Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

Eno and DVR welcome The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey to the show to break down the shocking firing of Red Sox manager Alex Cora, along with five other coaches, and where the organization goes from here. Later, Eno and DVR dig into two struggling righties — Kodai Senga and Aaron Nola — discuss Zack Wheeler’s return, and track ‘Where The Money Went’ on the waiver wire this past weekend. Rundown: 0:32 Red Sox Fire Alex Cora 23:23 How Chad Tracy Can Improve The Club 28:10 Kodai Senga’s Struggles Continue 33:12 Aaron Nola’s Rough Stretch 37:56 Zack Wheeler’s Return To The Mound 39:46 Trey Yesavage To Start Tuesday 41:54 Jasson Domínguez Called Up 49:00 Where The Money Went Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social Follow Jen on Bluesky: @jcmccaffrey.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: Jen McCaffrey Editor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville welcome Braves manager Walt Weiss to Starkville to discuss his red-hot team, his brawl-saving tackle, and the time he swiped dirt from the old Yankee Stadium. They also break down another Strange But True, this time featuring Angels All-Star outfielder Mike Trout and his home run barrage in the Bronx a couple weeks ago. Rundown: 0:00 Starkville Is Back! 3:40 ABS Rarities 12:12 Walt Weiss Joins The Show 12:49 The Braves Hot Start 15:45 Transitioning from Bench Coach to Manager 17:27 Facing Adversity in Spring Training 20:13 Lessons Learned From Colorado 21:58 Walt’s Brawl-Saving Tackle 28:12 Braves’ Deep Bench 30:18 Replacing Brian Snitker 32:35 Which Braves Player Would Make A Good Manager? 34:01 Saving Dirt from Yankee Stadium 35:58 Wearing High Socks 40:50 Playing 162 42:53 Trivia Time! 44:55 Strange But True Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.social Follow Doug on Bluesky: @dougglanville.bsky.social E-mail: starkville@theathletic.com Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville With: Walt Weiss Editor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno and DVR celebrate Fantasy Friday as they break down some of the league’s top young arms and hitters who could be available on the open market. Then, they’re joined by the show’s Senior Hot Dog Correspondent and Ottoneu founder Niv Shah to talk closers—and deliver his latest hot dog reviews. Rundown: 1:46 Francisco Lindor Placed on IL 4:18 Waiver Wire Bats to Consider 12:09 Nathan Church Getting a Look in St. Louis 13:50 Buying Into Leody Taveras? 16:48 Atlanta’s Young Starters 21:37 Payton Tolle in Boston 26:56 Connor Prielipp Debuting in Minnesota 35:22 Riley Cornelio’s Role with the Nats 39:33 Christian Scott Returned to Triple-A 43:13 Closer Carousel 52:51 Niv Shah Joins the Show Join the Rates & Barrels Six Picks Group! https://ottoneu.fangraphs.com/sixpicks/baseball/ (Password: froggy) Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.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: Niv Shah Editor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, Trevor, and DVR are full of surprises for Thursday's episode as they discuss the comebacker that disappeared in Mariners' starter Logan Gilbert's jersey, the upstart Cincinnati Reds, and Juan Soto's baffling comments on not texting with his Mets teammates during their recent road trip. The guys close out the show by highlighting three players who they didn't expect to have so much success this season: Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker, Cardinals reliever Riley O'Brien, and Padres starter Randy Vásquez. Rundown: :35 Logan Gilbert Makes A Ball Disappear 6:30 Counsell on “Ohtani Rule’ 11:45 More Two-Way Players? 16:30 April Standings Surprises: Cincinnati Reds 25:21 Who Gets Back on Track: Red Sox, Royals, Astros, Phillies, Mets 32:43 Juan Soto’s Lack of ‘Contact’ 39:55 Jordan Walker’s Fast Start 49:03 Riley O’Brien is Rolling 54:48 Randy Vásquez is Missing More Bats Than Ever Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social Follow Trevor on Bluesky: @iamtrevormay.bsky.social e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris With: Trevor May Editor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, Jed, and DVR dig into what the returns of injured stars Juan Soto and Zack Wheeler mean for their teams. Then, Kyle Tucker's sluggish start in LA and whether lingering injury effects might be to blame. Plus, a look at some of the most impressive rookie bats in the league right now -- including the swing-and-miss similarities of Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto as their big-league careers get underway. Rundown: 2:29 Juan Soto to Return on Wednesday 3:29 Zack Wheeler to Start on Saturday 8:26 Jackson Holliday Injury Setback 14:43 Kyle Tucker’s Struggles in LA 24:17 Rookie Review: Chase DeLauter 38:12 Rookie Review: Justin Crawford 49:31 Rookie Review: Sal Stewart 56:35 Rookie Review: Munetaka Murakami & Kazuma Okamoto Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.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 Editor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, Britt, and DVR break down the losses of Edwin Díaz and Raisel Iglesias and what each team does now at closer. Then, Nationals writer Spencer Nusbaum joins to talk about Washington's rebuild, including the emergence of CJ Abrams. And Astros writer Chandler Rome stops by to get into Joe Espada's job security, Tatsuya Imai's rough start, and Houston's growing injury list. Rundown: 0:40 Edwin Díaz Out Until “Second Half” 5:37 Raisel Iglesias Placed on IL 8:00 The Manager Carousel 16:03 Placing Blame on Carlos Mendoza 23:02 Paul DePodesta’s Return to Baseball 26:39 Spencer Nusbaum Joins the Show 27:06 Big Changes for the Nationals 30:03 Homework in the Big Leagues 34:40 A Longer Road to Revamp Pitching Development 37:02 CJ Abrams’ Ascent 39:47 Dylan Crews’ Surprising Demotion 44:30 Chandler Rome Joins the Show 46:47 Manager Joe Espada and GM Dana Brown on the Hot Seat? 51:30 Astros’ Injury Issues 56:43 Tatsuya Imai’s Rough Start 1:04:00 Astros’ Pitching Depth Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.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 & Eno Sarris With: Britt Ghiroli Editor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno and DVR break down the early-season struggles of lefties Garrett Crochet and Cole Ragans. Then they hit the mailbag to talk about the NL East leading Braves and White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami. They wrap up by looking at where the money went in fantasy leagues over the weekend. Rundown: 3:30 Garrett Crochet Rebounded Sunday 10:12 Cole Ragans’ Rough Outing 16:40 Braves’ Hot Start 28:23 Mets’ Skid Hits 11 29:48 Munetaka Murakami Is Mashing 36:20 Matt McLain’s Offensive Woes 41:00 Jakob Marsee’s Slow Start 45:47 Daniel Palencia & Jhoan Duran Injuries 52:20 Noah Schultz Draws Big Bids Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.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 Editor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville are back with a new episode of Starkville! The guys discuss their plans for the re-launch of the show and the implementation of ABS. Then, Yankees manager Aaron Boone joins to talk about his childhood as part of the Boone family, his wide array of impersonations and his very specific skill with baseball cards. Rundown: 0:00 Starkville Is Back! 5:35 ABS In MLB 12:05 Aaron Boone Joins the Show 15:50 How the Yankees Prepared for ABS 23:02 Getting Ejected 29:24 Playing in New York 31:55 Growing Up in the Boone Family 36:30 Aaron Boone: The Great Imitator 39:34 Playing 162 42:50 Baseball Card Savant 46:31 Strange But True Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.social Follow Doug on Bluesky: @dougglanville.bsky.social E-mail: starkville@theathletic.com Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville With: Aaron Boone Editor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno is joined by Paul Sporer of The Sleeper and the Bust podcast to discuss Out of the Park Baseball and starting pitcher rankings. Then, the guys dive into the waiver wire to see what hitters may be available to pick up this weekend. Rundown: 1:34 Out of the Park Baseball 5:20 Starting Pitcher Rankings 21:24 Deep Part of the Pool 47:13 Available Bats This Weekend Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.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: Paul Sporer Editor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, Trevor, and DVR break down a difficult night for closers Andrés Muñoz and Devin Williams in non-save appearances. The crew then reviews scouting reports for rookie pitchers before concluding with a look at what’s next for Noelvi Marte who was optioned by the Reds this week. Rundown: 00:58 Andrés Muñoz's Rough Night 11:45 Devin Williams Gives Up Damage in LA 17:31 Pirates Rookie Bubba Chandler 29:20 Red Sox Rookie Connelly Early 37:17 Guardians Rookie Parker Messick 44:45 Reds Demote Noelvi Marte Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social Follow Trevor on Bluesky: @iamtrevormay.bsky.social e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris With: Trevor May Editor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, Jed, and DVR celebrate Jackie Robinson Day as all teams around MLB honor the first player to break the color barrier. Then, the guys discuss Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle’s new deal, Noah Schultz’s big league debut with the White Sox, and take a closer look at the Brewers’ issues at the plate and in the bullpen. Rundown: 2:35 It’s Jackie Robinson Day! 17:41 Tigers SS Kevin McGonigle Signs Extension 28:33 White Sox LHP Noah Schultz’s MLB Debut 37:05 Jed’s A’s-Rangers Observations 49:25 Batter vs. Pitcher Splits Are Worthless 58:47 Brewers RP Trevor Megill’s Early Struggles Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.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 Editor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, Britt, and DVR break down a wild night in MLB — 37 home runs across the league. They dig into what's driving the power surge, including how much the weather is playing a role. Then it's Mason Miller's dominance, the Nats' revamped offense, and why Marlins pitchers are missing more bats than they did a year ago. Rundown: 0:27 A Big Day For Homers! 4:27 Are Hitters Catching Up to Pitchers? 9:03 A Tough Night for Garrett Crochet 16:45 Mason Miller’s Absurd K% 25:35 Eric Gagne’s 2003 30:53 Boston’s Early Power Outage 35:53 The Nats’ New Offense 43:49 More Power in KC 48:34 Are We Buying the Marlins’ Ascent in Whiffs? Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.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 & Eno Sarris With: Britt Ghiroli Editor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno and DVR look back on an exciting and unexpected weekend with two Padres walk-off home runs, as well as a surprising position switch with Fernando Tatis Jr. moving to second base -- for two games at least. Later, the guys welcome Owen Riley and Maxfield Lane of Down on the Farm to discuss some of their favorite underrated prospects. Rundown: 1:16 Best Thing You Saw This Weekend 2:57 Fernando Tatis Jr. Starts Two Games at Second Base 5:45 Nick Pivetta’s Early Exit 10:17 Tatsuya Imai Returns to Houston 14:53 More Astros Injuries 17:34 Christian Yelich Suffers Hamstring Injury 20:06 Is DVR Worried About Trevor Megill? 22:36 From Division III to Oyster Analytics & Down on the Farm 25:34 Key Indicators When Analyzing Prospects 29:06 Spotting for Trends 32:32 The White Sox Promote Noah Schultz 37:09 Pedro Ramirez Ascending the Cubs’ System 42:18 Polarizing Prospect: Blaze Jordan 45:04 One More Deep Sleeper: The Rays’ Jadher Areinamo 47:33 Angel Martínez & Jakob Junis Get the Love This Weekend Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.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: Owen Riley & Maxfield Lane Editor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.' Rundown 1:20 Corbin Carroll Slowed by Hip Injury 2:49 Brent Rooker Leaves Game with Core Injury 5:46 Parker Meadows Suffers Concussion & Fractured Arm 8:32 Hunter Goodman’s Early Exit After HBP 10:45 Jorge Polanco Slowed by Achilles Soreness 20:32 Weekend Waiver Preview 23:07 Bryce Elder Is Rolling but Eno Is Skeptical 26:14 Kyle Harrison Has Made Changes 32:47 Interest in Luis Gil & Jeffrey Springs? 35:39 Mick Abel’s Turnaround 37:33 Widely Available Starting Pitchers 43:09 Niv Shah Joins the Show to Discuss Messy Bullpens 55:55 Taste of the Majors Is Back! (L.A. & St. Louis Dog Reviews) Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.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: Niv Shah Editor: Jason Potere Hosted 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 Injury 5:15 FanGraphs Labs’ New Pitching Pairing Tool 11:45 Establishing the Fastball 18:16 How Sandy Alcantara is So Effective 25:58 Horizontal Approach Angle 43:20 On-Field Information: How Much is Too Much? Related Links The 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-cards 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 Editor: Jason Potere Hosted 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. Rundown 2:43 Cade Horton Out For The Year 8:48 Hunter Brown’s Shoulder Strain 17:25 Other News & Notes From Around MLB 26:08 Sean Campbell’s Start In Card Collecting 28:55 Sean’s Favorite Cards 30:24 Card Grading 31:42 Goals As A Collector 35:22 Considerations For Grading 37:11 Finding Sellers You Trust 39:51 What To Expect In Cheaper Boxes 42:17 Understanding Value 48:16 Advice From An Expert 53:34 Older Cards Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Sean on Instagram: @roostercardsandwax 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 & Sean Campbell Editor: Jason Potere Hosted 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. Rundown 0:49 Starkville Returns Saturday, April 18th! Right Here on Rates & Barrels 2:02 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 Pittsburgh 14:25 Bright Spotlights From Day 1: How Ken Griffey Jr. and Bryce Harper Faced Added Pressure 17:05 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 Teenager 22:39 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 Tragedy 28:52 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 History 35:34 Late Game Challenges: Jayson’s Idea to Mimic the NFL’s Rule Under Two Minutes 38:38 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 Needed 1:00:21 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.social Follow Doug on Bluesky: @dougglanville.bsky.social Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.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: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville Editor: 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. Rundown 0:29 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 Deal 11:16 Choosing Your Favorite Two: Starting Pitchers on the Rise 21:39 Injuries Galore: Updates on Horton, Betts, Soto & Others 32:23 Feeling Better After Start No. 2? Tatsuya Imai Rolls Against the A’s 36:49 A Defensive Slump? Are the Giants’ Fielding Woes Fixable? 41:20 Context in Small Samples: Rain, Sleet, Snow & Other Variables That Matter 46:48 October is Behind Him: Andy Pages Is Hitting Well Again 49:28 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 Era Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.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 Editor: 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. Rundown 1:55 Commissioner’s Corner: Move Weekly Pickups to Thursday Night! 8:37 Context is Key: James Wood Reveals 2025 Injuries 11:34 Checking In on the Rays: Observations Through Two Series 18:59 He’s Back! The Return of Shane McClanahan 23:59 Efficiency FTW: Drew Rasmussen Has a New Changeup 28:15 Early-Season Matchups: What Matters When Considering Pitchers? 34:24 Another Bat Speed Riser: Interest Level in Luisangel Acuña 37:29 Weekend Waiver Preview: Starting Pitchers We’re Considering 41:55 The Roster Bubble Starting Pitchers (40-60% Rostered) 48:23 Digging Deeper (20-40% Rostered) 53:26 Looking for Saves: Assessing Relievers in Flux 56:45 Cautious with Hitting Surprises? Buying Jordan Walker’s Adjustments? Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social Follow Jason on Bluesky: @jasoncollette.bsky.social. e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Host: Derek VanRiper With Guest Co-Host: Jason Collette Editor: 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. Rundown 0:26 Baseball's Top Prospect Gets the Call: Konnor Griffin to Debut on Friday 3:54 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 Million 19:40 How Pitchers Impact a Hitter's Bat Speed 29:56 Does Fast Swing Rate Against Pitchers Tell Us More than Average Bat Speeds? 35:03 New Pitches: Pitchers With Better Outlooks Thanks to New Offerings 57:18The Rangers' Nacho Sombrero is Real?! 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 Editor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.