Eno Sarris Baseball Chat — 5/26/16

Eno Sarris: Be here shortly. Also, shuddleywap.

Oliver: URIAS TIME BABY

Eno Sarris: Yes. Supposedly very polished. But I had a question about dropping Ryan Madson for him, I wouldn’t do that.

Oliver: Think after Caminero “rehabs his quad injury” he can get things back on track?

Eno Sarris: Would take a bit to get back into setup, he’s droppable even in holds leagues.

Friend: Joey Gallo got called up to….sit the bench? WHY?!?!?

Eno Sarris: Can’t say good things about what they think about his future, can it? Despite his nice K% in the minors this year.

A. Reitz: Buxton is raking again in AAA. He has to come up soon right? It’s not like he’ll be costing the Twins games…

Eno Sarris: Of course. But. Uh. I don’t understand the Twins so much.

Matt: If a good friend of yours is in a fantasy league, but hasn’t really touched his team all season, when is it ok to find a replacement?

Eno Sarris: Yes.

scribblybibbly: My man, you seem cautiously optimistic-ish about Harvey on the latest pod. An owner in my league is shopping him hard. Seems like Matt Holliday will be enough to get it done. Worth the gamble?

Eno Sarris: Yes. Holliday only okay.

Eno! Helloooooo: I’m sorry, because I am sure you have answered this before, but what is your favorite beer bar in Chicago? Preferably near Wrigley. Thanks for the fun!

Eno Sarris: The guide drops soon, hopefully. Near wrigley it’s probably Sheffield’s. But I really like Half Acre Brewery and Map Room and they aren’t that far.

Erik: Aaron Nola is already awesome, and he’s only 22. But might he already be done improving? Have other young pitchers with his profile (already elite command, average velocity) found a way to kick it into yet another gear? Doesn’t seem to be much room for growth command-wise and adding velocity is rare.

Eno Sarris: He could throw his changeup more.

Art Vandelay: NINETEEN YEARS OLD! Excuse me while I go to the store to buy some metamucil and smelly soap, because I officially feel like and old man.

Eno Sarris: Welcome to writing about baseball.

Wardo: Own Drew Pomeranz in a H2H categories league. Is now the time to start shopping him? There’s no way he’s healthy and pitching in Sept, right?

Eno Sarris: The health part is my biggest concern with him and Hill. But you got him for free and you have to get to the playoffs, too, so if nobody bites, just ride.

Mitch: What do you think happens to Aledmys Diaz once Peralta comes back?

Eno Sarris: super util plus platoon at 2b? 3 games a week plus pinch hitting? I don’t think his defense is enough to push Peralta.

No Regrets: Hector Santiago: shuddleywap or shuddleywhoa?

Eno Sarris: Wap.

Zach: I watch Gregory Polanco continue to blossom, but I still can’t get over that swing. It’s very long and loopy and can seem a bit gated – to put simply – it doesn’t seem to be the most textbook swing in the world but obviously works. Is this just a case of a swing that while it’s not perfect universally, it is the perfect swing for this specific player given his build and skillset?

Eno Sarris: It has holes so I doubt he cuts the strikeouts much more. But I always thought this was coming.

Nothebs: Who knew that the Bay Area was a hot spot for giant Germans?

Eno Sarris: I’m the dwarf German at 6’2″ apparently.

Sad Pirates Fan: Urias: Signed out of Mexico at 16 for 450k. Dominating everyone and everything. Luis Heredia: Signed out of Mexico at 16 for 2.6 mil. Still in A and demoted to pen duties. Sad Pirates Fan is Sad :'(

Eno Sarris: I wonder if this means that AJ Preller will just sign a TON of lower-cost international players instead of really paying top price this signing period.

Kyle: Which players would make the best Angry Birds? And which ones would they be?

Eno Sarris: Hunter Pence Eyes

JAL: Trying to move Velasquez for a closer. Target wise: AJ Ramos? Cody Allen? Higher? Someone else? Thanks!

Eno Sarris: Allen.

Earl: Whattup Eno. Drink many IIIPAs before chat. Can you rank Belt, Votto, Abreu for ROS and Dynasty in OPS leagues?

Eno Sarris: ROS Abreu Votto Belt, dynasty Abreu Belt Votto?

No Regrets: PS: You and Paul should use shuddleywap vs. shuddleywhoa for future hot-or-not discussions.

Erik: Has Maikel Franco been “found out”? From his stats, it looks like pitchers have adjusted to him and he’s been unable to adjust back. Do you see an adjustment coming, or is he really just an average hitter?

Eno Sarris: I don’t see that in the numbers. I see a guy that led baseball in launch angle / exit velo defined line drives last year showing a mediocre babip and power for his skillset. Better days are coming. Gonna finish above .275 with 25+ homers.

J: Theory: Pitchers who pitch down in the zone have higher HR/FB rates since pitching down leads to more GBs, but also may make it more likely to avoid high fly balls/pop ups so more flies end up at a good angle for HRs. Thoughts?

Eno Sarris: This has been worked on, and partially supported, if I remember right. But also very much refuted. Hard to figure. But hitter’s planes these days are set up to hit fly balls, which makes for a good matchup against GB pitchers. FB hitters hit better vs GB pitchers than FB pitchers.

Bridgeport Justin: As someone who lives right near US Cellular Field, I’m pretty excited for your upcoming book. Maybe you’ve answered this, but how much of a distance radius are you going with for local craft beer bars near stadiums?

Eno Sarris: Basic premise is: Where would you have to go in the state/city if you were going to go to one brewery/beer bar? Where would you go in the city proper? And what kind of a crawl could you do on the way in to the stadium?

Piscotty sounds like a dessert: Zaun thinks that Travis needed more reps in the minors before coming up and getting his spot back as starting at 2nd and that Barney has earned to play everyday, thoughts? Travis’ bat seems more attractive to me

Eno Sarris: I’d play Travis.

old tex: With Urias up, is kershaw the Dodger’s 2nd best lefty now?

Eno Sarris: hole up

DPF: Should the Pirates look to trade Cutch this offseason? Meadows could be ready as soon as this time next year, so they’d only need to bridge a few months. Could be a good way to restock a farm that will graduate some pretty top talent in the next year.

Eno Sarris: Isn’t that more likely than an extension?

Erik: Would it ever be the case that looking at a team’s record against “good teams” (defined however is most useful) could be more informative than looking at their overall record? Is there a profile of a team that beats up bad teams but is unlikely to win a playoff series? Or is this a case of preferring the bigger sample?

Eno Sarris: It’s possible that a team with good depth could win more games that others would lose due to normal attrition, and then be at a disadvantage in a playoff series. So I suppose a team with good fourth and fifth starters but not great 1-3 could fit that profile.

Justin: Since pitcher fWAR uses FIP, isn’t it kind of flawed? Say a pitcher finished a season with a 3.00 ERA but a 4.50 FIP. His WAR won’t really reflect his season of dominance, will it?

Eno Sarris: The problem with most pitcher WARs is the problem of knowing how much credit to give the pitcher and how much credit to give the team behind him. That’s true of looking back or looking forward.

Jon: I’m in a complete rebuild and the Garrett Richard’s owner has some interest in my players – is it worth trading for Richards with his impending TJ surgery, and if so, what level player should I be looking to acquire for him?

Eno Sarris: Sure. A boring veteran that could be useful this year but you wouldn’t want in your keeper set next year.

Ringtone Composer: Let this serve as your annual reminder that I work with a guy named Luder.

Fangraphic Artist: The nickname “Too Tall” for Ed “Too Tall” Jones (ex-Cowboys player) really takes a while to hit you. But once you think about it, it’s the best damn nickname ever. I imagine his whole life people underestimated him. Why? Cuz he’s just too damn tall.

HomebrewJ: Rounded out the homebrew lineup:
SP – Jimmy Nelson Sauvin Pale Ale
C – Trevor Brown Ale
1B – Justin Smoak’d Porter
2B – Darwin Barleywine
SS – Troy Berlinerwitzski
3B – Brett Saison Lawrie
LF – Kyle Schwarzbier
CF – Anthony Gose
RF – Kolsch Calhoun

Eno Sarris: Fantastic interlude.

Brett : You buying into Samardzija improvements from last year? The Giants effect makes me believe.

Eno Sarris: Splitter improved movement recently, and he’s showing better command and velocity recently. I think he’s a good pairing with Righetti. I was wrong!

OddBall Herrera: Am I crazy to think that a totally reachable season for Buster Posey’s left handed clone Joe Panik (.300/10-15/10-15) is what we would reasonably expect from a successful Dansby Swanson? And in that sense, isn’t it a little silly that everyone is so excited about the latter, yet the former is often an afterthought?

Eno Sarris: This happens v often.

Boognish: Focal Banger > Heady, there I said it!!

Eno Sarris: Very many beers > Heady!

Eno Sarris:

Boognish: carlos Rodon FB velo way up last 3, what to expect RoS?

Eno Sarris: Weird so he’s back on track. Gotta be good news paired with improved command. Buy if he’s out there.

Vaya Con Dios: What would you say to the Mazara doubters that point to his hard %, babip, gb rate and so on? I see a guy who continues to get better after some initial soft hit luck.

Eno Sarris: Read my ESPN story today.

Merv Throneberry: Straily The Man on Reds The Team….anything to get excited about or does the team negate the accomplishments?

Eno Sarris: He’s good! A little more deep league good, but he’ll get strikeouts and do decently in the NL.

Joe: I’ve got a Urias tract infection!

Ol Sea Capn : Desperate times call for Urias.

Unintendi: is urias winking at me

Eno Sarris: Didn’t even have to look that hard.

Soop sok: Alex Reyes next in line should a spot open in the rotation?

Eno Sarris: I suppose so, but that walk rate suggests it might not be Easy Street from the Get Go.

Von Schloss: Are their any team clubhouses that generally seem to be more friendly toward talking the saber-related side of baseball?

Eno Sarris: Athletics. Astros. They are very comfortable talking about the concepts because their coaches do, is my guess.

Jack Conness: Adam Conley vs. ATL tomorrow? Looking to drop Ian Kennedy.

Eno Sarris: Yes.

Vaya Con Dios: is tyler duffy hot garbage?

Eno Sarris: I’m not a fan yet. He’s trusting the change but it doesn’t look like a good pitch.

JP: Is it possible to find Maine Beer Company bottles in California?

Eno Sarris: Only through a trade.

Matt: It’s sort of a perfect storm for the Braves to trade Teheran, right? The Red Sox and Astros rotations are disasters, each has elite young pieces the Braves would want, there are no other SP of his caliber available, and Teheran is excellent. Might a package for him surpass the package they recieved for Miller?

Eno Sarris: Yes and yes.

Nathan: Trying to get Correa from a guy who needs outfielders. Thinking of offering Marte and a pitcher like Hamels for Correa and Yelich. Fair?

Eno Sarris: I like your side, but it’s worth offering. Might want to throw a small third piece in.

Vaya Con Dios: Is Alex Wood actually hurt or is this just a convenient excuse to take Urias for a test drive?

Eno Sarris: Alex Wood pitches in a manner that suggests that he will always be hurt the day after so I wouldn’t look too far into this.

Yoenis Envy: Is a slider technically a breaking ball or a fast ball that slides? Serious question.

Eno Sarris: Depends on the pitcher and the pitching coach. Some sliders have tons of break. Some are more about changing speeds. But for the most part, you’re on the side of the ball, so it’s not usually a fastball.

ZMP: Eno! Do you think Boxberger actually gets his closer job back or do they stay with Colome?

Eno Sarris: Yes. For money reasons among others.

kyle: are you buying Jimmy Nelson this year?

Eno Sarris: Not at this level, but I do like him.

Zorak: Socrates is in the minors, Adonis is in the minors, Arquimedes is seamingly broken… bad year for the Greeks

Ben: Will Fielder rebound this season? Is he done?

Eno Sarris: Most of his stats are okay looking, other than power, and that can change quickly.

THE MAN WITH THE PLAN: I’M A MAN. WITH A PLAN. I’M 40.

Eno Sarris: this made me laugh.

dave in slc: lowest guys on my al only totem pole are headley and coghlan. Either of them worth holding on to at a buck or bid 5 to take a flier on call ups like kemp or moran. dont have much faab money left though

Eno Sarris: I’d hold both. I’m not a Moran fan, even if I am a moran, and… well Coghlan for Kemp would be okay but word on Gomez DL stint is that it will only be about three weeks…

Von Schloss: Is Daniel Mendgen’s sustained success in the minors making us reevaluate his outlook?

Eno Sarris: He also got a velocity boost this year. I’m intrigued.

Yoenis Envy: You talked about Rich Hill throwing his curve in the zone, and it sounded pretty smart. Question: why doesn’t everyone do this?

Eno Sarris: Not everyone has such a great curve, or the willingness to go out on that limb and throw 40+ a game.

Yoenis Envy: Sell Urias now now now? Or is he in another tier above Berrios, Manaea and their silky ilk?

Eno Sarris: Definitely more polished, but if I had him in a redraft league right now I’d definitely float him.

Big Joe Montferrant: Eno, I’m going to a BrewFest with over 100 brewers tomorrow, how should I handle it? (P.S I’m going there as a 2nd date).

Eno Sarris: Oh gawd. Go light as long as possible, drink as much water as possible, and keep paper notes so that you’re not on your phone checking them all in all the time.

yyiod: Best Sour Ale

Eno Sarris: Cantillon St. Lamvinus. American? Russian River Consecration or Rare Barrel Ensorcelled.

Curtis: At what point do statistics diminish our ability to just enjoy baseball?

Eno Sarris: I’ve never felt this effect because I’m also capable of just watching a baseball game.

Guy: ESPN seems ready to give up on Story after his recent struggles–talking about league adjusting to him–but didn’t this happen earlier in the season and yet he still found a way? Are you a believer?

Eno Sarris: I’m a believer. I’ve seen two distinct approaches that he’s dealt with. Early it was all soft stuff and he didn’t swing a ton. Then they went with fastballs and he swung more. I can check again, but I think he’s good.

Arnold: Cody Anderson’s curve supposedly made the difference in his last start versus the Whitesox. With Carrasco coming back, Clevinger up and Bauer in the rotation what should the Indians do and what are your thoughts on Anderson moving forward?

Eno Sarris: My guess is Cody stays up and Clevinger goes down, but the next start will be big for both.

Chillcat: Jepsen, May, other, or just forget the turd storm that is the Twins bullpen altogether?

Eno Sarris: I’ve picked up a few May shares since they were super cheap and there’s been a Perkins setback. It’s only Jepsen in mixed leagues.

Anon: What are some obvious holes on contending teams come trade deadline? Like cards pitching or Mets OF?

Eno Sarris: Pirates pen? Red Sox number two?

Ken: Did Tuesday change your opinion that all Matt Harvey needs to do is fix his slider? That second time through the order is becoming a real pattern.

Eno Sarris: Weirdest thing for me is him not throwing his good curve and change more. I think he needs to do that.

Slow Rollers: is Cameron Maybin legit? would you drop Will Myers for him?

Eno Sarris: I like him some, but I wouldn’t do that.

Stan: Tyler White….droppable in a 10 team league?

Eno Sarris: I like him some but I would do that.

Wardo: Over/under: my flippity or my floppity?

Eno Sarris: Flippity.

Von Schloss: Word is Lucas Giolito struggled early because the Nats messed with his mechanics at the beginning of the season. That have since let him go back. What was the point?

Eno Sarris: Improving the change or his long-term prognosis? Something similar happened with Sonny Gray.

Todd: Where Buxton is concerned, they probably want him to have some sort of consistent success for awhile. He’s been all over the place the last 2-3 years. He was always batting injuries at AA, got called up way too early and sucked, sucked again at MLB this year. Probably good for the kid mentally to just rake for a few months. His K:BB still doesn’t look great.

job: It looks like Cain figured something out three starts ago when he switched to the other side of the pitching rubber. Seems like he might be back. If so, how would you rank the Giants rotation, even with Peavy in it?

Eno Sarris: I wouldn’t buy him ore than his 4.12/1.28/7K9 Depth chart projection. If you rank by the top three, Giants probably top three rotation. In sum, it drops.

Eno Sarris: Top three top threes? Let’s see. Mets, Dodgers, Nationals, Cubs, White Sox, Giants. I could see arguing that teams like the White Sox and Dodgers 3s are worse than Giants, but okay, not a top three top three.

Bork: IM ON VACATION BUT NEED MY WEEKLY LUDES

Eno Sarris: you heard the man.

Eno Sarris: (or woman, who knows.)

Wily Mo Money Mo Problems: Thoughts on Villar? He’s been sneaky good, but I haven’t heard much about him on FG.

Eno Sarris: I like what he’s doing. Real improvements. Should stick even if Arcia comes up.

Dr. Cripps: Frosty, tepid, luke, or scalding on Devon Travis? How many games til he bats leadoff?

Eno Sarris: Luke. A little worried about that injury and his power, but otherwise into him.

Scott: Eno Supremo, happy Thursday. To my surprise, I don’t see many people talking about the Brewers’ Junior Guerra. Converted catcher, throws hard, nasty splitter, lots of swinging strikes. 30 years old, but low mileage on the arm. I think he’s pretty intriguing and am looking for some support. Thanks!

Eno Sarris: I enjoyed watching him. Projections don’t love him fantasy wise because of iffy command — walks and homers take much his value away — but that swinging strike rate, that velocity, which he kept late into the game, is real nice. I picked him up in Tout, a 15-team mixed league.

Vaya Con Dios: Need Odor coverage. Best options dietrich, phillips, dozier, pearce, old spice?

Eno Sarris: Dozier.

Hooha: which mlb’er knows the most about beer?

Eno Sarris: Corey Knebel, who brews his own.

Seabass: Gonna meet Eno on the 17th or 18th. Yay.

Eno Sarris: Come to the meetup in NYC!

Eddie Brock: Had the pleasure of seeing both Urias and Manaea in the minors this year. IMO Urias > Manaea, and it’s not that close. Urias held off on his full repertoire until the fourth/fifth inning and has at least four pitches. Very polished indeed.

Snarfle: Wei-Yin Chen…is good? He had that one gem surrounded by a padding of meh.

Eno Sarris: not sure where the pop-ups are. I think they’ll be back because the rest of pitching mix is about the same.

cereal man: Adam Lind just raised his ops over 100 points in one game

Eno Sarris: This is why we don’t look at early season power numbers so much. Look at GB/FB more.

Snarfle: African wild dogs > arctic foxes. There I said it!

Eno Sarris: THE HOTTEST TAKE.

Sad Braves Fan: Favorite IPA that would likely be available in the Southeast?

Eno Sarris: Alpine Hop Boxed? Firestone Walker Easy Jack is a session. Cigar City Jai Alai of course.

Reginald Denton III: I’m surprised you don’t have a stronger opinion / more thoughts on Urias. You da pitching expert, Eno!

Eno Sarris: He’s the most polished pitching prospect that could come up this year! He’s exciting! All pitching prospects have a 50% bust rate or worse. He’s probably overrated in redraft leagues. But, of all the guys I’d sell out for if I knew they were starting the rest of the way, he’s the guy. And with the Dodgers rotation the way it is, I see opportunity. By talent right now: Kershaw, Maeda, Ryu, Urias, Wood, McCarthy with the last two pretty close?

Snarfle: It’s okay to have a rock collection.

Monte’ Max: Going to Chicago this year for the first time as an adult. Any good breweries, distilleries, and food that’s off the beaten path?

Eno Sarris: Peace Pizza isn’t always mentioned as a destination, but it’s right by a great taco place. It’s in a hip part of town so not off any path, but it doesn’t get the love it should. Also, people hold their nose at Goose Island these days, but the Clybourn pub brews its own (excellent) beer.

Tom: Is Puig a must own in a ten team mixed league H2H league? I’m starting to think the extra roster spot to use for streaming will be more valuable.

Eno Sarris: I still think he can .280/20+/10, which seems valuable in that league.

Jack Conness: Was just offered Tanaka for Vizcaino. Deal? Have Jeffress and Osuna for closers. Need SP help.

Eno Sarris: yes. go.

Eckersley: I’m thinking that Sean Doolittle might be working himself back into the closer position with the A’s. If the team were to move Madson once they’re out of it do you think they reinstall Doolittle?

Eno Sarris: Madson on three year deal so Hill would probably go first, but Doolittle has been v nice.

Keith: Hey Eno! I want to go the FG Meetup on the 18th- do I need to buy a ticket to get in?

Eno Sarris: no, free for everyone.

Big Joe Montferrant: To elaborate on the WAR, FIP thing.. That is why Wins Above Replacement, simply is not the right name for this stat. It measures a pitchers TALENT and not his ability to WIN games. TTL (True Talent Level, would make the stat more universally accepted).

Eno Sarris: Not true. In order to measure how each player contributes to wins you’d have to know how they actually contribute to wins. So if a pitcher’s excellent defense is actually doing most of the heavy lifting, those wins should go to them and not to the pitcher.

Marko Janko: What did you make of the “Black guys don’t do analytics” (???) article from the Undefeated

Eno Sarris: The only kernel of truth in there is that african americans are underrepresented in front offices and that there’s a bit of an MBA/white/suit cabal forming. The rest was gobbledigook.

Big Joe Montferrant: Please Elaborate on Nathan Eovaldi.

Eno Sarris: ride him while he’s throwing that splitter, don’t invest long term due to health reasons.

Snarfle: I imagine Neal Huntington in a thick Irish accent saying “whale if evryone’s doin it!” And then eyeing the buttons on his desk that say “Taillon” and “Glasnow” and emphatically smacking one of them.

El Guapo: Heard you discuss Pierce on the Pod and sounds like you kind of like. I stashed Travis a few weeks ago and have Dee Gordon on bench. Would like to open a roster spot. Safe to drop Pierce and hold Travis or will Pierce make me sorry? Thanks Eno!

Eno Sarris: I’d rather hold Travis.

Eno Sarris: you guys make me a

Frankie: Fulmer is sitting on waivers in my league – drop Conley or Gray to scoop him?

Eno Sarris: Gray. Fulmer has a third pitch he trusts right now.

Otis: ENO PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF BEER AND BASEBALL: could you help me out finding out league averages for advanced stats, as well as differentiation between elite and average for stats such as K-BB%!

Eno Sarris: Go to the leaderboards, click ‘league stats’ and it will all come into focus for you.

Ryan: After last night’s game, Hyun Soo Kim has now accumulated more offensive value than anyone on the Orioles not named Machado, Davis, or Trumbo and he has done it in 32 AB. At what point do the Orioles stop being bitter about the failed demotion attempt and actually start play him regularly?

Eno Sarris: I’ve got a share of him because I also don’t believe in Rickard. But how long can we wait?

Zach: Re: the saber friendly clubhouse question… the Pirates are absolutely in that conversation. They do such an outstanding job with it.

Eno Sarris: True.

Snarfle: What if the jump-fest on walk-off homers was replaced by everyone doing the “walk like an Egyptian” dance? I think drawing fan interest with weird dances is the new market inefficiency.

Craig Grebeck’s batting title: Does Gausman still have ace upside with that insane splitter?

Eno Sarris: The curve has been huge.

hscer: “Not everyone has such a great curve, or the willingness to go out on that limb and throw 40+ a game.” Steve Stone 1980!

Jason Heyward: Buy low on Jayhey? Sorry if this sent twice never joined in the live chat.

Eno Sarris: Only at .270/10/10 rest of season. It’s not that impressive, actually, and it’s right in line with his career rates. In OBP I would.

John: What do you make of this Marcell Ozuna streak? Can we say that maybe Barry Bonds is one heck of a hitting coach, or was this the Ozuna that everyone was waiting to come out of his shell since ’14?

Eno Sarris: Both. The Marlins were telling him to do the wrong things, Imo. He’s better for having to try to go the other way on the ground, but now he’s adding some of that to pull fly ball power and yes I like.

Joe: Best widely available gose?

Eno Sarris: Westbrook Gose Gone Wild but dunno how widely available it is. I like the Anderson Valley one.

Clarkson: Better stash, Berrios or Reyes?

Eno Sarris: Berrios.

Andy: Boxberger get closer job back immediately?

Eno Sarris: Supposedly.

Lake: Having a tough time understanding why

Eno Sarris: I’m with you.

The Runnin’ Brats: I offered Desmond for Severino after week one. He had Cesar Hernandez at SS. He said no.

Eno Sarris: You got lucky.

BakedBean: Wait, ENO. You still think the Sox need a #2? Like that is their top priority? I would’ve thought a LF would’ve become the priority a few weeks ago after Porcello/Wright have established themselves as competent

Eno Sarris: Their offense is great. In a short series, I think they need a number two.

Guns n’ Roses: It’s so easy, Eno

Matt: You thiink the answer for slumping players is just for them to play better. I feel that if all slumping players would just play better, then they wouldn’t be slumping any more.

Eno Sarris: Yup. That’s why I asked if we should have regular scrimmages in baseball, like against an A-ball team. Everyone get some!

Quirks: What is your take on Addison Russell offensively? How much improvement is he showing in year 2 ?

Eno Sarris: All of it. I love that guy. I could see him actually pushing it to .280/25 in the good years.

BakedBean: Most likely to turn it around(ever), Rusney Castillo, Allen Craig or Pablo Sandoval ?

Eno Sarris: Rusney? What a poopsicle.

Lake: Thoughts on Ozzie Albies future with the Braves?

Eno Sarris: First crack at shortstop.

John Lackey’s Teeth: Does anything with VV scream injury to the point where you wouldn’t buy him in a keeper?

Eno Sarris: Heard some whispers about health issues long term but not really.

Anon: Dave in his chat yesterday talked about the analytics comunity being very white (and male) your thoughts on of its a problem that needs to be fixed or will it take care of it self?

Eno Sarris: It won’t take care of itself but it’s a very difficult problem to fix. One of the problems is how poorly baseball pays. If you want to get into analytics, one of the best ways is an internship. One that won’t pay you enough to live in the city the team plays in, so you need help.

cereal man: Does a minor league system affect how you think a player will develop? Do you think different teams are better/worse at developing prospects mentally/mechanically or is it mostly a wash?

Eno Sarris: I think this is a great place that teams could still separate themselves. Problem is that great developers/coaches are expensive, and the untapped ones are in colleges, where they are paid well and don’t travel 180 days a year.

Avi: Has Matz become the #4 best pitcher on the Mets or is he even higher?

Eno Sarris: Second or third best right now!

Big Joe Montferrant: So, Jorge Mateo is a SS with 80 speed hitting to a .890 OPS while being 2 years young than avg in High A. Time to buy in dynasty leagues?

Eno Sarris: Still a ways away, but there is one thing I’ve learned recently: speed is a young mans game in and in the big dynasty leagues, it’s hard to buy youth, so you better develop some guys with speed in your farm.

Guest: Eno, what do you think of Leonys Martin’s power improvement?

Eno Sarris: ug. I noticed he was one of the biggest GB reducers and then I said that maybe he shouldn’t do that because he doesn’t have great power and then he hit all the homers.

J: Joey Votto continues to K – what’s up? More then just struggling with the inside pitch?

Eno Sarris: Cutters in particular. If they can hit the strike zone, he’s a little screwed. But that’s almost a weakness for anyone so.

Oliver: Has Fangraphs ever employed a female writer?

Eno Sarris: Wendy Thurm before, Emma Baccielleri (newsletter), Corrine Landrey (front page) right now. When NotGraphs was up we had a couple. We just hired two women to handle some new ventures.

Joe: Would you trade your hair for mine? It’s straight, dark brown, slightly receding now that I’m in my mid 30s…

Eno Sarris: as much as mine is a pain in the ass…

Bork: I AM A MALE BUT I IDENTIFY AS AN ATTACK HELICOPTER

Eno Sarris: FAUX ATTACK HELICOPTER RIGHTS MUST BE RESPECTED

Roe Bott: Thoughts on Hyun-Jin Ryu?

Eno Sarris: Just picked him up in a few leagues because his rehab is three starts in, and he’s a decent pitcher.

Ed: Never had a sour but have hear you pump them up. Beer store down the street has an Elysian. Worth checking out? Good gauge for if I’d like sour or not?

Eno Sarris: Never had an Elysian sour! Almanac sours are $11 a bottle, if you see those, try those, especially the hoppy sours.

karen: is it best to drink terrapin liquid bliss and southern tier chkolat, room temp or chilled

Eno Sarris: I start chilled because it’ll warm either way, and that way you get more flavors as it opens up.

Alex: hey! two things: 1) you still coming to NYC next month because I still owe you a beer? 2) Joe Musgrove…this for real?

Eno Sarris: June 18 meetup at Rattle N Hum West, 7pm. Good command, good slider, dunno about the change. That team needs him, too. Fister’s job up for grabs at some point.

Mandate: Does your wife know how you feel about Sean Doolittle?

Eno Sarris: I brought my ginger three year old to meet Sean Doolittle and they high fived!

Snarfle: Hachiya persimmons > fuyu persimmons. Deal with it!

Eno Sarris: This is truth.

Jack Glasscock’s Cup: A cube of cheese no larger than a die may bait the trap to catch a Knebel mie.

Alex: Any takes on all these new alcoholic root beer’s poppin up?

Eno Sarris: meh.

Eno Sarris: Oh god I love the OOPS OH WOW I HIT A HOMER I BETTER RUN trot Gerrit Cole just did.

Diamond D: Iwakuma is a little boring, but would you take him over Nelson and/or Corbin and/or Hendricks?

Eno Sarris: Not Hendricks but above the other two.

Bryan CA: Giants trade for who at the deadline?

Eno Sarris: They’re usually willing, but there’s no obvious spot on the team that needs help.

Surprisingly Upbeat Rockies Fan: If Ottavino makes it back ok do you see him sliding back into the closer role immediately?

Eno Sarris: No. I think they ease him in. He could take it, but not necessarily right away. That said, his contract is signed and so there’s no monetary reason to keep him out of the role.

Martin: It’s Piece Pizza in chicago. Just sayin.

Eno Sarris: I mess that up. Every. Time.

Jasper: Marcus Semien is currently ranked 11th in Fangraphs’ Defense ranking among qualifying shortstops. Has he turned a corner, or is this SSS at play? Or both?

Eno Sarris: I think he’s turned the corner and I really should write up that interview.

booster juice: Do you know any Silicon Valley billionaires who’ll fund my legal action against people who say “Rs BI” instead of RBI?

Eno Sarris: WHO ARE THESE MONSTERS

Acc: Next new closer is??

Eno Sarris: Ken Giles? Trevor May? Hector Neris? (Not counting Brad Boxberger). This has been a terrible year for new closer shopping.

Snarfle: Business idea: gamify b2b enterprise synergy disruption.

Eno Sarris: It’s got all the right words in it.

Zorak: I want to go to the NY meet-up, but my wife (who is a big baseball fan!) will mercilessly make fun of me for going to a nerdy baseball event. What are some excuses I can make for why I’m not home that night?

Eno Sarris: “I’m going to go watch the game with some friends” is technically correct.

Eno, Also: Hey, my name is actually Eno too! Anyway, what do you think is a good return for VV? Matt Harvey?

Eno Sarris: I don’t believe you! I’d keep VV.

B: Drop Severino for Eovaldi?

Eno Sarris: Yes.

Dolemite: Justin Upton Observation… please offer your thoughts…. his pull % is down, his avg angle is 5 degrees more towards right field, and his wFB is -6 after posting gaudy positive marks in wFB every other year of his career. His exit velocity is still high so his batspeed seems to still be there, but why can’t he hit a fastball this year? Is this the chief culprit of his craptastic start?

Eno Sarris: Something is very definitely not right. But he usually has one of those crazy months and too much talent to drop or even sell low…

Not really Eno: I’m sorry to admit to you that my name is not actually Eno and I made that up to try to get my question answered. I’m ashamed of my behavior and will name my first born Eno to make it up to you.

Eno Sarris: I knew that. It’s okay. I’ve only even heard of one other Eno. And she was Native American.

Shawn : Eno’s chat = is the 1st time i’ve ever seen gobbledigook spelled out.

Eno Sarris: Probably spelled it wrong.

Snarfle: Have Ketel and Jose Reyes taking up roster spots in the deep league while Jose Ramirez does a bangup job at SS. Trying to sell off Ketel, but I should probably drop one if not, yeah? Could at least pick up a deep league fun rando.

Eno Sarris: Hold all of em.

Matt: When people refer to things like “league average K%” is it as simgple as sum of all Ks over sum of all PAs, or are their PA qualifiers – or whatever each rate state uses as a denominator.

Eno Sarris: simple overall K/PA, though you can take pitchers out on the leaderboards by clicking “NP”.

Snowflake: In 2009 Mark Reynolds struck out 223 times in 662 PAs. In his 22 year career Tris Speaker struck out 220 times… in 11,988 PAs.

Eno Sarris: The game changes! I think the runner up to Ruth one year had like 10 homers.

booster juice: Semien, pujols, dickey, joc, asdrubal are all vaguely dirty sounding. ARE WE SEEING A TREND?

klof: is kris bryant’s 19% K rate for real?

Eno Sarris: I think it’s the result of his new more line drive happy swing, yes.

Bork: Draymond Greene didnt get suspended in the NBA for kicking a dude in the nuts. How many games would he be suspended in the MLB?

Eno Sarris: Well, it would be nowhere close to a normal baseball action…

booster juice: Why don’t we see more eephi?

Eno Sarris: They easy to hit if you expect them.

Guest: Which beers would you order from Crooked Stave and Funkwerks if you were @ the brewery I am going to the game tomorrow.

Eno Sarris: Tropic King from Funkwerks and the Raspberry one they have at Stave now.

Alex: Polanco for Rich Hill in a points league?

Eno Sarris: No

Colin: Blvd hibiscus gose

Important Question: Best widely available goose?

Maxamuz: Commando day.

Zach: I’m watching Gerrit Cole pitch right now and I can’t understand why he’s not striking out more guys and generating so much contact. Any ideas why?

Eno Sarris: Wants to. Not throwing his secondary stuff a ton. I want him to throw more breaking stuff.

Kimmy Gibbler: After Searage, who’s the best pitching coach in beisbol? and who’s the most under the radar?

Eno Sarris: Righetti and Warthen right there.

Billy Boy: Why do people hold their nose at Goose Island?

Eno Sarris: Bought by Anheuser In Bev.

Larry Bigbie’s Traps: When people tell me they’re ‘just Joshing’ I always wonder how witty the original Josh was, must have been a legend

Jim: Verlander looking good of late. Seems like 2 bad starts are all that’s holding back his stats. You in? Is he more of a 4.00 ERA guy than a 3.00?

Eno Sarris: I think 3.75. Almost vintage but a few homers.

STiVo: Dude, enjoying a world-class Cuban sandwich. I think it might just be the most appropriate and best food to pair with an Eno chat.

Eno Sarris: I already hungry.

Tall Guy: Hey Eno…would you trust McCullers vs. the O’s tonight? Thanks!

Eno Sarris: Oh do I?

Eno Sarris: (I don’t know. I’m throwing him in my leagues though. With my eyes closed.)

Hanley: Do you believe in me as a Top 75 player this year or is this latest toe injury the beginning of the end like what happened last year?

Eno Sarris: I would sell if anyone would buy.

KDL: On scale of 1 to 10…how “real” is Jonathan Villar’s performance?

Eno Sarris: 8

James: Berrios keeps on struggling with walks after demotion. How worried are you?

Eno Sarris: Very weird given his walk rates in the past. I think, if he makes the adjustment now, his command is more believable.

Eno Sarris: They probably told him they don’t care about walks but they want to see him hit certain spots.

Greg: Soler seems to be making some adjustments finally. Does he ever become ownable again this year?

Eno Sarris: Baez not playing a ton, so that’s a good sign for Soler. I still love his tools, but that slider on the outside corner… I saw a pitcher miss high with three straight sliders on the outside corner and Soler still missed them..

Will: When I search for Kenny Effin Powers on FG, I want to see Kenny Effin Powers. La Flama Blanca needs his own player profile.

Eno Sarris: Can I tell you how much I love La Flama Blanca though? Dude is FUNNY. And can throw 100.

mike sixel: Upside of business travel: friends that collect rare beers across the country. Had two bruery beers last night wineification from 3-4 years ago, and the base beer. Yummy.

Eno Sarris: Yes, and sorta the point of BeerGraphs. Hey, I’m in Seattle…

Matt: What are you favorite tools for your analysis? Excel? R? Tableau? Python? Something else?

Eno Sarris: SQL into excel into Tableau for viz. I can’t python and though I know a little R, I don’t use it because I’m scared and bad at it.

Scuba Steve: Have you had KBS? Live up to hype? I have 1 to cellar and 1 to open. Thinking this weekend is the time.

Eno Sarris: Make sure to cellar one, it’s super hot and strong.

Marty: When I was out in Chicago last month I took a trip to 3 Floyds…sooo goood.

Eno Sarris: Yessssss.

Von Schloss: Neris or Doolittle?

Eno Sarris: Doolittle. More smoke around that closer.

Marty: Juan Uribe: an excellent angry bird.

Courtney: Matt Bush ownable in a format that counts holds? He looks pretty filthy so far.

Eno Sarris: yes

Adam: Going to VT for my honeymoon. Best brewery to check out?

Eno Sarris: Hill Farmstead.

Marcus Banks: Clayton Kershaw is the best pitcher in New York City

Eno Sarris: This argument really has taken on a few shades since we first started it.

Andrew: With the Braves relatively loaded in up-and-coming pitching but devoid of hitting (outside of Swanson and Albies), it seems that some trades should be in short order, especially for a 3B, C, and maybe an OF. It would seem that TX (RP and SP) and BOS (SP) are obvious partners in need of some pitching with plenty of pieces the Braves would like (Profar – 3B, Swihart – C, Devers – 3B, possibly Benintendi). What potential swaps do you see as realistic?

Eno Sarris: I’d be talking to Boston for sure, if they think Teheran is a two. They might not.

Carlos…: Carrasco – does he pick up where he left off? What blew me away is when he lost the no-hitter last year and laughed it off; he had to console his catcher. It’s like he has happy popsicle ice in his veins!

Eno Sarris: yes

Eno Sarris:

Vaya Con Dios: i see a lot of mexican style cervaza’s coming out from the micro brews. i have a hard time with the price for something that in my mind i picture tasting like corona. am i off base with this line of thought?

Eno Sarris: no

Joe: Buster Olney is speculating that the Giants acquire Andrew Miller.

Eno Sarris: Well that would be sexy time for the Giants.

Thor: Jorge Lopez….what’s wrong with him? You still see him as a top of rotation guy

Eno Sarris: Bad park. Trying to work through some stuff. I still like the raw stuff. It’s still raw.

Robbie: Doing a baseball trip with my buddies and seeing the White Sox and Brewers. Must see spots at each?

Also, who’s publishing the book and where can I buy it?

Eno Sarris: E-Book and/or PDF. coming soon, cheap.

808: I’m sure others have asked in the past…but what are MLB teams looking to hire you for?

Eno Sarris: The only role i really see for myself is a conduit between the front office and the players. A conversation starter and a guy that helps implement things.

Remeddy: I am THIS VERY SECOND negotiating a deal: I give up Heyward and Carlos Martinez. I get back Segura and Mazara. Am I NUTS or supes bril

Eno Sarris: Do it. Bril.

808: What did you get your degree in?

Eno Sarris: Art History, Pscyhology, MA in Communications. Whohoo.

Eno Sarris: KANGBANG

Bill: Ale Smith 394(T Gwynn tribute beer) is fantastic! have u tried? Whats wrong w T May? Is Tolleson done?

Eno Sarris: Is v good! I think May’s figuring it out. Just a few bad command pieces. Tolleson can get back to setup…

Phil: Wait wait wait, you think VV will have a better ROS than Harvey?! Even after your article? Is that love for VV or doubt on Harvey?

Eno Sarris: I love VV. I’m still waiting for something from Zimmerman on Harvey’s fastballs. Velocity loss can be worse for some than others, that much I believe.

EC: Reading from the top, but Nats have signed a bunch of low cost international guys (Robles, Rey Lopez) and it’s worked out great so far. Seems like a quantity over quality deal.

hi erix: What are some other beers > heady!?

Eno Sarris: Tree House Julius. Lawson’s Sip of Sunshine. Alpine Nelson. Cellarmaker Dobis. Trillium Fort Point. Fiddlehead. Pliney.

Marc: Your advice on Pomeranz and Straily has been dead on this season. Straily should be benched next start in Col I would think, right?

Eno Sarris: yes please do not start him there

Victorious: Speaking of Piece Pizza, had Zombie Dust on tap there last year, AWESOME place. Big Star (taco place you mentioned earlier) is right around the corner, lots of places to eat and drink in Wicker Park.

Goopy: What’s up with Granderson? I know he’s usually a slow starter but this is reallyyyyy slowwwww

Eno Sarris: He’s pretty old. I’m not holding too long.

Zorak: Jaso still clear to be my every day catcher all season? Should I be looking to make a stealth upgrade now? Currently he’s the #3 C in my points league

Eno Sarris: No, hold him. That’s awesome.

Oprah: How do we not make this awkward at the NYC meetup what with you being the father of my secret children and all

Eno Sarris: Tell me their names so I know how to refer to them.

Biscuit: Hey Eno I’m working on a beer trade by how do you typically package the goods to get them their safe without static from the law?

Eno Sarris: Drop ship with FedEx, UPS so no questions. No clinking. bubble wrap, trash bag around the insides.

Jim: I’m going to downtown sandiego this weekend where do you recommend going and any beers I should look into

Eno Sarris: Neighborhood downtown is great. Monkey Paw. Go to little Italy for Ballast Point / Bottle Craft combo. Stone Liberty Station is nice, Pizza Port Ocean Beach. if you travel at all, make it to Societe. There’s tons of breweries including AleSmith, close to them.

Larry Bigbie’s Traps: Dude. Dyson. You called it in like 2006. More like March, but still. You did it. Sinker is filth

Eno Sarris: Britton!

Troy: Find it interesting that ESPN and Statcast had such different HR distance figures on the Mazara shot yesterday? 453 vs 491 respectively.

Eno Sarris: Yeah that was weird. Apparently the press box was arguing about it.

oldmanroto: Heyward or B Burns for Vince Velquez? Need speed and have plenty of pitching.

Eno Sarris: Yes.

Martin: Just got offered Adam Jones for Wisler. I love Wisler but am pretty stout on pitching. Does Jones run into 15-20 more taters ROS? I need the powa! 16 team H2H lg.

Eno Sarris: Take Jones right now.

Joe: Why did JHey show up so high on my custom rankings!?! Boo!

Eno Sarris: OBP? Still a hold there.

Alex: Could Atlanta get a similar return for Vizcaino to what Philly got for Giles?

Eno Sarris: Jeffress out there too and that trade seems to have been a bust for Houston so I bet a bit smaller.

Snarfle: Buster Olney is speculating that the Rays acquire a rotating pyramid that inexplicably hovers six feet off of the ground.

Marty: Vermont beer place to check out: Prohibition Pig. Fantastic microbrews and carry most others like Hil Farmstead and Alchemist.

daviddal: Should I pick you something up @ Stave or Funkwerks? Maybe we could do a swap?

Eno Sarris: If you get home and still have an extra, come talk to me!

Matt: Have you ever been to Bad Apple in Chicago? It’s across the street from Half Acre. Great beer selection. And when they reference where the beer is brewed, for Half Acre it states (across the street). Also they have a vergie burger named after Sage Francis

Eno Sarris: I had Ninja vs Unicorn there, and it was great.

Matt: I think Julius may be one of my least favorite Tree House beers. It’s just too damn soft! No hop bite whatsoever! It’s like hop juice. IMO, Green and Haze blow it out of the water.

Eno Sarris: I think I could have put Tree House “xxxx” in there. They are so amazing right now. So good.

Marty: you dont need names. They’re ‘de pickeney dem’

Eno Sarris: Mine ya pickney.

Marty: I shipped wine from california in february. I just told them it was jams and jellies. They don’t give an eff.

Eno Sarris: “Yeast samples” is technically correct.

Dunt: Im personally insulted that you didnt suggest Hopleaf as one of the best beer bars near Wrigley

Eno Sarris: I need to go!

Eno Sarris: Its in the book though.

dock ellis: tell us more about this grateful dead conversation

Eno Sarris: It was pretty amazing. Peavy thinks that Mayer is the best singer they’ve had, but that it’s a little rehearsed right now. Had the maker of Tiger, Jerry’s guitar, over last night to explain why it was such an awesome guitar and how it was made. Played with Bob. Peavy is loving San Francisco.

Eno Sarris: I MADE IT TO THE END! Amazing. Sorry for the 90% of the questions I didn’t get to. Thanks for hanging out!