Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball When Do You Worry About Secondary Pitches?
May 15, 2025
The hosts dive into the recent reinstatement of iconic figures like Shoeless Joe Jackson, unraveling the complexities of baseball's past scandals. They discuss the importance of secondary pitches, analyzing when a pitcher's reliance on fastballs becomes a liability. Insights on the struggles of young pitchers and the necessity of diversifying their arsenals emerge. The conversation also touches on ownership dynamics and how they shape team development, alongside the tactical adjustments players must make in response to secondary pitches.
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Episode notes
Shoeless Joe Jackson's Scandal Admission
- Shoeless Joe Jackson admitted to taking $5,000 to fix the 1919 World Series.
- This was more than three times his annual salary, showing significant temptation for players then.
Oyster Burns: Worst Teammate Story
- Oyster Burns stabbed his teammate Tom Daly with a pen knife in 1893, resulting in a severed tendon.
- Despite this, Burns avoided a lifetime ban, despite being considered one of the worst teammates ever.
Dominant Fastball Sustains Pitchers
- Dominant fastball pitchers like Hunter Brown can rely heavily on their fastball until it becomes less effective.
- They generally have enough secondary pitches to adjust and prolong their effectiveness.