Eno Sarris Baseball Chat — 12/4/14

Eno Sarris: Be here soon! In the meantime, for the two people who don’t know about my namesake in his full glory:

{“author”:”MockeryofaSham”}:

Comment From American League Hustle
The key to a great offseason is often the moves you do not make. As a die hard Jays fan, I have been thrilled by the additions of Martin, Donaldson and Saunders, and yet the fact we did not sign Markakis is by far my greatest joy. That is all.

Eno Sarris: Have yourself an offseason, Toronto. Only one shoe left to drop: second base? I’m sure it’ll be a filler type. Everth?

Comment From Tony G.
Will Derek Norris be a top-5 catcher in AL-only leagues this season? Would keeping him at $8 be good value, market value or too expensive? Thanks!

Eno Sarris: About market value. There’s still Vogt, he’s still right-handed. Not sure he’ll be top five unless Vogt plays all over and Jaso leaves/doesn’t catch.

Comment From Kyle
I have a deep OF in a 20 team, 40 man rosters, 27 keepers league. What are your thoughts on Yasiel Puig (me) for Kris Bryant, assuming KB sticks at 3rd?

Eno Sarris: I’d take the bird in hand in Puig because I’m not sure Bryant is going to stick to third. Given that… Puig still a top-two rounder. In order to believe that Bryant is that in the next two years, you have to believe he’ll be able to .260/30 really quickly (Donaldson). Guess that is possible… is it probable? Puig’s so young I think more power is coming.

Comment From Pale Hose
The worst part of the offseason is only one podcast per week.

Eno Sarris: I’ll have to look at the numbers to see if you’re alone in this.

Comment From AL Pitching Coach
What do you expect from Scott Kazmir this season?

Eno Sarris: More missed time. It’s funny, the worries about frailty were right and they were wrong. He *is* frail. But he’s also valuable.

Comment From Billy Beane
What type of return can the A’s expect for Brandon Moss? In terms of his fantasy value, would a switch of home ballparks change his fantasy outlook next season (assuming he’s back to full health)?

Eno Sarris: He’s still not great vs LHP, so there’s the chance he only gets about 500 PA. But yeah a new park would help a bit, he could .250/35 easily. In terms of return… two years of control, big power… should get them something nice.

Comment From Art Vandelay
I don’t know how to feel about the new Purity Ring.

Comment From Lenard
Can you set CIL to do reverse time chronology like Dave did yesterday? Makes it a lot easier to follow, in my opinion.

Eno Sarris: I got the message late. I’ll lose all your questions!!!

Comment From mikecws91
Will Andrew Miller’s supposedly imminent signing set the relief market in motion?

Eno Sarris: The relief market is like three or four guys, right? Relievers don’t get a lot of mutli year deals. You’re waiting on Robertson? I can’t believe Miller needs to happen for Robertson to happen.

Comment From ElliotMoose
Think Aaron Sanchez will be in the Blue Jays starting rotation to begin the year? If not would you rather start him Triple A or put him in the bullpen?

Eno Sarris: I think Norris and Sanchez will get a shot. I think Norris will win and Sanchez to pen.

Eno Sarris: Hey guys. Going to try the new code. Wait up.

Eno Sarris: OKAY. Presto bingo bango. Refresh! You should see the old format.

Comment From Pete
ENO! How do you make it from fantasy season to fantasy season? I’m dying over here!

Eno Sarris: Dynasty leagues!

Comment From Pete
Lester’s fantasy value higher in the NL? Top 15 SP in NL, top 25 in AL?

Eno Sarris: Has to be. You get a K/9 boost from all those pitchers. More pitcher’s parks in NL too. Imagine if he signs with Dodgers. Might be top 10.

Comment From Jay
Scoresheet, AL-only: I’m down to choosing between Rubby de la Rosa and Drew Pomeranz as my 5th starter. Who should I prefer? Or should I toss them both back into the pile and keep an extra position player…like, say, Dustin Ackley?

Eno Sarris: I’d probably go with Ackley. He’ll be representative at a position and possibly platoon friendly, and Rubby and Pomeranz are more guys I want to throw darts at in the draft. A’s aren’t done and Nolin is there, ditto for Red Sox.

Comment From Vslyke
Elevating Coppolella to the #2 spot in the FO was supposed to make ATL more sabermetrically friendly – in that context how did the Markakis signing happen?

Eno Sarris: Even Copp admitted to me in my interview that if the numbers and the scouts disagree on something, they’ll go scouts. So possibly they think Markakis is actually okay or better at defense. That changes a lot of the assumptions about him as a player.

Comment From Rated Rookie
Here’s another (Brian) Eno offering to soundtrack Eno’s chat: https://soundcloud.com/all-…

Comment From Your Name Her
You ever get your hands on some GBS btw? Could hook you up if no.

Eno Sarris: No and I want it! Gingerbread Stout!

Comment From Your Name Her
Did you pick the beer/baseball photo currently at top of chat?

Eno Sarris: I did, I took the picture. Now it’s probably gone.

Comment From El Toro
How do you see Pedro Alvarez moving to 1B for the Pirates? He had an awful 2013 and his batted ball distance fell by about 15 feet but he set career bests in K% and BB%. Can he play first and get back to 30 HRs?

Eno Sarris: I think it’s already in motion. They’ll go get a Blanks type to caddy for him instead of Sanchez, and that’ll keep him away from 30, but it might make his batting average better. Still useful in most leagues. But bench useful.

Comment From Darth Stout
It’s been a couple of weeks and I’m still scratching my head over the Cubs acquiring Tommy La Stella. What’s going on there?

Eno Sarris: I think they probably thought they were giving up an oft-injured reliever for a chance at a regular second baseman, and so it was a value trade over a needs trade.

Comment From Jon
Does Betts have a place to play in Boston?

Eno Sarris: Right now, it’s a little iffy, but I do think he would start over an old Victorino. I think a trade is coming.

Comment From Bruce
Who is Toronto`s DH? Navarro?

Eno Sarris: A Smoak/Valencia platoon? That wouldn’t be as terrible as it sounds, actually.

Comment From Bruce
Same cost, Yelich or K.Seager in a keeper?

Eno Sarris: Still gotta keep Seager even if his ceiling is not as nice as Yelich. As much as I love Yelich, I can’t push him much pat .280/15/20 next year, and that’s in the outfield.

Comment From Jon
What should I like about Keuchel in 2015? Is he a top 40 SP?

Eno Sarris: Top 35 last year, and though I think he’ll be closer to 3.4 in the ERA department, I think he could strike out a bit more with a healthy hand. He went away from the slider a bit in the late going because of his injury. Said it looked like a golf ball on his hand.

Comment From Your Name Her
There almost *has* to be something we’re missing about Markakis, no? We know people like his defense, and we know it’s our weakest area as outside analysts — pretty easy to land there imo. I realize that we think we’re quite smart (and sometimes we are), but it seems tough to believe so many teams wanted to pay him that much when our great wisdom knows him to be Aoki with a better reputation.

Eno Sarris: Maybe a sure-handed defender, which he is at the very least, can be moved around a lot to get to more balls. Next to a good defender in CF, might work well.

Comment From Marty
I went back and forth a little with Dave last night regarding Greinke opting out. he has $77m guaranteed for 3 years at age 32, but this is really more along the lines of 4 years, for $82m right, bc he’s definitely getting a QO…or is that too far in the future to think about, and he’s very likely to opt out after 2015.

Eno Sarris: I’ve already heard people in that media space talking about how he’s likely to opt out, and that’s usually a smoke/fire situation. After Lester and Scherzer sign, he’ll have big eyes.

Comment From Guy
Do you think Yusmeiro Petit is given a rotation spot next year? If so, what kind of numbers would you expect?

Eno Sarris: Right now, both he and Lincecum have spots. And if they sign another, I bet it’s Lincecum that goes to the pen. I love his inviseball http://www.fangraphs.com/bl… but he’s going to give up homers no matter where he is. 3.5/1.2/9K9. Nice.

Comment From adam
What will Manny Machado look like this season, or rather, what should we expect?

Eno Sarris: .280/18, good defense but not as spectacular, not many steals, and regular rest to help him get through the season without a big DL stint.

Comment From Marty
Where is the Athletics offense going to come from now?

Eno Sarris: Crisp, Lawrie, Moss, Butler, Norris is still pretty good.

Comment From Vic Romano
TJ House could be one of those sneaky late round picks that pays off huge in standard league next year, right?

Eno Sarris: Definitely. Love that guy. Above average change, great slider, and average velocity that plays up with command. Go get him. Pitcher’s park even.

Comment From Snarfle
Could be a self-fulfilling sort of thing but the iffy deals at the beginning of the offseason usually seem fine as the market plays out. Andrew Miller’s good, but Billy Butler for one fewer year is probably better. I guess.

Eno Sarris: Cuddyer/Butler/Cruz certainly followed this trajectory.

Comment From Your Name Her
I bet big on Trout/Kershaw last year in my 10-team auction league, and they took me to a first place victory and a nice chunk of beer money. They’ll cost me dearly to keep — do I do so or distribute that money more evenly?

Eno Sarris: The deeper the league, the more important depth is. If it’s 12-15 teams mixed, keep the duo.

Comment From Ceej
How do you like to attack prospects in a long term keeper/dynasty? i always stick it to myself with too many and I’m looking for better balance.

Eno Sarris: I’m pretty free with them. Half of baseball is made up of guys that were never on a top 100 list. Maybe more stars were big prospects, but that means to hold on to top-20 guys and trade anyone else on a whim in my experience.

Comment From Ceetar
Get any BCBS? (Coffee and regular for me)

Eno Sarris: Not this year’s. But I got 2013 Rye in the mail from a mutual friend.

Comment From Mooking for Love
re: the return on brandon moss… rumors are saying the indians are involved. does a nice return involve francisco lindor? A’s to have a mid-infield need…

Eno Sarris: That seems a bit costly. But Russell got 1.5 years of Samardzija, so maybe that’s it. I do know that the Indians’ management waxed poetic about Jose Ramirez all year, and that Jose Ramirez probably doesn’t get Moss.

Comment From mtsw
If the Yankees sign Miller, who closes, him or Betances?

Eno Sarris: Betances. Righty.

Eno Sarris: (lefty closers half as prevalent as you’d expect)

Comment From Jheff
THIS IS SO MUCH BETTER

Eno Sarris: FRIENDS WITH JHONNY

Comment From RK
Thoughts on Terry Ryan pretty much saying he ignores defensive metrics? Coincidence that the two oldest school GMs (him and Amaro) are cellar dwellers? http://blogs.twincities.com…

Eno Sarris: Some people think you ignore flawed numbers and talk about garbage in garbage out. Some people think you look at flawed numbers with an asterisk as they get improved. I’d guess most teams have found a way to improve upon publicly available defensive metrics, so that’s probably the real surprise here.

Comment From Art Vandelay
Eno! What a man, how is it that no one else has done this?

Eno Sarris: Nowadays, if you are as talented a writer/producer/thinker as Eno, but not as good looking as other frontmen/women, you just get surgery or a makeover. Look at Gaga.

Comment From Aaron
Do you think the Blue Jays are done with moves? And if so, will they be fighting for first in the AL east, or more likely wild card?

Eno Sarris: I can’t believe they goins into the season with that batch at second. That’s the last move.

Comment From Pizzy
C Martinez, Gausman, Stroman – who do you feel has a better 2015 season? Better career?

Eno Sarris: Stroman in 2015. Martinez the closest to challenging him longer term.

Comment From IanF
What’s the expectation for Jose Abreu next year? Regression?

Eno Sarris: He’s super weird. Like a 30% HR/FB because he hits more grounders than flies. A league average strikeout rate with a terrible swinging strike rate. I have to think fewer homers and a worse batting average. But .280/30 is still pretty monster these days.

Comment From adam
As a follow up to my Machado question: I’ve got Donaldson and Rendon for 3rd. I also have Machado for a very high price. I can afford to hang on to him, sort of. Should I dump him, move him for Drew Smyly, or hang tough?

Eno Sarris: Move for Smyly. You’re set at third.

Comment From IanF
Where do you draft Rendon this year? Top 40? Top 20? Top 10?

Eno Sarris: Haven’t done my rankings yet, but definitely top 20 if not 10.

Comment From Art Vandelay
Someone has to take a chance on Beachy, right? Buy low and hope his arm is the same?

Eno Sarris: And Medlen. I can’t believe the Braves, who would have had him for two more years if they held him for $1.5, didn’t keep that lotto ticket. Medlen has no more years of control, so I’m sure they’ll try to sign him for like 2/10 or something.

Comment From zurzles
Will the O’s have to part with Bundy for a year of JUpton?

Eno Sarris: I think a signing like Morse is much more likely.

Comment From Big Joe Mufferaw
More intriguing new FA, Beachy or Medlen? And Why?

Eno Sarris: I guess it’s Medlen because he pitched between his two TJs and his changeup is the best pitch in this bag.

Comment From Pizzy
I seen people writing about Cashner recently as a sleeper/breakout type. Is it reasonable to expect his K’s to increase due to improved control or should we expect his 2014 season to be his value with hopes of more games?

Eno Sarris: The fact that he told me he was using the high four-seam and curve combo more often makes me think he has more K upside. More high fastballs alone could do it. I think he has five legit pitches, all really good if not great. Health makes him do certain things to try and preserve his arm. But as free agency at the end of 2015 comes closer, I bet he goes for it one year.

Comment From Guest
As a fan of one of the teams seemingly predetermined to land a big name SP, am I right to be concerned all reports are showing more interest in Lester than Scherzer? Former was good back around 2010, but without this strong (and low HR/FB%) bounceback year he’s a 30-yo SP w mileage and a lot of okay years in the recent past. Scherzer same age obvi, but serious domination past three years.

Eno Sarris: There must be some lingering consensus that Scherzer is more injury prone because of his mechanics.

Comment From Rams
should I trade Chris carter in my Dynasty league for a good prospect?

Eno Sarris: His floor is super low. Right-handed platoon DH low. That said, I don’t see anyone pushing him off DH yet.

Comment From Imperial Storm Stout
Picture is still there!

Eno Sarris: Well that is fun.

Comment From GSon
Mars Red with tan interior SLK AMG or Obsidian Black on black 335 Coupe?.

Eno Sarris: Always been a little in love with black and tan, plus, coupe.

Eno Sarris: Oh it’s black on black? Still coupe.

Comment From Carrot man
I’m eating a carrot doo doo doo

Comment From Texas Dolly
I recently heard a few baseball analysts I greatly respect say that Derek Holland was borderline terrible. Isn’t that a bit harsh?

Eno Sarris: I think he can keep back-footing the slider to righties http://www.fangraphs.com/bl… so maybe he can keep up better than league average work. But if you miss the back foot, it’s in the wheelhouse, that low and in pitch that has the highest HR/FB in baseball. And his change is no good.

Comment From Jammer
How many cubs games do you think you will watch next year?

Eno Sarris: A good many! I want to see Bryant. And Edwards. And the two changeups on Hendricks. And everything Soler does.

Comment From KB
J. Upton, C. Davis or C. Santana in 2015 in a OBP League?

Eno Sarris: Was going to write Upton but Santana will have better OBP, similar power, similar speed, and will play third base.

Comment From Bruce
Whats the general consensus on aging saisons. I dont do it on purpose, I just bought too many this summer.

Eno Sarris: Don’t actually know. It’s not hoppy, so it’s probably not *bad.*

Comment From Big Joe Mufferaw
We all know cold beer on a Hot summer day is the best thing known to man (following closely behind are loyal attactive women).But what about cold winter days? Whats the best beer for those? (Its -18 Celcius today.. So like -1 Farenheit)

Eno Sarris: A thick stout that warms your soul.

Comment From Pizzy
Do you think Dozier keeps up what he did last year being a high OBP/low average guy with power or does he take a step forward in average and decrease his power? Or something all together different?

Eno Sarris: Dozier didn’t iron out his pop-up problem, so I think this is who he is.

Comment From Big Joe Mufferaw
What would a hypothetical Tulo to yankees trade look like?

Eno Sarris: Would have to have major league assets in it, which I think makes it unlikely. I don’t see the Yanks as having the horses.

Comment From Guest
Keuchel v. Kluber v. Kubel, who wins?

Eno Sarris: Kluber unless we’re talking hitting dingers.

Comment From Hole Camels
Talk to me about BCBS. I had an easy time picking some up here on the East Coast and I was a little underwhelmed. Is it a great beer, or just a cool idea that gets a lot of hype?

Eno Sarris: Better aged. Smooths out some of the heat.

Comment From Guest
Staten Island is no Brooklyn, but it’s no Missouri either. What the hell, America

Comment From neal
who would you rather have on their current contract: markakis or cruz?

Eno Sarris: Cruz. Cause dingers.

Comment From Jammer
Vicaino isn’t oft injured. He’s only been injured one time that I know of. Granted it did last 2 years

Eno Sarris: Well he partially tore his elbow in 2010 in the minors. Hard to tell if that’s the same injury or what.

Comment From Rick
Do you think Corey Dickerson gets 500 ABs this year and if he does, is he a top 10 OFer (20 HR/10 SB/.285 avg?)

Eno Sarris: He was already top 15 last year. At 478 PAs. yes.

Comment From Big Joe Mufferaw
As a yankee fan, am I crazy to REALLY want Betances, Miller and D-Rob in the same pen? I know its a lot of dough… But come on! Those K’s!!

Eno Sarris: Could make up for some shortcomings in the rotation.

Comment From Jammer
For some reason I think “the natural” could be a title for a porno

Comment From ABsteve
what’s Liriano gonna get?

Eno Sarris: These two showed up right in a row and made me laugh.

Comment From Marty
I had this crazy dream where chats were read down to up, cats chased dogs, hamburgers ate people…and YOU were there…and YOU were there…

Comment From Omolette
the yankee are very quiet. almost TOO quiet.

Comment From Guest

DAYTONA TORTUGAS

Eno Sarris: Needed that interlude.

Comment From Dave S.
As promised on twitter I am here after CIL fixed the scroll. Why do people believe the fake “insiders” on twitter? I mean there is no chance in any hypothetical hell the Dodgers would move Pederson, Urias and Kemp for Hamels.

Eno Sarris: Because with 14 year olds breaking news, who knows who’s real anymore. Also: hot stove is so much fun.

Comment From Art Vandelay
The Mariners acquiring Happ means that a pitcher is getting moved, right? Iwakuma you think?

Eno Sarris: No, Happ isn’t someone you really want to slot into your top five, I don’t think.

Eno Sarris: Here’s a secret. This is what Carson Cistulli is listening to right now.

{“author”:”diamondsfromus”}:

Comment From Jimmers
What do you know about Korean SS Jung-Ho Kang? He had a 1.201 OPS last year. With right handed being sooo rare, how valuable could this guy be if he hit around 240-250 with 20 HR and avg D?

Eno Sarris: I think the problem is the lack of hitters that have gone to Korea or have come here from there. Because that makes translations of his stats really hard. I suppose the pitchers that have gone there and come back can help, but I think his floor is not useable. but .250 and 20 homers would be a top-ten fantasy shortstop, and that’s why I’m holding Kang in a 20-team 28-keeper.

Comment From Kelvin
How does it feel to know that you have been nominated for the Replacement Level Fangraphs writer?

Eno Sarris: Wait by whom

Comment From Foul Bunt
wait, what? you don’t think happ is more than mop-up?

Eno Sarris: No I don’t like Happ. He has okay velocity and rise on his fastball, and an okay cutter, but no other pitch is average.

Comment From Foul Bunt
So, the Mariners have a gaping hole in right field now that they’re going to try to plug with something costly. Is this the most likley Upton destination, and if that doesn’t happen, are they going to trot Cruz into RF for half the year because they’re idiots?

Eno Sarris: I mean, yes, this is why people are talking about Upton for Walker being the next shoe. But Happ has actually only had two seasons with above-average control (out of six), has has only once had above-average strikeout stuff, has never had an above-average ground-ball rate. I guess as a number five… but I’d rather have Walker’s upside.

Comment From SF DaveI
If you could have A. Sanchez (with a new framer behind the dish and a rotation spot open for competition) or a guy like House/Hahn or may be Heaney would you take him? What if you throw Allen Webster into the mix? Where does he fall?

Eno Sarris: Sanchez may not end up in the rotation, so House and Hahn are ahead of him. Heaney got 11% whiffs on the change… but its shape is good. I think I might take Heaney ahead of Sanchez. I’ll take Sanchez ahead of Webster, who is one of my favorite sleepers because *every single one of his pitches other than the four-seamer is above-average by whiffs and grounders*, just because Sanchez has shown major league control.

Comment From Maxamuz

I like to randomly show up and let you know that I am still alive Eno.

Comment From Miketron
So now is the sell highest time for Kluber in a keeper? He can’t really do better than last season right?

Eno Sarris: He actually has the same secret as Tanner Roark: they both switched to the two-seamer, and that’s great, but the peripherals on their two-seamers are below average. They’re okay, but not great.

Comment From GWAR
Found Lagunitas Sucks in Atlanta, but left it at a friends Saturday night. Finally get to drink it tonight. Very excite.

Eno Sarris: It’s as great as its name.

Comment From Luke
Why does the $/war calculation generic across positions? I would think positional scarcity or relative value (think negative defensive WAR adjustments) would result in more accurate $/war for each position. Or are we all just using the average because it’s just easier for conversation?

Eno Sarris: Look at the work by Swartz. It’s not actually generic, but because of market forces, I think it’s so volatile that it’s better to use the generic.

Comment From BlueJay
Mariners make a move on Cespedes, that would be a real contender with all that line up can offer. But your thoughts on the ball park. It is really hard on hitters.

Eno Sarris: It’s the temperature, and they can’t change that. Unsure you should change your offense to fit it too much. That’s how you trade Rizzo and think Alonso and his oppo power will play better. Get good players.

Comment From Rams
what type of line do you see from JD Martinez this season?

Eno Sarris: i’ll take the over on Steamer projected power and go .270/.320 with 25-30 homers.

Comment From Foul Bunt
Back to being angry. Do the Mariners sign Morse again? Over/unders?

Eno Sarris: Sometimes you’ve danced with a guy too much and you just pass.

Comment From Mike
Marlon Byrd has to get dealt at the Winter Meetings…right?

Eno Sarris: You’d think. But it must be hard to make deals with Ruben Amaro.

Comment From Maxamuz
I ordered a book off ebay and got a message from the seller. They sended with “Toodle! -Bunnyeye” I don’t know how I feel about buying a book from someone named Bunnyeye.

Eno Sarris: Dirty.

Comment From Snarfle
Oh yeah, I forgot about that Rizzo-Alonso thing. Who else was in that deal? Cashner? Someone else to the cubes?

Eno Sarris: Separate deals, but linked by intent. Rizzo to Cubs for Cashner and another piece, Latos to Reds for Grandal and Alonso.

Comment From Rated Rookie

Where have you been, Maxamuz?

Comment From Bubba
Thoughts on Polanco this season?

Eno Sarris: Love him. Feel like he demonstrated the skills he was supposed to last year. Better batted ball luck and a better strikeout rate and I’ll buy him as a .275/.335 guy with 10-15 homers and 20ish stolen bases.

Comment From Marty
Do you think Hamels gets dealth? RAJR clenched his teeth and winced when he traded a 37 year old Michael Young on a 90 loss team. I just dont see it.

Eno Sarris: Read this as death and was no man, what did he do? I actually don’t think he gets dealt. Since reasonable, well-thought-out arguments exist that he’s really valuable and he’s also expensive in terms of dollars, you know that anyone that calls Ruben Amaro is talking about the hundred million, and he’s talking about how good Hamels is. Probably not a convo that ends the way Amaro wants it to.

Comment From Skingraphs
What is Eno short for?

Eno Sarris: Scroll all the way back up. I’m named after the guy putting lipstick on.

Comment From SF DaveI
Can you put out the alert for me again? I am looking for a standard fantasy league to join: non-keeper, draft/non auction, weekly roto type league. I know my stuff and will be diligent about setting lineups and such. If you have an opening hit me up @davidspeidel2 on twitter. Thanks!

Comment From Pat
Have you had the rum barreled Southern Tier Pumpking? Not good as the original, but certainly worth a taste.

Eno Sarris: not a fan of pumpkin beers.

Comment From Marty
Is Brett Anderson broken beyond repair?

Eno Sarris: I’d give him an invite to camp. Love his breaking ball.

Comment From Thronegerryandhispacemaker
I haven’t heard much about Allen Webster lately…doesn’t seem like he is going to hit The Starting Five after The Red Hose sign The Big Arm…

Eno Sarris: Hopefully they trade him to the National League and then I’ll be ALL OVER HIM

Comment From Your Display Name Her
Well, I was thinking I could trade the GBS for some goodies I can’t get in DC…

Eno Sarris: Sure.

Comment From Arismendy
What do you expect from Alcantara next season? (besides lots of k’s)

Eno Sarris: Fewer Ks! More walks! Power and speed and glove! I like him, but not as a star.

Comment From Art Vandelay
Would you draft Harper before Stanton next year? I got Stanton happily early third round last year, but I don’t know if I want to pick him in the top 10 where he’ll probably be taken this year. I feel like Harper might be a good alternative if he makes it to the second round.

Eno Sarris: Nah I’ll take Stanton ahead of Harper this year.

Comment From Jon
Thoughts on Steve Pearce for 2015? Steamer seems to be all in.

Eno Sarris: I’m actually not as bullish. He’s gearing up for the fastball, and I think he’ll see fewer of them. He’s right-handed and might be a first baseman only defensively. I think he’s still a fringy guy.

Comment From CecilFieldersButtPlug
Hey Eno. Pretty broke right now as an NYC resident. but i naturally love great brew. what is the best value beer you can think of? not talking bud light, coors, etc. Ive noticed sierra nevada is pretty cheap

Eno Sarris: Look at Lagunitas. A bomber of Sucks is not expensive, but it’s great. Better than Sierra.

Comment From Eno!
Over the last few weeks, I’ve asked you a series of contract questions for NL only keepers. You have consistently recommended longer contract lengths than I was thinking. What factors do you weight when considering length? I tend to shoot for lower years/more value/less risk, even when it sucks to throw a 2/$11 Puig back in 2 years.

Eno Sarris: I basically don’t sign pitchers to contracts and try to lock in young hitters through peak years.

Comment From LeylandJim
I hate everyone.

Comment From Dhave
Eno is short for Brian… duh!

Comment From Maxamuz
I rule my league with an iron fist, as you must. I am finally pulling the trigger and ridding my league of the awful Wins stat. Quality Starts from here on out.

Comment From Snarfle
I’ll give you an invite to camp. No, seriously, I’m in the Bay. Let’s go camping.

Eno Sarris: Luded.

Comment From Paul
Seriously, you had to bring up the whole Rizzo-Alonso thing? This was the first time in history a team traded someone because they didn’t want a “quarterback controversy.” Also, the Padres chose the Ryan Leaf of firstbaseman.

Comment From Marty
Short for ENO-SAURAUS REX!

Eno Sarris: Now y’all are on fire.

Comment From Maxamuz

I've been doing a little of this and a little of that Rated Rookie.

Comment From Marty
Wait, .270/30 HRs…you’re putting JD Martinez into “pretty monster” territory similar to Jose Abreu? No way, man.

Eno Sarris: Eh Abreu is much more likely to be 32+ while Martinez is 28+, and I’d give Abreu .280+ and Martinez .270-. Also, JDM has a much lower floor given his right-handedness and history. And if we’re talking OBP, it’s not even close — and OBP will affect Rs and RBI. So they’re not close unless you only focus on batting average and homers, and even then, only at upper level of JDM and lower level of Abreu.

Point is, I like JDM.

Comment From Steve Scrabopple
Take Eno before and there’ll Eno gas.

Eno Sarris: BUBBLY BUBBLY BUBBLY ENO

{“author”:”gskasiachannel”}:

Comment From Guest
I saw on Vice some people are bringing back quaaludes

Eno Sarris: would pair well with INTERludes perhaps.

Comment From Maxamuz

Lucas Duda 30 HR 92 RBI .349 OBP (.830 OPS). This next year he progresses further and hits .270

Eno Sarris: Possible. He doesn’t strike out *that* much.

Comment From Miketron
I don’t think I could commit to camping with a stranger

Eno Sarris: Yeah we’d have to have a beer first and maybe a background report.

Comment From mtsw
Does organizational filler know that it’s organizational filler or do teams delude guys into thinking they have a chance at The Show to keep them around?

Eno Sarris: Brandon Allen signed with the Mets, I think he saw some opportunity in the OF and 1B there if things worked out. Most guys at that point are realistic, but also looking for best case scenario situations.

Comment From Pork and Beans
Will you take Puig ahead of Harper this year?

Eno Sarris: Yes.

Comment From Jon
Is Neil Walker a top 10 2B in 2015? Does he keep up his improvements?

Comment From mtsw
The orinthologically correct 90’s style Oriole bird logo looks indisputably better than the current/70s-style cartoon bird, but the cartoon bird correlates really closely with team success. Am I risking jinxing the O’s by wearing the better-looking but worse-mojo hat?

Eno Sarris: There is no mojo!

Comment From THE average sports fan
Kyle Blanks worth a flier for the Reds LF problem?

Eno Sarris: With a platoon caddy!

Comment From Marty
Duda solo-lude http://i.imgur.com/IVDCEhY.gif

Comment From Foul Bunt
Do you platoon Logan Morrison with a) some dude, b) DJ Peterson, c) Jesus Montero, d) Scott van Slyke, obtained in trade, or e) no, I let LogDog bat against everyone.

Eno Sarris: Right now, Montero is needed at DH. Van Slyke is my pick for sticking around in LA. Peterson with a big spring could actually get in the convo.

Comment From Mad Elf
With the Braves seemingly looking for cheap, controllable SP, would a package of Miguel Gonzalez, Zach Davies and a low A arm be enough to get Justin Upton?

Eno Sarris: No, I don’t think Miguel moves the needle a ton, given his peripherals and stuff.

Comment From Guest
Does Headley sign at winter meetings?

Eno Sarris: yes.

Comment From SF Dave
Laganitas Censored, Brown Shugga and Sumpin’ sumpin’; all good on their own but when had one after another they cause explosion of the intestine.

Eno Sarris: noted.

Comment From ar
is the number 2 pick obvious this year? i feel like it’s not.

Eno Sarris: Goldschmidt?

Comment From The Big Dipper
Shane Greene and Gary Sanchez for Elvis Andus who hangs up first?

Eno Sarris: Rangers I think.

Comment From Guest
If the Mariners trade for Kemp do you think he would play 1st eventually?

Eno Sarris: Well Cruz would be first in line if he can manage it.

Comment From Vic Romano
Better target in a league in which players can be kept forever with no cost…..Harper, Puig, or Rizzo?

Eno Sarris: I’ll take the outfielders ahead of the first baseman, and the power/speed combo in Puig. I know Harper steals bases, but fewer every year.

Comment From Pork and Beans
McCutcheon better #2 pick than Goldschmidt, right?

Eno Sarris: I’m not sure of that. He was closer to six last year for me.

Comment From Polanco or Yelich?
Polanco or Yelich?

Eno Sarris: Yelich. Had more time to adjust. Has more power upside.

Comment From Foul Bunt
Speaking of logos, why can’t we get a grizzled old man in a yellow sailor hat with a dead albatross hanging from his neck for Seattle?

Eno Sarris: I’d vote for that.

Comment From Foul Bunt
Cruz is going to get a parking spot in the Mariner parking lot that says DH and if he parks outside that spot, he gets a ticket. Maybe $1M ticket.

Eno Sarris: But they just traded away an outfielder. You think Peterson is ready?

Comment From Mooking for Love
Adam Eaton worth a damn in 2015?

Eno Sarris: dude he managed a top-50 OF season last year! I think he has more power in him too. I think he could go on any bench next season, is fine starter in 15-team 5-OF leagues already.

Comment From SF Dave

DANCE OFF!

Comment From Guest
Should i trade Cobb high in 4×4 now Molina is gone?

Eno Sarris: nah. He’s got a great splitter curve sinker combo.

{“author”:”werdsup”}:

Comment From Maxamuz

Dance off ACCEPTED

Comment From Art Vandelay
That has to be the first time I’ve ever heard someone say they prefer the realistic Oriole logo.

Comment From Vic Romano
What’s Corey Seager’s ETA? Will he take the job in spring training?

Eno Sarris: I think he could be ready this year but I can’t believe he’s ready right now! Maybe they think that even with growing pains he’s preferable to spending to get what’s out there now, or maybe they get a Lowrie/Everth type caddy and hope he’s ready by July. I’d want to see him repeat his Double-A strikeout rate or improve it. And want to see more D at SS.

Comment From Maxamuz

Check.

Comment From Bier
Buxton or Wil Myers in OBP keeper league?

Eno Sarris: I’m going Myers. Buxton needs to stay healthy and Myers still has good OBP upside with power.

Comment From SF Dave

Topical Dance reference: Honoring the Hammer! MATE!

Comment From Maxamuz

and Mate.

Comment From David
Long term, how much better than A.J. Pollock is Mookie Betts?

Eno Sarris: Pollock is a right-hander with platoon issues and is D-first. Not in same convo for me.

Comment From CecilFieldersButtPlug
Most ambiguous question of the day: what will be the biggest surpirse of the 2014 offseason? 2015 season? take it for what its worth. go!

Eno Sarris: The Astros sign Max Scherzer?

Comment From Rated Rookie

Late entry to the danceoff.

Comment From Cicero
If Trevor Story can keep his MLB K-Rate around 22% will he be a top 10 2B?

Eno Sarris: That would be better than any of his K rates since A-ball, so I doubt it’ll happen.

Comment From Marty

Comment From Foul Bunt
What’s wrong with Jay Bruce and does he have any bounce left in him?

Eno Sarris: I do think he does. He was hurt, and you could see it in his batted ball profile at first. Ran out of season in which to regress to his norms. .240/30 seems pretty attainable.

Comment From Ka-Bloooey
Gifs are stupid, this is stupid, you’re all stupid!!!

Comment From Maxamuz

Comment From David S.
So I cover prospects for a different (smaller) site and this year I got credentialed for the AFL w/o clubhouse access. How long or what’s the best way to go about getting more access next year?

Eno Sarris: There isn’t really clubhouse access in the AFL. The big guys get some access, but when I was there, it was about on-field access. Prioritize one or two players per team and try to catch them quick before they walk off the field.

Comment From Kelvin

Pants off Dance off

Comment From Dylan
Mookie Betts in the OF = Christian Yelich with a bit more power. Agree? Disagree?

Eno Sarris: Way better plate discipline numbers. More contact. Better BA.

Comment From CecilFieldersButtPlug
have you had New Glarus spotted cow? its only in wisconsin. its AMAZING. i had it during my greenn bay trip a few weeks ago

Eno Sarris: yes it’s so awesome. So smooth. so well-balanced.

Comment From cmg8462
Because of deGrom’s TJS and transition from SS do you project him with a heavier weight on his most recent performance? Steamer and I expect Zips are pretty low on him.

Eno Sarris: yeah wrote about it too http://www.fangraphs.com/bl…

Comment From Maxamuz

Eno Sarris: LOOKING GOOD

Comment From SF Dave

Got to run. Damn school kids need PE. But before I go:

Comment From Alex
I know you’re leaving soon so one last desperate time, for I value your advice: Kris Bryant and Alex Meyer for Puig. and Mookie Betts for Bryant. Which deal is fair?

Eno Sarris: I want Puig in both.

Comment From Marty
Why was Kenny G on Bloomberg??

Eno Sarris: yeah what does that guy know about baseball.

Comment From Guest
How rough will the turf be on Saunders at Rogers?

Eno Sarris: He won’t play every day, maybe that will help.

Comment From Coffeeboy
Do you predict that Joey Votto will be a top 10 1B in 2015?

Eno Sarris: Yes.

{“author”:”TEEDinosaurs”}:

Comment From CecilFieldersButtPlug
joey vottos slash in 2015? curious about those BB numbers. Thats a stat that ages well corect?

Eno Sarris: Yah plate discipline ages well.

Comment From Foul Bunt
Victorino: fragile 4th OF, or starter again?

Eno Sarris: Fourth OF right now, and even if they trade an OF… Betts Castillo are in my starting OF even after a Cespedes trade. I’d probably still use Nava or Craig to platoon Victorino.

Comment From Spencer
What do you think about Alex Wood? In reading Grantland’s trade value piece (which is usually pretty good), I noticed he didn’t even get an honorable mention, while guys like Sonny Gray, Ventura, and Cole are ranked in the mid-30’s. Alex Wood is younger than Gray and Cole (and only older than Ventura by 4 months), has a 3.23 FIP as a starter, and is under control for another 5 years. I get that Wood isn’t a top top pitcher in the game, but he always seems criminally underrated.

Eno Sarris: Why isn’t Wood a top pitcher in the game? Only time spent doing what he does holds him back. He’s absolutely a great pitcher, the only question is how long those mechanics will hold up.

Comment From Foul Bunt
Plate discipline ages well until people aren’t afraid to throw a fastball down the plate at you. See Giambi.

Eno Sarris: Well Votto isn’t there yet.

Comment From exxrox
That was only half my comment..sorry. Our issue is that when we draft a prospect, they are eligible to be kept in the “minors” for a set period of time roughly equal to a year of service. 162 games for a position player, 170 IP for SP and 70 IP for RP. However there are some prospects who have both SP and RP tags and we can’t decide how to categorize them or when they should lose eligibility. We are talking about setting a limit like 100 IP for both but it is not ideal.

Eno Sarris: Always an issue. I’ve used Rookie of the Year limits, but then you have to make a decision on a young starter 50 innings in.

Comment From Foul Bunt
Would you trade Victorino?

Eno Sarris: Depends on what’s coming back. They need someone up front in that rotation. More likely to get it with Cespedes.

Comment From Art Vandelay
Is Everth going to do the Cruz thing and take a one-year deal to try and reestablish himself as a decent player?

Eno Sarris: yes.

Comment From Eno!
Don’t sign pitchers to contracts? 2 weeks ago you said this:

Comment From Eno!
Trying to win this year and next in a 12 team 5×5 roto… do you have an hesitation signing Jose Fernandez to a 2 year $14 deal? Any way you’d be inclined to stretch that to 3/$19?

1:26
Eno Sarris: I like it. I think three years better. There’s a 400-inning TJ honeymoon even if you have two of them, and you get a better AAV, more healthy years past this one.

Eno Sarris: Truth. I lose my mind a little around Jose Fernandez. Almost signed Matt Harvey to three years, one including last year, but didn’t. But at least JF is coming off the surgery. There are always exceptions. Generally I don’t sign pitchers.

Eno Sarris: Okay the baby needs attention! Good to see y’all. Next chat from San Diego!

Comment From Maxamuz
Fairwell good friend.