Eno Sarris Baseball Chat — 6/22/17

Eno Sarris: Wish I was in Chicago for my birthday Saturday, I’d go to this show https://oct.co/events/underground-nashville-rock-and-roll-great-beer and see this Nashville rock band  

ChiSox: What’s the market for Melky/Frazier looking like?

Eno Sarris: Melky very mellow market. Body looks bad, bat looks meh. Could get a team’s 15th-best high-a probably reliever? Red Sox thirtieth in third base rankings, and the Yankees are 19th. There’s a chance there.

Blake: Thoughts about Conforto? Top-50 fantasy bat ROS?

Eno Sarris: I’m in love.

Wrister: DJ Lemahieu and Gio for Rendon? What side you got

Eno Sarris: Rendon.

Nelson: Do you see the home run surge changing keeper and draft strategy? Why put guys like Rizzo, Stanton, E5, etc in the 1st/2nd round when 30-40 Hr power is available on the waiver wire (Lomo, Schelber, Smoak, Yonder, etc)? Next year will elite pitching and speed or even Avg start going much earlier?

Eno Sarris: Yes, we must adjust. I think pitching is the hardest to figure out. Maybe we do need to give groundballers a little nudge. But now that our zero power guys are hitting 10, I think we need to go get some Billy Hamilton / Mallex Smith guys early. I have no regrets about considering Trea Turner a late first rounder.

The Decadent Moose: Give me hope for the Cardinals.  Please.

Eno Sarris: They’ll turn Harrison Bader into the next three to four win player, they still have Carlos Martinez, I think Wacha is better, they’re mostly well run, they won’t be terrible.

John: How fast would a pitcher have to throw to succeed if every pitch was a grooved fastball?

Eno Sarris: There used to be a marked difference at 94+, but I guess that’s at least 95+ now with the new measuring stick, and I bet it’s really 96+ once you figure in the general increase. If you could average 98 as a starter, 99-100 as a reliever, I bet you’d be aight even with down the middles. You’d have to have other pitches.

Crazy Aunt Marie : Do you think the Yanks trade for a 1st baseman or continue to wait and see with Bird?

Eno Sarris: Injury news this week might matter big time. In 3-5 days they’ll know. I love Bird still.

Rusty: While I was typing this, Cody Bellinger hit 3 more home runs.

Bruce: Ive been in a coma since game 7 of the World Series. Javy Baez and Kyle Schwarber are the best players in the majors now, right?

Nihilist Eno: I recently talked to Sonny Gray about his breaking ball success this year. Says that the big change from prior seasons is that he’s been throwing his slider with the knowledge that “we will all inevitably rot in the eternal void”. Interesting stuff, not that it matters.

Eno Sarris: Came ready.

Black Beard’s Delight: Dear Eno,
I recently converted a former Bud drinker to be a Southern Tier enthusiast, which makes me rejoice. But I’ve noticed with the increased demand in craft beer, the prices are going up. Should I worry more about making drinking buddies or my wallet?
Yours truly,
Happy but confused

Eno Sarris: People are up in arms about how ABI’s faux craft is going to depress prices. That might be okay for the consumer, though.

davels:

Ben: Mike Fiers was giving up all the home runs, but now he gets groundballs and gives up no home runs.

Eno Sarris: Holy crap…. I gotta add this to my piece about the Astros today. Look at this poop. http://www.brooksbaseball.net/outcome.php?player=571666&b_hand=-1&gFil… and yeah .43 HR/9 since he did that http://www.fangraphs.com/statsd.aspx?playerid=7754&position=P&type=&gd…

Zonk: Let’s play a game:  Toast, or not Toast?   V-Mart, Napoli, Pujols, Car-Go

Eno Sarris: Toast (though it seems rude, he’s got health problems), semi-toast, toast, not toast.

curious: with all talk of Freeman playing 3rd, I dont see much about how he will return to form after a broken bone in wrist. are you expecting this to impact his production?

Eno Sarris: Wrist injuries are not good for power.

Moltar: What happened to deGrom’s changeup? Went from his best pitch to his worst…

Eno Sarris: Wonder if he threw too many breakers and lost the feel for it.

curious: david peralta seems to be playing every day and being very pdocutive.  stats look like his 2015 season.  will he maintain

Eno Sarris: He’s decent. .290/15/10 type. Great bench / final OF type.

Locke: Do you see a bounce back from Jonathan Villar when he returns from the DL?

Eno Sarris: No, most of the problem was that his work against righties last year was BABIP-driven.

Troutmaggedon: How would you rank Montgomery and Faria in a keep forever keeper? Is Pivetta near their class? He’s looking mighty interesting recently.

Eno Sarris: Faria above Montgomery, has wicked stuff. JMont a solid but not spectacular SP3/4 type in fantasy. Pivetta has a nice rising fastball with good velo, okay change, better breakers. I’d have him behind the other two.

Eno Sarris: I think dude is going to finish the year at like .270/.335/.460 with 25 homers, 15-20 steals, and maybe three wins. Mad dog called him a bust and he’s getting paid $6.5 million for three wins this year. The Frenchy comparisons were pretty off base.

Troutmaggedon: Is Puig feeling it? Believe it!

Eno Sarris: answer before question! nice.

Locke: Any insights on Gregory Polanco’s struggles?

Eno Sarris: Hurt imo. Maybe he’s getting better, but I think he has more power than this and I consider him a buy low in dynasty leagues.

Chris: Better sandwich spread: hummus, pesto, other?

Eno Sarris: My personal favorite is sriracha honey mustard.

Hannah Hochevar: RIP Prodigy. Ain’t no such thing as halfway crooks.

Eno Sarris:

ResumeMan: Eno, you spend a lot of time at the Oakland Coliseum right? Can you tell me what that “Holy Toledo” sign in dead center is all about? Doesn’t seem to connect with anything I know about Oakland or the A’s

Eno Sarris: Tribute to late broadcaster Bill King.

Big Tuna: Mallex Smith has been a much better hitter since coming back than people thought. Is this average real or fluky?

Eno Sarris: I’m surprised at his strikeout rate with that whiff rate and that swing. I think he’ll hit for a worse average and strike out more, but at least he looks like a major leaguer.

Jobu: Do you like the Schwarber to AAA decision? When would you expect to see him back up? I’m not sure I really see the benefit; wouldn’t more exposure to ML pitching better help him to adjust to ML pitching?

Eno Sarris: Confidence matters. He might go down and wreck it and come up in a better frame of mind.

Shawn: Feel like taste buds getting exhasuted from IPAs. How long of a “reset” should I take with some other styles?

Eno Sarris: Just mix in some sours in your buy and mix those in between IPAs, they really freshen up your buds.

Chris: Is Jimmy Nelson pitching over his head or is this breakout for real? What level talent is he? JIMM-AY!

Eno Sarris: Change in slot made his breakers more different and I think that’s what he needed.

Keith Hernandez: Eno!  I’m heading out to Big Sky country next week.  Billings, MT, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Park.  What kinda beer should I be looking for?

Eno Sarris: that’s a tough one. I don’t think I’ve ever had any of these http://www.beergraphs.com/leaderboards/breweries/?cc=US&state=MT

Vulfpeck:

Hey, listen to our stuff Eno!

Eno Sarris: Love Vulfpeck.

ChicagoCardinal: After watching Odubel last night – should 3rd base coaches just spin around in circles

Eno Sarris: Do that Michael Jackson first base coach thing. Grab a crotch and maybe he’ll notice.

Zonk: Philosophically, I am opposed to Rizzo leading off.  But until he makes an out, I suppose you have to leave him there.  What’s your take?

Eno Sarris: He’s no station to station guy. I’m okay with it.

JB: Trout, Bellinger, Springer, Desmond, Haniger, Mallex… who (besides the first 3, obviously) would you let go when Trout comes back?

Eno Sarris: You should be selling Mallex in a two for two with a more obvious dropper coming back. Unless you really need steals, in which case, Haniger.

Paul: When looking at a guy like Alex Meyer, do you give any extra credit for upside despite advanced age because of NBA size?  Randy Johnson and Andrew Miller also weren’t much good until 27-ish…I have a notion Gigantors need extra years to calibrate the levers.

Eno Sarris: That’s the theory with Sean Newcomb, too. I’d like to test it. For tomorrow! Debut ages of tallest pitchers? Maybe also something like ‘first year with >2.0 WAR’?

JB: Springer & Correa have a combined 0 SBs.  Can you explain?

Eno Sarris: Analytical team, value of SB not large, health of those players is more important, Correa has hurt himself running.

brant brown dropped the ball: among non-closer relievers, could you rank (with saves spec as part of the deal): harris, edwards, kahnle, doolittle, albers. thanks!

Eno Sarris: Doolittle, Kahnle, Edwards

Big Tuna: Are you more bullish on Mazara or Domingo Santana as a potential keeper?

Eno Sarris: Mazara!

Clown Shoes Pineapple Space Cake: What does the Astros rotation look like when fully healthy? Do you think Peacock will stick, and if so, is he worth rostering in 10-team mixed?

Eno Sarris: Hmmm let’s rank them Keuchel, LMCJR, Morton, Martes… maybe Peacock over Paulino! I love his new stuff.

Q-Ball: What should the Brewers do this deadline season?  The plan was probably to sell, but should they actually be looking for pitching help?   You would think they shouldn’t stretch for wins, but Cubs are still not making a move, and the NL Central is wide open….

Eno Sarris: 7.6% playoff odds. Hold. Here’s the other thing: There aren’t really any coming Free agents to sell. The only one (Sogard) isn’t going to bring back much, the next-closest two (Garza and Hughes) ditto. If you get a Braun buyer, you do it.

Pun intended: Did you hear about Eloy Jimenez doing a Roy Hobbs in a home run derby? It was “electric”

Eno Sarris: https://streamable.com/w5qmz

Eno Sarris:

Eno Sarris: There it is. Amazing.

Unfinished Thoughts Guy: Sometimes, when I cook fish, I like to…

Eno Sarris: Do a sweet curry glaze.

Vulfpeck: Sonny Gray: Baseball savant or extreme overthinker that gets in his own way?

Eno Sarris: Tinkerer.

Eno Sarris: Also: I just made it to 12:00!

RotoLando: Are you a fan of pork rinds?

Eno Sarris: Yes but I always feel like Gollum, like I should hole up in a dark place and grab the bag and DONT ANYONE LOOK AT ME

Troutmaggedon: Would you cut Devon Travis for Pinder in a rebuild keeper?

Eno Sarris: I think so that knee seems like it’s f’ed up.

Hooha: Can the braves start using Matt Adams as a supersub?  I would tune in to watch him at CF

Eno Sarris: how many butts in the seat for that? At least five or six.

Junior Guerra: What happened to me!

Eno Sarris: Didn’t start with good command, I guess, and now the velo is down.

@outfieldgrass24: At the deadline, Arizona should add…?

Eno Sarris: A reliever, and they’re in the good spot that they don’t have to get a lefty and they don’t have to get a closer. They could just go get a decent reliever, like a Juan Nicasio type, and that would stretch them out better. Maybe a left-handed left fielder, but not one that will cost a lot.

CubFan: How much of a regression to the mean does Judge take? Does he have the tools to sustain a .280-.290 average in his career? He seems fully capable of hitting 35+ bombs on a yearly basis.

Eno Sarris: I looked at the career leaderboard for 29%+ strikeout rate and found like two guys with a batting average over .250. I think he’s more of a .260 guy going forward, with all of the home runs.

Da Bum: I’ve read that Hamilton is quicker but Turner has more top end speed. Turns play a factor here too but who wins in a race around all four bases? This should be an all-star event.

Eno Sarris: Long been a proponent of a skills competition. We should do this.

Anon: How do uou communicate with Spanish speaking players?

Eno Sarris: There’s a mandatory translator in the clubhouse now. It’s usually not great.

Jaas: Happy almost birthday! (Mine’s tomorrow.) 10 tm H2H redraft w/ QS not Ws, please pick 3 ROS: J. Montgomery, Faria, B. McCarthy, D. Bundy, J. Gray, H. Bailey, D. Straily. Thanks!

Eno Sarris: Gray Faria Bundy (JM next)

bombsquad rabbi: “Indecision is the basis of flexibility.” — Dayton Moore, probably

Brett: Not a question, but Cameron Maybin needs more love.  Plate discipline gains makes him a must-start when healthy, especially in OBP leagues.

Johnny5Alive: Dead &Co. Citified this Saturday!!! GA floor!

Eno Sarris: If that’s with John Mayer, he’s maybe the best Jerry replacement they’ve had. Luded.

Sam: Schwarber got sent down to Triple-A.  I’m sure he’ll be back up soon.  But the dude was playing in the world series 8 months ago, now he’s playing in stadiums between warehouses.

Eno Sarris: It’s too bad. I’m not out long term, but maybe this year. Then again if he’s a C and you’re looking for lightning on the cheap…

Vulfpeck: Is James Paxton still hurt? He looks so much worse after the DL return than he did prior

Eno Sarris: Velocity down a tick, but I think it’s just a hiccup.

Moltar: Chances that Freeman plays enough 3B to gain eligibility? I’m set at the hot corner this year with Lamb and Sano (currently in my OF), but would be a boon to his keeper value.

Eno Sarris: I would say that likelihood is good. How much more he plays I’m not sure.

ILH: Bregman droppable in 12 team mixed?

Eno Sarris: No, I’m seeing a slightly different approach recently, though his new launch angle isn’t great for his power. I do like the increased patience. If .280+/18/10+ is droppable, then okay maybe.

Will Graham : Phil Maton or James Hoyt have a shot to close at some point this year or next?

Eno Sarris: Maton closer.

Anon: The winner of the Yonder Alonso sweepstakes will be: pleasantly surprised, taken to the cleaners.  Choose one.

Eno Sarris: Pleasantly surprised.

Johnny5Alive: Duda to Yanks for what?

Eno Sarris: This is the problem with Yonder trade, too. There might be one buyer at the position.

Eno’s Fav Home: Where has been your favorite place to live? And where should we never live?

Eno Sarris: I really liked Hell’s Kitchen (NYC), and Lower Haight (SF), Atlanta was aight, but only if you live in the city and don’t have to do that traffic. Don’t ever, ever live in Vero Beach, Florida.

Will Graham : Worried about Paxton? Velocity down since returning from DL.

Eno Sarris: Not even a full tick, and he’s still 95+…

Tim Tebow’s Thunder Thighs: Last night I had a panini from a food truck with ox tail meat, mac and cheese, grilled onions, and some kind of sweet aioli.  Some people blast the carb-on-sandwich approach but this was delicious.

Eno Sarris: I love chips on sandwiches and this is nutty good sounding.

Locke: Who will be the next big time prospect promoted?

Eno Sarris: Gotta be Devers, right? Even if they’re talking about Triple A?

Stanford: What other colleges did you consider, and why did you choose the Cardinal?

Eno Sarris: Almost went to UPenn/Wharton. Would’ve made more financial sense. Then I went on my second visit… that was all it took.

mike sixel: People are all up in arms that ABI will force locals off of taps outside their taprooms, that ABI will control hops, and that ABI owns part of the press that covers them….are people worried prices might drop some? I’ve never heard that. Also, local companies tried to convince us to drink local….now that money goes to big company not even largely US owned….so, ya, I think you got that all wrong.

Eno Sarris: In the industry they are very much worried that ABI will use economies of scale to drive down prices.

TJ: Think that Tyson Ross shellacking last night is what we should be expecting moving forward or thinking it’s an outlier?  Picked him up on a whim and not sure if he’s worth hanging onto.

Eno Sarris: Oh, dude is at 91 mph, I would not hold.

Dres: Do umpires hold grudges? If a player gives them ‘tude in April, does that umpire remember in May?

Eno Sarris: You see that guy tell Daniel Murphy to f off for asking him to move because he was blocking him? That seemed like there was more to the story.

Steve: Eno, you’re weird af

Eno Sarris: Yup!

Da Bum: Biggest storyline so far this season?

Eno Sarris: Still the ball. Or the DL.

Dres: Is hitting foul balls a skill? Is it a worthwhile skill? A 10-pitch AB in the 6th inning is useful, but Nori Aoki is only so valuable…

Eno Sarris: Sam Fuld asked me that very question. http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/just-a-bit-outside/story/is-fouling-off-p…

Eno Sarris: I found that foul% this year described 40% of the variance next year, while K% was at 75%. So, maybe, but not on the level of actually making contact.

Crazy Aunt Marie : Harper has, again, struggled since April (222 wrc+ vs roughly 112+ since). I know last year some hidden injury was the explanation. Is that the case again or is there a better reason for this? This requires closer examination, Eno!

Eno Sarris: Given that he’s got a weakness on the inside part of the plate, and sometimes struggles with being patient enough to not swing at that thing, I wouldn’t be surprised if it wasn’t pitch location.

Sarah: Fulmer a potential BABIP beater? FIP looks good but xFIP, SIERA don’t. Should I be buying or selling, or holding? Really wish he could generate more Ks.

Eno Sarris: I think plus changeups are possibly the avenue to HR suppression, yes.

Re: getting old: I did go to the festival for one of the three days. Saw some great music. Tom Petty, Gary Clark Jr, St Paul and the Broken Bones, the Strumbellas and Nicole Atkins (of whom I’ve developed a crush – think Judy Garland meets Janis Joplin). Fun but energy draining!

Eno Sarris: Can’t this wait till I’m old? Can’t I live while I’m young?

Tim Tebow’s Thunder Thighs: I’m about to embark on belly-trek to the land of three day old Taco Bell.  Thighs stay strong, gut get ready.

Gub Gub: RE: Lunch    Is it some kind of Irish holiday? Everything at the cafeteria was Irish-themed, so I ended up with some potatoes and beer cheese.

Da Bum: Opinion on Puig bat flip?

Eno Sarris: Wasn’t it actually the speed at which he rounded the bases?

Ray Liotta as Shoeless Joe: Stephen Vogt designated for assignment. Only has fantasy impact for the truly desperate, but catcher news is catcher news.

Eno Sarris: I really like Stephen Vogt. Really decent guy. Hope the best for him.

Simple Jack: Vogt designated for assignment…Manny Pina, Christian Vazquez, Martin Maldonado or Robinson Chirinos?…or pray Francisco Meija gets called up soon?

Eno Sarris: Chirinos?

Doc: Drop Schwarber for Avila in 12 tm obp?

Eno Sarris: Yeah if you really need the roster spot.

Eno Sarris:

Andrew Freeman: Alex Verdugo  or Joc Pederson for next 7 years?

Eno Sarris: Joc. Even if Verdugo gets some juice from the ball, he’s a reach for league average power and doesn’t steal a lot of bases… Even in real life he’d have to play killer D or get on base as often in majors as he did in the minors.

Aaron: Question re: Berrios:

Whiffs are largely coming from the four seam fastball, while the secondary pitches (curve and change) are producing below average whiffs. You selling — relative to current YTD production and in-year valuation — performance as unsustainable?

Eno Sarris: Curve is getting 15% whiffs compared to 11% average. You’re right that the four-seamer is the most impressive there, but he’s at least at two pitch guy and the change gets a ton of GB. Like a Luis Severino.

Aaron: How do we find average whiffs, GB, movement, etc. per pitch type? For instance, to say something like, “[Player X] gets above average [Whiffs, GB or Movement] on his [Pitch Y]”

Eno Sarris: movement: http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/the-change-average-movement-for-each-…

Eno Sarris: whiffs/GBs: http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/pitch-type-peripherals-benchmark-upda…

Ethan Hunt: Can we finally admit that Aaron Nola is overrated?

Eno Sarris: Who’s doing the rating and what are they saying? I think he’s a real life number two and should get that ERA under four, has plus sink on the sinker and change, should be able to get more GBS and suppress HR/9 better, BABIP doesn’t need to be so bad. Love guys that can K and GB, especially in today’s game.

Eno Sarris: ERA under FOUR! jesu.

Dres: we wantz trade speculation!!! who do you think will blink first and set the market? Astros trade Fisher and Martes for … Cole?

Eno Sarris: Pay less for Gray?

Porcho Villa: Thoughts on Dinelson Lamet?

Eno Sarris: Love added use of slider, really like him. Bad command, but three good pitches, good home park.

Sonny: It’s Saison season MFers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bern: Just like to say that the new site format is great after a couple weeks of getting used to it. Very functional. Rock on.

SpicySnow: Speaking of sriracha, I’m a SF Giants fan who has been living in Sriracha,  Thailand (namesake of the sauce, duh) the past year. I was looking up Thai baseball and realized their national team is bad.  What would it cost me to sign all the Giants of my childhood (Snow, Bonds, Kent, Aurilia Santiago, Schmidt,  Reuter… Basically 2002…) to come play here?

Eno Sarris: not bad, people.

ljc: Going to be in Seattle in July for first time ever. (1) Where should I eat/drink. (2) Where should I sit at the Mariners game?

Eno Sarris: Dunno 2 but 1 is Holy Mountain and Cloudburst. The first is the best beer in town and the second is in Pike’s Place near the fish market.

Eno Sarris: The Pine Box is a sweet bar too.

Bern: Have you ever been to Nashville?

Eno Sarris: Yes! Had a winter meetings there once. Went and saw music with some friends in two places, drank on the strip, had Hot Chicken, enjoyed myself thoroughly.

Juiced balls: I’ve read a couple article on the state of the baseball and how it may be juiced.  My question is how would that even happen?  Would MLB request the changes?  If Rawlings started producing the baseballs in a different method, wouldn’t they have to inform MLB?

Eno Sarris: I think it’s probably something small that happened on the factory level.

Eno Sarris: Rather than something baseball went out and did. But I’m not big on conspiracy theories. I just think that someone that found out what was going on would either a) hate Manfred enough or b) think he could get Manfred out for personal gain by leaking some evidence of the plot.

Sonny: Rizzo prefers Diamond Dogs

Eno Sarris:

Uncle Rico: Birthday tomorrow.  If i was to have 1 beer, what would it be?  Sandwich?  No limitations, price and acquiring said objects are of no concern.

Eno Sarris: Beer is so regional, just side up to your best local beer bar and ask for the best. Sando? I did once have a $40 Daniel Boulud burger and it was amazeballs.

Bleh: Stupid sexy Puig

NYTT: Speaking of Newcomb, how well has he performed in your eyes? Throwing more strikes, not as many strikeouts his last two starts.  Needs a third pitch?

Eno Sarris: Rising fourseamer and big curve is about as good a two-pitch combo as you can throw… the slider is decent but pretty similar to the curve… It might be enough. I like the velo enough.

Zombie apocalypse: The one weapon I’d want with me to survive? MAX SCHERZER

Shawn: Add Glasnow to the list of tall pitchers. Also, re: sprinkling in sours, do Goses work just as well?

Eno Sarris: Yup! Just need tart to clean it up.

Ayye: Moose Drool is the most popular beer outta Big Sky. Good stuff

Eno Sarris: One of the best browns.

Scott Schebler: I seem like the real deal?  Possible project out better than Duvall all around?

Eno Sarris: Similar D, better contact, slightly better patience, similar power. Plus bat speed guy that is finally getting his burn and is healthy.

Snow: A licky boom-boom down.

Eno Sarris: No.

HappyFunBall: Where can I sign a petition to get Billy Hamilton to race The Flash next time the Reds travel to ATL?

Eno Sarris: How funny would it be if he waited in CF for the flash to come by and then raced to the corner?

Jay: Does Tyler Naquin, a lower-tier position prospect and a lotto-ticket A-ball arm seem like enough for the Indians to land pitching help like Jaime Garcia?

Eno Sarris: Yes.

BT: Wait Martes over Peacock really? I get the Martes upside, but he also walks like 4,700 batters per game. My numbers don’t lie.

Eno Sarris: It’s a good point. I love his stuff though. Either way, the point is Peacock looks like he’s in the top five.

Blake: Uberbrew in Billings is tremendous. Big fan of Red Lodge Ales.

Murse Wigwam: You can reuse a lot of things, but q-tips aren’t one of them.

TheU14: Will the Dbacks be buyers or sellers at the deadline this year. They are playing great baseball right now

Eno Sarris: Definitely buyers, but probably mellow ones.

Steve: Back to Peacock – can you expand on what it is you like about his new stuff?

Eno Sarris: Dropped slot, slider more side to side, sinker more fade, and he still gets on top of his curve and drops it down vertically, so he has movement in three of four quadrants.

Don: Will Noris get his job back once he comes off the DL?

Eno Sarris: I think so, if just to keep younger guys cheap.

Clown Shoes Pineapple Space Cake: RE: Hmmm let’s rank them Keuchel, LMCJR, Morton, Martes… maybe Peacock over Paulino! I love his new stuff.

What happens to Fiers in this scenario?

Eno Sarris: Let’s revamp and put Fiers and Peacock in and use Martes and Paulino in the minors and in the bullpen, and move them around. A trade, though, a trade pushes which guy from the rotation? Peacock? Or maybe someone will be injured.

Matt: Why is “toast” a euphimism for being done/bad? I happen to enjoy toast. Not to mention the full spectrum to which toast can be lightly toasted (basically still bread – ie not bad) and burnt. I think we need to specify “burnt toast”.

Mike: Are you a catch and shoot guy or an off the dribble shooter

Eno Sarris: Just realized recently that I practice catch and shoot but play off the dribble more. Dropped in a tear drop yesterday! Problem with pickup is that catch and shoot is rarer.

Gub Gub: How do you rebuild in dynasty leagues where people hold onto their prospects like gold….or pork rinds?

Eno Sarris: Overpay for only the very best. Give the contender four or five pieces and get back one young player.

allan: hey eno, is there a craft (preferably new england region) brown ale you can recommend that is close to say newcastle?

Eno Sarris: That Moose Drool. Abita Turbodog.

Make Me A Sammich: ENO! What’s your favorite sour ale? I had a Victory Sour Monkey the other night and I’m a believer!

Eno Sarris: Hard to know what’s close to you. I really like the Goose Island sour sisters (Halia and Juliette in particular), and everything from Jester King, Wicked Weed, Almanac, Cantillon, de Garde.

CamdenWarehouse: Diamondbacks – Kim and Brach are who you want

Eno Sarris: Would be a killer duo to get, actually.

Troutmaggedon: Dodgers tell Willie Calhoun that’s he’s going to be the best 5’4 mashing catcher ever. His reaction?

Eno Sarris: Oooh, catcher? I doubt it. Can fake second base for a while.

Senile Oliver Stone: Is Gary Sanchez the best catcher in the AL?

Eno Sarris: offensively, yes, and in a year or two, all of baseball.

Uncle Rico: Skills competition.  Spray hitting to targets all across the field.

Eno Sarris: Command, straight on speed and first to home speed, right field to third base throws…

Dave: I really miss your weekly column, “Last Weekend’s Beer, Today”.  I highly encourage a comeback. Is it in the realm of possibilities?

Eno Sarris: Maybe I could do a beer review for Mondays of one beer and sneak in the rest… The problem is that October works slower in terms of pictures.

baby bull : do you trust the process?

Eno Sarris: Not in New York, those Knicks are silly.

Matt: Is Kahnle a good Save Spec because he’ll get the job over Jones, or because Jones will also be traded?

Eno Sarris: Jones will be traded or hurt.

Crazy Aunt Marie : Isn’t that assuming Judge stays at 29% k%? He could approve to say…25%, wouldn’t that make a higher avg more sustainable?

Eno Sarris: Sure, but dude is 25 already. K% only really improves until 26. swstr looks like a 30% k guy.

Zach Nine: Stashing Joe Ross and Rodon but Shoe Salazar and Morton all whisper my name from the waiver wire. Which 2 arms best serve me ROS?

Eno Sarris: Rodon and Shoe or Morton, I guess.

Anon: No one besides the questioner cares about fantasy questions. My eyes glaze over if I see ROS, dynasty, keeper, etc.

Eno Sarris: I try to pick players that people are interested in talking about so just focus on the player names.

Richard: If we’re talking new all star competitions, they should also add a distance-based HR derby.  Longest ball using a softball composite bat.  Would be nuts.

Eno Sarris: Yes.

Guest: What are some players you’ve come across that don’t pay attention to advanced stats and just “play ball”? Any examples of you approaching a player with some interesting analysis, and they’d say “oh, cool” or simply blow you off?

Eno Sarris: I love Jeff Samardzija, he’s sorta like that, and we have great conversations. There are still a good number of players that just claw their way out of the interview because they don’t love the topic, but I’ve gotten better at finding a way to draw out something interesting even then. See if you think Springer said some interesting things in the piece up now.

Andrew: Judge cut his K% ~15 points in one offseason. What makes you think he won’t continue to make strides in that regard a lot like Kris Bryant has? Just chalking him up as a “.260 guy going forward” seems a bit pessimistic to me.

Eno Sarris: I’m not really looking at that 44% in 95 PA tbh.

Archie Graham: What’s your thoughts of Starling Marte ROS? In a dynasty league?

Eno Sarris: I don’t think he’ll lose much. Maybe in the power department but even there…

Badger: Bregman: low SwStr% (nearly halved from last year), above average exit velo. Am I right to be optimistic?

Eno Sarris: Yeah I think the BA is up at least.

Uno Pizza : Need your help Eno. Pitching has been abysmal this season. Got asked about Danny Duffy, he has Alex Cobb, Aaron Nola, Daniel Norris as non ace level starters. Is there a combination of those guys worth pursuing? Should I just hold on to Duffy?

Eno Sarris: Probably hold. Cobb still doesn’t have the change back and Norris still needs to figure something out. I do like Nola and Norris, that’s where I’d go if I couldn’t wait.

Hedo: FUN FACT:  Thus far in their careers, Ian Happ and Aaron Judge have identical HR rates!

Snarfle: What’s your shark opinion? Sharp teeth (K-BB) or too much dorsal fin (dingers)?

Eno Sarris: Good teeth.

Trip McNealy: The ludes are always darkest before dawn

Senile Oliver Stone: Greg Bird a less talented Nick Johnson?

Eno Sarris: Literally right next to each other.

Anon: What’s wrong with Vero Beach?

Eno Sarris: Well I didn’t like it much as a kid, I’ll say. Beach was better south/north of there, it was a retirement community back then, tons of meth heads too (whoo boy I have some stories). And then the Dodgers left.

Tomy: What is one spice/seasoning that you use a lot that I may not? Looking to kick up the cooking

Eno Sarris: Cinnamon in tacos/burritos. Conservatively.

troutmaggedon: Used to live in Lower Haight. Are the bartenders at Toronado still buttholes?

Eno Sarris: Charming buttholes.

Fake Name #75: If my last name is Shakalaka, what should I name my son?

Eno Sarris: BOOOM

Bern: With all this debate about the juiced ball. Can’t we just compare an old and new ball inside and out? It’s not like these things are locked up in Fort Knox. Has no one seriously done this yet?

Eno Sarris: Ben Lindbergh at the Ringer just did and found lower seams and smaller diameter, which some think is enough to explain it, and others don’t.

Dylan: Conforto has been really bad lately Eno

Eno Sarris: I honestly don’t care. He has all the tools to make the most of his balls in play and great plate discipline.

Snarfle: Saw the Dead with Mayer at the Shoreline. I watched him thinking, “I hope he’s having the time of his life.” Then, at the end of the first set, he did a spontaneous little jig that looked the little stomp dances my 1.5 year old does.

Matt: Eno, life is the leading cause of death. Digest that ish.

Eno Sarris:

Johnny’s Mom: I know Kershaw is a stud. But is this the beginning of the end? (as in him being the best pitcher in baseball) Or does he find how to limit the HR ball?

Eno Sarris: Not the beginning of the end. Dude picked up the ball in the big leagues and learned the best slider in the game. He’s got wrinkles left.

Jamie: To the guy looking for advice on Montana beer.  Drink lots and lots of Kettlehouse Coldsmoke.  Nothing better

Patty: Trading Thames and Addison Russell for Ozuna?

Eno Sarris: Yes.

Alex: Nihilist Eno’s comments make me smile.  Not that he cares.

Dylan: Is Dan Straily actually really good?

Eno Sarris: Will make the very most of his repertoire, which starts with a bad fastball but includes a very good breaking ball and changeup combo.

Nic: I know Judge’s BABIP is unsustainably high, but due to his exit velo is it possible that he can be a career .400 BABIP guy?

Eno Sarris: Nobody’s ever done that before for more than one season, but I guess Judge is fairly different. I’ll bet on the field though.

Paul: Just saw your first comment! I’m playing with Blackfoot gypsies saturday at Beat Kitchen! If any readers are there, come say hi to the bassist in the Evening Attraction

Eno Sarris: Well hell that probably wasn’t the real Vulfpeck but somehow I believe this one. F yeah Paul! Rock out, your music is great.

HappyFunBall: So Dave thinks the mystery rumored Gray-to-RP buyer is the LADs. Do you think (a) He’s right or even (b) such a thing is in the offing?

Eno Sarris: Probably some sort of piggyback thing with Hill rather than true RP. would be hell on batters to see those curves coming from different sides of the mound.

Paul: https://theeveningattraction.bandcamp.com/ This is me. We’re playing with Blackfoot Gypsies on Saturday in Chicago lol

RE: Mariners Game: sit in King’s Corner down Left field line

tonyc: Alex Cobb’s throwing his split-change more and it seems effective.  3 straight QS and decent WHIP, but middling Ks.  Is he “back”, or at least on the way to being back?

Eno Sarris: Oh heck look at that. Tell the guy before Nola and Cobb is okay for Duffy. Check out that drop on the splitter it’s coming back! http://www.brooksbaseball.net/velo.php?player=502171&b_hand=-1&gFilt=&…

Zeppo: On Nola, his command in early 2016 seemed unreal, just using my eyes. Is it all that common for a guy to flash plush command for a few months and then fall back to earth? Or is he just a tweak away (or health) from getting back to that craziness?

Eno Sarris: Health is my bed. I believe in that command.

Moltar: There’s an amazing, somewhat hidden bar in Astoria, Queens called Diamond Dogs that has an excellent beer selection and I feel almost wrong mentioning it here because I want it to stay a perfect hidden gem forever

Dres: Another umpire question: I hear broadcasters talk about umpires not “giving” a borderline strike to a pitcher who’s been wild. Isn’t this bull? A strike is a strike is a strike, regardless of previous pitches/wildness/pitcher experience, right?

Eno Sarris: No, there is evidence of bias coming from the score and the batter.

MANKEY!: Would it make more sense for a contending team to try to trade for help early – even if means paying a bit more – so that they actually have the help they need sooner?  I mean, it’s pretty obvious to most teams by Mid-May where they’re going to need help, right?  Why wait until the end of July when you could have had your guy a month and half earlier?

Eno Sarris: Yes. It’s the team trading the player away that wants the most bidders at the table and is waiting for best offer.

Dan: What do you think of Godley?  Should i start him today at Coors Field?

Eno Sarris: No. And I like Godley.

canofcorn66: Would you start either Hahn (HOU) or Norris (@SEA) tonight?

Eno Sarris: Yes.

Sonny: Does Kiley know who the flash is?

Eno Sarris: We all do. It’s a guy who ran in DII and is on their grounds crew haha. The Freeze!

Anon: In a battle of worst chat question topics, regional beer recommendations just edges out fantasy team recommendations.

Eno Sarris: There’s a real easy fix to this.

Frank: can Lamet get it done this year as 2 pitch guy?

Eno Sarris: That’s a power change, I think it counts as his third.

Matt: I think we need to think of a new name for the position of catcher. Not descriptive enough, as all fielders catch the ball as a part of their jobs.

Eno Sarris: “frameblocker”

Moltar: Who would win a fight to the depths between Dolan and the Wilpons?

Eno Sarris: All of us.

Matt: Eno, I enjoy complaining about how I don’t feel you are answering the proper questions in the generally 2+ hours of your time that you are devoting to me free of charge.

Steve O: shouldn’t the fact that Judge hits rockets allow him to be a true talent .350+ babip guy?

Eno Sarris: .350 gets him to about .270 with the BA, check his projections. So… maybe. But not giving him .400!

Johnny Five: Middle of the pack in saves, first in QS, nearly last in ERA/WHIP/Ks. Advice on where to go from here?

Eno Sarris: Trade for Chapman or an ace reliever type.

Eno Sarris: Be more judicious with starts going forward.

My friends mom: Calls me Chode Boy. It’s a term of endearment, I guess?

Eno Sarris: uh

Nic: Why arr you high on bird? He hasnt been good in 2 years, and in his rehab stint in triple a he was terrible.

Eno Sarris: well he’s been hurt for two years. I like his batted ball mix and think he can be a .240 hitter with 30 homer power.

Robert Gsellman: What’s going on with me?  Was I overhyped in the offseason by facing weak opponents down the stretch?

Eno Sarris: Secondaries aren’t that great.

Doug Thorburn: Hey Eno! Tell Paul (Alex Meyer Q from an hour ago) that taller pitchers will have a longer development path as long as pitching coaches try to coax more downhill plane. Tall guys like Randy, Miller are often told to release high, tilt spine, and then they lose command as well as extension (check Miller’s RP height data from 2011 vs. 2017, look at video of early RJ). Once they lower the arm slot by getting back to more natural balance, it’s gravy, and they can utilize biological advantages to get a deeper release. It’s not a biology problem, it’s a coaching problem (conventional wisdom is pretty dim)

Eno Sarris: Interesting. Jordan Montgomery just said that his biggest problem that he combats is spine tilt.

who to trade: does the HR surplus trend mean I should trade away Khris Davis before everyone realizes and trade for speedster even if other part of his game is underwhelming? (think jose peraza)

Eno Sarris: It’s actually a decent trade, one one-dimensional guy for another, but the one you get is rarer.

Eldridge Cleaver: If you see a hitter’s IFFB% deviate from career averages early on in the year, what do you look at to determine whether something has changed permanently in the hitter’s profile or whether it is just an issue with small sample size?

Eno Sarris: It’s better to use PU% (IFFB*FB) to correct for this.

Michelle: Eno! On my way to Boston as we type. Got brewery recommendations for us? You hooked us up big time when we went to Phoenix last year.

Eno Sarris: Night Shift and Trillium! Mead Hall in Cambridge for bar.

troutmaggedon: Why won’t MLBers just let everyone style like they do in the KBO? I want someone standing at the dish until the ball lands yelling “ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!?!??!?!”

Eno Sarris: I’d laugh. People forget it’s supposed to be entertainment.

Guest: Can you give us the details on your Judge/Trout trade?

Eno Sarris: In the podcast!

Eno Sarris: Okay I gotta go. Too much to do! It was fun!