Podcast
Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball
Hosted by The Athletic · EN
In baseball, numbers are everywhere. But they’re not just numbers. For Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris, they’re the keys to solving the most fun problem in sports.
Every weekday, join DVR and Eno as they unpack baseball in ways you’ve never heard before, endeavoring to figure out all they can about a sport that’s constantly changing. Alongside contributors Britt Ghiroli, Trevor May and Jed Lowrie, the Rates & Barrels crew breaks down all the latest MLB news through an analytical lens, feeding your unhealthy addiction to numbers, while helping you master your fantasy baseball GM skills. But wait, there's more: come back for Saturday mornings in Starkville, where Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville talk to some of the most important players, coaches, and thought leaders in the league.
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143episodes
Episodes
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Justin Verlander's Final Chapter
Jul 901:05:13Tap to summarizeOne of the greatest pitchers of his generation, Justin Verlander, has decided to hang up his cleats. Today, Eno, Trevor, and DVR reflect on Verlander's remarkable career, where he ranks among baseball's all-time greats, and the legacy he leaves behind. Then, the guys examine why some pitchers, including Robbie Ray, are targeting the bottom of the strike zone more often and how that approach is changing their effectiveness. Later, they explore whether the data can reveal when hitters are sitting on a particular pitch.Rundown:0:35 Justin Verlander to Retire3:40 A Look Back at Verlander’s Career11:27 Multiple No-Hitters: Rare Air & Near No-Nos17:58 26 Complete Games!19:39 The Top of the Zone is Dead!23:41 Why Losing Part of the Zone Is a Big Deal35:16 Return of the Sinker41:53 Do Any Stats Reveal Hitters Sitting on Pitches?49:35 Tipping Struggles: Looking Back at Ryan Helsley and Jesús Luzardo52:15 Did the Blue Jays Take Away Roupp’s Best Pitch?Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.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.
Transcribe →Which Prediction Do You Want to Take Back?
Jul 801:08:48Tap to summarizeAs the All-Star break nears, it's time to revisit some preseason predictions that didn't quite pan out. DVR explains why he'd be less bullish on Kyle Tucker today, Jed breaks down the Braves' surprising fall, and Eno evaluates the Astros' first-half performance against expectations. Plus, the guys discuss Zack Wheeler's frustration over his All-Star snub and whether the surging Marlins can make a legitimate postseason run.Rundown:0:38 DVR’s Mulligan: Kyle Tucker Will Win NL MVP Award4:41 NL MVP Candidates11:59 Eno’s Mulligan: Expectations for 2026 Astros16:46 Jed’s Mulligan: Choosing Atlanta in Four vs. The Field23:39 Austin Riley’s Struggles28:59 Who Does Jed Want in Place of Atlanta Now?32:42 Zack Wheeler is Mad40:19 A ‘Target Home-Run Rate’50:00 An Intriguing Change?58:42 The Marlins Are CookingFollow 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: Jed LowrieEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →How Do Fastball-Heavy Approaches Age?
Jul 701:00:42Tap to summarizeAfter a few exciting weeks, the U.S. Men’s National Team came crashing back to earth Monday night and were eliminated from the World Cup. Eno and DVR lament a disappointing effort before turning their attention back to baseball. The guys discuss what baseball and soccer have in common when it comes to developing young athletes. They examine how different types of pitchers age and highlight a few who have exceeded expectations this season. Later, they tackle the fan debate surrounding whether the Mets should consider trading Francisco Lindor and spotlight some unexpected relievers from around the league.Rundown:0:45 U.S. Men’s National Team’s World Cup Loss3:08 Youth Development: Similar Issues in Soccer and Baseball?12:40 Cam Schlittler’s Outlook21:47 Will League Eventually Adjust to Three Fastballs?27:52 Which Pitchers Have Topped OOPSY K% and BB%?35:50 Francisco Lindor Rumors40:11 Is Eno Jumping Ship with E. Hancock, B. Ashcroft, C. Cavalli & K. Harrison?47:22 Casey Mize’s K% Rise52:06 Surprising RelieversFollow 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.
Transcribe →Is Chasing Perfection a Fool’s Errand?
Jul 601:05:52Tap to summarizeFrom a bullpen call that sparked chants of "Shame!" to the never-ending pile of streaming apps and another Tommy John surgery for Cole Ragans, the boys have plenty to get off their chests. This week, Eno and DVR discuss Eury Pérez’s bid for perfection and why Marlins manager Clayton McCullough may have made the right call by pulling the young right-hander. Then, they dig into why it's often tougher than fans realize for pitchers like Ragans to regain their previous form after undergoing UCL reconstruction. Later, they welcome back Hunter Greene and break down where the money went over the weekend.Rundown:0:56 Is Eno Mad About Baseball?4:44 Eury Pérez’s Bid for Perfection9:54 DVR Is Mad About App Mania to Watch Baseball Continues11:54 Junior Caminero’s Streak Ends with 11 HR in 11 Days16:42 Tommy John Recovery24:37 In-Season Usage Also a Challenge Post TJ Surgery29:10 Can Gerrit Cole Recover to 2023 Skills Levels?32:33 Batting Average Blues: When Should You Punt the Category?40:47 Jordan Walker’s June45:51 Looking for Intriguing Players ~1,000 Career PA51:03 Hunter Greene Returns!56:21 Where the Money WentFollow 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.
Transcribe →Starkville | The Great Stolen Base Controversy, and Mozzarella Sticks
Jul 401:09:19Tap to summarizePete Crow-Armstrong was thrown out stealing on a walk... except he wasn't actually caught stealing on a walk. Confused? So were Jayson and Doug. This week, they break down PCA's controversial play at second base against the Mets, explain exactly what happened, and debate whether the league needs to change the rule.Then, the guys revisit last week's search for a nickname worthy of Jacob Misiorowski's electric fastball, turning to the Starkville Hotline to hear listeners' best submissions.Later, Jon ‘Boog’ Sciambi joins the show to talk about his working relationship with Doug, the Cubs' up-and-down season, the unique atmosphere at Wrigley Field, the time he bought mozzarella sticks for an entire bar, and a couple hilarious stories about Chipper Jones.Rundown:2:59 Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Steal That Wasn’t13:58 Nickname for Jacob Misiorowski’s Fastball20:18 Jon ‘Boog’ Sciambi Joins the Show22:08 Was PCA Safe or Out?28:13 The 2026 Chicago Cubs33:38 Great Rivalries35:57 Boog the Broadcaster41:15 ‘Mozzarella Sticks for Everybody’44:29 Calling Games at Wrigley Field47:31 Calling the World Series49:41 Boog’s Bucket List50:52 Chipper Jones’ Stories57:15 Strange But True w/ the PhilliesFollow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.socialFollow Doug on Bluesky: @dougglanville.bsky.socialE-mail: starkville@theathletic.comStarkville Hotline: (347) 313-8371Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Jayson Stark & Doug GlanvilleWith: Jon ‘Boog’ SciambiProducer: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Paul Skenes' Recent Struggles, Trade Targets & Weekend Waiver Wire Preview
Jul 301:04:01Tap to summarizeAs America celebrates its birthday, fantasy managers are getting ready for the second half of the baseball season. This week, Eno and DVR take a closer look at what's behind Paul Skenes' recent struggles, and whether his declining fastball velocity helps explain the dip in results. Then, they size up several players around the league to determine who could be worth targeting in a trade. Plus, they wrap up the show by highlighting the best waiver-wire pickups on both the hitting and pitching sides ahead of the holiday weekend.Rundown:2:52 Concerns About Paul Skenes14:40 Trade Activity Picking Up in Second Half20:40 Which Lagging Bats Should Be Targets?24:30 Younger Position Players to Trade For29:02 First-Rounder Challenge Trade - Gunnar Henderson vs. Paul Skenes?31:36 Plate Discipline Forward Targets32:41 Pitchers to Deal For: Leaning on ERA-SIERA?41:25 Is Drew Rasmussen Underrated in Long-Term Leagues?43:27 Weekend Waiver Targets: Pitchers of Interest54:47 Weekend Waiver Targets: Looking for Hitters Back After the Break?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 SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Breaking Down a Few Puzzling Pitchers
Jul 201:08:25Tap to summarizeAs the weather warms up, the guys are bringing the heat to some intriguing pitching storylines. Eno, Trevor, and DVR examine Tatsuya Imai's inconsistencies and Jake Bennett's promising start to his career. They also explore why Bryan Woo has been so much more effective at home than on the road, whether Brandon Woodruff can continue to thrive with a diminished fastball, and how pitchers can still succeed even without high velocity.Rundown:0:58 Brent Rooker’s Season is Over6:16 Corey Seager Returns to IL9:15 Ryan Helsley Injured11:26 Tatsuya Imai: Extreme Command Fluctuations Continue14:27 Jake Bennett: Seizing Opportunity in Boston23:57 Is Regression on the Horizon for Jake Bennett?26:08 Have Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers Found Something?41:35 Bryan Woo: What Is Driving Road Struggles?52:30 What Drives Pitchers’ Success When They Lack Top Velo?1:03:02 Brandon Woodruff: It’s Extremely Difficult to Adjust This WellFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.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.
Transcribe →National League Flyaround: Midseason Check-Ins
Jul 101:15:31Tap to summarizeIt’s time for a tour around the National League, where every division has its own storylines taking shape. Eno, Jed, and DVR begin in the NL West, where the Dodgers have opened up a sizable lead. They discuss whether the Padres can still make a push, what needs to happen for the Diamondbacks' offense to get going, and where the Giants and Rockies go from here. From there, they head to "America’s Division," the NL Central, where the Brewers and Cubs are battling for the top spot while the Cardinals and Pirates remain in the postseason mix. Finally, they wrap up in the NL East, where the Phillies are gaining ground on the Braves and tightening the division race.Rundown:0:45 Jed The Banana4:28 MLB Baseballs’ Manufacturing Error6:52 The 2026 Dodgers: The Machine is Working16:05 The Padres’ League-Worst Offense25:12 Can the D-backs’ Outhit Pitching Woes?30:46 Giants Falling to Sellers?31:46 Rockies Taking Steps Forward34:37 Should Brewers Go Big with Upgrades?39:10 Can the Cubs Find Enough Pitching?44:24 Cardinals Have 34.2% Chance of Reaching Playoffs48:37 Is Pirates’ Biggest Need a Top-End Reliever?51:05 Check In on Your Cincinnati Friends57:25 Philly Closes Gap on Atlanta to 2.5 Games1:00:28 Phillies Climbing: Where Will They Upgrade?1:06:02 The Marlins Need Bats: A Sneaky-Good Mid-Pack Team?1:11:55 The Nats Need Pitching: An Intriguing Deadline on Tap?1:13:47 Mets Owner Steve Cohen Says Stearns is SafeEno’s Article on MLB Baseballs: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7410468/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: Jed LowrieEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →The Baseball Started FLYING in June, Do We Know Why?
Jul 100:13:59Tap to summarizeBaseballs started flying in June -- and it wasn't simply warmer weather -- it might be a manufacturing error! Eno and DVR explain why changes in drag on the baseball have a significant impact on home runs, and how Major League Baseball's revelation of a manufacturing error may provide some clues as to why we have seen so much variation in how the ball has played throughout the first half of the season. With drag recently returning to the same levels we saw in 2019, they wonder if we're going to see a massive uptick in home runs throughout the second half.Story from Eno Sarris & Evan Drellich 'MLB sees no link between factory defect and liveliest baseball since year of the homer in ‘19'Gift Link: https://theathletic.lnk.to/TA26BallRundown0:17 Breaking News: MLB Reveals Manufacturing Error with Ball1:44 A Sudden Change: Drag Significantly Dropped in Recent Weeks6:40 Don’t Forget 2019 When 6,776 Home Runs Were Hit9:19 Hitters and Pitchers Notice and React to Ball Changes12:20 Will Barrels Recover?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 SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →American League Flyaround: Midseason Check-Ins
Jun 3001:05:20Tap to summarizeIt’s time to take a tour around the American League, and there’s plenty to unpack. Eno, Britt, and DVR begin in the AL East, where the Rays have surged into first place as the Yankees try to stay afloat without their captain, Aaron Judge. From there, they head to the AL Central to break down the surprising White Sox, the steady Guardians, and the disappointing Tigers. Finally, they wrap up in the AL West, where the Rangers sit atop the division and the Astros are left trying to prove they still have one more run in them.Rundown:1:35 Atop the AL East: The Rays Are Holding On, For Now!6:09 The Yankees Weathering the Storm Without Aaron Judge9:54 Jays, O’s & Red Sox Scrambling to Make Up Ground12:25 A Case for the Blue Jays to Continue Buying17:22 Most Likely to Rally: Blue Jays, Orioles, or Red Sox?21:15 Key Injuries for Boston22:15 Cleveland Pitching, Again27:43 Can White Sox Build On a Surprising Start?32:16 Eno’s Bold Prediction on the Tigers38:23 The Twins Aren’t Bad: But Are They Stuck in the Middle?46:04 What If Wyatt Langford & Corey Seager Get Healthy?50:06 Does Anyone Still Like Houston?59:59 Future Autopsies: 2026 Royals and 2026 AngelsFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.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.
Transcribe →