Atlanta Takes a 1-0 Lead, Charlie Morton's Injury & Game 2 Preview

Eno and DVR discuss Jhoan Duran's oblique injury and the short-term pecking order for saves for the Twins during his absence before discussing some of the most difficult pitchers (and groups of pitchers) to rank in 2024.  Rundown 1:15 Jhoan Duran: Headed to IL with Oblique Strain 5:25 Pitchers with Uncertain Health Situations (Eury Pérez, Gerrit Cole, Kyle Bradish) 13:26 Future Aces with Short MLB Track Records (Bobby Miller and Grayson Rodriguez) 29:01 Model Disagreement with Other Projections (Zac Gallen, Cole Ragans, Bailey Ober) 34:44 Non-Buzzy Veterans (Merrill Kelly, Chris Bassitt, Eduardo Rodriguez) Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes w/Trevor May! (next live show: 3/29) https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno and DVR discuss another busy weekend filled with injury news including elbow soreness for Eury Pérez, a fractured wrist for TJ Friedl, and an IL stint to begin 2024 for Josh Lowe. Plus, they dig into several tough hitter rankings as draft season heats up.  Rundown 2:58 Eury Pérez: Dealing with Sore Elbow 7:08 TJ Friedl: Out with Fractured Wrist 11:33: Josh Lowe: Will Open Season on IL 16:26 Kyle Manzardo: Sent to Minor League Camp 23:40 Corey Seager: May Be Ready for Opening Day? 28:29 Any Reason to Worry About Bryce Harper or Aaron Judge? 31:15 Tough Rankings: Luis Robert Jr. & Frequently Injured Early-Rounders 38:52 Oneil Cruz & Young Players Returning From Lengthy Absence 50:42 Luis Arraez & Categorically Imbalanced Players 56:04 Junior Caminero & Players We're Waiting For in 2024 Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: [email protected] Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes w/Trevor May! (next live show: 3/29) https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Eury Pérez Thumbnail Photo: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss the latest news on Gerrit Cole’s elbow injury, the Astros’ interest in Blake Snell, the best rotations in baseball, and several new faces in new places, before digging into curveballs, and taking a few viewer/listener questions.  Rundown 0:55 Gerrit Cole: No UCL Tear Detected 7:20 Blake Snell: Astros Interested? 8:45 Best Rotations in Baseball Right Now New Faces in New Places 14:50 Chris Sale’s Fit in Atlanta 21:00 Josh Hader: Adding to the Astros’ Strength 24:59 DL Hall’s Starting Opportunity in Milwaukee 31:16 Jorge Polanco’s Fit in New-Look Seattle Lineup 34:43 Teoscar Hernández: Getting Into a Better Fit for a Home Park 39:15 Michael Soroka: A Fresh Opportunity for Rebuilding White Sox 42:05 Pitch Deep Dive: Curveballs 59:41 Q&A: Which Spring Stats Do We Pay Attention To? 1:03:32 Q&A: Game Planning for Opponents’ Weaknesses, or Your Own Strengths? Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow Trevor on Twitter: @IamTrevorMay Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: [email protected] Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes w/Trevor May! Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno and DVR discuss the trade that sent Dylan Cease to the Padres, the impact of a significant injury for Brewers closer Devin Williams, the increasing possibility of an early-season opportunity for Victor Scott II in St. Louis, and swing decisions in 'The Shadow Zone'. Rundown 5:20 Dylan Cease Traded to the Padres 10:01 Assessing the White Sox's Return 14:10 Buying the Similarities Between Dylan Cease & Blake Snell? 22:17 Devin Williams' Extended Absence 30:43 Injury Updates: Ronald Acuña Jr. & Tommy Edman 35:58 Swings v. Takes and 'The Shadow Zone' 54:23 Mailbag Questions: Quinn Priester & Unique Leagues in FanGraphs' Auction Calculator Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: [email protected] Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes w/Trevor May! https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno and DVR discuss Eno's recent story examining the tendencies of position players in their walk year, disagreements across projection systems and how to work through those differences (and when to target players with projection systems agreement). Plus, they discuss Junior Caminero getting sent to Triple-A to begin the season, Jackson Merrill's upcoming flight to Korea, an injury for Taj Bradley, and the growing concerns about Gerrit Cole as the wait for an update on his status lengthens.  Rundown 5:52 What Happens in Position Players' Walk Years? ($ Eno's story: https://theathletic.com/5321626/) 11:13 Gleyber Torres' Path to More Power 16:24 Eno's Most Rostered Player From Story? 23:43 Disagreement Between Projection Systems 31:26 Rookies of Interest v. How the Fantasy Market Treats Rookies 38:17 Jackson Merrill Gets a Seat on the Plane 46:53 Taj Bradley's Pectoral Strain 53:20 Ongoing Uncertainty with Gerrit Cole & Current Rankings Adjustment Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: [email protected] Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our new livestream episodes w/Trevor May! https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Please fill out a quick survey to share your podcast habits with us by going to theathletic.com/survey24. Three lucky entries will win $100 worth of Amazon vouchers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DVR is joined by Mike Gianella of Baseball Prospectus to discuss a busy weekend of news and notes including MRIs for Gerrit Cole and Aaron Judge (among others), an 80-game PED suspension for Noelvi Marte, and more. Plus, they discuss their strategies from the 15-team Mixed LABR draft in which Mike built a roster around a power-heavy base and DVR opted for a 'Pocket Aces' build.  Rundown 2:06 Gerrit Cole: Has MRI on Elbow; Likely to Miss Opening Day 3:40 Aaron Judge: MRI on Abdomen; Timetable Unclear 5:02 Noelvi Marte: Suspended 80 Games for Positive PED Test 8:48 Edward Cabrera: MRI Reveals Shoulder Impingement; Targeting Late-Round Marlins Starting Pitchers? 13:14 Sonny Gray: Progressing From Hamstring Injury 15:10 Devin Williams: Visiting with Spine Specialist 21:16 Jordan Lawlar: Optioned to Reno; Stashing Prospects in Redraft Leagues 29:04 Mixed LABR Draft Apporaches (Full Draft Board: https://rtsports.com/labr-mixed-draft) | Building From a Late-Round Position 42:46 When Do You Disagree with Projections? 55:42 Experiences with Pocket Aces Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.social Follow Mike on Bluesky: @mikegianella.bsky.social Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris e-mail: [email protected] Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our new livestream episodes w/Trevor May! https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Please fill out a quick survey to share your podcast habits with us by going to theathletic.com/survey24. Three lucky entries will win $100 worth of Amazon vouchers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss Eno's co-authored story with Ken Rosenthal about the ongoing concern regarding pitcher injuries as velocity and breaking ball usage continues to increase. Plus, they examine the Rays' use of a relatively simple approach to maximize the effectiveness of their pitchers, and how some pitchers like the Cubs' Justin Steele alter the shape of a smaller arsenal to keep hitters off-balance. Finally, they wrap up the show with the deep dive into the slider and sweeper and a few listener/viewer questions. Rundown 0:58 The Neverending Quest to Reduce Pitcher Injuries (Related reading -- Eno's story with Ken Rosenthal ($) https://theathletic.com/5325032/) 17:24 Catcher Targets & How the Rays Simplify Their Pitching Plans (Related reading -- Chad Jennings' story on the Rays' pitching development ($) https://theathletic.com/5318763/) 28:22 Altering Pitch Shapes to Increase a Small Arsenal (Related reading -- Sahadev Sharma on Justin Steele's ability to change the shape of his 'two' main pitches ($) https://theathletic.com/5311112) 41:43 Deep Dive: Sliders & Sweepers 53:32 Viewer + Listener Q&A 58:01 Joey Votto Signs with the Blue Jays Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow Trevor on Twitter: @IamTrevorMay Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: [email protected] Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our livestream episodes! Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Please fill out a quick survey to share your podcast habits with us by going to theathletic.com/survey24. Three lucky entries will win $100 worth of Amazon vouchers! Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno and DVR finish up their 2024 Team Preview series with the Braves, Phillies, and Mets. What's next for the Atlanta lineup after an excellent 2023 that featured five players among the league's 20 biggest risers in wRC+? With quality young pitching depth, is the rotation stronger than ever behind Spencer Strider, Max Fried, and Chris Sale? Will the Phillies get even more from Trea Turner during his second season in Philly? Behind Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, which starting pitchers are most likely to deliver quality innings? Will the retooling Mets exceed expectations with a potentially underrated lineup and a pitching staff with a few intriguing rebound candidates? Rundown 4:13 2024 Atlanta Braves Preview 9:25 Jarred Kelenic's Fresh Start in Atlanta 18:01 Good Pitching Getting Even Better? 28:24 2024 Philadelphia Phillies Preview 37:16 Starters of Interest Behind Zack Wheeler & Aaron Nola 44:01 2024 New York Mets Preview 50:11 Buying the Mets' Rebound Candidates in the Rotation (Luis Severino, Sean Manaea & Tylor Megill) Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: [email protected] Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our new livestream episodes w/Trevor May! https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Please fill out a quick survey to share your podcast habits with us by going to theathletic.com/survey24. Three lucky entries will win $100 worth of Amazon vouchers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno and DVR continue their Team Preview series with the Red Sox, Marlins and Nationals. Can the Red Sox's lineup produce enough to cover the potential shortcoming of their pitching staff? Will the Marlins' young rotation find enough quality innings in a season without Sandy Alcantara? As the Nats' rebuild continues, how long will we have to wait before James Wood and Dylan Crews enter the mix in Washington? Rundown 3:37 2024 Boston Red Sox Preview 5:55 Nick Pivetta's New Pitch Mix 13:30 The Red Sox's Current Outfield Situation 23:27 2024 Miami Marlins Preview 37:39 A.J. Puk's Growing Pitch Mix 40:10 2024 Washington Nationals Preview 47:48 Underappreciated Catcher: Keibert Ruiz Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: [email protected] Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our new livestream episodes w/Trevor May! https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Please fill out a quick survey to share your podcast habits with us by going to theathletic.com/survey24. Three lucky entries will win $100 worth of Amazon vouchers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eno and DVR discuss a busy weekend of news including further examination of Ronald Acuña Jr.'s surgically-repaired knee, shoulder fatigue for Kevin Gausman, Zack Wheeler's extension with the Phillies, Matt Chapman's three-year deal with the Giants, a pair of big March movers in recent drafts, and the increasingly complicated playing time situations in Baltimore and Cincinnati.  Rundown 1:31 More Knee Trouble for Ronald Acuña Jr.? 7:36 Chris Sale's Rapidly-Rising ADP 11:00 Kevin Gausman Slowed by Shoulder Fatigue 12:57 Zack Wheeler Signs Three-Year Extension w/Phillies 16:07 Matt Chapman Goes to the Giants 23:43 Fallout & Secondary Benefits to Chapman's Arrival in San Francisco 30:57 Wyatt Langford is Flying Up Draft Boards 37:05 Colt Keith v. Jordan Westburg? 38:44 Building a Bench: Orioles Edition 44:45 Jordan Hicks v. A.J. Puk v. Reynaldo López 51:04 Building a Bench: Reds Edition 58:57 How Much Do We Pay Attention to First- and Second-Half Splits? Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper e-mail: [email protected] Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Join us on Fridays at 1p ET/10a PT for our new livestream episodes w/Trevor May! https://www.youtube.com/c/ratesbarrels Subscribe to The Athletic for just $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices