Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

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

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

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

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

The Milwaukee Brewers are headed to the WORLD SERIES for the first time since 1982! After sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, Milwaukee is four wins away from the first championship in franchise history. But how did the Brewers dismantle the defending champions, and is the Dodgers' dynasty approaching a turning point?Derek VanRiper and Stephen Nesbitt break down the Brewers' historic NLCS sweep, their remarkable comeback in Game 4, and the bullpen that continues to dominate October. DVR shares what reaching the World Series means to him as a lifelong Brewers fan, while the guys examine how Milwaukee's roster construction, player development, and relentless offense helped take down Los Angeles.Plus, Jake Bauers takes home NLCS MVP honors, Aaron Ashby delivers another postseason masterpiece, and the Brewers prepare to host World Series Game 1.In the American League, the Cleveland Guardians have taken a 2–1 ALCS lead over the Tampa Bay Rays. Petey Halpin comes through with another massive postseason home run, Gavin Williams continues to impress, and Cleveland's dominant bullpen is making life miserable for opposing hitters.Finally, it's time to Close the Tab on the 2026 Los Angeles Dodgers. After winning 100 games and entering October with three-peat aspirations, LA was swept out of the postseason. Is the veteran core getting too old? Should the Dodgers re-sign Tarik Skubal? And what does Shohei Ohtani's future as a two-way player look like?**On today's episode:**- Brewers sweep Dodgers and reach first World Series since 1982- Milwaukee's Game 4 comeback and historic postseason run- DVR's emotional reaction to the Brewers' pennant- Aaron Ashby, Jake Bauers, Garrett Mitchell and Milwaukee's organizational success- Guardians take a 2–1 ALCS lead over the Rays- Petey Halpin, Gavin Williams and Cade Smith- Postseason bullpen management and Tampa Bay's offensive struggles- Sage Performance Review: Jake Bauers' remarkable resurgence- Closing the Tab: Dodgers' aging roster, prospects and Tarik Skubal- Shohei Ohtani's health and his future as a two-way player**Like, subscribe and drop us a comment!**Are the Brewers the World Series favorites? And do you think the Dodgers' championship window is beginning to close?CONNECT WITH RATES & BARRELS🎟️ First Pitch Arizona — Join the baseball community 💬 Join the Rates & Barrels Discord 📧 Email: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com 🧢 Shop Rates & Barrels merchandise ⚾ Subscribe to The Athletic 📱 Follow Rates & Barrels on Instagram: @rates_barrels Follow Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris on Bluesky.Hosts: Derek VanRiper and Stephen Nesbitt Executive Producer & Editor: McEnroe Francis Rates & Barrels | The Athletic00:00 Intro01:06 The Brewers' Historic NLCS Sweep 06:10 How Milwaukee's Entire Roster Contributed 08:13 Do the Brewers Really Need Home Runs? 12:39 DVR Reflects on a Lifetime of Brewers Fandom 18:33 How Milwaukee Built a World Series Team 21:00 Aaron Ashby and the Brewers' Bullpen 28:02 Jake Bauers' Remarkable Journey 33:43 A Message from Sage 34:05 Guardians Take Control of the ALCS 39:23 Gavin Williams and Cleveland's Dominant Bullpen 43:59 ALCS Game 4 and Bullpen Strategy 47:08 Why Postseason Hitting Is So Difficult 54:00 Sage Performance Review: Jake Bauers 1:00:24 Closing the Tab: Los Angeles Dodgers 1:04:41 Is the Dodgers' Aging Core a Problem? 1:08:24 Tarik Skubal and the Dodgers' Offseason 1:13:47 Can Shohei Ohtani Remain a Two-Way Star? 1:18:39 World Series Plans and Final Thoughts

Are MLB teams pushing pitchers TOO FAR in the 2026 postseason? Relievers are being asked to throw more pitches than they have all season, starters are appearing on their normal throwing days, and bullpens are being stretched to their limits.But is the biggest danger injury, fatigue, or something teams might be overlooking entirely: PITCH COMMAND?Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris and former MLB reliever Trevor May break down the wild pitching decisions defining October, the Milwaukee Brewers' commanding NLCS lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers, and what comes next for the Atlanta Braves.Trevor May has some serious questions about the way teams are using pitchers this postseason.Eno digs into the data on pitch usage, Stuff+, Location+ and fatigue, uncovering an important trend: pitchers may maintain their stuff while losing command, especially during and after unusually demanding outings.The Milwaukee Brewers have taken a 3-0 series lead and pushed the Los Angeles Dodgers to the brink of elimination!Blake Snell looked nearly unhittable before another marathon Jake Bauers at-bat helped change the game. Was Snell left in too long, or did Milwaukee simply execute when it mattered?The crew breaks down the Brewers' offensive approach, Robert Gasser's five scoreless innings, the Dodgers' struggles, and how Milwaukee could close out the series.Plus, with Tyler Glasnow set for Game 4, what pitching approach gives the Brewers their best chance to reach the World Series?Trevor May and Eno Sarris examine William Contreras' swing, pitch-type strengths and weaknesses, and the strategy pitchers should use to get him out.DVR, Eno and Trevor evaluate Atlanta's long-term outlook, including Ronald Acuña Jr.'s health, Austin Riley's offensive decline, Chris Sale's workload, the uncertain futures of Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach, and the team's ongoing shortstop problem.Are MLB managers overworking their pitchers this October? Should the Dodgers have taken Blake Snell out earlier? And how would YOU pitch to William Contreras?Like, subscribe and drop us a comment!**MORE RATES & BARRELS**Join our Discord for live game conversations and mailbag questions:https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic:https://theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsShop Rates & Barrels merchandise:https://rates-and-barrels.printify.me/**FOLLOW THE HOSTS**Derek VanRiper on Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/dvr.bsky.socialEno Sarris on Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/enosarris.bsky.socialEmail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisContributor: Trevor MayExecutive Producer & Editor: McEnroe FrancisRates & Barrels | The Athletic#MLBPlayoffs #NLCS #Brewers #Dodgers #Pitching #WilliamContreras #TrevorMay #Braves #RatesAndBarrels00:00 – Intro01:34 – Trevor May on Extreme Postseason Bullpen Usage02:48 – Grant Taylor and Didier Fuentes: Longer Relief Outings07:27 – The Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Fatigue08:55 – Eno's Research: Starters Pitching on Throw Days11:17 – Relievers Exceeding Their Regular-Season Pitch Limits12:32 – What Happens When Pitchers Work Three Days in a Row?14:08 – The Hidden Cost of Losing Pitch Command17:39 – Abner Uribe's Struggles in NLCS Game 319:33 – Should Teams Prepare Relievers for Longer Outings?21:39 – Managing Uribe and Other High-Leverage Pitchers22:16 – Did the Dodgers Leave Blake Snell in Too Long?27:11 – Jake Bauers' Epic 11-Pitch At-Bat28:43 – The Brewers' Unusual Postseason Offensive Profile30:27 – Milwaukee's Defense and the NLCS Game 3 Recap35:43 – NLCS Game 4 Preview: Tyler Glasnow and Milwaukee's Pitching Plan38:05 – How I'd Pitch to William Contreras43:05 – Where Can Pitchers Limit Contreras' Damage?46:15 – Closing the Tab: Atlanta Braves55:36 – Raisel Iglesias, Didier Fuentes and the Bullpen58:52 – Final Thoughts and What's Next

The Milwaukee Brewers have a 2-0 NLCS lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers, while the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays are tied 1-1 in the ALCS. With Game 3 approaching in both Championship Series, what adjustments could decide who reaches the 2026 World Series?DVR, Eno and Jed Lowrie break down the latest MLB playoff action, preview the critical pitching matchups, and close the book on the Chicago White Sox's surprising 2026 season.Milwaukee has taken the first two games against Los Angeles, and a 12-pitch walk by Jake Bauers may have been one of the biggest turning points of Game 2.We analyze how Bauers battled Yoshinobu Yamamoto, drove up his pitch count and set up Christian Yelich's two-run single that knocked the Dodgers' ace out of the game.Looking ahead to Game 3, how should the Brewers approach Blake Snell? Can Robert Gasser's unique pitch mix keep the Dodgers' lineup off balance? And which team has the advantage as the NLCS shifts to Los Angeles?The Rays have evened the ALCS at 1-1 after Freddy Peralta delivered six scoreless innings in Game 2, reaching 99.4 mph and dominating with his elevated fastball.Plus, Rays infielder Taylor Walls gives a fascinating explanation of how elite defenders anticipate where a baseball will be hit. Jed Lowrie shares his own major league experience with defensive positioning, pitch recognition and reacting to contact.With the series heading to Cleveland, the crew takes a deep dive into Gavin Williams' arsenal and how Tampa Bay hitters should approach him. Can Griffin Jax deliver enough innings to give the Rays an advantage in Game 3?The White Sox made an incredible turnaround in 2026, but their season ended with a disappointing five-game ALDS loss to Cleveland.What went wrong for Chicago's high-strikeout offense? Can Colson Montgomery, Munetaka Murakami and Kyle Teel make the adjustments needed to take the next step?DVR, Eno and Jed examine the development of Chicago's young core, the future of Noah Schultz and Grant Taylor, and whether the White Sox should make a major investment in their starting rotation.Could a frontline free-agent pitcher turn the White Sox into legitimate World Series contenders in 2027?💬 **JOIN THE CONVERSATION**Who wins Game 3 of the NLCS and ALCS? Are the Brewers the team to beat in the National League? And should the White Sox spend big this offseason?Like, subscribe and drop us a comment!**MORE RATES & BARRELS**💬 Join our Discord for conversations and mailbag questions: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe📰 Subscribe to The Athletic:https://theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels👕 Shop Rates & Barrels merchandise: https://rates-and-barrels.printify.me/**FOLLOW THE HOSTS**Derek VanRiper on Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/dvr.bsky.socialEno Sarris on Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/enosarris.bsky.social📧 Email: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comHosts:Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Contributor:Jed Lowrie Executive Producer & Editor: McEnroe FrancisRates & Barrels | The Athletic#MLBPlayoffs #Brewers #Dodgers #ALCS #NLCS #Guardians #Rays #WhiteSox #RatesAndBarrels00:00 – Introduction: NLCS & ALCS Game 3 Preview01:24 – The Moneyball Advantages 02:52 – Jake Bauers' 12-Pitch Walk vs. Yoshinobu Yamamoto06:15 – How Long At-Bats Wear Down Elite Pitchers14:05 – NLCS Game 3 Preview: Blake Snell vs. Robert Gasser20:26 – Why Robert Gasser's Pitch Mix Is So Difficult22:37 – Freddy Peralta's Dominant ALCS Game 225:49 – José Ramírez's Defensive Mistakes32:36 – Taylor Walls Explains the Art of Infield Defense39:39 – Jed Lowrie on Defensive Preparation & Positioning44:25 – Parker Messick and the Guardians' Game 3 Outlook45:48 – How Would You Hit Against Gavin Williams?53:14 – Griffin Jax and Tampa Bay's Game 3 Strategy54:20 – Closing the Tab: Chicago White Sox56:25 – The White Sox's Emerging Young Core1:05:02 – How the White Sox Can Reduce Their Strikeouts1:06:36 – Final Thoughts & What's Next

Should the Los Angeles Dodgers actually consider BENCHING Shohei Ohtani? The Milwaukee Brewers have jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the NLCS, Cleveland has stolen Game 1 of the ALCS from Tampa Bay, and the New York Yankees are facing some uncomfortable questions after another disappointing October.Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris and Britt Ghiroli break down the latest MLB playoff action on Rates & Barrels, including Milwaukee's formula for beating the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani's struggles, Cleveland's pitching strategy against the Rays, and a deep dive into what went wrong for the 2026 Yankees.Milwaukee has taken the first two games of the NLCS despite facing Tarik Skubal and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. What's making the Brewers so difficult to beat?Looking ahead to Game 3, can Blake Snell and the Dodgers turn the series around against Robert Gasser?The Guardians stunned Tampa Bay in ALCS Game 1, rallying against Drew Rasmussen and the Rays' bullpen.Did Kevin Cash leave Rasmussen in too long? How did Cleveland use Tampa Bay's platoon weaknesses to its advantage? And can the Guardians maintain their momentum against Freddy Peralta in Game 2?DVR, Eno and Britt examine Cleveland's aggressive approach at the plate, Parker Messick's workload, the impact of Chase DeLauter and Patrick Bailey, and Junior Caminero's injury scare.Another 90-win season. Another October disappointment. And another winter of questions in the Bronx.Britt Ghiroli examines the Yankees' lack of accountability, the health concerns surrounding Aaron Judge, and why the organizational culture may no longer resemble the Yankees teams that won championships.Should Aaron Boone return? What changes should Brian Cashman make? Can the Yankees build a roster that wins with contact, defense and situational baseball instead of relying so heavily on power?What do you think? Should the Dodgers bench Ohtani? Are the Brewers the NL favorites? And what needs to change for the Yankees to win another World Series? Drop your thoughts in the comments!👍 Like, subscribe and drop us a comment!💬 Join the Rates & Barrels Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe📰 Subscribe to The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels👕 Rates & Barrels Merch: https://rates-and-barrels.printify.me/Follow Rates & Barrels:Derek VanRiper on Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/dvr.bsky.socialEno Sarris on Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/enosarris.bsky.social📧 ratesandbarrels@gmail.comHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisContributor:Britt GhiroliExecutive Producer & Editor:McEnroe Francis#MLBPlayoffs #Brewers #Dodgers #ShoheiOhtani #Yankees #RatesAndBarrels00:00 – Guardians Win Game 1; Brewers Take Control of NLCS02:34 – Did Kevin Cash Leave Drew Rasmussen in Too Long?06:55 – How Cleveland Exploited Tampa Bay's Platoon Weaknesses13:43 – Guardians' Aggressive Approach Against Rasmussen15:18 – ALCS Game 2 Preview: Parker Messick vs. Freddy Peralta21:43 – Brewers Lead Dodgers 2-0 in the NLCS23:24 – Milwaukee's Winning Formula: Plate Discipline and Baserunning25:40 – Shohei Ohtani's Health and Dodgers' Offensive Struggles26:28 – Why Milwaukee's Fastball Strategy Is Working28:15 – How the Dodgers Attacked Jacob Misiorowski30:17 – The Brewers' Dominant Bullpen32:17 – William Contreras, Christian Yelich and Cooper Pratt38:39 – What Went Wrong with Yoshinobu Yamamoto?39:57 – Why Haven't the Dodgers Used Edwin Díaz?44:57 – NLCS Game 3 Preview: Robert Gasser vs. Blake Snell48:05 – Should the Dodgers Bench Shohei Ohtani?50:40 – Closing the Tab: The 2026 New York Yankees01:02:36 – Are the Yankees Behind Baseball's Contact Revolution?01:03:36 – Is the Yankees' Culture of Accountability Gone?01:06:30 – The Yankees' Success Since Their Last World Series01:08:12 – Final Thoughts and What's Next

The 2026 ALCS is set! The Cleveland Guardians completed an incredible comeback against the Chicago White Sox, erasing a 2-0 ALDS deficit to advance to the American League Championship Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. But after surviving Chicago, does Cleveland have enough pitching left to take down Tampa Bay?Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris deliver their complete **Guardians vs. Rays ALCS preview**, breaking down projected starting pitching matchups, bullpen depth, lineup advantages, platoon strategies, X-factors and predictions for the best-of-seven series.José Ramírez delivered one of the most remarkable home runs in postseason history, Gavin Williams dominated Game 5, and Cade Smith has been nearly unhittable. Now the Guardians face a Rays team that won five of their six regular-season meetings and has a very different approach to managing its pitching staff.Can Cleveland navigate a potential bullpen game against Drew Rasmussen? How will Parker Messick and Gavin Williams match up against Tampa Bay's starters? And will Junior Caminero, Yandy Díaz or an unexpected Rays role player become the difference-maker?Who wins the ALCS — Guardians or Rays? And how many games will it take? Drop your predictions in the comments!**👍 Like, subscribe and drop us a comment!⚾ First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026💬 Join the Rates & Barrels Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe📰 Subscribe to The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels👕 Rates & Barrels Merch: https://rates-and-barrels.printify.me/Follow Rates & Barrels:Derek VanRiper on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/dvr.bsky.socialEno Sarris on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/enosarris.bsky.social📧 Email: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com🎧 Rates & Barrels — The Athletic's Baseball PodcastHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisExecutive Producer & Editor: McEnroe Francis#ALCS #Guardians #Rays #MLBPlayoffs #RatesAndBarrels00:00 – Guardians Complete an Incredible ALDS Comeback01:43 – Cleveland's Pitching Exposes Chicago's Biggest Weakness06:56 – José Ramírez's Unbelievable Game 5 Home Run11:45 – Guardians vs. Rays: Projected ALCS Pitching Matchups14:24 – Comparing the Starting Rotations and Bullpens16:22 – How Cleveland Can Attack Tampa Bay's Platoons22:33 – Rays Dominate the Regular-Season Matchups25:44 – Cade Smith and the Guardians' Bullpen Challenge28:23 – Which Guardians Hitters Must Step Up?33:14 – Breaking Down the Game 1 and Game 2 Matchups39:36 – Tampa Bay's Pitching Depth and Defensive Advantage42:16 – Why the ALCS Schedule Could Hurt Cleveland44:40 – ALCS Predictions: Rays in Six?49:24 – The Junior Caminero Trade Comes Back to Haunt Cleveland51:29 – ALCS X-Factors and Unexpected Difference-Makers52:18 – Could Tampa Bay's Outfield Defense Be Exposed?