Derek VanRiper shares the changes coming to The Athletic's fantasy baseball podcasts for the 2023 season. Join us in the expanding Rates & Barrels feeds using the links below, or wherever you enjoy podcasts! Apple: bit.ly/AppleRandB Spotify: bit.ly/SpotifyRandB YouTube: bit.ly/YTRandB Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 31, 2023•1 min
Nando, Ian and DVR discuss Aaron Judge's return to the Bronx with a nine-year deal that paves the way for him to remain a career Yankee, the frenzy of activity around this year's Winter Meetings, how varying front-office strategies, like varying fantasy baseball strategies, make the game more fun, whether a five-year deal for Jacob deGrom should make us more confident in his chances of a healthy season in 2023, several mid-round values in early drafts, and an important update about the show. Fol...
Dec 08, 2022•1 hr 5 min
Nando, Ian and DVR discuss the end of a very successful 2022 fantasy baseball season, and a few takeaways from things that ultimately went right, before going on hiatus during the playoffs. Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifino Follow Ian on Twitter: @IanKahn4 Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Subscribe to our YouTube channel: bit.ly/AthleticFantasy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Oct 12, 2022•53 min
Nando, Ian and DVR discuss a variety of topics including a potential late-season loophole in keeper leagues, a pair of rapidly-rising pitchers in the minors, trying to navigate the final days of the season while chasing a championship, Josh Jung, and staying patient with CJ Abrams. Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifino Follow Ian on Twitter: @IanKahn4 Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Subscribe to our YouTube channel: bit.ly/AthleticFantasy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf...
Sep 28, 2022•48 min
DVR and Al share their takeaways from the 2022 fantasy baseball season. The steady stream of prospect promotions was one of the distinguishing features of this season, and DVR and Al consider whether this is now a lasting part of baseball's landscape, and they focus on some surprisingly impactful rookies, including Vinnie Pasquantino and Spencer Strider. They also discuss how they view this season's scarcity of players with 20-plus saves and 20-plus homers, and how they plan to approach drafting...
Sep 27, 2022•53 min
For the last time during the 2022 season, DVR and Al take a look at the waiver wire options for the coming weekend. They discuss how much recent callups Ezequiel Tovar and Jordan Diaz could help fantasy managers, and they consider the types of leagues where Harrison Bader, Carlos Santana, Taylor Ward and Nate Eaton are worth adding. Luis Ortiz, Drey Jameson, Hayden Wesneski and Cody Morris are among the starting pitchers discussed, and DVR and Al then consider whether there are still any relieve...
Sep 23, 2022•47 min
Nando, Ian and DVR discuss a few late-season surprises -- including Bubba Thompson's massive contributions as a source of stolen bases -- the incredible Adolis García follow-up, Eloy Jiménez's ceiling and 2023 appeal, gut reactions on 'liking v. not liking' a player, and Aaron Judge reaches the 60-homer milestone. Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifino Follow Ian on Twitter: @IanKahn4 Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Subscribe to our YouTube channel: bit.ly/AthleticFantasy Hosted on Acast. S...
Sep 21, 2022•47 min
DVR and Al take a look at the hitters who had the largest year-to-year increases and decreases in their barrel rates. Among the top risers discussed are Aaron Judge, Yordan Alvarez, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Christian Walker, while Ronald Acuña Jr., George Springer, Tyler O'Neill and Avisaíl García are some of the fallers considered. Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Email us: fantasypods@theathletic.com Subscribe to our YouTube channel: bit.ly/AthleticFantasy...
Sep 20, 2022•1 hr 3 min
DVR and Al break down the FAB options on this penultimate waiver wire episode. They discuss recent callups Josh Jung and Mark Vientos, as well as the Rockies' possible callup for Ezequiel Tovar. They also discuss Elvis Andrus' remarkable comeback and several outfielders and catchers who may still be free agents. Brayan Bello, Ryne Nelson and Drey Jameson are among the free agent pitching options, and DVR and Al also consider some starters in the Orioles' and Cubs' rotations. They finish up with ...
Sep 16, 2022•51 min
Nando, Ian and DVR discuss rebelling relievers, George Washington taking the side of Mark Kotsay, growing excitement for the playoffs, Michael Harris II's soaring stock, tightly clustered wins, the growing case for working with a co-manager, and another gem from D-backs rookie Ryne Nelson. Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifino Follow Ian on Twitter: @IanKahn4 Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Subscribe to our YouTube channel: bit.ly/AthleticFantasy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for ...
Sep 16, 2022•50 min
DVR and Al look into the hitters who saw the largest surges and drops in their strikeout rates from 2021, and they see if those changes could make any difference in their 2023 fantasy value. Among the strikeout rate fallers discussed are Taylor Trammell, Javier Báez, Alec Bohm and Josh Rojas, while Jo Adell, Trevor Story, Matt Olson and Byron Buxton are some of the strikeout risers considered. Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Email us: fantasypods@theathl...
Sep 13, 2022•1 hr 2 min
DVR and Al discuss where fantasy managers should add a pair of Rangers callups -- top prospect Josh Jung and 24-year-old catcher Sam Huff. They also talk about Triston Casas' fantasy appeal, the chances for a rebound from Yoán Moncada and Mets hitters who could benefit from a favorable schedule. They consider the streaming and longer-term appeal of rookie pitchers Hunter Brown, Cody Morris and Ryne Nelson and how to approach Bailey Falter's upcoming two-start week. Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekV...
Sep 09, 2022•44 min
Nando, Ian and DVR discuss Lewis Brinson's opportunity with the Giants, Felix Bautista's soaring long-term value, the benefits of the O's decision to move back the fences in left field, Juan Soto's missing power since being traded to San Diego, a case for CJ Abrams as a late-season pickup in redraft leagues, Aaron Judge v. Shohei Ohtani in the AL MVP battle, faint praise for Matt Manning, and Spencer Strider's ascent to ace status. Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifino Follow Ian on Twitter: @Ia...
Sep 07, 2022•1 hr 2 min
DVR and Al look back (and a little bit ahead) on the 2022 seasons produced by rookie pitchers. They focus on Spencer Strider, George Kirby and Shane Baz as starters who could be fantasy aces in the near future, and they also look at some rookie starters who made strong cases for their fantasy draft status in 2023, including Reid Detmers and Nick Lodolo. DVR and Al also try to make sense of mixed seasons from McKenzie Gore, Aaron Ashby and others, and they discuss rookie relievers, such as Félix ...
Sep 06, 2022•57 min
Are there waiver options to target beyond Corbin Carroll and Gunnar Henderson? DVR and Al discuss the bevy of players who are worth pursuing in the coming weekend's FAB bidding, and they also talk about whether Carroll or Henderson would be their highest priority, Included in the discussion are September additions Oswald Peraza, Spencer Steer, Ken Waldichuk, Cody Morris and Hunter Brown, and they also talk about which Cardinals hitters to target, given their favorable upcoming schedule. Also, is...
Sep 02, 2022•50 min
DVR and Al take a look at this season's still-evolving class of rookie hitters. They consider the case to be made for Julio Rodríguez and Bobby Witt Jr. as 2023 first-round picks and look into the future fantasy value of several other rookies, including Adley Rutschman, Jose Miranda, Nolan Gorman, Riley Greene and Oneil Cruz. They also discuss several rookie hitters who may deserve more attention, including Nolan Jones, Christopher Morel and Joey Bart. Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follo...
Sep 01, 2022•57 min
Nando is back with Ian and DVR to discuss Hunter Brown's late-season opportunity with the Astros, a thinning pool at second base -- differing expectations for Nolan Gorman in Year 2 -- premiums for positional scarcity, and the best owner in baseball preparing to walk away. Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifino Follow Ian on Twitter: @IanKahn4 Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Subscribe to our YouTube channel: bit.ly/AthleticFantasy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Aug 31, 2022•51 min
DVR and Al discuss the major league debuts of Corbin Carroll, Garrett Mitchell and Cade Cavalli and assess their fantasy appeal for the remainder of this season and for the longer term. They also take their final look at prospects whose status has risen in 2022, including Jackson Chourio, Kyle Manzardo and Tanner Bibee. Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Email us: fantasypods@theathletic.com Subscribe to our YouTube channel: bit.ly/AthleticFantasy Hosted on...
Aug 30, 2022•59 min
DVR and Al consider whether it's worth stashing Orioles infield prospect Gunnar Henderson, now that it's anticipated that he will make his debut sometime this season, and they discuss whether it's still worth adding Manuel Margot, Lars Nootbaar, Albert Pujols and Keston Hiura. They also talk about where to add Nationals pitching prospect Cade Cavalli, as well as two-start pitchers like Matt Manning and Spenser Watkins. DVR and Al wrap up with a discussion of the closer situations for the Padres,...
Aug 26, 2022•45 min
DVR and Al revisit their strategies for drafting saves heading into the 2022 season and ask whether targeting elite closers like Josh Hader and Liam Hendriks was worth it. They also consider some emerging candidates for saves for 2023. DVR and Al also discuss how they went about addressing the stolen base category this season and look at the future fantasy viability of players like Thairo Estrada, Nico Hoerner and Cody Bellinger. Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow Al on Twitter: @almel...
Aug 25, 2022•1 hr 2 min
Ian and DVR discuss choosing a luxury -- elite catchers v. elite closers -- in the roster construction process, disagreement about the 2023 expectations for Trevor Story, a big step forward from Jordan Montgomery to begin his time in St. Louis, and the various factors they consider when facing difficult in-season pitching matchup decisions. Follow Ian on Twitter: @IanKahn4 Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Subscribe to our YouTube channel: bit.ly/AthleticFantasy Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...
Aug 24, 2022•1 hr 8 min
DVR and Al consider whether Gunnar Henderson and Josh Jung are likely to join Corbin Carroll as top prospects who could be due to make a major league debut late this season. They also discuss the recent promotions of Brett Baty, Oswaldo Cabrera, Estevan Florial, Drew Waters and Javier Assad, and they look at Cody Morris' encouraging performance in Triple-A. Finally, they focus on players who have performed well at Double-A in this week's level roundup. Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follo...
Aug 24, 2022•43 min
Al and Eno react to the report that Corbin Carroll is expected to get called up this season and discuss the fantasy appeal of some recently promoted prospects, including Brett Baty, Estevan Florial and Oswaldo Cabrera. They also consider who might benefit from the Phillies' and Mariners' favorable hitting matchups. Al and Eno also talk about the return of Dustin May and several streaming options, such as Michael Wacha, Ross Stripling, Drew Smyly and Justin Steele. Finally, they determine who mig...
Aug 19, 2022•55 min
DVR and Al talk about several players who have come up infrequently on previous episodes this season. They kick off their discussion of pitchers by trying to solve a puzzle regarding Corbin Burnes' recent trends, and they move on to discuss Pablo López, Kevin Gausman, Lance Lynn and several others, Among hitters, they discuss Francisco Lindor, José Abreu, DJ LeMahieu and Ke'Bryan Hayes. Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Email us: fantasypods@theathletic.co...
Aug 18, 2022•49 min
Ian and DVR discuss Ian's final Dynasty Rankings update for 2022 including Julio Rodríguez atop the list -- the implications of long-term shifts in value on the 2023 redraft landscape, how the Fernando Tatis Jr. suspension impacts his outlook, Michael Harris' ceiling, a case for Tyler O'Neill as a player to target now in short-term and long-term leagues, and much more. Follow Ian on Twitter: @IanKahn4 Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Subscribe to our YouTube channel: bit.ly/AthleticFantasy ...
Aug 17, 2022•57 min
On this Prospect Tuesday episode, DVR and Al discuss whether they see CJ Abrams' move to the Nationals as a positive for him, and they also consider what Ryan Pepiot's role with the Dodgers will likely be over the remainder of the 2022 season. They also talk about recent callups Vaughn Grissom, Tyler Freeman and Tommy Henry and consider the likelihood of Brett Baty or Mark Vientos joining the Mets this season. This week's level roundup focuses on players performing well at Low-A. Follow DVR on T...
Aug 16, 2022•50 min
DVR and Al assess the waiver options for the coming weekend, starting with Braves prospect Vaughn Grissom. They also consider where fantasy managers should target Aledmys Díaz, Nick Gordon, Lars Nootbar and several other hitters. DVR and Al differ on the degree to which they will make adding Lance McCullers Jr. a priority, and they also discuss JP Sears, José Quintana and Kris Bubic as streaming options. Finally, they consider whether Rowan Wick is the only reliever worth pursuing for saves. Fol...
Aug 12, 2022•50 min
DVR and Al spend this episode highlighting players who have performed in ways that are inconsistent with their track records in the second half so far. From Corey Seager's reduction in strikeouts to Ryan McMahon's stolen base binge to Reid Detmers' overall improvement, they look at players who are contributing in unexpected ways. They also discuss players like Jake Cronenworth, Jeremy Peña and Sean Manaea who have not recently produced as much as expected. Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper F...
Aug 11, 2022•47 min
Ian and DVR discuss their approach to the final-third of the season, including players to pursue in long-term leagues on the waiver wire. Plus, the recent struggles of Josh Hader, playing for the future in trade, long term expectations for Alec Bohm, Nolan Jones and Luis García, Ian's lack of faith in Luis Robert, Austin Riley's rise in the third-base ranks, and much more. Follow Ian on Twitter: @IanKahn4 Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Subscribe to our YouTube channel: bit.ly/AthleticFant...
Aug 11, 2022•57 min
DVR and Al follow up on some of the prospects dealt before last week's trade deadline, including C.J. Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, Robert Hassell III, Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Logan O'Hoppe. They also discuss some recently promoted prospects, such as Michael Massey and Peyton Burdick, and consider the possibility of Ryan Pepiot and Shea Langeliers getting promoted soon. They wind up with a roundup of High-A standouts, highlighted by Rays first baseman Kyle Manzardo. Follow DVR on Twitter: @De...
Aug 09, 2022•45 min