Join Eno, Trevor & DVR as they recap Opening Day and share their predictions for the 2024 MLB Season! From Garrett Crochet's excellent start to Royce Lewis' homer and early exit with an injury, they discuss some of the highest and lows from the first "full" day of the season before making several predictions for the upcoming campaign. Rundown 1:03 Opening Day Takeaways 18:57 Rookie of the Year Predictions 30:28 Cy Young Award Predictions 41:53 MVP Predictions 45:14 AL Division Winners 48:46 NL Division Winners 52:53 World Series Matchup & Winners Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow Trevor on Twitter: @IamTrevorMay Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes! Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 6m

Mar 29

Happy Opening Day! Eno and DVR discuss Will Smith's 10-year extension with the Dodgers, good news for Jordan Romano, a tough break for Jordan Lawlar, and other news and notes as the 2024 MLB season gets underway in full. Plus, they break down a few Eno's bold predictions for the upcoming campaign, and discuss a few wrinkles from this year's Main Event of the NFBC. Rundown 3:42 Will Smith Signs 10-Year Extension w/Dodgers 8:26 Jordan Romano May Return Quickly From IL 9:26 Jordan Lawlar Out 8-10 Weeks Following Thumb Surgery 12:38 Other News & Notes (Jon Berti, Ronel Blanco, Marco Luciano) 29:08 Eno's 2024 Bold Predictions ($): https://theathletic.com/5351937 47:12 Unique Wrinkles of the NFBC's Main Event Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes w/Trevor May! (next live show: 3/29) Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 4m

Mar 28

Eno and DVR discuss Jordan Montgomery's move to Arizona on a one-year, $25 million deal, shoulder surgery for Matt McLain, and an opportunity for Victor Scott II following a late-spring injury to Dylan Carlson. Plus, they examine a few spring stats worth caring about, and reveal their selections for The 2024 All-Oatmeal Team. (Reminder: We *Like* Oatmeal!) Rundown 1:53 Jordan Montgomery to the Diamondbacks 6:32 Matt McLain Undergoes Shoulder Surgery 9:39 Will Victor Scott II Offer More Pop Than Similarly Speedy Outfielders? 16:00 Spring Training Stats We Care About: Stolen Bases 32:40 Spring Training Stats We Care About: K-BB% 40:18 The 2024 All-Oatmeal Team Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes w/Trevor May! (next live show: 3/29) https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 1m

Mar 27

Eno and DVR discuss the latest in the story involving Shohei Ohtani and his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, before catching up on a lot of other news around baseball including job battles that have been decided, late spring injuries wreaking havoc on depth charts, and the subsequent opportunities that have opened up. They wrap up the episode with a quick look at some of their most heavily-rostered players as the rest of the league approaches Opening Day on Thursday.  Rundown 1:37 Shohei Ohtani Speaks About Ippei Mizuhara's Gambling Debts 15:20 Ezequiel Tovar Signs Extension with Rockies 24:20 Injury Follow-Ups: Corey Seager, Josh Jung, Kevin Gausman & Eury Pérez 30:20 Luis Gil, Jared Jones and Max Meyer Get Early-Season Opportunities 38:46 Paul Sewald Heads to IL w/Oblique Strain 47:03 Jackson Holliday Misses Opening Day Roster 52:48 Dylan Carlson's Shoulder Injury Creating Path for Victor Scott II? 56:17 J.D. Martinez's Fit with the Mets 59:38 Our Most Heavily-Rostered Players for 2024 Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes w/Trevor May! (next live show: 3/29) https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 20m

Mar 26

Eno and DVR are live in Brooklyn for their second show at Other Half Brewing to discuss a slugfest in Game 2 of the Dodgers-Padres series in Korea and a developing story around the swift firing of Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. Plus, they're joined by Mike Petriello of MLB.com to discuss several groups of tough hitters to rank, and much more before an excellent round of listener questions. Rundown 0:51 A Slugfest in Game 2 Between the Dodgers-Padres; Yamamoto's Debut 3:22 Continuing Struggles for Joe Musgrove 6:43 Dodgers Fire Shohei Ohtani's Interpreter Amidst Illegal Gambling Allegations 11:52 Mike Petriello of MLB.com Joins the Show! 17:02 Tough Rankings: Aging Veterans Still Producing (Paul Goldschmidt, Salvador Perez & George Springer) 22:56 Tough Rankings: Younger Players We Still Believe In (Ke'Bryan Hayes, Jeremy Peña & Andrés Giménez) 34:24 Tough Rankings: Big-Side Platoon Risk (Edouard Julien, Gavin Lux, Colt Keith) 44:22 Mike's Favorite Stats 52:08 Listener Q&A Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow Mike on Twitter: @Mike_Petriello Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes w/Trevor May! (next live show: 3/29) https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 27m

Mar 22

Eno and DVR are live in Brooklyn and joined by several friends as the 2024 MLB season is underway! Guests include Nick Pollack of Pitcher List, Niv Shah of Ottoneu, Chris Towers of CBS Fantasy and Ellen Adair from the Take Me In to the Ballgame podcast, and several great listener questions! Rundown 0:45 What Are We Trying to Learn From One-Game Samples & Early-Season Baseball? 10:30 Nick Pollack of Pitcher List Joins the Show! (Cole Ragans Love) 20:52 Tough Rankings: Converted Relievers 30:56 Tough Rankings: Model Surgers w/Bad Spring Results 38:30 Would You Rather? Toss-Ups 52:10 Niv Shah of ottoneu Joins the Show! 59:24 Chris Towers of CBS Fantasy Joins the Show! 1:11:13 Ellen Adair from the 'Take Me In to the Ballgame' podcast Joins the Show! Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow Nick on Twitter: @PitcherList Follow Niv on Twitter: @nivshah Follow Chris on Twitter: @CTowersCBS Follow Ellen on Twitter: @ellen_adair Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes w/Trevor May! (next live show: 3/29) https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 38m

Mar 21

Eno and DVR discuss Jhoan Duran's oblique injury and the short-term pecking order for saves for the Twins during his absence before discussing some of the most difficult pitchers (and groups of pitchers) to rank in 2024.  Rundown 1:15 Jhoan Duran: Headed to IL with Oblique Strain 5:25 Pitchers with Uncertain Health Situations (Eury Pérez, Gerrit Cole, Kyle Bradish) 13:26 Future Aces with Short MLB Track Records (Bobby Miller and Grayson Rodriguez) 29:01 Model Disagreement with Other Projections (Zac Gallen, Cole Ragans, Bailey Ober) 34:44 Non-Buzzy Veterans (Merrill Kelly, Chris Bassitt, Eduardo Rodriguez) Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes w/Trevor May! (next live show: 3/29) https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

57m

Mar 19

Eno and DVR discuss another busy weekend filled with injury news including elbow soreness for Eury Pérez, a fractured wrist for TJ Friedl, and an IL stint to begin 2024 for Josh Lowe. Plus, they dig into several tough hitter rankings as draft season heats up.  Rundown 2:58 Eury Pérez: Dealing with Sore Elbow 7:08 TJ Friedl: Out with Fractured Wrist 11:33: Josh Lowe: Will Open Season on IL 16:26 Kyle Manzardo: Sent to Minor League Camp 23:40 Corey Seager: May Be Ready for Opening Day? 28:29 Any Reason to Worry About Bryce Harper or Aaron Judge? 31:15 Tough Rankings: Luis Robert Jr. & Frequently Injured Early-Rounders 38:52 Oneil Cruz & Young Players Returning From Lengthy Absence 50:42 Luis Arraez & Categorically Imbalanced Players 56:04 Junior Caminero & Players We're Waiting For in 2024 Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes w/Trevor May! (next live show: 3/29) https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Eury Pérez Thumbnail Photo: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 5m

Mar 18

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss the latest news on Gerrit Cole’s elbow injury, the Astros’ interest in Blake Snell, the best rotations in baseball, and several new faces in new places, before digging into curveballs, and taking a few viewer/listener questions.  Rundown 0:55 Gerrit Cole: No UCL Tear Detected 7:20 Blake Snell: Astros Interested? 8:45 Best Rotations in Baseball Right Now New Faces in New Places 14:50 Chris Sale’s Fit in Atlanta 21:00 Josh Hader: Adding to the Astros’ Strength 24:59 DL Hall’s Starting Opportunity in Milwaukee 31:16 Jorge Polanco’s Fit in New-Look Seattle Lineup 34:43 Teoscar Hernández: Getting Into a Better Fit for a Home Park 39:15 Michael Soroka: A Fresh Opportunity for Rebuilding White Sox 42:05 Pitch Deep Dive: Curveballs 59:41 Q&A: Which Spring Stats Do We Pay Attention To? 1:03:32 Q&A: Game Planning for Opponents’ Weaknesses, or Your Own Strengths? Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow Trevor on Twitter: @IamTrevorMay Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes w/Trevor May! Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 9m

Mar 15

Eno and DVR discuss the trade that sent Dylan Cease to the Padres, the impact of a significant injury for Brewers closer Devin Williams, the increasing possibility of an early-season opportunity for Victor Scott II in St. Louis, and swing decisions in 'The Shadow Zone'. Rundown 5:20 Dylan Cease Traded to the Padres 10:01 Assessing the White Sox's Return 14:10 Buying the Similarities Between Dylan Cease & Blake Snell? 22:17 Devin Williams' Extended Absence 30:43 Injury Updates: Ronald Acuña Jr. & Tommy Edman 35:58 Swings v. Takes and 'The Shadow Zone' 54:23 Mailbag Questions: Quinn Priester & Unique Leagues in FanGraphs' Auction Calculator Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes w/Trevor May! https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 5m

Mar 14

Eno and DVR discuss Eno's recent story examining the tendencies of position players in their walk year, disagreements across projection systems and how to work through those differences (and when to target players with projection systems agreement). Plus, they discuss Junior Caminero getting sent to Triple-A to begin the season, Jackson Merrill's upcoming flight to Korea, an injury for Taj Bradley, and the growing concerns about Gerrit Cole as the wait for an update on his status lengthens.  Rundown 5:52 What Happens in Position Players' Walk Years? ($ Eno's story: https://theathletic.com/5321626/) 11:13 Gleyber Torres' Path to More Power 16:24 Eno's Most Rostered Player From Story? 23:43 Disagreement Between Projection Systems 31:26 Rookies of Interest v. How the Fantasy Market Treats Rookies 38:17 Jackson Merrill Gets a Seat on the Plane 46:53 Taj Bradley's Pectoral Strain 53:20 Ongoing Uncertainty with Gerrit Cole & Current Rankings Adjustment Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our new livestream episodes w/Trevor May! https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Please fill out a quick survey to share your podcast habits with us by going to theathletic.com/survey24. Three lucky entries will win $100 worth of Amazon vouchers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

58m

Mar 13

DVR is joined by Mike Gianella of Baseball Prospectus to discuss a busy weekend of news and notes including MRIs for Gerrit Cole and Aaron Judge (among others), an 80-game PED suspension for Noelvi Marte, and more. Plus, they discuss their strategies from the 15-team Mixed LABR draft in which Mike built a roster around a power-heavy base and DVR opted for a 'Pocket Aces' build.  Rundown 2:06 Gerrit Cole: Has MRI on Elbow; Likely to Miss Opening Day 3:40 Aaron Judge: MRI on Abdomen; Timetable Unclear 5:02 Noelvi Marte: Suspended 80 Games for Positive PED Test 8:48 Edward Cabrera: MRI Reveals Shoulder Impingement; Targeting Late-Round Marlins Starting Pitchers? 13:14 Sonny Gray: Progressing From Hamstring Injury 15:10 Devin Williams: Visiting with Spine Specialist 21:16 Jordan Lawlar: Optioned to Reno; Stashing Prospects in Redraft Leagues 29:04 Mixed LABR Draft Apporaches (Full Draft Board: https://rtsports.com/labr-mixed-draft) | Building From a Late-Round Position 42:46 When Do You Disagree with Projections? 55:42 Experiences with Pocket Aces Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.social Follow Mike on Bluesky: @mikegianella.bsky.social Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our new livestream episodes w/Trevor May! https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Please fill out a quick survey to share your podcast habits with us by going to theathletic.com/survey24. Three lucky entries will win $100 worth of Amazon vouchers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 6m

Mar 12

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss Eno's co-authored story with Ken Rosenthal about the ongoing concern regarding pitcher injuries as velocity and breaking ball usage continues to increase. Plus, they examine the Rays' use of a relatively simple approach to maximize the effectiveness of their pitchers, and how some pitchers like the Cubs' Justin Steele alter the shape of a smaller arsenal to keep hitters off-balance. Finally, they wrap up the show with the deep dive into the slider and sweeper and a few listener/viewer questions. Rundown 0:58 The Neverending Quest to Reduce Pitcher Injuries (Related reading -- Eno's story with Ken Rosenthal ($) https://theathletic.com/5325032/) 17:24 Catcher Targets & How the Rays Simplify Their Pitching Plans (Related reading -- Chad Jennings' story on the Rays' pitching development ($) https://theathletic.com/5318763/) 28:22 Altering Pitch Shapes to Increase a Small Arsenal (Related reading -- Sahadev Sharma on Justin Steele's ability to change the shape of his 'two' main pitches ($) https://theathletic.com/5311112) 41:43 Deep Dive: Sliders & Sweepers 53:32 Viewer + Listener Q&A 58:01 Joey Votto Signs with the Blue Jays Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow Trevor on Twitter: @IamTrevorMay Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes! Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Please fill out a quick survey to share your podcast habits with us by going to theathletic.com/survey24. Three lucky entries will win $100 worth of Amazon vouchers! Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 6m

Mar 08

Eno and DVR finish up their 2024 Team Preview series with the Braves, Phillies, and Mets. What's next for the Atlanta lineup after an excellent 2023 that featured five players among the league's 20 biggest risers in wRC+? With quality young pitching depth, is the rotation stronger than ever behind Spencer Strider, Max Fried, and Chris Sale? Will the Phillies get even more from Trea Turner during his second season in Philly? Behind Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, which starting pitchers are most likely to deliver quality innings? Will the retooling Mets exceed expectations with a potentially underrated lineup and a pitching staff with a few intriguing rebound candidates? Rundown 4:13 2024 Atlanta Braves Preview 9:25 Jarred Kelenic's Fresh Start in Atlanta 18:01 Good Pitching Getting Even Better? 28:24 2024 Philadelphia Phillies Preview 37:16 Starters of Interest Behind Zack Wheeler & Aaron Nola 44:01 2024 New York Mets Preview 50:11 Buying the Mets' Rebound Candidates in the Rotation (Luis Severino, Sean Manaea & Tylor Megill) Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our new livestream episodes w/Trevor May! https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Please fill out a quick survey to share your podcast habits with us by going to theathletic.com/survey24. Three lucky entries will win $100 worth of Amazon vouchers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

56m

Mar 07

Eno and DVR continue their Team Preview series with the Red Sox, Marlins and Nationals. Can the Red Sox's lineup produce enough to cover the potential shortcoming of their pitching staff? Will the Marlins' young rotation find enough quality innings in a season without Sandy Alcantara? As the Nats' rebuild continues, how long will we have to wait before James Wood and Dylan Crews enter the mix in Washington? Rundown 3:37 2024 Boston Red Sox Preview 5:55 Nick Pivetta's New Pitch Mix 13:30 The Red Sox's Current Outfield Situation 23:27 2024 Miami Marlins Preview 37:39 A.J. Puk's Growing Pitch Mix 40:10 2024 Washington Nationals Preview 47:48 Underappreciated Catcher: Keibert Ruiz Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our new livestream episodes w/Trevor May! https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Please fill out a quick survey to share your podcast habits with us by going to theathletic.com/survey24. Three lucky entries will win $100 worth of Amazon vouchers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

57m

Mar 05

Eno and DVR discuss a busy weekend of news including further examination of Ronald Acuña Jr.'s surgically-repaired knee, shoulder fatigue for Kevin Gausman, Zack Wheeler's extension with the Phillies, Matt Chapman's three-year deal with the Giants, a pair of big March movers in recent drafts, and the increasingly complicated playing time situations in Baltimore and Cincinnati.  Rundown 1:31 More Knee Trouble for Ronald Acuña Jr.? 7:36 Chris Sale's Rapidly-Rising ADP 11:00 Kevin Gausman Slowed by Shoulder Fatigue 12:57 Zack Wheeler Signs Three-Year Extension w/Phillies 16:07 Matt Chapman Goes to the Giants 23:43 Fallout & Secondary Benefits to Chapman's Arrival in San Francisco 30:57 Wyatt Langford is Flying Up Draft Boards 37:05 Colt Keith v. Jordan Westburg? 38:44 Building a Bench: Orioles Edition 44:45 Jordan Hicks v. A.J. Puk v. Reynaldo López 51:04 Building a Bench: Reds Edition 58:57 How Much Do We Pay Attention to First- and Second-Half Splits? Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our new livestream episodes w/Trevor May! https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 6m

Mar 04

Eno, Trevor and DVR discuss Statcast's new Bat Tracking technology and the potential benefits of having that information as it becomes publicly available in 2024. Plus, they discuss Blake Snell as a free agent still available in March in a league desperate for quality starting pitchers, the importance of Spencer Strider's developing curveball, the challenges of getting ready for an earlier Opening Day, and take a deep dive into the cutter. Rundown 1:10 Trevor's Takeaways From Oakland's Fans Fest 7:38 Coming Soon! Statcast's Bat Tracking Leaderboards 15:20 Blake Snell's Big-Miss Dominance 21:56 League-Wide Similarities in Contract Offers & Player Valuations 29:37 The Clear Need for Snell in San Francisco 32:28 The Importance of Spencer Strider's Developing Curveball 38:26 Challenges for the Dodgers and Padres Ramping Up for Early Opening Day in Korea 42:48 Cutter Deep Dive 54:09 Live Q&A: Camilo Doval's Unusual Cutter Movement, Mo's Cutter v. Maddux's Two-Seamer to Lefties, Evaluating Pitchers Coming Back from Tommy John surgery Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow Trevor on Twitter: @IamTrevorMay Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes! Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 4m

Mar 01

Eno and DVR continue their Team Preview series with the Blue Jays, Rays, and Orioles, three teams in the AL East with very little separation in projected wins. All three clubs are loaded with intriguing players, and plenty of mid-round and late-round targets to consider. Can you trust Yusei Kikuchi's walk rate improvement from last season? Will Taj Bradley put the pieces together for a complete season in Tampa Bay? Is Jordan Westburg primed for a breakout despite a late ADP? Rundown 5:28 2024 Toronto Blue Jays Preview 13:39 An Undervalued Bat Behind the Stars? 25:06 The 'New' Yusei Kikuchi 33:14 2024 Tampa Bay Rays Preview 40:43 Josh Lowe's K% Improvements 50:54 Unlocking a Taj Bradley Breakout 55:07 2024 Baltimore Orioles Preview 1:04:38 Should We Be More Excited About Jackson Holliday in 2024? 1:10:54 Buying the Grayson Rodriguez Adjustments Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our new livestream episodes w/Trevor May! https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 21m

Mar 01

Eno and DVR continue their Team Preview series with the Yankees, Royals and White Sox. With the addition of Juan Soto to the lineup, will the Yankees make good on their projection and win the AL East in 2024? Can Clarke Schmidt find a solution against left-handed hitters? Are we buying another improvement in the Royals' young group of hitters? Is there any help coming through the system to bolster the team's rotation? And just how bad is the rebuild going to be in Year 1 for the White Sox? Rundown 1:17 2024 New York Yankees Preview 9:32 Will Alex Verdugo Tap Into More Power at Yankee Stadium? 19:06 Clarke Schmidt's Struggles Against Lefties 26:32 2024 Kansas City Royals Preview 30:37 Maikel Garcia's Sleeper Case 42:03 2024 Chicago White Sox Preview 50:16 Are Potential Surprises Coming From This Group of Pitchers? Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our new livestream episodes w/Trevor May on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 2m

Feb 28

Eno and DVR discuss Cody Bellinger's return to the Cubs on a short contract with multiple opt-outs, the start of TGFBI, a busy first weekend of spring action that featured a lot of new pitches, and a lot of information about velocity and iVB changes. Plus, they dig into the importance of working backwards when building out draft-day roster construction plans.  Rundown 5:32 Cody Bellinger Re-Signs with the Cubs 17:37 A Live First-Round Pick from Eno’s TGFBI Draft 22:56 Two (!) New Pitches for Hunter Greene 28:02 Cole Ragans’ Improved Fastball Ride in Spring Debut 34:02 Carlos Rodón Has a New Cutter 39:55 Quick Thoughts on Strikeout Park Factors 46:03 Draft Strategy: Working Backwards, or At Least From the Middle 57:15 Looking for Late Power, Without Sacrificing Average Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/r9u5jBvV Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our new livestream episodes w/Trevor May! Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 19m

Feb 26

Eno, Trevor and DVR discuss an unusual day at Phillies camp, superstitious teammates, and what to look for in spring training games. Plus, they continue the deep dive pitching series with a detailed look at two-seam fastballs/sinkers, before discussing a few challenges organizations have getting coaching staffs on the same page in player development. Rundown 1:38 A Rough Day in Phillies Camp 7:26 What to Look For in Spring Training Games 18:45 Reliever Usage in Closer Battles 26:28 'Two-Seamer' v. 'Sinker' 32:33 Good Two-Seamers & Newer Location Strategies 37:39 An Ineffective Sinker 48:35 Two-Seam Fastballs in Stuff+ 50:37 Organizational Philosophy v. Individual Approaches 1:06:15 Viewer Q&A Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow Trevor on Twitter: @IamTrevorMay Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes! Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/r9u5jBvV Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 12m

Feb 23

After discussing a few spring news items, Eno and DVR return to their Team Preview series to break down the Twins, Guardians, and Tigers. Will the Twins' position player core take a leap forward with a full season of Royce Lewis at third base? Is the Twins' pitching depth and bullpen good enough to withstand the loss of Sonny Gray from the rotation? How much will the Guardians lean on Kyle Manzardo and Chase DeLauter this season in a bid to improve their run production, and can the Guardians' young starters to take another step forward in 2024? As the Tigers' rebuild continues, are they primed to close the gap and contend for a division title? Rundown 0:59 Kodai Senga: Will Begin Season on IL 4:46 Mitch Keller: Signs Extension with Pirates 7:39 Tim Anderson: Finds New Home in Miami 16:11 2024 Minnesota Twins Preview 27:33 Can Joe Ryan Find a Quality Secondary Offering? 40:35 2024 Cleveland Guardians Preview 47:34 Assessing the Draft-Day Value in the Guardians' Top-Four Starters 55:28 2024 Detroit Tigers Preview 1:06:55 Buying Reese Olson's Improved Changeup? Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/r9u5jBvV Check out our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels and join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our new livestream episodes w/Trevor May! Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 17m

Feb 22

Eno and DVR return to their Team Preview series to break down the Cardinals, Cubs, and Brewers. Will the Cards' loaded lineup be able to outhit their shaky starting pitching? Are the Cubs preparing to lean on a group of young players to fill a few remaining gaps in their lineup? How will the Brewers' pitching fare following the Corbin Burnes trade and with Brandon Woodruff likely unavailable in 2024? Rundown 1:17 2024 St. Louis Cardinals Preview 7:11 Buying the Breakout From Jordan Walker? 20:30 The Pitching Plan: Is This Going to Work? 30:38 2024 Chicago Cubs Preview 34:20 Will Jameson Taillon Build on Second-Half Success? 43:57 Youth Movement Coming in Center Field and at Third Base? 50:27 2024 Milwaukee Brewers Preview 54:49 Which Young Players Will Emerge for Large Supporting Roles? 1:03:27 The Pitching Staff Sans Burnes & Woodruff Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/B3Ymqwrd Check out our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels and join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our new livestream episodes w/Trevor May! Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 16m

Feb 20

Eno and DVR discuss a few takeaways from Eno's squad in the Bay Area Rotisserie Fantasy League before digging into the latest round of news as spring training is in full swing. With a lot of positive injury news around recently hampered players, how should you adjust your plans as ADP begins to reflect improved spring health? Rundown 0:50 Eno's Case for Elly De La Cruz 8:10 Recapping Eno's BARF League Build (From Sober Values to YOLO) 13:10 Josh Jung's Calf Strain 15:53 Xander Bogaerts Moves to Second Base 20:49 Whit Merrifield to the Phillies 24:14 Carlos Rodón's Velocity is Back This Spring 36:00 Byron Buxton's Knee is Gone! 41:17 A Quick Nick Lodolo Update 49:23 Are the Rays Backloading Shane Baz's 2024 Innings? 55:41 Starling Marte & Riley Greene Follow-Ups 56:55 A.J. Puk as a Starter & Occasional Six-Man Rotations in Miami? 1:08:15 Applying Roto Advice to H2H Points Leagues 1:13:06 What Might a Team See in Luke Weaver? 1:19:57 Live Episodes in New York at Other Half Brewing! Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our new livestream episodes! (https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels) Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/B3Ymqwrd Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Elly De La Cruz Thumbnail Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 24m

Feb 19

Trevor May makes his Rates & Barrels hosting debut, joining Eno and DVR to discuss missteps with the new MLB uniforms, wearing other people's pants, unusual self-designed training regiments, and the difficultly of processing news when the flood of information happens at the outset of spring training. Plus, Eno & Trevor do a deep dive into four-seam fastballs, before a round of listener Q&A. Rundown 0:56 Getting to Know Trevor 10:45 Making Sense of Spring Training News Updates 19:48 Four-Seam Fastball Deep Dive 51:54 Listener Q&A Follow Trevor on Twitter: @IamTrevorMay Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our new livestream episodes! (https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels) Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/B3Ymqwrd Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 6m

Feb 16

Eno and DVR discuss a flurry of news updates from Orioles camp before continuing their Team Preview series, looking at the Dodgers, Reds and Pirates. Is it possible that the Dodgers are slightly underprojected even as a 101-win team in PECOTA? Will the Reds' young pitching stay healthy and deliver enough for them to contend for the NL Central? Can the Pirates turn the corner sooner than expected with Oneil Cruz's return to health and a nice group of young pitchers knocking on the door? Rundown 1:15 Kyle Bradish's UCL Sprain 6:00 Other Injury Updates From Orioles Camp 9:44 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers Preview 14:09 Build a Bench! Finding the Platoons in LA 27:28 2024 Cincinnati Reds Preview 34:51 Breakout Potential for Elly & Noelvi Marte Despite Wide-Range of PT 49:50 2024 Pittsburgh Pirates Preview 55:09 How Aggressively Will the Pirates Promote Their Pitching Prospects? Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/B3Ymqwrd Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Join us on Fridays starting 2/16 at 1p ET/10a PT for our new livestream episode w/Trevor May! Check out our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 4m

Feb 15

Eno and DVR share some show-related news and discuss Jorge Soler to the Giants, a recent swap between the Twins and Marlins, catcher additions for the Brewers and Pirates, and a few spring items to watch for the Rays. Plus, they examine a few risers and fallers among pitchers since the start of draft season in the fall.  Rundown 0:49 Show Announcements! Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels 5:20 Jorge Soler Signs a Three-Year Deal with the Giants 11:37 Nick Gordon to the Marlins for Steven Okert 17:29 Spencer Turnbull Joins the Phillies 23:40 Gary Sánchez to the Brewers 29:26 Yasmani Grandal to the Pirates 33:39 Things We Recently Learned About the Rays 42:54 Spring Injury Updates: Edwin Díaz, Shohei Ohtani, Garrett Crochet 46:11 ADP Risers & Fallers (Pitchers) Since the Start of Draft Season Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Jorge Soler Thumbnail Photo by Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 9m

Feb 13

Eno and DVR continue their Team Preview series, looking at the three teams projected to finish in the middle three spots in the NL West -- the Diamondbacks, Padres, and Giants. Will Arizona's offseason upgrades be enough for them to return to the playoffs in 2024? Can the Padres rebound after sending Juan Soto to the Yankees in a blockbuster trade in December? Is there a reasonable path forward for the Giants with their current core? Rundown 1:11 2024 Arizona Diamondbacks Preview 11:25 Key Rotation Questions & Depth Concerns 21:24 2024 San Diego Padres Preview 28:23 Fernando Tatis Jr.'s Pulled Barrel Rate Shift From 2021 to 2023 48:12 2024 San Francisco Giants Preview 56:29 Marco Luciano's Breakout Potential & Contact Quality Comps Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Check out our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Corbin Carroll Thumbnail Photo by Christian Petersen-Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 12m

Feb 12

There is an infinite number of ways to play fantasy baseball, so what factors should you consider when joining or creating a league?  Eno and DVR discuss some of the basic elements of building or finding a league to play in, as well as a few 2024-specific strategy considerations to keep in mind in the face of MLB's 2023 rule changes and the resulting impact on the run environment.  Rundown 1:40 How Do You Want to Play? - and - Key Questions to Consider 14:17 Where Do You Want to Play? - and - League Formats/Entry Fee Options 23:05 Yes, Free Leagues Still Exist! 39:03 Why We Like the FanGraphs Auction Calculator (https://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy-tools/auction-calculator) 46:43 What Are You Adjusting for 2024? Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Check out our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 7m

Feb 08

Eno and DVR continue their Team Preview series, looking at a few key questions for all 30 clubs as spring training approaches. Part 2 of the series wraps up the AL West with the Astros and Mariners, before examining the ongoing struggles of the Rockies at the bottom of the NL West.  Rundown 0:54 Jose Altuve Signs a Five-Year, $125M Extension w/Astros 5:05 2024 Houston Astros Preview 18:25 Paths to a Hunter Brown Breakout 25:56 2024 Seattle Mariners Preview 33:06 Bryan Woo's Need for a New Approach Against Lefties 43:27 2024 Colorado Rockies Preview 55:38 Will Brenton Doyle's Glove Carry Him to Everyday Playing Time? Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com Check out our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Yordan Alvarez Thumbnail Photo by Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 6m

Feb 07