Eno Sarris Baseball Chat — 4/13/16

Eno Sarris: sometimes when you get down in this business you just have to have a center, a calming soothing thing, and yesterday this was that thing for me

Eno Sarris:

Blerick: How could the author of this weeks very good changeup piece be got down?

Eno Sarris: By a little gremlin that finally got rid of his ear infections only to have his teeth bother him from 4:30 on this morning? Woof.

Lindor Truffles: Looming question–must know before league mates: Jepsen or May?

Eno Sarris: I think it might be May! Jepsen has been worse so far, May has been used right before him, and the last close game, it was May that finished the game. He seems to have more strikeouts in the bullpen, and velocity and handedness are about the same.

ATLephant: Any chance that Mallex Smith could lead the NL in steals? Seems like a Billy Hamilton type who can actually get on base.

Eno Sarris: Billy has more speed and should have more power, which is slightly irrelevant here considering their relative power levels. I would say there’s some PT risk for Smith, but Hector Olivera just got popped for domestic abuse, so even when Inciarte comes back, there’ll be time for him.

Sandwich Hoss: Any pitchers emerge early on that have you intrigued?

Eno Sarris: Finnegan, Velasquez most of all.

Cubbie: Finnegan had a great game against the Cubs. But can a game plan where he throws so many change-ups work long term?

Eno Sarris: I think it was just a SURPRISE! moment.

Enzo Amore: Hey Eno! In a 10 tm Roto, would you rather trade away Tanaka for Kimbrel if you had the depth at SP? Or drop Soler for Doolittle? I need another CP.

Eno Sarris: Soler for Doolittle.

Ron: Are the White Sox for real? I wouldn’t mind seeing them signing Daniel Murphy if Garcia continues to struggle. Plus, if seems they would like another left-handed bat.

Eno Sarris: I liked them going in. David Murphy? Might be a good idea.

TrevorEndingStory: Am i going to lose my job to jose reyes soon, or in 4 to 6 weeks?

Eno Sarris: Rox are crazy enough to make a point about this and trade Reyes before he plays a game for them, I guess.

Bork: Eno on Wednesday? What is this? Do we get 2 days of ludes this week??

Eno Sarris: Not unless D Cam has changed it up since last I checked. He’s going tomorrow. Travel schedule!

Franco Harris: Should I drop socroties britto in dynasty league or sit on him?

Eno Sarris: This is about who he is, I think.

Ol Sea Capn : Hooray for Jake Lamb. Hooray for Raisel. Hooray for Velasquez. All hail the picks of Eno!!! Now let’s talk about Liam Hendriks… woof. Be patient or cut bait?

Eno Sarris: They not using him late in close games, and his velocity is a bit down… if you trying to get saves, I think you could let him go. Madson is next in line for now.

Erik: Is there anyone in the league with a more fascinating set of neuroses than Lester? A pitcher who can’t throw a pickoff or an intentional walk is a wonderful absurdity.

Eno Sarris: It’s delightful.

Nathan: Re: your piece yesterday on pitchers…I had a few questions on the deGrom part in particular.

I know you mention that deGrom has the command and movement to survive a velocity drop. How long do you anticipate a drop lasting though? Is this the type of thing he’ll likely struggle with all year given the fatigue from the long postseason run and resulting short offseason? If it’s likely to last all year, should we expect a velocity rebound next year? Or is it possible it never fully bounces back? When you said “soft landing at lower velocities” it kinda scared me because it had the sound of “it might never be back”. But I know literally nothing about this so I thought I’d ask.
Thanks Eno!

Eno Sarris: He should get a mph over the course of the season, so he should end the season averaging over 92. that’s still short of 93.5 (2014) or 95 (2015). Pitchers don’t usually put on velocity, but in his case, I’ll give him another start or two before I hang this velo on him.

Johnny5Alive: #lolMets

Eno Sarris: And people said that hashtag was dead.

Eric: It seems like everyone is waiting for Syndergaard to get TJ because Harvey, Fernandez, etc. before him were all hard throwers and needed it. But, Verlander was also a young flamethrower and his elbow is still in tact. Is Verlander just a freak? Could Synd also be a freak, or do you think TJ is inevitable?

Eno Sarris: I think he’ll have the surgery eventually. He’s already had some bouts of forearm tightness.

Sam: With Semien heating up the last few days and the rest of the A’s lineup stinking up the joint, the A’s have to move him up the lineup at least against lefties right?

Eno Sarris: I’m surprised about that. I wonder if it’s related to defense, that he’s lower in lineup because he’s likely to be replaced by a lesser bat for more glove.

Turdfurgeson: Corey dickerson, power looks good. Is he going to hit 25 hrs and inmy end up with 60 rbi ?

Eno Sarris: Both things totally possible!

Sirras one: Ken giles… now what?

Eno Sarris: Hold.

Sean P: I’m getting pretty excited about Adam Warren’s role on the Cubs based on his first two appearances. I know that he has had good peripherals and that the Cubs thought highly enough of him that they were willing to trade Castro for him straight up. ZIPS also loved him heading into this year. What is it about Warren that makes the Cubs and ZIPS so optimistic about his abilities?

Eno Sarris: Two really good secondary pitches and a fastball that plays up in the pen. I still think he’ll get to 100+ innings with some spot starting.

Dr Johnny Fever: If there really is a trend to move away from “closers for the ninth inning” will there be a fantasy trend toward saves+holds?

Eno Sarris: I think it’s here already!

Zonk: The $60 mil contract for Hector Olivera looking more and more like a disaster, isn’t it? It’s not like he was wowing us before this incident.

Eno Sarris: That and Rusney’s contract were always my bets for the tide turning on Cuban signees.

Walter W.: Is Allen Craig a good comp to Tyler White?

Eno Sarris: White more walks.

Alex: Mesoraco is only 2/19 to start the year but somehow has a 100% z-contact rate and only 2.3% sw-strike. He’s also chasing pitches out of the zone a lot less. Is this a sign that he’s taking a much better approach at the plate and has been unlucky or am I reading into these too much?

Eno Sarris: Swing metrics are the very first to become stable. That’s absolutely where you should be looking now, if anywhere.

Pale Hose: Eno Sarris: Now bringing an inappropriate amount of sexy to your Wednesday

Eno Sarris: I’ll tell you this: I don’t feel very sexy right now, unless sexy is disheveled and leering at the pillow.

Tom: Best beer from the Deep South?

Eno Sarris: Do the Carolinas count? Because then Wicked Weed’s sours. Also *really* like Tropicalia from Creature Comfort.

Marc: Being an East Coaster (Pittsburgh) Is it ok that my favorite brewery is southern tier? They dont make too many Awesome beers but everything ive tried from IPAs to Stouts have been at the very least extremely solid (with an exception for the fiancees purchase of the Creme Brulee, terrible beer)

Eno Sarris: There are two ways for a brewery to be excellent: One is to never disappoint. The other is to have one or two amazing beers. I would keep looking for the third kind, the very best in the world: they do both.

Rob: Eno, do you think that Tropeano sticks with the big club this season and, if so, what do you think his numbers are like?

Eno Sarris: Strikeout per inning, .8+ HR/9, 3.6-3.8 ERA, good WHIP.

Joe: Orioles! Stats! Dingers! Sample size!

Me gusta los Gigantes:

eno time:

Zorn: We must be in a very close place. One ear infection led to another..and now the teeth are coming..:-}

Eno Sarris: NOW THAT WE FOUND LOVE WHAT ARE GOING TO DO… WITH IT

Jake: Would you drop Kyle Gibson for John Lamb or Erasmo Ramirez?

Eno Sarris: No.

Chandler city: Hi from Quebec Eno ! New fan of fangraphs and the podcast !!

Eno Sarris: C’est incroyable!

Marc: I love Caminero, you love Caminero, but doesnt it seem like he should be K-ing more people with that effortless 102 heater and nasty (when on) slider? What would it take for him to get in the 11-12 range at the very least instead of last years 8.8?

Eno Sarris: Better second piece I guess.

Jake: Would you be actively shopping Felix?

Eno Sarris: More actively shopping Bumgarner.

Jay: Has Charlie Blackmon turned into a platoon player?

Eno Sarris: They’ve been doing this off and on with him for a while. I doubt it’s strict.

Sean Doolittle: thanks for giving me the bad voodoo last night on twitter!

Eno Sarris: Yeah, my b.

Jerad Eickhoff: What are you looking for in my start today? Perhaps my catcher to set up ON the plate in 3 ball counts? Because it seems like I can paint fairly decently with my fastball.

Eno Sarris: I think he was getting squeezed a bit. But fastball command is key because he has the secondary stuff and he’s not going to add much velo, it looks like.

Jake: Do you have a favorite pitcher to watch?

Eno Sarris: Max Scherzer? So many really great pitches.

Josh: Eno, I’ve been reading your (somewhat dire-sounding) warning signals regarding Bumgarner. Wondering if I should trade Bumgarner and Chris Carter for Votto in an OBP league. According to Depth Charts, I’d be giving up a lot more value, but is the concern about Bums serious enough to justify it?

Eno Sarris: If you can get an interesting pitcher back in the deal, you get the best player in Votto and a nice landing spot if the pitcher works out.

Manuel: What’s your take on Matt Moore?

Eno Sarris: Velocity and movement are back, and though he’s never going to be a good command guy, it’s at least looking pre-injury. Low 50s type ranking now.

Marc: I stupidly held on to Nicasio in a Pittsburgh Homer league instead of trying to sell high on him. What do I do now?

Eno Sarris: Wait another start! (Still sell if he’s good.)

Bruce: I know what bitter and fruity taste like, but what exactly is Malty?

Eno Sarris: Have a brown ale.. malty tastes… thick and chewy and sweet.

forever it: Thoughts on Trayce Thompson’s start to the year? With a strong couple weeks, will they bench him once Crawford/Van Slyke/Ethier come back?

Eno Sarris: He just doesn’t make contact. Totally reminds me of Justin Maxwell. I think the Ks will come and he’ll be more of a fifth OF.

Thor: Did you see me last night? Just nasty stuff. Am I a top 10 SP going forward?

Eno Sarris: Yeah those 93 mph sliders were awesome. I wish I had pushed him past 16, but I’m glad I made him a tier 1 guy.

Matt: Why does Fangraphs think that the LA bullpen is so good? There’s more to success than good K and BB rate. Mistakes the Dodgers make go 400 feet because they throw flat fastballs

Eno Sarris: This seems easily testable. Hold on. http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=rel&lg=all&qual=0&type=11&season=2016&month=0&season1=2016&ind=0&team=0,ts&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=4,d Lefties and righties mess this chart up, but the Dodgers don’t have a bullpen of flat sinkers horizontally, and vertically, they’re second best: http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=rel&lg=all&qual=0&type=12&season=2016&month=0&season1=2016&ind=0&team=0,ts&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=4,d

Natitude Adjuster: As mentioned to August F. on 3/29: “Whoa, check out the Nats’ April regular season schedule: Braves, Braves, Marlins, Marlins, Marlins, Braves, Braves, Braves, Braves, Phillies, Phillies, Phillies, Marlins, Marlins, Marlins, Marlins, Twins, Twins, Twins, Phillies, Phillies, Phillies, Cards, Cards. Don’t be surprised if they get out to a ‘hot’ start, and the national media starts fawning.” It’s already happening! Ha.

Eno Sarris: I picked them to win it all!

Erik: Can Aaron Nola make the jump from plus to elite command? And would that make him an ace even if the stuff stays the same? He’s yet to walk anyone through two starts so the future looks good.

Eno Sarris: Largely avoided the change, which might be because he can’t command it as well, so I’d like to see what happens when he starts working that back in more. Love him though.

BigChief: Idk if you saw but Altuve tried a hidden ball trick by putting the ball in his back pocket. Ignoring that he was probably just doing it to mess with an old team mate, if Carter would’ve stepped off the bag, would Altuve have to take the ball out of his pocket to tag him, or could he have simply rubbed his butt on him? If the latter is the case, where would Altuve twerking on Carter rank on a list of best outs ever recorded?

Eno Sarris: As good as that face/butt slide last year.

PS: Are we out of the woods with Bumgarner’s Neuroma? I have seen some articles about wearing the wrong shoe size and I am wondering if that’s nonsense and it’s still an issue….

Eno Sarris: He says he only feels it if he thinks about it… But man, getting a pitcher to open up about injury is impossible. His release point is more consistent (good) but also different from last year (bad), his velo is still career-worst… somethings’ not right.

alex : trade: Puig for F.Hernadex. standrad 5×5. looking for big bat exchange for above avg SP. could I get more value?

Eno Sarris: I would take Puig yes.

mike: does reyes actually have any trade value at this point? between age + contract + likely incoming suspension and PR baggage, I can’t think of a team that would want him.

Eno Sarris: Maybe by the end of his suspension, if they eat a ton of the money.

Guest: Do you believe the scout who said he thinks Matz needs more minor league seasoning?

Eno Sarris: I’ve been dropping a semi-worried lefty Andrew Cashner comp on Matz. The thing is, he worked really hard in the minors on getting his curveball up to average. Doubt he can work on that much more. His fastball is great. He claims he is good with the change, but it might just be average. Two average secondary pitches plus a great fastball is probably average, and that’s less than we expect he will be.

Alex: Any chance Dietrich can get more playing time? He’s done well when he gets the chance but are the Marlins cool letting Prado be the everyday guy?

Eno Sarris: He bats lefty, which is good, and can DH for them, but Prado is a plus plus clubhouse guy and not batting poorly. Hard to see that Marlins squad removing him from the role.

Jose Meowtista: Do you see trouble in Ketel Marte’s future? I know it’s early, but how long does an owner wait?

Eno Sarris: I always thought he was a low-powered hacker that might end up at the bottom of the order with fewer steals, but here’s a reason to hold on: better than average swing and contact rates. Hold for a bit.

The Ladies Man: Why is it so easy to fall in love with the bottom of your roster?

Eno Sarris: You paid so little!

Ringtone Composer: Do you see Casilla keeping the closing gig in SF for the entire season?

Eno Sarris: No.

Mike: 12tm h2h mix 1DL spot. I’m currently stashing Jung Ho Kang, Devon Travis, and Pollock. Kang should be back in weeks, and have Story to cover meantime. What to do with Pollock other than continue crying in fetal position?

Eno Sarris: Drop, probably. IN the same place as a previous injury, that’s not good.

Smashmouth Fan: Like Alex Wood against ARI today, in LA?

Eno Sarris: A little. I’m cautiously optimistic about his new arm angle, and he’s home.

The Ladies Man: Say, sweet thang, can I buy you a ‘lude sandwich?

Brock Holt!: Eugenio Suarez!

War2d2: Scrotum Brittle. Help.

John Stamos: Use this comment for your next interlude

Eno Sarris: Well then.

Zonk: Who has the overall advantage in cold weather: Pitchers, or hitters?

Eno Sarris: I’m working on this, but the numbers are clear: offense is down in colder weather.

Davy: I have been wondering whether, with all the new data available, there’s a way to rate a player’s positioning, based on how close he is, on average, to the landing/stopping/catching place of a ball hit to his part of the field. Eventually, if such a thing were to exist, it seems like it could be combined with UZR to provide a more accurate snapshot of a player’s true range.

Eno Sarris: Yeah that’s the future, with the StatCast data.

Beegluv: Desclafani, Karns, Tomlin on waivers in quirky 14 team h2h with 10 pitching cats- find a way to pick 1 up? Who? Drop an RP strickland, Jones, Zych. Or rich hill.

Eno Sarris: Zych is great but pitching mop up innings. Desclafani for him.

Gil Faizon: Thoughts on Devon Travis when he gets back? Think there will be any drop off from his brief but productive time in the line up last season?

Eno Sarris: He was surprisingly powerful and then he had a crazy surgery on his shoulder. I do think it’s hard to expect the same power when he comes back.

Ryan Goins to get sent down: How long before Fangraphs writers are replaced by chat bots?

Eno Sarris: I’D LIKE TO SEE THEM BE THIS WEIRD.

Me gusta los Gigantes: The idea that we already know Syndergaard is going to have TJ is horrible. Like being tied to train tracks.

Eno Sarris: Just breathe. It’ll happen to most of them.

Zorn: Chris Archer velocity down . He claims its not a big deal. Is it not or doth he protest too much?

Eno Sarris: Three starts is a big deal. If he comes out of this closer to 94, he’ll be over 94 by August and it won’t be a big deal.

Walt: speaking of Olivera, remind me why the Braves traded for him?

Eno Sarris: Guess they didn’t think much of Peraza.

Thor: Thoughts on Hudson as next in line in Zona

Eno Sarris: Yes and one of the more decent non-Twin speculation pickups.

Johnny5Alive: the class average on their third exam was 10 points lower than on their first and second. Am i a terrible teacher?

Eno Sarris: I’d look to externalities. Are they getting busy more in the warmer weather?

Jeff: Peak Royals Billy Butler an upside comp for Tyler White?

Eno Sarris: You know what? Yes.

JDogg: if the “closers for the 9th” era is officially ending, do anticipate high leverage RP’s taking a huge hit in average salary?

Eno Sarris: Arbitration is trying to also reward holds, in order to avoid this.

Culito: Ok heres the situation. You are challenged to a street fight Warriors style by a guy you really really hate. You are allowed to build your gang with three current MLB players. Who do pick?

Eno Sarris: Yasiel Puig (look at the dude), Johnny Cueto (you know he’ll fight dirty), and Kyle Farnsworth (judo slam).

Taveras Ghost: I feel like Odubal Herrera could be a .310 15hr/25sb guy. Put that on a better Phillies team and he’s scoring 100 r.

Right?

Eno Sarris: Under on average and homers, but he’s decent.

Razor Ramon: Ey yo, Eno. Who replaces Schwarber at catcher on my fantasy team: Ramos, Cervelli, Gomes, or Grandal?

Eno Sarris: Grandal.

Bone: Not sweating Granderson’s start too much but what can we reasonably expect from him this year? Would you start him over Pillar if it was between the two of them for an OF spot?

Eno Sarris: Granderson an OBP play and a batting average sit for me right now.

DJ: Name the SP(s) in MLB that have better “stuff” than Thor… Please and thank you.

Eno Sarris: Max Scherzer, Clayton Kershaw, Chris Sale for sure for me, then also probably David Price, Chris Archer, Stephen Strasburg, and maybe Gerrit Cole, Carlos Carrasco. For all his velocity, other pitchers have broader arsenals.

Eno Sarris: God I had no idea my mans RJD2 did the Mad Men theme I’m a problem.

shubbles: over/under: my swizzle or my drizzle?

Eno Sarris: Never drizzle.

Bart: Eno, should I start Pineda against the Blue Jays or bench him?

Eno Sarris: I’m sitting but that didn’t work so well with Tanaka, huh.

Yupper: Start Eickhoff today?

Eno Sarris: Yupper.

Scott: Tropeano or Shane Greene?

Eno Sarris: Trop.

TuesMorningBear: does Eugenio Suarez keep this up?

Eno Sarris: Will have more strikeouts in his future, and some barren moments, but believe in his power.

Kenneth : Any pitchers you like for dfs tonight?

Eno Sarris: Conley. Eickhoff. Rodon.

Taveras Ghost: Aaron Hicks, Marcell Ozuna or Kole Calhoun.
Waiting on an injury, a breakout and for an offense to kick in.
Who does it first?

Eno Sarris: Not Hicks, he’s not playing every day. Love Ozuna’s tools. Smart answer is Calhoun, but I take Ozuna.

Eno Sarris: Sorry, newish Mac has been crashing. Stupid.

Joe: Mallex Smith, sell or hold?

Eno Sarris: Hold, you’re not getting much for him.

mtsw: If Hyun Soo Kim gets DFAed at some point this season does any other team take a chance on him or does he head back to Korea?

Eno Sarris: Someone like the Braves or Phillies would give him a chance for sure.

Joe: Do I drop verlander, tillman, gibson, or eickhoff, for may? I need another closer

Eno Sarris: Tillman. His stats are all over the place.

RP: I know Nick Ahmed doesn’t exist, but if he did would you believe his imaginary numbers are sustainable?

Eno Sarris: Take away all the power. Then you’re left with slightly above average contact, bad patience, not much power, meh speed. Good glove of course, not much else.

Texas Dolly: Let’s say Deshields fizzles out. Are the Rangers shifting over one of the many OF on their current roster, or do we see Lewis Brinson get the call if he’s ready?

Eno Sarris: Mazara hasn’t played center, and it would probably be asking a lot of Ian Desmond to get it going with the bat and play center for the first time… But they have to be careful with Brinson because of his contact issues. I think maybe Desmond in center is the first try.

Tommy Boy: Is my Wil Myers mancrush rational or wholly irrational?

Eno Sarris: No! I mean irrational yes because he doesn’t wear gloves and is random young toolsy dude that hasn’t put it together and good god that hair. But also, he’s not a bad player if he can stay healthy.

Rob: Looking at your guys’ Bullpen Report, which of these (current) non-closers are best in leagues with saves AND holds? Dyson, Zych, Jones, O’Day, Oh.

Eno Sarris: O’Day, Jones, Oh — guys in the 8th on good teams with Ks.

Pat: The dodgers knew that Olivera was going to get arrested.

Eno Sarris: This is probably said tongue in check, but who knows better about a player’s makeup than his own team? I know that teams inquiring about makeup ask writers, and that writers are human beings, subject to good/bad interactions with players. I suspect makeup is the reason that re-signed FAs do better than ones signed away from other teams.

Ben: With Gattis back and Tyler White raking, does this mean we might have to wait a little longer for some AJ Reed goodness? Who would you rather own for this year and goin forward, Reed or Giolito?

Eno Sarris: For this year alone, Giolito. Going forward, shifts back towards the bat.

Andrew: How worried are you about Blackmon and Springer? They are top ___ and ___ OF’s ROS?

Eno Sarris: Both top 20. That’s just a little bump down on Blackmon because of some platoon risk, but both still strong OFs.

Mike: Does the Schwarber injury pretty much rule out a Soler trade for a pitcher at this point?

Eno Sarris: If they didn’t do it while Schwarbs was healthy… I think they’re looking to find a gem.

Craigslist Tim: Hey August I heard you were selling your apartment stuff. Do you happen to have your bed mattress left? Oh and your bedspreads. No need to wash it I’ll take it as is.

Eno Sarris: One-person lude.

Erik: Why don’t we see more guys learning new pitches? I get that it’s hard, but of you’re already good enough at pitching to pitch in this majors, it doesn’t seem to me like it would be impossible to learn a new grip

Eno Sarris: They don’t want to be beat on their third-best pitch, basically. That’s why Spring is all about the new pitch.

Johnny Ray: Will Kepler ever get a chance to play? Worth holding onto in a dynasty league?

Eno Sarris: Looks like a fourth OF, but Rosario is beatable.

Scott: Abita Strawberry Harvest: Revoke my man-card, or screw it I like it who cares?

Eno Sarris: Always who cares.

Chatbot: Challenge accepted.

Bork: Eno, you’ll be the chatbot. Fangraphs is going to wire you directly in. Eno chats 24/7.

Argo: Whose bad start concerns you more…Rollins or Brad miller?

Eno Sarris: Well, Rollins is way older, so him.

Chatbot: Chatbot is just like Eno but instead of beer Chatbot likes hydraulic fluid.

Argo: Brad Johnson seemed convinced that Byung-ho would be moving to a part-time role very soon. Your thoughts?

Eno Sarris: It’s a lot of swing and miss. He needs to make a little more contact soon. Especially with Kepler up. I’ll give him a bit more time.

Eno Sarris: Oh this one is for the Arizona road unis, though it’s not all about the hats

Inigo Montoya: When did you say Dyson was going to take over in Texas?

Eno Sarris: I didn’t put a date on it. Just early.

Rob: How intrigued are you by Baez when he comes back? With Schwarber out and Maddon not really loving Soler, seems like he could see more PT and produce as good of numbers as a lot of full time 2B/SS.

Eno Sarris: Problem is Baez is also a righty and has many of the same issues.

Matt: Feel like you write about Reds players a lot (which is good, I’m a Reds fan, and I enjoy your work) – any particular reason or just have interesting and/or overlooked players to write about?

Eno Sarris: I think if I was tasked to build a staff on the cheap, I would’ve come up with their guys.

The Only Nola: Speaking of Butler, is present-day Butler “done”? The As seem like theyre giving up on him

Eno Sarris: v LHP DH is a lonely place.

The Only Nola: Do you think Jepsen blows his chance at the closer role and it goes to May (or someone else)?

Eno Sarris: If he is, indeed, getting the first shot. The thing that is a little worrisome about May is that he’s gotten two-inning stints twice, which suggests they like him as a fireman.

Nelson: Whats the advantage of guys having long at bats, wearing out the pitcher if Bullpens are even better than the starter?

Eno Sarris: The third-time through the order penalty is actually a pitch count penalty, Russ Carleton found.

Malt Man: Malty – Dogfish Head 60 Minute is a pretty damn malty IPA.

Eno Sarris: Good one.

mtsw: A genie installs you as the President of an MLB franchise. The one catch is that you have to either appoint as hitting coach A) a randomly selected member of the public or B) Jose Canseco. Which choice do you go with?

Eno Sarris: Jose Canseco, man, this is an entertainment business.

Zorak: We all know the Mets are in line for some positive regression to the mean, but I think their underlying flaws are too easy to expose. High-strikeout, low OBP offense and terrible defense. The question is, where can this team make upgrades later in the season? They’re locked in to such average players at C, 1B, SS, 2B, 3B and RF, with only Flores and his lifetime .286 OBP waiting in the wings.

Eno Sarris: The OBP should get better and the bullpen is easily upgradable.

Jack: Are you a little excited about Chirstian Yelich batted ball profile this early in the season so far? Cutting the ground ball% WAY WAY down so far has to be a great sign right?

Eno Sarris: Hey that is nice. Yes, that is exciting me. GB/FB is second after swing metrics, and not quite there, but it’s nice to see him trying.

kevinthecomic: Is there any statistical evidence that certain players are ‘streaky’? You know, a guy gets 5 homers one week and then doesn’t go yard again for 2 months. Or is that just statistical noise and a guy who is streaky this year is likely to regress to more consistent next year?

Eno Sarris: Bill Petti did some research on Volatility that suggests that K% is a big source.

PK: Would you drop Nicasio for Vincent velasquez?

Eno Sarris: yes.

Bradley: Drop D. Hernandez to pick up D. Hudson for spec saves? NL only?

Eno Sarris: Hold. Not in love with Gomez, tons of balls in play.

Trainman: Kluber’s velocity seems down a few ticks. Concerned?

Eno Sarris: It’s one tick, and he’ll get some of that back. A little worrisome because he’s probably the best Bad Fastball pitcher in the majors. If it gets worse… I’d buy at number two prices, sell at number one.

Paul Westerberg: What is your take on Jimmy Nelson? Is it possible for him to improve his control–which has been somewhat of a limitation in the past?

Eno Sarris: Another year with that curve in his arsenal could do it.

egg: Are you feeling more optimistic on Derek Holland? He’s looked good in the early going

Eno Sarris: His changeup is not good and his velocity is no longer as good as it was.

Gary Busey: You aren’t that weird.

Eno Sarris: well… you are.

tom: Is everyone out of Story puns?

Eno Sarris: It’s an inconTREVORtible fact.

Panic City: Mets odds of winning the NL East already down to 33%. Why are people saying it’s

Panic City: early?

Eno Sarris: Because of the wild card and the seven games thing.

Johnny5Alive: chase anderson, looked good first start, know he was a sleeper, what say you?

Eno Sarris: Still has a plus change, above-ave curve, ave fastball, so it’s about command. I like him, obviously a little bit less in Milwaukee, but Arizona is not Valhalla for Pitchers.

Mike: Will the Indians ever play against a right handed pitcher? My man Naquin needs some at bats!

Eno Sarris: so glad I sold him.

David D: I’m in a 30 team dynasty going through a nasty rebuild. One offer is My Thor for Giolito + McMahon + Taylor Guer… thoughts?

Eno Sarris: Nah. Bat piece needs to be better IMO. How long until you are good, won’t Thor still be good?

My Byung Ho needs some TP: what he said

Eno Sarris: I’m 14.

David: What’s this “Harvey slider velo down” thing? Is he done?

Eno Sarris: I’ts down to… 88

Eno Sarris: I’m fairly chill about Harvey’s issues. I dont’ see a smoking gun. Just needs to improve the command a bit.

Pretty Tony: Why does Khris Davis not strike the baseball with his baseball bat regularly

Eno Sarris: Always had a fair amount of swing and miss in his game.

Pat: I know it’s early, but given how Daniel Murphy has been performing since the postseason.. would you contribute his performances for what I’d say is a change in his approach or just some continuous streak of luck? He’s walking more, striking out more, and hitting for more power, which sounds like a major change in approach from his high contact rate and doubles days prior

Eno Sarris: As you get older, you pull more, and it’s a (temporary) source of power. Usually pitchers adjust.

mort: my friends keep telling me that wins aren’t a great evaluator of talent, am i an idiot for thinking they are?

Eno Sarris: Not an idiot, over really long periods, they okay. But Aaron Small went 12-0 for the Yankees and was no bueno.

Pete: What are your thoughts on Nate Karns, both this season and long-term? I don’t know what to make of him.

Eno Sarris: Short term I really like him. Change is finally a legit third piece. 28 and in Seattle. Longer term.. he’s older than you might think, and how long is he going to be in Seattle, seems a movable piece if they suck.

Jung Ho Kang: i sucked over my first 25 AB’s, did you see what i did last year? so everyone should leave my friend Park alone….

Rougned: Odor been stinking up the joint. April, or was last year’s 2nd half smoke?

Jack: At what point is it ok to cut ties with a big prospect like Buxton who is struggling? You drafted him, so you want to be patient, but 11 K’s in 22 AB’s is all sorts of bad.

Eno Sarris: Put this in the ‘wait some more’ bin.

Gregor: No way all those pitchers have better stuff than Thor

Eno Sarris: We going to have to define stuff, aren’t we, which is maybe my life’s work.

Dave: Shields and Nola are surprising available. Drop Sanchez or Smyly for either of them?

Eno Sarris: No but I’d love to find another way to get Nola.

Tooty: Whats the best way to handle the guy in your league that is constantly sending downright disrespectful trade offers? People have already called him out but he continues to do it and I’m tired of declining them.

Eno Sarris: Ignore the first offer, don’t stoop to his level, think of a trade you would do, respond, move on. Don’t let him get to you.

Steve: Can Verlander be a top 25 guy with such diminished velocity?

Eno Sarris: Wow. Ouch. 91.7? That’s barely average for a righty. I didn’t know it was down so much. He’s got a lot of good pitches still, but he’s 33 and this velocity has been dropping for a while. Doubt he’s top 25. Top 50.

Marc: John Jaso, worst hair in the bigs? does anyone else come close?

Eno Sarris: We have differing opinions on dreads, I guess. I love them. Now, I do prefer Jose Reyes’ cleaner ones, but I love different.

Simon: What’s your outlook for Kenta Maeda now that you have seen him pitch state side?

Eno Sarris: Command is really good, especially of that slider. Velocity is not good. Change and curve… still not very good. But maybe representative. I’ll give him NL average, which is pretty good.

Jon: Your profile on Tropeano’s player page says he pairs his change with 4 seam and rarely throws a 2 seam, but pitch f/x looks like he ditched the 4 seam for 2 seam in 2015. Do you know anything about that change and would it support his improved yet small MLB sample last year and this year?

Eno Sarris: Be very wary of PITCHf/x 4s vs 2s. Brooks has Tropeano not throwing a sinker in 2015, and they work pretty hard on looking at each pitcher separately.

Randy Savage: Would you trade Ventura and Hamels for Danny Salazar? I can pick up Nola for example, so it would be like Ventura and Hamels for Salazar and Nola. Thanks baby

Eno Sarris: Yes, and thanks for telling me what the empty slot would net. that helps a ton.

Edinsonanity: Are you buy this new 10K/9 Volquez? Or is the other shoe dropping any second?

Eno Sarris: I don’t understand it at all.

Randy Savage: Eno’s Chatbot will be like Bender from Futurama. Moar beer plz

Phil: Just uttering the phrase “man card” should subject you to a life of Coors Light.

Conspiracy Theory: Type 1 vs Type 2 Human Error in regards to missing calls. I think some umps are secretly in on a plot working towards being replaced with robots. This story has legs. Call Tom Hanks in to investigate. I know you have connections.

Eno Sarris: not bad people.

Halp: What does the first baseman say to the batter when they get on base? Always wondered what the two are always talking about while on the bases.

Eno Sarris: I’ve asked around a bit, and they don’t really think about what they say. Not trash. Mostly just what’s up.

klof: Who is baseball’s northeast IPA? Hazy and juicy?

Eno Sarris: Someone like Puig, who is enjoyable, but some people hate it, especially old-schoolers.

klof: Who is baseball’s Mosaic hop? Pissy in the boil, but a cornucopia of aromas late in the game?

Eno Sarris: Juan Uribe?

klof: I’m about to go back to plain Sculpin. They’ve been messing around too much.

Eno Sarris: Agreed.

lloyd: best black lager?

Eno Sarris: Koestritzer.

klof: Vin Scully’s digression on Socrates during Brito’s at-bat: ::strikes out:: “he drank the hemlock”

Kvn: Several O’s players have seen 5-7% reductions in O-swing% so far this season (Trumbo, Hardy, Davis, Schoop). How long before we can say this is a real shift in approach?

Eno Sarris: Swing rate takes 50 PA, and that’s diced up, so a little bit longer.

Kvn: Mychal Givens struck out 4 guys on Monday with what seemed like a sidearm “riseball.” Like O’day’s, but thrown at 94-97 MPH…

Eno Sarris: Yeah he’s deceptive. He holds his hand above his arm slot so he can get cut and rise.

Ricky: You’re weird for not answering my question. Help me make a speculative pickup: Any of Giolito, Berrios, Urias, De Leon or Glasnow up within the next month or two?

Eno Sarris: Twins look closer to panicking and Pelfrey so bad. Berrios.

Phil: Man, the population of Beergraphs is WAY more into the whole bourbon (barrel) craze than I am, particularly for stouts. You a huge fan? I find the alcohol starts to get too out of control and I really prefer my beer tasting like beer, not a hybrid.

Eno Sarris: That’s Untappd data, and yeah it’s a craft-beer wide thing. I’ve been slowly digging them more, but it takes a different mindset. Like drinking Port.

2-D: Please explain your “bad fastball” criteria.

Eno Sarris: Below-average movement and velocity first and then swSTR and GB next. Kluber’s velo was okay, but his movement has always been less than average, and his results below average on the sinker. Which was better than his four-seam, which he turfed, and is now bringing back.

Lil Mook: Could you give a quick overview of swing metrics and what are the key things to be looking at?

Eno Sarris: Right now, just look at swing%. That’ll get your O-swing guys, but the denominator is bigger. Swinging less is not always great, but I think it’s usually good for crazy free-swingers.

Newspaper: Is a pickle a sandwich?

Eno Sarris: If you hollow out them middle and put cream cheese and bacon inside, yes.

Maxamuz: Trevor-Trevor Land, You’ve Trevor had it so good, Better late than Trevor

adam: i once snuck ludes on a plane, ON A PLANE ENO

Lonesome Hobo: Little known fact, Rodon’s father was an oxen

Eno Sarris: Top shelf.

Bork: Hey you there, sit up straight, your posture is terrible.

Eno Sarris: dammit yeah you’re right.

It Billy Burns when I pee: Can Billy Burns get some regular playing time? Are we just being polite and waiting for Cocoa Crisp to displace some random bone or pull a mysterious muscle?

Eno Sarris: yes and yes but also no because the A’s do this. Shanahan everyone’s playing time.

Crig: Note: Carleton’s math on TTO vs pitch count had some serious flaws (check out the discussion on Tango’s site if interested). Seems pretty solid that the TTO penalty exists, and is a big deal independent of pitch count.

Eno Sarris: I will read more!

eno time: jose quintana has thrown 600 innings the last 3 years; no more than 9 wins each year

Inigo Montoya: About how many questions go unanswered in your box during one of these chats?

Eno Sarris: So many. I’m at 1:30 right now and I may not catch up this week and I take maybe one in ten.

High Cheese: was just talking to a major league hitting coach this week, talked non-stop s**t about having to work with the analytics department. Is this standard with hitting coaches in the L?

Eno Sarris: I think it needs to end, but it does exist. Ideally, it’s the hitting and pitching coaches that are the best conduits between the players and the FO.

Bork: Confirmed: Eno chooses pitching over children as life’s work. Take that kids.

Eno Sarris: shh don’t tell wife.

Brock Holt!: SPAM bad trade offers guy with 10 offers slanted your way per day until he either quits or cuts his crap.

Eno Sarris: If you have the time, turnabout is fair play.

Pretty Tony: I think if I somehow became a major league baseball player, it would look something like Tyler White (minus all the AL player of the week and hitting home runs stuff)

Eno Sarris: Everyman!

Bork: Dreads and clean are two opposites.

Eno Sarris: Disagree! Seen all sorts of dreads in Jamaica. Some gross, some pristine.

Marc: I love dreads too. Cutch was one bad dude with dreads but John Jaso? He looks like the poor mans Riff Raff…

Eno Sarris: Yeah I’m not saying the great, but there was a serious lack of dreads in baseball after Cutch and Reyes. Did you see how they exploded when he got run all through? Great TV.

Otis : Does Pitch F/X consider 2 seam and sinker as the same pitch?

Eno Sarris: They separate for who knows why.

Marc: So far it looks like an early wash on the Walker – Niese deal. Who ultimately ends up the winner at the end of the year?

Eno Sarris: Walker side.

Scuba Steve: Have you checked out any of the IPA’s from Hoof Hearted (OH)?

Eno Sarris: Just put out a call to trade for one.

Bork: From what I’ve heard from college players they ask the first baseman where the best places to eat/party/etc at…but then again, this is college players.

Eno Sarris: I once spat on the first baseman by accident and didn’t know if I should touch it. I did, and it almost started a fight.

Jack: Pelfrey isn’t on MIN anymore…DET

Eno Sarris: Oh right lol. Well then, Ricky Nolasco or Tommy Milone.

Eno Sarris: I have to go! I’m falling apart! Need more oil for my mechanix…

Eno Sarris: love and kisses.

Eno Sarris: in the meantime