It’s Doug’s birthday, and who better to help him celebrate than his former Phillies teammate and mentee, Jimmy Rollins? This week, Doug and DVR, filling in for Jayson, sit down with Jimmy to talk about the shock of being drafted by Philadelphia, how Doug helped him get acclimated to the big leagues, what it was like playing alongside Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and Cole Hamels, and the moment he finally knew it was time to retire.

Plus, with the playoff chase heating up, Doug and DVR each pick a team they believe in. And, of course, it wouldn’t be the show without Strange But True—a particularly rough week for Mariners pitcher Bryce Miller.

Rundown:

0:49 Happy Birthday, Doug!

7:14 Teams We Believe In

16:22 Jimmy Rollins Stops By

16:56 Getting Drafted by the Phillies

24:58 J-Roll’s Mentors

35:54 The End in Philadelphia

40:37 How the Game Has Changed

48:38 Art of Stealing Bases

50:37 Lightning Round

1:01:43 The 6-1-1 Podcast

1:05:22 Strange But True

1:12:46 Trivia Time

Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.social

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E-mail: starkville@theathletic.com

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Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville

Guest Host: Derek VanRiper

With: Jimmy Rollins

Producer: Jason Potere

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MLB's final push for the Wild Card and Playoffs are here, Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris have everything you need for the stretch run. DVR and Eno break down the best September waiver-wire targets, two-start pitchers and late-season saves options while examining whether breakouts from Jordan Walker, James Wood and other young hitters are sustainable heading into 2027.

First, the guys catch up on the baseball news you should know. Carlos Correa is nearing a September return, Eugenio Suárez and TJ Friedl have landed on waivers, Mason Winn's thumb injury creates new questions in St. Louis, and Denzel Clarke could get another opportunity with the A's. Plus, Roki Sasaki heads back to the IL while Gavin Stone and Tony Gonsolin work their way toward potential September returns.

Walker has changed his swing, lowered his strikeout rate and reached a new level of power, but should fantasy managers really pay a first-round price next spring? The guys also look ahead to Cam Smith and Lawrence Butler, including why a big September from Smith could make him more expensive than DVR wants him to be in 2027 fantasy drafts.

Then it's time to attack the waiver wire for the final month of the fantasy baseball season. Tristan Peters remains surprisingly available despite a productive season and everyday role with the White Sox, while Rafael Flores, Mickey Gasper and Tim Tawa offer potential help in deeper formats.

Follow Rates & Barrels for MLB analysis, fantasy baseball strategy, advanced stats, waiver-wire advice and player development with Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris.

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#FantasyBaseball #MLB #FantasyFriday #WaiverWire #RatesAndBarrels

Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: McEnroe Francis

00:00 — Fantasy Friday: September Targets & MLB News

02:05 — Carlos Correa Nearing a Return

03:56 — Eugenio Suárez & TJ Friedl Hit Waivers

06:15 — Mason Winn Injury & Cardinals Playing Time

12:19 — Denzel Clarke Nearing a Return

15:18 — Roki Sasaki Heads to the IL

17:52 — Can Hitters Really Change Their Swing Decisions?

23:08 — James Wood’s Improved Approach

24:24 — Jordan Walker’s Breakout & 2027 Value

32:54 — Cam Smith vs. Lawrence Butler

39:21 — Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Targets

39:42 — Why Tristan Peters Is Still Available

44:21 — Rafael Flores & Mickey Gasper

46:44 — Elliot Ramos & Taylor Ward Stock Down

48:00 — Best Two-Start Pitchers for Next Week

49:23 — Drop Grayson Rodriguez?

53:03 — Deep-League Streamers & Saves Targets

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Should MLB create a Rookie Pitcher of the Year award? DVR, Eno and Trevor May break down baseball’s best rookie pitchers, including Nolan McLean, Parker Messick and Payton Tolle, before searching deeper for young arms who could become impact starters, closers and fantasy baseball breakouts in 2027.

Parker Messick is putting together a historically impressive rookie season for the Guardians. Payton Tolle offers a different profile for the Red Sox. With more traditional high-end velocity and a polished presence on the mound. In the National League, Nolan McLean has answered some of the biggest questions surrounding his arsenal. Could increased changeup usage unlock another level for the Mets right-hander?

The crew also examines Logan Henderson's unusual combination of below-average velocity, strike throwing and swing-and-miss ability before diving into the next group of intriguing young pitchers. Walbert Ureña, Didier Fuentes, Bradgley Rodríguez, Blade Tidwell and Connor Prielipp all present different questions about command, pitch shape, sequencing and future roles.

Rates & Barrels is your home for MLB analysis, advanced stats, pitching development, fantasy baseball and everything happening around Major League Baseball with Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris and Trevor May.

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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Contributor: Trevor May

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: McEnroe Francis

00:00 — Should MLB Have a Rookie Pitcher of the Year?

08:22 — Parker Messick vs. Payton Tolle

09:10 — Messick’s Historically Good Rookie Season

14:48 — How Good Can Payton Tolle Be?

19:18 — Nolan McLean’s Rookie Season

19:38 — Has McLean Answered the Lefty Question?

27:44 — The Logan Henderson Puzzle

35:20 — Rookie Pitchers to Watch for 2027

35:25 — Walbert Ureña’s Breakout Season

48:52 — Didier Fuentes’ Unusual Arsenal

55:01 — Could Bradgley Rodríguez Become a Starter?

1:01:42 — Connor Prielipp’s Next Step

#MLB #Baseball #MLBRookies #RookieOfTheYear #RatesAndBarrels

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DVR, Eno and Jed Lowrie make their final American League playoff predictions, picking all three AL division winners and three Wild Card teams as the Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, White Sox, Guardians, Mariners, Rangers and Astros battle for October.

DVR still can't quit the Seattle Mariners. Seattle enters the stretch run within striking distance of the AL West and owns an extremely favorable remaining schedule, but defensive shortcomings and an inconsistent offense leave plenty of reasons to question whether the Mariners can actually get back to October.

Jed also offers a player's perspective on what happens inside a clubhouse when a team with postseason expectations starts to fall apart late in the season, drawing on his experience with the 2011 Boston Red Sox. The conversation turns to the Blue Jays and whether Toronto can find another gear before time runs out.

Then, Eno digs into one of his favorite kinds of rabbit holes: batting stance changes. Carson Benge's impressive rookie season sparks a deeper look at why hitters open or close their stance, how those adjustments can affect vision and swing mechanics, and what Fernando Tatis Jr.'s changes reveal about the tradeoffs hitters make at the plate.

Finally, Name That Dude returns! DVR puts Eno and Jed to the test with clues about a mystery former MLB player before the conversation inevitably turns into baseball cards, heat maps and Statcast ideas.

Rates & Barrels is your home for smart baseball analysis, MLB trends, advanced stats, fantasy baseball and everything happening around the league with Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris and Jed Lowrie.

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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Contributor: Jed Lowrie

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: McEnroe Francis

#MLB #MLBPlayoffs #Baseball #Yankees #Mariners #RatesAndBarrels

00:00 — Final AL Playoff Predictions

03:12 — The AL Playoff Race Is Chaos

08:38 — Can the White Sox Win the AL Central?

13:19 — Why Cleveland Can Make a September Run

16:49 — DVR Still Believes in the Mariners

19:35 — Mariners vs. Astros in the AL West

23:17 — When a Contender Starts Falling Apart

24:59 — Can the Blue Jays Save Their Season?

29:19 — Final AL Playoff Picks

31:41 — Carson Benge's Breakout Rookie Season

34:40 — Why Hitters Change Their Stance

46:30 — What Fernando Tatis Jr. Changed

52:14 — Name That Dude Returns

56:21 — The Mystery Player Revealed

56:56 — What Should Be on the Back of a Baseball Card?

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Cal Raleigh finally broke out in a huge way, blasting three home runs Monday after a season-long struggle at the plate. But was this simply one monster game, or are there signs that the Mariners slugger is beginning to correct the approach issues that contributed to his disappointing season?

DVR and Eno dig into what changed for Cal Raleigh, including his swing decisions, declining aggression on pitches inside the strike zone and increased chase rate.

The Mariners aren't the only team with a star player raising questions. Zack Wheeler has been hammered over his last six starts. Is Wheeler simply hitting a late-season wall — or is there something in his arsenal that can be fixed before October?

Then, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic joins the show to go inside a turbulent stretch for the Arizona Diamondbacks. What's happening with Ketel Marte, where does his relationship with the organization and clubhouse stand, and what does it mean for a D-backs team trying to stay alive in the National League Wild Card race?

Finally, Jesús Cano of The Athletic joins DVR and Eno to break down an NL East race that suddenly looks very different. The Braves have stumbled while the Phillies have surged, dramatically shrinking Atlanta's division cushion and setting up an important stretch in the final month.

Rates & Barrels delivers MLB analysis, advanced stats, fantasy baseball strategy, prospect breakdowns and reporting from around the league every weekday.

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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Contributor: Jesús Cano & Nick Piecoro

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: McEnroe Francis

#CalRaleigh #Mariners #MLB #phillies #RatesAndBarrels

0:00 Today on Rates & Barrels

02:01 Cal Raleigh Breaks Out With Three Homers

05:28 What’s Changed With Cal Raleigh & Julio Rodríguez?

08:22 How Much Have Injuries Affected Seattle’s Stars?

10:39 Colt Emerson’s Injury & 2027 Outlook

12:37 What’s Wrong With Zack Wheeler?

16:18 Can Wheeler Turn It Around Before October?

17:57 Braves-Phillies NL East Race Tightens

18:36 What’s Going On With Ketel Marte?

20:37 Inside the Diamondbacks’ Clubhouse

25:13 Arizona’s Wild Card Outlook

28:45 Corbin Carroll & the D-backs’ Young Core

33:31 Braves’ NL East Lead Is Shrinking

37:35 What’s Gone Wrong for Atlanta?

40:41 Ronald Acuña Jr. & the Braves Offense

46:06 Atlanta’s Rotation & October Outlook

51:56 Can the Braves Hold Off the Phillies?

58:12 Final Thoughts

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The Houston Astros have fired general manager Dana Brown as their season and the American League playoff race descend into chaos. DVR and Eno break down what went wrong for Houston, and what's next for their pitching plan and roster-building misses.

Plus, the Dodgers lose Andy Pages for approximately four to five weeks, prompting a deeper discussion about outfield defense and how we should evaluate metrics like Outs Above Average, Defensive Runs Saved and Statcast Fielding Run Value.

Then it's time to answer your mailbag questions. What has happened to Bryce Miller? Eno digs into Miller's declining velocity and inconsistent command — and explains why Kade Anderson's arrival creates even more pressure on Miller's rotation outlook.

Plus, Andrew Painter's arsenal changes, Matthew Liberatore, Justin Martinez and the best fantasy baseball waiver-wire options for the stretch run.

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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

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Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels

Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: McEnroe Francis

#houstonastros #dodgers #mlb #baseball #alwest #mlbplayoffs

00:00 Today on Rates & Barrels

01:27 Chicago Meetup & Show Business

03:05 AL Playoff Race Remains Total Chaos

05:34 Could a Losing Team Make the Playoffs?

07:39 Astros Fire GM Dana Brown

09:03 What Has Changed Inside the Astros?

09:49 Houston’s Analytics Brain Drain

12:16 What Went Wrong Under Dana Brown?

13:18 Astros’ Pitching Plan & Roster Misses

15:20 Can Houston Build Another Contender?

17:58 AL West Front Offices in Turmoil

19:31 Can the Mariners Still Win the AL West?

21:22 Dodgers Lose Andy Pages

22:41 How Should We Measure Outfield Defense?

27:41 Who Steps Up for the Dodgers?

29:09 Is It Time to Move On From Bryce Miller?

30:11 What’s Wrong With Bryce Miller?

32:21 Kade Anderson Changes Miller’s Outlook

34:00 Can You Still Start Bryce Miller?

36:56 Jacob Lopez’s Surprising Run

39:01 Has Cleveland Unlocked Joe Adell?

40:13 Can Better Coaching Really Fix a Hitter?

44:04 Kade Anderson’s First MLB Start

46:15 Eno’s Kade Anderson Evaluation

48:22 Is Kade Anderson Already Overvalued?

51:06 Andrew Painter Is Making Real Changes

52:57 Matthew Liberatore & Two-Start Pitchers

56:15 Justin Martinez Returns

57:32 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire

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Legendary Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow will be retiring from the booth after 36 seasons. He shares the emotional outpouring he's received from fans, the gut-wrenching moment he told his partner Duane Kuiper, and highlights from a lifetime of stories — from homering off Steve Carlton to lessons learned from Harry Caray and Vin Scully.

Rundown:

00:00 Intro

02:35 Showing Love to Local Voices

10:43 Welcoming Mike Krukow

13:47 The Magic of Kruk and Kuip

17:04 How Kruk and Kuip Evolved

20:30 The Hard Decision to Step Away

26:05 Surprising Fans

28:30 Krukow's Baseball History

35:36 Most Important Item

38:58 The Hall of Fame

41:56 The Remainder of the Season

43:42 Sliding Doors

47:41 Playing in Candlestick Park

49:53 Silly Kruk and Kuip Stories

57:29 Farewell Mike Krukow

59:27 Strange But True

Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.social

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E-mail: starkville@theathletic.com

Starkville Hotline: (347) 313-8371

Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels

Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville

With: Mike Krukow

Producer: Tauri J. Miller

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Who are the best starting pitchers in baseball right now — and which arms actually belong in the ace tier? Eno Sarris returns with his updated starting pitcher rankings as DVR breaks down some of the toughest calls, biggest risers and most surprising placements on the board.

Blake Snell is back in the top 10, landing at No. 10 after another strong stretch, while Drew Rasmussen climbs all the way to No. 11 as his health and consistency continue to change the way we value him. How sustainable are the pitch-mix and process changes that have helped pitchers like Snell and Rasmussen reach another level?

Then there’s Bryan Woo at No. 22. Woo has flashed ace-level stretches and was pushed aggressively during fantasy draft season, but familiar home-road splits and questions about sustaining an elite strikeout rate may leave him looking more like a high-end SP2 than a true fantasy ace.

Then, one of baseball’s top pitching prospects arrives. Kade Anderson is set to make his MLB debut Saturday against the Chicago Cubs after skipping Triple-A. The Mariners’ left-hander has dominated Double-A pairing elite command with a four-pitch arsenal.

Finally, the guys preview the fantasy baseball waiver wire, including Ethan “Tugboat” Holliday, Ethan Pecko’s MLB debut, Jackson Kent’s second look and several pitchers who could matter during the fantasy playoffs.

Rates & Barrels with Derek Van Riper and Eno Sarris delivers fantasy baseball strategy, MLB analysis, advanced pitching metrics, prospects, waiver-wire advice and everything you need for the stretch run.

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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis

Editor: McEnroe Francis

Thumbnail Credit: Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images(SNELL)

Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images(WOO)

00:00 Eno’s Updated Starting Pitcher Rankings

03:24 Blake Snell Is Back in the Top 10

05:16 Drew Rasmussen Keeps Rising

09:00 Logan Henderson vs. Kyle Harrison

11:48 Managing Pitcher Workloads Down the Stretch

12:43 When Will Chase Burns Be Shut Down?

14:58 Bryan Woo at No. 22 — Ace or SP2?

17:57 Why Is Joey Cantillo Ranked No. 40?

20:38 What’s Going Wrong With José Soriano?

25:19 Kade Anderson Is Coming to the Majors

26:35 What Should We Expect From Kade Anderson?

27:37 What Troy Melton Can Teach Us About Anderson

31:01 How Historic Is Anderson’s Double-A Dominance?

35:14 Does Dominating Double-A Predict MLB Success?

36:58 Projecting Kade Anderson in the Majors

38:18 Where Would Anderson Rank Right Now?

41:10 Should You Add Kade Anderson?

42:33 Why Second-Half Stats Can Mislead Us

42:52 Pete Crow-Armstrong & the Second-Half Trap

43:43 What Brice Turang Tells Us About Recency Bias

45:01 Can Second-Half Slumps Create Draft Bargains?

51:08 Waiver Wire & Baseball News

51:29 A’s Hit Hard By Season-Ending Injuries

55:09 Orioles Playing-Time Opportunities

57:43 What’s Going On With Ketel Marte?

59:09 Jordan Lawlar Gets His Opportunity

1:01:31 Rookie Pitchers to Target on Waivers

1:01:54 Tugboat, Ethan Pecko & Jackson Kent

1:07:00 Ethan Pecko’s Stuff & Role

1:07:28 What Happened With Tugboat’s Fastball?

#FantasyBaseball #BlakeSnell #BryanWoo #MLB #Pitching #KadeAnderson #RatesAndBarrels

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