Eno Sarris Baseball Chat — 6/15/17

Eno Sarris: Why not get into a funk, and not one like J.J. Hardy finds himself in?

Tanaka and Hendricks: Eno…you think the arrow is pointing up on these two for ROS?

Eno Sarris: Hendricks, yes. Tanaka? Throws cement mixer sliders and now cement mixer splitters, too. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s on the DL soon.

Biden the Dog: You still holding Eickhoff in a 14 tm?

Eno Sarris: I’m intrigued by the fact that he’s throwing his curveball 40% of the time recently. Yes.

Terry’s Sarape: Who will lead baseball in HR:WAR ratio? Who will have the lowest?

Eno Sarris: Oh no, the A’s have the two in the lead probably that’s kind of funny. Healy and Davis… I probably would’ve guessed Jay Bruce or Corey Dickerson.

Chuck N Chino: 24-team Dynstay league. Who you got for rest of career — Phil Hughes or Robbie Erlin?

Eno Sarris: that’s a real blech sandwich but at least Erlin has a hurt elbow, not a hurt shoulder, and pitches in the NL?

OH GOD MY PITCHING IT HURTS: So my starters have all died (Duffy, Hamels, Kendricks, Shoemaker, J Gray, Fulmer). Trade my Justin Turner and Cody Allen for this Matt Carptenter and Stephen Matz? Would replace Happ at 2B. Have too many CI.

Eno Sarris: Yeah I guess so.

The Average Sports Fan: Desperation mode for pitching….Lugo, Gsellman, or Faria?

Eno Sarris: Faria.

a eskpert: Hypothesis: Bryce Harper’s slumps happen when he gets bored of being disciplined. Disagree?

Eno Sarris: Maybe! I remember his funk last year started when the Cubs walked him like a thousand times.

Adam: I’ve been doing some stats-based writing for a while, and I’m about to get my first press credential. What’s your advice for talking to players about our geeky stuff?

Eno Sarris: Just be careful about the stat words. You can literally take the word rate or ratio out of the sentence and it still works: spin, ground ball, that sort of thing. They’re more comfortable with exit velo and launch angle than they where two years ago, so don’t worry too much if one slips. I’ve begun owning it and presenting myself as a nerd and that’s led to a lot of laughs.

E: I have a complaint about the in game experience for fans. I went to Dodgers Indians game last night and the Dodgers challenged 2 calls (both of which were overturned to the Dodgers favor). They did not show a replay in the stadium, not even after the umps overturned it and got it right. How is this better than watching at home? Watching live I thought the umps were wrong both times but it would have been nice to see a replay on the screen.

Eno Sarris: I guess the though its they don’t want the stadium yelling at the umps, but in those cases, you’d rather see the review. I think it would be better to require all reviews to go up on the jumbo tron.

Zach: Thoughts on Jacob Faria? Worth a snag in 10 teamers?

Eno Sarris: Lightning in a bottle time. He’s so Rays, all vertical, super riding fastball, and then a near-screwball super-pronated changeup. Sometimes he loses the plate, but he’s got a real chance here.

Action Bronson: When guys throw their fastball are they going 100% or are they at like 90% to maintain some control?

Eno Sarris: Most guys sit a tick or two below their max so that they can break out the hardest stuff in certain situations.

JD15: Where does Sonny Gray end up after trade deadline?

Eno Sarris: The Yankees need a starter.

Wood: Ive been offered his Votto for my Scherzer. I need the offense bad but this would leave my team without a real #1 (14-teamer). Is it fair value?

Eno Sarris: It’s fair value in theory, but in practice, a healthy ace in season (as opposed to preseason) is probably the rarest thing in baseball.

JD15: See the Schwarbomb last night???? Hammered it

JD15: Any chance that helps get him going? (Schwarber continued)

Eno Sarris: I’m a Schwarber fan. I don’t think he’ll ever hit .300 or anything, but bombs are coming.

Connor : People have been talking about Marcell Ozuna to the Cardinals for a while now. While I understand the need, I don’t see the Cardinals lining up the pieces for that package. Any chance of this and if so, what would it take on the Cardinals side?

Eno Sarris: I mean if you throw in Luke Weaver and Harrison Bader and a piece or two more you might get close. Weaver’s not hurt any more, right?

GJ: Is Addison Russell a buy low candidate for dynasty leagues?

Eno Sarris: I mean, personal problems aside, and the unease of owning a guy that may have assaulted his wife aside, yes. I like his plate discipline improvements and next year he could combine that with better power.

ljc: My dad, who started drinking long before this craft beer explosion, has always been a Coor’s Light drinker. Any suggestions for something more exciting I can have him try this Father’s Day weekend that’s more interesting than Coor’s Light but not so wild that he’ll reject it?

Eno Sarris: Firestone Walker Pivo Pils? Victory Prima Pils? Saison Dupont?

Nihilist Eno: Sandwich of the Day: Turkey, Cucumber, Mayo, existential dread, on a toasted bun. Topped it off with a little, does it even matter. Rating: we’re all gonna die/10

Starburns: Juiced balls.

adam: i cant get out of funk

Eno Sarris: Hey it’s early and we’re doing great.

Ray Liotta as Shoeless Joe: Without sacrificing your journalistic integrity, have you ever asked a player to play catch?

Eno Sarris: This sacrifices my integrity? Man people don’t have enough fun. I’ve thrown the ball back and forth with Jharel Cotton a couple times, and it was glorious, and short.

E: Should I give up on David Dahl? We have 3 DL spots and I have Salazar, Freeman, Segura, McCullers, and Bedrosian all on the shelf too

Eno Sarris: I’d give up on Bedroisan first.

2-D: Which bird flip was more entertaining, Mr. Met or Puig?

Eno Sarris: One is an oversized cartoon baseball, I think that one. It was like Hitchcock, it opened up all avenues of dirty mascots playing blue. Then again, Dayn Perry was way ahead of us on this one http://www.fangraphs.com/not/mr-met-is-about-to-have-sex/ as is his wont.

Lev: I hate the the Dodgers and Beer but I love the DBacks and white wine. Am I insane? 75% playoff chance for the snakes.

Eno Sarris: It’s a good lineup! I wish Corbin could figure something out, but you’ve got an ace, an intriguing young pitcher that could throw a no-hitter, and a bunch of threes otherwise. And when I drink wine, I go white because tannins give me headaches and reflux.

ljc: Have you ever incorporated sweet potatoes into a sandwich?

Eno Sarris: Yes! I did a Thanksgiving Leftover with sweet potatoes as the ‘mayo’, spread around sourdough with turkey and cranberry! Did another one with short ribs and sweet potatoes, but that was a bit much.

first time long time: Ozuna or Haniger in keeper league, can be kept at same price?

Eno Sarris: Ozuna.

Johnny: Which Joe for ROS: Ross or Biagini?

Eno Sarris: Biagini. Way more pitches.

Big Tuna: What do you expect of Mallex Smith over the next two months?

Eno Sarris: What he’s doing now, but with a .260 batting average.

Ray Liotta as Shoeless Joe: When is the last time you thought about David Nied?

Eno Sarris: man I remember pulling his rookie card from a pack and being excited…

Jimmy: At what point do you believe this is closer to what Ben Gamel is than the 0.2 WAR player he’s projected to be the rest of the season?

Eno Sarris: Not yet. Not to be simplistic, but a .462 BABIP just doesn’t line up with a fly ball approach, middling power, bad contact…

Big Tuna: Is Joc broken?

Eno Sarris: Maybe this year. Can’t lift the ball. Definitely not out on his career though.

Zonk: Jayson Stark said recently that he always gravitates toward the funniest player in the clubhouse. Who are some players that you have found t funny?

Eno Sarris: Jeff Samardzija always makes me laugh out loud. Brandon Moss and I literally slap each other while laughing. I like hanging with Sean Doolittle when he’s not bummed. But here’s the weirdest one: Zack Greinke is really funny. It’s a weird humor, but it’s real. Brandon McCarthy is just like his twitter, wry as hell.

Eno Sarris: Get yourself unitards like these

Biscuit: Great article on Sonny, but I found myself thinking “Except he hasn’t been very good” (results-wise, yes the peripherals are decent) and wondering if this is a case where the pitcher needs to take a hard look at the fact that his approach might be holding him back (even if it is v cool). This seems like the same sort of thing with Bauer. Thoughts?

Eno Sarris: It’s an interesting to think about, especially wrt the varying the movement on the fastball. Here are the starters with the most varied fastball ‘action’ (z-scores for x, y, velo): John Lackey
Alex Colome
Adam Wainwright
James Shields
Yu Darvish
Tim Hudson
Trevor Bauer
Tyler Chatwood
Shelby Miller
James Paxton
Tyler Anderson
Kendall Graveman
Carlos Frias

Eno Sarris: Is that a list you definitely want to be on, or is it one born of necessity, or is pitching *really* complicated?

Ifcjjdsaase: I just want to say that I told my friend (he’ll be reading this) for weeks/months to listen to run the jewels. He decided to listen the other day and loved them. But not because I’d been recommending them for months, but because “eno posted them in his chat the other day” ?_?

Eno Sarris: It’s the outcome that matters in this case, maybe.

Big Tuna: Would you sell high on Smoak?

Eno Sarris: Yes, more than Yonder.

Alex: For teams that struggle at hitting with RISP (like the pirates), would you say it is simply bad luck, or do these teams actually try to do “too much” at the plate because they feel pressure to do so and end up not being productive?

Eno Sarris: I’d want a really long sample before I believed a guy was tense in big situations.

Big Tuna: Tim Beckham seems to have great hard hit rates. Is he making good on the promise of being the 1st pick or is this fluky?

Eno Sarris: It’s possible, but I’d give him a Didi Gregorious type line, or more like 2015 Beckham (.240/300/425) before I believe what he’s doing now.

Nelson: Ive never been a draft guy, but I am a daft guy

Aron: Jarrod Dyson leads the Mariners in WAR. This is not a question apparently.

Rusty: Rusty here.

Eno Sarris: okay holding steady on the interludes I see.

Nelson: Why are the nationals waiting to trade for a closer?

Eno Sarris: Waiting for price to come down on Ramos or Robertson?

tommy lasagna, sr.:

HappyFunBall: Eno! Haven’t seen it discussed anywhere, but the LADs ran a tandem starter game last Friday. Hill went 5 then Maeda went 4. It was glorious! Given their abundance of starters who can’t go deep in games, this seems like a pretty good alternative to blatant DL abuse. Any chance it continues?

Eno Sarris: yes they’re built for it.

Anon: True fact: attending a minor league baseball game is 7-10 times better than attending a major league baseball game.

Eno Sarris: Only problem is that they’re not as good. Otherwise, 100%.

MarinerDan: Do you think the Braves find a way to keep Matt Adams in the lineup after Freddie Freeman comes back? The man is raking!

Eno Sarris: You want to see that man in left? You know what? They’re going to do it.

Q-Ball: Is Alex Gordon toast?

Eno Sarris: I’ve seen a little bit of a renaissance recently. I wanted to talk to him because his exit velo has tanked this year and I think he’s hurt, but the groin maybe has healed…

Quintana: What to do with the man? He’s hard to start at the moment…

Eno Sarris: Lost command of the curve, not getting called strikes like he used to. Not sure I’d buy this year, but I’d buy in dynasty/keeper at low prices.

Logan: Think the Braves could get a OK return for Jamie Garcia at deadline?

Eno Sarris: They might get lucky and get something that’s worth something later, but it won’t look amazing now.

toki: We have a commissioner in a 10 person cash league that doesn’t replace inactive owners. So I started posting humorous eulogies for the inactive owners to draw attention to them and try to upset the commish.

Eno Sarris: It’s difficult if everyone is friends, but the league is the important thing.

Rusty: Anthony Rizzo has now logged 8 games at 2B (according to ESPN). This kind of seems against the spirit of position eligibility, no?

Eno Sarris: I’m in the midst of a few big arguments about this. If MLB wants to change the definition of an appearance at the position, then maybe there will be change. But as soon as MLB logs that, then it’s a thing in fantasy. It’s on MLB, not ESPN. You *could* change the number of ‘appearances’ needed to get a position next year if you care about it.

baby bull : all of my pitchers are hurt, that is all

Eno Sarris: inoman

@outfieldgrass24: I interviewed a bunch of minor leaguers yesterday and talked grips with the pitchers. I now understand your fascination. They can talk grips ALL DAY…

Eno Sarris: They do, out there in the bullpen.

John McCain: I stay up late all the time watching the Diamondbacks and I juts can’t understand what’s holding Patrick Corbin back. Is it too many baserunners? Bad command? Too many dongs? And does he ever fix it?

Eno Sarris: Looks like he’s throwing the changeup harder, but velo gap used to be the only good thing about his changeup and movement has gotten worse as it’s gotten harder.

Ben: What do the Mariners do with Leonys Martin? He seems to be playing decent in AAA but the Mariners have about four CF on their roster already. Hope for a trade partner?

Eno Sarris: Injury fill in.

Nelson: Eno- I notice a serious lack of bagel sandwiches from you. Does norcal not have good bagels?

Eno Sarris: Not great, Bob. You’ve inspired me though.

Tumbler, Whiskey: Crushable is a real term and shouldn’t be

Eno Sarris: Well not if you’re into whiskey I wouldn’t recommend crushing the empty bottle on your forehead.

Tumbler, Whiskey: Overlooked food aspect: texture

Eno Sarris: HUGE in sandwich making.

Keith Hernandez: I’m running out of excuses to tell my co-workers why I can’t go to lunch with them on Thursdays. So far I’ve been pulling the George Costanza acting flustered and trying to look busy, but I’m assuming that will wear off at some point.

Eno Sarris: Hopefully they don’t think you’re having an affair.

Pete: You’ve been one of the biggest Soroka supporters and it appears you we’re right on. The guy is dealing, 19 in AA.

Eno Sarris: I liked everything I saw. I like him best of their pitchers.

MarinerDan: Do you see Derek Fisher sticking around after Reddick returns? I mean, he must have a shot to replace Aoki, right?

Eno Sarris: Yeah that seems there for the taking. I’d watch Fisher’s contact rate.

coach: Are you buying what Jose Pirela is selling?

Eno Sarris: Not really. I can see that he’s trying to hit the ball harder, and succeeding, but I don’t like that ground-ball rate and that’s the most meaningful stat right now. Can he .260/.310/.400? Sure.

LeylandLand: Biagini has looked pretty good, is it sustainable?

Eno Sarris: yeah I like him. Have talked to him, and he’s smart. changed arm slot recently and put his cutter at risk, but I think he’s found a way to throw it more like a slider now, and I like how he has so many pitches and is sitting 93 as a starter.

Eno Sarris: He also told me why he ended up Rule-5ed. Said he lost velo for one year at Double-A at the wrong time and he thought maybe SF thought they could sneak him through.

Druu: In a dynasty league, I’m preparing to lose Ozuna’s CF eligibility next season. There isn’t much around in terms of free agents: it looks like I’ll be deciding between Keon Broxton and Max Kepler. Which of those two would you prefer, and are there any other low ownership sleepers I should look for? (5 games started for eligibility) Thanks!

Eno Sarris: Kepler is fine.

Gates Brown: Is Tito killing Andrew Miller? He was topping out at 91 last night.

Eno Sarris: Oh boy. You know what, though, Samardzija was just saying to me that 80 innings as a reliever is a hell of a thing. And he’s been there.

Anon: Which player has the most hand-crushing handshake you’ve experienced?

Eno Sarris: Dude Brandon Moss. I’ve got some wonky fingers from basketball and they all hurt when he was done pumping my mitt.

Q-Ball: Is John Lackey finally showing his age? His HR rate is unsightly…

Eno Sarris: Velo finally dropped.

Eno Sarris:

Kenya: For us SB-starved folk who would you rather have out of Maybin, Mallex or Eric Young?

Eno Sarris: Man, Trout will be back first, Maybin always hurt, so Mallex I guess. But if you want all year, Maybin’s the one with a path all year.

Anon: Do owners or players political viewd ever hurt your enjoyment of the game?

Eno Sarris: No. I know I don’t agree with a lot of the players politically.

Phony phillies: the phillies are unwatchable. I went to a game yesterday, sat in the diamond club, saw Mookie hit 2 bombs, and it was still not enough to keep me from selling my remaining 2 tickets this year.

Eno Sarris: That’s too bad! I like some of their guys. I know Eickhoff is trying to find it, but I think Nola is really great. I think Franco will learn to lift it a bit, and he hits it hard. I like Altherr and even Odubel’s weird ass setup and funny routes. Want to see JPC. Couple of their OFs coming up are exciting.

ROBOCOP: Does Abreu to the Yankees make sense? You figure the Sox would take a package built around Bird+prospect(s), and Abreu would be more than a rental and a huge improvement over Carter

Eno Sarris: I think they’ll trade for a pitcher.

MarinerDan: Any thoughts on the curious disappearance of Bogaerts’ dingers? Fluke? Do you think he finishes with ~20?

Eno Sarris: Just not lifting it. And he lovers that nice batting average, told me once he’s not going to change if it’s going well. He’ll end with 10-12.

Grizzly Adams had a beard: Add B Parker and or J Montgomery and drop Karns and or Morton or hold?

Eno Sarris: Man no timeline for Karns yet, Morton throwing. I love Montgomery. Do him for Karns.

J: What would the nationals have to give up to pry Osuna from the Jays?

Eno Sarris: That would take more than Ramos or Robertson. But maybe at some point they lose their stomach for trading actual prospects for closers?

Slapshot: How much would an ounce of Enoludes go for on the street?

An Arizona bird: Will I have to worry about being hit by an imaginary arrow all season?

CamdenWarehouse: bird flip or bat flip?

MarinerDan: No interest in the Warriors parade today?

Eno Sarris: Not really. Kinda hate parades.

Charlie: You’re one of those craft beers guys and curious, do you ever just slug a Bud Light or Coors Light or whatever because its just easier to get/order/people only have it. Whats the cheapest beer you’ve had and how long ago was it?

Eno Sarris: I had a Coors Light at the AFL and didn’t really bat an eye. Other people made plenty of comments, but I’m not a crazy person, sometimes you just get a beer.

Logan: Whats hoffman showing you? Him or godly? Sp ranks soon :p. U the man!

Eno Sarris: Want to see him more at home because his primary weapon is a curve and Coors kills curves.

Jumbotron: Owing to a bulge in the earth caused by it’s rotation, the furthest point from the center of the earth is actually on top of Mt. Chimborazo, in Ecuador. Most people guess Mt. Everest, and they guess wrong

Gilbert: How good is Alex Wood now? 200K pitcher with sub 3ERA, sub 1.10 WHIP stuff. Top 20 right?

Eno Sarris: Yeah but health. Only but I got. Other than this fabulous one I’m sitting on.

Rodòn King Jesus: I need some E-FUC expertise: ziegler may be turning his season around, is he the spec for saves once ramos gets dealt in Miami?

Eno Sarris: Phelps.

hscer: is it considered bad to spend a significant amount of faab on someone and find out nobody else tried for the player

Eno Sarris: Man that happens to me and it’s like internet crickets. Whatever, though, you got your player. Hold him tight.

Thats What She Said: it was glorious, and short.

Ray Liotta as Shoeless Joe: Here’s my recommendation for a killer sandoozle: Split baguette with a spread of garlic confit on one side, goat cheese on the other. Honey-roasted beets, roasted red peppers, arugula, perhaps a sprig of thyme.

Eno Sarris: I should roast some vegetables next week to have that ready.

2-D: Perdomo has increased his splitter usage the last couple times out. How much more intriguing is he with that mix?

Eno Sarris: Way more. Needs something other than the super sinker.

Amir of Cutter: Does Amir Garrett have a cutter so I can complete my timely pun

Scooby: Eno! What’s your take on Wacha? He had three bad starts in a row, but his stats look pretty good otherwise this year. Paul Sporer believes in him. Do you?

Eno Sarris: I do. Velo came back. Cutter a little more like a slider recently but definitely not morphing into his curve.

Hunky Dory: Do Mets have to consider a sale? Not necessarily Degrom or anybody like that, but Duda, Reed, Walker, Blevins, Bruce are all FA and could bring back some useful B- and C-prospects…

Eno Sarris: totally. Hopefully someone will finally come for Bruce. Reed should actually be in some demand.

Eno Sarris: I like Duda but there aren’t a lot of holes for 1Bs to fill.

Danny Salazar: Am I going to get back to who I am?

Eno Sarris: He’s never going to be as good as his K-BB, I think. I do think he can get back to being useful, and it might just be a tweak away.

Pine Needles: I recently presented your article to my league as a way to campaign for more DL spots (we have 3). Most owners were with me, but two guys in my league are adamantly against it. Their rational is that it adds more strategy to the game deciding whether or not to keep or cut players, and also that teams should be able to suck it up. Do I just wait for these guys to have their own DL issues, or how do I convince them? I should mention we are a dynasty league and looking to change the rule for next year.

Eno Sarris: Oh if it’s about next year, they should have already lost. You only need 100% for in-season rule changes, IMO.

Zach: Is my sweet baby boy Cutch back?

Eno Sarris: I always thought the eulogies were premature. Dude has above-average patience, contact, power, and corner outfield defense.

baby bull : Weaver is hurt unfortunately

Eno Sarris: Dammit.

Fat Albert: Re: Juiced balls – Has anyone compared the ISO’s or exit velocities of hitters moving between AAA and the majors since AAA are presumably not juiced?

Eno Sarris: Yes, look at the first Arthur/Lindbergh piece on 538. They paired players in the minors and in the majors (pitcher/hitter) and the hitter hit the ball harder and further and for more homers in the major leagues. Same hitter, same pitcher.

Bert Campaneris: New hops on the scene: Faria, Miranda and Montgomery. How would you classify those three?

Eno Sarris: Faria biggest ceiling based on velo and nasty ass pitches. Montgomery highest floor. Miranda super meh.

JB: How do you determine the content of your articles? Is it as simple as, “Hmmmm…X player is doing something new and interesting he’s never done in his career before… let me dig deeper.” Or is it more like, “Eno, I want that piece on Dozier and Grossman by the end of this week.” – Dave

Eno Sarris: Looks like we’ll do something on this at the Saber Seminar, by the way, me, Sullivan and Sawchick. My idea creation process is multitude. Some of it is trolling stats for an outlier, some of it is watching games, some of it is talking to players. Almost never assigned something.

tommy lasagna, sr.: getting old means taking pills to treat side effects from other pills

Why am I not feeling it?: I won concert festival tickets and have a 3 day weekend starting tomorrow but can’t make myself want to go. Love live music. What gives here, Eno? Tom Petty, Steve Miller Band..r&r HOF bands, man!

Eno Sarris: This is also getting old. change something up, like your mindset (what’s the worst that will happen?), the plan (I’ll just go for these two bands and leave early if I’m still not feeling it), or the companion (though that one might be tough).

mplais: What do you thing Oakland will be asking for Yonder?

Eno Sarris: I bet they sign him. What team really needs a 1B?

Brett: If an Innings Eater were any good, he would be a called a good pitcher.

John: Eno – have you seen the Alesmith .394 cups at Petco this year? Mendoza line and everything.

Eno Sarris: Awesome.

Uncle Rico: 2 excellent defensive plays last night aside, the Panda has been a dumpster fire at 3B and the plate. When do we see Devers in Fenway? Does Panda get cut? No way to trade that salary right?

Eno Sarris: Man they recently said Devers has to go to Triple-A first! On my team, he’s up now.

Art Vandelay: Trout says he can come back on the 7/11. Given that it was his thumb, I’d wager he’s not even holding a bat until July, right?

Eno Sarris: I think Simmons had the same injury, same surgery, came back in five weeks.

Adam: 40% of season in the rearview – if your pitching ratios are totally borked, what’s the best approach? A) Screw it, steer into the skid and add more SPs to rack up Ks and Ws; B) drop all but best SPs for high K%/low ratio MRs; C) something else?

Eno Sarris: Pick a salvageable category or two and go for it there.

Matt: Eno! I saw you Tweet about an event around your Chicago trip. Any option for locals who want to go to the games and all the such but have no need for a hotel (which I assume is a pretty large portion of the cost)?

Eno Sarris: There might be a brunch Pitch Talks before a game that Saturday!

Eno Sarris: I can’t wait to move so that I’m not sharing my office with the cats. one just took the nastiest crap. smells so bad.

Bert Campaneris: Eno who is Jorge Bonifacio? Sortables don’t know him. How is he doing it?

Eno Sarris: I think what he’s doing now is really sustainable! It’s not the type of production we’re all looking for — .260/25-30 types are everywhere — but he’s hitting the ball hard!

Entrance Velocity : Has anyone ever had a higher entrance velocity than Cosmo Kramer?

dorn: save spec-ing: who closes in florida if ramos is traded? do you like soria? doolittle? hand? vizcaino? anyone else?

Eno Sarris: Trade spec’ing is Kahnle, Phelps, maybe Bedrosian Parker, but they third. Job loss specing, I still like Rosenthal a ton, but maybe Bradley number one. Not super interested in Neshek, but maybe he gets some saves to pump up his trade deadline value?

Angus: Help me understand the concept of the quality start. If a pitcher goes 6 and gives up 3 runs, that’s a 4.50 era and that really sucks. Does this stat have to do with getting to the bullpen later in the game?

Eno Sarris: Once upon a time, 4.50 really sucked, but right now the league average starter has a 4.43 ERA.

E: Its amazing how good you have to be to be a major league relief pitcher but I haven’t heard of maybe 80% of them

Eno Sarris: And yet some teams insist on having no names on the back of the jersey.

Tyler: What do you think the best way to fill the void of Sabathia is for the yanks? Rotation depth is a big question mark and they’ve been extremely fortunate with their starters health so far. Chance Adams has been great in AAA but I do not think they would want to rush him. I’m skeptical towards midseason deals but if they’re looking to acquire a starter (Sonny Gray), they might as well do it now before further damage. Thoughts?

Eno Sarris: I think it’s time to try to catch lightning in a bottle with one of their young guys, but also talk to people about trades.

Billy Boy: Are you an alt-J fan? Thoughts on the new album???

Eno Sarris: Fan.

Alex: Ever make it out to BottleLogic in Anaheim or try any of their BA stuff? Makes for a nice piggyback with a trip to The Bruery

Eno Sarris: Ooh, probably driving up to LA from SD for the Junior Boys show June 30th, could do that pair, but also into Monkish…

E: I went to a AA baseball game and was shocked at the prices, eno. SHOCKED. I bought all the beer.

Pine Needles: Headed to St. Louis for the weekend…Perennial and 2nd Shift the ones to try?

Eno Sarris: Yup. Though Urban Chestnut is fun for the German styles.

Biscuit: RE: Sonny, yeah there’s a mix of talent on that list. I wonder how the “least varied” list compares. Sometimes I think of pitchers like golfers. The best concept is to perfect the arm (swing) path and let the grip (club) do the work of the pitch (shot). You have to be supremely talented, like one of the best of all time, to just ad lib and actually get results. Otherwise you are basically introducing error because you prefer the creative process.

Eno Sarris: yeah, as great as that nutty 94 mph slider is, how often can he throw it successfully?

Just a Guy: are the brewers so dumb that they keep running an injured thames out there or was the hamstring issue not really an issue and the leagues just adjusted to him?

Eno Sarris: Sometimes you’re good enough to play but not good enough to be your best.

Ray Liotta as Shoeless Joe: With dropping Rich Hill, I’ve now jettisoned 15 of my 25 drafted players. I know the idea is to win the league–not the draft–but does that number suggest that I am a bad drafter, had real injury misfortune, or misread market trends? [Currently in fourth place].

Eno Sarris: I had someone put together a team of only waiver wire adds recently (not a single drafted player) and I think that team finished third.

Hedo: Your view on fried eggs and avacado on sandwiches? For me, I’ll order a turd sandwich if it has both.

Eno Sarris: I once said that the PB&J is like the only sandwich not improved by a sunny side up egg and that I would try the PB&J&E but I’ve never tried it because that sounds gross

Bruce: Do you miss nick swisher?

Eno Sarris: Bit of a cheshire cat.

Anon: True fact that is true: Yankees have best rookie position player and rookie starter this year.

Eno Sarris: I’d have to think harder to give you the 100% but it certainly seems that way on first glance.

Bernie or Reggie Sanders: An MLB player has likely spent a fair amount of time in something close to a meritocracy. This experience can shape someone’s politics.

Eno Sarris: There’s also the average background, which is almost never the same. But I like what you’re pointing out. We almost always extrapolate our personal experience out. I’ve been in a meritocracy, ergo America is one.

connor: do braves trade j. johnson?

Eno Sarris: They should, but if you’re buying, he’s third or fourth or fifth best to buy, right?

Jonathan Lucroy: No interest in answering questions about me today?

Eno Sarris: I asked him a month ago if he was making too much contact and he said maybe. But he also wasn’t struggling to make a change, I think it’ll be one of his good BA low power years.

always blue!: thank you!!! i’ve been saying this for 20 years —- parades are one of the dumbest things humans do.

Eno Sarris: Can’t see crap, and when you do it’s for a half second, peeing sucks, you have to stand forever, and if it’s a team, you’re… waving at a player?

Cookie: Single best beer you’re ever had? Single worst?

Eno Sarris: Worst is always easiest to remember. Big Hurt’s beer was sweet malt liquor, way worse even than OE or Saint Ides. Also had a tequila barrel aged sour that was all kinds of wrong recently. From Lost Abbey, and I love their Red Poppy sour.

Brews: Can DSantana go .275/25/10?

Eno Sarris: yes

Menta: I’m deeply suspicious that some of your blown punctuation and run-ons are intentional in an attempt to seem playful. I mean, you used to write children’s books, for chrisssakes!

Eno Sarris: yes but I’m also lazy

Mmmm: Best sandwich I’ve had… the Mr G at JP Grazianos in Chicago

Eno Sarris: YOOOOO I’ve been there! They’re great. The 120 sports offices are around the corner.

Britini in Vegas: Eno honey I need some SP help.. who are some guys in the minors I can put in my NA slot (lol) that will help me later in the year? You’re the best xoxo

Eno Sarris: Devers is the one to own right now. Moncada probably already gone. OHHHH you said SP. Huh, Honeywell might be screwed by Faria right now. damn.

Eno Sarris: brock stewart is interesting but the Dodgers have like 35 starters. maybe Luis Ortiz for the Brewers? seems close to ready but is currently hurt.

Eno Sarris: I suppose I should mention giolito, but I’m not big on him.

Action Bronson: What’s wrong with degrom? The walks are concerning

Eno Sarris: Then he goes on TV and talks about how command is more important than velo. I still think he’s got it in him.

fish: I’m in the seafood business – can i bribe you with some shrimp for trade advice? (hint: shrimp from argentina are hot). NL only 5×5 auction, keeper aspect: contending and moving a cheap Dahl for either Cutch/J.Garcia or Carp/Gsell. Nobody I’m getting back are likely keepers, although if Gsell suddenly looked great, he might be interesting. Thoughts?

Eno Sarris: I love shrimp. You guys may not know that about me. Shrimp burritos are my JAM. You have to trade Dahl? You selling low. If you do, Carp Gsell.

Jake: When pitch solutions is saying Rich Hill is throwing 11% sliders and 37% curves, and Pitch F/X is saying they’re the same thing and he’s throwing 49% curves, should I just go with Pitch F/X or is Hill developing some slider thingy that’s merging with his Curve and maybe hurting it a little bit?

Eno Sarris: He throws a slider from the drop down slot, and a curve from up top, and they’re the same grip but the slot changes the movement. Maybe people are spotting that more and not swinging? Because he has good command of the curve, or has in the past, and minus minus fastball command. I’d still buy if buying was picking off the wire or trading the guy I’d mostly like drop for him off the wire.

sn4k3rjaker: no actual question, but I’ve been spending my morning watching Ron Swanson compilations, now I can’t stop reading Eno’s replies in Swanson’s voice. It’s uncanny how much your dialogue fits his voice Eno.

Terrible Ted: Stop wrapping my fillet mignon in bacon you coward

Eno Sarris: Somehow this made sense to me.

Anon: Yankees need 1B

Eno Sarris: I like Greg Bird.

E: Best sandwich to take to work that will sit in the fridge for 4 hours?

Eno Sarris: Pro tip: make the sandwich in pieces. put the middle stuff in one baggy, the bread in another, and find a way to bring condiments.

Fat Albert: The Astros could use Yonder. Duda would also improve their lineup

Eno Sarris: You moving Yuli to a vs LHP only? I could see it I guess. Not going to give up much, but could make a small move there.

Josh: You seem to be the high one on Montgomery feeling that he can be more than just a #5. What do you see that others don’t?

Eno Sarris: Easier this way: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/how-good-can-jordan-montgomery-be/

CamdenWarehouse: STOP THROWING YOUR CATS, Eno

Anon: Suuure. The cat did it.

dorn: if i don’t get my questions answered, i’m going to hold my breath until i pass out.

Eno Sarris: My kids *love* the Despicable/Minions series.

CamdenWarehouse: If you didn’t watch your team play and looked at the boxscore to see 6.0 IP, 3ER, 8H, 6k, and 2 BB, you would probably say “OK, I’ll take it.” I think that is how quality starts work.

Hunky Dory: Re: egg and avocado sandwich – I won a spelling bee in 7th grade b/c my opponent misspelled avocado (“avacado”).

Ray Liotta as Shoeless Joe: Re: PB&J&E: Next time you make an omelet, add jalapeños and your choice of a tart jam (I’m thinking raspberry or blueberry). Now next time you make stir-fried rice, when you scramble in your egg, and a tablespoon of peanut butter. Doesn’t seem that weird now, to combine eggs with peanut butter and jelly, right?!

Eno Sarris: Ok but ok.

Pedro De Pacas: Judge is all smoke and mirrors, right? I mean when will they learn to pound his hands inside?

Eno Sarris: Votto, Harper, most lefty sluggers: people been trying to pound them on the inside for years.

PL: If the ball is juiced in the majors, does that also mean it’s juiced throughout organized ball?

Eno Sarris: Nope, they’re different.

canofcorn66: Have you ever talked to Kenley about his cutter? Still don’t understand how he and Rivera can/could be so dominant with one pitch

Eno Sarris: He showed me the grip and his pinky and thumb touch under the bottom of the ball and I was like what the hell is that.

Hunky Dory: Who wrote children’s books? Eno?

Eno Sarris: *edited

Moltar: Best ballpark sando is the Pat LaFrieda’s Steak at Citi Field. It is amazing, and not just for a ballpark.

Eno Sarris: Yes. Yes. Citi is great, actually. Mama’s in center, the Keith Mex Burger, that steak sando…

John Tzimiskes: Bour or Yonder ROS and in the future?

Eno Sarris: Bour future, but this year Yonder cause Bour is hurt.

ChicagoCardinal: Devers>Bareto?

Eno Sarris: Yeah I think the Red Sox trade or call up Devers and he plays before Barreto.

Harper’s Earflap: Eno – I’m moving out to Orange County in a few weeks. Currently reside in the extremely cheap Midwest. How do you people do it out there? Is it worth the 3x more you pay in rent/mortgage? Any tips?

Eno Sarris: Mix in free shit like the beach and hiking, mix it in liberally. And then you’ll understand why I think it’s worth it.

The Other Side of Sandwiches: I had to switch from desktop to mobile because I am pooping. Can we get a poll to see how many others have been chatting while on the porcelain throne?

Eno Sarris:

Anon: Judge would punch the ball out of the park with his bare hands if they threw him too far inside.

always blue! : these long chats make me happy. and i’m a generally miserable person. so thanks!

Bryan: carlos martinez for khris davis fair?

Eno Sarris: Carlos Martinez rarer than Khris Davis, I take him.

HappyFunBall: Bellinger went boom again today. Curious, I went looking for him on the FG leader boards. Confused when I couldn’t find him, I soon realized “oh wait, he’s NOT QUALIFED YET”. He’s tied for 3rd in MLB in HR now, BTW

Eno Sarris: I often just pick a number for min PA just to avoid this.

Hedo: Re: egg and avocado sandwich spelling error – I am an English major, former journalist, and my current profession is editing financial publications! I knew it looked wrong, but I’m lazy too – just like Eno.

Eno Sarris: Sometimes my wife says ‘what the hell is up with your texts, don’t you write for a living’ and I respond ‘inobt’

Fat Albert: Re: Montgomery – you need skillz to have a high swinging strike rate. Top 10 in SwStr% – Chris Sale
Max Scherzer
Jacob deGrom
Zack Greinke
Robbie Ray
Chris Archer
Michael Pineda
Masahiro Tanaka
Jordan Montgomery
Clayton Kershaw

HappyFunBall: Your poll is missing “At my desk but goofing off”

Eno Sarris: The silent majority

Anthony: Has Lackey rendered himself useless? Drop in a 12-team? At this point I’d rather take a punt on a Faria type

Eno Sarris: Drop.

Eno Sarris: Speaking of work… I have to go do some. Thanks for hanging out!!