Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

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!

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

**CONNECT WITH RATES & BARRELS**

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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.

CONNECT WITH RATES & BARRELS
Follow Rates & Barrels on Instagram: @rates_barrels
First Pitch Arizona — Join us for baseball analysis 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 merchandise

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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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!

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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 & BARRELS

Follow us on Instagram: @rates_barrels
First Pitch Arizona — Join us for baseball analysis 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 merchandise

CREDITS
Hosts: Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris & Jed Lowrie
Executive Producer & Editor: McEnroe Francis
Rates & Barrels | The Athletic

00:00 World Series Preview: Brewers vs. Rays
02:05 Comparing the Lineups and Offensive Approaches
10:10 Brewers' Plate Discipline vs. Rays' Strike Throwing
15:30 Jonathan Aranda's Postseason Struggles
19:51 Why Yandy Díaz Is So Dangerous
26:26 How Do You Pitch to Junior Caminero?
35:30 Jackson Chourio and the High-Sinker Strategy
46:07 Jake Bauers' Breakout Season
51:32 How Brice Turang Added Power
56:12 Bat Speed, Plate Selectivity and Offensive Upside
1:03:04 Can Milwaukee Contain Chandler Simpson?
1:07:12 Jed's World Series Prediction and MVP Pick
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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.

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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 merchandise

Hosts: Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris & Britt Ghiroli
Executive Producer & Editor: McEnroe Francis
Rates & Barrels | The Athletic

00:00 Intro
00:36 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
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