{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6818a1a4eb737caf8ca41879/6a286f224d96d131726b2811?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Surprising Teams & The Cubs’ Unusual Path to the Middle","description":"<p>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.</p><p>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?</p><p>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.</p><p>Rundown:</p><p>0:36 Brewers-A’s Goes PCL: Outdoor Baseball in Vegas in June, Yikes!</p><p>7:48 Manny Machado’s Frustration: Was Analytics Rant Just Venting?</p><p>15:20 It’s About Communication: Always Has Been, Always Will Be</p><p>22:10 Longer Road Trips? Would Teams Benefit From Less Back-and-Forth?</p><p>26:13 Should They Be Buyers? Watching White Sox, Cards &amp; Nats Closely</p><p>41:36 Braden Montgomery Gets the Call</p><p>43:58 Patrick Mooney Joins the Show</p><p>44:18 An Unusual Start: Making Sense of Cubs’ Streaky Path to 34-22</p><p>46:32 Sitting in Discomfort: Believing in the Core to Click Despite Early Struggles</p><p>49:25 Trade Deadline Plan: How Much Rides on Path to a Wild-Card Round Bye?</p><p>52:15 Pitching Development: Why Are the Cubs Short on Arms?</p><p>56:02 A Pleasant Surprise: Ben Brown is Cruising in the Rotation</p><p>57:52 PCA Back to MVP Form? What Has Changed in His Approach?</p><p>Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Britt on Bluesky: @brittghiroli.bsky.social</p><p>e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com</p><p>Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels</p><p>Hosts: Derek VanRiper &amp; Eno Sarris</p><p>With: Britt Ghiroli</p>","author_name":"The Athletic"}