JotCast | Ben Clemens FanGraphs Chat - 4/6/20

Ben Clemens FanGraphs Chat - 4/6/20

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Ben Clemens

2:32

Fancy!

Dave

2:32

Do you think there is a general tendency for MLB managers to blindly look at RH/LH matchups for PHs instead of looking at individual player's splits? Example, Josh Reddick is a LH batter that perennially hits better vs LHPs. Yet, when he's not starting, he will typically PH vs RHPs while seemingly avoiding LHP matchups.

Ben Clemens

2:32

I actually just finished up a second article on PH decisions; it'll go up tomorrow.

2:33

As a general rule of thumb, pitcher platoon splits are WAY more important than hitter platoon splits, because there's a lot more variation there.

That makes logical sense; pitchers exert a lot more control over the matchup. If you're a sidearming lefty, you're likely to have huge splits.

Whereas batters all kind of stand the same way, you know?

2:34

That said, I think that some of what you said is true. Take Justin Wilson; he's a lefty pitcher with reverse splits.

But when I was looking at every pinch hitting decision in 2019 (look, I have some free time)

A lot of managers would bring in marginal righties to replace lefties against him.

2-D

2:36

If you had to guess, what percentage of MLB players do you think have a home batting cage or bullpen?

Ben Clemens

2:36

Hm.... not a huge amount.

I mean.... Giannis somehow doesn't have a basketball hoop at home, which still boggles my mind.

2:37

But overall, having a home cage seems like a thing that would depend heavily on where you live.

If you live in Florida near a hitting facility, what's the poin?

But if you want to spend your offseason in Wyoming or something, you'd probably have a setup.

So I'll say 20%? But I have no clue at all.

pepper

2:38

narrow, selfish question. dynasty type league. 15 teams/28 man rosters. I took over the trash team. Been trying to deal Wheeler as I anticipate it will be at least three years before I can compete again. Brandon Marsh + Dalton Varsho too little for him? Not getting much excitement for higher return given no actual games ongoing.

Ben Clemens

2:38

Hm..... I do like Varsho.

2:40

I guess it seems fine to me?

I'm still kind of feeling out dynasty returns but I'm a little low on Wheeler.

David

2:41

SF-based reader here. Where are your go-to spots for delivery/pickup cocktails? My wife and I got pizza and beer crowlers from Cellarmaker last night and it was awesome (and efficient).

Ben Clemens

2:41

Nopalito has some awesome cocktails, and I live in the Panhandle area, so it's convenient to go pick up.

They shut down briefly, but they're back better than ever.

We got some delivery beer from Bare Bottle as well, and I love that place.

2:42

I saw (via Eno) that Cellarmaker was doing delivery again, and then by the time I looked, they had sold out :/.

I'll keep an eye on it for next time.

Jerome

2:42

So when baseball starts back up is the consensus that rosters will be 28 players, 14 pitcher limit? Which teams have the best 27th/28th/29th men and will that make a difference benefiting some teams? If so, which?

Ben Clemens

2:42

Something like that. But honestly, it's going to be really low value in terms of wins added.

Depth is a lot less important when you play fewer games in the first place.

2:43

There might be more six man rotations, which someone else asked as well, and so teams with good sixth starters might be helpd?

Dodgers, for example.

David

2:43

Big Bare Bottle fan as well! That's next on our pick-up list. Friends of ours also suggested Nopalito for margs.

Ben Clemens

2:44

Yeah. They have good drinks overall, too -- if you like spicy cocktails, they have one called Sweet Heat that we've been enjoying.

Marc

2:44

I realize you can't discuss financial specifics, but can you say whether or not our favorite baseball-related website has a better chance of staying up now?

Ben Clemens

2:44

Tune in tomorrow for an update from Appelman on this kind of thing. But we've all been overwhelmed with the positive response, and things feel way better today than a week ago.

Derek

2:44

Ooh both Slay the Spire and Darkest Dungeon are great. Dead Cells is another rogue-like that is super fun. And FTL if you haven't played that yet!

Ben Clemens

2:45

I keep hearing people tell me to play FTL. Roguelikes are definitely high on my list for genre these days. I'll give those a shot.

George Lucas

2:45

Which mlb player is most likely to be a secret prequels fan?

Ben Clemens

2:46

Secret is a tricky part here. Like does Doolittle count?

He's definitely going to be a fan of them, right?

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