Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

Eno and DVR discuss Reynaldo López and Ronel Blanco as two of this season's pleasant pitching surprises and wonder what's next for the duo, as well as other relievers who might be able to follow López's path to the rotation in 2025. Plus, they discuss endgame strategy for lineup decisions in rotisserie leagues, a potential sleeper in the Oakland outfield for next season, and a few weekend waiver-wire targets, including a pair of old starters chewing up innings effectively for the Guardians.Rundown5:02 Reynaldo López: Top-20 Starter (So Far) in 2024!12:00 A Few Success Stories Moving from the Bullpen to Rotation15:34 Endgame Lineup Decisions in Rotisserie Leagues20:49 Another Way the Royals Have Helped Their Run Prevention Cause29:00 Differences in Major and Minor League Baseballs34:18 Why Eno Prefers Jackson Jobe to Kumar Rocker37:11 Another Outfielder Tracking Toward a 2025 Opportunity44:52 Weekend Waiver Wire PreviewFollow Eno on Twitter: @enosarrisFollow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRipere-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeJoin us on Thursdays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes!Subscribe 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 Matt Chapman's six-year extension with the Giants, a combined no-hitter for the Cubs, who are clinging to slim playoff hopes with three-and-a-half weeks remaining in the regular season. Plus, they discuss baseball's replay system with *10* years now on the ledger and wonder how things might improve in the next 10 years, and they begin a quest to find baseball's most unpredictable (and predictable) pitchers and pitches.Rundown1:13 Matt Chapman Signs a Six-Year Extension with the Giants9:04 What's Next for the Giants In Their Push to Return to the Playoffs?14:55 A Combined No-Hitter From the Cubs20:26 Baseball's Replay System Turns 1027:38 We're Ready for the Ball & Strike Call Challenges34:30 Quantifying a Pitcher's PredictabilityRelated reading 'The Search for the Most Predictable Pitcher' by Kiri Oler of FanGraphs: https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-search-for-the-most-predictable-pitcher/40:52 The Surprising Profile of Josh Hader's Fastball46:07 The Relationship Between Low Release Points & High iVB52:13 Trevor Finds the Root Cause of David Bednar's Struggles59:49 Camilo Doval's Running Cutter and a Rare Instance of 'Weird' Not Being GoodFollow Eno on Twitter: @enosarrisFollow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiperFollow Trevor on Twitter: @IAmTrevorMaye-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comSubscribe 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 and DVR discuss the Padres getting healthy for the stretch run as Yu Darvish will rejoin the rotation this week on the heels of Fernando Tatis Jr.'s activation from the IL and Joe Musgrove's last-season success. Plus, they discuss what they would look for to get in front of a pitcher's hot streak, the recent struggles of Taj Bradley and George Kirby, Justin Verlander's post-IL Stuff+ numbers, and a FAAB hammer used to add Dylan Crews as Eno chases down a title. Rundown3:49 The Padres Are Returning to Full Strength13:35 Kyle Tucker Approaching Activation (Similarities to Tatis' Injury)20:15 David Bednar Removed From Closer Role23:14 Looking Beyond Fastball Velocity for Pitchers Heating UpRelated Reading 'Baseball's 'Hot Hand' Is Real: https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/baseballs-hot-hand-is-real/ (Rob Arthur & Greg Matthews)29:08 What Happened to Taj Bradley?36:51 What Is Going On With George Kirby?40:16 Jackson Merrill is a Top ____ Player in 202550:36 Justin Verlander's Post-IL Stuff Numbers53:05 Eno Throws the Hammer to Get Dylan CrewsFollow Eno on Twitter: @enosarrisFollow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRipere-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeJoin us on Thursday at 1p ET/10a PT for our next livestream episodes!Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno and DVR discuss an unfortunate sequence that led to two Royals players suffering an injury Thursday night, uncertainty regarding the availability of Tyler Glasnow down the stretch, several pitching prospects set to debut this weekend including Rhett Lowder and Caden Dana, and a few other intriguing waiver-wire targets to consider.Rundown2:44 Vinnie Pasquantino & Lucas Erceg Injured On Same Play8:36 Tyler Glasnow and Freddie Freeman Updates15:18 Rhett Lowder Gets the Call From the Reds20:27 Samuel Aldegheri & Caden Dana Join the Angels26:30 A Look at Kumar Rocker's Post-Surgery Pitch Mix29:03 Other Pitchers We're Watching Closely for Potential Stretch Run Opportunities40:47 Which Team Doesn't Have an Internal Stuff Model?44:40 Does Ernie Clement Have a Late Breakout Profile?48:12 Weekend Waiver Preview: Tigers Pitching, José Tena, Miguel Amaya and More MarlinsFollow Eno on Twitter: @enosarrisFollow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRipere-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeJoin us on Thursdays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes!Subscribe 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 Oneil Cruz's move to center field and the Pirates' needs in order to take a step forward in 2025, the fast adjustments being made by 'The Jacksons' -- Jackson Merrill, Jackson Chourio, and Jackson Holliday -- that have enabled them to make a significant impact in Year 1.Plus, they discuss swing adjustments being made deeper in counts, the erosion of Corbin Burnes' strikeout rate, and the long-term lack of whiffs from Logan Webb, who continues to generate great ratios despite limited swing-and-miss in his arsenal.Rundown1:42 Oneil Cruz Moves to Center Field11:32 Who’s Next at Shortstop for the Pirates?15:52 Jackson Merrill & Jackson Chourio’s Fast Adjustments28:57 Is It Good to Modulate Your Swing by Count?44:11 Corbin Burnes’ Second-Half Struggles; Long-Term Decline in K%53:08 A True Whiff Pitch for Logan Webb?1:02:58 Name That Dude!Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarrisFollow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiperFollow Trevor on Twitter: @IAmTrevorMaye-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comSubscribe 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, Britt and DVR discuss the historical context of the 2024 season from Aaron Judge and Juan Soto by taking a look back at elite duos that have had incredible years as teammates. Plus, with the Angels extending Perry Minasian, they wonder if previous levels of payroll spending from Arte Moreno will open up paths to a big free agent signing this winter, before considering several teams that approaching big decisions in their front office during the year ahead. Rundown8:33 How Good Is This Season From Aaron Judge & Juan Soto?15:20 An Interesting Look at Lineup Protection from Saber Seminar18:19 Name the Yankees' Seven Cleanup Hitters in 202425:02 The Angels Extend Perry Minasian, Will Payroll Rise in 2025?41:30 Front Offices Entering 2025 on the Hot Seat51:48 Can the Cubs Make It Work Loading Up in the Second Tier of Free Agency While Their Young Core Arrives?Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarrisFollow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiperFollow Britt on Twitter: @Britt_Ghirolie-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeJoin us Thursday at 1p ET/10a PT for our weekly live episode with Trevor May!Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris & Britt GhiroliExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno and DVR discuss the promotion Dylan Crews and one major change in his profile with the move from Double-A to Triple-A earlier this season. After a weekend at the 'Sabermetrics, Scouting, and the Science of Baseball' conference in Chicago, Eno shares a highlights from a few of the many interesting presentations. Plus, they look at the surge of Jhonkensy Noel as an important power source in the Guardians' lineup, and Bowden Francis' move toward Top-50 Starting Pitcher status. Rundown1:02 Dylan Crews Promoted by Nationals8:36 Xavier Edwards' Partial Season Breakout13:14 Nolan Gorman's Demotion to Triple-A; What Went Wrong in 2024?18:22 Eno in Chicago: Saber Conference Takeaways43:39 Ongoing Studies About the Value of Adding Pitches56:04 Where the Money Went This WeekendFollow Eno on Twitter: @enosarrisFollow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRipere-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeJoin us on Thursday at 1p ET/10a PT for our next livestream episodes!Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ryan Bloomfield of Baseball HQ and the Bubba & The Bloom podcast joins DVR discuss the third annual "Meatball Draft" a 15-team draft-and-hold league run by Rob DiPietro (@DeadPullHitter, Pull Hitter Podcast) that drafted its first 11 rounds this week. Who were some of the more interesting risers and fallers, and how should roster construction strategies be altered in a format that drafts this early.Draft Board: https://tinyurl.com/Meatball24Plus, DVR and Ryan discuss a couple of prospects they're trying to stash wherever possible, and a few intriguing names to consider on the waiver wire this weekend.Rundown1:53 Draft-and-Hold Season Begins with Rob DiPietro's "Meatball Draft"3:16 How Do You Alter Strategy for Very Early Drafts?9:12 Paul Skenes v. Tarik Skubal: Round 1 Pitchers11:27 Biggest Surprises, Movers Compared to Spring 202421:12 How Comfortable Are We With Second Tommy John Recovery?25:17 Pushing Power Over Speed in Early Rounds?29:55 Jordan Westburg: "Rare" Multi-Eligible Player for 202532:07 Corbin Carroll's Recent Resurgence35:13 Rest-of-Season Projections Thoughts for Final Weeks40:25 Project Prospect: One Player You're Stashing Everywhere46:55 Weekend Waiver PreviewFollow Ryan on Twitter: @RyanBHQFollow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRipere-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeJoin us on Thursdays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes!Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiperWith: Ryan BloomfieldExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss Joey Votto's retirement and his case for Cooperstown, the Mariners' decision to fire manager Scott Servais, and a few park factors for pitchers -- including variations in mounds -- that can impact performances across different environments.Plus, they examine a few pitchers finding new levels in 2024 and try to determine long-term ceilings in search of unexpected aces.Rundown1:04 Joey Votto Announces Retirement; Next Stop Cooperstown?13:19 Mariners Fire Manager Scott Servais26:08 Pitching Park Factors We Rarely Think About40:56 Searching for Unexpected Aces Among Current Young Starters52:26 Ryan Pepiot Discusses His Hard Breaking Ball55:43 Spencer Schwellenbach’s Late Move to PitchingSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Trevor MayExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As things currently stand, no team will finish the regular season with 100+ wins for the first time since 2014. Does the unusual shape of the standings and the lack of exceptional regular season clubs matter? Eno, DVR and Britt discuss the causes for the lack of dominance, and wonder if common approaches to roster construction are a contributing factor to this year's parity. Rundown2:47 Does It Matter If There Are No 100-Win Teams?8:11 Measuring Team Quality Beyond Win Totals12:48 Will Long-Term Injury Trends Make This Type of Season the Norm?15:28 Regular Season Dominance That Didn't Lead to a World Series Win21:05 How Mad Would You Be Without Playoffs?24:23 Unique Approaches From Guardians & Red Sox32:46 Organizational Brain Drain39:53 Will the Red Sox Make the Playoffs?47:04 How Does 2025 Look for Boston, Tampa Bay and Toronto?Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarrisFollow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiperFollow Britt on Twitter: @Britt_Ghirolie-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeJoin us Thursday at 2p ET/11a PT for our weekly live episode with Trevor May!Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsWhat’s the Orioles’ secret to developing great hitters? Rival teams have theories ($): https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5696854The Red Sox have an innovative pitching strategy, but has the league adjusted? ($): https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5704202Hosts: Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris & Britt GhiroliExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.