The 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.

A 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.

The 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.

As 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.

It’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.

Don'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.

Nolan 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.

Fresh starting pitcher rankings have dropped, and it’s time to complain! Who is too high, who is too low — and should Eno and DVR watch *more* baseball? On this episode, they discuss frustration around the rankings of George Kirby, Reid Detmers, Justin Wrobleski, and many others. Plus, a surprising discovery in the three-year park factors for Baltimore and Detroit, before they dig into this weekend’s waiver-wire preview. Rundown0:00 Intro1:12 Eno’s Updated Rankings: A Few Disagreements2:38 George Kirby: Pitching Within Bottom Range of His Outcomes?6:54 Jesús Luzardo: Is the OOPSY Projection Too Optimistic?9:18 Bryce Miller: DVR’s Case to Move Him Higher13:08 Reid Detmers: Eno Pushes Back on Rosy Second-Half Outlook17:18 Shane Baz: Does Recent Form Point to More Success?20:44 A DVR Challenge! Park Factors Update: BAL & DET25:47 Justin Wrobleski: Do We Need to Watch More Baseball?32:57 Waiver Wire Targets: Eury Pérez & Shane Bieber Returning Soon40:17 Brandon Young: A Rankings Update Omission?42:54 Griffin Jax: Having Success in Short Outings As Starter45:59 Better Roster Stash?: Injured Aces vs. Top Prospects52:44 Waiver Wire Targets: S. Taylor, D. Guzman & C. Moore59:06 Post-Hype Sleeper?: Endy Rodríguez Is Cooking in PittsburghEno’s Fresh SP Rankings ($): https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7370900
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/ratesandbarrelsHost: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisEditor: Jessie Auritt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are some baseball fans still weird about Driveline? Eno, Trevor, and DVR tackle that question after Driveline founder Kyle Boddy left his advisory role with the Red Sox. Then, the guys dive into the newly unveiled miss distance leaderboards, marvel at just how dominant Mason Miller has become, and explore whether there's a better way to account for inherited runners.Rundown:1:52 Daniel Espino’s Debut: The Long Road of a Former Top Prospect5:48 Make It Make Sense: Why Are People Weird About Driveline?15:56 Emotions & Outcomes: Dismissing Evidence in the Face of Frustration23:38 Miss Distance Leaderboards: How We Want to Use This for Pitchers27:39 Low Hanging Fruit: More Bat Adjustments Coming?32:20 Arsenal Effects: Is Movement Spread Key to Andrew Abbott Tricking Us?37:20 Flawed Swings: Pitches That Completely Confound Hitters40:38 At the Bottom: Takeaways From Lowest Flawed Swing Rate Pitchers?47:13 Inherited Runners: ‘We Should Account for Inherited Runners Better’ - Ben Clemens52:09 Win Probability Added: Still A Very Effective Way to Measure RelieversMiss Distance Leaderboard: http://theathletic.lnk.to/MissDistFollow 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.

Drew Rasmussen’s incredible run continues. Today, Eno, Jed, and DVR dig into the factors behind the Rays right-hander owning the best ERA in baseball since 2021 among qualified starters not named Shohei Ohtani. Then, they discuss whether Zone% can reveal which hitters pitchers fear the most. Later, the guys examine the recent regressions of Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman before wrapping up with a daunting round of Name! That! Dude!Rundown:0:50 Drew Rasmussen’s Run3:48 Eno at World Cup6:33 Cooper Pratt’s Debut8:47 Sal Stewart vs. Bryce Eldridge12:20 Adjustment Phases: The League Will Find Flaws, Eventually18:11 Leaning on Strengths: Use Them Until They Stop Working!26:04 Zone Rates for Feared Hitters32:30 Middle-Middle Fastballs: Another Potential Indicator?38:04 Rafael Devers’ Slide40:20 Alex Bregman: Declining Gracefully Still Messes with Us42:18 Mookie Betts: Plate Discipline Holding Steady45:36 Vision Driving Decline50:08 Name! That! Dude!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/ratesandbarrelsHost: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Jed LowrieEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who are the toughest starting pitchers to rank right now? Eno and DVR dig into a group of arms that defy easy placement, including Jared Jones, Chase Burns, JT Ginn, Trey Yesavage, and more, breaking down the factors that make each of them such difficult evaluations. Then, they're joined by Chris Gill of MLB The Show to discuss how the iconic franchise has evolved over the past two decades and the challenge of creating a baseball game that mirrors the real thing.Rundown:1:04 Jared Jones’ Slow Start7:14 Chase Burns’ Dominance17:34 Logan Gilbert’s Slider & Splitter Blurring Together19:25 Dustin May’s ROS Outlook26:01 Is the Phillies’ Lineup Still ‘Good’?30:22 Walbert Ureña Quietly Pitching Well in Anaheim34:00 JT Ginn Deals Again38:28 Trey Yesavage’s Lack of Command42:00 20 Years of MLB The ShowFollow 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 PotereWith: Chris Gill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a weekend across baseball. A reigning Cy Young winner returned to the mound, runs piled up in Kansas City and Las Vegas, and two stars suffered an all-too-familiar injury to a notorious hand bone. Eno and DVR break down Tarik Skubal’s uneven return, the hamate fractures suffered by José Ramírez and Vinnie Pasquantino, and Luis Lara’s extension with the Brewers. Plus, they take a closer look at Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s continued struggles and examine where fantasy managers spent their money over the weekend.Rundown:3:20 Tarik Skubal's Return9:17 José Ramírez Lands on IL11:59 Vinnie Pasquantino to the IL17:22 A Weird Series in KC20:31 Hunter Brown is Back!24:33 A ‘Maddux’ From The Miz31:42 Cooper Pratt Promoted41:45 Luis Lara’s Extension46:14 Ryan Waldschmidt Sent to Reno50:31 Vlad Jr. Check-In54:42 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.

J.T. Realmuto returns to Starkville this week, joining Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville to talk about everything from his last appearance on the show (which happened on a golf course) to catching Cristopher Sánchez, facing Jacob Misiorowski, and the unforgettable time Freddie Freeman kicked dirt on him.Plus, Jayson and Doug weigh in on Manny Machado's criticism of analytics and what it says about the modern game, and Jo Adell makes another appearance in Strange But True — though this chapter of the story isn't nearly as triumphant as the last one.Rundown:2:50 Manny Machado Dislikes Analytics13:55 J.T. Realmuto Joins the Show14:48 Golfing with Kyle Schwarber16:58 From Thomson to Mattingly21:30 Catching Cristopher Sánchez25:11 Sánchez vs. Misiorowski29:12 Adjusting to ABS32:38 Being a Catcher in 202637:41 2026 Team Expectations41:21 Realmuto & Freeman’s Dust-Up43:10 Strange But True: Jo AdellFollow 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: J.T. RealmutoProducer: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Fantasy Friday, and with Eno out today, DVR enlists a pair of special guests. First, James Anderson of RotoWire joins the show to discuss the draft picks he’s already regretting, along with prospects generating plenty of buzz, including Braden Montgomery, Cole Carrigg, and Jordan Lawlar.Later, Ottoneu founder and Senior Hot Dog Correspondent Niv Shah stops by to examine Aaron Judge’s long-term outlook as he turns 35 next April before sharing reviews from his latest ballpark hot dog tour through Detroit and Miami.Rundown:0:37 James Anderson Joins the Show1:55 Draft-Day Regrets: Price Enforcing & the Cal Raleigh Premium6:25 Prospect Profiles: How Has Increased Data Altered Your Targets?11:39 Chasing Unicorns: Could Aaron Judge’s Success Lead Us Astray?14:38 Accounting for the Ball: How Is James Dealing with Lively Minor-League Baseball?20:46 2026 Prospects to Come: Are We Facing a Drought Until Mid-August?23:45 Braden Montgomery27:26 Cole Carrigg30:07 Jordan Lawlar33:58 Jac Caligianone is Heating Up!37:12 The Big Picture: Are We Always Going to Be Limited by Waiver-Wire Pitching?41:19 Making Draft-Day Adjustments to Avoid In-Season Shortages43:36 Hagen Smith May Debut This Weekend48:17 Other SPs to Consider52:31 Closer Carousel: Low Bids Could Pay Off on Elvis Alvarado54:46 Niv Shah Joins the Show55:35 Aaron Judge in Ottoneu & Other Keeper/Dynasty Leagues1:07:13 Detroit Dog Reviews: The Tiger Tail & A Polish Sausage1:10:46 Taste of the Majors: Behold, The ‘Miami Dog’!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/ratesandbarrelsHost: Derek VanRiperWith: James Anderson and Niv ShahEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After news of a setback for Garrett Crochet’s injured lat, DVR and Stephen revisit the 2024 blockbuster that sent the ace to Boston and brought four prospects back to Chicago — all of whom have now reached the majors with the White Sox. Then, they sort through a group of potential regression candidates, including Dillon Dingler, James Wood, Jordan Walker, Brandon Lowe, José Soriano, Gavin Williams, Max Meyer, and Bryce Elder, to determine who’s most likely to cool off in the months ahead.Rundown:3:35 Garrett Crochet’s Injury Setback8:37 The White Sox Did Well in Crochet Trade11:22 Reid Detmers as a Trade Candidate?18:32 Oneil Cruz Out with Broken Hand28:20 Fear the Regression Monster? Or Feed the Beast?28:57 Dillon Dingler: Fully Buying the 2026 Power Breakout?32:47 James Wood: Will He Avoid Second-Half Slide?38:30 Jordan Walker Homers Again: Is a 30-20 Season On Tap?42:17 Brandon Lowe: Resurgence Hinges on Continued Good Health?46:08 José Soriano: Has the Regression Monster Already Arrived?51:09 Gavin Williams: A Capital ‘A’ Ace Now?54:42 Max Meyer: Will He Hold Up Through Career-High Workload?59:30 Bryce Elder: Better than ROS Projections, Right?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/ratesandbarrelsHost: Derek VanRiperWith: Stephen NesbittEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Baseball Savant has given fans a new toy to play with. Today, DVR and Jed dig into the site's new swing timing and miss distance leaderboards and what they can reveal about hitter performance. Then, they break down the struggles of several young hitters, including Lawrence Butler, Evan Carter, Coby Mayo, Masyn Winn, and Marcelo Mayer. Later, they open the mailbag and tackle one of baseball’s most pressing questions: Is Brandon Marsh good?Rundown:0:45 New Toys at Baseball Savant!12:54 Lawrence Butler: Can He Press Reset in 2026, or Beyond?23:42 Evan Carter: Homers & Steals, Without a Supporting Slash Line31:03 Coby Mayo: A Pull-Heavy Approach Gone Too Far?40:45 Masyn Winn: Will the Bat Catch Up to His Elite Glove?46:45 Marcelo Mayer: Can He Live Up to His Potential?50:24 Are PCA’s Adjustments Paying Off?55:20 Is Brandon Marsh Good?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/ratesandbarrelsHost: Derek VanRiperWith: Jed LowrieEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Manny Machado really mad about analytics, or is a tough season at the plate fueling the frustration? Today, Eno, Britt, and DVR unpack Machado’s comments and discuss whether advanced stats can help him break out of his prolonged slump.Then, they look at three of baseball’s biggest surprises this season: the White Sox, Cardinals, and Nationals. Are these teams legitimate contenders, or should they sell at the deadline?Later, Eno and DVR are joined by Patrick Mooney of The Athletic to discuss the Cubs’ disappointing season, what’s gone wrong, and whether there’s still a path back into the playoff race.Rundown:0:36 Brewers-A’s Goes PCL: Outdoor Baseball in Vegas in June, Yikes!7:48 Manny Machado’s Frustration: Was Analytics Rant Just Venting?15:20 It’s About Communication: Always Has Been, Always Will Be22:10 Longer Road Trips? Would Teams Benefit From Less Back-and-Forth?26:13 Should They Be Buyers? Watching White Sox, Cards & Nats Closely41:36 Braden Montgomery Gets the Call43:58 Patrick Mooney Joins the Show44:18 An Unusual Start: Making Sense of Cubs’ Streaky Path to 34-2246:32 Sitting in Discomfort: Believing in the Core to Click Despite Early Struggles49:25 Trade Deadline Plan: How Much Rides on Path to a Wild-Card Round Bye?52:15 Pitching Development: Why Are the Cubs Short on Arms?56:02 A Pleasant Surprise: Ben Brown is Cruising in the Rotation57:52 PCA Back to MVP Form? What Has Changed in His Approach?Follow 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 Ghiroli Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More Josh Naylor theatrics and another step forward for Tarik Skubal. Today, Eno and DVR break down the latest chapter in the Josh Naylor-Detroit Tigers saga after the Mariners first baseman tossed his sliding mitt toward Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler during a play at the plate. They also discuss Skubal’s latest rehab start, the recent dominance of Bryce Miller and Michael Soroka, and wrap up the show with a look at where the money went in fantasy leagues over the weekend.Rundown:1:43 Tarik Skubal Fires Five Scoreless Frames3:24 Josh Naylor vs. Detroit: Another Interesting Chapter7:50 Bryce Miller Shoves15:36 League Shamed! Are We Making Our Leagues Too Easy?21:15 Reid Detmers’ Step Forward: Buying Better Ratios Ahead?22:05 Bryce Miller Never Underwent Surgery23:52 Michael Soroka is Dealing Again30:41 DVR Is Intrigued by Edward Cabrera33:47 Spencer Strider Still Adjusting to Wider Mix, Lesser Stuff?38:13 Emmet Sheehan’s Odyssey Continues42:49 Will Relievers Get Dinged More By Smaller Zone?49:52 Where the Money Went: Nootbar, The Martian & Cowser Lead the WayFollow 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.

The NL Cy Young race is absolutely loaded right now. Cristopher Sánchez just rattled off 50 and two-thirds consecutive scoreless innings, Jacob Misiorowski is lighting up radar guns, and Shohei Ohtani has his ERA sitting below 1.00. This week, Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville break down the crowded race for the award and discuss just how impressive Sánchez's scoreless streak was.Later, Brewers President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Matt Arnold stops by to talk about Milwaukee's surprising run to the top of the standings, Misiorowski's rapid rise, and what it's really like to spend time around manager Pat Murphy.Plus, the guys close things out with another edition of Strange But True, featuring a magic number of 13.Rundown:3:13 NL Cy Young Race Heating Up11:43 Matt Arnold Visits Starkville13:33 'Trader Matt'15:08 Adapting to Change20:57 Playing for Milwaukee22:21 ‘The Miz’27:38 Don't Forget About Kyle Harrison29:39 Playing in the NL Central30:53 Being the Brewers President & GM32:25 Brewers Manager Pat Murphy37:49 Trade Deadline Plans39:24 Playing in the Postseason40:43 Matt Arnold's Journey44:30 Strange But True: Yankees’ 13-Run InningFollow 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: Matt ArnoldProducer: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bad news has arrived in the Bronx. Today, Eno and DVR break down what Aaron Judge’s fractured rib means for the Yankees and how the team will fare while he’s gone. Then, they discuss the return of Corey Seager and react to the shock of hearing Noelvi Marte has a new position. Later, the guys dive into the waiver wire, including the latest options in the ever-changing closer market.Rundown:0:42 Aaron Judge Out At Least 4-6 Weeks10:44 Brayan Bello Optioned to Triple-A17:59 Corey Seager is Back!21:43 Noelvi Marte Recalled24:42 Ezequiel Tovar: DVR Admits 2026 Defeat31:05 Edwin Arroyo Getting a Look at Second Base34:00 Royce Lewis is Crushing Triple-A Pitching37:53 Intriguing Corner Options: Curtis Mead and Spencer Horwitz42:24 Lars Nootbaar is Back47:12 Jorge Mateo’s Heater49:10 Karson Milbrandt: Worth a Stash for the Marlins?54:15 Closer Corner: Brewers, Royals & A Few of the Usual SuspectsFollow 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.