Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

Who are the biggest 2027 fantasy baseball breakout candidates? Could Andrew Painter, Jackson Jobe or Jackson Merrill become the next Jacob Misiorowski or Pete Crow-Armstrong?

Live from First Pitch Arizona 2026, Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris are spinning the 2026 MLB season forward to find the next wave of fantasy baseball sleepers, breakout pitchers, undervalued hitters, emerging closers and post-hype rebound candidates.

After the incredible success of last year's "Hype Seven" pitchers, can another group of young arms make the same leap? Derek and Eno examine Jackson Jobe, Connelly Early, Logan Henderson, Andrew Painter, Bubba Chandler, Anthony Molina and Hagen Smith, breaking down the underlying pitch characteristics, Stuff+, command and injury concerns that could determine their 2027 value.

They also explore the hitters who could deliver a massive breakout. Does Jackson Merrill have 30/30 potential? Could Konnor Griffin or Cole Carrigg follow Pete Crow-Armstrong's path? Which hitters share Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s swing characteristics, and could Luke Raley become the next Jake Bauers?

Plus, Derek and Eno discuss post-hype prospects including Jackson Holliday, Roki Sasaki and Dylan Crews, identify potential new closers, and examine which MLB organizations could make a Nationals-style leap forward.

Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Demetrio Crisantes joins the show to discuss his impressive contact skills, developing power, stolen bases, recovery from injuries and how advanced training technology is helping him prepare for major league pitching.

And the First Pitch Arizona crowd gets involved with two rounds of Name That Dude!

00:00 Live from First Pitch Arizona 2026

02:28 Remembering Adam Standish

03:52 The Hype Seven: What Worked in 2026?

09:36 Finding the Next Breakout Pitchers for 2027

13:38 Jackson Jobe, Connelly Early & Logan Henderson

16:50 Andrew Painter, Bubba Chandler & More Young Arms

21:59 The Risks of Young Pitchers Changing Roles

25:56 Finding the Next Fantasy Baseball Closer

29:59 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. & Potential Fantasy Busts

34:15 Diamondbacks Prospect Demetrio Crisantes Joins

42:59 Name That Dude — Round One

45:11 Who Is the Next Pete Crow-Armstrong?

49:57 Konnor Griffin, Cole Carrigg & Breakout Tools

51:56 Finding the Next Jake Bauers

53:56 Bat-Speed Risers, Nathaniel Lowe & Luke Raley

58:42 Post-Hype Sleepers: Jackson Holliday, Roki Sasaki & More

1:05:32 Which MLB Team Could Make the Next Big Leap?

1:10:07 Name That Dude — Round Two

1:11:33 Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris bring you in-depth MLB analysis, fantasy baseball strategy, player development insights, pitching analytics and conversations from around the game.

Subscribe to the Rates & Barrels YouTube channel for more baseball coverage and fantasy baseball analysis.

Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Special Guest: Demetrio Crisantes, Arizona Diamondbacks prospect

Recorded Live: First Pitch Arizona 2026

Special Thanks: Brent Hershey, Ray Murphy & Baseball HQ

Executive Producer: Mac

#FantasyBaseball #RatesAndBarrels #MLB

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Mark Attanasio joins Starkville! This week, Jayson and Doug welcome the Milwaukee Brewers owner to reflect on the final week of the World Series, the biggest public event in Wisconsin history, and the life changing experience of bringing baseball fans together. Mark looks back on building the Brewers from 2004 to today, including the development of the team's current roster and facilities. Plus, he shares his favorite Pat Murphy stories, including the time Murph showed up to flip pancakes at 6 a.m., and discusses why he knew Murphy could step up as manager. Finally, with another potential lockout on the horizon, Mark weighs in on the labor issues facing baseball and reflects on his own memories as a lifelong fan of the game.

Rundown:

00:00 Opening

03:27 Were the Brewers Assessed Correctly Going into Worldseries?

07:31 Brewers Believe in Strike One - Get Ahead

12:50 UP NEXT: Mark Attanasio

12:58 Owner of Brewers Visits Starkville

14:16 What’s the Last Week Like Post-World Series

20:59 Biggest Turnout Public Event in Wisconsin

23:28 More Than Sports Experience - Life-Changing

29:02 Reflecting on Building The Brewers

37:28 Starkville Tradition - Favorite Murph Story

40:21 Question of Two Become One

43:22 About to Have Lockout

46:41 Lifelong Fan of Baseball - Similar Labor Memories?

50:34 UP NEXT: CLOSING THOUGHTS

Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.social

Follow Doug on Bluesky: @dougglanville.bsky.social

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Did MLB get the 2026 Gold Glove Awards right? Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris debate the biggest defensive questions, break down the American League and National League Rookie of the Year races, and question whether Manager of the Year is still a meaningful award.

With the World Series over, MLB's offseason is underway, and teams are making critical decisions on contract options ahead of free agency.

The guys examine the Twins' decision to decline their side of Joe Ryan's $13 million mutual option and why arbitration could leave one of baseball's most valuable starting pitchers underpaid. They also discuss the Padres declining Nick Pivetta's option, Michael King entering free agency, and what comes next for Sandy Alcantara, Drew Rasmussen, Bo Bichette and Tatsuya Imai.

Plus, who deserves Rookie of the Year? Kevin McGonigle, Parker Messick and Munetaka Murakami feature in the AL conversation, while Carson Benge, JJ Wetherholt, Sal Stewart and Nolan McLean lead a crowded NL debate.

DVR and Eno also explore the limitations of defensive metrics like Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average, the influence of reputation on Gold Glove voting, and whether voters sufficiently recognize sustained managerial success.

Finally, DVR shares highlights from Milwaukee's World Series celebration, and the guys congratulate the overall winners of the Rates & Barrels Listener League.

00:00 Today's Show

00:56 Milwaukee Celebrates a World Series Championship

05:19 MLB Option Season Begins

09:21 Sandy Alcantara's $21 Million Option

13:35 Drew Rasmussen's Workload and Future

16:48 Bo Bichette Stays with the Mets

19:47 Can Tatsuya Imai Improve in Year Two?

23:59 Joe Ryan's Arbitration and Contract Value

29:51 Michael King, Nick Pivetta and the Pitching Market

33:40 More Starting Pitchers Enter Free Agency

36:11 Luis Robert Jr. and the Orioles' Option Decisions

39:01 American League Rookie of the Year Debate

50:07 National League Rookie of the Year Debate

56:40 Cowboy Ohtani and the Rookie Class

57:28 Should Manager of the Year Still Exist?

1:03:03 Gold Glove Winners, Snubs and Defensive Metrics

1:09:58 Rates & Barrels Listener League Winners

1:19:17 First Pitch Arizona and What's Next

Rates & Barrels is a baseball podcast from The Athletic covering Major League Baseball, advanced analytics, player development, fantasy baseball and the biggest stories around the game.

Hosts: Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris

Production: Rates & Barrels | The Athletic

Subscribe to Rates & Barrels for year-round MLB analysis, baseball news, fantasy baseball strategy and more.

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The Milwaukee Brewers are World Series champions. Now comes the challenge of defending their title.

Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris look ahead to the Brewers' 2027 season, examining William Contreras' future in Milwaukee, Aaron Ashby's potential move to the starting rotation and the offseason decisions facing the reigning World Series champions.

Could Milwaukee bring back its championship core? What happens with Brandon Woodruff, JoJo Romero and Jake Bauers? And how will one of baseball's strongest farm systems help the Brewers build another contender?

Plus, Closing the Tab on the Tampa Bay Rays. After a remarkable 2026 season ended in a World Series loss, DVR and Eno examine Tampa Bay's offensive limitations, pitching depth and potential offseason upgrades.

Finally, it's the Performance Review, sponsored by Sage. The guys make their 2026 MLB awards picks, including Yordan Alvarez vs. Bobby Witt Jr. for AL MVP, Pete Crow-Armstrong's historic NL MVP campaign and the Cy Young cases for Cam Schlittler and Jacob Misiorowski.

02:05 – Brewers World Series Afterglow

02:59 – Milwaukee Prepares for Its Championship Parade

07:25 – An Incredible Brewers Fan Story

09:29 – What's Next for the Brewers in 2027?

11:22 – William Contreras' Future in Milwaukee

15:10 – Contreras' Development and Long-Term Role

16:44 – Brandon Woodruff's Future

20:31 – Milwaukee's Farm System and Pitching Depth

24:24 – Could Aaron Ashby Return to the Rotation?

25:36 – JoJo Romero's Free Agency and Bullpen Decisions

26:48 – Pat Murphy's Message to Jake Bauers

30:14 – Closing the Tab: Tampa Bay Rays

31:29 – Tampa Bay's Offensive Limitations

32:40 – How Will New Ownership Shape the Rays?

36:51 – Tampa Bay's Pitching and Contract Decisions

39:01 – Potential Rays Trades and Roster Upgrades

42:21 – Performance Review: 2026 MLB Awards

42:45 – AL MVP: Yordan Alvarez vs. Bobby Witt Jr.

44:19 – NL MVP: Pete Crow-Armstrong's Historic Season

46:50 – AL & NL Cy Young Award Predictions

49:32 – What's Coming Next on Rates & Barrels?

Every weekday, Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris explore Major League Baseball through analytics, player development, roster construction and the latest news from around the league.

Hosted by Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris

Rates & Barrels | The Athletic

Follow us on Instagram: @rates_barrels

Subscribe for more MLB analysis, fantasy baseball insights and conversations from Rates & Barrels.

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The Milwaukee Brewers are World Series champions for the first time in franchise history, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in five games to complete one of the most impressive postseason runs in recent MLB history.

Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris react to Milwaukee's historic championship, reflecting on what this moment means to the city, its fans and the generations who waited to see the Brewers win it all.

The conversation revisits Milwaukee's remarkable 11–2 postseason run, including its victories over the Padres and Dodgers, and examines the performances that made the championship possible.

Jacob Misiorowski delivered 5⅔ innings in the decisive Game 5 despite relying heavily on his fastball, while Milwaukee's bullpen completed an extraordinary World Series, allowing just four earned runs across 24⅓ innings.

DVR and Eno also discuss William Contreras, Cooper Pratt and the World Series MVP conversation, Aaron Ashby's historic postseason workload, and the roster depth that separated Milwaukee from Tampa Bay.

Plus, Drew Rasmussen's impressive short-rest start, the Brewers' approach at the plate, the Rays' offensive shortcomings and what comes next for both franchises.

From Bob Uecker's enduring connection to Milwaukee to the fans who supported the team through decades of disappointment, this is a celebration of a championship that means far more than one baseball season.

00:00 The Brewers Are World Series Champions

00:36 Eno Revisits Milwaukee's Postseason Run

10:21 DVR Joins the Championship Celebration

11:08 What This Title Means to Milwaukee

15:18 The Fans, Families and Memories Behind the Brewers

19:52 World Series MVP: William Contreras or Cooper Pratt?

27:07 The Players Who Defined Milwaukee's Championship

29:16 Jacob Misiorowski's Game 5 Pitching Performance

31:16 Drew Rasmussen's Short-Rest Start

33:18 Milwaukee's Dominant World Series Bullpen

35:18 Aaron Ashby's Remarkable Postseason

40:34 The Strategy Behind Milwaukee's Lineup

45:18 Why the Brewers' Offense Outperformed Tampa Bay

48:34 How Roster Depth Decided the World Series

52:29 Building a Team That Can Win in October

57:20 What's Next for the Brewers?

01:02:09 A Final Toast to Brewers Fans

Subscribe to Rates & Barrels for in-depth MLB analysis, postseason coverage and conversations about the game.

Hosts: Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris

Executive Producer & Editor: McEnroe Francis

Rates & Barrels | The Athletic

Instagram: @rates_barrels

Contact: [email protected]

#MilwaukeeBrewers #WorldSeries2026 #WorldSeriesChampions #MLB #RatesAndBarrels

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THE RAYS ARE STILL ALIVE! 🤯⚾

The Milwaukee Brewers were on the verge of winning their first World Series championship. Then the Tampa Bay Rays pulled off an unbelievable 12th-inning comeback to win Game 4 and force Game 5 of the 2026 World Series!

After Cooper Pratt launched a go-ahead home run in the top of the 12th, Milwaukee appeared destined to complete the sweep. But a costly Joey Ortiz throwing error opened the door for Tampa Bay, and a string of hits from Liam Hicks, Jonny DeLuca and Chandler Simpson set up Ben Williamson's dramatic walk-off winner.

The Brewers still lead the World Series 3-1, but the Rays have new life!

DVR and Eno break down the late-inning chaos, the unlikely heroes, and the enormous pitching challenge now facing Tampa Bay in Game 5.

🔥 AN UNBELIEVABLE 12TH-INNING COMEBACK

Was this supposed to be Cooper Pratt's championship moment?

Pratt continued his remarkable postseason with a monster game, including what looked like the World Series-winning home run.

But one defensive mistake changed everything.

DVR and Eno examine Milwaukee's pitching decisions, the pivotal error, and how Tampa Bay's lineup delivered when its season was on the line.

⚾ CHANDLER SIMPSON STEALS THE SHOW

Chandler Simpson delivered one of his most complete performances of the postseason, helping keep Tampa Bay's championship hopes alive.

💥 DAVID HAMILTON AND MILWAUKEE'S UNEXPECTED POWER

David Hamilton homered for the second time this postseason after hitting just four home runs during the regular season.

😬 JUNIOR CAMINERO INJURY CONCERNS

Junior Caminero appeared uncomfortable running the bases late in Game 4 and exited with an apparent leg injury.

🚨 HOW WILL THE RAYS PITCH GAME 5?

This might be Tampa Bay's biggest problem.

After using Griffin Jax, Nick Martinez, Bryan Baker, Tyler Wells and other important arms in Game 4, Kevin Cash faces an extremely complicated pitching puzzle.

Can the Rays piece together nine innings with their season on the line?

👇 WHO WINS GAME 5?

Do the Brewers finish the job behind Jacob Misiorowski, or can the Rays pull off another miracle?

Drop your prediction in the comments!

Subscribe to Rates & Barrels for World Series recaps, MLB news, pitching analysis and in-depth baseball conversations throughout the postseason.

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CREDITS

Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Executive Producer & Editor: McEnroe Francis

Rates & Barrels | The Athletic

00:00 Rays Walk Off Brewers in Game 4

01:08 The Costly Error That Sparked Tampa Bay's Rally

02:26 Ben Williamson and the Unlikely Walk-Off Heroes

03:22 Should Milwaukee Have Used Jacob Misiorowski?

06:01 David Hamilton, Cooper Pratt and Chandler Simpson

08:32 The Brewers' Hitting Philosophy

11:18 Griffin Jax's Start and Pitch Locations

13:18 Toast of the Game: Chandler Simpson

14:17 Junior Caminero's Injury and Game 5 Concerns

16:16 Tampa Bay's Lineup Adjustments

19:31 Brewers Bullpen Usage and Game 5 Outlook

21:52 Can the Rays Find Enough Pitching for Game 5?

27:00 Aaron Ashby Makes Postseason History

28:44 Jackson Chourio Ties Babe Ruth

30:53 Misiorowski's Slider Command and Pitching Adjustments

33:34 Will the Tropicana Field Mound Be a Problem?

36:24 DVR's World Series Experience at Broken Bat

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THE BREWERS ARE ONE WIN AWAY FROM A WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP! 🏆⚾

Milwaukee demolished the Tampa Bay Rays 10-1 in Game 3 of the 2026 World Series, fueled by a HISTORIC eight-run fifth inning, an incredible performance from Jackson Chourio and six scoreless innings from Robert Gasser.

The Brewers now lead the World Series 3-0, putting them one victory away from the first championship in franchise history!

DVR and Eno are back from Milwaukee and breaking down everything that went right for the Brewers, everything that went wrong for the Rays, and what to expect in a potential World Series clincher in Game 4.

🔥 JACKSON CHOURIO MAKES WORLD SERIES HISTORY

Four hits. A stolen base. And another incredible performance on baseball's biggest stage.

Chourio joins some extraordinary historical company, with a World Series performance that showcased his plate discipline, contact skills, defense and speed.

DVR and Eno explain what made Chourio's performance so impressive and why the young Brewers star deserves recognition for one of the biggest games of his career.

💥 THE BREWERS' HISTORIC EIGHT-RUN INNING

Milwaukee exploded for EIGHT RUNS WITH TWO OUTS in the fifth inning, setting a World Series record.

But the inning nearly ended before any of those runs scored.

A crucial replay review overturned an out at second base after Junior Caminero's decision to throw toward the bag instead of first. From there, the Brewers relentlessly attacked Tampa Bay's pitching with singles and doubles.

Eno examines Milwaukee's opposite-field approach, how the Brewers wore down former teammate Freddy Peralta and why this lineup's ability to string together hits has become such a dangerous weapon.

⚾ ROBERT GASSER'S DOMINANT WORLD SERIES START

Six scoreless innings. One hit. One walk. Three strikeouts.

Robert Gasser delivered exactly what Milwaukee needed in Game 3, shutting down Tampa Bay while keeping the Brewers' most trusted relievers rested.

Eno breaks down Gasser's pitch locations, his ability to command the bottom of the strike zone and how he kept the Rays from generating dangerous contact.

👀 WORLD SERIES GAME 4 PREVIEW

The Brewers have a chance to complete the sweep.

But who takes the ball in Game 4?

With starting plans still uncertain at the time of recording, DVR and Eno explore potential pitching combinations involving Griffin Jax, Ian Seymour, Shane Drohan, Dustin May and Brandon Woodruff.

Milwaukee's best relievers are rested. Tampa Bay is playing for its season.

Could the Rays have a small pitching advantage in Game 4, or is Milwaukee's bullpen simply too deep?

🏆 ONE WIN FROM HISTORY

Can the Brewers complete the sweep and bring Milwaukee its first World Series championship?

Or will the Rays finally break through and send the series to Game 5?

👇 DROP YOUR GAME 4 WINNER AND FINAL SCORE IN THE COMMENTS!

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for the latest World Series coverage, analysis and MLB news from Rates & Barrels!

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Executive Producer & Editor: McEnroe Francis

Rates & Barrels | The Athletic

00:00 Brewers One Win Away After Historic Game 3

01:00 Jackson Chourio's Four-Hit World Series Performance

03:15 William Contreras' World Series MVP Case

04:09 Robert Gasser's Dominant Start

05:11 How the Brewers Attacked Freddy Peralta

08:15 The Historic Eight-Run Fifth Inning

14:14 Gasser's Pitch Locations and Command

15:19 Brandon Woodruff's Emotional World Series Return

19:32 Why Did the Rays Bench Jonathan Aranda?

23:55 Tampa Bay's Baserunning and Lineup Problems

29:35 Game 4 Pitching Plans and Bullpen Matchups

32:20 The History of Teams Taking a 3–0 Lead

38:50 Gasser's Historic Company and Tampa Bay's Pitching Mistakes

40:40 The Brewers' Confidence and Hitting Philosophy

45:31 Eno's Worst Airport Burrito Ever

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THE BREWERS DID IT AGAIN! 🏆⚾ Milwaukee erased a 4-0 deficit to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-4 in World Series Game 2, taking a commanding 2-0 series lead!

But this comeback had everything: a rookie's redemption story, an unlikely game-tying home run, a dominant bullpen performance and some costly mistakes by Tampa Bay.

Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris are back from American Family Field with their full World Series Game 2 recap and a preview of Game 3, as the series shifts to Tampa Bay.

After a throwing error helped Tampa Bay score four runs in the first inning, rookie shortstop Cooper Pratt delivered the go-ahead RBI single that completed Milwaukee's comeback.

DVR and Eno break down Pratt's impressive approach at the plate, his ability to battle through difficult at-bats and why Pat Murphy's faith in the young shortstop could be paying off at the biggest possible moment.

Forget traditional bullpen roles. Aaron Ashby may be Milwaukee's most important reliever.

After another high-leverage performance, Eno makes the case that Ashby deserves serious World Series MVP consideration if the Brewers finish the job.

With Abner Uribe, D.L. Hall, JoJo Romero and Dustin May also contributing, is Milwaukee's pitching depth proving too much for Tampa Bay?

And why hasn't Kevin Cash used Rays closer Bryan Baker through the first two games?

Tampa Bay had a 4-0 lead and multiple opportunities to add on, but questionable decisions and defensive mistakes helped Milwaukee get back into the game.

The guys examine the decision to bunt against D.L. Hall, a costly out at home plate on Jackson Chourio's throw, and defensive mistakes involving Chandler Simpson and Jonathan Aranda.

Could Tampa Bay's decision-making be the difference between a tied series and a 2-0 deficit?

One of Game 2's biggest surprises came from Sal Frelick, who delivered a game-tying home run against a left-handed pitcher.

DVR and Eno explain just how unusual that swing was for Frelick, why it mattered in Milwaukee's comeback and what it could mean for the Brewers' lineup going forward.

Plus, William Contreras continues to make his own World Series MVP case with timely hitting, pitch blocking and crucial ABS challenges.

The World Series heads to Tampa Bay with Milwaukee leading 2-0.

Can former Brewer Freddy Peralta deliver the start the Rays desperately need?

Eno explores Robert Gasser's unusual pitch mix, including the importance of his cutter and sweeper, while DVR examines Milwaukee's pitching depth and the strategic decisions facing both managers.

With Tampa Bay facing the possibility of falling behind 3-0, how aggressive should Kevin Cash be with his bullpen?

And can the Brewers keep their incredible run going?

Milwaukee is two wins away from a World Series championship. Can Tampa Bay turn the series around at home, or will the Brewers take a 3-0 lead?

Tell us your Game 3 predictions in the comments!

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Thank you for joining us for our on-location coverage in Milwaukee! Be sure to check out our World Series behind-the-scenes Shorts, including the Milwaukee beer guide and our tailgate scavenger hunt outside American Family Field.

Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Executive Producer & Editor: McEnroe Francis

Rates & Barrels | The Athletic

00:00 Brewers Come Back From 4–0 Down to Win Game 2

02:36 Rasmussen and Henderson Both Struggle

04:45 Did the Rays Throw Away Their Best Chance?

07:44 Is Aaron Ashby Milwaukee's Most Valuable Reliever?

11:19 Why Hasn't Tampa Bay Used Bryan Baker?

13:48 Christian Yelich vs. Chandler Simpson: Lineup Debate

18:02 Cooper Pratt's Redemption and Toast of the Game

21:58 William Contreras' Growing World Series MVP Case

23:59 Tampa Bay's Defensive Mistakes and Frelick's Big Homer

27:27 Milwaukee's Pitching Depth Heading Into Game 3

32:58 Game 3 Preview: Robert Gasser vs. Freddy Peralta

34:48 Our Milwaukee World Series Experience

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The Milwaukee Brewers won World Series Game 1 — TWICE?! ⚾🏆

Game 1 of the 2026 World Series had just about everything: a bizarre ninth-inning finish, a replay reversal after the fireworks had already gone off, record-breaking velocity, outstanding defense and some questionable strategic decisions from BOTH teams.

The Brewers escaped with a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, taking a 1-0 series lead. But did Milwaukee win because of its execution, or did Tampa Bay make too many costly mistakes?

Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris are still in Milwaukee, breaking down everything they witnessed at American Family Field before turning their attention to a pivotal Game 2.

**THE GAME THAT ENDED TWICE**

Trevor Megill appeared to escape the ninth inning with a game-ending double play. The crowd erupted, fireworks went off — and then replay overturned the force at second base.

Megill had to regroup and strike out Jonny DeLuca to preserve Milwaukee's victory.

What was it like inside the stadium? And how did the momentum shift when thousands of celebrating fans suddenly realized the game wasn't over?

**WILLIAM CONTRERAS DOES IT ALL**

Contreras delivered at the plate, threw out two Rays baserunners and won two ABS challenges. DVR and Eno discuss why the Brewers catcher deserves Game 1 MVP consideration and how his defense could change Tampa Bay's entire offensive approach.

Plus, Jacob Misiorowski's record-breaking velocity, Junior Caminero's hard contact and the outfield plays that nearly changed the result.

**DID BOTH TEAMS MAKE COSTLY MISTAKES?**

The guys debate some of Game 1's biggest tactical decisions:

- Why did the Rays bat Chandler Simpson third instead of moving Junior Caminero higher?

- Was Victor Mesa Jr.'s attempt to steal third an unnecessary gamble?

- Did Tampa Bay botch a hit-and-run?

- Why did Milwaukee ask Garrett Mitchell to bunt with two runners aboard?

- Did Nick Martinez actually deliver exactly what the Rays needed despite the loss?

**GAME 2 PREVIEW: DREW RASMUSSEN vs. LOGAN HENDERSON**

With Milwaukee leading 1-0, Tampa Bay turns to Drew Rasmussen to even the World Series.

Eno breaks down Rasmussen's unusual three-fastball arsenal — the four-seamer, sinker and cutter — and what past matchups might tell us about Milwaukee's chances against him.

Can Jake Bauers, Christian Yelich and the Brewers' left-handed hitters break through?

For Milwaukee, Logan Henderson brings a deceptive fastball and excellent changeup, but his velocity hasn't increased much in October. Can he keep Tampa Bay's dangerous hitters off balance?

And could Liam Hicks or Victor Mesa Jr. be unexpected difference-makers against Henderson's offspeed pitches?

Finally, DVR and Eno make their Game 2 predictions — and both see an opportunity for Tampa Bay to even the series.

Do the Brewers take control with a 2-0 series lead, or will the Rays bounce back and even the World Series?

Let us know your Game 2 prediction in the comments!

**LIKE & SUBSCRIBE** for more World Series coverage from Rates & Barrels.

We're covering the World Series from Milwaukee, with additional content and behind-the-scenes moments from American Family Field.

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**CREDITS**

Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Executive Producer & Editor: McEnroe Francis

Rates & Barrels | The Athletic

00:00 Brewers Survive a Wild World Series Game 1

09:22 William Contreras, Misiorowski and the Key Plays

15:33 Did the Nick Martinez Gamble Work?

21:16 Why Is Chandler Simpson Batting Third?

25:14 The Brewers' Bunt and Tactical Mistakes

28:50 Tampa Bay's Costly Baserunning Decisions

31:45 Drew Rasmussen's Three-Fastball Attack

36:10 Logan Henderson and the Game 2 Matchups

41:20 Game 1 MVP and Game 2 Predictions

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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.

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris & Trevor May

Executive Producer & Editor: McEnroe Francis

Rates & Barrels | The Athletic

00:00 Intro

01:20 Pitching Strengths, Matchups & Bullpen Advantages

11:50 Drew Rasmussen and the Game 1 Matchup

19:46 Jacob Misiorowski's Evolving Arsenal

26:00 Logan Henderson's Fastball and Changeup

32:22 Ian Seymour's Unusual Sweeper

39:01 Griffin Jax and Tampa Bay's Pitching Depth

47:34 Robert Gasser and the Rays' Lineup Decisions

55:40 World Series Winner and MVP Predictions

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