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Roki Sasaki's Debut & Our Most Rostered Players

Roki Sasaki's Debut & Our Most Rostered Players

Update: 2025-03-19
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This podcast covers a range of topics related to baseball, including an in-depth analysis of Rocky Sasaki's MLB debut, focusing on his pitching performance, command, and potential. The hosts discuss fantasy baseball draft strategies, weighing the importance of spring training performance against future potential and the risks associated with drafting lesser-known players. A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to discussing the controversy surrounding the Department of Defense's removal of a Jackie Robinson story from its website, exploring the implications for diversity and representation. Finally, the podcast provides injury updates for several key players, including Jared Jones, Jung Hoo Lee, and Yu Darvish, analyzing the impact on their respective teams' rosters and fantasy baseball value. The hosts also share their own fantasy baseball team strategies and the players they are most heavily relying on for the 2025 season.

Outlines

00:02:05
Rocky Sasaki's Debut, Spring Training, & Fantasy Baseball Strategies

Analysis of Rocky Sasaki's MLB debut, his pitching strengths and weaknesses, and comparison to other pitchers. Discussion of fantasy baseball draft strategies, balancing early-season performance with long-term potential.

00:23:20
Jackie Robinson Controversy & MLB Injury Updates

Discussion of the controversy surrounding the removal of a Jackie Robinson story from the Department of Defense website and its implications. Analysis of injuries to Jared Jones and their impact on team rosters and fantasy baseball value.

00:46:58
Further Injury Updates & Fantasy Team Strategies

Additional injury updates, focusing on Jung Hoo Lee and Yu Darvish, and their fantasy baseball consequences. The hosts discuss their fantasy baseball teams and their most relied-upon players for 2025.

Keywords

Rocky Sasaki


Japanese pitcher making MLB debut; high-velocity fastball; command issues; devastating splitter; comparison to Kevin Gausman.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy


Strategies for drafting players in fantasy baseball; balancing early-season performance vs. long-term potential; risk assessment of high-upside, low-floor players.

MLB Injury Updates


Discussion of injuries to various MLB players (Jared Jones, Jung Hoo Lee, Yu Darvish); impact on team rosters and fantasy baseball value; analysis of potential replacement players.

Jackie Robinson Controversy


Removal of a Jackie Robinson story from the Department of Defense website; implications for diversity and representation; broader societal issues.

Q&A

  • What are the biggest strengths and weaknesses of Rocky Sasaki's pitching arsenal?

    Sasaki possesses a high-velocity fastball and a devastating splitter. However, his command is inconsistent, and he lacks a reliable third pitch.

  • How should fantasy baseball players approach drafting based on early-season performance?

    There's a risk/reward trade-off. Drafting based on early performance can yield immediate wins but might miss out on players with higher long-term potential. Consider league format and roster depth.

  • How do the injuries to Jared Jones and other players impact their teams' rosters and fantasy value?

    Injuries create opportunities for other players to step up. Fantasy value shifts accordingly, with potential replacements gaining value while injured players lose it. The severity and duration of the injury are key factors.

  • What are the implications of the Jackie Robinson story removal from the Department of Defense website?

    The incident raises concerns about the suppression of diverse narratives and the potential chilling effect on discussions of diversity and inclusion. It highlights a broader societal issue.

Show Notes

Eno and DVR discuss Roki Sasaki's big-league debut in Game 2 of the Dodgers-Cubs series in Tokyo, the now-restored DoD page about the life of Jackie Robinson, a second option for Jared Jones' elbow injury, and other spring news and notes -- including an encouraging outing from Tyler Mahle. Plus, they reveal their most rostered players (so far) ahead of the 2025 season.


Rundown

2:15 The Free Look at Two Games of the 2025 Season

3:55 Roki Sasaki's MLB Debut

7:21 Movement Profiles of Roki Sasaki's Pitches from Baseball Prospectus

14:51 When to Consider Giving Up Switch-Hitting (inspired by Tommy Edman)

21:13 DoD Deletes Articles About Jackie Robinson's Army History (Update: Restored Wednesday afternoon following the recording of this episode)

25:53 Jared Jones: Getting Second Opinion on Elbow Injury

30:28 Jace Jung's Demotion to Triple-A; Spencer Torkelson's Opportunity?

41:31 Is Tyler Mahle Feeling Froggy?

46:02 Our Most Rostered Players: Players We're Leaning On in 2025

53:30 Eno Attempts to Guess DVR's List


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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Roki Sasaki's Debut & Our Most Rostered Players

Roki Sasaki's Debut & Our Most Rostered Players

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