Early Draft Season Observations as Spring Training Begins

Eno and DVR share a takeaways from the early part of draft season as spring training camps get underway, including the benefits of waiting to build a pitching staff (so far), and how looking back at some of last year's biggest rebounds can serve as a helpful reminder of the different sources of late-round value. Plus, they answer mailbag questions about past Tommy John surgeries, possible Astros regret with the Christian Walker deal after Pete Alonso's two-year deal with the Mets, and the dynasty league mindset of trading down a top-tier player to play for the future. Rundown 5:20 What Have You Learned From Winter Drafts? 9:17 Waiting on Starting Pitching Feels Great 16:02 Looking Back at Pitching Rebounds From 2023 to 2024 19:05 Looking Back at Hitting Rebounds From 2023 to 2024 26:45 Watching on Second Catchers is Gross 35:04 Accounting for Tommy John Surgeries Further in the Past 44:03 Do the Astros Regret Their Christian Walker Deal After Pete Alonso's Two-Year Pact? 50:06 Dynasty Trading Mindset: Flipping a Current Top-Tier Player 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 Producer Brian Smith Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.