
Free Daily Podcast Summary
by The Athletic
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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THE RAYS ARE STILL ALIVE! 🤯⚾The Milwaukee Brewers were on the verge of winning their first World Series championship. Then the Tampa Bay Rays pulled off an unbelievable 12th-inning comeback to win Game 4 and force Game 5 of the 2026 World Series!After Cooper Pratt launched a go-ahead home run in the top of the 12th, Milwaukee appeared destined to complete the sweep. But a costly Joey Ortiz throwing error opened the door for Tampa Bay, and a string of hits from Liam Hicks, Jonny DeLuca and Chandler Simpson set up Ben Williamson's dramatic walk-off winner.The Brewers still lead the World Series 3-1, but the Rays have new life!DVR and Eno break down the late-inning chaos, the unlikely heroes, and the enormous pitching challenge now facing Tampa Bay in Game 5.🔥 AN UNBELIEVABLE 12TH-INNING COMEBACKWas this supposed to be Cooper Pratt's championship moment?Pratt continued his remarkable postseason with a monster game, including what looked like the World Series-winning home run.But one defensive mistake changed everything.DVR and Eno examine Milwaukee's pitching decisions, the pivotal error, and how Tampa Bay's lineup delivered when its season was on the line.⚾ CHANDLER SIMPSON STEALS THE SHOWChandler Simpson delivered one of his most complete performances of the postseason, helping keep Tampa Bay's championship hopes alive.💥 DAVID HAMILTON AND MILWAUKEE'S UNEXPECTED POWERDavid Hamilton homered for the second time this postseason after hitting just four home runs during the regular season.😬 JUNIOR CAMINERO INJURY CONCERNSJunior Caminero appeared uncomfortable running the bases late in Game 4 and exited with an apparent leg injury.🚨 HOW WILL THE RAYS PITCH GAME 5?This might be Tampa Bay's biggest problem.After using Griffin Jax, Nick Martinez, Bryan Baker, Tyler Wells and other important arms in Game 4, Kevin Cash faces an extremely complicated pitching puzzle.Can the Rays piece together nine innings with their season on the line?👇 WHO WINS GAME 5?Do the Brewers finish the job behind Jacob Misiorowski, or can the Rays pull off another miracle?Drop your prediction in the comments!Subscribe to Rates & Barrels for World Series recaps, MLB news, pitching analysis and in-depth baseball conversations throughout the postseason.CONNECT WITH RATES & BARRELSInstagram: @rates_barrelsEmail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin the Rates & Barrels DiscordSubscribe to The AthleticShop Rates & Barrels merchandiseLearn more about First Pitch ArizonaCREDITSHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisExecutive Producer & Editor: McEnroe FrancisRates & Barrels | The Athletic00:00 Rays Walk Off Brewers in Game 401:08 The Costly Error That Sparked Tampa Bay's Rally02:26 Ben Williamson and the Unlikely Walk-Off Heroes03:22 Should Milwaukee Have Used Jacob Misiorowski?06:01 David Hamilton, Cooper Pratt and Chandler Simpson08:32 The Brewers' Hitting Philosophy11:18 Griffin Jax's Start and Pitch Locations13:18 Toast of the Game: Chandler Simpson14:17 Junior Caminero's Injury and Game 5 Concerns16:16 Tampa Bay's Lineup Adjustments19:31 Brewers Bullpen Usage and Game 5 Outlook21:52 Can the Rays Find Enough Pitching for Game 5?27:00 Aaron Ashby Makes Postseason History28:44 Jackson Chourio Ties Babe Ruth30:53 Misiorowski's Slider Command and Pitching Adjustments33:34 Will the Tropicana Field Mound Be a Problem?36:24 DVR's World Series Experience at Broken Bat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
THE BREWERS ARE ONE WIN AWAY FROM A WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP! 🏆⚾Milwaukee demolished the Tampa Bay Rays 10-1 in Game 3 of the 2026 World Series, fueled by a HISTORIC eight-run fifth inning, an incredible performance from Jackson Chourio and six scoreless innings from Robert Gasser.The Brewers now lead the World Series 3-0, putting them one victory away from the first championship in franchise history!DVR and Eno are back from Milwaukee and breaking down everything that went right for the Brewers, everything that went wrong for the Rays, and what to expect in a potential World Series clincher in Game 4.🔥 JACKSON CHOURIO MAKES WORLD SERIES HISTORYFour hits. A stolen base. And another incredible performance on baseball's biggest stage.Chourio joins some extraordinary historical company, with a World Series performance that showcased his plate discipline, contact skills, defense and speed.DVR and Eno explain what made Chourio's performance so impressive and why the young Brewers star deserves recognition for one of the biggest games of his career.💥 THE BREWERS' HISTORIC EIGHT-RUN INNINGMilwaukee exploded for EIGHT RUNS WITH TWO OUTS in the fifth inning, setting a World Series record.But the inning nearly ended before any of those runs scored.A crucial replay review overturned an out at second base after Junior Caminero's decision to throw toward the bag instead of first. From there, the Brewers relentlessly attacked Tampa Bay's pitching with singles and doubles.Eno examines Milwaukee's opposite-field approach, how the Brewers wore down former teammate Freddy Peralta and why this lineup's ability to string together hits has become such a dangerous weapon.⚾ ROBERT GASSER'S DOMINANT WORLD SERIES STARTSix scoreless innings. One hit. One walk. Three strikeouts.Robert Gasser delivered exactly what Milwaukee needed in Game 3, shutting down Tampa Bay while keeping the Brewers' most trusted relievers rested.Eno breaks down Gasser's pitch locations, his ability to command the bottom of the strike zone and how he kept the Rays from generating dangerous contact.👀 WORLD SERIES GAME 4 PREVIEWThe Brewers have a chance to complete the sweep.But who takes the ball in Game 4?With starting plans still uncertain at the time of recording, DVR and Eno explore potential pitching combinations involving Griffin Jax, Ian Seymour, Shane Drohan, Dustin May and Brandon Woodruff.Milwaukee's best relievers are rested. Tampa Bay is playing for its season.Could the Rays have a small pitching advantage in Game 4, or is Milwaukee's bullpen simply too deep?🏆 ONE WIN FROM HISTORYCan the Brewers complete the sweep and bring Milwaukee its first World Series championship?Or will the Rays finally break through and send the series to Game 5?👇 DROP YOUR GAME 4 WINNER AND FINAL SCORE IN THE COMMENTS!LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for the latest World Series coverage, analysis and MLB news from Rates & Barrels!CONNECT WITH RATES & BARRELSInstagram: @rates_barrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisExecutive Producer & Editor: McEnroe FrancisRates & Barrels | The Athletic00:00 Brewers One Win Away After Historic Game 301:00 Jackson Chourio's Four-Hit World Series Performance03:15 William Contreras' World Series MVP Case04:09 Robert Gasser's Dominant Start05:11 How the Brewers Attacked Freddy Peralta08:15 The Historic Eight-Run Fifth Inning14:14 Gasser's Pitch Locations and Command15:19 Brandon Woodruff's Emotional World Series Return19:32 Why Did the Rays Bench Jonathan Aranda?23:55 Tampa Bay's Baserunning and Lineup Problems29:35 Game 4 Pitching Plans and Bullpen Matchups32:20 The History of Teams Taking a 3–0 Lead38:50 Gasser's Historic Company and Tampa Bay's Pitching Mistakes40:40 The Brewers' Confidence and Hitting Philosophy45:31 Eno's Worst Airport Burrito Ever Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
THE BREWERS DID IT AGAIN! 🏆⚾ Milwaukee erased a 4-0 deficit to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-4 in World Series Game 2, taking a commanding 2-0 series lead!But this comeback had everything: a rookie's redemption story, an unlikely game-tying home run, a dominant bullpen performance and some costly mistakes by Tampa Bay.Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris are back from American Family Field with their full World Series Game 2 recap and a preview of Game 3, as the series shifts to Tampa Bay.After a throwing error helped Tampa Bay score four runs in the first inning, rookie shortstop Cooper Pratt delivered the go-ahead RBI single that completed Milwaukee's comeback.DVR and Eno break down Pratt's impressive approach at the plate, his ability to battle through difficult at-bats and why Pat Murphy's faith in the young shortstop could be paying off at the biggest possible moment.Forget traditional bullpen roles. Aaron Ashby may be Milwaukee's most important reliever.After another high-leverage performance, Eno makes the case that Ashby deserves serious World Series MVP consideration if the Brewers finish the job.With Abner Uribe, D.L. Hall, JoJo Romero and Dustin May also contributing, is Milwaukee's pitching depth proving too much for Tampa Bay?And why hasn't Kevin Cash used Rays closer Bryan Baker through the first two games?Tampa Bay had a 4-0 lead and multiple opportunities to add on, but questionable decisions and defensive mistakes helped Milwaukee get back into the game.The guys examine the decision to bunt against D.L. Hall, a costly out at home plate on Jackson Chourio's throw, and defensive mistakes involving Chandler Simpson and Jonathan Aranda.Could Tampa Bay's decision-making be the difference between a tied series and a 2-0 deficit?One of Game 2's biggest surprises came from Sal Frelick, who delivered a game-tying home run against a left-handed pitcher.DVR and Eno explain just how unusual that swing was for Frelick, why it mattered in Milwaukee's comeback and what it could mean for the Brewers' lineup going forward.Plus, William Contreras continues to make his own World Series MVP case with timely hitting, pitch blocking and crucial ABS challenges.The World Series heads to Tampa Bay with Milwaukee leading 2-0.Can former Brewer Freddy Peralta deliver the start the Rays desperately need?Eno explores Robert Gasser's unusual pitch mix, including the importance of his cutter and sweeper, while DVR examines Milwaukee's pitching depth and the strategic decisions facing both managers.With Tampa Bay facing the possibility of falling behind 3-0, how aggressive should Kevin Cash be with his bullpen?And can the Brewers keep their incredible run going?Milwaukee is two wins away from a World Series championship. Can Tampa Bay turn the series around at home, or will the Brewers take a 3-0 lead?Tell us your Game 3 predictions in the comments!LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for MLB analysis and World Series coverage from Rates & Barrels.Thank you for joining us for our on-location coverage in Milwaukee! Be sure to check out our World Series behind-the-scenes Shorts, including the Milwaukee beer guide and our tailgate scavenger hunt outside American Family Field.Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Executive Producer & Editor: McEnroe Francis Rates & Barrels | The Athletic00:00 Brewers Come Back From 4–0 Down to Win Game 202:36 Rasmussen and Henderson Both Struggle04:45 Did the Rays Throw Away Their Best Chance?07:44 Is Aaron Ashby Milwaukee's Most Valuable Reliever?11:19 Why Hasn't Tampa Bay Used Bryan Baker?13:48 Christian Yelich vs. Chandler Simpson: Lineup Debate18:02 Cooper Pratt's Redemption and Toast of the Game21:58 William Contreras' Growing World Series MVP Case23:59 Tampa Bay's Defensive Mistakes and Frelick's Big Homer27:27 Milwaukee's Pitching Depth Heading Into Game 332:58 Game 3 Preview: Robert Gasser vs. Freddy Peralta34:48 Our Milwaukee World Series Experience Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Milwaukee Brewers won World Series Game 1 — TWICE?! ⚾🏆Game 1 of the 2026 World Series had just about everything: a bizarre ninth-inning finish, a replay reversal after the fireworks had already gone off, record-breaking velocity, outstanding defense and some questionable strategic decisions from BOTH teams.The Brewers escaped with a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, taking a 1-0 series lead. But did Milwaukee win because of its execution, or did Tampa Bay make too many costly mistakes?Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris are still in Milwaukee, breaking down everything they witnessed at American Family Field before turning their attention to a pivotal Game 2.**THE GAME THAT ENDED TWICE**Trevor Megill appeared to escape the ninth inning with a game-ending double play. The crowd erupted, fireworks went off — and then replay overturned the force at second base.Megill had to regroup and strike out Jonny DeLuca to preserve Milwaukee's victory.What was it like inside the stadium? And how did the momentum shift when thousands of celebrating fans suddenly realized the game wasn't over?**WILLIAM CONTRERAS DOES IT ALL**Contreras delivered at the plate, threw out two Rays baserunners and won two ABS challenges. DVR and Eno discuss why the Brewers catcher deserves Game 1 MVP consideration and how his defense could change Tampa Bay's entire offensive approach.Plus, Jacob Misiorowski's record-breaking velocity, Junior Caminero's hard contact and the outfield plays that nearly changed the result.**DID BOTH TEAMS MAKE COSTLY MISTAKES?**The guys debate some of Game 1's biggest tactical decisions:- Why did the Rays bat Chandler Simpson third instead of moving Junior Caminero higher?- Was Victor Mesa Jr.'s attempt to steal third an unnecessary gamble?- Did Tampa Bay botch a hit-and-run?- Why did Milwaukee ask Garrett Mitchell to bunt with two runners aboard?- Did Nick Martinez actually deliver exactly what the Rays needed despite the loss?**GAME 2 PREVIEW: DREW RASMUSSEN vs. LOGAN HENDERSON**With Milwaukee leading 1-0, Tampa Bay turns to Drew Rasmussen to even the World Series.Eno breaks down Rasmussen's unusual three-fastball arsenal — the four-seamer, sinker and cutter — and what past matchups might tell us about Milwaukee's chances against him.Can Jake Bauers, Christian Yelich and the Brewers' left-handed hitters break through?For Milwaukee, Logan Henderson brings a deceptive fastball and excellent changeup, but his velocity hasn't increased much in October. Can he keep Tampa Bay's dangerous hitters off balance?And could Liam Hicks or Victor Mesa Jr. be unexpected difference-makers against Henderson's offspeed pitches?Finally, DVR and Eno make their Game 2 predictions — and both see an opportunity for Tampa Bay to even the series.Do the Brewers take control with a 2-0 series lead, or will the Rays bounce back and even the World Series?Let us know your Game 2 prediction in the comments!**LIKE & SUBSCRIBE** for more World Series coverage from Rates & Barrels.We're covering the World Series from Milwaukee, with additional content and behind-the-scenes moments from American Family Field.**CONNECT WITH RATES & BARRELS**Instagram: @rates_barrelsFollow Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris on BlueskyEmail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin the Rates & Barrels DiscordFirst Pitch ArizonaSubscribe to The AthleticShop Rates & Barrels merchandise**CREDITS**Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Executive Producer & Editor: McEnroe Francis Rates & Barrels | The Athletic00:00 Brewers Survive a Wild World Series Game 109:22 William Contreras, Misiorowski and the Key Plays15:33 Did the Nick Martinez Gamble Work?21:16 Why Is Chandler Simpson Batting Third?25:14 The Brewers' Bunt and Tactical Mistakes28:50 Tampa Bay's Costly Baserunning Decisions31:45 Drew Rasmussen's Three-Fastball Attack36:10 Logan Henderson and the Game 2 Matchups41:20 Game 1 MVP and Game 2 Predictions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The 2026 WORLD SERIES is almost here! The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays are ready to battle for the first championship in franchise history. But which pitching staff has the advantage?In Part 2 of our World Series Preview, Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris and former MLB reliever Trevor May break down the starting rotations, bullpens, pitch arsenals and strategic matchups that could decide Brewers vs. Rays.Game 1 features a fascinating contrast between Milwaukee's flamethrowing Jacob Misiorowski and Tampa Bay's remarkably consistent Drew Rasmussen, who was expected to start at the time of recording.Eno digs into the evolution of Misiorowski's cutter and slider and explains why he might be pitching better than ever despite shorter postseason outings. The crew also examines Rasmussen's ability to remain effective deep into games, even the third time through the batting order.But the biggest differences between these teams might emerge after the starters exit.Do the Brewers have a decisive advantage in bullpen depth? How much can the Rays rely on Griffin Jax and Ian Seymour? And could Tampa Bay's unusual approach to pitching — from Seymour's elevated sweepers to Logan Henderson's deceptive fastball and changeup — create enough problems for Milwaukee's lineup?The guys also break down how the Brewers might use Robert Gasser, Aaron Ashby and their other pitching options, and whether Tampa Bay has enough left-handed and right-handed hitting depth to counter Milwaukee's pitching matchups.Finally, it's prediction time!DVR, Eno and Trevor reveal their World Series winners, how many games the series will go, and their picks for World Series MVP.Can the Brewers' bullpen depth be the deciding factor, or will Tampa Bay find a way to match Milwaukee pitch for pitch?Drop your World Series winner and MVP prediction in the comments!LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more MLB analysis and World Series coverage from Rates & Barrels.We're heading to Milwaukee for Games 1 and 2! Look for additional coverage and pregame content throughout the opening weekend of the World Series.CONNECT WITH RATES & BARRELSFollow Rates & Barrels on Instagram: @rates_barrelsFirst Pitch Arizona — Join us for baseball analysis and communityFollow Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris on BlueskyEmail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin the Rates & Barrels DiscordSubscribe to The AthleticShop Rates & Barrels merchandiseHosts: Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris & Trevor May Executive Producer & Editor: McEnroe Francis Rates & Barrels | The Athletic00:00 Intro01:20 Pitching Strengths, Matchups & Bullpen Advantages11:50 Drew Rasmussen and the Game 1 Matchup19:46 Jacob Misiorowski's Evolving Arsenal26:00 Logan Henderson's Fastball and Changeup32:22 Ian Seymour's Unusual Sweeper39:01 Griffin Jax and Tampa Bay's Pitching Depth47:34 Robert Gasser and the Rays' Lineup Decisions55:40 World Series Winner and MVP Predictions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The 2026 WORLD SERIES is almost here! The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays are four wins away from the first championship in franchise history. But which team has the advantage at the plate?In Part 1 of our World Series Preview, Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris and Jed Lowrie break down the hitters, offensive approaches and individual matchups that could decide the Fall Classic.The Brewers and Rays share some remarkable similarities. Both teams get on base, create pressure with speed and manufacture runs without relying on home runs. But beneath those similarities are two very different offensive philosophies.Milwaukee's hitters have developed an adaptable, up-the-middle approach, while Tampa Bay features an unusually diverse collection of swings and offensive skill sets. Which strategy will be more effective against elite World Series pitching?The guys explore the adjustments opposing pitchers are making against **Jackson Chourio**, including an intriguing increase in high sinkers and a postseason spike in chase rate. They also examine why **Junior Caminero** is so difficult to pitch to, how his elite bat speed helps him punish pitches outside the strike zone, and whether Milwaukee can exploit any weaknesses.Plus, Jed explains how **Brice Turang** transformed his offensive game, why **Jake Bauers** has become such a dangerous hitter, and what makes **Yandy Díaz** one of baseball's most consistently underrated offensive players.We also discuss **Jonathan Aranda's** quiet postseason, **Garrett Mitchell's** untapped potential, and whether Milwaukee can contain **Chandler Simpson's** extraordinary speed.Finally, Jed makes his World Series prediction and picks his World Series MVP!LIKE, SUBSCRIBE AND DROP US A COMMENT!Which lineup has the World Series edge — Milwaukee or Tampa Bay? And which hitter do YOU think will have the biggest impact?Our World Series Preview continues in Part 2 with a deep dive into the starting rotations, bullpen matchups and pitching strategies.CONNECT WITH RATES & BARRELSFollow us on Instagram: @rates_barrelsFirst Pitch Arizona — Join us for baseball analysis and communityFollow Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris on BlueskyEmail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin the Rates & Barrels DiscordSubscribe to The AthleticShop Rates & Barrels merchandiseCREDITSHosts: Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris & Jed Lowrie Executive Producer & Editor: McEnroe Francis Rates & Barrels | The Athletic00:00 World Series Preview: Brewers vs. Rays02:05 Comparing the Lineups and Offensive Approaches10:10 Brewers' Plate Discipline vs. Rays' Strike Throwing15:30 Jonathan Aranda's Postseason Struggles19:51 Why Yandy Díaz Is So Dangerous26:26 How Do You Pitch to Junior Caminero?35:30 Jackson Chourio and the High-Sinker Strategy46:07 Jake Bauers' Breakout Season51:32 How Brice Turang Added Power56:12 Bat Speed, Plate Selectivity and Offensive Upside1:03:04 Can Milwaukee Contain Chandler Simpson?1:07:12 Jed's World Series Prediction and MVP Pick Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The 2026 World Series is SET! The Tampa Bay Rays are headed to Milwaukee to face the Brewers in a matchup between two of baseball's most innovative organizations. After defeating the Cleveland Guardians in six games, Tampa Bay is back in the Fall Classic for the first time since 2020. But can the Rays finish the job against the team with MLB's best regular-season record?Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris and Britt Ghiroli break down the Rays' ALCS-clinching victory, Freddy Peralta's MVP performance, and the adjustments Tampa Bay made to help turn his season around. The crew also examines Kevin Cash's bullpen decisions, Junior Caminero's unforgettable home run and celebration, and the roster-building philosophies that helped both small-market teams reach the World Series.Britt explains why the Rays and Brewers aren't simply feel-good underdogs — they're two of the best-run teams in baseball. And why can't organizations like the Yankees and Dodgers simply copy their formula?Then it's time to look ahead for the Cleveland Guardians. Despite winning the AL Central and reaching the ALCS, Cleveland entered the season with a payroll below $72 million. Where did the money go, and how might the team's changing television revenue affect its future? The guys also debate Tanner Bibee's surprising absence from the ALCS, potential extensions, Steven Kwan's future and the heavy workload placed on Cade Smith.Finally, we're Closing the Tab on the 2026 San Diego Padres!Could San Diego make a massive offseason splash by pursuing Tarik Skubal? The crew explores a hypothetical path to adding an ace and discusses how much Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill can contribute to the Padres' next championship push.LIKE, SUBSCRIBE AND DROP US A COMMENT!**Who wins the World Series: Rays or Brewers? And should the Padres make an all-in move for an ace this offseason?Follow Rates & Barrels on Instagram: @rates_barrels First Pitch Arizona — Join us for baseball and community Follow Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris on Bluesky Email: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join the Rates & Barrels Discord Subscribe to The Athletic Shop Rates & Barrels merchandiseHosts: Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris & Britt Ghiroli Executive Producer & Editor: McEnroe Francis Rates & Barrels | The Athletic00:00 Intro00:36 Tampa Bay Wins the AL Pennant 01:25 Britt: These Are the Best Teams in Baseball 02:28 How the Rays and Brewers Built Their Success 04:23 Freddy Peralta Wins ALCS MVP 05:22 How Tampa Bay Changed Freddy Peralta 10:40 Kevin Cash's Bullpen Decisions 16:06 The Biggest Moments of Game 6 21:52 Why Other Teams Can't Copy the Rays and Brewers 29:18 What's Next for the Cleveland Guardians? 30:00 Cleveland's Surprisingly Low Payroll 36:36 Potential Extensions and Roster Decisions 40:37 Cleveland's Free Agents and Offseason Decisions 42:46 Could Steven Kwan Be Traded? 44:04 Cade Smith's Workload and Bullpen Fatigue 46:39 Closing the Tab: 2026 San Diego Padres 47:10 Will New Ownership Keep Spending? 50:02 San Diego's Starting Rotation Questions 51:22 Could the Padres Make a Blockbuster Move? 53:53 Finding Affordable Pitching Depth 56:17 Tarik Skubal to the Padres? 59:23 Manny Machado's Changing Role 1:00:22 Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill's Upside 1:03:09 Final Thoughts and What's Next Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Tampa Bay Rays are ONE WIN AWAY from the 2026 World Series! After taking Games 4 and 5 from the Cleveland Guardians, Tampa Bay heads home with a 3-2 ALCS lead. Can the Guardians force a Game 7, or will the Rays punch their ticket to face the Milwaukee Brewers?Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris break down Tampa Bay's comeback in the ALCS, including the surprising impact of Chandler Simpson. His elite speed, contact skills and improved defense are giving the Rays a different kind of offensive weapon. Eno even admits he may have underestimated Simpson!Plus, Nick Martinez continues to impress, Drew Rasmussen dominates Cleveland in Game 5, and the guys examine whether the Rays' bullpen is as deep as expected. On the Guardians' side, Parker Messick's command and workload raise questions, while the rainout has complicated Stephen Vogt's pitching plans.Looking ahead to Game 6, Freddy Peralta takes the mound for Tampa Bay after a brief relief appearance in Game 4. Cleveland will need to piece together its pitching staff to keep its season alive and save Gavin Williams for a potential Game 7.Then we turn to MLB news beyond the playoffs!Vladimir Guerrero Jr. undergoes eye surgery following a disappointing season, Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato prepares to enter the MLB market, and Shohei Ohtani intends to pitch again in 2027. The guys also discuss pitching injury updates, the Athletics' front-office direction, offseason roster decisions and managerial changes around baseball.**IN TODAY'S EPISODE**- Rays take a 3-2 ALCS lead over the Guardians- Chandler Simpson's surprising postseason impact- Nick Martinez's pitch mix and Game 4 success- Drew Rasmussen's dominant Game 5 performance- Parker Messick's command and workload concerns- Is Tampa Bay's bullpen circle of trust shrinking?- Guardians vs. Rays ALCS Game 6 preview- Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s eye surgery and 2027 outlook- NPB Triple Crown winner Teruaki Sato coming to MLB- Shohei Ohtani's plans to pitch in 2027- Tigers injury updates: Troy Melton and Reese Olson- Sonny Gray, Paul Goldschmidt and Caleb Durbin- Athletics front-office changes- Braves pitching plans for Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach and Didier Fuentes- Jakob Marsee's recovery outlook- Don Mattingly returns to Philadelphia; Joe Espada leaves Houston**LIKE, SUBSCRIBE AND DROP US A COMMENT!**Are the Rays headed to the World Series? And has Chandler Simpson changed your opinion about the value of contact and speed in today's game?**CONNECT WITH RATES & BARRELS**Follow @rates_barrels on Instagram First Pitch Arizona — Join us for baseball and community Follow Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris on Bluesky Email: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join the Rates & Barrels Discord Subscribe to The Athletic Shop Rates & Barrels merchandiseHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Executive Producer & Editor: McEnroe Francis Rates & Barrels | The Athletic00:00 Intro00:41 Eno's Marathon Weekend 02:01 Rays Rally Back Against Cleveland 02:26 Chandler Simpson's Surprising Impact 10:33 Is the Rays' Bullpen Circle of Trust Shrinking? 14:09 Guardians' Defensive Struggles 14:48 Parker Messick vs. Drew Rasmussen: What Is Good Command? 17:12 Rasmussen's Dominant Game 5 19:03 ALCS Game 6 Preview 20:27 Freddy Peralta's Unusual Preparation 22:51 Game 6 Predictions 24:00 Baseball News Beyond the Playoffs 24:48 Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s Eye Surgery 27:11 Teruaki Sato Headed to the MLB Market 32:07 Shohei Ohtani Plans to Pitch in 2027 38:50 Troy Melton and Reese Olson Injury Updates 42:40 Sonny Gray's Future 43:20 Athletics' Front-Office Direction 49:53 Caleb Durbin and Paul Goldschmidt 51:35 Braves Pitching Plans for 2027 53:15 Jakob Marsee's UCL Surgery 56:08 Don Mattingly Returns to the Phillies 58:10 Joe Espada Out in Houston 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.
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