Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

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.Rundown1:53- Kyle Hart has been optioned by the Padres7:48- Joc Pederson- should he stay or should he go?11:21- Kumar Rocker heads to the IL12:05- Willi Castro's oblique is hurting12:45- Is it Cade Smith time in Cleveland?15:46- Some good and bad news for the Royals19:31- Niv Shah joins the show to talk hot dogs & hot moves24:30-Who are the big pickups & drops of the week/weekend35:58-Eno's updated pitchers rankings53:48-Waiver wire adds for the weekendFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Eno Sarris & Paul SporerWith: Niv ShahProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The discussion kicks off with the Orioles' rough start and their playoff future. The hosts dive into pitchers like Tylor Megill, exploring their breakouts and new skills. They also address how teams can counter aggressive basestealers in light of new rules. The critical injuries affecting leagues are highlighted, alongside prospects for potential breakout pitchers in 2025. The evolving strategies for pitchers and catchers adapting to the pitch clock and limited disengagements take center stage, blending humor with analytical insights.

Jed Lowrie, a former professional baseball player, joins the discussion to analyze the latest in MLB. They dive into the Mariners' new offensive strategies and the early struggles of star player Julio Rodríguez. Lowrie highlights potential adjustments Rodríguez could make, such as modifying his stance to improve tackling pitches away. The conversation also touches on the intense rivalries across the league and how tight game schedules affect player performance. Tune in for insights on strategy, mechanics, and the quest for improvement!

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. Rundown2:06 Please Help Us Understand Andrew Abbott9:00 Jose Trevino's Impact on the Staff & Clubhouse12:08 The Little Adjustment Paying Off for Hunter Greene18:11 Nick Lodolo's Missing Strikeouts22:05 Nick Martinez as a Great Fit27:07 What's Going On with the Reds' Bullpen?34:15 Nick Kurtz Gets the Call from the A's45:53 Craig Yoho Joins the Brewers' Relief Corps & Logan Henderson's Outlook54:00 Brandon Young is Back in the Mix for the OriolesFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.socialFollow Trent on Bluesky: @ctrent.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: C. Trent RosecransProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chandler Simpson's promotion as the new fastest player in baseball takes center stage, raising questions about his role with the Rays. The hosts dive into injury updates and tackle listener queries about struggling star pitchers and potential waiver-wire gems. They explore how Simpson's speed can reshape the outfield dynamics while evaluating his performance potential as the team’s lineup evolves. Additionally, the unpredictable nature of MLB this season is discussed, highlighting the challenges of player management in fantasy leagues.

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. Rundown1:09 Grayson Rodriguez Has a Setback10:34 Luke Keaschall Gets the Call to the Twins16:57 Prospect of the Week25:57 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' Crowd35:54: Behold...."The L.A. Dog"!42:32 Jo Adell's Chances of a 2025 Breakout47:38 Tanner Bibee's Early Struggles49:50 A $1 Bet on Science53:26 Other Weekend Waiver Targets to ConsiderFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.socialFollow Niv on Bluesky: @ottoneu.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisGuest: Niv ShahExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/6270614Rundown1:00 Spencer Strider's Return From Internal Brace Surgery8:56 Fatigue Likely a Factor on Wednesday15:35 Is Hitting Development Catching Up to Pitching?29:25 How I'd Pitch This Guy: Jacob Wilson43:54 What's Behind Gavin Williams' Early Struggles?51:38 Ambushed! Eno-Proof Trivia?!Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.socialFollow Trevor on Bluesky: @iamtrevormay.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Trevor MayExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jed Lowrie, a former Major League Baseball player, shares his insights on the challenges of player development and the transition to the majors. The conversation kicks off with a nod to Jackie Robinson Day, celebrating its significance in baseball. Lowrie discusses the Cubs' demotion of Matt Shaw and explores how player needs can clash with long-term development strategies. He highlights the non-linear paths of young hitters like Ben Rice and Spencer Torkelson, emphasizing the balance between immediate performance pressures and growth potential.

Lance Brozdowski, a player development analyst for Marquee Sports, dives into the latest pitching innovations and standout players. He discusses Max Fried's transformed sinker and Dylan Cease's revamped changeup. Brozdowski also sheds light on the struggles of analyzing performances due to different baseballs in the minors. Plus, insights on Triple-A prospects like Max Meyer and Joe Boyle provide a glimpse into their long-term potential in the majors, emphasizing the challenges pitchers face transitioning to higher levels.

The Cubs have had a big weekend, but the news of Justin Steele's season-ending surgery casts a shadow on their pitching lineup. Conversations shift towards potential trades, including a move for Sandy Alcantara. The intriguing future of Pete Crow-Armstrong's contract negotiations is also on the table. Additionally, the hosts discuss pitching mechanics changes for Joe Boyle, while exploring the early struggles of Tomoyuki Sugano. There's also an engaging analysis of fantasy baseball pickups, highlighting the latest trends and player performance.