaller?
13:23 Adjusting the Game to Increase Offense & Balls in Play
20:52 Walk Rates Don't Fluctuate Much
29:59 Zac Gallen: Adjustments Already Happening?
38:16 Sandy Alcántara: A Typical Post Tommy John Command Lag?
45:14 Aaron Nola: Is the Ceiling Coming Down Again?
52:00 Eno's Greatest Fear

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Trevor May

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno, DVR, and Jed discuss a story from David Adler of MLB.com about Aaron Judge's batting stance adjustments throughout an elite calendar year at the plate. Plus, they look at four hitters off to great starts to determine if there is more than just a fast start under the hood.

Join Our Six Picks Group -- Session 2 begins Thursday May 1st!
https://ottoneu.fangraphs.com/sixpicks/league/67 (password: froggy)

David Adler's Batting Stance Breakdown for Aaron Judge:
https://www.mlb.com/news/aaron-judge-batting-stance-change-statcast-breakdown

Rundown
2:44 Aaron Judge's Changing Stance Around Massive Year
15:15 Building a Breakout, Jacob Wilson?
25:30 Jung-Hoo Lee: Producing Despite Dip in Bat Speed
33:52 Jonathan Aranda: Setting In for Big Year in Tampa?
46:39 Cedric Mullins: A Second Breakout at 30?

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Jed Lowrie

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Chris Welsh joins and Eno and DVR to discuss several long-term risers and fallers as the first month of the season winds down. Is an uptick in production just around the corner for Jordan Walker as he continues to show elite bat speed? Is this the last chance to make a deal for Dylan Crews and Jordan Lawlar before everything clicks? Should you lower the ceiling expectations for Anthony Volpe? And, has Victor Scott shown enough to have an extended window as the Cardinals' primary center fielder?

Rundown
1:40 Can Jordan Walker Turn Elite Bat Speed Into More Production?
10:26 Is Dylan Crews Ready to Click?
16:59 Will Luis García Jr. Rebound Toward His 2024 Levels?
22:59 Making Sense of Kyren Paris' Uneven Start
32:39 Why Isn't Colt Keith Hitting (Yet)?
40:42 Will Jordan Lawlar Break Through in Arizona This Season?
48:17 Dialing Back on Anthony Volpe's Ceiling?
53:16 Victor Scott's Step Forward
57:27 Better Long-Term Outlook: Scott v. Chandler Simpson

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Chris Welsh

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno and DVR discuss the early exit for Tyler Glasnow on Sunday due to a shoulder issue and a new favorite emerging from the Dodgers' pitching depth as they look to round out the back of their injury-plagued rotation. Plus, an impressive return for Eury Pérez in his first rehab game, a closer change in the Bronx, and mailbag questions about being cautious with velocity increases and the slow start of Brandon Nimmo, before a look at where the money went in fantasy baseball leagues this weekend.

Rundown
2:04 Tyler Glasnow's Early Exit & A New Favorite in Dodgers' Depth Options?
9:46 Eury Pérez Makes First Rehab Start
19:31 Roman Anthony: Slowed by Foot Injury
24:42 Closer Chaos Continues: Luke Weaver In for Devin Williams
27:07 Did We Miss on Eugenio Suárez?
29:42 A Tough Break for Luke Keaschall
38:12 Worry About Velocity Risers During Draft Season?
49:45 What Should We Do with Brandon Nimmo?
57:01 Where the Money Went: Splashy Bids: Nick Kurtz, Jordan Beck, Agustín Ramírez & Closers on the Move

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno, Paul Sporer & Niv Shah talk about the latest injury news around the league. They also break down some of the hot pickups/drops, Eno's new updated pitcher rankings, some waiver wire adds for the weekend and Niv's hot dog review of the Baltimore Dog.
Rundown
1:53- Kyle Hart has been optioned by the Padres
7:48- Joc Pederson- should he stay or should he go?
11:21- Kumar Rocker heads to the IL
12:05- Willi Castro's oblique is hurting
12:45- Is it Cade Smith time in Cleveland?
15:46- Some good and bad news for the Royals
19:31- Niv Shah joins the show to talk hot dogs & hot moves
24:30-Who are the big pickups & drops of the week/weekend
35:58-Eno's updated pitchers rankings
53:48-Waiver wire adds for the weekend
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Hosts: Eno Sarris & Paul Sporer
With: Niv Shah
Producer: Brian Smith
Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss the Orioles' slow start and mounting pitching injuries and wonder -- is this a 2025 playoff team? Plus, they dig into four fast-starting pitchers in search of potential breakouts, and how teams can try to combat increasingly aggressive basestealers within the constraints of the pitch clock and limited disengagements.

Rundown

6:44 Do You Expect the Orioles to Make the Playoffs?

13:56 Tylor Megill: New Breaking Balls Supporting a Breakout?

22:52 Casey Mize: Delivering on the 1.1 Potential?

27:38 Kris Bubic: A New Sustainable Mix in the Royals' Rotation?

34:00 Hayden Wesneski: What's New in Houston?

41:46 How Can Pitchers & Catchers Slow Down Basestealers?

1:04:17 Name! That! Dude! (2025 Record: Trevor 3, Eno 0)

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Trevor May

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno, DVR, and Jed discuss news and notes from around the league including injuries for Emmanuel Clase and Cristopher Sánchez and MLB's biggest three-team rivalries, before digging into the new-look Mariners' offense and Julio Rodriguez's slow start on the heels of a slight downturn at the plate in 2024.

Rundown

4:20 MLB's Biggest Hate Triangle

9:17 Why Night Games on Getaway Day are Suboptimal

15:52 Astros Considering Cam Smith in Center Field?

20:13 The Mariners Hitters Are Changing

(Related Reading from 'Leaky Barn': https://swingsandtakes.com/250421-the-mariners-offense-is-rolling)

25:51 Will Julio Rodríguez Click Again Soon?

31:28 Time to Make Another Adjustment on Pitches Away?

42:38 Does Closing Up Stance Help Slim Your Platoon Split?

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Jed Lowrie

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

C. Trent Rosecrans joins Eno and DVR to discuss the Reds -- including Andrew Abbott's fast start and track record of posting ERAs below his projections -- the ascent of Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo's missing strikeouts amidst good results, and questions around the quality and depth of the Cincinnati bullpen. Plus, they examine the profile of Nick Kurtz, who has been promoted to the big leagues by the A's less than a year after he was drafted fourth overall out of Wake Forest.

Rundown

2:06 Please Help Us Understand Andrew Abbott

9:00 Jose Trevino's Impact on the Staff & Clubhouse

12:08 The Little Adjustment Paying Off for Hunter Greene

18:11 Nick Lodolo's Missing Strikeouts

22:05 Nick Martinez as a Great Fit

27:07 What's Going On with the Reds' Bullpen?

34:15 Nick Kurtz Gets the Call from the A's

45:53 Craig Yoho Joins the Brewers' Relief Corps & Logan Henderson's Outlook

54:00 Brandon Young is Back in the Mix for the Orioles

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: C. Trent Rosecrans

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno and DVR discuss the promotion of Chandler Simpson by the Rays and attempt to determine how his short-term outlook for playing time and long-term ceiling will come together. Plus, they dig into mailbag questions about the early struggles of Devin Williams and Emmanuel Clase, making the choice between slow-starting bats and surging waiver-wire options in shallow leagues, and where the money went (beyond Chandler Simpson) with fantasy aseball pickups from the weekend.

Rundown

4:11 Chandler Simpson Gets the Call

11:24 Finding Roto Comps for a Unique Set of Skills

15:41: Other Injury News & Notes From the Weekend

24:56 A Wild Friday Afternoon at Wrigley

30:44 Struggling First Basemen v. Potential Waiver-Wire Upgrades

41:55 The Slow Starts of Devin Williams & Emmanuel Clase

51:29 Where the Money Went: Making Sense of Weekend Waiver Pickups

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno and DVR discuss the setback for Grayson Rodriguez and the fallout for the Orioles' rotation, the promotion of Luke Keaschall as the Twins deal with a few injuries on their depth chart, and weekend waiver pickups to consider with Ottoneu found and Rates & Barrels Senior Hot Dog Correspondent Niv Shah.

Rundown

1:09 Grayson Rodriguez Has a Setback

10:34 Luke Keaschall Gets the Call to the Twins

16:57 Prospect of the Week

25:57 What's Driving the Interest in Tyler Mahle?

28:48 Matthew Liberatore: Post-Hype Sleeper?

30:48 Austin Hays: Underrated Pickup in Cincinnati; The Reds' Crowd

35:54: Behold...."The L.A. Dog"!

42:32 Jo Adell's Chances of a 2025 Breakout

47:38 Tanner Bibee's Early Struggles

49:50 A $1 Bet on Science

53:26 Other Weekend Waiver Targets to Consider

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Guest: Niv Shah

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss the return of Spencer Strider before digging into Eno's recent story with Britt Ghiroli and Jen McCaffrey examining the progress of hitting tech and development and the efforts to close the gap on pitching. Plus, they discuss the challenge of game-planning for Jacob Wilson, and the early struggles of Gavin Williams.

Eno's story with Britt & Jen ($): https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6270614

Rundown

1:00 Spencer Strider's Return From Internal Brace Surgery

8:56 Fatigue Likely a Factor on Wednesday

15:35 Is Hitting Development Catching Up to Pitching?

29:25 How I'd Pitch This Guy: Jacob Wilson

43:54 What's Behind Gavin Williams' Early Struggles?

51:38 Ambushed! Eno-Proof Trivia?!

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Trevor May

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno, DVR, and Jed discuss baseball's annual celebration of Jackie Robinson Day, before examining the Cubs' decision to demote Matt Shaw at Triple-A, the challenge of balancing present needs with long-term player development, and expectations for a trio of fast-starting starting hitters - including Ben Rice, Spencer Torkelson, and Tyler Soderstrom.

Rundown

1:44 Baseball Celebrates Jackie Robinson Day

5:53 Matt Shaw Optioned to Triple-A

10:10 An Unusually Closed Stance & Foot Position

16:52 What Is Fixable at MLB Level, What Requires a Demotion?

22:00 Cam Smith & Aggressive Timetables

31:05 Player Development Is Not Linear: Ben Rice v. Tyler Soderstrom v. Spencer Torkelson

49:05 Best Bet for Long-Term Success?

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Jed Lowrie

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Lance Brozdowski joins Eno and DVR to discuss new pitches that should make a big long-term difference including changes to Max Fried's sinker and a larger change to Max Meyer's overall arsenal, before looking at a few Triple-A standouts and explaining why it's so difficult to analyze pitching with different baseballs in play until pitchers reach Triple-A.

Rundown

2:00 Max Fried's Adjusted Two-Seamer

7:05 Dylan Cease's New Changeup (and Sinker)

14:59 Projecting the Long-Term Outlook & Free Agent Contract for Cease

19:31 Max Meyer's Big Changes

27:35 Joe Boyle's Chances as a Long-Term Starter

32:52 The Value Added From New Pitches

38:22 Running Models with Missing Pieces

40:35 Intriguing Pitchers at Triple-A Right Now

52:09 Different Baseballs Prior to Triple-A

59:07 How Long Does an Edge Last at the Major League Level?

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Lance Brozdowski

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno and DVR discuss a big weekend for the Cubs, who took two of three from the Dodgers in Los Angeles including a blowout on Saturday night, but revealed that Justin Steele will have season-ending arm surgery. They discuss the need for more pitching in Chicago even prior to Steele's injury, and add the Cubs to the Sandy Alcantara sweepstakes. Plus, they discuss what a Pete Crow-Armstrong extension might look like down the road after the two sides put negotiations on hold, and look at changes for Joe Boyle and where the money went in fantasy baseball leagues this weekend.

Rundown

6:06 Justin Steele to Undergo Season-Ending Arm Surgery

12:42 Pete Crow-Armstrong and a Future Extension with Cubs

16:59 Eno's Concerns About Ben Brown's Two-Pitch Mix

19:48 CJ Abrams' Nice Start Slowed by IL Stint

23:51 Other News & Notes: Changes for Joe Boyle?

33:43 Level of Concern with Christian Walker, Mark Vientos, Jake Burger and Matt Shaw

40:53 The Early Struggles of Tomoyuki Sugano

46:29 Where the Money Went: Making Sense of Weekend Waiver Pickups

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno and DVR discuss the Twins' contemplation of a six-man rotation to potentially incorporate David Festa and Zebby Matthews into their starting mix, the Brewers' heavy use of fastballs for third season in a row and why (beyond a rash of injuries) they might have been interested in Quinn Priester. Plus, they look at early playing time splits from job battles and expected platoons, and answer mailbag questions about Steinbrenner Field in the summer, Tony Gonsolin's pre-injury drop-off, Justin Verlander's first few starts as a Giant, and a few intriguing names to monitor on the waiver wire this weekend.

Rundown

2:37 Twins Considering a Six-Man Rotation

6:07 Brewers Leading the League in Fastballs, Again

Curt Hogg's Story at the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel ($): https://bit.ly/brewersfb

15:08 What Did the Brewers See in Quinn Priester?

Mario Delgado Genzor's Piece at Baseball Prospectus ($): https://bit.ly/BPPriester

20:42 Early Playing Time Splits

32:38 Summer Expectations for Steinbrenner Field

40:10 Tony Gonsolin's Pre-Injury Slide, Expectations for 2025

43:15 What Are You Seeing with Justin Verlander?

46:21 Prospect of the Week, 2025 Debut!

51:50 Other Weekend Waiver Targets to Consider

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss the surging Kyren Paris and strange feats, in the face of Jesse Chavez signing with Atlanta for the *sixth* time in his career. Plus, they look at several pitchers that have significantly altered their arm angle this season in pursuit of staying health -- including Garrett Crochet, Paul Skenes, and Cole Ragans -- MacKenzie Gore's excellent start to the 2025 campaign, and they play the third installment in this season's 'Name That Dude!' series.

Rundown

1:55 Kyren Paris' Red-Hot Start Continues

7:19 Jesse Chavez's New MLB Record

14:03 The Relationship Between Arm Angle & Health

18:40 A Look at Garrett Crochet's Changes

24:05 Paul Skenes' Adjustments

28:40 Biggest Arm Angle Changes From 2024 to 2025

41:32 Is MacKenzie Gore Making the Leap in 2025?

48:47 Name! That! Dude! (Season Series entering 4.10.25: Trevor 2, Eno 0)

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Trevor May

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper 

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

Eno, DVR, and Jed take a spin around the league as April injuries pile up, and take a deep dive into a matchup between José Ramírez and José Soriano from Friday's Guardians-Angels matchup. Plus, they answer a mailbag question inquiring about team's patience with switch hitters despite poor splits, inspired by Elly De La Cruz.

Rundown

1:06 Jackson Merrill to the IL; Early Exits for Fernando Tatis Jr. & Jake Cronenworth

6:50 The Long-Term Maintenance From Previous Injuries

10:20 An Update on Victor Robles' Shoulder Injury

17:19 Other News & Notes: Matt McLain, Ketel Marte & Pablo López

23:30 Should Every Monday Be an 'Off-Day'?

26:40 Octavio Dotel Passes Away Following Nightclub Collapse

27:56 Did José Ramírez Set Up José Soriano?

37:59 Hitters Facing Pitchers Over Time

44:42 Why Are Teams So Patient with Struggling Switch Hitters?

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Jed Lowrie

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Jen McCaffrey joins Eno and DVR to discuss a two-month stretch for the Red Sox that has been packed with a year's worth of storylines including the offseason odyssey of Rafael Devers following should injuries in 2024, the arrival of Alex Bregman, the debut and extension of Kristian Campbell, and much more. Plus, they look back at the showdown between two aces in San Francisco as Hunter Greene is laying the groundwork for another excellent season atop the Reds' rotation.

Rundown

1:02 Making Sense of Rafael Devers' Slow Start & Week 2 Turnaround

7:40 Clubhouse Dynamics w/Alex Bregman's Arrival

16:32 Kristian Campbell's Path to Opening Day & an Eight-Year Extension

20:48 Questions Around the Boston Rotation

27:35 Jarren Duran Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles

31:39 Another Orioles Pitching Injury?

36:56 Did We Underrate Hunter Greene's 2024 Breakout?

52:14 Concerns About Christian Yelich's Sprint & Bat Speed?

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Jen McCaffrey

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno and DVR discuss the massive deal for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays -- 14 years, $500 million -- as extension season rolls further into April. They also wonder if the Jays will be able to supplement the face of their franchise effectively and snap a postseason losing streak that stretches back to 2016.

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Rundown

4:47 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Gets 14-Year, $500M Deal w/Blue Jays

10:31 What Else Will the Jays Do to Supplement the Roster Around Vlad?

17:56 Chase Dollander's Debut; Zac Veen Promoted by Rockies

26:52 Blake Snell to the IL with Shoulder Swelling

30:28 Ketel Marte to the IL; Tim Tawa Promoted over Jordan Lawlar

32:40 Other News & Notes: Nestor Cortes Jr., Sean Murphy & Iván Herrera

45:08 Handling Slow Starts in the NFBC (and Elsewhere)

51:05 Where the Money Went: Kyren Paris, Jake Mangum, 12-Team Starting Pitcher Targets & the Closer Carousel

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno and DVR discuss a mishap that landed Freddie Freeman on the IL, a closer change in Pittsburgh with the demotion of David Bednar, a few heavily added players in ottoneu ahead of the weekend with Niv Shah, and their picks for an on-air, five-round pitcher breakout draft featuring several players that may be available in shallow leagues.

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Rundown

2:16 Freddie Freeman to the IL

5:40 David Bednar to Triple-A; Dennis Santana to Close in Pittsburgh?

9:37 Camilo Doval Still the Fallback in San Francisco

14:15 Odds & Ends: Zach Neto, Nestor Cortes Jr., Jordan Lawlar & Angel Genao

18:14 Niv Shah Joins the Show! (The Philly Dog, Ottoneu Adds & Six Picks Roster Rates)

35:39 Eno's Friday Draft: Late-Round Pitchers/Shallow League Waiver Draft

55:07 Tomoyuki Sugano: Underrated by Projections?

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss another round of extensions as the Red Sox continue to secure long-term parts of their core with Garrett Crochet and Kristian Campbell inking new deals, Ketel Marte tacks on extra years with the D-backs, Jurickson Profar takes an 80-game suspension for a positive PED test as the Braves fall to 0-7, and Esteury Ruiz gets a fresh start with the Dodgers. Plus, we wonder if 2025 will be the year of the 'kick-change', and how pitchers might adjust to Anthony Volpe as his heat maps shift with the 'Torpedo' bat.

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Rundown

1:51 Garret Crochet: Inks a Six-Year Extension with Red Sox

6:07 Kristian Campbell: Opts for Eight-Year Extension in Boston

15:09 Ketel Marte: Adds Years in Arizona (Six-Year, $116.5M)

21:42 Jurickson Profar: Suspended 80 Games for Positive PED Test

25:43 A Look Back at Other 0-7 Starts

30:58 A Fresh Start for Esteury Ruiz in Los Angeles

36:07 2025: The Year of the Kick-Change?

44:52 New Toys: Using Batter's Box Data & Bat Changes Against Hitters (How to Pitch to Anthony Volpe in 2025)

52:59 Advanced Scouts and Player Acquisition Analysts: Asking Different Questions?

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Trevor May

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Jed Lowrie makes his Rates & Barrels debut to join Eno and DVR and to discuss Jackson Merrill's nine-year extension with the Padres, Jed's trip to the season opening series in Japan between the Dodgers and Cubs, the early-season struggles of Rafael Devers, and hitters that have moved their contact point up (toward the pitcher) thus far in 2025.

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Rundown

1:40 Jackson Merrill Gets Paid!

6:47 Jed’s Takeaways from Opening Series Trip to Japan

16:00 Changing and Experimenting with Bats

22:43 Why the 'Torpedo' Bat Hasn't Taken Off Sooner

25:19 Rafael Devers' Slow Start to 2025

34:04 Players Who Have Moved Their Contact Point Up (Toward Pitcher)

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Jed Lowrie

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno is joined by Keenan Long of LongBall Labs to talk everything bats. He talks about the process of finding the right bat for a player, the different types of bats & handles, the sudden rise of the torpedo bat, what's in the future for bats and much more.

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Rundown

1:01 Process of finding the right bat for players

5:41 Common bat terminology

16:09 Different types of bats

19:24 Torpedo Bat breaks out & what's the give and take of the bat

25:40 Increased data has cause bat changes

31:08 Different types of handles on bats

33:06 What's in the future for bat technology

39:07 Torpedo bats have been around

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Hosts: Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno and DVR discuss a weekend filled with homers in the Bronx, 'Torpedo' bats, Mookie Betts' two-homer game and other takeaways from the first weekend of the 2025 season. Plus, an early look at bat speed risers and fallers, and where the money was spent in pursuit of fantasy baseball roster upgrades this weekend.

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Rundown

4:37 Rule 3.02: Bats

10:07 An Attempt to Properly Account for the Impact of the 'Torpedo' Bat in Yankees-Brewers series

14:05 Mookie Betts' Surprising Two-Homer Game

19:27 Colton Cowser's Thumb Injury; Opportunity for Heston Kjerstad

27:08 Spencer Strider Progresses in Rehab Assignment

31:59 How Many PAs to Determine Bat Speed Changes?

42:47 Where the Money Went -- Weekend Fantasy Baseball Pickups

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno, Trevor, and DVR are live for Day 2 from Barebottle Brewing in San Francisco. Ben Clemens of FanGraphs joins them for this show. They break down some of the box score fun things they saw from Opening Day, standout pitching performances from the opener, what they are looking forward to this season, and awards predictions for the upcoming season.

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Trevor May

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno, Trevor, and DVR are live from Barebottle Brewing in San Francisco on Opening Day of baseball in the US. They break down some of the big games from Opening Day and give their predictions on each division and who is going to win the World Series.

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Rundown

0:57 Wilmer Flores' Go Ahead Homer & Early Opening Takeaways

15:23 NL West Predictions

27:18 NL Central Predictions

38:29 NL East Predictions

48:18 A Toast of Kayaker's Cove w/Barebottle Co-Founder Lester Koga

55:01 AL West Predictions

1:04:51 AL Central Predictions

1:16:48 AL East Predictions

1:26:53 Postseason Predictions

1:29:50 Listener Questions

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Trevor May

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno and DVR are joined by Orioles star Jackson Holliday to talk about his love for donuts, struggling in his rookie season, the big difference between AAA pitchers vs MLB pitchers, if he looks at his contact point and much more. They also talk about some of the big news of the week and look at some breakout 2nd year bats that they have their eye on.

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Rundown

0:45- Cal Raleigh gets a big extension

2:10- Evan Carter gets sent down to AAA

5:45- Could Luke Jackson be the closer in Texas?

8:45- Landen Roupp makes the Giants starting rotation

10:38- Breakout second year hitting candidates

23:24- Orioles Star Jackson Holliday joins the show

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Britt Ghiroli returns to the show with Eno and DVR to discuss the potential obstacles for a sale of the Minnesota Twins as the most recent franchise to explore new ownership. Plus, the trio shares a few of their bold predictions for the upcoming season!

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Rundown

3:12 So You Want to Buy a Major League Baseball Team?

12:15 'It's easy to find someone whose in for 50 or 100 million.'

26:33 Our Bold Predictions for the 2025 Season

30:21 We Did Not See This One Coming

36:49 Eno Makes a 'Five-Pepper' Cy Young Prediction

44:33 Another Surprising Team Call?

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris & Britt Ghiroli

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno and DVR discuss a trio of March contract extensions including Tanner Bibee, Alejandro Kirk, and Justin Martinez -- all of whom received new five-year deals with their respective clubs. Plus, they catch up on other late spring news including a scare for Shane McClanahan, a trade that sent Nolan Jones back to Cleveland, a closer role up for grabs in Cincinnati, and a few takeaways from the first run of weekly pickups in 'Where the Money Went' as Opening Day approaches.

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Rundown

2:42 Tanner Bibee's Extension with Guardians

6:18 Alejandro Kirk: Signs Five-Year Deal with Blue Jays

13:04 Justin Martinez: Gets Long-Term Guarantee with D-backs

16:29 News Updates: Shane McClanahan, Zack Gelof, Freddie Freeman & Mookie Betts

24:48 Nolan Jones Traded *Back* to Cleveland for Tyler Freeman

34:08 News Updates: Vinnie Pasquantino, Alexis Díaz, Gunnar Henderson, Félix Bautista & Yu Darvish

38:47 A Sleeper in San Diego? Stephen Kolek's Opportunity

46:32 Kristian Campbell: Makes Opening Day Roster for Red Sox

52:13 Fifth Starter Battle Winner: AJSS, Matthew Liberatore & Logan Allen

1:00:37 An Attempt to Understand & Explain the Pirates' Initial Rotation Choices

1:05:38 Where the Money Went -- Week 1 Pickups

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno and DVR get ready for a busy weekend of drafts with a quick spin through spring news and notes, before discussing ideal roster builds, when to target an ace, how to approach closers, which positions thin out quickly, a few prospects worth considering as late-round stashes in redraft leagues as they await an opportunity at the big-league level.

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Rundown

2:46 Spring News Updates

13:51 Any Grapefruit or Cactus League Performances You're Worried About?

23:53 Early-Rounders You Are Side-Stepping at ADP

33:04 When to Draft an Ace

40:14 Closer Approach in First 150 Picks

49:19 Position Depth: Where Can You Wait, Where Are You Spending Early?

1:04:06 Depth Starters of Interest

1:08:20 Injured Players or Prospects Worth Stashing in Redraft?

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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss an interesting lawsuit around analytics a potentially lost competitive advantage, the benefits of building a 'brain' -- internal communications system -- of your own, organizational pitching archetypes, and a few different ways to grade the best bullpens in baseball as Opening Day approaches.

Rundown

3:54 An Interesting Lawsuit & A 'Lost Competitive Advantage'

Further reading from a Matt Gelb story at The Athletic($): https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6216672/2025/03/20/phillies-zelus-analytics-teamworks-lawsuit/

9:15 Benefits of Building 'The Brain' Internally

26:37 Pros & Cons of Organizational Pitching Archetypes

45:53 How Are You Grading & Ranking Bullpens Entering 2025?

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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Trevor May

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno and DVR discuss Roki Sasaki's big-league debut in Game 2 of the Dodgers-Cubs series in Tokyo, the now-restored DoD page about the life of Jackie Robinson, a second option for Jared Jones' elbow injury, and other spring news and notes -- including an encouraging outing from Tyler Mahle. Plus, they reveal their most rostered players (so far) ahead of the 2025 season.

Rundown

2:15 The Free Look at Two Games of the 2025 Season

3:55 Roki Sasaki's MLB Debut

7:21 Movement Profiles of Roki Sasaki's Pitches from Baseball Prospectus

14:51 When to Consider Giving Up Switch-Hitting (inspired by Tommy Edman)

21:13 DoD Deletes Articles About Jackie Robinson's Army History (Update: Restored Wednesday afternoon following the recording of this episode)

25:53 Jared Jones: Getting Second Opinion on Elbow Injury

30:28 Jace Jung's Demotion to Triple-A; Spencer Torkelson's Opportunity?

41:31 Is Tyler Mahle Feeling Froggy?

46:02 Our Most Rostered Players: Players We're Leaning On in 2025

53:30 Eno Attempts to Guess DVR's List

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

Eno and DVR discuss the Dodgers' season-opening win over the Cubs in Tokyo, which featured five strong frames from Yoshinobu Yamamoto and an excellent showing from the bullpen. They also discuss a great piece from David Adler highlighting Shohei Ohtani's unique contact point as a possible explanation for his excellent all-fields power. Plus, they look at the return of Spencer Strider, who pitched in a game Monday for the first time this spring, Cam Smith's chances of making the Opening Day roster, and big movers from the NFBC Main Event drafts, which Eno recently took part in.

Rundown

3:22 Dodgers Win Series Opener in Tokyo

9:57 Freddie Freeman's Reduced Playing Time Ceiling

13:48 Shohei Ohtani's Unique Contact Point

(Story from David Adler, MLB.com: https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-contact-point-statcast-analysis)

21:42 Concerns About Mookie Betts' Health Beyond Tokyo?

26:44 Spencer Strider is Back! (Is the ADP Going to the Moon?)

34:34 Cam Smith's Path to the Opening Day Roster in Houston

43:45 David Bednar: Still Hasn't Been Named Pirates' Closer

48:46 Adjusting to Unique Rooms: The NFBC Main Event

55:33 Reframing a 'Necessary' Overpay

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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

James Anderson of RotoWire joins DVR to discuss a few news items from the weekend including Mookie Betts' absence from the Japan Series and the playing time outlook for Andy Pages, an early-season IL trip for Royce Lewis, and another pitching injury to watch coming out of Yankees camp. Plus, they discuss several under-the-radar prospects capable of making an impact in 2025 -- including one of James' favorites climbing the organizational depth chart in Minnesota -- an ETA for Chandler Simpson, and keeping an open mind about pitching development for non-elite prospects.

Rundown

1:57 Mookie Betts' Japan Series Absence; Andy Pages' 2025 PT Outlook

7:04 Royce Lewis: Will Begin Season On the IL

12:57 Clarke Schmidt: Should Be Ready for Regular Season

15:40 Balancing Ceiling with Proximity in Top 100 Rankings

22:07 Which Prospect Hitters Could Make a Surprisingly Large Impact in 2025?

38:56 Chandler Simpson's ETA

45:14 Which Prospect Pitchers Could Make a Surprisingly Large Impact in 2025?

1:01:42 A Few Pitching Stashes for 2026?

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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

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Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels

Hosts: Derek VanRiper

With: James Anderson

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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