Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball Konnor Griffin Gets the Call & New Pitches That Have Our Attention
Apr 3, 2026
Trevor May, former MLB pitcher turned pitching analyst, offers quick, practical baseball insight. He talks Konnor Griffin's call-up and what it means for Pittsburgh. They debate Shane Baz's contract and long-term outlook. Then they dig into how pitchers sap hitters' bat speed and spotlight new pitches and pitch tweaks turning heads early this season.
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Transcript
Episode notes
Take Security When Injury History Creates Uncertainty
- Accept team-friendly extensions when injuries and limited exposure make long-term security valuable.
- Trevor May argues Shane Baz's five-year deal is team-friendly but sensible given his injury history and upside.
Baz's Curveball Is A High-Upside Weapon
- Shane Baz's curveball profiles like several elite relievers' breaking balls and adding a tick to the curve plus cutter usage increased his ceiling.
- Eno Sarris highlights a 86 mph power curve with 18 inches IVB and improved fastball tilt.
Velocity Gaps And Pitch Variety Reduce Bat Speed
- Pitchers slow hitters' bat speed mainly by increasing velocity differences and pitch variety, forcing hitters to 'drag' the bat and adjust.
- Trevor May uses George Kirby, Dylan Cease, and Corbin Burnes examples where big velo gaps and many pitches cause hitters to slow swings.