Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball A Weekend Filled with All Things Baseball
May 19, 2025
The podcast dives into a whirlwind of baseball news with the firing of Orioles' manager Brandon Hyde making headlines. José Alvarado faces an 80-game suspension due to a PED test failure, while Mick Abel shines in his debut. The discussion also covers the challenges of Hayden Wesneski's Tommy John surgery and the anticipation around Matt Shaw's return. They analyze fantasy baseball spending trends, exploring player performance impacts and roster strategies. Plus, the Angels sweep the Dodgers in an exciting Freeway Series!
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Episode notes
Derek's Baseball Card Anecdote
- Derek VanRiper shared a story about trading baseball cards with kids, sparking their interest in sports stats.
- He interacted with players like Mike Yastrzemski and Justin Verlander, making it a memorable baseball weekend.
Orioles' Manager Change Insight
- Orioles' firing Brandon Hyde stemmed partly from a need to inject more energy and change team vibe.
- Their pitching shortage isn’t just due to injuries but reflects deeper structural problems in roster building.
Phillies Bullpen Shift
- Jose Alvarado’s 80-game PED suspension leaves Phillies bullpen thinner.
- Jordan Romano is likely the solo closer now, showing recent improvement in form.