Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

DVR is joined by Stephen Nesbitt to discuss All-Star Week festivities -- including Cal Raleigh's Home Run Derby win, a swing-off that delivered on a big stage, and a stunning visual tribute to Hank Aaron that missed a critically important detail. Plus, they look at several second-half storylines including the Red Sox's shift back toward Trade Deadline buyers despite trading Rafael Devers to the Giants in June, teams with a short window to change their Deadline plans, and a few potential risers and fallers over the course of the second half.Rundown1:16 Cal Raleigh's Home Run Derby Win4:32 The All-Star Game 'Swing-Off' Delivered11:25 A Stunning Hank Aaron Tribute Missing a Critically Important DetailHank Aaron's record-breaking 715th home run, as called by Vin Scully: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjqYThEVoSQ17:55 Red Sox and Giants' Trade Deadline Plans27:28 Pick 1 to Make the Playoffs: Padres, Red Sox & Giants31:35 One Team Under 20% Playoff Odds (per FanGraphs) That You See Rallying Back38:22 Wondering About the Tigers' Deadline Approach43:21 Will the Astros Maintain Their AL West Lead as Injuries Mount?47:45 Hitter's Season Most Likely To Turn Around54:43 Unsustainable Levels From Excellent First HalfFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Stephen on Bluesky: @stephenjnesbitt.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHost: Derek VanRiperGuest: Stephen NesbittProducer Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DVR is joined by Keith Law to discuss a few takeaways from the 2025 MLB Draft including Eli Willits as the Nationals' choice with the first overall pick, the entirely unsurprising selection of Ethan Holliday by the Rockies, the Angels' decision to take Tyler Bremner over Kade Anderson, Liam Doyle and Jamie Arnold at No. 2, intriguing risk-reward gambles from Day 1, and much more. Rundown3:17 Eli Willits Goes to the Nationals at 1.1 & Decisions Thereafter9:15 Fast Tracks for Several First-Round Pitchers?13:59 Seth Hernandez to the Pirates, Elevated Risk with HS Pitching17:59 Pitchers More Likely to Choose College Thanks to NIL Opportunities?21:37 The Angels Select Tyler Bremner w/Second Pick26:47 Aiva Arquette Lands in Miami33:19 Liam Doyle to the Cardinals; Pitching Changes On Tap in St. Louis38:22 Billy Carlson and the White Sox's Bet on Developing a Better Hit Tool48:01 Are High School Hitters Getting Better? (Maybe a Lot Better)53:18 Kruz Schoolcraft and Intriguing Risk-Reward Follow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.socialFollow Keith on Bluesky: @keithlaw.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHost: Derek VanRiperGuests: Keith LawExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DVR is joined by Ryan Bloomfield of Baseball HQ to discuss First Pitch Arizona 2025 (Nov. 6th-9th), long-term targets to stash, and a few players to consider on the waiver wire this weekend. Plus, Senior Hot Dog Correspondent Niv Shah checks in with a report from T-Mobile Park in Seattle, where Sumo Dog comes through with a contender for 'Best Dog of the Season'. Rundown3:14 First Pitch Arizona Registrations are Open! https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-20257:18 Brice Matthews Gets the Call to Houston11:43 Updates: Hunter Greene, Cole Ragans & Blake Snell17:02 Stashing Samuel Basallo in Redraft Leagues?20:47 Would You Rather (Rest of 2025): Cam Schlittler v. Emmet Sheehan23:22 Other Pitchers You're Stashing Now in Long-Term Formats32:59 Hitters to Stash in Long-Term Formats37:09 Would You Rather (Rest of 2025): Tyler Freeman v. Colt Keith40:37 Waiver-Wire Bats to Consider54:50 Mailbag: Which Post-TJS Pitchers Do You Target?1:01:54 Senior Hot Dog Correspondent Niv Shah Joins the Show!1:11:57 2025 MLB Draft Class Availability in Ottoneu Leagues1:17:59 Starting an Ottoneu League During the All-Star Break 1:21:50 Sumo Dog at T-Mobile Park A Contender for 'Best Dog of the Season'1:26:45 'The Seattle Dog' Not As PicturedFollow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.socialFollow Ryan on Bluesky: @ryanbloomfield.bsky.socialFollow Niv on Bluesky: @ottoneu.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHost: Derek VanRiperGuests: Ryan Bloomfield & Niv ShahExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DVR and Trevor discuss the return of Tyler Glasnow and the debut of Cam Schlittler before Trevor breaks down how pitchers could utilize the swing data at Baseball Savant against hitters. Plus, they share a few relievers with future closer potential, and take a quick look at the ERA v. SIERA leaderboard to see where the regression monster is most likely to strike after the All-Star break.Rundown1:44 Tyler Glasnow is Back; Is His Arsenal?5:06 Cam Schlittler's Big League Debut9:56 Keeping an Eye on Byron Buxton After HBP on Wednesday11:51 How Pitchers Can use Swing Data in Game Planning23:18 Corbin Carroll and Swing Path Tilt Adjustments28:27 Why Does Oneil Cruz Get Beat in the Zone Despite Elite Bat Speed?35:30 The Search for Future Closers50:32 Fearing the Regression Monster: SIERA v. ERA DifferencesFollow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.socialFollow Trevor on Bluesky: @iamtrevormay.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiperWith: Trevor MayProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DVR and Jed discuss Patrick Bailey's improbable inside-the-park walk-off homer against the Phillies, and Manny Machado's path to 3,000 hits after he reached 2,000 earlier this week, before digging into five underperforming hitters (all under 26) in search of rebounds in the second half or beyond.Rundown0:50 An Unusual Finish in San Francisco4:15 Manny Machado's Path to 3,000 Hits10:25 JJ Wetherholt & Moving Defensively16:06 Royce Lewis' 2025 Struggles Due to Injury?23:39 Jordan Walker: What's Behind Rising K%?31:40 Michael Harris II: Contact Quality Dip40:59 Oneil Cruz: Massive Second Half On Tap?46:14 Francisco Alvarez: Caught Between Approaches?53:18 Does the All-Star Game Need a Tweak?Follow 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/ratesandbarrelsHost: Derek VanRiperWith: Jed LowrieProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DVR and Britt discuss several first-time All-Stars including four starters in the 2025 Midsummer Classic, superstars on that stage for the first time like Pete Crow-Armstrong and James Wood, and a few veterans getting the nod on the strength of outstanding first-half performances. Plus, they discuss Britt's recent story of an MLBPA investigation into agent Yasser Mendez following allegations of financial misconduct.Rundown1:44 Stories of First-Time All-Stars & Starters7:03 Does Cal Raleigh Pass the "Neighbor Test"?14:19 Shane Smith: Second Rule 5 Pick to Make ASG in Draft Year18:11 Kyle Stowers & A Late BreakoutBritt's Story ($) about Stowers' adjustments: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/647849028:24 MacKenzie Gore and Questions About Patience for the New Front Office in D.C.42:11 MLBPA Investigating Allegations of Financial Misconduct Against Agent Yasser MendezBritt's Story ($) about the allegations: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6478358Follow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.socialFollow Britt on Bluesky: @brittghiroli.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Britt GhiroliProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno and DVR discuss the return of Brandon Woodruff, Corbin Carroll's surprisingly quick activation from the IL, likely Tommy John surgery for Clarke Schmidt, a midseason rollback of Drew Rasmussen's workload, the arrival of Colson Montgomery, the Nats' decision to part ways with Mike Rizzo and Davey Martinez, and where the money went during the weekend.Rundown2:46 Brandon Woodruff's Return to the Brewers' Rotation11:14 Corbin Carroll is Back14:48 Clarke Schmidt Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery21:38 Colson Montgomery Promoted by White Sox28:57 Drew Rasmussen's Mid-Summer Role Tweak for Innings Management33:20 Nats Fire Mike Rizzo & Davey Martinez47:23 Mailbag: Team Quality & Save Opportunities52:45 Where the Money Went: This Weekend's Waiver Wire PickupsFollow 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: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Niv Shah, Senior Hot Dog Correspondent and founder of Ottoneu, joins the conversation to share his culinary expertise and talk baseball strategies. They celebrate Clayton Kershaw reaching 3,000 strikeouts while analyzing the latest injury updates and waiver-wire prospects. Niv also reveals the best hot dog options at various ballparks, highlighting favorites like the Texas Dog at Nationals Park. The fun blend of food culture and baseball insights makes for a festive pre-Fourth of July discussion!

The discussion centers on the American League division leaders, emphasizing the Astros' need for a left-handed bat amid Jordan Alvarez's injury. The Tigers are highlighted for their commanding lead in the Central division, while the Yankees face growing pressure in the AL East. Despite increased drag on the baseball, offensive performance remains steady ahead of the trade deadline, leading to speculations on potential team upgrades. The evolution of baseball offense and the balance between analytics and traditional scouting also spark intriguing debates.

Eno and DVR discuss the three division leaders in the National League, examining the strengths and weaknesses of the Phillies, Cubs, and Dodgers with the Trade Deadline looming at the end of the month. Plus, they check in on the Nats' rebuild, where the return in the Juan Soto trade hasn't been supplemented with enough to push the club into playoff contention.Rundown1:07 The Phillies Atop the East; Will They Stay There?15:54 The Cubs Attempt to Hold Off the Brewers and Cardinals29:28 Separation for the Dodgers in the West39:17 Checking In on the Nationals' Rebuild46:23 A Surprising Stat From the Nationals (2020-2025)Follow 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: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.