Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

The Athletic
  • 4.7 (860)
  • BASEBALL
  • UPDATED DAILY

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 19H AGO ·  VIDEO

    Quantifying Deception & The Rays’ Fast Start

    Eno, Trevor, and DVR unveil Trevor’s new deception model, digging into how it works, what it’s designed to measure, and the challenges of quantifying deception. They also break down the current leaders in deception among starters and relievers, and reveal where listeners can access the model (Hint: coming soon to Discord!). Later, they bring back How I’d Pitch This Guy with a look at Junior Caminero before shifting to the Rays’ rotation, focusing on Shane McClanahan and Griffin Jax. Rundown: 1:15 Quantifying Deception: From 2016 to 2026 8:39 Current Kings of Deception: Top-Five Starting Pitchers for 2026 9:30 Current Kings of Deception: Top-Five Relief Pitchers for 2026 15:10 Looking to the Future: More Precision From Impact of Hitter's Vision? 23:15 Deception Model Coming Soon to Discord! 23:51 The Rays' 24-12 Start: What's Working Thus Far? 26:04 Is the League Pitching the Rays Wrong? 36:44 How I'd Pitch This Guy: Junior Caminero 42:33 Starkville Sneak Peek 44:38 Knocking the Rust Off: Shane McClanahan 49:46 Getting Out of Rehab Mode 54:37 Expectations for Griffin Jax as a Starter Eno's FanGraphs Blog Post: https://blogs.fangraphs.com/an-attempt-to-quantify-pitcher-deception/ 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: Jed Lowrie Editor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 2m

  2. 1D AGO ·  VIDEO

    What Is Happening with Fernando Tatis Jr.?

    Eno, Jed, and DVR dig into the early-season struggles of Fernando Tatis Jr., examining what’s gone wrong at the plate and how he can get back on track. They also take a look at the scorching start from Matt Olson and debate whether his trajectory points toward Cooperstown. Later, they break down Framber Valdez drilling Trevor Story, which led to Valdez’s ejection on Tuesday night. Rundown: 2:40 Fernando Tatis Jr.’s Hitting Woes 13:56 Tatis Jr.’s Projection for Rest of Season 23:58 Expectations for Jackson Merrill 30:25 Matt Olson’s Hot Start 40:05 Ozzie Albies’ Career Year? 44:18 What’s Wrong with Austin Riley? 49:20 Framber Valdez Ejected 57:09 Carlos Correa Out for Season 59:14 Other News & Notes 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.

    1h 2m

  3. 2D AGO ·  VIDEO

    Can the Tigers Survive the Absence of Tarik Skubal?

    Eno, Britt, and DVR break down a Tarik Skubal-less Detroit Tigers and ask whether the team can stay afloat until the reigning AL Cy Young winner gets back. Then, the trio turns to the LA Angels — what's gone wrong for the organization, and is trading Mike Trout actually on the table? Later, Eno and DVR sit down with The Athletic's Phillies writer Matt Gelb to talk through a potential homecoming for the Philly native Trout. Rundown: 3:55 Tarik Skubal to Have Elbow Surgery 7:55 Can the Tigers Stay Afloat? 13:54 Is the Bullpen Good Enough? 18:08 More of the Same in Anaheim 22:35 The Core Isn’t Bad!: Can It Improve Enough to Contend Though? 29:40 Is Trading Mike Trout on the Table? 37:06 Matt Gelb Joins the Show 37:24 Mike Trout to the Phillies? 39:47 The Phillies' Need for a Right-Handed Bat 45:00 The Phillies' Bullpen: Where Have the Strikeouts Gone? 46:56 Jesús Luzardo's Inconsistency 49:08 Adjustment for Aaron Nola? 53:12 Is Anything New in the Mattingly Era? 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.

    56 min

  4. 3D AGO ·  VIDEO

    The May Roster Shuffle: Promotions & Demotions Aplenty

    Eno and DVR break down the numerous promotions and demotions around MLB, including Bryce Eldridge and Joe Mack earning their calls to the big leagues, while Marlins catcher Agustín Ramírez and Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe head back to Triple-A. The guys also work through a wave of injuries around the league and discuss the passing of legendary broadcaster John Sterling. Rundown: 2:00 Bryce Eldridge Recalled by Giants 5:40 Are You Buying a Giants Rebound? 11:07 Agustín Ramírez Gets Demoted 15:12 Anthony Volpe Staying at Triple-A 24:00 John Sterling Passes Away at 87 25:58 Joe Ryan Sent for MRI 29:24 Ronald Acuña Jr. to the IL 32:33 Spencer Strider Returns at Coors Field on Sunday 35:33 Griffin Canning’s Impressive Showing in Padres Debut 39:16 Ranger Suárez is Day-to-Day 43:48 Ryan Pepiot Out for Season (Hip Surgery) 51:06 Where the Money Went 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.

    1h 1m

  5. 6D AGO ·  VIDEO

    Starkville | Is It Ever Too Early to Fire a Manager?

    Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville are back in Starkville to dig into the stunning April firings of Alex Cora and Rob Thomson, breaking down how it unraveled and what it reveals about the ever-shrinking margin for managers. Then, MLB broadcaster Ron Darling joins the show to share his thoughts on the moves, the mounting pressure on today’s skippers, the Mets’ ongoing struggles, and his memories of the iconic 1986 Mets. Rundown: 0:00 Starkville Is Back! 3:25 April Firings: Alex Cora and Rob Thomson 8:24 Ron Darling Joins the Show 9:18 Darling on Thomson 11:53 Managers in Peril 15:49 Where will Cora Go Next? 17:40 In-season Managerial Changes 18:57 How the Manager Role Has Changed 25:37 What’s Wrong with the Mets? 33:09 40th Anniversary of the ‘86 Mets 39:02 Looking Back at Darling’s Book, ‘The Complete Game’ 43:04 Favorite Pitchers 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: Ron Darling Producer: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min

  6. 6D AGO ·  VIDEO

    Pitching Trade Targets & Weekend Waiver Wire Considerations

    Eno and DVR return for another Fantasy Friday—starting with some food takes, including Eno’s “try everything once” mindset and DVR revealing he’s never had oysters. From there, they shift to baseball, breaking down potential fantasy trade targets among starting pitchers and identifying arms to buy low or sell high. The guys close out the show by discussing a new Athletics closer: Jack Perkins. Rundown: 1:29 Eno's Dining Philosophy 3:28 The Truth Is: Midwest Food Creations Are Usually Good 7:45 Injury Updates: Luis Robert Jr., Trevor Rogers, Brandon Woodruff & Garrett Crochet 22:10 A Pitching Debut Friday: The Red Sox Turn to Jake Bennett 28:00 Trade Targets: Starting Pitchers We're Interested In 40:56 The 'Obvious' Sell Highs: More Easily Attainable Arms 50:52 Travis Bazzana Projections 1:04:11 Closer Carousel: Buying Jack Perkins, Considering Jacob Latz? 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.

    1h 8m

  7. APR 30 ·  VIDEO

    Where Have All the Closers Gone?

    Eno and DVR welcome former major leaguer Adam Ottavino to the show to discuss closers and why more relievers are racking up saves this season than in years past. The guys also dive into bullpen management and the ever-perplexing question of why closers tend to struggle in non-save situations. Later, Eno and DVR share their desert island favorite starting pitchers and reveal the biggest OOPSY droppers – with the correct chart this time. Rundown: 1:04 Where Have All the Closers Gone? 5:12 How Should Baseball Value & Reward Relievers? 8:48 New Bullpen Management 11:00 Is Better Balance Possible? 14:32 Why Do Closers Struggle in Non-Save Situations? 19:40 The Desert Island: Favorite Pitcher 26:33 Will Tigers Stick with Kenley Jansen? 29:40 Is the New Zone Causing K% and BB% Fluctuations? 32:48 Seattle’s Starters’ Early Strikeout Rate Slide? 39:08 The Biggest OOPSY Fallers  44:52 A Case for Lawrence Butler Despite Projections Drop Eno’s Article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7241759 Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social Follow Adam on Instagram: @adamottavino 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: Adam Ottavino Editor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min

  8. APR 29 ·  VIDEO

    The Rockies' Pitching is Changing, Can You Trust It?

    Eno and DVR open up the mailbag to dig into the Rockies’ surprising success on the mound and what the organization can do to make Colorado a destination for free agent pitchers. Plus, the guys break down Location+, OOPSY fallers, and whether Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. will get back on track. Rundown: 1:12 Justin Steele has a Setback 8:52 The Most Injured Teams in Baseball 10:45 Pete Fairbanks to the IL 14:21 Trey Yesavage is Back! 19:27 Rockies Surprising Success 27:50 Making Pitchers Better Opens Up More FA Options 34:40 Revisiting Location+ 42:41 What is Launch Angle Sweet Spot Percentage? 49:25 Jazz Chisholm Jr.: Time to Worry? 51:37 OOPSY Fallers 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.

    1h 2m
See All (1K)

Hosts & Guests

4.7
out of 5
860 Ratings

About

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

More From The Athletic

You Might Also Like