Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

The Athletic
The Athletic
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  • Baseball
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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. 7h ago

    Shohei Ohtani Isn’t the No. 1 Pick?! Inside the First 2027 Fantasy Draft

    Shohei Ohtani isn't the No. 1 pick in the first major 2027 fantasy baseball draft. So who went ahead of him? Ryan Bloomfield of Baseball HQ and Bubba and the Bloom joins DVR to break down the Meatball Draft and give us an incredibly early look at the 2027 fantasy baseball rankings, ADP, breakouts, bargains and potential first-round picks. Pete Crow-Armstrong steals the No. 1 spot in the Meatball Draft. PCA's combination of power and speed has pushed him all the way to the top of this early 2027 fantasy baseball draft board, ahead of Ohtani and the rest of baseball's biggest fantasy stars. The guys discuss how much weight to give a breakout season and when fantasy managers should trust a young player enough to pay a first-round price. Then there's Paul Skenes. One of baseball's biggest pitching stars falls all the way to the fifth round amid questions about his recent performance and health. Plus, Edwin Díaz falls to Round 11, Gavin Williams continues his rise, Zach Neto becomes a potential buy-low candidate and position eligibility creates some unexpected complications. The guys break down how pitching risk, injuries and the final weeks of the 2026 MLB season could completely reshape this draft board by next spring. Before looking ahead to 2027, DVR and Mac break down the latest chaos in the American League playoff race, including Pete Alonso's apparent go-ahead home run against the Yankees that was ruled foul. With seven teams separated by only 2.5 games around the final AL Wild Card race, virtually nobody has been able to separate from the pack. Plus, the Tigers' recent struggles, the Twins' surprising playoff position and one extremely important question: what is the greatest baseball video game of all time? #ShoheiOhtani #FantasyBaseball #MLB #FantasyBaseball2027 #PeteCrowArmstrong #PaulSkenes #Baseball #RatesAndBarrels Like, Subscribe and drop us a comment! First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026 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 Contributor: Ryan Bloomfield Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis Editor: McEnroe Francis 00:00 The First Look at 2027 Fantasy Baseball 02:11 Pete Alonso’s Controversial Foul Ball 04:03 The AL Wild Card Race Is a Mess 05:20 Twins, Tigers & the Crowded AL Playoff Picture 08:10 Pirates Walk Off the Tigers 11:22 What’s the Greatest Baseball Video Game Ever? 14:57 Inside the First 2027 Fantasy Baseball Draft 17:15 How Do You Draft for 2027 This Early? 19:56 Ohtani, Judge & the Top of the 2027 Draft Board 21:05 Jordan Walker & Konnor Griffin Make Huge Leaps 23:56 Proven Stars vs. Breakout Players 25:15 Buying Low on Vlad Jr., Acuña, Raleigh & Marte 29:56 Does Draft Position Really Matter? 32:04 Where Are the Top Starting Pitchers? 33:57 Why Drafting Pitchers Early Is So Risky 38:44 Finding the Next Breakout Fantasy Ace 43:18 How Far Should Paul Skenes Fall? 45:52 Is Edwin Díaz a Massive 2027 Bargain? 49:14 José Ramírez & Corbin Carroll Value 50:08 Gavin Williams’ Rise 52:09 Is Zach Neto a 2027 Bounce-Back? 54:36 Late-Round Values & Position Eligibility Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. 1d ago

    Why Kevin McGonigle's Rookie Season is HISTORIC + MLB'S Next Wave of Stars

    Kevin McGonigle isn't just running away with the American League Rookie of the Year race — he's already playing like one of the best players in baseball. DVR, Eno Sarris and Jed Lowrie take a deep dive into McGonigle, JJ Wetherholt and an incredibly deep 2026 MLB rookie class to determine which young stars have the skills to sustain their early success. On the National League side, JJ Wetherholt has emerged as another remarkably polished young hitter. The guys compare Wetherholt and McGonigle's swings, plate approaches, defense and power potential — including why Wetherholt's deeper contact point could leave him with more untapped power as he develops. The rookie conversation doesn't stop there. Munetaka Murakami presents a fascinating power-versus-strikeout dilemma, while Konnor Griffin, Carson Benge and Sal Stewart offer very different combinations of tools, plate discipline, defense and long-term upside. Griffin's elite physical tools in particular make him one of the most intriguing young players to watch heading toward 2027. Plus: Shohei Ohtani and Pete Crow-Armstrong continue their nightly NL MVP battle, Fernando Tatis Jr. makes one of the catches of the year, and the Brewers hang 22 runs on the Mariners. First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026 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 Contributor: Jed Lowrie Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis Editor: McEnroe Francis Thumbnail Courtesy: Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images 00:00 MLB’s Loaded Rookie Class 02:14 Ohtani vs. PCA, Tatis’ Incredible Catch & Brewers Score 22 03:26 Kevin McGonigle’s Historic Rookie Season 12:42 Kevin McGonigle vs. JJ Wetherholt 22:35 Munetaka Murakami’s Extreme Power Profile 29:50 Konnor Griffin’s Superstar Upside 32:19 Carson Benge & Sal Stewart 38:22 Which Other Rookies Have Star Potential? 39:52 Rookies Flying Under the Radar 42:06 A.J. Ewing & George Lombard Jr. 49:01 Cole Carrigg 52:46 Sam Antonacci 56:56 Ryan Waldschmidt 1:00:41 What’s Going On With Travis Bazzana? 1:04:05 Which Rookie Baseball Cards Should You Buy? #KevinMcGonigle #DetroitTigers #MLB #MLBRookies #RookieOfTheYear #Baseball #FantasyBaseball #RatesAndBarrels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. 2d ago

    Is Pete Crow-Armstrong Coming for Shohei Ohtani’s NL MVP?

    Pete Crow-Armstrong is making a serious push in the National League MVP race. After another huge night for the Chicago Cubs — including two home runs and a walk-off blast against the White Sox — PCA now has back-to-back 30/30 seasons and has put himself squarely into the NL MVP conversation with Shohei Ohtani. DVR and Eno break down PCA's remarkable surge and how dramatically his outlook has changed. Since June 2, PCA has hit 23 home runs with 19 stolen bases and a 197 wRC+ — the best mark among all MLB hitters during that span. Has Pete Crow-Armstrong reached another level, and can he really challenge Ohtani for the 2026 NL MVP Award? Plus, the guys discuss the strange situation surrounding Ketel Marte and the Arizona Diamondbacks. DVR and Eno examine what we know, the apparent communication breakdown between Marte and the D-backs, and whether the situation could eventually impact his future in Arizona. There is also significant injury news for the New York Yankees, as Max Fried returns to the injured list with an elbow bone bruise just as Carlos Rodón returns to the Yankees rotation. What should New York expect from Rodón down the stretch, and how concerning is Fried's recurring elbow issue as the Yankees prepare for a potential postseason run? Then, The Athletic's Chandler Rome joins the show for a deep dive on the Houston Astros and the AL West race. The Astros have surged to the top of the division despite a season filled with pitching injuries. The group examines Hunter Brown's command, Houston's pitching development, its uncertain postseason rotation and whether the lineup around its biggest stars is deep enough for October. On the National League side, The Athletic's Dennis Lin joins the show to break down the San Diego Padres' playoff push. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill have helped revive the Padres' offense as San Diego attempts to hold onto an NL Wild Card spot. Finally, the guys break down a wild Padres night on the bases and one important lesson: do not run on Carson Benge. After San Diego repeatedly challenged Benge's arm, DVR and Eno look at MLB's strongest outfield arms and how baserunning decisions can swing games during a tight playoff race. Rates & Barrels with Derek Van Riper and Eno Sarris delivers MLB analysis, advanced baseball metrics, fantasy baseball insight, player development, prospects and the biggest stories from around Major League Baseball. Like, Subscribe and drop us a comment! First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026 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 Contributors: Chandler Rome & Dennis Lin Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis Editor: McEnroe Francis #petecrowarmstrong #cubs #shoheiohtani #NLМVP #mlb #baseball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. 3d ago

    The AL Wild Card Race Is Absolute Chaos — Who Gets In?

    The American League Wild Card race is complete chaos. With the Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners and Minnesota Twins battling for position in a crowded AL playoff picture, DVR and Eno Sarris break down which teams have the best chance to survive the final weeks of the 2026 MLB season. The Orioles are playing their way back into the postseason race despite selling at the MLB Trade Deadline, while the Rangers, Tigers and Mariners are all trying to find enough consistency to grab a Wild Card spot. How much should we trust Baltimore's resurgence? Can Texas overcome its pitching concerns? And which of these flawed American League contenders is actually built to make a playoff run? The guys also look at the Chicago White Sox's sweep of the Detroit Tigers and what it means for the AL Central race. Plus Joshua Baez makes MLB history with an unforgettable debut for the St. Louis Cardinals. Baez homered three times in his first three Major League plate appearance In the Monday mailbag, DVR and Eno examine how the Tampa Bay Rays continue to find pitching advantages, including their unusual success developing and deploying changeups. Rates & Barrels is your home for MLB analysis, advanced baseball statistics, fantasy baseball strategy, prospects, player development and everything happening around Major League Baseball with Derek Van Riper and Eno Sarris. Like, Subscribe and drop us a comment! First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026 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 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rates_barrels?igsh=d2FkZ3RzdW9yd3Ft&igsi=d2FkZ3RzdW9yd3Ft Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis Editor: McEnroe Francis 00:00 - Today on Rates & Barrels 03:06 - The AL Playoff Picture Is a Mess 03:10 - White Sox Sweep the Tigers 05:10 - What’s Gone Wrong for Detroit? 08:23 - Breaking Down the AL Playoff Race 08:53 - Orioles, Rangers & Mariners Battle for Wild Card 11:56 - Joshua Baez Makes MLB History 12:18 - Breaking Down Joshua Baez’s Incredible Debut 15:00 - Can Baez Overcome the Swing-and-Miss? 26:18 - Mailbag: What Have the Rays Found With Changeups? 29:32 - How Tampa Bay Keeps Finding Pitching 32:25 - George Kirby & Long-Term Pitcher Value 39:13 - Early Look at 2027 Fantasy Hitter Rankings 46:13 - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire 46:21 - How Much FAAB Should You Spend on Joshua Baez? 58:35 - Late-Season Closer Targets #mlb #mlbplayoffs #orioles #rangers #fantasybaseball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. 5d ago ·  Video

    Starkville | Andrew Friedman Isn’t Apologizing for the Dodgers

    The Dodgers are ruining baseball—or they’re not. These days, it depends on who you ask. This week, Jayson and Doug go straight to the source, sitting down with Dodgers president Andrew Friedman to get his take on the firestorm, as well as the inside story of how he pulled off the trade for Tarik Skubal. Plus, Jayson and Doug try to make sense of what happened in Toronto, where the Red Sox scored on one of the strangest plays in recent baseball history. Rundown: 2:55 A Fourth Out in Toronto? 15:33 Andrew Friedman Stops By 15:57 The Rich Get Richer with Tarik Skubal 21:33 Are the Dodgers Ruining Baseball? 29:21 How a Big Deal Goes Down 31:20 Listening to the Players 32:24 Transitioning From Player to GM 33:17 The Awe-Inspiring Shohei Ohtani 36:06 Strange But True 41:10 Doug’s Strange But True Moment Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.social Follow Doug on Bluesky: @dougglanville.bsky.social E-mail: starkville@theathletic.com Starkville Hotline: (347) 313-8371 Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville With: Andrew Friedman Producer: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. 6d ago

    Why the Mariners Sent Top Prospect Colt Emerson Back to Triple-A

    The Seattle Mariners sent Colt Emerson back to Triple-A — so what went wrong for one of baseball’s most talented young prospects? DVR and Eno Sarris break down Emerson’s struggles, his alarming strikeout rate, what Seattle should expect from him going forward and why a reset in the minors could ultimately be the right move for his development. Plus, Jacob deGrom left his latest start with right triceps fatigue, adding another major injury concern for a Rangers rotation already dealing with the loss of Nathan Eovaldi. DVR and Eno look at potential replacements and break down several pitchers nearing returns, including Edward Cabrera and Carlos Rodón. DeGrom said afterward that he was optimistic the issue wasn't serious, though further evaluation was expected. The guys also discuss another blown save from Edwin Díaz and whether the Dodgers should temporarily make a change in the ninth inning. Could Tanner Scott become the reliever to roster if Los Angeles gives Díaz a break from closing? Then Niv Shah joins the show to help navigate fantasy trade deadlines. Is Corbin Carroll worth paying up for? Is Gunnar Henderson becoming a potential 2027 draft-day bargain? And how should fantasy managers value stars like Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto as keeper and dynasty decisions loom? First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026 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 Contributor: Niv Shah Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis Editor: McEnroe Francis Thumbnail Courtesy: Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images 00:00 Today on Rates & Barrels 03:00 Taj Bradley & Field of Dreams Takeaways 05:15 Is Baseball Better Without the Strike Zone Box? 11:01 Brewers Hit Hard by Injuries 15:08 Cooper Pratt’s Fantasy Outlook 18:28 What Went Wrong With Colt Emerson? 24:33 Mariners’ Struggles & Cal Raleigh’s Down Year 27:48 Jacob deGrom Injury & Pitchers Returning Soon 30:45 Is Jared Jones Still a Must-Roster Pitcher? 34:24 Fantasy Waiver Wire: Hunter Dobbins 36:09 Jackson Kent’s Fantasy Potential 40:20 Should Dodgers Make a Change at Closer? 43:07 Fantasy Saves & Bullpen Targets 45:23 Young Shortstops & Fantasy Waiver Targets 45:43 Is Zac Veen Finally Breaking Out? 52:35 Fantasy Baseball Trade Deadline Strategy 53:58 Ohtani, Judge & Soto’s Massive Keeper Prices 59:25 Buy Low on Corbin Carroll? 1:00:36 What Happened to Gunnar Henderson? 1:04:49 Fantasy Value of Gunnar Henderson in 2027 1:05:20 The Chicago Hot Dog Review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Aug 13

    Inside Buster Posey’s Difficult First Years Running the Giants

    Buster Posey is a San Francisco Giants legend — but could running the team put that legacy at risk? Britt Ghiroli joins DVR and Eno Sarris to discuss her exclusive reporting on Posey’s transition from franchise icon to president of baseball operations, the decisions that have defined his tenure so far, and what comes next for the struggling Giants. They also break down the major roster decisions of the Posey era, including the Rafael Devers trade, Willy Adames contract and Matt Chapman, while looking at whether San Francisco can remain competitive as its next wave of young talent develops. With much of the Giants’ best prospect talent still years away from the majors, how should Posey approach the offseason and build a bridge to the organization’s future? DVR, Eno and Britt also examine growing concerns surrounding the Philadelphia Phillies. Philadelphia's offense remains near the bottom of MLB in wRC+, the bullpen has struggled to protect leads, and the Phillies find themselves in a tightening National League playoff race with the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks. Plus, Hunter Greene needs a second Tommy John surgery, potentially sidelining the Cincinnati Reds ace for most or all of 2027. What does Greene's latest injury mean for Cincinnati's future, and is pressure mounting on the Reds' front office after six seasons under Nick Krall? 🎧 Rates & Barrels with Derek Van Riper, Eno Sarris and Britt Ghiroli. First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026 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 Britt's article on Buster Posey https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7499186/2026/08/13/san-francisco-giants-buster-posey-legacy/ Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Contributor: Britt Ghiroli Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis Editor: McEnroe Francis Thumbnail Courtesy: Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) 00:00 Today on Rates & Barrels 04:18 Field of Dreams Game Returns 07:38 Is It Time to Worry About the Phillies? 12:46 Phillies on the Outside of NL Playoff Picture 15:04 Inside Buster Posey’s Giants Gamble 18:19 Evaluating the Rafael Devers Trade 21:59 What Happened to the Giants’ Pitching? 26:06 Are the Giants Falling Behind Other Front Offices? 29:15 What Could Posey Have Done Differently? 32:52 The Tony Vitello Gamble 38:42 Does Posey Have the Right People Around Him? 42:54 How Can Posey Fix the Giants? 47:44 What Happened to Willy Adames? 55:29 How Long Will the Giants’ Rebuild Take? 57:16 Hunter Greene Needs Another Tommy John Surgery 1:01:13 How Long Should MLB Front Offices Get? 1:06:56 Is It Time for Changes in Cincinnati? 1:10:36 What’s Next for the A’s Front Office? 1:14:45 Thanks for Watching #phillies #sanfranciscogiants #mlbwildcard #cincinnatireds Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Aug 12

    Guardians Collapse Opens Up a WILD AL Central Race

    The Cleveland Guardians once looked like they were cruising toward an AL Central title. Now, after losing 13 of 17, Cleveland has fallen back into one of baseball’s most unpredictable division races. DVR and Eno Sarris are joined by Zack Meisel to break down what has gone wrong for the Guardians and whether they can turn their season around. The guys take a deep dive into the AL Central playoff race, where the Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins and Guardians remain tightly packed. Are the Tigers actually the best team in the division even after moving Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline? And could young players like Max Clark help swing the race down the stretch? Then, the Rates & Barrels mailbag opens with a fascinating question: Are Dodgers prospects consistently overrated? DVR and Eno look back at Los Angeles’ highly ranked prospects to separate prospect hype from the reality of player development. Plus, they examine River Ryan’s long-term outlook and injury history, whether Jake McCarthy's breakout is sustainable, the Brewers' unusual save situations involving Chad Patrick, and what to make of Jake Bauers' strong season. Find us on Instagram for even more Rates & Barrels content! Like, Subscribe and drop us a comment! First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026 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 Contributor: Zack Meisel Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis Editor: McEnroe Francis #tigers #guardians #whitesox #dodgers #mlbwildcard 00:00 - Today on Rates & Barrels 01:24 - Breaking Down the Wild AL Central Race 03:20 - Who Is Actually the Best Team in the AL Central? 11:14 - Which AL Central Lineup Is Best? 15:40 - Why the Tigers Still Look Like the Team to Beat 16:46 - Max Clark’s Impressive MLB Start 20:00 - Young White Sox & the AL Central’s X-Factors 24:30 - What’s Gone Wrong With the Cleveland Guardians? 29:01 - Steven Kwan’s Turnaround 31:07 - Why Cleveland’s Offense Struggles in Big Moments 34:42 - The Guardians’ Young Hitters 37:26 - Cleveland’s Pitching & Bullpen Workload 39:31- Did the Guardians Do Enough at the Trade Deadline? 43:02 - Mailbag: Are Dodgers Prospects Overrated? 45:12 - What Happened to the Dodgers’ Top Prospects? 49:36 - How Often Do Top Prospects Actually Hit? 51:18 - River Ryan’s Talent vs. Injury Risk 57:48 - Is Jake McCarthy’s Breakout Sustainable? 1:01:53 - What’s Going On With the Brewers’ Saves? 1:03:16 - Is Jake Bauers’ Breakout for Real? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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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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