Jackson Holliday Joins The Show & Breakout 2nd Year Bats
1Digest
This podcast covers various aspects of Major League Baseball, including player contract negotiations (Cal Raleigh's extension and Evan Carter's optioning), bullpen battles (Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants), and predictions for breakout hitters in 2025. The Texas Rangers' closer situation is analyzed, comparing Luke Jackson and Chris Martin. The Giants' rotation and bullpen are discussed, focusing on Landon Roup and Hayden Bird. The podcast also features an interview with Orioles' infielder Jackson Holiday, where he discusses his rookie season struggles, swing adjustments, and his approach to the game, including his use of baseball analytics. The discussion includes analysis of factors contributing to player success, such as Max EV, swinging strike rate, and the impact of the automated ball-strike system. Key factors for identifying potential breakout hitters are highlighted, focusing on players with high Max EV and improving strikeout rates.
Outlines
MLB Player News & Team Analysis
Analysis of Cal Raleigh's contract extension, Evan Carter's optioning, the Texas Rangers' bullpen battle (Jackson vs. Martin), and the San Francisco Giants' rotation and bullpen decisions (Roup vs. Bird).
Breakout Hitters & Advanced Analytics
Discussion of identifying potential 2025 breakout hitters based on performance metrics (Max EV, strikeout rate) and an explanation of advanced analytics like contact point.
Jackson Holiday Interview
An interview with Orioles' infielder Jackson Holiday, covering his rookie season struggles, swing adjustments, and his use of baseball analytics.
Keywords
MLB Breakout Players
Players expected to significantly improve performance in upcoming seasons, analyzed using metrics like Max EV and strikeout rate.
Spring Training Performance
MLB spring training statistics and observations offering insights into player readiness and potential for the regular season.
Automated Ball-Strike System
The new automated ball-strike system and its impact on player performance and adjustments.
Max EV (Maximum Exit Velocity)
A key indicator of raw power and potential for home runs.
Swinging Strike Rate
Percentage of swings resulting in a strike; a lower rate indicates better plate discipline.
Contact Point
A new baseball analytic measuring bat-ball contact point, providing insights into timing and hitting mechanics.
Texas Rangers Bullpen
Analysis of the competition for the closer role within the Texas Rangers bullpen.
San Francisco Giants Rotation
Discussion of the San Francisco Giants' starting rotation and bullpen decisions.
Cal Raleigh Contract
Details of Cal Raleigh's six-year contract extension with the Seattle Mariners.
Q&A
What factors contribute to the significant difference in difficulty between AAA and MLB pitching?
MLB pitchers possess superior command, velocity, and a wider array of effective pitches, exploiting hitters' weaknesses.
Which Texas Rangers reliever is most likely to secure the closing role?
Chris Martin is considered more reliable than Luke Jackson due to overall performance and experience.
How can fantasy baseball players identify potential breakout hitters?
Look for second-year players with high Max EV and improving strikeout rates, even if their rookie season was underwhelming. Consider players at premium defensive positions with limited playing time.
What adjustments did Jackson Holiday make to overcome his early-season struggles?
He simplified his load, shifting from a leg kick to a toe-tap, and focused on hitting the ball the other way.
Does Jackson Holiday utilize advanced baseball analytics in his approach?
While not tracking specific metrics like contact point, he intuitively considers timing and ball location to adjust his swing.
Show Notes
Eno and DVR are joined by Orioles star Jackson Holliday to talk about his love for donuts, struggling in his rookie season, the big difference between AAA pitchers vs MLB pitchers, if he looks at his contact point and much more. They also talk about some of the big news of the week and look at some breakout 2nd year bats that they have their eye on.
Please participate in our listener survey! theathletic.com/athletic/survey25
(Three lucky entries will receive £/$100 worth of Amazon vouchers!)
Rundown
0:45- Cal Raleigh gets a big extension
2:10- Evan Carter gets sent down to AAA
5:45- Could Luke Jackson be the closer in Texas?
8:45- Landen Roupp makes the Giants starting rotation
10:38- Breakout second year hitting candidates
23:24- Orioles Star Jackson Holliday joins the show
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
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