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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146episodes
Episodes
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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 →Big Changes for Mets & Angels as the Second Half Arrives
Jun 2901:10:16Tap to summarizeThe first domino has fallen for two of baseball's most disappointing teams. Today, Eno and DVR break down the firings of Mets manager Carlos Mendoza and Angels GM Perry Minasian, what comes next for both clubs, and which managerial opening — between the Mets, Red Sox, and Phillies — offers the most upside. Plus, they take a closer look at this year's MLB players' poll from The Athletic, including the results that stood out most.Rundown:2:29 MLB’s Latest Proposal5:00 Mets Fire Carlos Mendoza6:48 Best Managerial Role: Mets, Red Sox, or Phillies?16:54 Grade 3 Hip Flexor Strain for Marcus Semien20:45 Tragedy in Venezuela23:07 Konnor Griffin Returns, Homers31:35 Rolling Aaron Nola & Shane Baz for Two-Start Weeks?38:20 Buehler Delivers, Roki Slides & Trevor Rogers Rolls40:58 Luis García Jr.: Did We Miss His Power Potential?45:40 Where the Money Went58:02 Angels Fire GM Perry Minasian59:43 The Athletic’s Players’ PollMLB Players Poll: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7382921Follow 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 | Joe Davis Reads the History Books, While Shohei Ohtani Rewrites Them
Jun 2700:57:48Tap to summarizeA nickname is earned, not given—and after lighting up radar guns at 104 mph, Jacob Misiorowski’s fastball has certainly earned one. This week, we dive into listener-submitted suggestions and, with help from Jayson and Doug, try to land on the perfect name for The Miz’s electric four-seamer. Then, Dodgers broadcaster and Fox Sports play-by-play voice Joe Davis joins Starkville to talk about the defending champs, calling last season’s World Series, and what makes Shohei Ohtani unlike anyone else. Plus, Strange But True from a wild night in Philadelphia.Rundown:2:53 A New Nickname for The Miz13:14 Joe Davis Joins the Show15:05 Wild Night in Philadelphia17:50 Broadcasting the Dodgers19:28 2026 Los Angeles Dodgers27:30 The Legend of Shohei Ohtani33:45 Reaction to ABS35:10 ‘Gibby Meet Freddie’40:03 Calling Game 7 of 2025 World Series45:30 Strange But TrueFollow 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: Joe DavisProducer: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →It's a Poltergeist, Right? What Is Happening to the 2026 Mets?
Jun 2501:07:38Tap to summarizeThe Mets entered the season with plenty of optimism. Instead, they've been plagued by injuries, inconsistency, and an ever-growing payroll. Eno, Trevor, and DVR break down what's gone wrong in Queens, whether a strong July could put New York back in the playoff race, or if selling at the trade deadline is becoming inevitable. Plus, a look at the Diamondbacks' pitching woes, what the future holds for Arizona's rotation, and another round of Name That Dude featuring a player from the past.Rundown:2:20 The LOL Mets Return?9:12 Constant Tension Caused by the Environment?13:29 Only Four Teams Have Lost More WARP to the IL (source: BP)15:14 Will Mets Rally Before Deadline?22:32 Arizona Pitching Woes: A Two-Year Struggle25:20 Zac Gallen: Struggling to Adjust to Reduced Stuff?48:30 What’s Next for the Group?53:03 Does Defense Play a Significant Role in LOB%?58:36 Elite Relievers Typically Have Great LOB% Marks1:03:45 Name! That! Dude!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/ratesandbarrelsHost: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Trevor MayEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Bat Speed Risers, Stuff Fallers & Buster's Blunders
Jun 2401:06:35Tap to summarizeAs some hitters crank up their bat speed, a few pitchers are watching their stuff head in the opposite direction. Eno and DVR break down the biggest bat-speed risers from the past month, including Sal Stewart and Fernando Tatis Jr., before examining several pitchers whose underlying numbers have slipped — and whether there's still reason for optimism. Plus, a trip to San Francisco to unpack the ongoing saga involving Buster Posey, Rafael Devers, and the Giants.Rundown:1:09 Bat Speed Increases: How Do You Typically Get There?3:25 Zack Gelof Injury: Feeling Healthy Also Helps6:35 Does Season Help Hitters Get “Locked In”?10:18 Bat Speed Risers: Last 30 Days vs. April18:08 Intriguing Movers: Nasim Nuñez & Masyn Winn23:27 Fernando Tatis Jr.: Bat Speed Up, Big Second Half On Tap?25:29 Stuff+ Fallers: Where Are We Concerned?32:30 Kevin Gausman: Where Does DVR Rank Him?37:38 Stuff+ Shelves? Thresholds Might be Key40:06 Paul Skenes: Maybe the Model is Just Missing Something?41:03 Will Warren: What’s the Second-Half Outlook?46:11 Buster Posey’s Presser: Making a Bad Situation Worse57:26 ‘GM Speak’ About Deadline Approach1:01:59 Cole Ragans & Edward Cabrera UpdatesFollow 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/ratesandbarrelsHost: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →A Closer Look at Monday's U-Turn in Run Production
Jun 2300:57:15Tap to summarizeIt’s time to review some games, and this time we’re headed to San Diego, Los Angeles, and Detroit, as Eno, Britt, and DVR break down Braves-Padres, Orioles-Angels, and Yankees-Tigers. Plus, The Seattle Times’ Ryan Divish joins the show to unpack why the Mariners haven’t pulled away in the AL West, what Jerry Dipoto is cooking up for the trade deadline, and his early impressions of rookie Colt Emerson.Rundown:1:00 Elly Returns Tuesday, Woodruff & Singer Shine6:10 Game Reviews: ATL-SD14:50 Game Reviews: BAL-LAA24:00 The Orioles Are Built to Keep Pushing Chips In27:33 What Could the Trade Deadline Bring in Miami?35:03 Talking Mariners: Ryan Divish Joins the Show!35:47 Trader Jerry’s Options38:44 What to Do with Pitching Excess?41:47 How M’s Rotation Got On Board with Piggybacking46:10 Emerson Hancock: A Very Pleasant Surprise in 202647:52 Early Impressions of Colt Emerson52:25 Game Reviews: NYY-DETFollow 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/ratesandbarrelsHost: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Britt GhiroliEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →The Baseball is Flying Like It's 2019 Again
Jun 2201:06:32Tap to summarizeDon't blame us if this episode is a drag — blame baseball. Eno and DVR dig into why drag levels have climbed back to heights not seen since 2019, and what it means for hitters (and pitchers) across the league. They also break down some of baseball's most frustrating bats, identify a few buy-low pitchers worth targeting right now, and discuss the Bryce Harper-Kyle Schwarber show in Philadelphia. Plus, a look at where fantasy managers spent their money over the weekend.Rundown:2:29 Why is Drag Suddenly Back to 2019 Levels?7:17 Who Will Be Impacted With Less Drag on the Baseball?14:43 Most Frustrating Hitters: Who Drives Us Crazy at the Dish?16:54 Jackson Merrill: Overall, More Aggressive Than Anticipated26:35 Freddy Peralta: Can He Rebound to Pre-2026 Form?32:22 Buy-Low Pitchers38:20 Bryce Harper & Kyle Schwarber Erupt42:09 The Rays’ Slide: When Things Get Quiet46:54 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/ratesandbarrelsHost: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Starkville | Jerry Dipoto’s Mariners Are Back On Track
Jun 2001:08:00Tap to summarizeNolan Ryan had "The Express," so what do we call Jacob Misiorowski’s heater? This week on Starkville, Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville brainstorm the perfect nickname for "The Miz’s" electric four-seamer. Then, Mariners President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto joins the show to talk about his short history pitching against Doug, his reputation as one of MLB's most prolific dealmakers, rising star Colt Emerson, and his Immaculate Grid strategy. Plus, he shares some incredible reflections on the legendary Ichiro Suzuki. To wrap it all up, Jayson and Doug head to Las Vegas for an explosive edition of Strange But True.Rundown:3:19 Nolan Ryan on Jacob Misiorowski15:17 Jerry Dipoto Visits Starkville16:00 Dipoto vs. Glanville18:27 The First Place Mariners20:17 The ‘Piggyback’ Strategy28:00 ‘Trader Jerry’35:15 Colt Emerson39:18 The Immaculate Grid45:07 Living a ‘Baseball Life’48:30 The Legend of Ichiro55:08 Strange But TrueFollow 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: Jerry DipotoProducer: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →