Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

Eno and DVR discuss Reynaldo López and Ronel Blanco as two of this season's pleasant pitching surprises and wonder what's next for the duo, as well as other relievers who might be able to follow López's path to the rotation in 2025. Plus, they discuss endgame strategy for lineup decisions in rotisserie leagues, a potential sleeper in the Oakland outfield for next season, and a few weekend waiver-wire targets, including a pair of old starters chewing up innings effectively for the Guardians. Rundown 5:02 Reynaldo López: Top-20 Starter (So Far) in 2024! 12:00 A Few Success Stories Moving from the Bullpen to Rotation 15:34 Endgame Lineup Decisions in Rotisserie Leagues 20:49 Another Way the Royals Have Helped Their Run Prevention Cause 29:00 Differences in Major and Minor League Baseballs 34:18 Why Eno Prefers Jackson Jobe to Kumar Rocker 37:11 Another Outfielder Tracking Toward a 2025 Opportunity 44:52 Weekend Waiver Wire Preview Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Thursdays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes! Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Producer: Brian Smith Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno, Trevor and DVR discuss Matt Chapman's six-year extension with the Giants, a combined no-hitter for the Cubs, who are clinging to slim playoff hopes with three-and-a-half weeks remaining in the regular season. Plus, they discuss baseball's replay system with *10* years now on the ledger and wonder how things might improve in the next 10 years, and they begin a quest to find baseball's most unpredictable (and predictable) pitchers and pitches. Rundown 1:13 Matt Chapman Signs a Six-Year Extension with the Giants 9:04 What's Next for the Giants In Their Push to Return to the Playoffs? 14:55 A Combined No-Hitter From the Cubs 20:26 Baseball's Replay System Turns 10 27:38 We're Ready for the Ball & Strike Call Challenges 34:30 Quantifying a Pitcher's Predictability Related reading 'The Search for the Most Predictable Pitcher' by Kiri Oler of FanGraphs: https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-search-for-the-most-predictable-pitcher/ 40:52 The Surprising Profile of Josh Hader's Fastball 46:07 The Relationship Between Low Release Points & High iVB 52:13 Trevor Finds the Root Cause of David Bednar's Struggles 59:49 Camilo Doval's Running Cutter and a Rare Instance of 'Weird' Not Being Good Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow Trevor on Twitter: @IAmTrevorMay e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris With: Trevor May Producer: Brian Smith Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno and DVR discuss the Padres getting healthy for the stretch run as Yu Darvish will rejoin the rotation this week on the heels of Fernando Tatis Jr.'s activation from the IL and Joe Musgrove's last-season success. Plus, they discuss what they would look for to get in front of a pitcher's hot streak, the recent struggles of Taj Bradley and George Kirby, Justin Verlander's post-IL Stuff+ numbers, and a FAAB hammer used to add Dylan Crews as Eno chases down a title.  Rundown 3:49 The Padres Are Returning to Full Strength 13:35 Kyle Tucker Approaching Activation (Similarities to Tatis' Injury) 20:15 David Bednar Removed From Closer Role 23:14 Looking Beyond Fastball Velocity for Pitchers Heating Up Related Reading 'Baseball's 'Hot Hand' Is Real: https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/baseballs-hot-hand-is-real/ (Rob Arthur & Greg Matthews) 29:08 What Happened to Taj Bradley? 36:51 What Is Going On With George Kirby? 40:16 Jackson Merrill is a Top ____ Player in 2025 50:36 Justin Verlander's Post-IL Stuff Numbers 53:05 Eno Throws the Hammer to Get Dylan Crews Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Thursday at 1p ET/10a PT for our next livestream episodes! Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno and DVR discuss an unfortunate sequence that led to two Royals players suffering an injury Thursday night, uncertainty regarding the availability of Tyler Glasnow down the stretch, several pitching prospects set to debut this weekend including Rhett Lowder and Caden Dana, and a few other intriguing waiver-wire targets to consider. Rundown 2:44 Vinnie Pasquantino & Lucas Erceg Injured On Same Play 8:36 Tyler Glasnow and Freddie Freeman Updates 15:18 Rhett Lowder Gets the Call From the Reds 20:27 Samuel Aldegheri & Caden Dana Join the Angels 26:30 A Look at Kumar Rocker's Post-Surgery Pitch Mix 29:03 Other Pitchers We're Watching Closely for Potential Stretch Run Opportunities 40:47 Which Team Doesn't Have an Internal Stuff Model? 44:40 Does Ernie Clement Have a Late Breakout Profile? 48:12 Weekend Waiver Preview: Tigers Pitching, José Tena, Miguel Amaya and More Marlins Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Thursdays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes! Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Producer: Brian Smith Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno, Trevor and DVR discuss Oneil Cruz's move to center field and the Pirates' needs in order to take a step forward in 2025, the fast adjustments being made by 'The Jacksons' -- Jackson Merrill, Jackson Chourio, and Jackson Holliday -- that have enabled them to make a significant impact in Year 1.Plus, they discuss swing adjustments being made deeper in counts, the erosion of Corbin Burnes' strikeout rate, and the long-term lack of whiffs from Logan Webb, who continues to generate great ratios despite limited swing-and-miss in his arsenal. Rundown 1:42 Oneil Cruz Moves to Center Field 11:32 Who’s Next at Shortstop for the Pirates? 15:52 Jackson Merrill & Jackson Chourio’s Fast Adjustments 28:57 Is It Good to Modulate Your Swing by Count? 44:11 Corbin Burnes’ Second-Half Struggles; Long-Term Decline in K% 53:08 A True Whiff Pitch for Logan Webb? 1:02:58 Name That Dude! Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow Trevor on Twitter: @IAmTrevorMay e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris With: Trevor May Producer: Brian Smith Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno, Britt and DVR discuss the historical context of the 2024 season from Aaron Judge and Juan Soto by taking a look back at elite duos that have had incredible years as teammates. Plus, with the Angels extending Perry Minasian, they wonder if previous levels of payroll spending from Arte Moreno will open up paths to a big free agent signing this winter, before considering several teams that approaching big decisions in their front office during the year ahead.  Rundown 8:33 How Good Is This Season From Aaron Judge & Juan Soto? 15:20 An Interesting Look at Lineup Protection from Saber Seminar 18:19 Name the Yankees' Seven Cleanup Hitters in 2024 25:02 The Angels Extend Perry Minasian, Will Payroll Rise in 2025? 41:30 Front Offices Entering 2025 on the Hot Seat 51:48 Can the Cubs Make It Work Loading Up in the Second Tier of Free Agency While Their Young Core Arrives? Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow Britt on Twitter: @Britt_Ghiroli e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us Thursday at 1p ET/10a PT for our weekly live episode with Trevor May! Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris & Britt Ghiroli Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno and DVR discuss the promotion Dylan Crews and one major change in his profile with the move from Double-A to Triple-A earlier this season. After a weekend at the 'Sabermetrics, Scouting, and the Science of Baseball' conference in Chicago, Eno shares a highlights from a few of the many interesting presentations. Plus, they look at the surge of Jhonkensy Noel as an important power source in the Guardians' lineup, and Bowden Francis' move toward Top-50 Starting Pitcher status.  Rundown 1:02 Dylan Crews Promoted by Nationals 8:36 Xavier Edwards' Partial Season Breakout 13:14 Nolan Gorman's Demotion to Triple-A; What Went Wrong in 2024? 18:22 Eno in Chicago: Saber Conference Takeaways 43:39 Ongoing Studies About the Value of Adding Pitches 56:04 Where the Money Went This Weekend Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Thursday at 1p ET/10a PT for our next livestream episodes! Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan Bloomfield of Baseball HQ and the Bubba & The Bloom podcast joins DVR discuss the third annual "Meatball Draft" a 15-team draft-and-hold league run by Rob DiPietro (@DeadPullHitter, Pull Hitter Podcast) that drafted its first 11 rounds this week. Who were some of the more interesting risers and fallers, and how should roster construction strategies be altered in a format that drafts this early. Draft Board: https://tinyurl.com/Meatball24 Plus, DVR and Ryan discuss a couple of prospects they're trying to stash wherever possible, and a few intriguing names to consider on the waiver wire this weekend. Rundown 1:53 Draft-and-Hold Season Begins with Rob DiPietro's "Meatball Draft" 3:16 How Do You Alter Strategy for Very Early Drafts? 9:12 Paul Skenes v. Tarik Skubal: Round 1 Pitchers 11:27 Biggest Surprises, Movers Compared to Spring 2024 21:12 How Comfortable Are We With Second Tommy John Recovery? 25:17 Pushing Power Over Speed in Early Rounds? 29:55 Jordan Westburg: "Rare" Multi-Eligible Player for 2025 32:07 Corbin Carroll's Recent Resurgence 35:13 Rest-of-Season Projections Thoughts for Final Weeks 40:25 Project Prospect: One Player You're Stashing Everywhere 46:55 Weekend Waiver Preview Follow Ryan on Twitter: @RyanBHQ Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Thursdays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes! Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper With: Ryan Bloomfield Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss Joey Votto's retirement and his case for Cooperstown, the Mariners' decision to fire manager Scott Servais, and a few park factors for pitchers -- including variations in mounds -- that can impact performances across different environments.Plus, they examine a few pitchers finding new levels in 2024 and try to determine long-term ceilings in search of unexpected aces.Rundown 1:04 Joey Votto Announces Retirement; Next Stop Cooperstown? 13:19 Mariners Fire Manager Scott Servais 26:08 Pitching Park Factors We Rarely Think About 40:56 Searching for Unexpected Aces Among Current Young Starters 52:26 Ryan Pepiot Discusses His Hard Breaking Ball 55:43 Spencer Schwellenbach’s Late Move to PitchingSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Trevor MayExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As things currently stand, no team will finish the regular season with 100+ wins for the first time since 2014. Does the unusual shape of the standings and the lack of exceptional regular season clubs matter? Eno, DVR and Britt discuss the causes for the lack of dominance, and wonder if common approaches to roster construction are a contributing factor to this year's parity.  Rundown 2:47 Does It Matter If There Are No 100-Win Teams? 8:11 Measuring Team Quality Beyond Win Totals 12:48 Will Long-Term Injury Trends Make This Type of Season the Norm? 15:28 Regular Season Dominance That Didn't Lead to a World Series Win 21:05 How Mad Would You Be Without Playoffs? 24:23 Unique Approaches From Guardians & Red Sox 32:46 Organizational Brain Drain 39:53 Will the Red Sox Make the Playoffs? 47:04 How Does 2025 Look for Boston, Tampa Bay and Toronto? Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow Britt on Twitter: @Britt_Ghiroli e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us Thursday at 2p ET/11a PT for our weekly live episode with Trevor May! Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels What’s the Orioles’ secret to developing great hitters? Rival teams have theories ($): https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5696854 The Red Sox have an innovative pitching strategy, but has the league adjusted? ($): https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5704202 Hosts: Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris & Britt Ghiroli Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno and DVR discuss the expectations of a tapering per-start workload for Paul Skenes as the season winds down, the second-half adjustments to usage of Garrett Crochet by the White Sox, an explanation for Ke'Bryan Hayes 2024 struggles, the most disappointing pitchers of the year -- relative to initial projections -- and a few weekend happenings on the waiver wire, including the return of Matthew Boyd and growing interest in A's starter Osvaldo Bido.  Rundown 2:18 Paul Skenes Approaching In-Start Limitations? 8:07 At Least They're Not Going the Shutdown Route 14:31 Garrett Crochet's 2025 Outlook 17:29 The Dreaded Velocity Leaderboard w/Injuries 25:18 Ke'Bryan Hayes Playing Through a Herniated Disc 29:11 Biggest Underperforming Pitches of 2024 (So Far) 39:06 Accounting for Different Run Environments Across Projection Systems 49:20 Where the Money Went This Weekend Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Thursdays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes! Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno and DVR discuss season-ending back surgery for Christian Yelich and the Brewers' search for a left-handed bat to use near the heart of their lineup, Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s elbow injury, a trip to the IL for Byron Buxton, a few prospects yet to debut with an eye toward breaking through for early 2025 debuts, the power ceiling of Junior Caminero, and a few players to consider on the waiver wire this weekend. Rundown 2:25 Christian Yelich's Season-Ending Back Surgery (Is Garrett Mitchell Good?) 9:27 A Lineup Vulnerable Against Elite Pitching in the Playoffs? 12:45 Jazz Chisholm Jr. To Miss Several Weeks 14:48 Byron Buxton Heads to the IL 17:47 Coby Mayo Returns to Triple-A; Similar Struggles to Henry Davis? 23:57 Searching for Yet-to-Debut Hitters w/Paths to Starting Roles in 2025 32:39 An Early Attempt to Solve the Cubs' Offseason Changes 42:33 Biggest K% Improvers Among Hitters in 2024 46:35 Junior Caminero's Power Ceiling 52:30 Join Us in Arizona for Baseball HQ's First Pitch Conference! https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2024 53:43 Weekend Waiver Preview Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Thursdays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes! Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss a report from ESPN's Jesse Rogers that MLB might consider a future rule requiring a six-inning minimum for starting pitchers before taking a deep dive into pitch angles and how future data in this area might make it easier to quantify deception.  Plus, they discuss a recent story that Eno wrote with Britt Ghiroli about the Orioles' success in developing hitters, and they play their first ever installment of 'Name That Dude'.  Rundown 0:57 MLB Considering a Six-Inning Minimum for Starting Pitchers? 14:57 Will Pitch Release Angle Data Help Us Quantify Deception? 23:03 Finding Ideal Horizontal Movement on Fastballs With Release Angle 37:49 What’s In the O’s Secret Sauce with Hitting Development? 44:47 Scouting for Curiosity Within Makeup 54:46 Do Players on Bad Team Get Bored? 1:03:49 Name That Dude Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow Trevor on Twitter: @IAmTrevorMay e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Related Reading Jesse Rogers' six-inning minimum (ESPN): https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/40847173/mlb-rule-changes-2024-six-inning-starting-pitcher-injuries-tommy-john Michael Rosen on pitch release angles (FanGraphs): https://blogs.fangraphs.com/its-release-angles-all-the-way-down/ Eno & Britt on the Orioles' hitting development:  https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5696854/2024/08/15/orioles-hitters-development-vertical-bat-angle/ Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us Thursday at 1p ET/10a PT for our weekly live episode with Trevor May! Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris With: Trevor May Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the 2024 Olympics completed, Eno, Britt and DVR wonder -- if MLB players are participating in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, who among current stars will be on the roster? Plus, they discuss the unexpected sweat for the NL West and possibility of four teams from the division finding their way into the playoffs.  Rundown 1:08 The "Locks" for Team USA in 2028 (Assuming MLB Players Are Included) 3:39 ZiPS Projections for *2028* (Thanks, Dan Szymborski!) 7:05 Pitching Changes A Lot Over Four Years 15:00 Overprojected Unproven Players? 20:12 How Do We Think Aaron Judge Will Age? 23:20 Looking Back at 2020 Suggest We Might Underrate Current Late-20s Players 29:55 The Race for the NL West Looks Like a Party 41:53 Four Teams From This Division Could Reach the Playoffs 52:48 Will We See Another August Waiver Roster Dump? Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow Britt on Twitter: @Britt_Ghiroli e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us Thursday at 1p ET/10a PT for our weekly live episode with Trevor May! Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris & Britt Ghiroli Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno and DVR discuss a soon-to-debut prospect pitching at his *fourth* level of 2024 with the arrival of Zebby Matthews on Tuesday, the demotion of Camilo Doval to Triple-A, and a potential suspension for Jarren Duran after he directed a homophobic slur toward a fan over the weekend. Plus, they take a look at the biggest underperformers among hitters relative to their initial 2024 projections. Is it finally time to lower expectations for the likes of Corbin Carroll, Matt Olson, and Gleyber Torres? Finally, they look at where the money went in weekly waiver-wire leagues and discuss a few of their own roster decisions coming out of the weekend.  Rundown 5:53 Who is Zebby Matthews? 11:54 Camilo Doval Optioned to Triple-A 20:08 Jarren Duran Facing Discipline for Homophobic Slur 23:36 Biggest Underperforming Hitters of 2024 (So Far) 33:15 Finally Tempering Enthusiasm Around Gleyber Torres? 38:44 Where the Money Went: Joe Musgrove Nearing Return from IL 53:26 What Moves Did We Make This Weekend? Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Thursdays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes! Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno and DVR discuss the pros (and a few potential cons) of playing in keeper leagues and how long-term formats can make you a better redraft league player. Plus, they consider the ceiling and 2025 redraft ADP of Jackson Chourio, the recent struggles of David Bednar, a big move up for the White Sox's system in Baseball America's midseason rankings update, and a few weekend waiver-wire targets. Rundown 1:34 Biases That Can Develop From Keeper/Dynasty Leagues 7:00 How Keeper Leagues Make You a Better Redraft Player 16:29 Jackson Chourio's Ceiling & 2025 Redraft ADP Outlook 29:36 Concern About Lars Nootbaar's Playing Time? 35:58 What Has Happened to David Bednar? 39:30 Maybe the White Sox's Future Isn't Awful? 45:02 The Angels' Long-Term Outlook 50:13 Weekend Waiver Preview (Hitters) 1:01:15: Tyler Mahle, Spencer Arrighetti & DJ Herz Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Thursdays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes! Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Producer: Brian Smith Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Blake Snell's return to Cy Snell levels since coming back from the injured list, DVR, Eno and Trevor discuss how teams should game plan against him during the final two months of the season. Plus, they examine some of the biggest surprises among position players in 2024, and the recent uptick in sinker usage around the league. Plus, they discuss the White Sox's decision to part ways with manager Pedro Grifol, the possibility of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics, and more. Rundown 1:15 Pedro Grifol Fired as White Sox Manager; Evaluating Managers on Bad Teams 7:37 Typical Player-Manager Interactions 15:00 How Will MLB Approach Baseball in the 2028 Olympics? 25:02 The Game Plan: How Do You Prepare to Face Blake Snell 42:38 Pleasant Surprises of 2024: Brenton Doyle 50:57 Tyler Fitzgerald's 8.0 fWAR Pace 54:37 Brent Rooker's Step Forward From 2023 1:01:03 What Has Led to the Uptick in Sinker Usage This Season? 1:06:20 Notable In-Season Bat Speed Increases Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow Trevor on Twitter: @IamTrevorMay Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris With: Trevor May Producer: Brian Smith Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno, DVR and Britt consider several options for the 'Best Team in Baseball' title, with just under two months before the playoffs. Plus, they discuss the White Sox as the current titleholder for 'Worst Team in Baseball' honors amidst the team's 21-game losing streak and wonder how things turned for the worse so quickly on the south side of Chicago where the future looked bright just four years ago. Rundown 4:07 Who Is The Best Team in Baseball Right Now? 12:48 The Injury-Based Case for the Dodgers 21:13 Questions About the Yankees' Bullpen 25:24 What About the Royals?! 33:05 Eno Takes a Trip Down Narrative Street 37:16 The White Sox Are the Worst Team in Baseball 48:40 Eno's Case for the Rockies 55:58 Have the A's Escaped This Conversation? Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow Britt on Twitter: @Britt_Ghiroli e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us Thursday at 1p ET/10a PT for our weekly live episode with Trevor May! Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris & Britt Ghiroli Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno and DVR discuss Blake Snell's no-hitter, the path for Snell to opt out of his current deal with the Giants and get a longer contract this winter, and their approach with Max Scherzer in keeper/dynasty leagues, the recent struggles of Tanner Houck, and a busy weekend for pickups with Jackson Holliday and Coby Mayo leading the way in bidding where available.  Rundown 0:50 Blake Snell Throws a No-Hitter Against the Reds 7:33 An Intriguing Class of Free-Agent Pitchers On Tap 11:59 Is Max Scherzer a Drop in Shallow Dynasty & Keeper Leagues? 18:57 Making Sense of Tanner Houck's Recent Struggles 27:02 Why Isn't Randy Vásquez Getting Better Results? 36:35 Will Jeffrey Springs' Velocity Return Before the End of 2024? 44:51 Calvin Faucher & Victor Vodnik Getting Save Chances? 48:02 Jackson Holliday & Coby Mayo Join the O's Regular Lineup 52:31 Does Jordan Westburg Have Another Level? Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Thursdays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes! Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno and DVR discuss the difficulty of trading for top-end prospects -- in fantasy and reality -- and whether we should pay extra attention to the players on the move despite the likelihood that they're not top-100 prospects at the time they are traded. Plus, they look at opportunities for Jackson Holliday and Coby Mayo in Baltimore, changes to a few depth charts coming out of the Trade Deadline, and Hayden Birdsong's return to the rotation for the Giants with Alex Cobb traded to Cleveland. Rundown 2:17 Should We Care More About the Prospects Traded at the Deadline? 9:47 The Arc of Jasson Dominguez’s Prospect Ranking 13:25 Did the Padres ‘Hack’ Age-to-Level Models? 19:50 Any Intriguing Prospects That Entered Your Radar This Summer? 25:32 Jackson Holliday & Coby Mayo Promoted This Week 37:19 The Rays’ Depth Chart is Still a Cluster 47:44 Will Miguel Vargas Make a Fantasy Impact with the White Sox? 55:51 Kyle Stowers & the Miami Opportunity Machine 1:05:59 Hayden Birdsong & Marco Luciano Stock Up? Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Thursdays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes! Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Producer: Brian Smith Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices