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The Athletic

Eno 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.
 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rates & Barrels

DVR and Britt discuss several first-time All-Stars including four starters in the 2025 Midsummer Classic, superstars on that stage for the first time like Pete Crow-Armstrong and James Wood, and a few veterans getting the nod on the strength of outstanding first-half performances. Plus, they discuss Britt's recent story of an MLBPA investigation into agent Yasser Mendez following allegations of financial misconduct.

Rundown

1:44 Stories of First-Time All-Stars & Starters

7:03 Does Cal Raleigh Pass the "Neighbor Test"?

14:19 Shane Smith: Second Rule 5 Pick to Make ASG in Draft Year

18:11 Kyle Stowers & A Late Breakout

Britt's Story ($) about Stowers' adjustments: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6478490

28:24 MacKenzie Gore and Questions About Patience for the New Front Office in D.C.

42:11 MLBPA Investigating Allegations of Financial Misconduct Against Agent Yasser Mendez

Britt's Story ($) about the allegations: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6478358

Follow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.social

Follow Britt on Bluesky: @brittghiroli.bsky.social

e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe

Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels

Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Britt Ghiroli

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First-Time All-Stars & An MLBPA Investigation

Eno and DVR discuss the return of Brandon Woodruff, Corbin Carroll's surprisingly quick activation from the IL, likely Tommy John surgery for Clarke Schmidt, a midseason rollback of Drew Rasmussen's workload, the arrival of Colson Montgomery, the Nats' decision to part ways with Mike Rizzo and Davey Martinez, and where the money went during the weekend.

Rundown

2:46 Brandon Woodruff's Return to the Brewers' Rotation

11:14 Corbin Carroll is Back

14:48 Clarke Schmidt Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery

21:38 Colson Montgomery Promoted by White Sox

28:57 Drew Rasmussen's Mid-Summer Role Tweak for Innings Management

33:20 Nats Fire Mike Rizzo & Davey Martinez

47:23 Mailbag: Team Quality & Save Opportunities

52:45 Where the Money Went: This Weekend's Waiver Wire Pickups

Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social

Follow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.social

e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe

Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels

Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brandon Woodruff's Impressive Return & Big Changes in Washington

Eno and DVR discuss the 3,000-strikeout milestone for Clayton Kershaw, injuries to Max Muncy and Spencer Schwellenbach, a demotion for Josh Jung, and an opportunity for Colby Thomas with the A's. Plus, they dig into weekend waiver-wire targets before checking in with Senior Hot Dog Correspondent Niv Shah ahead of the Fourth of July Weekend.

Rundown

1:29 3,000 Strikeouts for Clayton Kershaw

5:55 Who Else Will Reach The 3,000-Strikeout Milestone?

10:04 Max Muncy's Early Exit w/Knee Injury

12:48 Spencer Schwellenbach to the IL w/Elbow Fracture

22:07 Josh Jung to Triple-A, A DVR Miss

27:16 Luis Ortiz: On Paid Leave During Gambling Probe

32:15 Colby Thomas: Nothing Left to Prove at Triple-A?

40:50 Senior Hot Dog Correspondent Niv Shah Returns! (The Texas Dog delivers at Nats Park, and Six Picks strategy talk)

1:04:05 Otto Lopez's Push to Shallow League Utility

1:13:55 Hayden Birdsong's 2025 Struggles

Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social

Follow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.social

Follow Niv on Bluesky: @ottoneu.bsky.social

e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe

Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels

Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Guest: Niv Shah

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3,000 Strikeouts for Kershaw & Fourth of July Weekend Waiver Preview

Eno, Jed, and DVR discuss the three division leaders in the American League, examining the strengths and weaknesses of the Astros, Tigers, and Yankees with the Trade Deadline looming at the end of the month. Plus, they explore how offense has held up to 2024 levels despite the increased drag on the baseball this season.

Rundown

1:03 Yordan Alvarez's Setback & Increasing Needs for a Left-Handed Bat in Houston

10:13 Balancing Team Spending Limits w/Available Upgrades

20:59 The Tigers Have a Commanding Lead in the Central

36:53 Yankees Under Pressure in the AL East

47:52 Drag on the Baseball is Up, But Offense is Steady

Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social

Follow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.social

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

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Assessing the AL Division Leaders & Offense Holding Steady Despite Increased Drag

Eno and DVR discuss the three division leaders in the National League, examining the strengths and weaknesses of the Phillies, Cubs, and Dodgers with the Trade Deadline looming at the end of the month. Plus, they check in on the Nats' rebuild, where the return in the Juan Soto trade hasn't been supplemented with enough to push the club into playoff contention.

Rundown

1:07 The Phillies Atop the East; Will They Stay There?

15:54 The Cubs Attempt to Hold Off the Brewers and Cardinals

29:28 Separation for the Dodgers in the West

39:17 Checking In on the Nationals' Rebuild

46:23 A Surprising Stat From the Nationals (2020-2025)

Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social

Follow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.social

e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe

Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels

Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Assessing the NL Division Leaders & Checking In on the Nationals' Rebuild

Eno and DVR discuss an IL stint for Jeremy Peña, a health issue that has forced Ron Washington to step away from managing the Angels for the duration of the 2025 season, and the passing of Hall of Famer Dave Parker at the age 74. Plus, they take a look at the rolling one-year leaderboard for hitters in hopes of finding long-term trade targets on the struggling side, and a few pleasant surprises, before discussing where the money went with free-agent pickups this week.

Rundown

2:49 Jeremy Peña to the IL w/Rib Fracture

4:59 Checking in on the Angels as Ron Washington Steps Down for the Rest of 2025

13:16 Dave Parker Passes Away at Age 74

18:15 One-Year Leaderboard: Struggling Hitters

27:56 Adley Rutschman: A Year Packed w/Injuries

33:55 Top-10 wOBA Surprises: Eugenio Suárez, Cal Raleigh & Brent Rooker

36:05 Riley Greene v. Corbin Carroll; Is Average Undervalued In Many Leagues?

43:57 Mookie Betts: 2024 Injury & 2025 Illness Dragging Production Down

50:04 Where the Money Went: Roster Spackle Galore

Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social

Follow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.social

e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe

Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels

Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A One-Year Snapshot of Surprising Hitters (Good and Bad)

Eno and DVR discuss good news for Zach Neto, whose return from shoulder surgery has gone well in the first half of the season, another injury in the Mets' rotation, and a verdict in the Wander Franco case. Plus, they discuss a surprising multi-year move of Globe Life Field into a pitcher-friendly environment, and weekend waiver-wire targets before checking in with Senior Hot Dog Correspondent Niv Shah about a few ottoneu trends and a big culinary swing at Progressive Field in Cleveland.

Rundown

1:37 Zach Neto: Good News on Follow-Up for Shoulder

5:22 A Potential Long-Term Absence for Griffin Canning

9:24 HBPs Reaching an All-Time High (J-Ram & Vlad Jr. day-to-day)

13:13 A Verdict in the Wander Franco Case

16:39 Globe Life Field Is Changing, Reasons TBD

27:46 Hitters of Interest: A Single-Catcher Shuffle & Joey Ortiz Is Waking Up

38:05 Pitchers of Interest: Charlie Morton Back on the Shallow League Radar?

46:17 Senior Hot Dog Correspondent Niv Shah Returns! (Jacob Lopez's rising roster rates, Didier Fuentes' long-term appeal, and Wenceel Pérez adds thump)

1:08:48 What Is Happening in Cleveland?

Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social

Follow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.social

Follow Niv on Bluesky: @ottoneu.bsky.social

e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe

Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels

Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Guest: Niv Shah

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Globe Life Field Has Changed, Weekend Waiver Preview & Wild Hot Dogs in Cleveland

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss a highly-anticipated matchup between Paul Skenes and Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski, and the different approaches the two pitchers bring to the table. Plus, they discuss the foundation necessary for a pitcher to become an eventual Cy Young Award contender or future ace, before a collaborative draft of the 2025 rookie starting pitchers.

Rundown

0:51 Jacob Misiorowski v. Paul Skenes

4:54 Skenes' Early Career Adjustments, Planning Ahead for Future Velocity Decline?

10:05 Misiorowski's Long-Term Ceiling

14:45 Tarik Skubal and the Multi-Year Path to Elite Levels

22:08 Eno's Criteria for Eventual Aces

32:38 A Collaborative Rookie Starting Pitcher Draft

43:29 Beyond Our Top-Five

57:06 Recapping the Top-15

Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social

Follow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.social

Follow Trevor on Bluesky: @iamtrevormay.bsky.social

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

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Skenes vs. Jacob Misiorowski and Paths to Becoming an Ace

Eno, Jed, and DVR discuss Chase Burns' impressive big-league debut against the Yankees, an ugly fan incident in Chicago against D-backs second baseman Ketel Marte, and the Cubs' choice of Cade Horton over Ben Brown in their rotation with the return of Shota Imanaga, before taking a deep dive into the AL playoff picture with a focus on the third Wild Card spots.

Rundown

2:55 Chase Burns' Impressive Debut

9:05 Abusive Fan Ejected (and Banned) After Heckling Ketel Marte

14:49 The Cubs Choose Cade Horton over Ben Brown (Optioned to Triple-A)

21:52 Buying the Mariners, Rays, and Jays as AL Wild Cards?

30:51 The Rays Are Surprising (Some of Us) Again

43:24 Team(s) Most Likely to Pass Current Wild Card Holders

49:21 Can the Twins Recover in 2025?

Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social

Follow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.social

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

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chase Burns' Impressive Debut & AL Playoff Picture Check-In

Eno and DVR discuss Corbin Carroll to the IL as another injury hampers the D-backs, one benefit of choosing to trade away players ahead of the Trade Deadline, the Reds' decision to DFA Jeimer Candelario, and Kenley Jansen's abrupt exit Monday. Plus, the current league leaders in "Combo Meals", James Wood's first full year in the big leagues, Ben Brown's underperformance relative to ERA estimators, and a few trades we would like to see as a birthday present to Eno, courtesy of the Trade Master 3000.

Rundown

1:32 Corbin Carroll Headed to IL w/Chip Fracture in Wrist

7:57 Benefits of Deciding to Trade Players Away Early

14:55 Kenley Jansen's Early Exit, Jeimer Candelario DFA'd

17:58 Does Byron Buxton Leads MLB in Combo Meals?

24:54 Ben Brown and Falling Short of Indicators

40:27 Clay Holmes' Rest-of-Season Value, Fade Concerns?

48:04 Trade Master 3000: Jacob deGrom (assuming he would waive his No-Trade clause), Cedric Mullins & Taylor Ward

Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social

Follow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.social

e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe

Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels

Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More Bad Luck for the D-backs, Underperforming Indicators & Firing Up the Trade Master 3000

Eno, Britt & DVR discuss the status of Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin's spot start in his absence, the Braves' 2-0 lead in the NLCS, the Rays' elite defense, and the Astros' uphill battle facing a 3-0 deficit. 

Rundown

0:35 Clayton Kershaw's Status; Tony Gonsolin's Spot Start

5:04 The Dodgers' Offense is Waking Up

9:00 Re-Thinking the Usage of Dustin May

16:04 Will Smith, the Catcher

19:12 Jose Altuve Wades Into Chuck Knoblauch Territory

22:56 The Rays' Reasonably Fresh Bullpen for Game 4

32:29 Are These LCS Series Good?

36:41 Trivia for Charity!

Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris

Follow Britt on Twitter: @Britt_Ghiroli

Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper

e-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.com

Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month, theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels

 

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kershaw's back, the Braves hold on in Game 2, and the Rays prepare for a sweep

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