Eno Sarris Baseball Chat — 10/30/14

Eno Sarris: I’ll be here at the top of the hour, whatever hour that may be for you. In the meantime — I love Weezer, but this new Sleater-Kinney is better in my humble opinion.

Sub Pop:

Comment From baseball
baseball.

Comment From Pennsy
I wish it was baseball season.

Comment From Kaiser Sosa
Which of these two WS teams is more likely to be back next year?

Eno Sarris: I’ll say neither!

Comment From a sympathetic cubs fan
could that have gone in a more crushing fashion for KC fans than it did?

Eno Sarris: That double/triple from Gordon was sphincter clench inducing on the west coast. What a crazy moment. And then ALL the high fastballs.

Comment From wilter
Does joe maddon hiring actually matter, or is it just nice pr?

Eno Sarris: I tend to think these things matter over the course of years. Managers are middle managers, and they need to be good at fostering a caring dedicated work environment number one. I think Maddon is good at that. The other stuff adds up to a win or so a year I bet.

Comment From Sadwick
It is now officially the offseason, LET THE RAMPANT SPECULATION BEGIN!!!!!!

Eno Sarris: A’s and Braves. That’s where I’m looking for a lot of offseason play. I htink the Dodgers buy some relievers and *maybe* trade an outfielder.

Comment From Samuel Kelvin Peralta Sosa
bumps chest, kisses fist, bumps chest twice, makes peace sign

Eno Sarris: Hosmer did *not* have a good day.

Comment From Pennsy
Let’s say, theoretically, Jayson Werth is an FA this season and wants $63m over three years. Do the punchless Yankees make that deal?

Eno Sarris: The thing is, it was a good signing but would I double down? I’m not sure. He’s older than most realize since he was a late bloomer.

Comment From Mike Bordick
MB is younger than I am, and he has more WS rings than I will ever see.

Eno Sarris: So he’s the new MB.

Comment From SLEATER
KINNEY

Eno Sarris: Filed in “Bands I Didn’t Expect To Get Back Together”

Comment From Rams
does ender enciarte see regular playing time in 2015?

Eno Sarris: I thnk he’s their fourth guy. Surprised me with some pop but I think he’s a glove guy.

Comment From Logan
Does Allen Craig bounce back?

Eno Sarris: Man this practically led to a yelling match last time. I think line drives don’t worry too much about ankles and he’s been a good line drive hitter. Spray guy, which I think helps with platoon splits. Nice park. I’ll have him on some benches.

Comment From Los
My wife correctly predicted the winner of every playoff series and both wild card games this year. She got the Tigers-A’s series wrong last year but every other series and wild card game right. I was 1-9 this year and 4-9 last year. She watched maybe 5 games a year and then the World series with me. I watch and read baseball for 6 months a year. Does she know more about baseball than I do?

Eno Sarris: Take her to Vegas?

Comment From Rams
what is your fantasy outlook on yumeiro petit in 2015? worth keeping at 7 dollars in a league with a 300 dollar cap?

Eno Sarris: Cain comes back, but Peavy and Vogelsong leave. But Hudson’s still there. So it’s Bumgarner / Cain / Hudson / Petit / Lincecum right now… yeah he’s worth keeping, even with a little HR/9 regression.

Comment From Marty
Hello offseason, my old friend
I’ve come to talk with you again
Because a vision of baseball leaving
Left its seeds upon us last evening
And the baseball, that was planted in my brain
Still remains…
Within the sound of silence

Comment From GSon
Let the hot stove season begin !!

Comment From A Different Eno
~~ambient sounds~~

Comment From Mookie Betts
Hi, I’m the talking point now.

Eno Sarris: Strong lude.

Comment From Guest
i brought these triscuits into the office and i eat them when i get hungry but then lunch rolls around and i’m not hungry and then i get a little hungry and i eat more triscuits and then i’m never hungry for the lunch i brought and that’s much more healthy and the lunch just sits in the common fridge going bad and i am still here eating triscuits what do i do

Eno Sarris: had to do that. one-man lude.

Comment From Guest
At least i have ottoneu arb to keep busy

Eno Sarris: Oh man DON”T FORGET

Comment From Pennsy
What do you think Anthony Rendon is doing right now? Do you think he’s thinking about me?

Eno Sarris: We’re definitely thinking about him. Like: will he play third or second base next year?

Comment From mtsw
Do you think the decline of interest in autograph-seeking as a hobby/business means fewer players will act like dicks when running into fans in real life?

Eno Sarris: It’s declining? Damn, doesn’t seem that way in the moment the stadium opens and all those guys run down to the dugout. I can’t hate on people that like to collect, I used to collect all kinds of things, but there is a sort of disingenuity (if that’s a word) to what they do. “Hey, Buster, I went to school with your sister.” “I dont’ have a sister.” That sort of thing sours the players on the interaction.

Eno Sarris: And it’s still happening, so I guess I say no.

Comment From Badison Mumgarner
word is that the sawx hate cespedes (how could they, he seems so snuggly) where could they trade him if they wanted to. would j.zimmerman make sense?

Eno Sarris: They do need pitching. How about Jeff Samardzija?

Comment From Art Vandelay
The Giants killed NotGraphs. Never forget.

Eno Sarris: THOSE BASTARDS

Comment From Ben
Who are the three biggest names that will be traded this offseason?

Eno Sarris: Yoenis Cespedes, Jeff Samardzija and Andre Ethier.

Comment From Vslyke
Should the Braves consider trading Kimbrel? His value will never be higher and the Braves need some help and salary relief.

Eno Sarris: I mean they should, and they might. If they returning to the old Braves Way, that was all Alejandro Pena and Kerry Ligtenberg and find yourself a closer, don’t pay for it.

Comment From SteveV
Olney tweeted that it would have been interesting if Gordon ran hard out of the box? I didn’t notice even on the replay, did you?

Eno Sarris: I didn’t notice that he wasn’t running hard. To me it looked like Buster wasn’t running hard, but it could have been nagging injury. But I don’t think that looked like a little league homer unless Billy Hamilton was running. They showed that if he had gone home, he would have been meat.

Comment From Nick
So what in the hell am I supposed to do now?

Eno Sarris: this

Comment From David
So what’s the first free agent shoe to drop?

Eno Sarris: Probably a re-sign of a veteran. So I’m hoping for Rockies’ sake not Cuddyer. How about Russ Martin? They’ve had a while to talk.

Comment From Ben
will the nl central be the best division in baseball next year?

Eno Sarris: I think the Brewers were a little over their head, but the Cubs should come on strong once they sign a pitcher. If not 2015, 2016 looks pretty exciting.

Comment From The Big Dipper
IS Bumgarner the best post season pitcher of all time

Eno Sarris: Worth more than a guess in a chat room to me. But if you’re talking modern times… let’s say this: his world series performance was the best of all time? Randy Johnson’s relief outing was only two innings.

Comment From The Big Dipper
Dude that song you posted is horrible

Eno Sarris: Each his own. The weird thing is, I like so many different musics and post so many different songs, everyone thinks I a) Love their favorite band b) Listen to only shite music or c) Both and wut.

Comment From Alexander Keith
You mean single + 2 base error by Gregory White.

Eno Sarris: With a half error by Juan Perez.

Comment From Marty
Welcome back A-Rod. We’ve missed you?

Eno Sarris: Welcome back A-Rod, meet a rod.

No, I’m not saying someone should Kerrigan him. Just saying I’m not sure the yanks would mind

Comment From mtsw
Why not pinch run Gore for Gordon in the 9th? Fucks with the pitcher and third baseman and he can possibly score on any ball in the dirt. With the season on the line, what’s the downside?

Eno Sarris: Tie the game and your best hitter is out of it? Gordon’s fleet enough. But not a bad idea.

Comment From E-Sarr
Is there anything we can do about this horrible “MadBum” nickname. its just awful.

Eno Sarris: I’ve been calling him MvB but I’m not sure that’s any better. In SF, ther’s some “rocketeer” for the snot rockets in flight.

Comment From Bubba
Better keeper in an OPS league: Betts or Kipnis? I don’t want to be too down on Kipnis after a bad year… but Mookie!

Eno Sarris: Kipnis has shown more power and it’s hard to say how many bases Betts will steal. Betts better batting average, but his job more in jeopardy. I love Betts but I think I go Kipnis here.

Comment From Andy F.
Just go to the relieve store all “ah I’ll take two of those RHPs they look very nice, and 195lbs of a LHP thank you very much”

Eno Sarris: I mean, relievers man, they could basically be at a store.

Eno Sarris: here’s a song some of you will hate that I love

Gean Müller:

Comment From hscer
When do pitchers and catchers report?

Eno Sarris: Mid February, so a lot of cold between now and then. But FG+ should drop at least a week earlier.

Comment From Vic Romano
What are the chances that the Cubs sign Bryant to a long-term deal this offseason so that they can skip all that service-time nonsense and have him in the opening day lineup?

Eno Sarris: Not bad, but we haven’t seen Theo do a ton of this, have we? That’s more likely with Friedman and Joc Pederson.

Comment From Ben
does soler have more upside than bryant?

Eno Sarris: More athletic in a well-rounded way, might have more defensive value, fewer strikeouts… Bryant has more power upside… Probably still Bryant but boy you have to love what Soler has done with this plate discipline. I’ll give Bryant higher celiing (big power third baseman) and lower floor as a swing and miss COF.

Comment From Bruce
True or False. I wont recognize any of the WS players next year with clean shaven faces (answer: true)

Eno Sarris: I’m not the one to ask this because I’ll say yes definitely and be careful with google image search.

Comment From A sad still not-quite attorney
I failed the bar 🙁

Eno Sarris: Well now you have three cold ass months with no baseball to study up again. I hear it’s a tough test. I’m never taking it though!

Comment From David
I’m sorry, but I can’t buy the Giants as a “dynasty” until they have more regular season success. It’s sort of like in the NFL. The Patriots haven’t won a title in 10 years, but they are right there EVERY SINGLE YEAR. That’s more of a dynasty than say the NY Giants that won 2 very close together. To be a dynasty, you have to be DOMINANT and the Giants haven’t been outside of October.

Eno Sarris: So you’re more of a 90s Braves guy?

Comment From Pennsy
How does one embed a youtube, anyhow??

Eno Sarris: Rated Rookie? I have a whole setup here you guys can’t see. Maybe try the embed link and shove that in your post.

Comment From CrayCrayPlan
Nats agree sign span (option), trade to seattle for brad miller (span + b prospect), nats then trade Giolito for Gomez?

Eno Sarris: I don’t get it. They still have jackson.

Comment From metzwinston
As a Cubs fan, I am freaking out. Need an official announcement soon. *breathes into paper bag*

Comment From Marty
me 3 weeks from now: WHERE THE HELL IS THE BASEBALL?!?!

Comment From Marty
me right now: oh good, i can catch up on sleep, watch some hockey, maybe…some films…

Eno Sarris: BAckwards lude.

Comment From Fidel
I realize it’s not MLB’s fault that Cuba/US relations aren’t in a great spot, but at what point do we as baseball fans need to be concerned abt the shadowy channels by which these players get to the states? Every time I see “[player x] missing” it’s a little disconcerting.

Eno Sarris: Unfortunately, this is a political problem and our political system seems broken.

Comment From hscer
Apologies that today’s Sporcle quiz isn’t *just* baseball, but there is baseball in it: www.sporcle.com/games/hscer…

Comment From Rams
what stat line do you expect from A Rod in 2015?

Eno Sarris: .250/15/60/60/5

Comment From Enos Beer
Expectations for Shoemaker?

Eno Sarris: A few more homers as people figure out his fastball a bit more.

Eno Sarris: That was a question about Matt Shoemaker that got gobbled by CIL.

Comment From Technology and stuff
That poor poor Chevy guy. All of Amercia was uncomfortable at the same time

Eno Sarris: What a terrible assignment. Here, hand a millionaire a free Chevy right after he won the championship in front of celebrating fans that don’t give a crap about you.

Comment From the italian stallion
You a coffee man, or do you keep your snobby appreciation of everyman beverages to beer?

Eno Sarris: Man I *wish* I could like coffee but my acid reflux does better with beer for some reason.

Comment From H8KC
Will 2014 be Lorenzo Cain’s career year?

Eno Sarris: 28 years old, .360 BABIP… oft injured. I think so. Only thing he could do better is get to 600+ PA, which he’s never done.

Comment From The Oriole Bird
After losing a bet, I asked a couple weeks ago about what Baltimore six-pack to get my buddy who’s a Royals fan. The one you mentioned couldn’t be obtained easily. So I went with DuClaw’s Sweet Baby Jesus (chocolate peanut butter porter, brewed in Maryland about 30 miles from Baltimore). It is 6.26 BAR and 102 Style+ on Beergraphs. Have you had it? Sounds like a perfect Halloween brew, amirite?

Eno Sarris: Yeah it’s basically a peanut butter cup beer. I liked it, but I like sweet porters and stouts. It’s basically second-best in the state, so well done. At least he’ll get to try something rare.

Comment From hscer
Hunter Strickland: O/U 6 HR allowed in 2015 regular season?

Eno Sarris: under. pitches 50 IP, gives up five. Spends some time in minors.

Comment From Nick
Do you think Nick Swisher will be any good next season? So much money… 🙁 🙁

Eno Sarris: Already practicing for his next career. 33, almost two wins below replacement, projected for half a win next year. The whiff rate exploded though. Maybe he can tame that and hit .250 with 20 homers again, shouldn’t be too hard.

Comment From Rams
300 dollar cap- OBP roto league. Do I keep jacoby ellsbury at &33?

Eno Sarris: yes.

Comment From Ceej
The vaunted 1-2 of Buxton/Sano just keeps getting pushed back. With Buxton’s latest injury and what has been said about Sano, do we even see either for September call ups? I want to keep both for a keeper/dynasty, but it’s getting depressing.

Eno Sarris: Yeah I think we’ll see at least Sano next year. Buxton’s new finger thing… still, by September they’ll want to see some big league PA I figure.

Comment From Ceetar
What beer pairs best with a ridiculous amount of candy and chocolate? ..asking for a friend.

Eno Sarris: I think you have to fight sweet with sweet. If you go hoppy, that hoppy beer will taste so bitter. Get a milk stout?

Comment From Rams
are you excited about any little known prospects or 2014 draftees?

Eno Sarris: I want to see more Jace Peterson. for sure. Steven Souza, Dean Anna. The list will embiggen as I research and edit for FG+.

Comment From Guest
Accurate analysis: Royals can’t really hit good pitching; SF had one good pitcher who they could lean on just enough to get it done?

Eno Sarris: One fix: nobody can really hit good pitching, that’s why it’s good pitching.

Eno Sarris: With Madison Bumgarner you just gotta lean back and

Chris Brad:

Comment From The Big Dipper
have you had dragon’s milk? how do u rate it?

Eno Sarris: I liked it a lot. It’s a big beer, and I’d have to more again soon in order to properly rank it among other big beers, but I’d have it again.

Comment From Miketron
Any chance Toronto can remake Justin Smoak like Bautista/E5?

Eno Sarris: He was saying it’s all park, but our metrics are park adjusted and still don’t like him.

Eno Sarris: But if they focused on one side of the plate? Maybe.

Comment From Tacoby Bellsbury
O/U number of players who change their names to Mookie this offseason? I’ll say 3, one being Mookie Despaigne.

Eno Sarris: The unibrow? No, he loves himself. I have a grips piece with him coming.

Comment From john
RJ – on zero rest

Eno Sarris: That’s pretty rock star.

Comment From Wicomico Pinstripes
Would Bochy have been smart or stupid to pull Bumgarner in favor of Romo to face Perez?

Eno Sarris: That was the only real time that I thought it was up in the air, to start the ninth, you had a lefty, and then Gordon was a lefty… but a righty, and he’d just given up hard contact… If they had some info on Perez having a high hard fastball problem, though, then it’s all about Bumgarner there.

Comment From Sadwick
I think oatmeal porters would go well with the chocolate. Some sweeter red ales would work well with all of the candy.

Eno Sarris: Oatmeal is a good idea.

Comment From The Oriole Bird
Should I still consider Dylan Bundy to be a top-tier SP prospect?

Eno Sarris: Sure, I wouldn’t worry too hard about his A-ball strikeout rate coming back from TJ.

Comment From Tacoby Bellsbury
Fun fact: Sandbox profanity chat filter used to auto-change Mike Bordick to Mike BorHotDog

Comment From Guest
XOCOVEZA practically is halloween beer. put it in your trick or treat bag, and drink it surreptitiously on the sidewalks of your exurban housing development.

Comment From Guest
Where should the Indians look to upgrade first? RF? DH? Bullpen?

Eno Sarris: They have Ramsey coming, and Lindor, so some of what they need is on the way. Their biggest failing was defense, though, so it’s hard to say what they need to do. I think they just need to buy a cheap reliever or two, maybe a platoon OF bat that can play a little D… not much. I like them a lot for next year.

Comment From john
please tell me why everyone thins cuddyer is a good fit for the mets… jesus christ if sandy does that im disowning baseball

Eno Sarris: Well they do need outfield power, so for me it’s all about the price. If they can go from 92ish wRC+ as a team to 96-98 (not even average), I think they can compete with that staff.

Comment From Jim
Are the Twins going to be the Cubs of the AL come 2016?

Eno Sarris: No. They need more time. The cupboard is not stacked.

Comment From Guest
You think your keeper dynasty team has it bad? Imagine how the Twins feel, that sucks.

Comment From Marty
Throw in a photo, pick a beard. Voila. http://manuary.me/

Comment From Nick
What is Nick Swisher’s next career?

Eno Sarris: Talking head, maybe literally.

Comment From BestThatNeveWas
Eno, I have been a big fan and paid homage to Oscar Taveras many times over the last couple years. I am now shamefully forced to find a replacement for him, he was one of my keepers in a deep keeper (10 keepers, 30 roster spots, 1 prospect/NA spot). I have Corey Seager, Adam LaRoche, Collin McHugh and Steve Pearce and Wilmer Flores as non-keeper players with some intrigue. Do you trust any of them or would you look elsewhere?

Eno Sarris: Corey Seager is a great prospect, hold on to him.

Comment From Rams
do you see travis d’arnaud taking a step into the catching elite tier next year? Looks like there may be more pop in his bat than once expected

Eno Sarris: I think it depends a little more on his selectivity. He made a lot of contact and then spotted his worst defensive shortcoming (blocking) and worked hard at it. Power looks sustainable. But catcher BABIP is .280 and without a more selective approach, I don’t see him doing better than .250 in the batting average department. For real life value, and I think for fantasy, he’ll need more walks. That should also push him up the lineup.

Comment From STiVo
What’s your favorite beer style for Winter? (Pretend it’s cold outside where you live.)

Eno Sarris: Sweet/milk stouts.

Comment From Guest
Imagine if the minors were legitimate mines, and bad players got sent there as punishment. Could be a labor law violation but it makes u think

Eno Sarris: Gonna leave that there.

Comment From Tacoby Bellsbury
How many U.S. kids go as Hunter Pence for Halloween this year, roughly?

Eno Sarris: My kid has been going to school as him for a week now. But we’ll switch it up on the day.

MrChawaks:

Comment From hooha
How much LSD does Amaro have to send to Boston to get Mookie Betts back in a trade for Ryan Howard? My guess – ALL the LSD

Comment From Farting for Science
Think the Nats bring back the Assdribbler to play second next year?

Eno Sarris: He was actually my thought for first signing. Makes a lot of sense for them to keep him at second.

Comment From Guest
MUST

Comment From Guest
HAVE

Comment From Guest
WHEAT THINS

Comment From quizmaster
Are you named for Brian Eno? Did your parents consider “Bowie”?

Eno Sarris: Yes and yes. But my mom’s nickname is Ini so it was Eno.

Comment From Neil
Scale of 1-10 how disappointing was lack of Lincecum last night? When he started warming up my hopes were so high

Eno Sarris: My house was, at one point, rooting for extras and five shutout innings from Lincecum for the REDEMPTION SONG.

Comment From Pirates Hurdles
handicap the Russ Martin sweepstakes – Cubs, Dodgers, Bucs?

Eno Sarris: bucs bucs bucs cubs.

Comment From Ringtone Composer
Fantasy question: What to do with Kipnis in a keeper? I got Rendon.

Eno Sarris: keep for selling next year if he doesn’t cost you a spot.

Comment From Rams
what kind of year will juan lagares have in 2015?

Eno Sarris: Worse batting average, more steals. .260/7/20?

Comment From PNW_Engineer
The Red Sox need to clear out an outfielder. Does Roenis Elias land the Mariners Shane Victorino? Who’s winning that deal, and what could be added to balance it?

Eno Sarris: I think the Sox would need to add a high-A arm or something. But do the Mariners really have surplus arms? I think not.

Comment From Guest
Are you going to the parade?

Eno Sarris: I don’t think I could do any better than this in terms of coverage so no http://www.fangraphs.com/no…

Comment From Anonymous for reasons of re-branding
Some guy with my name is breaking into the analytic community. There go my hopes of strong branding.

Eno Sarris: Gotta develop a good handle like Pizza Cutter.

Comment From J
How did MLB allow Maddon to make news during the world series? They usually try to keep things quiet until the postseason is over. Jerk move by Maddon and the Cubs?

Eno Sarris: There is no rule about this. I found that GMs change jobs most often in October. http://www.fangraphs.com/bl…

Comment From Marty
Madison Bumgarner is younger than: Jose Abreu and Jacob deGrom,

Eno Sarris: hot damn

Comment From Pennsy
Did the Giants end NotGraphs, or did NotGraphs end Bud Selig? think about it…

Comment From Aaron
Do you see the Rays making any off-season moves?

Eno Sarris: Yes. Small ones.

Comment From The Big Dipper
add johnny cueto and starlin castro

Eno Sarris: To be traded? I guess Castro more likely now after a good year, but Baez hasn’t proven he’s ready and neither has Russell.

Comment From Alejandro
Question regarding the state of sabrmetrics: is it fair to assume that most FOs are well ahead of the public analytic community (given access to data and higher payrolls + thus access to more and perhaps more talented personnel), and that we’re simply catching up? Or are we really pushing the needle in baseball journals etc.?

Eno Sarris: No, they’re ahead. They keep hiring our best, for example.

Comment From Mostly Just Meh
Why “hot stove”? What is that supposed to evoke?

Eno Sarris: Winter warming hands by the hot stove?

Comment From guayzimi
“Biggest names” means best players, not most letters. Who will be the best players traded this offseason?

Eno Sarris: Why do you think better players than those will be traded? Have I missed all the offseason trades of really good players playing well recently?

Comment From Pennsy
Alternate reality wherein players must engage in retail politicking with media in order to win awards. Who would make the best campaigner?

Eno Sarris: Wilson is the OG, Stanton speaks to youth, but Doolittle’s honesty, availability and snark is a great combo.

Comment From Rams
everything I am reading is saying I should trade Chris carter in my OBP dynasty league but im struggling with dealing him because of his incredible power and the lack of power hitters in the game today. Where do you stand on carter and my situation?

Eno Sarris: I’m nervous. His D is bad and as they get better players, he’ll get pushed down the ladder towards DH. And then if his platoon situation gets worse, he’s a righty.

Comment From #hamerhate
Whenever I try to trade Kimbrel in video games no one ever offers back; too expensive for a reliever no matter how good. Or maybe a broken algorithm that devalues relievers indiscriminately.

Eno Sarris: This is also a problem with trading Kimbrel. I doubt that half the GMs would think they need to trade for him.

Comment From Vic Romano
Pinch-running Gore for Gordon and having him steal home would have been an all-time great WS moment….

Eno Sarris: Truth.

Comment From Ben
Boston’s opening day rotation consists of: ?

dimondgyal876:

Eno Sarris: Yeah I dunno. I still like Allen Webster, each of his pitches is fire. I really like Henry Owens, just a great dude with great stuff. The rest are a super question mark. Something tells me no Lester. Maybe they get Maeda from Japan? Try to buy youth?

Comment From Mike, of Mike and the Mechanics Fame
I’m not a Cubs or Dodgers fan at all… but I can’t wait to see which direction they go in this offseason.

Eno Sarris: I don’t have them down for most moves. I guess Dodgers could make some splashes and have some money, but there were some saying they’ll cut money. So it might just be an Ethier trade and a reliever. And the Cubs need pitching, but they aren’t going to trade prospects for it IMO.

Comment From #ResuscitateNotGraphs
Re: what to do now — comment on NotGraphs and keep it alive

Comment From #ResuscitateNotGraphs
#ZombieGraphs

Comment From Marty
Raise your hand if you had ‘Kerry Ligtenberg’ in the ‘Eno will bring up his name’ pool.

Eno Sarris: Once traded for a bag of balls. Literally.

Comment From mtsw
If the Orioles tag Markakis with a QO but don’t re-sign him (and he passes on the QO), what does the market for him look like?

Eno Sarris: Kinda yucky, no? I mean he’s a good player, but do you want to give up a pick? Protected picks with outfield needs: Twins? Reds? So now you’re asking for a team with a pick at the back end of the first round to jump in. Cardinals? Giants? Then there’s always the Yankees. I don’t see a bidding war in here.

Comment From Sadwick
I counter your Braves and A’s with a Red Sox and Cubs. They have more money available than your picks, the Sox need a new rotation and 3B, and the Cubs are ready to load up and compete.

Eno Sarris: From a free agency perspective, your guys will be more active. I was thinking trades.

Comment From Wow
From Sullivan: “During the playoffs, the Giants’ three other starters combined to allow 30 runs in 48.1 innings. Knowing only that, it would appear to require a miracle for that team to end up as the World Series champion.”

Comment From baseball
did james shields cost himself money with the mediocre postseason?

Eno Sarris: And some of the stats during the season were scary, like his changeup whiff rate. 5/90 still seems doable.

Comment From Mary
Sal Perez has to be fantasy poison next year, right?

Eno Sarris: All those games. I know he’s young and has been durable, but I’m not spending to get him.

Comment From Jake deBomb
don’t tell me you’re buying into the Cespedes to Mets silliness…

Eno Sarris: I don’t think I’d spend a Niese one one year of a low OBP slugger. But a Gee? Doubt that gets him, so doubt it’s happening.

Comment From Guest
No way NL Central is close to best division. One of the worst recently, and for every improvement we see at Wrigley the Brewers and Reds will take one step back.

Eno Sarris: Hard to measure that anyway. If they’re all good, they won’t win a ton of games.

Comment From Pirates Hurdles
MadBum 1 run in 36IP in the World Series, that is just sick

Comment From Badison Mumgarner
*welcome back AROD the yankees shortstop of the future

Comment From Timmy
why isn’t anyone talking about Bumgarner throwing 68 pitches on two days rest? What are chances he suffers an injury next season?

Eno Sarris: I think the short rest thing is about the cumulative effect over the course of a year, not one outing. But 260 innings this year… there have been hangovers from whole staffs after long postseasons runs before.

Comment From Pennsy
How much has Michael Morse’s stock improved from the start of the NLCS? I mean, say the Giants lose the WC play-in or NLDS, the common thinking is he finished the year injured and unable to help his team. Instead, he ends up getting two RBIs in Game 7 and the Giants win it all. How many millions might that modest run of playoffs success be worth?

Eno Sarris: The problem is that it came in the DH position. As much as they gave his injury the blame, they ran a first baseman out in left field over Morse. I still think he’s in the 1/7, 2/10 DH market.

Eno Sarris: Maybe he upped it to 2/20?

Comment From juan pierres mustache
if gordon had managed to score on that single/triple/comedy of errors and KC goes on to win, is that worse than buckner? the only reason i can think of that it wouldn’t be is that SF at least won a title recently, but that was one of the worst combinations of fielding errors i’ve ever seen at the most significant moment possible.

Eno Sarris: It was amazing. Blanco should have just blocked it with his body. Perez almost fell down. SF had a heart attack.

Comment From Greg
My 2015 W.S prediction : Cardinals vs Red Sox, yet another rematch of these two W.S. rivals.

Comment From Badison Mumgarner
Re E Sarr: “BadMum”, duh

Comment From Marty
I’m totally down with the new FG Chat casual swearing. Yeah, hell damn fart!

Eno Sarris: The I Dont Consider Any Of Those Swear Words lude.

Comment From Ray
any chance Shark is traded back to the NL? I own him at $2 in one NL league.

Eno Sarris: Yes. hold as long as possible.

Comment From Guest
seriously could they not cut to something else during all the snot rockets? show him toeing the dirt and cut to hitter when he’s launching boogers

Eno Sarris: Who was it. Russ Ortiz. He touched his cup after every pitch. And they showed it.

Comment From Pennsy
Snooooot rockets in flight! Game seven delight!

Comment From Art Vandelay
WhoooooooooooooOOOOOP! (that’s the slide whistle)

Comment From Pirates Hurdles
MadBum 14 hits in those 36WS innings, even crazier.

Comment From Keith Law
What’s your favorite death metal band?

Eno Sarris: GWAR count? That’s not my best genre. I like my punk with horns even.

Comment From Marty
Please tell me that’s the last we’ve heard of Harold Reynolds in the booth. Even if you dont know, please tell me that.

Eno Sarris: If it helps you sleep.

Comment From Guest
when you answer my question it’s like a little prayer i’m down at my keyboard i want my question to appear there at the noontime hour i can feel the power i’m down at my keyboard i want to appear there

Comment From SteveV
Beatles now one compares to their impact or popularity for so many years and still going strong with new generation after 50yrs

Eno Sarris: And yet I launch myself at the skip button when they show up on my ipod

Comment From Guest
Cubs sign Bryant long term and say they cut off $100k for each strikeout I like that deal

Eno Sarris: I don’t even think that’s legal any more. The performance clauses were cut down.

Comment From Steve
Good thing your not a music critic!

Eno Sarris: It was my first job in writing.

Comment From Guest
Have you ever had Darkness? I can probably put together a trade for it, but would take unloading some ammo and paying for shipping which I prefer to avoid if possible. That said, I’ve never had it…

Eno Sarris: yes and it’s great. Worth getting.

Comment From Not Your Agent
You should go on Clubhouse Confidential! Can you please go on Clubhouse Confidential?

Eno Sarris: Been on Kenny’s radio show, but maybe I’d have a better shot if I lived in New York.

Comment From Aaron Thomas
You tweeted that MvB will “drink all the beers” (deservedly so). Celebrating in Missouri, what’s his best option from the state. I know it’s cheating.

Eno Sarris: For me, it’s Boulevard Saison Bretta. But their Bourbon Barrel Quad and Love Child are also great.

Comment From Guest
wait…they have faces???

Eno Sarris: Under those beard/hat combos.

Comment From Mookie Cereal, Baby
Who would you rather have as a GM in real life: Addison Russell or Mookie Betts?

Eno Sarris: Russell had a really great understanding of the defensive side of the game, but Betts really understood what it took to be a great hitter. I’d rather have Betts as my GM.

Eno Sarris: (as a player on my team I think I take the shortstop still, but actual MLB success goes a long way towards Betts’ side of the ledger)

Comment From David
Yes, I consider the 90s Braves a dynasty

Comment From imho
Would rather be the contemporary/recent Giants than the 90s Braves, David-approved dyansty or no

Eno Sarris: I think you’re both right. Guess we’d have to parse what a Dynasty is. Both had sustained success.

Comment From Peter Angelos
Are the Orioles YOUR favorite to win the AL East?

Eno Sarris: No, I think I actually kind of like the Jays as the surprise, the Red Sox as the favorites (once we see what they do pitching wise).

Comment From Mary
Which fader has a better shot in 15, Milwaukee or Toronto?

Eno Sarris: Toronto.

TheLuuBros:

Comment From Steve
Baseball hasn’t seemed fun this week. Too sad about Oscar.

Eno Sarris: He’ll be etched into our memories, though. And he did have a bright shining moment.

Comment From Sadwick
I’m pretty sure you’ll recognize Pence without the beard. The man moves like a poorly controlled marionette, and usually has an expression that would be indicative of a recent electric shock. And that’s why we love him.

Comment From Badison Mumgarner
thoughts on danny salazar slytherin??

Eno Sarris: Like him next year, a lot now that he’ll be cheaper.

Comment From Guest
Sometimes I ask a great question, and it goes unanswered. Sometimes I make a stupid remark, and it is there for all the world to see. The mystery of Fangraphs chats is like the mystery of life; things never go as you would expect.

Comment From Rams
as a fantasy owner, would you sell high on Huston street?

Eno Sarris: if there’s selling to be had, do it.

Comment From Miketron
Who are you more happy is releasing new music Sleater-Kinney or TV on the Radio?

Eno Sarris: See that’s a great question for me. I might like the TV on the Radio song I heard a bit more. I played that last week.

Comment From john
Am i the only fangraphs follower that wanted the royals to win? im sick of the giants. today is sad

Eno Sarris: you are not. Jeff Zimmerman feels your pain. Many others do. I almost always root for the new because what has happened before has already happened. But at least Bumgarner gave us something amazing.

Comment From Sadwick
I have expanded my snobbery from beer into tea. It sits a lot better with me than coffee.

Comment From mtsw
Are we due for a massive craft beer backlash?

Eno Sarris: Nah, the haters have been hating for a while, and the numbers just went down… from 21% growth to 20% growth. Not big enough for me to worry.

Comment From Rams
sonny gray was up and down and struggled down the stretch, what do you see from him next season? will he take a step forward or back?

Eno Sarris: Stil think he needs to figure a third pitch. The change was meh. The cutter/slider has more upside for me.

Comment From neal
who cares about whether or not the Giants are a “dynasty”? The reality of what they’ve done (3 titles in 5 years) is more impressive than whether they qualify for some arbitrary definition you just made up

Eno Sarris: Did I make up a definition of dynasty just now?

Comment From Rams
will luis valbuena get regular playing time next season? any chance cubs deal him to make room for Bryant?

Eno Sarris: Yeah he seems like a man without a position right now. They might use him as leverage if they really do talk to Bryant about deal. He could be a good platoon option, cheap, if the Dodgers want to bring in another third baseman or Uribe wants too much.

Comment From Rams
can jon lester duplicate 2014 next season after he signs his fat contract? his high strike out rate was surprising especially due to his declining velocity

Eno Sarris: For some reason — maybe just aging pitchers on six year deals — I’m a little skeptical of signing him.

Comment From David
Luke Hochevar a good buy low for someone out of the pen?

Eno Sarris: Sure! As a reliever. Only a reliever.

Comment From Matt
I have acid reflux. Orange juice and tomato sauce is worse than any form of alcohol.

Eno Sarris: raw onions.

HIP HOP AND BEYOND:

Comment From Guest
Are you diggin rtj2?

Eno Sarris: yes.

Comment From Hi Erix
Do you hate the ski goggles in the post-win celebrations as much as I do? Seems kinda weak.

Eno Sarris: the alcohol burns!

Comment From Guest
Mookie Blaylock is gettin 7yrs

Comment From Wicomico Pinstripes
Do you get to try many mid-Atlantic beers? Dogfish Head/ Flying Dog/ Troegs?

Eno Sarris: Sure tons of DFH. Some FD. DFH is a bit like Mikkeller to me — tons of beers, many bad, the best are really great.

Comment From You Heard It Here First, Eno
One thing I’ve found that pairs ridiculously well with hoppy IPAs: Ginger snaps.

Comment From George R. R. M.
“#Royals trade RHP Liam Hendriks to #BlueJays. Return expected to be a catcher.” The tear-down begins…

Comment From Vic Romano
More Sandbox filter magic — Sterling Hitchcock = Sterling HitchRooster

Comment From Sad Panda
Thinking of the people who waited all that time in KC for a championship, only to have last night happen makes me a sad panda.

Comment From Nick Swishers
This is not my beautiful house! This is not my beautiful wife!

Comment From Bubba Starling
Do you see me re-establishing my prospect relevance next season?

Eno Sarris: Not a fan.

Comment From Hendry
How good is Welington Castillo? Is he really the catcher of the future for the Cubbies?

Eno Sarris: Eh. No hope of better patience. Just a guy that will be ok while cheap.

Comment From LarryA
Well, now Hudson, Mulder and Zito all have their rings. Moneyball works!

Comment From LarryA
Who do you think made the official decision to allow Yordany to have the “RIP” on his hat. Usually they ban that stuff, right?

Eno Sarris: Yeah I thought it was nice they let him do it for once.

Eno Sarris: I wonder if it was Torre.

Comment From klof
eno, i just got passed over for a promotion and a plum assignment. which beer in my fridge should i crack tonight: RR Consecration, RR Supplication, The Commons Flemish Kiss, or The Commons Urban Farmhouse?

Eno Sarris: CONSECRATION. F em.

Comment From Matt
What can I expect from Brett Lawrie next year? The power was there, but the speed seems to be gone and the average isn’t great. I acquired Donaldson in a relative steal of a trade during the season, but still have Lawrie who I acquired in the 8th round in a (18 team league). Good CI player?

Eno Sarris: I’d hold one more year. Can’t sell now.

Comment From Pennsy
O/U how many more years Atlanta wil insist upon doing the Tomahawk Chop: 10

Eno Sarris: sHivers

Comment From Bill
Do you share the same pessimistic outlook for Nick Castellanos as what was posted to Rotographs earlier this week?

Eno Sarris: he’s a weird guy. Not selective, lots of whiffs, lots of line drives. And line drives the least year to year correlation of most of the stats we see. So he’s on a tight rope. But he was supposed to have a great hit tool despite bad MiLB K%s, so this could be what the scouts saw that the numbers didn’t see. I have him once, not buying, but holding.

Comment From War2d2
Worse yet, what if the minors were actually minors and the cops were all like that’s child endangerment and also you’re breaking some labor laws kind of makes you think

Comment From Guest
Eating wheat things right now other Guest, be jealous.

Comment From Wicomico Pinstripes
Do the yankees need to upgrade in RF? I could see some regression from Beltran considering his .252 BABIP and nagging injuries after flipping over the wall in Tampa early in the season. Although, that could be expected production from a soon to be 38yr old baseball player.

Eno Sarris: He should really DH at this point but shouldn’t three other guys too?

Comment From giants #1 fan
How much does Panda get from us?

Eno Sarris: 6/120?

Comment From mtsw
How concerned should the Orioles be that there’s like 1.5 position players in their entire minor league system who are likely to be everyday major leaguers one day.

Eno Sarris: More concerned than if Bundy and Gausman were dealing right now. But that park can turn Steve Pearce into Steve Pearce, so maybe they should focus on pitching.

Comment From klof
wasn’t the whole point of the cubs bringing in renteria so he could mentor some of the spanish speaking stars like baez and soler? or is that just a thing teams say until they get their hands on maddon?

Eno Sarris: “poop front offices say”

Comment From Big Joe Mufferraw
What contract would MadBum get if he hit FA today?

Eno Sarris: Similar to Kershaw’s All The Money contract?

Comment From Wes
Castro any better that what we’ve seen?

Eno Sarris: No.

Comment From Terrible Ted
I love spicy food but always regret it the following day. What to do?

Eno Sarris: Tums or have it for lunch, more time to deal with it.

Comment From Gila Monster
Do you worry about Altuve’s SB numbers? My understanding is that he doesn’t actually have elite speed, but is just a good baserunner. Does it concern you the SB total could fall off?

Eno Sarris: Yes also because SBs die quickly too. I think I’d only pencil him in for 35 or so next year.

Comment From Guest
New Glarus needs to stop brewing more beers and start expanding its distribution so that I may drink it here in Virginia true or true?

Eno Sarris: TRUE

Comment From Wicomico Pinstripes
Got this from Axisa at RAB. In the last two years the yankees have acquired five OFs( Ichiro/ Wells/ Soriano/ Ellsbury/ Beltran) who have gotten regular playing time. They committed $231.7M across 15.5 seasons. In return they’ve received .254/.301/.382( 88wRC+) in 2963 PA, good for 4.5 WAR. That’s…. Not good.

Comment From Big Joe Mufferraw
Anychance that the Royals actually open up the bank account to sign a FA this winter? (Like a top 5 FA)

Eno Sarris: They do have a bit more cash now but free agents are overrated.

Comment From Rick
Friend returned from vacation on the east coast and brought me back a Heady Topper. I was so excited to get my hands on it, but I held back and waited for the perfect time to drink it(when my wife was out so I could drink it in peace without distractions). Drank it and was disappointed. Very sad.

Eno Sarris: I also do not have Heady in my top five.

Comment From Rotocat
Eno!

Comment From Wesley Willis
rock and roll mcdonalds rock and roll mcdonalds rock and roll mcdonalds rock and roll mcdonalds rock and roll mcdonalds rock and roll mcdonalds rock and roll mcdonalds rock and roll mcdonalds rock and roll mcdonalds rock and roll mcdonalds rock and roll mcdonalds

Comment From Rick
Eno (the guru of fantasy baseball and beer) Any beer recommendations for being in Vegas? What about Florida Ft Lauderdale area? Thanks, Rick

Eno Sarris: Anything Cigar City, all the time. Vegas, tough one, but you’ll find good stuff from other parts of the states.

Comment From Tacoby Bellsbury
No way the Orioles tag Markakis. Won’t happen. Declining $17.5M option costs them $2M, plus $15.3M QO saves them ~$200K. No sense in that.

Comment From Guest
Does mike morse stay in the bay?

Eno Sarris: No, unless the A’s sign him to DH.

Comment From Rotocat
Votto’s splits flipped last year and he was much worse v righties than lefties. Is this due to shifts or a particular aspect of his injury or SSS?

Eno Sarris: one year platoon splits not useful

Comment From Guest
Where did you do music writing?

Eno Sarris: Ran the Stanford Daily’s arts section for a couple years, wrote for it for five years.

Comment From hscer
Are there any links to your various music criticism?

Eno Sarris: Just did a search and couldn’t find it, but maybe next week. Did a great interview with Dan the Automator once.

Comment From mtsw
You are assigned as manager of the Fangraphs softball team. Who plays where? What’s your batting order?

Eno Sarris: Trade for Jackie Moore so he can .100/.450/.100 for me at first base. Sullivan pitches because he used to. I’m playing second because I like my teeth but I can move a bit. Zimmerman in COF. Need more thinking.

Eno Sarris: Okay I gotta go guys. Baby woke up! Next week!