Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

Chandler Rome, an Astros beat writer for The Athletic, joins the discussion to dissect Rob Manfred's controversial decision to reinstate Pete Rose and 16 others from MLB's ineligible list. They delve into Rose's legacy and Hall of Fame prospects. Rome also shares insights on the Astros' roster evolution, addressing slow starts from stars like Jose Altuve and evaluating pitching needs as the trade deadline approaches. The conversation touches on player injuries, lineup adjustments, and the strategic future of the team.

Joe Sheehan joins Eno and DVR to discuss dropping the skepticism around the Tigers as AL Central frontrunners, where credit (and blame) belong with the 2025 Giants, over-performing teams they expect to see fade from the playoff picture over the course of the season, and under-performing teams they believe will find their way into the playoffs. Plus, the lack of top-end results from Jordan Walker despite top-end bat speed, and a few selections for summer breakouts.Rundown5:30 Should We Believe in the Tigers?12:41 The 'Bustarhan' Giants Are Pretty Good21:18 Best Teams Today That Won't Make the Playoffs This Season25:15 Is the Guardians' Pitching Development Fading?30:57 2025 Playoffs Teams with Worst Record on May 13th?39:41 Why Are Teams Reluctant to Make 'Early' Trades?46:12 Jordan Walker: Top-End Bat Speed, Without Top-End Results53:32 Who Is Your Favorite Breakout On Tap This Summer?Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.socialFollow Joe on Bluesky: @sheehannewsletter.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Joe SheehanProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno and DVR discuss the D-backs' decision to recall Jordan Lawlar, Zach Eflin's importance for the Orioles' injury-plagued rotation, and the Rockies' decision to dismiss manager Bud Black, before looking at some of the biggest risers and fallers (among hitters) in initial 2025 projections v. rest-of-season projections with The BAT X.Rundown3:33 Jordan Lawlar: Recalled by D-backs; How Does He Fit Right Now?8:52 Zach Eflin: Returns from the IL12:59 The Rockies Fire Manager Bud Black21:55 Projections Movers: Biggest Risers28:22 Who Has Moved Their Projections Enough to Change Their Role?34:50 Andrew Vaughn's Projection Has Improved Despite Tough Stretch?44:26 Projections Movers: Biggest Fallers52:57 Willy Adames: A Good Buy-Low Candidate?57:15 Where the Money Went: Cade Horton & Intriguing, Affordable BatsFollow 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.

Eno and DVR discuss Rafael Devers' rejection of a move to first base and answer a few mailbag questions -- including an intriguing reason the Dodgers' Stuff+ numbers may be lagging in public models -- before examining several waiver-wire options to consider ahead of the weekend. Rundown4:30 Rafael Devers Rejects a Move to First Base10:56 The New Pope is a White Sox Fan, 2025 Chances?13:15 Is Dodgers' Low Stuff+ This Season Just Being Ahead of Public Models?20:29 Why is David Robertson Still a Free Agent?22:38 Does Trent Grisham Have Shallow League Appeal?36:29 A Waiver-Wire Leaderboard for This Weekend's Bats49:39 Adjusting Age for Players Switching Roles?53:01 Weekend Pitcher LeaderboardFollow 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 SarrisExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss the Pirates' decision to fire manager Derek Shelton after a 12-26 start and wonder how making a change in that role will can make an impact. Plus, they dig into the slow start for Roki Sasaki and wonder if he can improve his fastball command and make a tweak to his pitch mix on the fly to get better results over the course of his rookie campaign, before drafting struggling starting pitchers and discussing a great piece about Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz from Alex Chamberlain of FanGraphs.Rundown1:10 The Pirates Fire Manager Derek Shelton8:54 The Overall Struggles Under Bob Nutting's Ownership15:44 Injury Follow-Ups: Hunter Greene, Dylan Cease, Corbin Burnes, Yordan Alvarez & William Contreras18:30 Checking In on Roki Sasaki24:24 Comps for Roki Sasaki's Fastball32:49 What's the Role *If* the Dodgers' Rotation Gets Healthier?36:40 A Four-Round Rebound Pitchers Draft54:16 A Great Read About Andrés Muñoz'Andrés Muñoz Is an Analytical Blind Spot' by Alex Chamberlain of FanGraphs: https://blogs.fangraphs.com/andres-munoz-is-an-analytical-blind-spot/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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.