Stay ConnectedEno Sarris and Derek VanRiper, along with Britt Ghiroli, Trevor May, and Jed Lowrie discuss advanced stats, strategy, prospects and more. From the first move of the Hot Stove season to the final pitch of the World Series, join us for year-round baseball talk.
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With All-Star Week approaching, it's time to get a head start on the weekend waiver wire. But first, Eno and DVR discuss the reduced suspensions for Willson Contreras and Cade Cavalli before breaking down the latest injury news, including which players are returning soon and why Aaron Judge still needs more time to recover. Then, Ottoneu founder Niv Shah joins the show to examine the biggest fantasy price risers since Opening Day, explain why Paul Skenes' price continues to climb despite an underwhelming season, and share his latest hot dog reviews from Kansas City and Chicago's South Side.
Rundown:
1:12 Reduced Suspensions for Willson Contreras & Cade Cavalli
3:45 Aaron Judge: Will Have Imaging During All-Star Break
4:29 Munetaka Murakami: Expectations for Second Half?
10:55 Michael Busch: Does Limited Bat Speed Prevent Power Surge?
17:18 Vinnie Pasquantino Returns
21:45 Ryan Waldschmidt is Back
24:06 How Does Luis Lara Fit in Brewers’ OF Mix?
27:11 Garrett Mitchell: Are We Buying Growth This Season?
32:41 Niv Shah Joins the Show
33:52 Six Picks: Biggest Price Risers Since Opening Day
37:25 Confidence In Paul Skenes?
40:40 Link Between Six Picks Trends & Keeper Costs
44:36 Eno & DVR Make a Trade!
54:40 Taste of the Majors
1:01:09 Lucky’s Korean Dogs For the Win!
1:06:58 Other Bats to Consider
1:13:07 Pitchers to Consider
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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
With: Niv Shah
Editor: Jason Potere
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
One of the greatest pitchers of his generation, Justin Verlander, has decided to hang up his cleats. Today, Eno, Trevor, and DVR reflect on Verlander's remarkable career, where he ranks among baseball's all-time greats, and the legacy he leaves behind. Then, the guys examine why some pitchers, including Robbie Ray, are targeting the bottom of the strike zone more often and how that approach is changing their effectiveness. Later, they explore whether the data can reveal when hitters are sitting on a particular pitch.
Rundown:
0:35 Justin Verlander to Retire
3:40 A Look Back at Verlander’s Career
11:27 Multiple No-Hitters: Rare Air & Near No-Nos
17:58 26 Complete Games!
19:39 The Top of the Zone is Dead!
23:41 Why Losing Part of the Zone Is a Big Deal
35:16 Return of the Sinker
41:53 Do Any Stats Reveal Hitters Sitting on Pitches?
49:35 Tipping Struggles: Looking Back at Ryan Helsley and Jesús Luzardo
52:15 Did the Blue Jays Take Away Roupp’s Best Pitch?
Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social
Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social
Follow Trevor on Bluesky: @iamtrevormay.bsky.social
e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe
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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
With: Trevor May
Editor: Jason Potere
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As the All-Star break nears, it's time to revisit some preseason predictions that didn't quite pan out. DVR explains why he'd be less bullish on Kyle Tucker today, Jed breaks down the Braves' surprising fall, and Eno evaluates the Astros' first-half performance against expectations. Plus, the guys discuss Zack Wheeler's frustration over his All-Star snub and whether the surging Marlins can make a legitimate postseason run.
Rundown:
0:38 DVR’s Mulligan: Kyle Tucker Will Win NL MVP Award
4:41 NL MVP Candidates
11:59 Eno’s Mulligan: Expectations for 2026 Astros
16:46 Jed’s Mulligan: Choosing Atlanta in Four vs. The Field
23:39 Austin Riley’s Struggles
28:59 Who Does Jed Want in Place of Atlanta Now?
32:42 Zack Wheeler is Mad
40:19 A ‘Target Home-Run Rate’
50:00 An Intriguing Change?
58:42 The Marlins Are Cooking
Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social
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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe
Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels
Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
With: Jed Lowrie
Editor: Jason Potere
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After a few exciting weeks, the U.S. Men’s National Team came crashing back to earth Monday night and were eliminated from the World Cup. Eno and DVR lament a disappointing effort before turning their attention back to baseball. The guys discuss what baseball and soccer have in common when it comes to developing young athletes. They examine how different types of pitchers age and highlight a few who have exceeded expectations this season. Later, they tackle the fan debate surrounding whether the Mets should consider trading Francisco Lindor and spotlight some unexpected relievers from around the league.
Rundown:
0:45 U.S. Men’s National Team’s World Cup Loss
3:08 Youth Development: Similar Issues in Soccer and Baseball?
12:40 Cam Schlittler’s Outlook
21:47 Will League Eventually Adjust to Three Fastballs?
27:52 Which Pitchers Have Topped OOPSY K% and BB%?
35:50 Francisco Lindor Rumors
40:11 Is Eno Jumping Ship with E. Hancock, B. Ashcroft, C. Cavalli & K. Harrison?
47:22 Casey Mize’s K% Rise
52:06 Surprising Relievers
Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social
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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe
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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
Editor: Jason Potere
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From a bullpen call that sparked chants of "Shame!" to the never-ending pile of streaming apps and another Tommy John surgery for Cole Ragans, the boys have plenty to get off their chests. This week, Eno and DVR discuss Eury Pérez’s bid for perfection and why Marlins manager Clayton McCullough may have made the right call by pulling the young right-hander. Then, they dig into why it's often tougher than fans realize for pitchers like Ragans to regain their previous form after undergoing UCL reconstruction. Later, they welcome back Hunter Greene and break down where the money went over the weekend.
Rundown:
0:56 Is Eno Mad About Baseball?
4:44 Eury Pérez’s Bid for Perfection
9:54 DVR Is Mad About App Mania to Watch Baseball Continues
11:54 Junior Caminero’s Streak Ends with 11 HR in 11 Days
16:42 Tommy John Recovery
24:37 In-Season Usage Also a Challenge Post TJ Surgery
29:10 Can Gerrit Cole Recover to 2023 Skills Levels?
32:33 Batting Average Blues: When Should You Punt the Category?
40:47 Jordan Walker’s June
45:51 Looking for Intriguing Players ~1,000 Career PA
51:03 Hunter Greene Returns!
56:21 Where the Money Went
Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social
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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe
Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels
Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
Editor: Jason Potere
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pete Crow-Armstrong was thrown out stealing on a walk... except he wasn't actually caught stealing on a walk. Confused? So were Jayson and Doug. This week, they break down PCA's controversial play at second base against the Mets, explain exactly what happened, and debate whether the league needs to change the rule.
Then, the guys revisit last week's search for a nickname worthy of Jacob Misiorowski's electric fastball, turning to the Starkville Hotline to hear listeners' best submissions.
Later, Jon ‘Boog’ Sciambi joins the show to talk about his working relationship with Doug, the Cubs' up-and-down season, the unique atmosphere at Wrigley Field, the time he bought mozzarella sticks for an entire bar, and a couple hilarious stories about Chipper Jones.
Rundown:
2:59 Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Steal That Wasn’t
13:58 Nickname for Jacob Misiorowski’s Fastball
20:18 Jon ‘Boog’ Sciambi Joins the Show
22:08 Was PCA Safe or Out?
28:13 The 2026 Chicago Cubs
33:38 Great Rivalries
35:57 Boog the Broadcaster
41:15 ‘Mozzarella Sticks for Everybody’
44:29 Calling Games at Wrigley Field
47:31 Calling the World Series
49:41 Boog’s Bucket List
50:52 Chipper Jones’ Stories
57:15 Strange But True w/ the Phillies
Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.social
Follow Doug on Bluesky: @dougglanville.bsky.social
E-mail: starkville@theathletic.com
Starkville Hotline: (347) 313-8371
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Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville
With: Jon ‘Boog’ Sciambi
Producer: Jason Potere
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As America celebrates its birthday, fantasy managers are getting ready for the second half of the baseball season. This week, Eno and DVR take a closer look at what's behind Paul Skenes' recent struggles, and whether his declining fastball velocity helps explain the dip in results. Then, they size up several players around the league to determine who could be worth targeting in a trade. Plus, they wrap up the show by highlighting the best waiver-wire pickups on both the hitting and pitching sides ahead of the holiday weekend.
Rundown:
2:52 Concerns About Paul Skenes
14:40 Trade Activity Picking Up in Second Half
20:40 Which Lagging Bats Should Be Targets?
24:30 Younger Position Players to Trade For
29:02 First-Rounder Challenge Trade - Gunnar Henderson vs. Paul Skenes?
31:36 Plate Discipline Forward Targets
32:41 Pitchers to Deal For: Leaning on ERA-SIERA?
41:25 Is Drew Rasmussen Underrated in Long-Term Leagues?
43:27 Weekend Waiver Targets: Pitchers of Interest
54:47 Weekend Waiver Targets: Looking for Hitters Back After the Break?
Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social
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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe
Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels
Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
Editor: Jason Potere
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As the weather warms up, the guys are bringing the heat to some intriguing pitching storylines. Eno, Trevor, and DVR examine Tatsuya Imai's inconsistencies and Jake Bennett's promising start to his career. They also explore why Bryan Woo has been so much more effective at home than on the road, whether Brandon Woodruff can continue to thrive with a diminished fastball, and how pitchers can still succeed even without high velocity.
Rundown:
0:58 Brent Rooker’s Season is Over
6:16 Corey Seager Returns to IL
9:15 Ryan Helsley Injured
11:26 Tatsuya Imai: Extreme Command Fluctuations Continue
14:27 Jake Bennett: Seizing Opportunity in Boston
23:57 Is Regression on the Horizon for Jake Bennett?
26:08 Have Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers Found Something?
41:35 Bryan Woo: What Is Driving Road Struggles?
52:30 What Drives Pitchers’ Success When They Lack Top Velo?
1:03:02 Brandon Woodruff: It’s Extremely Difficult to Adjust This Well
Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social
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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe
Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels
Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
With: Trevor May
Editor: Jason Potere
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It’s time for a tour around the National League, where every division has its own storylines taking shape. Eno, Jed, and DVR begin in the NL West, where the Dodgers have opened up a sizable lead. They discuss whether the Padres can still make a push, what needs to happen for the Diamondbacks' offense to get going, and where the Giants and Rockies go from here. From there, they head to "America’s Division," the NL Central, where the Brewers and Cubs are battling for the top spot while the Cardinals and Pirates remain in the postseason mix. Finally, they wrap up in the NL East, where the Phillies are gaining ground on the Braves and tightening the division race.
Rundown:
0:45 Jed The Banana
4:28 MLB Baseballs’ Manufacturing Error
6:52 The 2026 Dodgers: The Machine is Working
16:05 The Padres’ League-Worst Offense
25:12 Can the D-backs’ Outhit Pitching Woes?
30:46 Giants Falling to Sellers?
31:46 Rockies Taking Steps Forward
34:37 Should Brewers Go Big with Upgrades?
39:10 Can the Cubs Find Enough Pitching?
44:24 Cardinals Have 34.2% Chance of Reaching Playoffs
48:37 Is Pirates’ Biggest Need a Top-End Reliever?
51:05 Check In on Your Cincinnati Friends
57:25 Philly Closes Gap on Atlanta to 2.5 Games
1:00:28 Phillies Climbing: Where Will They Upgrade?
1:06:02 The Marlins Need Bats: A Sneaky-Good Mid-Pack Team?
1:11:55 The Nats Need Pitching: An Intriguing Deadline on Tap?
1:13:47 Mets Owner Steve Cohen Says Stearns is Safe
Eno’s Article on MLB Baseballs: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7410468/
Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social
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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe
Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels
Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
With: Jed Lowrie
Editor: Jason Potere
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Baseballs started flying in June -- and it wasn't simply warmer weather -- it might be a manufacturing error! Eno and DVR explain why changes in drag on the baseball have a significant impact on home runs, and how Major League Baseball's revelation of a manufacturing error may provide some clues as to why we have seen so much variation in how the ball has played throughout the first half of the season. With drag recently returning to the same levels we saw in 2019, they wonder if we're going to see a massive uptick in home runs throughout the second half.
Story from Eno Sarris & Evan Drellich 'MLB sees no link between factory defect and liveliest baseball since year of the homer in ‘19'
Gift Link: https://theathletic.lnk.to/TA26Ball
Rundown
0:17 Breaking News: MLB Reveals Manufacturing Error with Ball
1:44 A Sudden Change: Drag Significantly Dropped in Recent Weeks
6:40 Don’t Forget 2019 When 6,776 Home Runs Were Hit
9:19 Hitters and Pitchers Notice and React to Ball Changes
12:20 Will Barrels Recover?
Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social
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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe
Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels
Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
Editor: Jason Potere
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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