Dan Szymborski: Main screen turn on.

Dan Szymborski: Been a few weeks since I did a chat – first I was away and then I haven’t been very social (lost a cat very suddenly and unexpectedly). No chat this week (traveling), but should hopefully settle into a normal pattern during the ZiPS Season.

JD15: Yesterday the Cubs declined the option on Jason Hammel which seemed very reasonable considering current market. Even if they didn’t plan to use him next year, wouldn’t it have made sense to pick up the option and trade him? Do you think this is Cubs trying to be “good people” by allowing Hammel to pick his own team (and make more money) or is it more likely medical related?

Dan Szymborski: And I’m holding the off-topics for the Lightning Round, for those that forgot.

Dan Szymborski: I would have picked up the option. Since they had a $2 million buyout anyway, it was essentially an option to pick up Hammel at 1/8, which I absolutely would have taken.

Dan Szymborski: I believe it was a mistake to not pick it up.

Jeff Sullivan: Hello friends

Jeff Sullivan: Welcome to offseason Friday baseball chat

Bork: Hello, friend!

Jeff Sullivan: Hello friend

Jeff Sullivan: You are always so prompt!

CamdenWarehouse: How does game 7 fit into the lessons about reliever usage in postseason?

Craig Edwards: I am here. I am sure Jeff Sullivan will be here soon. Game time is moved up to 7pm CT. Let’s get the questions going.

Craig Edwards:

desertfox9139: my dad surprised me by stopping by to watch the game tonight. born in 1948. maybe a sign….

Zonk: Rain looks like it will be a factor tonight

Craig Edwards: Be glad it isn’t in Chicago. Been pretty miserable all day.

toki: Does Maddon pull a double switch when Lester comes in to put Ross behind the plate and keep Contreras in the game?

Dave Cameron: Happy Game 7 Day, everyone.

Dave Cameron: Obviously, most of today’s questions will be about the game tonight. We’ll do some offseason stuff too if you want, but tonight should be fun, so let’s focus mostly on that.

Jordan: What happens to Kluber’s numbers on multiples of short rest?

Dave Cameron: No one really knows for sure. What we can infer from regular bullpen usage is that days of rest impact endurance the most, not necessarily short-term performance. So I think Cleveland can be comfortable getting 3-4 innings from Kluber, essentially treating him as a Miller-esque reliever. Beyond that, I wouldn’t push it.

Matt: Who wins tonight?

Dave Cameron: Gut says Cleveland. Kluber/Miller/Allen can handle the whole game. They have home field. The Cubs are going to have some easy outs in their line-up, especially with Ross catching most of the game. And their pitching just isn’t set up as well.

Dave Cameron: Welcome to the Game 6 live blog!

Dave Cameron: Eno Sarris and I will be your hosts tonight.

Dave Cameron:

Dave Cameron:

Dave Cameron:

desertfox9139: can miller go 4 innings tonight if he is averaging 10 to 12 pitches per inning?

august fagerstrom: November baseball chat!

august fagerstrom: cool thing

august fagerstrom: chat soundtrack is Anthony Rizzo’s walkup music, which isn’t the kind of thing I’d typically listen to but has been stuck in my head since Game 3 and is awesome when played loud in Wrigley

august fagerstrom: same with this, which they sometimes play between innings

august fagerstrom: ok, let’s do it

Daniel: Lester available out of the bullpen. True or False: He can only enter the game at the start of an inning or when nobody is on base.

Eric A Longenhagen: Good morning from Scottsdale Stadium where I’m getting one last look at the Padres Fall Leaguers before I write them up as part of the SD list.

Eric A Longenhagen: Giants went live today, that’s here: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/prospect-reports-san-francisco-giants/

Eric A Longenhagen: Please take two questions a piece so the kids who get here late can still have some.

Eric A Longenhagen: Okay, let’s begin.

Zonk: Has Eloy Jimenez’s performance in the AFL changed your opinion of him at all? He’s been OK, but an AFL assignment was aggressive for him given age/experience, is that right?

Eric A Longenhagen: He looks great, no change of opinion. Monster raw power, probably a little tired right now.

Carson Cistulli: This has begun! This largely one-sided conversation has begun!

Carson Cistulli: And Eric Longenhagen, who’s far more likable, will arrive soon.

Eric A Longenhagen: I’m totally here.

Eric A Longenhagen: And ready to appear likable.

Miguel Sano: Over/under 12.5 outs for Bauer tonight?

Carson Cistulli: I’d guess over. Francona will likely be a bu more patient tonight, is my idle speculation.

Eno Sarris: oh it’s just a

Ryan Pollack: Properly this time:

Ryan Pollack: That’s my musical contribution for the evening. Let’s get this party started!

Harambe: Eno, this music is terrible.

Eno Sarris: Oh I know. I’m sorry. It was a funny.

Chris: hey eno, i’m in bells and founders land but stone from San Diego or whatever just recently started being carried by several places here. what should i look for?