One of baseball's most beloved managers is gone. Hall of Famer Bobby Cox passed away this week, and Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville celebrate his life with a guest who knew him well — Mark DeRosa, who played for Cox in Atlanta and shares what made him such a special manager. DeRosa also reveals a moment that stuck with him: Cox going out of his way to say he was glad to see him thriving, even after DeRosa had long since moved on to other teams. Then, Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz provides the material for one of the most jaw-dropping Strange But True segments in recent memory.

Rundown:

2:00 ABS Through the First Quarter of the Season

10:12 Mark DeRosa Joins the Show

11:45 Remembering Bobby Cox

23:30 Al Leiter Pops In

29:07 Remembering Bobby Cox (cont’d)

33:00 Managing Team USA in WBC

39:22 Remembering Bobby Cox (cont’d)

42:49 Strange But True

Jayson’s Article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7281002/2026

Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.social

Follow Doug on Bluesky: @dougglanville.bsky.social

E-mail: starkville@theathletic.com

Starkville Hotline: (347) 313-8371

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Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville

With: Mark DeRosa (and Al Leiter)

Producer: Jason Potere

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

A fresh batch of starting pitcher rankings has arrived, and there’s plenty to debate. Who made the “Hype 7”? Is Gavin Williams making the leap to ace status? And where does José Soriano land in the mix? Eno and DVR break it all down before turning their attention to the waiver wire, where two intriguing rookies — A.J. Ewing and Henry Bolte — are making their cases as weekend pickups. Plus, no Fantasy Friday would be complete without another edition of “Closer Corner.”

Rundown:

2:00 Eno's Updated SP Rankings: The 'Hype 7' is on the Move!

6:25 Future Drafts: Is There Usually a Group Like This to Target?

12:55 Emmet Sheehan's Velo: Wide Fluctuations Start-to-Start

17:00 Another Top-20 SP in Pittsburgh? Braxton Ashcraft Joins the Fray

20:56 Gavin Williams' Adjustments: Is He Becoming an Ace?

30:29 Using Fresh Rankings: Finding Fits on the Trade Front

34:18 José Soriano: Top-25 Guy Now, Defensive Limitations?

38:58 A.J. Ewing & Henry Bolte: Most Intriguing Waiver-Wire Hitters This Weekend?

44:12 JJ Bleday's Breakout: A True Post-Hype Sleeper is Delivering!

50:05 Vaughn Grissom's Opportunity: Good Enough to Stick in Anaheim?

54:36 Pitching Considerations: Bryce Miller is Back, G-Rod Nearing Return

55:54 A Tough Toss-Up: Ben Brown vs. Griffin Jax

1:01:44 Closer Corner: Still Waiting on Ryan Helsley

Eno's Starting Pitcher Rankings: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7277683/

Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social

Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social

e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Editor: Jason Potere

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

Have you ever compared baseball to microtones? Neither had we — until today. The guys dive into the music of Angine de Poitrine to explore just how many pitch types a pitcher could realistically master. Then, Eno, Trevor, and DVR head behind the plate to break down the surprising development of Pirates catcher Henry Davis’ command model.

Rundown:

1:47 Bryce Miller is Back

7:38 Cal Raleigh Placed on the IL

8:16 Max Fried Exits with Elbow Soreness

11:05 Robby Snelling to the IL

13:12 Francisco Alvarez Likely Out Eight Weeks (Knee Surgery)

15:05 Getting the Return Right: Coming Back from the IL

20:17 Pitching & Microtones?

27:00 Covering Everything: Having Pitches for All Situations

35:36 Two Splitters? Roki Sasaki’s Attempt to Find More Options

40:38 Nothing in the Middle? Empty Space for Cutters & Gyro Sliders

44:44 Thinking About Development: Creative Solutions to Pitching Problems?

52:00 Henry Davis’ Command Model

Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social

Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social

Follow Trevor on Bluesky: @iamtrevormay.bsky.social

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: Trevor May

Editor: Jason Potere

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