The Shallows EP 009 - Believe It Or Not

In this episode of *The Shallows*, hosts Eric Henrickson and Carson Picard dive deep into the chaotic early season of fantasy baseball, focusing on the high-stakes decisions faced by managers in 10-team and smaller leagues. The episode opens with a wave of injuries—Hunter Brown, Alejandro Kirk, Juan Soto, Cade Horton (who faces season-ending UCL surgery), and others—highlighting the fragility of rosters and the constant need for depth. But the real firestorm comes in the segment "Sink or Swim," where the hosts dissect five hot hitters and pitchers, separating sustainable success from hot streaks. Carson delivers a scathing takedown of Trevor Story and Yenier Diaz, calling them "unbelievable" in shallow leagues, while passionately endorsing Jordan Walker and Taj Bradley as legitimate breakout candidates backed by StatCast data and actionable changes in approach. The episode culminates in a bold declaration: in shallow formats, you must believe in transformation, not just talent. As Carson puts it, "It’s happening. That’s how I feel about Jordan Walker, okay? I am living that meme right now." The hosts conclude with a powerful reminder: in the shallow waters of fantasy baseball, the only thing you can trust is the data—and the courage to act on it before the tide turns. Key takeaways include the importance of distinguishing between hot starts and sustainable production, the value of pitch data over raw stats, and the necessity of aggressive roster management.