Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

The Athletic
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May 7, 2025 • 56min

Bad Days, Managing Lofty Expectations & Seattle's Surging Bats

Eno, DVR, and Jed discuss a brutal day at the office for Ryan Pressly and Chase Meidroth, before looking at the Orioles' sluggish start to 2025 and the rash of injuries that have played a role along the way, as well as the organization's approach to pitching. Plus, they talk about the changes in Seattle where the Mariners have put together a top-five offense to begin the season, and wonder if new philosophies will make that improvement stick all year.Rundown1:24 Ryan Pressly's Historically Bad Day13:18 Bouncing Back From a Blunder19:29 It Actually Happens...A Lot32:38 Making Sense of a 13-21 Start in Baltimore40:14 What Would You Have Done Differently?50:34 The Mariners Have Been a Top-Five OffenseFollow 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 SarrisWith: Jed LowrieProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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May 6, 2025 • 53min

Goodbye to LOL Mets?

Will Sammon, a writer for The Athletic specializing in the New York Mets, joins the hosts to discuss the team's transformation away from the 'LOL Mets' label. They delve into the impressive pitching development within the organization and the potential of players like Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña. Conversations also revolve around Mark Vientos' struggles, the ramifications of bloated ratios, and Dylan Cease’s misfortunes. The discussion highlights hope for redemption in pitcher performances and looks at Jasson Domínguez as a promising long-term target.
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May 5, 2025 • 1h 2min

Using BABIP as an Entry Point for Buy-Low Targets

The hosts explore the impact of recent injuries to players like Triston Casas and Corbin Burnes on fantasy leagues. They dive into Babip stats, revealing insights on buy-low targets, including Aaron Judge's surprising .500 start. Coby Mayo's future on the Orioles' depth chart also sparks discussion. The episode highlights the necessity of monitoring player performance and health metrics, as well as evaluating emerging talents like Junior Caminero. Listeners gain valuable strategies for enhancing their roster management in a competitive fantasy landscape.
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May 2, 2025 • 51min

Pressing Reset in Early May

Eno and DVR discuss the surprising early May demotion to Triple-A for Jake Burger, and look at some of the biggest movers on the O-Swing% leaderboard  from 2024 to 2025. Plus, they discuss another injury for Mike Trout, Jazz Chisholm's shift to the IL, and a few intriguing names to consider on the waiver as the weekend begins.Rundown3:40 Jake Burger Optioned to Triple-A10:02 O-Swing% Changers: 2024 to 2025; The Rangers' Aggressive Approach16:59 Mike Trout Placed on the IL24:37 The Angels' Curious Late-Inning Bullpen Management30:06 Jazz Chisholm Jr.: Oblique Injury Leads to IL Trip35:19 Updates on Gelof, Ohtani, Darvish & Buehler41:15 Pitchers to Consider50:22 Shelby Miller's Path for Saves Opens UpFollow 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.
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May 2, 2025 • 52min

The Strike Zone is Shrinking

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss the strike zone, which is shrinking in 2025. They dig into why that changes have taken place and consider a few implications of that adjustment. Plus, they look at a trio of underperforming starting pitchers through the first month of the season including Zac Gallen, who may have started a turnaround Thursday against the Mets, Sandy Alcántara, and Aaron Nola.Story from Jayson Stark, Ken Rosenthal, Eno & several writers from The Athletic MLB team ($): https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6328105Rundown2:32 Is The Strike Zone Really Shrinking?4:36 Where Is The Strike Zone Getting Smaller?13:23 Adjusting the Game to Increase Offense & Balls in Play20:52 Walk Rates Don't Fluctuate Much29:59 Zac Gallen: Adjustments Already Happening?38:16 Sandy Alcántara: A Typical Post Tommy John Command Lag?45:14 Aaron Nola: Is the Ceiling Coming Down Again?52:00 Eno's Greatest FearFollow 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 MayProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Apr 30, 2025 • 49min

Building a Breakout, Hitter Edition

Eno, DVR, and Jed discuss a story from David Adler of MLB.com about Aaron Judge's batting stance adjustments throughout an elite calendar year at the plate. Plus, they look at four hitters off to great starts to determine if there is more than just a fast start under the hood.Join Our Six Picks Group -- Session 2 begins Thursday May 1st!https://ottoneu.fangraphs.com/sixpicks/league/67 (password: froggy)David Adler's Batting Stance Breakdown for Aaron Judge:https://www.mlb.com/news/aaron-judge-batting-stance-change-statcast-breakdownRundown2:44 Aaron Judge's Changing Stance Around Massive Year15:15 Building a Breakout, Jacob Wilson?25:30 Jung-Hoo Lee: Producing Despite Dip in Bat Speed33:52 Jonathan Aranda: Setting In for Big Year in Tampa?46:39 Cedric Mullins: A Second Breakout at 30?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 SarrisWith: Jed LowrieProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Apr 29, 2025 • 1h 3min

Dynasty Hitter Stock Watch

Chris Welsh joins and Eno and DVR to discuss several long-term risers and fallers as the first month of the season winds down. Is an uptick in production just around the corner for Jordan Walker as he continues to show elite bat speed? Is this the last chance to make a deal for Dylan Crews and Jordan Lawlar before everything clicks? Should you lower the ceiling expectations for Anthony Volpe? And, has Victor Scott shown enough to have an extended window as the Cardinals' primary center fielder?Rundown1:40 Can Jordan Walker Turn Elite Bat Speed Into More Production?10:26 Is Dylan Crews Ready to Click?16:59 Will Luis García Jr. Rebound Toward His 2024 Levels?22:59 Making Sense of Kyren Paris' Uneven Start32:39 Why Isn't Colt Keith Hitting (Yet)?40:42 Will Jordan Lawlar Break Through in Arizona This Season?48:17 Dialing Back on Anthony Volpe's Ceiling?53:16 Victor Scott's Step Forward57:27 Better Long-Term Outlook: Scott v. Chandler SimpsonFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.socialFollow Welsh on Bluesky: @isitthewelsh.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Chris WelshProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 10min

Injury Chaos Continues & A Big Weekend of Spending

Eno and DVR discuss the early exit for Tyler Glasnow on Sunday due to a shoulder issue and a new favorite emerging from the Dodgers' pitching depth as they look to round out the back of their injury-plagued rotation. Plus, an impressive return for Eury Pérez in his first rehab game, a closer change in the Bronx, and mailbag questions about being cautious with velocity increases and the slow start of Brandon Nimmo, before a look at where the money went in fantasy baseball leagues this weekend.Rundown2:04 Tyler Glasnow's Early Exit & A New Favorite in Dodgers' Depth Options?9:46 Eury Pérez Makes First Rehab Start19:31 Roman Anthony: Slowed by Foot Injury24:42 Closer Chaos Continues: Luke Weaver In for Devin Williams27:07 Did We Miss on Eugenio Suárez?29:42 A Tough Break for Luke Keaschall38:12 Worry About Velocity Risers During Draft Season?49:45 What Should We Do with Brandon Nimmo?57:01 Where the Money Went: Splashy Bids: Nick Kurtz, Jordan Beck, Agustín Ramírez & Closers on the MoveFollow 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.
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Apr 25, 2025 • 1h 10min

Updated Pitcher Rankings, Waiver Wire Moves & Hot Dog Reviews

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 6min

Building a Breakout, Pitcher Edition

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss the Orioles' slow start and mounting pitching injuries and wonder -- is this a 2025 playoff team? Plus, they dig into four fast-starting pitchers in search of potential breakouts, and how teams can try to combat increasingly aggressive basestealers within the constraints of the pitch clock and limited disengagements. Rundown6:44 Do You Expect the Orioles to Make the Playoffs?13:56 Tylor Megill: New Breaking Balls Supporting a Breakout?22:52 Casey Mize: Delivering on the 1.1 Potential?27:38 Kris Bubic: A New Sustainable Mix in the Royals' Rotation?34:00 Hayden Wesneski: What's New in Houston?41:46 How Can Pitchers & Catchers Slow Down Basestealers?1:04:17 Name! That! Dude! (2025 Record: Trevor 3, Eno 0)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 MayProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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