Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

The Athletic
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Jul 10, 2025 • 54min

Using Swing Data Against Hitters & Finding Future Closers

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.
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Jul 9, 2025 • 56min

Future Outlooks for Five Underperforming Hitters

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.
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Jul 8, 2025 • 49min

First-Time All-Stars & An MLBPA Investigation

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.
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Jul 7, 2025 • 1h 6min

Brandon Woodruff's Impressive Return & Big Changes in Washington

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.
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Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 14min

3,000 Strikeouts for Kershaw & Fourth of July Weekend Waiver Preview

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!
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Jul 2, 2025 • 59min

Assessing the AL Division Leaders & Offense Holding Steady Despite Increased Drag

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.
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Jul 1, 2025 • 48min

Assessing the NL Division Leaders & Checking In on the Nationals' Rebuild

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.
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Jun 30, 2025 • 58min

A One-Year Snapshot of Surprising Hitters (Good and Bad)

Eno and DVR discuss an IL stint for Jeremy Peña, a health issue that has forced Ron Washington to step away from managing the Angels for the duration of the 2025 season, and the passing of Hall of Famer Dave Parker at the age 74. Plus, they take a look at the rolling one-year leaderboard for hitters in hopes of finding long-term trade targets on the struggling side, and a few pleasant surprises, before discussing where the money went with free-agent pickups this week.Rundown2:49 Jeremy Peña to the IL w/Rib Fracture4:59 Checking in on the Angels as Ron Washington Steps Down for the Rest of 202513:16 Dave Parker Passes Away at Age 7418:15 One-Year Leaderboard: Struggling Hitters27:56 Adley Rutschman: A Year Packed w/Injuries33:55 Top-10 wOBA Surprises: Eugenio Suárez, Cal Raleigh & Brent Rooker36:05 Riley Greene v. Corbin Carroll; Is Average Undervalued In Many Leagues?43:57 Mookie Betts: 2024 Injury & 2025 Illness Dragging Production Down50:04 Where the Money Went: Roster Spackle GaloreFollow 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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Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 15min

Globe Life Field Has Changed, Weekend Waiver Preview & Wild Hot Dogs in Cleveland

Eno and DVR discuss good news for Zach Neto, whose return from shoulder surgery has gone well in the first half of the season, another injury in the Mets' rotation, and a verdict in the Wander Franco case. Plus, they discuss a surprising multi-year move of Globe Life Field into a pitcher-friendly environment, and weekend waiver-wire targets before checking in with Senior Hot Dog Correspondent Niv Shah about a few ottoneu trends and a big culinary swing at Progressive Field in Cleveland.Rundown1:37 Zach Neto: Good News on Follow-Up for Shoulder5:22 A Potential Long-Term Absence for Griffin Canning9:24 HBPs Reaching an All-Time High (J-Ram & Vlad Jr. day-to-day)13:13 A Verdict in the Wander Franco Case16:39 Globe Life Field Is Changing, Reasons TBD27:46 Hitters of Interest: A Single-Catcher Shuffle & Joey Ortiz Is Waking Up38:05 Pitchers of Interest: Charlie Morton Back on the Shallow League Radar?46:17 Senior Hot Dog Correspondent Niv Shah Returns! (Jacob Lopez's rising roster rates, Didier Fuentes' long-term appeal, and Wenceel Pérez adds thump)1:08:48 What Is Happening in Cleveland?Follow 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 SarrisProducer: Brian SmithGuest: Niv ShahExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 26, 2025 • 55min

Paul Skenes vs. Jacob Misiorowski and Paths to Becoming an Ace

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss a highly-anticipated matchup between Paul Skenes and Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski, and the different approaches the two pitchers bring to the table. Plus, they discuss the foundation necessary for a pitcher to become an eventual Cy Young Award contender or future ace, before a collaborative draft of the 2025 rookie starting pitchers.Rundown0:51 Jacob Misiorowski v. Paul Skenes4:54 Skenes' Early Career Adjustments, Planning Ahead for Future Velocity Decline?10:05 Misiorowski's Long-Term Ceiling14:45 Tarik Skubal and the Multi-Year Path to Elite Levels22:08 Eno's Criteria for Eventual Aces32:38 A Collaborative Rookie Starting Pitcher Draft43:29 Beyond Our Top-Five57:06 Recapping the Top-15Follow 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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