Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

On this Fantasy Friday, Eno and DVR discuss the latest early-season injuries and what they mean for your roster decisions heading into the weekend. Then, the guys welcome Ottoneu’s Niv Shah for a conversation about the bullpen market, followed by the season's first installment of 'Taste of the Majors.'Rundown1:20 Corbin Carroll Slowed by Hip Injury2:49 Brent Rooker Leaves Game with Core Injury5:46 Parker Meadows Suffers Concussion & Fractured Arm8:32 Hunter Goodman’s Early Exit After HBP10:45 Jorge Polanco Slowed by Achilles Soreness20:32 Weekend Waiver Preview23:07 Bryce Elder Is Rolling but Eno Is Skeptical26:14 Kyle Harrison Has Made Changes32:47 Interest in Luis Gil & Jeffrey Springs? 35:39 Mick Abel’s Turnaround37:33 Widely Available Starting Pitchers43:09 Niv Shah Joins the Show to Discuss Messy Bullpens55:55 Taste of the Majors Is Back! (L.A. & St. Louis Dog Reviews)Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialE-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Niv ShahEditor: Jason PotereHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss a new tool — the Pitching Pairing tool from FanGraphs Lab — as a great visualization for tunneling and a way to better understand how pitchers are attacking opposing hitters. Plus, they explore adjustments that can be made by position on the pitching rubber, which gives pitchers a way to manipulate their horizontal approach angle. Finally, they discuss a recent piece from Ben Lindbergh at The Ringer, wondering if increased on-field information for players and tactics like calling pitches from the dugout have gone too far.0:42 Cole Ragans Avoids Major Injury5:15 FanGraphs Labs’ New Pitching Pairing Tool11:45 Establishing the Fastball18:16 How Sandy Alcantara is So Effective25:58 Horizontal Approach Angle43:20 On-Field Information: How Much is Too Much?Related LinksThe Pitching Pairing Tool at FanGraphs Labs: https://www.fangraphs.com/lab/paired-pitches“A Visual Primer on Horizontal Approach Angle (HAA” by Alex Chamberlain: https://blogs.fangraphs.com/a-visual-primer-on-horizontal-approach-angle-haa/“Keep MLB Front Offices Away From the Field” by Ben Lindbergh: https://www.theringer.com/2026/03/23/mlb/keep-mlb-front-offices-off-the-field-pitch-calling-scouting-cardsFollow 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 MayEditor: Jason PotereHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, DVR, and Jed break down how the Cubs plan to fill Cade Horton’s spot in the rotation after news of his season-ending torn UCL. They also discuss Astros ace Hunter Brown’s status following a Grade 2 shoulder strain, and later welcome baseball card enthusiast Sean Campbell to explore the ins and outs of the card collecting world.Rundown2:43 Cade Horton Out For The Year8:48 Hunter Brown’s Shoulder Strain17:25 Other News & Notes From Around MLB26:08 Sean Campbell’s Start In Card Collecting28:55 Sean’s Favorite Cards30:24 Card Grading31:42 Goals As A Collector35:22 Considerations For Grading37:11 Finding Sellers You Trust39:51 What To Expect In Cheaper Boxes42:17 Understanding Value48:16 Advice From An Expert53:34 Older CardsFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Sean on Instagram: @roostercardsandwaxe-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Jed Lowrie & Sean CampbellEditor: Jason PotereHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville joins Eno and DVR to explore a big question in the wake of Konnor Griffin's recent promotion -- who is the baseball teenage position player in baseball history?Plus, they share huge show news -- Starkville returns and joins Rates & Barrels on Saturday, April 18th!They also discuss early reactions to ABS, and potential improvements to the system that could be implemented in the future depending on how the early-season trends play out over the course of the entire season. Rundown0:49 Starkville Returns Saturday, April 18th! Right Here on Rates & Barrels2:02 Baseball’s Best Teenage Position Players: How Do You Approach a ‘Greatest Of’ Question?8:00 Entering with Massive Expectations: Is It ‘Easier’ on an Already Good Team?10:45 Does Having a Recently Hyped Arrival Help? Paul Skenes’ Fast Track, High Expectations in Pittsburgh14:25 Bright Spotlights From Day 1: How Ken Griffey Jr. and Bryce Harper Faced Added Pressure17:05 The No. 1 Pick in Hypothetical Draft: Whose Big League Resumé as a Teenager is the Strongest?19:54 Phil Cavaretta’s Impressive Early Arrival: Baseball’s Leader in Plate Appearances as a Teenager22:39 Bryce Harper vs. Juan Soto: Did the Nats Actually Have the Top-2 Teenagers in MLB History?27:05 Tony Conigliaro: A Promising Career Derailed by Tragedy28:52 Learning From the Search: Jim Gilliam, John Montgomery Ward & Edgar Renteria?!30:14 Stardom From Day 1: Al Kaline Was Destined to Become “Mr. Tiger”32:10 An Old “Friend” of the Show is Back! Oyster Burns’ Unique Place in Baseball History35:34 Late Game Challenges: Jayson’s Idea to Mimic the NFL’s Rule Under Two Minutes38:38 Second Order Effects: Will Team Increase Aggressiveness with Challenges?41:50 The Buffer Zone: Could Max Scherzer’s Idea to Have ‘Inconclusive’ Close Calls Stand?46:04 How Many Strike Zones Are There? 49:49 Early Numbers: Walks *and* Strikeouts Are Up — Not Great, Bob!54:25 Future Changes: Tweaks to the Strike Zone If Needed1:00:21 The Margin for Error: Overturning Calls That Are Closer than Margin of Error?1:03:20 Check Out Starkville Starting April 18th!Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.socialFollow Doug on Bluesky: @dougglanville.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Jayson Stark & Doug GlanvilleEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno and DVR return from the weekend and wonder if Jo Adell's three home-run saving catches in the Angels' 1-0 win against the Mariners on Saturday night might be the best defensive game ever played. Plus, they discuss a cluster of starting pitchers on the fringes of rosters in many leagues, searching for early-season sources of stability, before taking a spin around the league after several impactful injuries piled up. Rundown0:29 Three Home-Run Robbies in One Game! Did Jo Adell Play the Best Defensive Game Ever?9:26 The Starting Pitchers Were Good Too! Emerson Hancock and Jack Kochanowicz Deal11:16 Choosing Your Favorite Two: Starting Pitchers on the Rise21:39 Injuries Galore: Updates on Horton, Betts, Soto & Others32:23 Feeling Better After Start No. 2? Tatsuya Imai Rolls Against the A’s36:49 A Defensive Slump? Are the Giants’ Fielding Woes Fixable?41:20 Context in Small Samples: Rain, Sleet, Snow & Other Variables That Matter46:48 October is Behind Him: Andy Pages Is Hitting Well Again49:28 Great Starts at Coors Field: Where Does Jesús Luzardo’s Weekend Start Rank?58:32 What’s in Pat Murphy’s Pocket? How About a Tortoise Named ‘Bobby Jr.’?!1:04:21 Keeping An Eye on Anthony Kay: Is It ‘Good’ Weird, or ‘Bad’ Weird?1:08:38 Pirates Sweep the Orioles: Undefeated in Konnor Griffin EraFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DVR is joined by Jason Collette to discuss the evolution of pre-debut contracts and early takeaways -- including the highly-anticipated return Shane McClanahan -- and the surprising lack of stolen bases from the Rays in their first two series of the season. They also take an early look at waiver-wire targets, highlighting several starting pitchers of interest, a few relievers to consider from bullpens in turmoil, and the fast start for Jordan Walker. Rundown1:55 Commissioner’s Corner: Move Weekly Pickups to Thursday Night!8:37 Context is Key: James Wood Reveals 2025 Injuries11:34 Checking In on the Rays: Observations Through Two Series18:59 He’s Back! The Return of Shane McClanahan23:59 Efficiency FTW: Drew Rasmussen Has a New Changeup28:15 Early-Season Matchups: What Matters When Considering Pitchers?34:24 Another Bat Speed Riser: Interest Level in Luisangel Acuña37:29 Weekend Waiver Preview: Starting Pitchers We’re Considering41:55 The Roster Bubble Starting Pitchers (40-60% Rostered)48:23 Digging Deeper (20-40% Rostered)53:26 Looking for Saves: Assessing Relievers in Flux56:45 Cautious with Hitting Surprises? Buying Jordan Walker’s Adjustments?Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow Jason on Bluesky: @jasoncollette.bsky.social. e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHost: Derek VanRiperWith Guest Co-Host: Jason ColletteEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss the Pirates' promotion of top prospect Konnor Griffin (whose agreement to a nine-year extension was revealed after the episode was recorded), the long-term outlook on Shane Baz, how pitchers impact a hitter's bat speed, and new pitches that have caught our eye through the first week of the season. Rundown0:26 Baseball's Top Prospect Gets the Call: Konnor Griffin to Debut on Friday3:54 Buying the Pirates? Will They Snap Seven-Year Streak of Losing Seasons?8:31 Breaking Down Shane Baz's Extension with the Orioles: Five-Year, $56 Million19:40 How Pitchers Impact a Hitter's Bat Speed29:56 Does Fast Swing Rate Against Pitchers Tell Us More than Average Bat Speeds?35:03 New Pitches: Pitchers With Better Outlooks Thanks to New Offerings57:18The Rangers' Nacho Sombrero is Real?!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 MayEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, Jed, and DVR discuss a bizarre mistake from C.B. Bucknor in Milwaukee on Tuesday night, and Jed's favorite umpire still in rotation before digging into Shohei Ohtani's first start of 2026 -- which featured significantly increased usage of his curveball -- before looking at early bat-speed risers, and breaking down a few hitters they believe could benefit from a more aggressive approach at the plate. Rundown0:48 Umpire Love: Jed’s Favorite Ump Still in Circulation2:00 The Opposite of Umpire Love: C.B. Buckner’s Laughably Bad Call3:50 Make a Mistake? Own It! Mark Wegner Owns Up to Missed Strikeout10:10 Sho and Tell: Shohei Ohtani Increases Curveball Usage in First Start of 202615:33 Other News & Notes: DeLauter’s Scare, Eflin’s Exit & deGrom’s Velo18:09 Early Bat Speed Risers: Why Does It Matter in Small Samples?25:57 Does High Bat Speed Lead to Injuries? 34:00 Swing Decisions: Who Should Be More Aggressive?50:58 Show and Tell: A Few of Our Random FavoritesFollow 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 LowrieEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, DVR, and Britt discuss a pair of eight-year extensions for two yet-to-debut shortstops -- Seattle's Colt Emerson and Milwaukee's Cooper Pratt -- before looking back at Roki Sasaki's first start of 2026 and digging into why the lofty expectations around him are unlikely to fall anytime soon. Plus, Andrew Baggarly joins the show to for our (belated, blame DVR) Giants season preview. Rundown1:50 Colt Emerson Gets Eight-Year Extension from Mariners9:33 Cooper Pratt Gets Eight-Year Extension from Brewers19:19 Examining Roki Sasaki’s First Start of 202625:45 The Weight of Expectations on Roki 33:15 Justin Verlander’s Return to the Tigers41:04 An Immaculate Inning From Michael Soroka42:43 2026 Giants Preview with Andrew Baggarly43:39 Overall Impressions of Tony Vitello Early in Year 146:03 Luis Arraez’s Long-Term Future at Second Base50:13 The Buster Posey Era: Is This Team Better Now Than It Was A Year Ago?55:32 Assessments of Landen Roupp, Tyler Mahle & Adrian Houser59:21 The Bullpen Comes Into Focus1:04:54 PECOTA’s 82-Win Projection: Too Hot, Too Cold, or Just Right?Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Britt on Bluesky: @brittghiroli.bsky.socialFollow Baggs on Bluesky: @andrewbaggarly.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Britt Ghiroli & Andrew BaggarlyEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno and DVR look back at the first weekend of the 2026 MLB season, which featured immediate ABS drama in several games and plenty of excitement at the ballpark, Plus, they discuss an extension for Nico Hoerner, as the Cubs secure another long-term part of their core, before answering mailbag questions about limiting challenges to critical counts, and what 'A' and 'B' bullpens are. Finally, they explain their process for making some of their toughest decisions for the week, and takeaways from a messy weekend in several bullpens. Rundown0:21 The Crowd Goes Wild, For ABS!: Loud Roars & the First Ejection!7:41 Righting the Wrongs: Can Aaron Judge Become Even Better with ABS? 8:57 Coming Soon: Challenge Timers & Lights? 12:42 The Cubs Extend Nico Hoerner: Six-Year, $141 Million Deal Adds to Core20:03 Jacob deGrom Scratched From Weekend Start (Neck Stiffness): Could Return This Week21:02 Will Teams Limit Challenges Based on Count?25:30 How Do Stuff+ Updates Drop on FanGraphs?27:51 Jake Irvin, Emerson Hancock & Randy Vásquez Surprise36:05 What Are ‘A’ and ‘B’ Bullpens?40:40 How We Make Our Most Difficult Lineup Decisions50:14 Pickups & Panics: Messy Bullpens & Eno’s FOMO DropRelated Reading ($)"Inside MLB’s new ABS challenge system: Which umpires, teams and players thrived and struggled" by Johnny Flores Jr.:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7156691"Payback time for Yankees’ Aaron Judge? ABS could mean revenge after years of bad calls" by Brendan Kuty:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7153125Follow 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 SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno and DVR look back at a great Opening Day packed with impressive rookie performances, and several aces showing up in the first start of the year. Plus, they walk through their process of keeping up with a season that regularly features 15 games per day, while trying to manage a combined 30 fantasy baseball teams. Rundown2:45 Tips & Tricks: How Do You Manage So Much In-Season Information?5:41 Box Score Junkies: Digging in Every Corner for Details12:57 Where Does Eno Go for His Box Scores?18:07 Will the Pirates Remain Patient with Oneil Cruz’s Defense?22:32 Big Days for Carson Benge & Brandon Lowe26:15 Joe Ryan & Trevor Rogers Shine29:59 Andrew Abbott, LODEM King31:55 Kevin McGonigle’s Four-Hit Debut; Skubal Rolls33:16 Cristopher Sánchez’s Gem35:09 A Wild Sixth Inning in St. Louis42:46 A Geraldo Perdomo Homer From the Ump Cam!49:39 Chase DeLauter & Dominic Canzone Have Two-HR Games55:27 Cam Schlittler’s Evolution: Adding Fastballs, Throwing More Breakers to Improve Stuff1:00:08 Our Guys 2026: The Players We Drafted the Most Follow 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 SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, Trevor, and DVR celebrate Opening Day with a draft -- focusing on pitchers they believe are primed to exceed expectations this season. Plus, they discuss a rough first night for Logan Webb against the Yankees, Netflix's baseball debut, and what they're looking for as the first series of the season unfolds over the course of the weekend. Rundown0:28 Happy Opening Day!2:00 Jackson Chourio to the IL with Fractured Hand3:50 Logan Webb’s Tough Outing & Overall 2026 Expectations9:45 The San Francisco Opener: Netflix’s MLB Debut, Throwing a Big Party17:06 Mic’d Up Players in Games That Count21:40 Silver Linings for Giants24:12 Plus-Minus Draft: Which Pitchers Will Exceed Projections in 2026?53:53 What Are We Watching For in First Series?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 MayEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, DVR, and Britt discuss an extension for Pete Crow-Armstrong with the Cubs, more red flags at Ilitch Sports & Entertainment, and Kevin McGonigle's arrival on the Tigers' Opening Day roster, before taking a spin through the American League to predict division winners, Wild Card teams, and award winners for the 2026 MLB season. Rundown0:34 Pete Crow-Armstrong: Gets Extension with Cubs6:14 More Red Flags at Ilitch Sports & Entertainment12:00 Kevin McGonigle Makes the Tigers' Opening Day Roster16:57 AL East Breakdown36:41 AL Central Breakdown53:14 AL West Breakdown1:13:14 AL Rookie of the Year Predictions 1:15:15 AL Cy Young Award Predictions1:17:11 AL MVP PredictionsFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Britt on Bluesky: @brittghiroli.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Britt Ghiroli Editor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno and DVR discuss another injury to the Atlanta rotation with Spencer Strider going on the IL with an oblique injury before taking a spin through the National League to predict division winners, Wild Card teams, and award winners for the 2026 MLB season. Rundown0:39 Spencer Strider: Placed on IL with Oblique Injury5:12 NL East Breakdown18:34 NL Central Breakdown40:04 NL West Breakdown59:00 NL Rookie of the Year Predictions 1:01:25 NL Cy Young Award Predictions1:04:52 NL MVP PredictionsFollow 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 SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno and DVR discuss Cristopher Sánchez's new deal with the Phillies and Konnor Griffin falling short of the Pirates' Opening Day roster before sharing their bold predictions for the upcoming season. Rundown0:40 Cristopher Sánchez: Gets Extension w/Phillies3:22 Konnor Griffin: Assigned to Minor League Camp7:49 Trivia! Three Qualified Hitters Age-21 or Younger in 202510:18 It’s Bold Predictions Time!12:45 Eno’s Bold Predictions: 1. Wyatt Langford Goes 30-3016:24 DVR’s Bold Predictions: 1. Yordan Alvarez Wins AL MVP
20:32 Eno’s Bold Predictions: 2. The Number of Pitchers with Multiple Changeups Will Double This Year25:41 DVR’s Bold Predictions: 2. The Marlins Will Have a Top-Five Rotation
30:00 Eno’s Bold Predictions: 3. The Braves Miss the Playoffs (Again)35:55 DVR’s Bold Predictions: 3. The A’s Lead the League in Runs Scored43:08 Surprising Roster Decisions: Dylan Crews & Jasson Domínguez Sent to Triple-A52:08 Pitching Job Battles: Mick Abel Wins Rotation Spot Over Zebby Matthews56:47 Sticking for Opening Day: Justin Crawford & Carson BengeFollow 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 SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno and DVR provide their second-annual 'cram session' as the busiest weekend of fantasy baseball drafts is here. They discuss a few players they've avoided this season, tier drop-offs across several positions, how they're approaching the top rookies in redraft leagues, and more.Rundown1:35 Zack Wheeler Progressing Toward Minor League Game5:17 DVR’s Plan in H2H Roto, Tout Wars Champions League12:43 Grayson Rodriguez Dealing with ‘Dead Arm’15:59 Trey Yesavage: Headed to the IL (Shoulder Impingement)18:35 Carson Willams: Could Open Season as Starting Shortstop20:24 Players We’ve Avoided This Draft Season31:15 Finding the Tier Drops At Every Position36:00 The Shape of First Base39:25 The Long Tail at Second Base42:32 Shortstop Still Has Plenty of Depth46:29 Surprisingly Sharp Falls at Third Base53:10 The Outfield: Using Care With Drafting Too Many Early?1:00:34 Buying Any Rookie Position Players at Late-March Draft-Day Cost?Follow 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 SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, Jed, and DVR discuss a few spring news items including Gerrit Cole's return to game action with his first outing for the spring, plus updates on Seiya Suzuki, José Ramírez, and Zach Neto. Plus, they host their ever 'Plus-Minus Draft', selecting their favorite hitters primed to exceed their projections during the upcoming season. Rundown2:31 Gerrit Cole Makes Spring Debut5:41 Seiya Suzuki: PCL Strain; Opening Day Status TBD9:50 Updates: José Ramírez & Zach Neto10:33 The 2026 Hitter Projections Draft13:02 DVR Takes Acuña at 1.1; Was That a Mistake?28:04 Jed’s Case for Wyatt Langford Being Underprojected31:52 Mike Trout?! In This Economy?40:15 Banking Heavily on Youth43:51 Andy Pages & Jed’s Emphasis on Defensive Value46:02 Eno Targets Evan Carter & Matt McLain48:11 Surprised that Jed Added Rafael Devers?49:53 James Wood & Colton Cowser to DVR53:37 Have We Underrated Colson Montgomery’s Debut?56:13 Shopping in the Low WAR Projection Bin: Cam Smith1:04:29 Notable Omissions From This DraftFollow 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 LowrieEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss Venezuela's thrilling win over Team USA in the World Baseball Classic Final on Tuesday including the impressive outing from Eduardo Rodríguez, an incredibly close play on Javier Sanoja's ninth-inning steal of second base, and a swing from Eugenio Suárez that will have a permanent place in Venezuelan baseball history. Plus, Lance Brozdowski joins the show to discuss his recent pitching development survey, teams that appear to be headed in the right direction for the future, and a few prospects on the rise including potential keeper and dynasty league sleepers. Rundown0:13 Venezuela Brings Home Its First WBC Title12:20 A Great Celebration of Baseball17:13 Mark DeRosa's Future as Manager & Tactical Limitations for Tournament21:43 About That Lack of Joy From Team USA25:23 Lance Brozdowski Joins the Show! (Lance's Survey: https://lancebroz.substack.com/p/2026-mlb-pitching-development-rankings-acqusition-lance-brozdowski-best-pitching-organizations-coaches-executives-survey)26:19 Best Organizations for Pitching Development & Acquisition 29:11 How Much Did Past Reputation Influence Guardians’ & Rays’ Rankings?31:59 Varying Timelines in Pitching Development36:40 How Quickly Can Teams Improve Their Development?39:44 Is Alignment Underrated In Organizational Success?49:45 What Results Do You Look at to Measure Minor League Success?55:13 Who Will Likely Move Up In These Rankings in the Near Future?57:48 The Marlins Are Doing Things Their Way1:04:44 Can the Cardinals Improve Faster Than Expected?1:09:25 A Few of Lance’s Favorite Pitching Prospects Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Trevor on Bluesky: @iamtrevormay.bsky.socialFollow Lance on Bluesky: @lancebroz.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Trevor May & Lance BrozdowskiEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, Britt, and DVR say goodbye to Team Italy after their fun run in the World Baseball Classic came to an end Monday night against Venezuela, before attempting to predict the headlines that will come from Tuesday's Final between Venezuela and the United States, and wondering if it's time for the Fox booth to move on from John Smoltz . Plus, they discuss a trio of players that Britt expects to break out in 2026, and wonder if the Padres' rotation will be a problem throughout the season with Joe Musgrove headed to the IL to begin the year. Rundown1:05 Venezuela Defeats Italy in Semifinals; Reaches First WBC Final6:42 What Will We Be Talking About Tomorrow From the WBC Final?15:05 John Smoltz Doesn’t Sound Like He’s Enjoying the Tournament22:39 Britt’s Breakouts for 202640:55 Joe Musgrove to Open the Season on the IL47:43 Are the Padres Playoff-Bound This Season?Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Britt on Bluesky: @brittghiroli.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Britt GhiroliEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno and DVR discuss an exciting weekend in the World Baseball Classic including Venezuela's win over Japan, and a U.S.-Dominican Republic game that left Fernando Tatis Jr. in the on-deck circle as a missed call behind the plate punched the Americans' ticket into the final. Plus, they catch up on a few spring injuries, and discuss sleeper starting pitchers (outside the Top 250 overall in recent drafts), before checking in with Senior Hot Correspondent and Ottoneu Founder Niv Shah about Cody Ponce, Harry Ford, and a few relievers getting a lot of draft-season love on the platform. They also preview a few intriguing matchups for this year's 'Taste of the Majors' stand Nationals Park. Rundown1:33 Venezuela Defeats Japan in WBC Classic to Advance to Semis5:33 USA-Dominican Republic; Disappointed by Cory Blaser’s Missed Call11:29 Every Bullpen Spot Matters12:53 Seiya Suzuki: Leaves Early Saturday with Knee Discomfort15:26 Injury Updates: Zack Neto, Jeremy Peña, José Ramírez, Francisco Lindor & Corbin Carroll21:33 Sleeper Starting Pitchers 38:55 Spring Training Stuff+ Risers46:25 Where Does Rankings Confidence Begin to Slide?53:00 Niv Shah is Back!55:13 Interest in Cody Ponce Following KBO Success?1:02:11 Buying Harry Ford as a 2026 Sleeper?1:05:48 'Niv's Guys for 2026'1:08:50 Advanced Scouting for 'Taste of the Majors' at Nats Park1:19:25 Still Time to Pick Up an Ottoneu Team for 2026!Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Niv on Bluesky: @ottoneu.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Niv ShahEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.