Balancing Present Needs with Major League Development

Eno, DVR, and Jed discuss baseball's annual celebration of Jackie Robinson Day, before examining the Cubs' decision to demote Matt Shaw at Triple-A, the challenge of balancing present needs with long-term player development, and expectations for a trio of fast-starting starting hitters - including Ben Rice, Spencer Torkelson, and Tyler Soderstrom. Rundown 1:44 Baseball Celebrates Jackie Robinson Day 5:53 Matt Shaw Optioned to Triple-A 10:10 An Unusually Closed Stance & Foot Position 16:52 What Is Fixable at MLB Level, What Requires a Demotion? 22:00 Cam Smith & Aggressive Timetables 31:05 Player Development Is Not Linear: Ben Rice v. Tyler Soderstrom v. Spencer Torkelson 49:05 Best Bet for Long-Term Success? Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social Follow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.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: Jed Lowrie Producer: Brian Smith Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.