Podcast:Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball Published On: Wed Aug 23 2023 Description: Eno and DVR discuss a few takeaways from the first seven rounds of the Too Early Meatball Draft -- including the myriad of great choices from the No. 3 spot on the first round, continuing to draft starting pitchers early if other teams try to wait, a potential rebound from Trea Turner, and Elly De La Cruz's push toward top-15 status for 2024. Plus, they discuss a few differences in how to approach protecting a lead at the end of the season compared to attempts to make up ground. Link to Too Early Meatball Draft Board: https://twitter.com/deadpullhitter/status/1694203814910275867/photo/1Rundown1:20 The Top of the Board from the 'Too Early Meatball Draft'6:47 Skills Growth From Fernando Tatis Jr.10:31 Spencer Strider v. Elite Bats at Pick 314:54 A Smaller Circle of Trust for Closers in Early Draft Formats?21:21 Freddie Freeman Keeps Getting Better25:37 Chasing Power In The Current Run Environment26:55 Elly De La Cruz's Push Toward Round 132:47 Interest in Re-Drafting at All-Star Break38:07 What's Going On with Trea Turner?43:08 Matt McLain's Great Rookie Season51:17 How to Protect a Lead60:35 Chasing a LeadFollow Eno on Twitter: @enosarrisFollow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRipere-mail: ratesandbarrels@theathletic.comSubscribe to The Athletic at $2/month for the first year: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsSubscribe to the Rates & Barrels YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/RatesBarrelsNuts.com is offering new customers a free gift with purchase and free shipping on orders of $29 or more at Nuts.com/rates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.