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.Rundown1:44 Baseball Celebrates Jackie Robinson Day5:53 Matt Shaw Optioned to Triple-A10:10 An Unusually Closed Stance & Foot Position16:52 What Is Fixable at MLB Level, What Requires a Demotion?22:00 Cam Smith & Aggressive Timetables31:05 Player Development Is Not Linear: Ben Rice v. Tyler Soderstrom v. Spencer Torkelson49:05 Best Bet for Long-Term Success?Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.sociale-mail: [email protected] our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Jed LowrieProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.