Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

The Athletic
  • 4.7 (861)
  • 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. 1D AGO ·  VIDEO

    Starkville | Baseball’s Most Unhittable Pitcher & Terry Francona

    Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville explain why Mason Miller may be the most unhittable pitcher in MLB history before discussing the toughest pitcher Doug ever faced. Later, they’re joined by Terry Francona — Doug’s former manager, Jayson’s old neighbor, and current Reds skipper — to talk about his return to the dugout, memories of managing Doug in Philadelphia, and the joy of watching Elly De La Cruz lead the Reds. Rundown: 1:35 Is Strands Inspired by Starkville? 3:40 Is Mason Miller Baseball’s Most Unhittable Pitcher? 8:01 Doug’s Most Unhittable Pitcher 11:10 Reds Manager Terry Francona Joins the Show 12:40 Being a Manager in 2026 19:21 Adjusting to ABS 25:00 Managing Elly De La Cruz 27:07 Playing 162 28:10 The Good Ole Days 31:38 Most Memorable Regular Season Game 34:00 Health Update 35:22 Benches Clearing Brawls 36:39 Francona’s Gum Chewing Habit  38:55 Francona’s Most Unhittable Pitcher 41:18 Strange But True 52:00 Call Us at (347) 313-8371  Is Padres closer Mason Miller the most unhittable pitcher who ever lived?: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7244775/ 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: Terry Francona Producer: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min

  2. 1D AGO ·  VIDEO

    Weekend Waiver Preview: Robby Snelling Gets the Call!

    Eno and DVR preview top prospect Robby Snelling’s highly anticipated big league debut and discuss expectations for the rookie left-hander. Later, they open the mailbag to answer questions about the closer market, Liam Hicks, and Will Warren. Plus, Ottoneu founder and Senior Hot Dog Correspondent Niv Shah joins the show to break down Yankees prospect Spencer Jones, along with delivering his latest hot dog review — this time, the Minnesota Dog. Rundown: 1:16 Marlins Promote Robby Snelling 4:23 Pitchers Nearing Returns: Jared Jones, Bryce Miller & Carlos Rodón 10:25 Deeper League Considerations: Sean Burke & JT Ginn 14:14 Holding Steady: Where Will Noah Schultz Rank? 16:57 Good News on Skubal? 20:07 Injury Updates: Crochet, Ragans, Glasnow Ryan, Abel, Woodruff 24:45 Spencer Jones Gets the Call! 29:10 Keeper Consideration — Anthony Eyanson 34:11 JJ Bleday Tearing It Up with Reds 39:10 Taste of the Majors: The Minnesota Dog! 45:54 Closer Corner: Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & Baltimore 52:53 Pleasant Surprises: What to Make of Liam Hicks? 57:06 Will Warren is Cruising: Is the Strikeout Rate Bound to Fall?  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.

    1 hr

  3. 2D 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

  4. 3D 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

  5. 4D 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

  6. 5D 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

  7. MAY 2 ·  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

  8. MAY 1 ·  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
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4.7
out of 5
861 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.

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