October 22, 2021

FanGraphs Audio: Andrew Miller Returns, Paul Sporer Dorks Out

1 hour 16 minutes

Episode 945

On this episode, we welcome back a major leaguer, dork out about prospects and fantasy baseball, and dive into weird October starting pitcher usage.

To kick things off, David Laurila is joined by Andrew Miller, who last appeared in episode 891. They discuss postseason start times, relievers pacing themselves vs. throwing max effort, and how the new CBA could potentially address robot umpires. Miller also shares what it has been like to play with some of the best managers and coaches of this generation during his 16-year major league career. [2:59]

After that, Eric Longenhagen and Paul Sporer catch up about First Pitch Arizona, which they both recently attended. The duo discuss the intersection of the prospect and fantasy baseball communities, and go over some of the players who are currently popular with both. All eyes might be on Adley Rutschman, but Paul is starting a Spencer Torkelson fan club and he can’t wait to tell you about it. [26:08]

Finally, Ben Clemens and Jay Jaffe discuss the incredible shrinking postseason starter. Pitcher usage has been especially strange this October and the pair offer a number of reasons why, including (and most notably) the uptick in pitcher workloads after the shortened 2020 season. Ben and Jay also talk about using starters on their throw days and the concerns they have for overworked pitchers going forward. [58:34]

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Audio after the jump. (Approximate 1 hour 16 minute play time.)

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