Ben Clemens of FanGraphs Joins us Live from Barebottle Brewing
Mar 29, 2025
auto_awesome
Ben Clemens, a keen baseball writer and analyst from FanGraphs, joins the team live from Barebottle Brewing. They dive into the exhilarating highlights from Opening Day, such as standout pitching performances and insights into player mechanics. The discussion touches on new talents redefining expectations, while also exploring the challenges of player motivation and coaching. With award predictions on the table, they share intriguing takes on MVP candidates and the impact of injuries within the season.
The podcast highlights Major League Baseball's Opening Day, celebrating exciting player performances and significant box score analyses from the initial games.
Hunter Green's impressive velocity and curveball throw are discussed, suggesting his potential to achieve Cy Young-level performance this season.
Paul Skeens' adaptive pitching strategy and recent adjustments reveal the necessity of versatility and innovation in achieving success on the mound.
Injury management strategies in MLB are examined, indicating a need for effective communication and training approaches to enhance player health and performance.
Deep dives
Partnership with BetMGM
The episode highlights a new partnership with BetMGM for making picks using their betting lines. Listeners can benefit from exclusive offers when signing up with the special code, providing them with a year-long subscription to The Athletic and a substantial first bet offer. The process encourages participation by making betting more accessible and exciting for fans, enhancing the overall experience while engaging with the content. This collaboration is framed as a way to integrate sports analysis with betting, appealing to both sports enthusiasts and gamblers.
Opening Day Reflections
The hosts reflect on the excitement surrounding Major League Baseball's Opening Day, emphasizing the joy of analyzing box scores and player performances from the first games. Discussions include notable events like Tyler O'Neal's impressive streak of homering on consecutive opening days and highlights from specific teams, such as the Baltimore Orioles' offensive prowess. This initial week serves as a valuable indicator of team dynamics and player form, setting the tone for the season ahead. The excitement of seeing games resume drives their analysis as they review each division and its teams.
Hunter Green's Dominance
Hunter Green is identified as a pitcher of significant interest, noted for his impressive velocity and strikeout potential. Discussions involve his recent performance improvements and the potential for developing a more dominant pitching style. Observations highlight his unique ability to throw a high-velocity curveball, which could redefine his effectiveness on the mound. The conversation speculates on whether Green could achieve Cy Young-level performance, considering his pitching arsenal and command.
Paul Skeens' Versatility
Paul Skeens emerges as another focal point, with discussions centering on his adaptable pitching strategy as he progresses in his career. Listeners learn about Skeens' recent adjustments to his pitch mix, including experimenting with various grips to enhance pitch effectiveness. The focus is placed on his ability to maintain quality innings while adapting to different styles of hitting faced in the Major Leagues. This evolution in his approach offers insight into the importance of not only talent but adaptability in achieving success as a pitcher.
McKenzie Gore's Transformation
McKenzie Gore is further discussed concerning his remarkable changes in velocity and pitch movement. The conversation points to his newly refined pitches, suggesting that he may be on the brink of a breakout season. Insights into Gore's strategy reveal his attempts to emulate successful pitching styles while improving overall command. His recent strong performances hint at significant potential for growth, positioning him as a pitcher to watch closely this season.
Injury Management and Player Health
The podcast addresses the ongoing conversation about injuries in Major League Baseball and how various teams manage player health. Insights include contrasting approaches that different teams take towards training and injury prevention, along with anecdotes on how teams like the Braves approach their lineup management. This discussion highlights that success in managing player health is not only about training staff but also hinges on how open players are about their physical states. The recognition of fatigue modelling and how it impacts player performance adds depth to the analysis of how teams can enhance their health management strategies.
Predictions and Emerging Talent
As the season progresses, the hosts make bold predictions about who might win key player awards, particularly focusing on the new talent entering the league. Contenders like Gunnar Henderson and Cole Reagans are discussed regarding their potential impact on their respective teams and chances for individual accolades. The discussion emphasizes the importance of historical performance in the majors as a score predictor but also acknowledges the unpredictability of rookie performances. Players with high upside who have already shown flashes of brilliance could reshape the narrative as the season unfolds.
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.
