Episode Details

Eno and DVR welcome former major leaguer Adam Ottavino to the show to discuss closers and why more relievers are racking up saves this season than in years past. The guys also dive into bullpen management and the ever-perplexing question of why closers tend to struggle in non-save situations. Later, Eno and DVR share their desert island favorite starting pitchers and reveal the biggest OOPSY droppers – with the correct chart this time.

Rundown:

1:04 Where Have All the Closers Gone?

5:12 How Should Baseball Value & Reward Relievers?

8:48 New Bullpen Management

11:00 Is Better Balance Possible?

14:32 Why Do Closers Struggle in Non-Save Situations?

19:40 The Desert Island: Favorite Pitcher

26:33 Will Tigers Stick with Kenley Jansen?

29:40 Is the New Zone Causing K% and BB% Fluctuations?

32:48 Seattle’s Starters’ Early Strikeout Rate Slide?

39:08 The Biggest OOPSY Fallers 

44:52 A Case for Lawrence Butler Despite Projections Drop

Eno’s Article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7241759

Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social

Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social

Follow Adam on Instagram: @adamottavino

e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe

Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels

Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Adam Ottavino

Editor: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.