The podcast kicks off with insights on Ronald Acuña Jr.'s cautious return from injury. Eno shares his excitement for pitchers like Shane McClanahan and Hunter Brown, while exploring the potential of Grayson Rodriguez. There's a playful analysis of Spencer Strider's strategy under new league rules and a surprising endorsement for Clay Holmes as a starter. They also touch on quirky player nicknames and the evolving dynamics of spring training, making it a must-listen for baseball enthusiasts!
Injuries like Ronald Acuña Jr.'s ACL tear highlight the need to adjust performance expectations and strategies for player contributions.
Eno's 2025 starting pitcher rankings reveal undervalued pitchers like Hunter Brown and Grayson Rodriguez, indicating significant breakout potential.
Drafting strategies for deeper leagues emphasize targeting pitchers with dual fastballs and understanding health dynamics for roster maximization.
Deep dives
Injuries Impacting Player Performance
The episode discusses how player injuries, particularly those like Ronald Acuña Jr.'s ACL tear, significantly affect performance expectations. Acuña, who has previously torn both ACLs, mentioned running at about 90-95% strength but intends to be more cautious on the bases moving forward. This raises concerns about his stolen base potential for the upcoming season, with projections suggesting an over/under of around 20 stolen bases. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding how these injuries could alter a player's approach and overall contributions to their team.
Spring Training Insights and Player Updates
The conversation delves into various player updates from spring training, including Felix Bautista's recovery from Tommy John surgery and his confidence in being ready by opening day. There’s also a note on Trevor Rogers being unable to participate due to a knee injury, which highlights the uncertainty many pitchers face heading into the season. Additionally, Francisco Alvarez is mentioned, noting his efforts to retool his swing mechanics with the hope of becoming a more balanced hitter. Such updates provide crucial insights for fantasy baseball players as they prepare for drafts.
Evaluating Pitcher Rankings for 2025
A significant portion of the episode focuses on Eno’s rankings for starting pitchers in 2025, where some pitchers are highlighted as undervalued. Hunter Brown stands out with a superior pitching arsenal and a strong second half in 2024, indicating a breakout potential. Grayson Rodriguez is also noted for his impressive K rate and improvement over his previous season, which suggests he could emerge as a top-tier starting pitcher. These assessments are valuable for fantasy players looking to identify potential steals in upcoming drafts.
Strategies for Pitching in Fantasy Baseball
The discussion covers strategic approaches to drafting pitchers, particularly in deeper leagues where understanding player health and potential is crucial. There’s an emphasis on targeting pitchers like Clay Holmes, who may start strong but could experience volatility throughout the season. This strategy is showcased as a way to maximize roster efficiency, especially in April when picking up emerging talent is vital. The importance of having pitchers with dual fastballs is also discussed as a key asset for successful matchups throughout the season.
Comparative Analysis of Young Pitchers
The podcast concludes with a comparative analysis of several young pitchers, including Sean Burke and Edward Cabrera, evaluating their potential based on past performance and projection metrics. Both pitchers are believed to possess underappreciated qualities that could allow them to excel in their respective rotations. There's anticipation regarding how coaching adjustments could affect their games moving forward, particularly in their fastball usage and command. The overall discussion promotes a forward-thinking mindset in baseball analysis, emphasizing the value of adaptability and growth in young players.
Eno and DVR catch up on a few intriguing baseball news items from the first week of spring training before diving into Eno's recently released 2025 Starting Pitcher rankings to discuss several pitchers that Eno loves in 2025.
Rundown
1:13 Ronald Acuña Jr.: 'Taking it Easy' on the Basepaths After Second ACL Tear
5:37 Francisco Alvarez: Big Swing Changes This Winter
12:48 Shane McClanahan: No Restrictions This Spring
17:39 Buying Into Hunter Brown's Step Forward in 2024
22:31 Similar Vibes Around Grayson Rodriguez?
26:57 Some Love for Luis Castillo?!
31:33 Spencer Strider and Leaning Into League Rules
35:26 Clarke Schmidt: Can a Full-Season Like 2024 Happen?
39:35 Why Eno Believes in Clay Holmes as a Starter
48:24 Other Late Pitching Options Getting Love in the Rankings
