Eno Sarris Baseball Chat — 8/28/14

Eno Sarris: I’ll be here a the top of the hour

grahambop:

Comment From John Stamos
SWING

Eno Sarris: well maybe around 40% of the time.

Comment From Chad
Do you expect the Cubs to become players for Giancarlo this offseason? Almora, Edwards, McKinney, and a 4th, maybe a lower level arm anywhere close enough for the Marlins to agree?

Eno Sarris: When I tried to put together a package that equaled Stanton’s surplus value last year, it needed to be a top-10, a top-25 and another top 100 or two. I don’t think that satisfies the requirements, but he does have one less (fewer?) year of control.

Comment From Jon
Eno! Does Alcantara see any more games at 2B this year (or next), or is he an OF now?

Eno Sarris: I think he’s a real-life infielder, myself. But things need to shake out I guess. The last person who had an SLG that was twice his OBP was Todd Greene, so let’s not say that Baez is a secure major leaguer.

Comment From AL Pitching Coach
Hi Eno. Thanks as always for doing these chats. Easily one of my favourite things to look forward to every Thursday. Let’s say you’re in an AL-only league where there’s a log jam in W, K, ERA & WHIP. Do you start Kuroda in Detroit today, and what do you predict for his pitching line? Thanks so much!

Eno Sarris: Detroit is an okay pitcher’s park and homers are his biggest issue when he collapses, so I think I throw him.

Comment From John Stamos
Trade deadline has passed. Use Dickey’s spot to stream for the upcoming playoffs in 14 team dynasty?

Eno Sarris: Yes. He’s pretty much major league average at this point, which of course has value but isn’t great in fantasy.

Comment From Tom Jones
Would you be so kind to name three September call-ups that are most likely to have an impact in the American League over the final month?

Eno Sarris: None. They’re all up. Buxton’s not coming up, Correa no. Lindor has a chance. Rodon in the bullpen maybe? No saves though. I have a little hope for a Henry Owens start or two. Daniel Norris if Mark Buehrle gets traded? That’s it for the top 50.

Comment From Fish
Gotta go poop. Hope I’ll be back in time.

Eno Sarris: Did you?

Comment From Kris
Is Tulo a 2nd round keeper next year or should I try to flip him for some immediate help (currently 2nd in H2H). Trying to pry away Bryce Harper for him at the moment… should I aim lower>

Eno Sarris: He’s a 2nd-rounder due to all these injuries so you wouldn’t get any surplus, so he’s tradeable.

Comment From STiVo
What kind of under the radar changes might we see if robot umps made ball-strike determinations? For example, maybe catchers could get in throwing position earlier when runners try to steal (because they wouldn’t be blocking the ump’s view of the pitch). Another possibility could be catchers’ not having to frame the pitch, thus leading to better blocking of pitches in the dirt. Thoughts?

Eno Sarris: Absolutely better blocking. Probably more caught stealings and fewer stolen bases.

TalentTVOnline:

Comment From A 2Pac-Impersonating Astros Beat Reporter, Probably
Every other city we go, every other video; no matter where I go, I see LJ Hoes.

Comment From Biggie’s Take on The Will to Win
Never lose—never choose to (booze crusie, who)

Comment From John Stamos
DOO WOP

Eno Sarris: We feeling musical today I guess!

Comment From baltic fox
Checking the day/night splits on most of the guys on my AL only team leads me to conclude that most should sit during day games (bad pitchers excluded). I know my sample of 12 hitters is small, but in general do we see lower scoring in day games? If so, why?

Eno Sarris: Too low a sample for you to make conclusions for your team. If there is something there in general (possible), it could be because of the day/night schedule of players. They live a night life, go to bed at 2/3/4 am. Getting up to play at 12-1pm is not what their bodies want.

Comment From Guest
What are the lyrics to the Sleeper and the Bust theme song, and who sings them?

Eno Sarris: That’s @Teen_Archer or Ian Miller, but I think the lyrics are just him saying “The Sleeper And The Bust” over and over again.

Comment From Brad
I’m in 10 team pts. redraft league. I have Baez at ss and every time I think of dropping him after 4k game, he hits a moon shot. Playoffs start in 2 weeks. Do I stick with him or replace him with Johnny Peralta, Erik Aybar or JJ Hardy? Thanks.

Eno Sarris: What if you picked up a second shortstop and played Baez against all lefties, in nice homer parks, Wrigley day games, and against righties with low K rates?

Comment From Wade Ortega
Eno, sit tight on Pedro Alvarez or give him the boot? He was JUST getting his swing back …

Eno Sarris: In keeper, hold if you can. Otherwise, turf. Him and Ike are just going to kill each other’s value.

Comment From Lucas
Hey Eno, who do you like better over their next two starts:Cashner vs LAD & Ari or deGrom vs Phi & @Mia?

Eno Sarris: deGrom

Comment From Eric Hosmer
Well, well, well…. that longhair is back to talk to us about our ‘approach’…. whaddya, say Moose?

Comment From Mike Moustakas
I say we stomp em! (yeah!) And then we tattoo him! (yeah!) And then we hang him… (yeah!) and THEN we kill him! (yeah!)

Comment From Billy Butler
I say ya let MEEEEE have him FIRST! (YEAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!)

Comment From Vic
Who are some pitchers who might blossom like Kluber in 2015?

Eno Sarris: Bad fastball guys that I can think of are Shoemaker, Carrasco, TJ House, off the top of my head. Whitley has a chance.

Comment From Brian
Time to cut Anibal Sanchez and open his roster spot to stream SP’s?

Eno Sarris: yes. Best case you get one or two starts from him.

Comment From Gevin Kausman
Kevin Gausman’s been excellent when throwing the first strike in an at-bat, and garbage when the count goes 1-0. It’s easy to think he just needs to throw more first-pitch strikes and he’ll be fine, but is it more than that? I see so much talent in him and yet I really have no idea how to project him for 2015…

Eno Sarris: He’s impossible. The fastball is straight, but fast. The split is great, and he has a regular change. He can cut the split. So he basically has three changeups, all above average or plus. His slider is meh but so what at that point. You have to think it’s about confidence to throw the ball in the damn zone and give up a few homers but also not walk anyone and start striking people out.

Eno Sarris: Maybe a Gose like The Kimmie, The Yink & The Holy Gose OR wow I just had Bikini Beer from Evil Twin and it tastes like a pale ale but it’s 2.7% ABV and that might be good because things get crazy when the family gets drunk.

Comment From Tim Horton
Is it crazy to think Drew Smyly could be a top-10 SP in the American League next season?

Eno Sarris: It’s not crazy. The Rays have made the change an important thing for him, and there’s always the chance he learns The Thing from Cobb and turns into a nasty lefty Cobb.

Comment From CuriousGeorge
Holding our annual family beer olympics this beautiful labor day weekend. Any suggestion of a good beer to consume en masse (that isnt natty or bud light? I was thinking a nice german weissbier in keeping the tradition of a beerfest

Eno Sarris: This is the question that I answered above lol.

Comment From Guest
Will Zach Walters turn into a pumpkin?

Eno Sarris: He did already. Look at that contact rate.

Comment From Mike
Since I can no longer trade Fiers (trade deadline is passed), do I start him until he burns me or would you pre-emptively quit him? I think the SFG start is good but not sure how much longer that BABIP stays down.

Eno Sarris: I’d be nervous about him at home with the homers, but otherwise, he’s not a bad pitcher given his 88 mph fastball.

Comment From Lucas
Pick two of the following to hold onto as keepers (round of draft pick given up in parenthesis): Cruz(16), Kluber(10), Puig(10), Altuve(9), C Santana(6)

Eno Sarris: Puig Altuve. Kluber gets close. I know Cruz is so super tempting but with his age and ahem history, I’d be nervous.

Eno Sarris: I’m using itunes today because my spotify stopped working, so it’s all classics. I frigging LOVE this tune.

YarbTheLegend:

Eno Sarris: Reminds me of Roxy Music and Brian Eno and growing up in Jamaica.

Comment From Et Tu, Brute?
Eno! What’s the maximum dollar amount you would use to stash Salazar in an Otto points league?

Eno Sarris: Oh man the homer issue is a problem in Otto points. I’d want him under $10 next year.

Comment From juan pierres mustache
sign of adulthood #343: most exciting news today is that there’s a new lunch place near the office

Eno Sarris: LUNCH!

Comment From Marty
what are your thoughts on Buchholz going forward? He seems to be terrible mostly…with a spattering of genius.

Eno Sarris: The injury history dampens any enthusiasm I can have about the stuff and the change.

Comment From Guest
When will Alex Meyer get the call and any comps?

Eno Sarris: I really like him. No-seam fastball means he doesn’t have many comps, but he’s a sinker/curve/change guy, and I think all can be plus (but admittedly the curve is ahead).

Comment From Elias
Thoughts on Eric Campbell and Tomas Telis? Deep mixed league help.

Eno Sarris: Campbell only plays v LHP, but I like him.

Comment From Sycophancy
Eno, last week my question re you and Malcolm Gladwell was not meant as some kind of dig. You guys share the Jamaican/European parent combo and you both write for a living. Things in common!

Eno Sarris: I hope I didn’t get too defensive. I don’t hate on him, I’ve enjoyed things I’ve read. I’ve also felt led astray at times.

Comment From Art Vandelay
I know this Javier Baez thing has been beat half to death, but he is striking out at a 10% higher rate than Mark Reynolds did when he set the single season record back in 2009. He’s basically a videogame character.

Eno Sarris: It’s impossible.

Comment From jordan
Shane Greene can’t keep this up right? Or maybe he can! His ks are up since your article and his gb% is steady.

Eno Sarris: It’s impossible. Both of these guys are without comps. I suppose Masterson is a comp for Greene, but that’s one dude. And it doesn’t work every year for JM either.

Comment From Hamilton Porter
How many PA’s does it take to label a prospect as overrated, but not necessarily a bust? And yes I’m looking at you Oscar Taveras.

Eno Sarris: ISO takes 500 plus plate appearances at least. BABIP is like 700. I’d give him two years.

Eno Sarris: (at least)

Comment From Brian Scalabrine
Curious about a trade that just went down in my otto points league. $8 Archie Bradley and $2 Alex Meyer for a $2 Gregory Polanco. Who wins?

Eno Sarris: Polanco side. As bad as some can call his debut, it wasn’t. His BB, K and ISO were all predictive of a .280/10/30 guy, and he has power upside.

Comment From Don Baylor
Any thoughts on Josmil Pinto? Now that the Twins have signed Suzuki for 2 more years, has Pinto gone from Catcher of the Future to just a mere afterthought?

Eno Sarris: Suzuki can transition to backup pretty easily once the BABIP calms down.

Comment From Hamilton Porter
Mookie makes me so much more excited than Billy Hamilton in both an OBP league and life.

Eno Sarris: I love me some Mookie.

Comment From Marty
What the heck happened to Brandon Moss?

Eno Sarris: Was a little over his head wrt to batting average, but this is who he was supposed to be, no?

Comment From Art Vandelay
How did the Cubs package turn from Baez, Bryant, or Alcantara + extras into Almora, Edwards & McKinney overnight?

Eno Sarris: Well the Baez one might get it done but also seems a little heavy on the Cubs side.

Comment From Fowler
Is Danny Duffy going to continue to get better or should we expect a big regression next year?

Eno Sarris: I don’t see it being sustainable. Looong history of bad command that he randomly turned around this year, plus none of his pitches is plus by peripherals.

Comment From Mitch
Will Tanaka pitch again this year? If not, how do you project him for next year? I’m in a keeper league and he’s on waivers.

Eno Sarris: I’d give him a shot. Could get a couple starts, seems low risk acquisition. He’s throwing.

Comment From Et Tu, Brute?
I feel strange because I like IPAs but still cannot distinguish between the more subtle flavors that vary within the style

Eno Sarris: Have some more. Also, have ones with the hops listed on the label, and do that thing you’re supposed to do when networking. “Ah, Mosaic, nice to drink you Mosaic. Mosaic, you seem kind of fruity. Mosaic, have you met my wife?”

Comment From The Answer Is Regression to the Mean — Think About It
Question: Why do extemely intelligent women have less intelligent husbands?

Eno Sarris: HEY WUT H8 u

Comment From Guest
Detroit’s playoff odds yesterday: 72%. Today, it’s 67%. Against NYY their starting pitcher has a ZiPS projected ERA of 5.33, against Kuroda’s 3.83 FIP. Are Detroit’s playoff odds about to collapse? Their playoff hopes mostly bank on a .577 ROS win%, 94 games in a full season. Time is running out for regression to save them.

Eno Sarris: They were 95% like a month ago. It’s crazy and it’s happening.

Comment From Nicolas Stellini
A lot of people talk about the Mets throwing their pitching prospects at the Cubs for one of their MI prospects, but is there a possibility they take a run at Stanton? In-division trades seem a lot less taboo these days.

Eno Sarris: Somehow I doubt that the Mets make a big trade like this with their pitching prospects. I think some of the guys will end up in the pen, some will be injured, maybe one goes at the deadline when they’re going good. In general, I think the plan is to amass arms, find bats.

Comment From Breezy
Hey, another Thursday, another Eno chat, another half-off sushi night..I’m starting to think defensive metrics are taking hold in baseball a little more now. Seems like everyone is beginning to give Alex Gordon his credit. Traditional numbers don’t stack up to Trout but most seem to agree his contending for MVP.

Eno Sarris: One nice walkoff homer and suddenly they call the dogs off. People still mad about Gordon’s WAR I think.

Comment From Rich
What do you think about Rick Porcello’s year? Is he a top 25 pitcher going forward?

Eno Sarris: I like him. The curve addition was huge. Lower K rate means more 20-30 than top 20, but he’s definitely a fantasy number three at least.

Comment From kevinthecomic
Thanks for chatting, Eno!! How do you address the issue of context in MVP voting. I mean, I guess in theory you shouldn’t, but the BBWA instructions clearly state ‘most valuable to his team’, which implies context. But then, which context? An MVP caliber player on a terrible team could be the most value to his team because he accounts for a higher percentage of team wins. On the other hand, an MVP caliber player on a team that wins the division by 1 or 2 games could be argued to be the difference maker that put them over the top. What do you do? WHAT DO YOU DO?

Eno Sarris: I *might* use non-metric considerations to split a tie. Like if Lucroy is super close to another NL candidate, I’ll give him a tick for framing. But team considerations? 25 man roster. I’m not going to help him or hurt him based on the other 24.

Eno Sarris: (or 49)

Comment From Guest
you forgot about joc!

Eno Sarris: he said AL

Comment From Jay
Speculating for next year. Do you think Axford could be given a closing gig this winter?

Eno Sarris: Maybe he signs to help in a bad pen and has a chance?

Comment From Rich
What do you make of Shelby Miller’s struggles? IS this the real Shelby, or can we expect to see 2013 Shelby again?

Eno Sarris: I think he’s too predictable. Needs to develop/improve the change. Needs to be 2014 Shelby — which is possible because he’s starting with gas and what used to be a good curve — but the cutter, change, something needs to take a step forward. I’m not giving up, he’ll be down roster on some teams next year.

Comment From Jay
Is R. Castillo playing at Fenway this year? does he start on opening day next year?

Eno Sarris: Yes. Who knows.

Comment From Fish
Nope. Plums, man. Plums.

Comment From J
Pretty much out of the race for my fantasy league. Ont he plus side, going to WI for the weekend! Aside from New Glarus, any breweries/beers to try?

Eno Sarris: Milwaukee Brewery is supposedly pretty good!

Eno Sarris: http://www.beergraphs.com/l…

Comment From JBD
Yadi or Ramos for fantasy purposes when Yadi comes off of DL (supposedly tomorrow)?

Eno Sarris: Yadi

Comment From Guest
More likely to get Lester/Shields: The Mets or the Cubs? Both have protected first round picks, both seem to be in a position to make a contention push

Eno Sarris: Cubs need pitching more, Mets have less money.

Comment From F U Jobu
No hope for Alex Meyer call-up or has he reached his IP for the year?

Eno Sarris: Yeah he’s running out of innings. Maybe some bullpen work.

Comment From kevinthecomic
Re: feeling musical — I’m all about the base, ’bout the bass, no treble!

Eno Sarris: Instead of that, how about this:

GStrongRAW:

Comment From Breezy
Check out Pedro Alvarez’s day/night splits. It’ll blow your mind.

Comment From Heady the Elder
I quit fantasy baseball,the White Sox stink, I’m just here for the beer comments. I just got my hands on Marshal Zhukov should I be excited?

Eno Sarris: Yes. As our site says “This is a great beer.” http://www.beergraphs.com/l…

Comment From grabba
How would you rank Kipnis, Kinsler, Pedroia and Kendrick ROS?

Eno Sarris: Kinsler, Kip, Kendrick, Pedroia

Comment From Guest
Gregory Polanco’s 2015 WAR:

Eno Sarris: 3+? I think he figures out the D.

Comment From DrStevenBrule
Eno, just gave up a lot to by the #1 waiver position off a guy so that I could get Rusney, please tell me he gets the call this season!

Eno Sarris: Yeah he’ll be up. I’m pretty sure at least.

Comment From kevinthecomic
re: effect of robot umps on catchers — better hitting catchers, because all of a sudden the brutal framing skills of a guy like Carlos Santana doesn’t matter that much.

Comment From Aura fixation
Is it stupid to make an all-in move just before September in a sort-of-tight race? I wish I did this in June…

Eno Sarris: yeah, I spend most of my FAAB early and try to make decisions in late June. Do a targeted move. Look at the categories, pick a couple.

Comment From Furman
I have a problem… I have both Dogfish Head 120 and Heady Topper in my fridge right now. If I drink them, they will no longer be there, which makes me sad. And then I won’t have any more 120/Heady to make the sadness go away. What to do?

Eno Sarris: Buy more beer!

Comment From Aura fixation
You think Jaso is essentially done for the year?

Eno Sarris: Concussions are impossible. No idea.

Comment From Steve
I have Matt Shoemaker for $6 next year in my dynasty league. Do you think he can keep this up and hold him for 2015, or would you sell now and try to maximize his current value?

Eno Sarris: That’s a nice price. I think I’d hold. He has a nice home park.

Comment From Guest
Chase Whitley breakout? What does that look like?

Eno Sarris: He has a great slider/change combo. He’ll need to have lasting power with the fastball. More innings. mid-to-high ERA if only based on home park.

Comment From Marty
what’s the funniest response you’ve gotten from a guy when you ask to take a grips photo?

Eno Sarris: “You want to take a picture of my fingers?” — Jake deGrom

Comment From Big Jgke
Hey Eno, yesterday a comment I made about Colby Rasmus was turned into a NotGraphs article about Colby Rasmus. Now that my life has peaked, what do you suggest I do? Also, is there some sort of sash I can get to commemorate this achievement?

Eno Sarris: Sorry, as you’ve heard, budget is slashed. We need someone to buy out NotGraphs to even exist any more!

Comment From Keith (Manchester, CT
Thanks Eno. Should the Red Sox try to package Mookie Betts and some prospects for Cole Hamels? What are the chances the Phillies are open to this?

Eno Sarris: I thought they might sell Betts and Renaudo this year but then they were bad. If they recover next year, they still have the pieces to buy a pitcher. This could happen.

Comment From Double Simcoe
You’ve got to lead with your ludes, you’ve got to love your ludes, you’ve got to exude ludes!

Comment From Cicero
If your aren’t listening to Fartbarf you are missing out

Comment From Et Tu, Brute?
I’m telling you dude… I just don’t want to grow old

Comment From Kris
Sounds like Tanaka may be pitching this year… what % is there that he still gets TJ this offseason? Could he conceivably pitch the ROS and then get TJ?

Eno Sarris: Look at Wainwright. Pitched, what, two years before finally getting TJ?

Comment From Tony S
Heard on Podcast you might post on favorable battery-mates to run on in Sept? Streaming Dyson, Rajai, Shaeffer etc & that would be helpful. Still planned?

Eno Sarris: Watch Minnix.

Comment From Cicero
where will Arenado rank in your 3B keepers?

Eno Sarris: Top 10, top 8, top…6? I think he can .280/20 next year.

Comment From Guest
I despise the vote off sys in Ottoneu is Trout worth a $100 in 4×4? assuming he gets all the votes

Eno Sarris: No, because 4×4 doesn’t love his steals. I prefer the put money on him system, but even there Trout’s going to get expensive quick.

Comment From Marty
That song doesn’t remind me of jamaica…not enough dancehall horn and the beginning 10 bars didn’t play 6 times.

Eno Sarris: Ah yeah, my mother played weird music when I was growing up. But this also reminds me of Jamaica:

Miguel Aristizabal:

Comment From Fish
no seam fastball?

Eno Sarris: Basically a sinker. His agent taught him the pitch in college.

Comment From Art Vandelay
Why aren’t people talking about Kazmir’s fatigue? He’s already matched his innings total from last year, and with his next start he’ll be at his highest total since 2007. He’s not getting any younger, but also wow, his fastball is as fast as it’s been at any other point in his career. I just assumed he had lost a ton of velocity.

Eno Sarris: He just seems like a bit of a collapse candidate because of all the things you listed.

Comment From Marty
Everyone acts like it’s no big deal that Ks are way up…it’s just another out they say. the royals have Ked the least of any team…and are also last in BBs and HRs, yet are in first. Fluke or some market inefficiency there?

Eno Sarris: The Giants made more contact than anyone the year they won it all, too. I just think there’s a little too much BABIP dependency. How do they rank in BABIP?

Comment From Baseball Fan from Dingle, Ireland
Do balls go farther in foggy weather?

Eno Sarris: Less far. More to push out of the way.

Comment From The Roofis Wainwright
Just dealt a $20 Kipnis, $5 Boxberger, $1 Bruce Rondon for a $13 Kendrick, and expiring Smyly for my championship push. How’d I do?

Eno Sarris: It’s fine. Two relievers are whatever, and Kendrick cheaper.

Comment From Jim
When is Puig the baseball god going to return? We miss him, the only awesome thing right now is how sad he looks when he draws a walk.

Eno Sarris: Needs to hit more fly balls. Good news is that pre-peak players tend to hit more fly balls as they move towards their peak. I think he can still .280+25/10 at some point.

Comment From Rated Rookie
The best approach if you’ve invested in prospects for fantasy baseball: Be cool. It takes time.

Comment From Rated Rookie

Comment From Stephen
Hey, Eno! Ever been to Austin, TX? I’m visiting next weekend, any recommendations for brewery visits or beers i have to try?

Eno Sarris: Jester King. And Austin Beerworks: http://www.beergraphs.com/l…

Comment From Hamilton Porter
OBP dynasty. Hamilton’s SBs are wonderful, but the rest not so much. What’s he worth in a trade?

Eno Sarris: Talk up the steals. Get something top shelf with a ding. Harper, Kipnis?

Comment From Mark
What could be an autumnal seasonal beer to replace the drab offering of pumpkin beers (of which I think I have only ever found 2 I like)? There is just a big gap between summer saisons and winter stouts.

Eno Sarris: Bocks? Oktoberfests?

Comment From Guest
I thought the lyrics to the Sleeper and the Bust were either “bing” or “boong” for the current versions. Shout out to Michael Lewis in last year’s theme song.

Comment From Yankee Line up
We Laugh at David Price! HAAHHAHAHaghasfsd

Comment From klof
IPLs: a good hybrid or an insult to both IPAs and lagers?

Eno Sarris: Just another session PA.

Comment From CuriousGeorge
what happened to kyle drabek? I loved him as a prospect coming up and then…. abyss…

Eno Sarris: Command left him.

Comment From Nicolas Stellini
On the FG pitcher/position player co-leaderboard, Phil Hughes is a top 20 player. If you use RA9 WAR, however, he suddenly disappears. Is pitcher WAR really that wonky?

Eno Sarris: No, he’s great by Ks-BBs and HRs. BABIP not kind to him.

Comment From Guest
Gonna hit the new Toronado in Seattle so stoked.

Eno Sarris: AWesome.

Comment From Lucas
Am I wrong to expect anything out of Puig RoS, fantasy-wise? Grand total of 2 dongs since June 1. Hitting .221 with a .551 OPS in August.

Eno Sarris: He’ll be fine.

SlaytanicMegaforce:

Eno Sarris: needed a goose

Comment From Guest
Start Degrom today?

Eno Sarris: yes

Comment From Matt T.
Why is Edwin Jackson so bad? He gets average whiffs on his fastball and above average whiffs on his sinker,slider,curve,and changeup. He can’t throw strikes, but his Zone and F-Strike % are no different than Garrett Richards

Eno Sarris: I do not understand him. Although, just look at his strikeout percentage. It’s not as good as his K9 and he’s not that great by k-bb, in fact he’s bad by that.

Comment From klof
brett lawrie is going to be useful at some point right? like next season? 2B is such a wasteland and his eligibility must count for something.

Eno Sarris: I *might* own him on some benches in redrafts next year, yes. But I’ll have a backup plan.

Comment From Ron Swanson

Gregory Polanco sent down? Chris Davis .150 but has 2 home runs in the last 7 days? Pedro Alvarez is HOT….wait….a walking boot?

Comment From Guest
Would you say Cano is Mvp worthy with the power outage?

Eno Sarris: The narrative will be powerful if Seattle makes the playoffs. Not my MVP, probably, but near the top of the ballot.

Comment From Big Joe Mufferaw
Are the yankees under rated at this point? Their Rotation has been awesome (Pineda, McCarthy, Greene, Kuroda have been awesome). If they get Tanaka back in a couple weeks, should they be feared?

Eno Sarris: Too many holes still if you ask me. Even that group would get very different ratings depending on whom you ask.

Comment From Big Joe Mufferaw
You are commissioner of MLB mr Eno! What is the 1st change you implement!

Eno Sarris: Something about money. Probably about local TV contracts, maybe sharing the money.

Comment From Big Joe Mufferaw
Giancarlo for Bryce Harper who says no? (Nats or Marlins)

Eno Sarris: Marlins. Right?

Comment From erghammer
Eno, thanks for the chat. Huge dogfight in my league for second place. I need to make up a few places someplace, anyplace. One place is with ERA and WHIP. Should I try to do this with smart SP streaming (Tim Hudson was great last night!) or by plugging in as many lo-ERA, lo-WHIP RPs as my roster will hold? The RP guys might not get enough innings to affect the bottom line. But the SPs on the waiver wire are crappier and have higher variability (ie, one bad start from somebody could kill the entire strategy).

Eno Sarris: I think you do the RP strategy. You’re going to get burned streaming.

Comment From Helix Fernandez
Carrasco is a bad fastball guy? Doesn’t he throw 95?

Eno Sarris: He does, but has no command and it’s straightish. He has most upside because of velocity.

Comment From klof
as a cubs fan, i’m a little terrified that the cubs will trade one of their SSs, then face a pile of injuries and end up like the 2014 rangers who thought they had a nice surplus to trade away only to find profar and everyone else on the shelf.

Eno Sarris: I think they’re going to hog all their bats until they think they have a bust, and they’ll try to find arms.

Comment From Sandy
Who do you like best for Ks and reasonable ratios ROS: DeGrom, Wood, Archer, Odorizzi, or Gio?

Eno Sarris: Wood, DeGrom

Comment From Zack
Where did Carlos Carrasco’s huge velo jump as a SP come from? Is he worth a pickup for the stretch run?

Eno Sarris: He was in the pen for a while. It may not hold. I like him, but not against Detroit (twice in next three outings).

Comment From Rico
Can you rank the following for 2015 and beyond: d’arnaud, betts, calhoun.

Eno Sarris: Betts and Calhoun very interesting. I’ll take the older, lower-ceilinged Calhoun next year, Betts career.

Comment From Fish
My life is already funky; I’m in this chat.

Comment From person hscer
screw it. what have I missed

Eno Sarris: dmx.

Comment From Help…
This is a random question, but is there by chance a website that allows me to enter in my current fantasy pitching rotation, to see how many projected innings they will pitch ROS? I have an innings limit that I suspect I will hit before the end of the season, and would love to have a tool to analyze my predicament with. Hope that made sense and thanks in advance!

Eno Sarris: Never heard of that. You’ll have to play the schedule game with your guys.

Comment From Guest
Will Oakland stick with Hammel (5.77 era in 9 innings)after last night’s performance by Pomeranz?

Eno Sarris: That fifth spot is completely up in the air. Probably not Chavez I guess, innings running out and he’s not been great.

Comment From CuriousGeorge
beer table to go- grand central. stop there on my commute home every day and it has saved my life. only way i’ve been able to get Evil Twin or try the Dead Rise

Comment From Marty
Kiley mcdaniel interviewed Trevor Bauer who spoke about EV Pitching. Can you give a brief explanation?

Eno Sarris: August did that. The idea is that it’s harder to get your hands around on a high and tight pitch, so even 89 there is like 95 to your hands. Doolittle said it another way to me: hitters are trained to drop the bat head on the ball, so high pitches are harder to square. Also: if you look at the league’s HR/FB heat map (in my Chris Young piece), the happy zone is down and in.

Comment From Joe
Thoughts on Gerrit Cole ROS and in the future? In 3rd in roto dynasty right now. Could possibly move Darvish for him and Carlos Santana. 5×5 standard.

Eno Sarris: Yes I love him. I like that move if you think you can get to first.

Comment From cubanos
why are all these cuban players only compared to other cuban players? soler and castillo seem nothing like puig but that’s the comparison that constantly pops up. is this because racism?

Eno Sarris: Partially, or just because our minds do that sort of thing. And we forget things. Like Dave Winfield stole a good amount of bases early on in his career, is he a possible Mike Trout comp? Or too many Ks for trout? I thought Rickey Henderson at first. In any case, we do it naturally, and sometimes it makes sense. Japanese pitchers have many similarities when it comes to delivery, approach, and pitching mix, for example. And when it comes to statistical comps, we have to use guys that came out of the same league, in order to make a worthy statistical argument. But yeah, there’s something there when we’re just comparing guys.

Comment From GSon
Zach Walters…flash or a potential hidden gem?..(he hit .310/.369/.908 in 270 AB’s in the minors)

Eno Sarris: I don’t believe.

Comment From Matt Damon
MATT.DAMON.

Comment From person hscer
Vom Kriege

thelivinglegends:

Comment From Beaucoup Bucks
Do you like Living Legends Eno? I think they have the best collection of voices in any hip-hop group. Like, the actual sound of their voices.

Eno Sarris: seen them a couple times, yeah I like them!

Comment From CuriousGeorge
heaady topper? whats the hype about

Eno Sarris: Super hoppy. I like it, but not a top fiver for me.

Comment From Art Vandelay
Heading to the Twin Cities for my sister’s wedding next week, can I get the usual suggestion list of beers to try and find? I’ve had most Surly brews on past visits.

Eno Sarris: Get Indeed and Dangerous Man.

Comment From Y?
segura. top 10 SS next year? he’s doing thing this year.

Eno Sarris: Maybe at the back end. I still think he could .270/10/30 next year. People have lost years.

Comment From STiVo
Was thinking about the line of argument that says “that’s a 94-win line over a season that the Tigers have to do.” Here’s my problem: There’s a much better chance that a team has a 94-win pace after 35 games than they actually are a 95-win true talent team. This is why we make fun of people who say that “X team is on pace for 107 wins” after April. This may seem obvious, but it’s important, because the crux is that the team is much more likely to hit this small-sample goal than the large-sample goal.

Comment From Larry David
I don’t think I’ve ever seen you type the word “impossible” so many times in a chat before.

Eno Sarris: Impossible.

Comment From CuriousGeorge
in response to your statement about the budget being slashed… is there any concern over the website’s future? i just got scared…

Eno Sarris: Haha no just having fun.

Comment From e
Why don’t players throw their cups away instead of throwing them on the dugout floor?

Eno Sarris: Just thought of this the other day. There’s a fair amount of entitlement in the life of a ballplayer. People clean up after them all day.

Comment From Fish
“His agent taught him the pitch in college” lucky the Phillies didn’t turn him in.

Eno Sarris: inoright

Comment From Marty
KC is middle of the pack. 14th in BABIP

Eno Sarris: Well, I’d probably still put my money with power and Ks, but there’s something to zigging when people zag. KC doing some magic with RISP at least.

Comment From Marty
Smyly or deGrom ROS?

Eno Sarris: deGrom. Smyly going to run out of innings.

Comment From Dr. Met
DOODA DUDER DUDE

Eno Sarris: Luder

Comment From The Great Pretender
Who do you think I should keep next year, only one out of these three: Bautista in 3rd, Billy Hamilton in 11, or Dee Gordon in 16. Thanks!!

Eno Sarris: Dee plays the tougher position and is cheaper.

Comment From juan pierres mustache
a lot of breweries seem to be doing the hoppy brown ale thing as a fall seasonal now, I dig it

Eno Sarris: Just missed out on an imperial brown from Avery on tap the other night.

Comment From Guest
Guy coming to Wisconsin: MKE Brewing is ok, but feel like they get a BAR bump from unusual/uncommon styles. Other breweries: O’So and Central Waters are underrated.

Comment From The Poopsmith
Who would you rather have in a keeper league, Gallo or Peterson? Worth mentioning Peterson unlike Gallo actually reduced his K rate in Double-A.

Eno Sarris: But Gallo has texas looming and has probably 80 power. Still Gallo.

The Grouch:

Comment From Art Vandelay
Listening to “Heroes in the City of Dope” by Zion I and the Grouch for the first time since college. I forgot how good this album is, especially the second half.

Comment From thomas
what are your thoughts on the barrel aged version of black butte?

Eno Sarris: Yes.

Comment From GSon
Ruby Red 2006 MB-SL with ash gray leather interior or 2011 Monochrome white Jaguar XK with ebony black leather interior?

Eno Sarris: Something older.

Comment From Dr. Met
rutrut is nothing but a home field matchup streamer isn’t he. what a yearly tease he is.

Eno Sarris: Yeah, I’m tired of that merrygoround.

Comment From Darth Stout
As a fan of a rival central division club, Billy Hamilton is extremely aggravating. He reminds me of Marlins Juan Pierre.

Comment From jono
Given the hard time Hosmer and Moustakas gave you, do you get some small satisfaction from their struggles? Can you compartmentalize and root for them because you dont like to see people fail?

Eno Sarris: I made mistakes myself.

Comment From Marty
did you read Brett Talley’s piece on streaming and matchups for SP? Seems like you should just draft guy you want to throw out every game. does that change your perspective on streaming?

Eno Sarris: I try to avoid streaming. Or: I play my top three guys pretty much all the time, and then draft to have like eight starting pitchers if possible, so that I can “stream” with guys on my roster. Great piece.

Comment From GSon
Nothing Carrasco throws goes straight..

Eno Sarris: You’re right, must have mixed it up somewhere along the line. But no command. And multiple release points doesn’t help.

Comment From Ozzie
What line do you project for Soler ROS?

Eno Sarris: The upside line from McDaniel was .280/.360/.485, which is like a 20-25 homer hitter. Rest of season, I’ll take 10+% off. .270 with 18 homer power?

Comment From Jay Bruces Approach
Why am I broken? Any chance for me to turn around?

Eno Sarris: There was a batted ball mix problem with your knee early on, but since it’s just been a lack of power. I think you’ll be back to .250/30, but it might be next year.

Comment From Bubble Boy
more valuable for fantasy playoffs, Eaton or Crawford?

Eno Sarris: weekly league? Eaton. Daily with decent benches? Craw.

Comment From Guest
thoughts on Corey Dickerson next year? .280/.350/.500 with 25 HR crazy?

Eno Sarris: no not crazy but will he play every day.

Comment From Cubbie Blues
Cuban players keep showing up to workouts 20 lbs heavier than expected. They must have really good personal trainers, huh?

Eno Sarris: ahem

Comment From Mike at the Ted
Mitts and hats, mitts and hats.

Comment From Marty
yesterday was the 22nd anniversary of the first MarioKart release. So that’s pretty awesome.

Comment From toot toot
it’s a shame Felix already laid claim to “King” because it would have been a great nickname for Gerrit Cole

Comment From overthinkingit
what beer should president obama toast when the cubs win the world series? he’s a sox fan, so there’s that, but he’d have to pick a chicago beer, right? what are the factors here?

Eno Sarris: It’d probably be Old Style, but it should probably be something like Half Acre.

Comment From Guest
what do you think about pitchers having personal catchers? some people have been crediting Tillman’s good couple months with him being caught by Hundley rather than Wieters/Joseph. probably a mechanical thing that was fixed instead but it’s interesting to me.

Eno Sarris: Stuff like Catcher ERA is not statistically viable, but you can’t poo-poo the idea that a different brain would call a different game for a pitcher.

Comment From Beanie Man
Is a Papelbon offseason trade likely enough to make Giles a keeper?

Eno Sarris: If your league keeps…. 300 players maybe.

Comment From Rated Rookie

Most trade offers.

Comment From Juan Pierres mustache comb
Isnt Joey Gallo simply a glorified Russell Branyan?

Eno Sarris: Isn’t Javier Baez simply a glorified Todd Greene?

Comment From Guest
Carrasco’s avg velo last month at 97, though only getting 5% whiffs. http://www.brooksbaseball.n…

Eno Sarris: See there’s something going on there. Although he does get 50% grounders on his four-seam. Perhaps it’s about *how* he uses his four-seam that needed re-thinking.

Comment From GSon
1967 British Racing Green Triumph TR4A IRS, rag top or 1952 Egg Shell White Jaguar X120 Roadster? (Old enough..and I owned both of these vehicles)

Eno Sarris: TRIUMPH

Comment From Pennsy
Rendon: is he in the NL MVP discussion ? His bat, glove, and and legs all play decidedly above average, but had not exhibited an elite command of any one.

Eno Sarris: Not enough. But one day could be.

Comment From throneberry90214
Daniel Norris – studly starter in 2015?

Eno Sarris: I like.

Comment From Joe
Make sense of Trumbo’s line from past 30 days: .293, 1 HR???

Eno Sarris: Have to look at his spray charts. Maybe he’s suddenly trying to hit to all fields instead of jacking dongers.

Comment From Guest
Will Matt Moore ever throw consistent strikes and be the guy we thought he would?

Eno Sarris: Probably not coming back his first year after TJ and doing that at least. I doubt that in general.

Comment From Rated Rookie
What sort of return should I hope to get for Taijuan Walker in a keep-forever format? Or, do I hold because not even Lloyd McLendon can keep running Erasmo out there?

Eno Sarris: Hold for as long as you can. He’s got good stuff and a nice home park.

Comment From Guest
The Rays are notoriously cheap, and smartly so. Does that hurt Jake Mcgee going forward (best reliever in baseball, not really annointed closer, but kind of)

Eno Sarris: If they’re bad again next year, he’s gone.

Comment From Kris
No! I need Trumbo to jack dongers

Comment From Snarfle
Are you better at knowing when Stroman will be good than I am? Because I suck at it.

Eno Sarris: Yeah dunno what’s going on with him. Maybe be wary with him in homer parks (home, HOU, CHW) worst starts recently.

Comment From Juan Pierres mustache comb
Id see Baez as a Glorified Jose Hernandez a bit.

Comment From cb
why do managers of teams out of contention still try to platoon young guys that have potential to be everyday players. eg leonys martin…..

Eno Sarris: Trying to see what the team will be like next year?

Comment From Juan Pierres mustache comb
Why is it that sinker ballers dont get many Ks, and hitters hit the sinker into the ground. Yet King Felix gets plenty of whiffs on a pitch with the same velo and sink as a sinker (arm speed)? Its odd how sinkers that move so much dont get whiffs

Eno Sarris: I did write about this a bit with the sinker/change article — why do change-ups and sinkers have different platoon splits when they move the same way? It’s really hard to figure that out. It has to be about the hitter’s need to gear up for the fastball, I guess. If they look fastball and get sinker, they can put wood on it and go the other way…

Comment From Rated Rookie
How about we give Baez a few more PAs (and years) before we damn him with unflattering player comps?

Eno Sarris: Sure, I even said earlier I’d give a guy 800-1000 PAs. But the contact rate stablizes quickest and woof.

Comment From AL Pitching Coach
Rodon > Norris in 2015?

Eno Sarris: Rodon’s not throwing his change that much. Don’t know what that means. He *will* on the other hand have a decent amount of innings with college plus pros. You’d have to think Norris is closer, though, so I think I take Norris on that.

Comment From Rated Rookie
I mean, it’s baseball. If you can’t play the long game, play checkers. Or Connect Four.

Comment From Joe
Is Kershaw a lock for NL MVP?

Eno Sarris: Cy. MVP? will be tougher.

Eno Sarris: Okay guys! Gotta get back to work! Thanks for hanging out.

Comment From Sadwick
May the beer be with you.