Eno Sarris Baseball Chat — 11/17/16

Eno Sarris: good morning (for me)

John: Jorge Soler for Wade Davis? Who says no first

Eno Sarris: In the past, I would have said the Cubs. But now? Seems like it could happen, particularly if the Royals add another arm, even if it’s an arm that might relieve.

Jake: Thoughts on a Valbuena-Pearce platoon for the Jays?

Eno Sarris: At first-slash-right field with Smoak heading to the bench some? I dunno if Valbuena can play the outfield. I bet the other half of Pearce is an outfielder. Right now it’s Pillar/Carrera/Pompey/Upton and that squad could use an upgrade.

Matt: Opinion on Matt Strahm?

Eno Sarris: I think he has the pieces to be a starter, but if he’s down to below 92, and can’t stay healthy, maybe you just stick him in the pen and he’s the next lights out reliever. With that rotation, though, I’d try him one more time as a starter.

Chris: How do you feel about bourbon barrel aged stouts? I love me some intense beer but dang, they can be pretty harsh. Are there are out there that are a bit less “knock you on your assery?”

Eno Sarris: You’re always going to get the Bourbon taste and probably always going to get 10%+ ABV… there are ones that I think are smoother, though, like The Abyss from Deschutes. And it usually comes in below 10% actually.

Vince Namoli: If you were the Rays, which SPs would you look to trade and what are you targeting in return?

Eno Sarris: DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?

Eno Sarris: Sorry, that was a Vince special when he got pulled over one time. Like, dude, very few people know what the owner looks like.

Eno Sarris: To answer your question, I’m guessing Smyly goes. Fewest years left on contract and enough strikeouts to keep most teams interested.

John: Dodgers top priority this offseason should probably be a Kershaw extension right?

Eno Sarris: He’s signed through 2020 I think that’s okay.

revveduplikeadouche: a major pharmaceutical company has just developed a free pill that you take one time and never get bodily gas again, and there are no side effects. do you take it?

Eno Sarris: (sometimes it feels great to fart)

Matthew: More and more I’m seeing the Braves connected to some of the top pitchers on the trade market. Why, after trading for and drafting so much pitching, would they give up prospects for one of these guys? Do you actually see it happening?

Eno Sarris: My personal opinion is that they’ve gathered a bunch of quantity arms but I’m not sure about quality. And none of them can pitch this year really, in a new park.

Roadhog: Gray + Vogt for Inciarte, Newcomb, and Wisler, who says no?

Eno Sarris: Braves. They’ll put that whole package on the board for Sale and the top guys, but is Gray that guy? I say if they go with Gray it’s because they get to give up less.

Bob: Hi Eno, thanks for doing these chats. Any chance the Braves move Inciarte for prospects this winter, or are they in full aim-to-contend mode?

Eno Sarris: If he goes it’s for a pitcher.

Roadhog: Hahn for Jankowski, who says no?

Eno Sarris: Padres. They need the guy in the outfield and they’ve already made the Hahn decision.

DN: Carlos Gomez’s OPS outside of Minutemaid park the last 2 years: .758. That is over 600+ ABs. Does that support the idea that he altered his approach because of Minutemaid (which is pretty unusually shaped) and is still an above average hitter?

Eno Sarris: I think his body is going. I’d sign him, but only for a couple years. Three would be max, and that would require a lower ave salary.

JKD: Given the Nats’ substantial positional flexibility – Turner can play SS or CF; Rendon can play 3B or 2B; Murphy can play 2B or 1B; Harper can play RF or CF – does it make sense for them to simply get the best-available-bat-for-value? I was thinking about Justin Turner and the Cubs-like merry-go-round that could ensue with him, but really, they could probably find a place for any one of the (relatively few) bats on the market, no?

Eno Sarris: The Nats never wanted to play Turner at short so I don’t think you can count him there. Maybe at second. I doubt you want to play Harper in center. But I think you’re right that they don’t need to be in a box. It’s just that the free agent market on the infield is Justin Turner, their first baseman is already expensive… Maybe they can augment with a guy like Valbuena.

Bork: Hello, friend!

Eno Sarris: Hello!

Bork: Can you tell August we miss him 🙁 🙁 🙁 🙁

Eno Sarris: Yes.

Steve: Any thoughts on an international draft?

Eno Sarris: I don’t like the current system. I don’t like the international draft.

Eno Sarris: I wish I had a better idea.

faisan: Would one year of Seattle outfielder Seth Smith ($7 million) be enough to land from Toronto one year of shortstop Darwin Barney (projected $1.6 million) and one year of outfielder Melvin Upton (net $3.8 million) to improve the Mariner defense?

Eno Sarris: Yes. And given the fact that the Jays have Carrera and PIllar, I think they might like this trade. It’s not a big one, but it might happen.

Eno Sarris: Love it when you get a realistic trade idea and it’s Smith for Barney and BJ.

Bob: The Angels are abysmal with no hope for contending in the foreseeable future. Do they keep Trout through 2020, or is there any hope baseball fans will get to see prime-years Trout in October via trade before 2021?

Eno Sarris: It’s so sad. But I don’t think they’re going to trade him.

Eno Sarris:

Eno Sarris: I love rock that’s secretly downtempo electronica.

Sno Earris: True or False: Kevin Kiermaier is Peter Bourjos w/ a better PR team

Eno Sarris: And better eyes obviously. I know KK is 26, but there’s been a lot of incremental improvement to the point that he’s now average or better in power, patience, contact, speed, and plus plus in defense. I think he’s a little closer to a Simmons.

RABBINICAL COLLEGE GUY: What do the Braves have that the White Sox might want for Chris Sale?

Eno Sarris: To get Sale it would probably cost Inciarte and Albies and Newcomb and Soroka? That’s the best the Braves have to offer, probably, and it gives the White Sox cost-controlled CF, 2B, and two shots at an ace pitcher.

Eric: Which side do you like better in ottoneu 5×5, $23 Cano or $16 Polanco?

Eno Sarris: 10 years and $7 overcomes the MI and power value.

john: why don’t pitchers put mustard on their hands? it’d ruboff on the baseball and make it a bit yellowish in tint and harder to see.

Eno Sarris: That foreign substance might actually get the managers and umpires mad.

Michael: What do you expect the Yankees to get for McCann?

Eno Sarris: Cash relief, 50-75 ranked type prospect?

Jason Grillied : Chances Blue Jays go the trade route to address the corner outfield spots as opposed to free agency? If they go the trade route who do you see as movable pieces for the Jays?

Eno Sarris: I mean they’re not going to sign Cespedes, and if it’s not Bautista… Holliday? Desmond? Maybe someone like Brandon Moss. Their MO right now seems to be “Cobble Together” rather than “Sign a Star”.

Roadhog: Could the A’s keep Gray and deal some of Graveman/Hahn/Alcantara/Mengden instead?

Eno Sarris: The other guys have more years of control and less trade value though. Not Beane’s MO.

Michael: One MLB GM said it would be just like the Yankees to trade for Trout. Could you see it happening if they gave up Judge, Mateo, plus plus plus?

Eno Sarris: They suddenly have the parts!

Gest: I was noodling through statcorner because of your Hendricks tweet, and I see that Rodon has a 22.7% zTkB. Can this be counted on to even out?
Other guys with large samples near the top are Conley, Corbin, Paxton, Sale, Finnegan, Reed. ie lefties with sliders. They all throw from a pretty low slot too (Paxton’s zTkB increased this year).
Fwiw, I’ve read before about lefties getting screwed on their glove side corner.

Eno Sarris: Very interesting! I shall write it up! Thank you, Gest! The angle probably makes it look like a ball. Miller seems to get those calls, though!

Chuncey Wiggins: Biggest slight to not win an award this year belongs to?

Eno Sarris: I think Justin Verlander was a shoo-in myself. I’m glad my stupid ALMoY vote didn’t decide anything. I’m surprised Maddon didn’t win, but I wouldn’t call it a snub.

G: Lots of big names on the trade block…is this going to be a crazy offseason, or is it just a lot of smoke but no fire.

Eno Sarris: Free agency sucks so bad I think something will happen.

The Decadent Moose: Protip: Don’t eat wings prior to foreplay. Your wife has been through enough.

Netflix and Rich Hill: Soler still has 80 grade traps though. I wish Google produced a shirtless pic of him, who’s with me?!

revveduplikeadouche: people who don’t read when pooping are weird, right?

Eno Sarris: Hey we got an interlude yay us

Eno Sarris: and: yes.

Hank: Why oh why do people think Jorge Soler has a ton of trade value? I get that he has potential, but he has done NOTHING to make anyone think he’s a superstar waiting to break out.

Eno Sarris: Nothing? Hits the ball extremely hard, has shown above-average patience and power so far in his career, been an above-average bat overall, has some potential still to tap, and is under team control for a few more years. He has some trade value, but it’s dropped a bit.

Ant: i’m soooooooooooooooooooooooo happy you’re back

Eno Sarris: Seems sarcastic.

Art Vandelay: Dozier…is he even worth a Brandon McCarthy type? Or would the Twins aim younger do you think?

Eno Sarris: He’s worth a good bit. Signed for only $15 million for the next two years and just put up nine-plus wins in the last two years.

Matt D: your take on Lugo / Gsellman? Also if — MAJOR if — NYM’s big 5 are generally healthy this year, do either of them carry any real deadline trade value?

Eno Sarris: Yes they have value. Gsellman has a good fastball and a kitchen sink, Lugo has a recordbreaking curve. They’ll have trade value with the scarcity of FA pitching. I suppose if the Mets decide to get a bat with arms instead of money they could traded now, but it’s not really how they’ve worked in the past.

Erick: What do you think are the odds that Noah Syndergaard ever wins a Cy Young

Eno Sarris: Just needs 180+ IP!

Tondo: Hello Eno. Salazar, Naquin, Aiken, F.Mejia, B.Bradley, Chang for AJ Pollock and Goldschmidt. Yeah I know, crazy, but I think it would make sense for both, no?

Eno Sarris: Indians hold their youngsters though.

Kerry: Do the Indians make any moves in regard to starting pitching or stand pat with the guys they have and hope for health?

Eno Sarris: Maybe sign someone they like for whatever reason, like a Jhoulys Chacin, to be the five/security blanket, and hope that one of Anderson, Merrit, Clevinger figure something out.

Ryan: Does it make more sense for the Rockies to be buyers or sellers this offseason?

Eno Sarris: Modest buyers. They might actually have some arms. I’d look for a value 1B.

Hans: Does Wil Myers take another step forward in 2017?

Eno Sarris: I don’t think there’s a lot of upside left. Speed should take a step back IMO, and then all that’s left is a bit more consistency maybe.

Dan: Trading for an ace doesn’t seem like the Cubs MO, does it?

Eno Sarris: No! That’s what money is for.

Logan: Does it make sense for Atlanta to cash in prospects for MLB help yet? They got pretty lucky that none of these arms fell apart with injuries yet, why risk waiting another year.

Eno Sarris: I think this is the reason for going after Sale, plus the fact that they don’t probably have a Sale on the roster unless everything comes together for Newcomb, and I’m talking the 99th percentile outcome.

Harold: Looks like the Mets will look to move Jay Bruce this offseason. What can they expect to get back? A top 10-15 prospect in the org?

Eno Sarris: I think they only do that if they sign Yo and I’m not sure they sign Yo.

Nelson: Who do the Dodgers get to play 3rd if not Turner?

Eno Sarris: Luis Valbuena?

JKD: Wilson Ramos to the O’s for something like 2/$20M? Stays in an area that loves him and where he’s comfortable, gives them half a DH and some of a catcher this year, and maybe 2/3 of a catcher next year, but worst-case, a step up at DH. Plus his other-way power stroke will play very well at Camden Yards.

Eno Sarris: Yeah they’ll do something like that to replace Trumbo. Everyone loves to hit in Camden.

Hank: If you had to pick one young SP that has a breakout season, who would it be? My pick is Marcus Stroman after what he did at the end of the season.

Eno Sarris: Jon Gray. Love his arsenal.

Tondo: With only one year left on his contract, do you think AJ Pollock is available?

Eno Sarris: Oh wow the time goes quickly. Yes, probably.

Bruce: BRB, running to walmart to buy some diapers. Carry on without me

Eno Sarris: We’ll do our best!

Erik: Is the general lack of news about the CBA negotiations a good sign or a bad sign?

Eno Sarris: I’d go with good. I’m guessing we would have heard about bad blood by now.

Zac: Headed to the bay area this weekend. Any breweries I should check out? I went to Lagunitas last time out and loved it.

Eno Sarris: Fieldwork in Oakland, Rare Barrel for sours in Oalkand, and Cellarmaker (near City Beer Store) in SoMA in SF. Up north, Henhouse, Russian River of course.

EC: If you squint, can you see Scherzer in the HOF?

Eno Sarris: Health, all about health!

Zac: Would you predict a Blake Snell breakout next season?

Eno Sarris: yeah that slider was huge for him.

Dagoberto: Saw your article on “Using Spin to Identify Two Underrated Free Agents”. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I know your focus was mainly on both Fien and Peavy, but it was interesting to see Neftali Feliz on there . Especially as a 28yo FA. Let’s hypothetically pretend that you are his agent. What is your client’s ideal scenario? He was decent in Pittsburgh? Another park which park’s factors make it the perfect landing spot?

Eno Sarris: I think I’d like him to go somewhere with a bad closer or an unsettled closing situation. Gotta get those saves.

joedcamp: Luhnow says 5 year window to win is opening now. What do the Astros do in the offseason?

Eno Sarris: They need a front line starter.

Erik: How much of a factor does not wanting to piss off the fanbase play in teams’ decision to rebuild? Are there teams out there for whom it would be logical to rebuild, but fan anger prevents them from making the logical move? Or are execs typically above such concerns and act like logical robots?

Eno Sarris: I think that’s the excuse they use when they spend their whole budget but they really just want to spend their budget. We heard this with the Mets but then they did a rebuild and are better now… There’s PR and there’s creating a good sustainable team that will attract butts. All about attracting butts.

Jeb: What are the actual chances McCutchen gets traded this winter? I saw something yesterday that said 70%. What are your thoughts?

Eno Sarris: They need a starter, IMO, they scored runs last year but are projected to have a bottom half rotation. Meadows isn’t learning anything more in the minors once June rolls around. I’d definitely go over 50%.

Dan: Are you high on Albies? Good contact, great speed..

Eno Sarris: I am. i think he’ll have .100+ iSO, too. I like him.

Undecided: It’s a shame Yordano Ventura isn’t a good pitcher. Ace Ventura has such a nice ring to it.

Eno Sarris: It’s weird, actually, given his raw stuff. But I guess it plays down because he doesn’t release the ball out in front, and maybe because he doesn’t throw enough / trust his changeup enough.

Eno Sarris:

Eno Sarris: oh man. classic video, plus he’s from my hometown in Negril, Jamaica, plus that name.

Broseph: Does Jesse Hahn have a future as a big league starter? Could he make a transition into impact reliever?

Eno Sarris: I still believe in the change, the curve is super high spin, and he was throwing 94 last year! I don’t know what happened. I’d give him another chance at least.

revveduplikeadouche: follow up to my gas pill question: how hilarious would the arguments be with your wife and eventually mother in law when you have to defend not taking the pill?

Eno Sarris: Hah. You’d murmur something about side effects and ask if anyone wanted a drink.

Andrew: Does Josh Reddick to the Blue Jays make too much sense ?

Eno Sarris: Okay, that’s the one “Big Ticket” thing that would make a ton of sense. More “Medium Ticket.” Do they have a 3/45 contract in them?

Matt: Let’s say the Braves pull off the following moves: 1. trade for Archer or Quintana (without dealing Ender or Folty); 2. Sign Jason Castro; 3. Sign Luis Valbuena. How many wins does that team end up with? Thank you Eno!

Eno Sarris: 77?

Eno Sarris: But that’s not counting anybody coming up and being great, like Albies, or Mallex or the like. Plus, if you’re at 77, you can get to 86 pretty easily, that’s within the error bars.

Hector: At some point the MLB has to call some of their own out, right? The voter who submitted his AL Cy Young vote when JV had two starts left – he should at the very least get a memo, right? Why would the MLB allow anyone to submit a vote when the regular season hasn’t ended? What if said pitcher throws a no-hitter or two gems (like JV did)?

Eno Sarris: MLB has no dog in the fight. The awards are Baseball Writers Association rewards. And the BBWAA has no reason to call out a writer, especially if the bad votes lead to more content and more interest and more yelling.

AJ: Eno, if you’re the White Sox and collecting offers on Sale/Quintana, what’s more important– getting 1-2 blue chip players who can make a more immediate impact (say a Moncada/Benintendi/Giolito type), or rebuilding the depth of the farm system (as a #Barves offer might assist with)?

Eno Sarris: Teams always want the closer guys.

Kerry: Napoli – career season, fantastic teammate and clubhouse presence, mediocre defense, disappointment (again) from mid-August on. Do Indians need to keep him and what is reasonable price to do so? Seems mutual interest but for how little would he stay is unknown…

Eno Sarris: He was 35 and even if you discount the DH penalty a little, barely league average. I doubt there’s a line of suitors, and I bet he comes back.

Del Marvin: Re: the Padres needing Jankowski, with Renfroe, Margot and Dickerson, and some guys in the upper minors, isn’t OF a place where they have depth

Eno Sarris: Sure, but they’re in collect mode now.

John: Just a heads up, Kersh has an opt out after 2018, so they’ve really only got two more seasons

Eno Sarris: I guess they could try to nail that down, but the priority is the 2017 team.

Roadhog: Breaking: Lew Wolff stepping down as Athletics managing partner, has sold his shares to Athletics ownership group. Is the team going to get sold? Or is this just predicating the new stadium?

Eno Sarris: I think it’s good news for the franchise.

Erik: If you’re the Phillies this offseason and have a ton of money to spend but are still a year or two away from contention, what do you do? Sign all the bounceback candidates? Sign some actual top free agents and hope they’re still good in 2018-2020? Or sit on your cash and do nothing?

Eno Sarris: Sign someone. Their top three starters are all young and interesting, and they have a top shortstop prospect coming. I’d sign an actual outfielder. Yo is not crazy.

Dan: Who did you vote for AL MVP?

Eno Sarris: Only had an AL MoY vote and you’re not supposed to reveal your vote before the results.

Sno Earris: What sort of return, from say the Nats, would the Buccos get for Cutch?

Eno Sarris: I think the Pirates will want a pitcher, so I guess it would start with Reynaldo Lopez but it would ned to have more in it.

Pie: International players: maybe an open market with no restrictions? It (sort of) works for free agency.

Eno Sarris: The age thing is weird, the Buscones thing really sucks, the under the table deals suck. I’d love to open it up.

joedcamp: AL MVP?

Eno Sarris: Should be Trout, will be Betts.

Fat Kenny G: Eno, answer this question that Eric and Dave refused to answer. How can you justify the insistance of Cleveland changing their logo/team name, yet every year around this time literally millions of innocent turkeys are murdered in the name of a “tradition” of giving thanks with those same Native People that we are systematically eradicating by ignoring them and their plight.

Eno Sarris: There is a false equivalence between turkeys and human beings in the question!

Kerry: One last question from me. How is the WBC not the worst thing for MLB? It seems to come at the worst point in spring training and interferes with the overall team plan for gearing up for the season. Or am I way off on that?

Eno Sarris: Not great for the arms either. I think they like it because they’re trying to build a global fan base like the NBA has.

Cam: Do you ever drink beer during these chats?

Eno Sarris: Starts at nine am my time, so no.

Joey Dirt: Amed Rosario Mets starting SS in August True or False

Eno Sarris: He’s amazing but he’s also turning 21 this month and has 237 PA at Double-A. 2018. 2017 september at earliest.

JD15: Thoughts on fit/likelihood of Rich Hill to the Cubs?

Eno Sarris: I like it. He’d be their fourth or fifth starter, but they could get him for two years probably, and hope he’s part of the post Arrieta post Lackey rotation. But I think the Dodgers and a few other teams will need him more.

Merv Throneberry: Reading good things about Straily…any more room for growth there?

Eno Sarris: I like his pitchability, his command and sequencing. I hope he gets a tick back on his fastball in the offseason.

ballsandgutters: Sir, our mutual acquaintance Sam Fuld is interested in the Pirates. Think he can bring value to a club to them in a backup OF role?

Eno Sarris: There’s probably a team that needs a fourth outfielder backup centerfielder more than the team with Marte, Cutch, and Meadows! I do think someone will need him.

Guest: is there even any indication yet that CHW will be selling?

Eno Sarris: Some comments from their leadership.

Eric: My 22 year old co-workers says that “IPAs are the best and all other types of beer suck”. I told him that IPAs taste like soap. He gave me a death glare

Eno Sarris: To. Each. His. Own.

Eno Sarris: Just met the brewer for Kevin Youkilis’ brewery and he said he thinks IPAs are boring. And loves Koelsches. So there.

Colin: Do you think teams will start to develop Andrew Miller type relievers from the bottom up now? Maybe there’s a quicker hook for someone like say, Dylan Cease in the Cubs org, if he can’t stay healthy for 200 innings as a SP?

Eno Sarris: Are we seeing it a bit with Trevor Rosenthal? Stretching him out so they can use him in the middle innings for 80-100 innings?

Fat Kenny G: I just ate an entire pumpkin pie for breakfast.

Eno Sarris: Congratulations!

jon: All the FG writers over regress the candidates for their BBWAA votes. Predictive ability doesn’t negate what did happen.

Eno Sarris: If you’re talking pitching, it’s more than regressing a guy. When you use FIP or fWAR or talk about strikeouts and things that happened on balls in play, you could call it regressing, or you could call it ‘trying to give the right amount of credit to the right player.’ If you use RA9/WAR, which is defensible, you’re giving the pitcher all the credit for his defense and balls in play.

joedcamp: Cameron talked a lot about Morales’ negative value on the bases for real teams. Does that play into fantasy value too heavily? I guess just runs…

Eno Sarris: PA? Being lifted for a runner?

Steve: What is a realistic acquisition the Cardinals can make to keep themselves competitive? I’m not liking the free agent market given their particular needs.

Eno Sarris: It’s interesting, they don’t really have an obvious hole, and they have guys they can move around. A true CF might be a good target, but I still like Wong a bit and he might find some use out there.

joedcamp: I like that u like Conforto but haven’t the Mets shown they don’t?

Eno Sarris: They just said that if they don’t sign Yo he’s an everyday players, so I hope not.

Wayne: Should the Braves take advantage of having a protected 1st rounder and go after Justin Turner for 3rd base?

Eno Sarris: They should take advantage of that. And Turner makes sense. But it’s him, then Valbuena, then Erick Aybar when you’re talking FAs on the infield (not first), and so there will be a lot of pigs at the trough.

Hammerhead: Yasiel Puig for Curtis Granderson + 5 million who says no?

Eno Sarris: Dodgers.

Joe: Brian McCann to the Nationals makes some sense with them most likely losing Ramos. McCann for AJ Cole.

Eno Sarris: AJ Cole been traded so many times you might as well put this one in the bank.

Maverik312: “Padres. They need the guy in the outfield and they’ve already made the Hahn decision.”

Pads have Jank, Dickerson, Margot, and Renfroe, right?

Eno Sarris: Yes you still need Jankowski in that outfield.

Travis: I’m irrationally angry that Rizzo won the 1B Silver Slugger over Freeman and Votto.

CamdenWarehouse: Do you ever get a lude lined up and then say “You know, I really shouldn’t”?

Eno Sarris: Sometimes!

Kerry: Unless you engage in OPT

Kerry: Optimal poop time

Kerry: in and out in 30 seconds. Seriously dudes smdh

Eno Sarris: If you had kids, you’d want more than 30 seconds to yourself.

Erik: Porcello, Verlander, and Kluber all had solid seasons, but only Britton had a historically great season. He shouldn’t be punished for not pitching low leverage innings in addition to the 67 high leverage innings he pitched, right?

Eno Sarris: If you chain and replacement level WPA, Britton ends up fourth in the AL. I still don’t see him as the Cy.

revveduplikeadouche: a coyote ate our cat. i’m gonna find that coyote and eat it. you in? also, bring snacks.

Eno Sarris: oh my god I’m sorry. I’ll bring beverages.

Dan: Jorge Soler was my totally scientific #1 ranked Most Beautiful Chicago Cub as seen here http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2014/12/11/7378123/most-beautiful-chicago-cubs

Eno Sarris: Statuesque but don’t get me started, Russell is mine.

Pedroa: what are the odds of the Rockies get both Melancon and Neftali Feliz? would solve the ‘pen woes?

Eno Sarris: That would be interesting! I think they have a closer in Ottavino, though, so I bet it’s like Feliz and Hudson or something.

raj: re: JD Martinez to the Giants- as a Giants fan I really hate the idea of trading Arroyo or Beede for a power hitter to come and hit 15 HR/year in ATT. The foundation for the run of championships came on a steady stream of excellent homegrown talent and surplus value from veteran role players- I’d much rather see them skip the win now trades and develop their farm system.

Eno Sarris: The farm is pretty bad. I’m not a Beede fan, though, so if they can trade Beede and not Arroyo for Martinez, I might be into it. But yeah, the farm is bad.

Ampersand: Are any Fangraphs guys going to the Winter Meetings? If you’ll be there I’ll buy you a beer

Eno Sarris: We’ll be there! En masse.

Tony: Do you think Soler’s nagging injuries also suppress his trade value? The guy can’t play 6 weeks straight without a leg injury. I don’t see that magically going away as he gets older.

Eno Sarris: yes, and his defense.

CamdenWarehouse: my 2011 Accord, 2008 Highlander, and 2015 Cherokee for your 63 Corvette, who says no?

joedcamp: What makes a good brewery tour?

Eno Sarris: Some insight into what makes them unique rather than just, here’s our bright tank, here’s where we boil here’s where

bananastand: Over/under on Yasiel Puig getting 12 war in the rest of his career

Eno Sarris: I’m a believer. He’s 25. I’ll take the over.

Eric Weinstein: Cubs lineup is going to lose a bunch of OBP by losing Fowler. And will have a whole lot of Boom and Bust. But re-signing Fowler probably requires trading both Soler AND Baez (or Schwarber). Do you think the Cubs could be motivated to eat a lot of Heyward’s deal and send him off in order to re-sign Fowler and still have playing time for both Schwarber and Baez? (Soler prob traded regardless)

Eno Sarris: I think you could sign Fowler and just trade Soler. Schwarbs and Almora in LF, Fowler, Heyward, Baez as utility, Contreras at C.

bananastand: I don’t know much about Lourdes Gurriel but doesn’t it seem like a strange time for the Blue Jays to sign him? He might be a great value that they couldn’t pass up but in a win now mode summer where they have several free agents to keep/replace without the cash to do it, it seems a bit strange to put that much money into a prospect.

Eno Sarris: He’s 22. I bet they think they’ll move him fast if he does well in Double-A.

Eno Sarris: gotta:

Jon: Are closers (especially this year’s class) being overvalued/priced salary wise?

Eno Sarris: If you look at today’s dollars, in net present value, we’ve already seen five years and $65 million contracts twice. Those deals are usually bad deals but there’s precedent.

Miketron: Does the Phillies trade for Kendrick mean that Hernandez moves to 3rd and Franco to 1st?

Eno Sarris: Phillies phollowers seem to think that Cesar is going to get traded. He’s got some tools, but relies on balls in play and isn’t very heady.

CamdenWarehouse: What do you expect from Rodon next year?

Eno Sarris: Another step forward. Saw some command improvements and then also started believing in his change late in the season.

Kaiser: Hey first chat here, I would like to know if you think Heyward is a good fit in centerfield? They could slide zobrist to right and schwarbs in left. Or do the Cubs stay safe and keep Heyward in right?

Eno Sarris: If they don’t sign Fowler, Hey in center with Almora pushing Heyward off center when Schwarber comes out of the game seems fine to me.

Roadhog: Pollock has two seasons left

Eno Sarris: Probably still available, given what Arizona needs to do.

dbet: Do you think there are any trade options at 3B if the Dodgers don’t sign Turner? Could they kick the tires on guys like Wright or Sandoval?

Eno Sarris: Yeah they’ll need to trade unless they use Kiké as a platoon partner with Valbuena at third. Which means they need to do something about second.

Pie: Are there any rules that prevent teams from altering their field dimensions to gain a competitive advantage? How fun would it be if a lefty heavy lineup moved their right field fence in to 230 feet? We can get Billy Hamilton up to 500 homers!

Eno Sarris: There aren’t rules against it but there is some evidence that teams with extreme parks have a hard time winning.

Cam: Carlos Correa 2017- 30/30?????????

Eno Sarris: Wrote about this today. More like .280/25/25.

forever it: Both Fieldwork and Rare Barrel are in Berkeley!

Eno Sarris: Shoot yeah sorry. Not really Berkeley proper, or downtown, but yeah.

John: Do you think Allard and Riley would be enough to get Sonny Gray?

Eno Sarris: See that’s why I think they might actually end up with Gray.

Ampersand: “if the Mets decide to get a bat with arms”
I too like the idea of Mr. Met’s arch-nemesis

Josh: Piece of advice you would have for MN pitching? Love reading your stuff Eno

Eno Sarris: Give Mejia and Berrios a real long shot.

The Decadent Moose: If Inciarte is going for an arm, can Luke Weaver of the Cardinals be that arm? St Lou needs that CF.

Eno Sarris: Lotta people asking about this linkup. Maybe there’s something there I guess.

Andrew: Matz for McCutchen. Who says no?

Eno Sarris: Two years of Cutch for four or five years of Matz? The Mets have had the chance to do something like this in the past and haven’t taken it.

Dave Kingman: Feeling a little nervous about how well deGrom will bounce back next season. What do you expect?

Eno Sarris: His command and arsenal will make him good if not elite.

Pat: Eno, Nick Franklin, just 25, made some of the same improvements (CT%, O-swing%, SwStrike% and K%) that Jonathan Villar made in 2015 preceding his breakout. If he can find the at-bats and those changes stick, is he a sneaky candidate for a major profit with a 15/20 .260 type of year?

Eno Sarris: Can he get enough PA as backup MI?

Matt : Eno! This is my first year doing Ottoneu and I’m taking over a team that’s definitely a bit of a rebuild and finished in last place. It’s using FG Points for scoring. Have a few people that I know I want to keep (Turner at 14, Jose Ramirez at 7, Scherzer at 36), but I’m torn on Cespedes at 28 and Frazier at 17. What’re you’re thoughts? Also, have a trade proposed my 28 Cespedes and 7 Velazquez for his 18 Marte and 12 Guirrel. Should I keep, trade or just cut bait?

Eno Sarris: Keep them if you don’t get good offers, but that trade offer is pretty good. Is that the elder Gurriel? If so, I like it. I might shop Marte after, you could get a similar package for him.

A cat: Sandoval for Pujols for a near-term increase in offense? With the youngsters and 2-3 years of contention with Price, Porcello, Kimbrell and Hanley, not to mention the arrival of Moncada, Devers, Kopech, Groome and Basabe, BOS would benefit from 3 years of Albert in Fenway and withstand his dead money at the the end. Plus throw in Craig’s contract just because.

Eno Sarris: I think Sandoval will be traded this offseason, yes. This isn’t terrible.

JP: What the world needs now, is love, sweet love

Hannah Hochevar: How much gri could a grichuck chuck if a grichuck could chuck gri?

Terrible Ted: Do flags really fly forever? I mean we know the real hero is the string holding it up.

Bucket List: Why are the awards voted on before the post-season begins? How stupid would the MoY vote look if Maddon had run circles around Roberts in the NLCS (didn’t happen, but could have)…

Eno Sarris: Wrote about this! I think the player awards should be regular season, but I think there’s an argument for manager being later.

BurleighGrimes: There’s some scuttlebutt that the Orioles are looking to pry Frank Viola away from the Mets AAA team and make him pitching coach. To what extent should the Mets overpay coaches or create other incentives to keep the coaching team they credit with their young pitching success together? Viola has been given almost as much credit as Warthen, shouldn’t the Mets do what they can to keep him?

Eno Sarris: Yeah Viola is great. Taught most of the curves (not Lugo’s) on the Mets big league squad. Development is underrated. Pay for it.

Netflix and Rich Hill: WAR questions: i have 0 problems with what i understand about WAR and know that it’s always being manipulated…I also want to understand as much as I can. For offense, will strength of opponent ever be factored in? For pitching: same thing, and will batted ball data (authority+trajectory) be worked in? Why or why not?

Eno Sarris: Even knowing *what* the true talent of the opponent is is very difficult, so I don’t think so. Batted ball data should be in it soon, but we’re only two years in.

Netflix and Rich Hill: Eno def drank during the World Series chats, come on Eno!

Eno Sarris: Well those were different.

A cat: Recommend local breweries in Santa Cruz area? And brews?

Eno Sarris: SANTE ADAIRIUS for the win. All of their beers, especially the tart sours. Uncommon is decent.

Michael: I don’t understand the insistence on some teams holding onto players at the same position and same level in the minors. Yanks with Mateo and Torres, though Mateo is being tried out in center. Why don’t the Mets trade one of Cechinni or Rosario though?

Eno Sarris: You don’t worry about roadblocks until the guy is really read, and then you throw them at another position to help your trade leverage. “We don’t need to trade him.”

Netflix and Rich Hill: Edit: what was the first article you wrote about baseball?

Eno Sarris: Man I can’t remember, but the first one that people noticed was about age-at-level, Kevin Maas, how the ladies took their shirts off when he hit homers, and how we should have known he was going to be meh because of age at level and how Matt LaPorta was going to suffer a similar fate.

Frank: Keep one in dynasty- Ender, Greg Bird, or Gurriel?

Eno Sarris: Bird.

Zac: Who’s eyes do you prefer: Kevin Keirmeier or Kris Bryant?

Eno Sarris: Bryant, barely.

Toki: So do the Braves not trust their pitching prospects now all of sudden since they are looking at young controllable talent?

Eno Sarris: I think they also want to be a little better than last year in a new stadium, ride the new stadium bounce and then be good in 2018.

Stenzy: Best guess on Giants Closer and starting LF?

Eno Sarris: Right now, Parker/Mac and Strickland. Later? Parker/Mac and Jansen.

Randy Savage: the safe word is muffaletta

Oneear: Is Cespedes really a CF? Would you play him there?

Eno Sarris: no and no.

Biscuit: The worst part about parsley is all the parsley

Biscuit: Eno next time you are in Seattle, stop in to Optimism Brewing. Excellent beers and excellent brewery/taphouse

A. Reitz: RE: Rosenthal. Rosenthal + Wacha. Wacha’s shoulder problems make it hard to count on him for 180 innings but 100? Yes please (Cardinals fan)

Eno Sarris: I like that.

Maverik312: “Britton had a historically great season”

Davis had a similar one last year.
Rodney had on before that.
I don’t know about “historically”, but yes, he killed it.

CamdenWarehouse: Wouldn’t that be like transitively eating your cat?

Eno Sarris: Yo, let’s not do that.

JP: Just curious, what kind of beer goes with roasted coyote? Or will it be BBQ’d?

Devil Ray J. Johnson: Any hope for Nate Karns as a starter?

Eno Sarris: His pitches are good enough. So yeah I give him another shot at finding command and health.

revveduplikeadouche: what beer do you drink pre and post turkey dinner?

Eno Sarris: Gonna bring a Societe The Butcher stout. Seems right.

Terrible Ted: Best ride by ideal spin rate: teacups, ferris wheel, the zipper, gravitron?

Eno Sarris: Ferris wheel. I’m a low-spin guy there.

Kosch: Did you say you’re from Jamica?

Eno Sarris: Born in Negril, stayed until I was six, visited every summer until I left college.

Wil: Does Rio Ruiz do enough to take most of Atlanta’s playing time at 3rd base? Or is he a bench player?

Eno Sarris: I don’t have a lot of hope for him. I don’t think he found the power.

Netflix and Rich Hill: I’m reading this chat while pooping. I found this to be relatable conversation here today.

fresh basil: Cubs closer next year is????? I’m saying Rondon

Eno Sarris: To start the year maybe. I still think they spend some cash on a closer.

Lorcan: Any ideas on who might trade for Cesar? Dodgers have a hole, but they probably would’ve figured him into the original trade right?

Alec: I hear Brandon Phillips may agree to a trade; if so, is it Peraza’s job to lose and how do you think he will do?

Eno Sarris: Phillips to Dodgers? Cesar to Royals? Angels?

Alec: Mazara’s star seems to have descended since the ASB. How optimistic are you for him in 2017?

Eno Sarris: Still love him plenty. Him and Conforto I love so much. Great hitters. Will hit for average and power.

Randy Savage: Going on a trip to Denver, which brewery is the must visit?

Eno Sarris: Crooked Stave to me. I love their sours.

CamdenWarehouse: Why would the Angels want Sandoval and Craig?

Eno Sarris: They currently have the 27th best third base situation? And could use any salary relief the Red Sox will give them?

jim: what stadium has the best sandwich/hotdog/sausage item?

Eno Sarris: AT&T has a crab sandwich in center field and a corned beef sandwich behind home plate that are both better than any sando I’ve had anywhere else.

Sonny: Russell but with Bryant’s eyes

Meh: Any brewery suggestions in the Twin Cities?

Eno Sarris: All of them. Surly, Dangerous Man.

revveduplikeadouche: new plan thanks to camdenwarehouse, find coyote and squish it with fingers from a reasonable distance. then go eat a steak.

Walter: Hey i’m going to Negril, Jamaica in about 10 days! What should I do there?

Eno Sarris: Jump off the cliffs at sunset at Rick’s Cafe. hang out at Alfred’s Sunset Palace, walk the beach and listen to music. Eat jerk chicken out of a drum along side the road. drink a lime daquiri. consider going into the mountains to Rushin River to see the other ide.

Hank: If you’re headed to Denver, drive up to Fort Collins and visit Odell Brewing and also the New Belgium tap room is a good time.

Alec: You posted but didn’t answer my question re Peraza.

Eno Sarris: Yeah he’ll be fine. Better in fantasy than real life. More of a .280 hitter.

Eno Sarris: okay I should probably go do some work

Eno Sarris: Thanks for hanging out!