Jeff Zimmerman: Hi everyone.

Joe: Assuming Carlos Rodon and Michael Fulmer are both healthy, which of the two would you prefer? Thanks!

Jeff Zimmerman: Simply, I think the Sox will Win more games.

AKA22: Do you think Josh James wins the 5th spot in the Astros rotation still? Does the shorter season make you like him any more (or less)?

Jeff Zimmerman: I’m not sure how to approach him without the schedule.

Jeff Zimmerman: Teams could need 6 starters.

Paul Sporer: Welcome to the chat. Thanks so much for coming out!

Nick: When drafting in a keeper where players are kept at various round values, do you just cross the keepers off your list and move the leftovers up? Or do you weight the positions based on who’s left and rank accordingly?

Paul Sporer: I usually just move the leftovers up and make assessments based on what I have and who’s available

Nick: Just rewatched game 1 of the ’88 WS, and if you simulated that season 100 times how many times to the Dodgers even make the playoffs, let alone win against Oakland??

Paul Sporer: That’s a really good question. So much of their excellence came out of the bullpen (5 guys with a sub-2.75 ERA) and RPs are the most volatile. You can actually simulate the 1988 season in OOTP and see how it goes!

Not Van Lee: How bad do you guys plan to lose to Launch Angle tomorrow?

Jeff Zimmerman: It’s time to get started.

Jason: Hello

Jeff Zimmerman: Hi

Brian: In dynasty leagues, how does Severino’s recent injury woes (shoulder and TJ) impact your long term outlook on him?

Jeff Zimmerman: I just assume any more that starters will miss some time with TJS. It’s why I prefer to focus on hitters long term and piece together staffs each year.

Jeff Zimmerman: With Severino (and Thor), I just don’t trust either NY medical staff to get them right

Paul Sporer: Welcome to my weekly chat!! Thanks for coming out!

Ben: who are your favorite lower tier closers to target for cheap?

Paul Sporer: Doolittle/Hudson (I like to take both), Kela, and Jimenez are my favorites on the cheaper end

Chuck Norris: I think we’re going to be OK. I heard Matt Wieters got coronavirus. . . .and now the virus is in 14 day quarantine.

Paul Sporer: Aww Matt Wieters facts were so fun back when he was supposed to be amazing

SBDaGOODness: Votto blamed his subpar 2019 on mechanics and process, trying to emulate his 2017

Wes: What’s your thought on fringey SVs guys in the new normal? Lugo, D. castillo, etc. Closer to SVs bc chaos or farther from SVs bc teams will trust their guys?

Jeff Zimmerman: The trade deadline might also be in play. Maybe some teams  may trade for a reliever immediately.

Jeff Zimmerman: Also, if 7-8 games a week, the backups with get more chances.

Jeff Zimmerman: If the season starts, it’ll be a fun variable.

Powder Blue: What Baseball article have you enjoyed the most over the past month not by a fangraphs writer

Jeff Zimmerman: I like the series Eno Sarris did on the bad players who destroyed a single team.

Brad Johnson: Here we go. Real actual baseball news to discuss! But first, some advertisements…

Brad Johnson:

1. I’m running a best ball auction on Fantrax tomorrow night at 7pm ET. Presently, there are only 2 participants. Follow the instructions herein to get an invite: https://fantasy.fangraphs.com/best-ball-auction-results-plus-second-dr…

Brad Johnson: 2. The Real MLB League kicks off tonight with our first simulated day (no games). Opening Day is on Thursday!

Brad Johnson: 3. I just posted the ninth episode of my podcast, Juiced Balls, featuring D.B. Firstman. https://www.patreon.com/posts/35195750

Brad Johnson: 4. Patrons are nice in these trying times. Now, let’s chat!

Thor: How mad are my fantasy owners right now?

Brad Johnson: Ahoy, I need to grab some fresh baked bread, then I’ll be ready to roll.

Brad Johnson: I suppose this is also a good time to point out that as baseball writers, we here at FanGraphs have income tied to games actually being played. So, if you’re not too adversely affected yourself, consider signing up for a FanGraphs membership.

Brad Johnson: I’ll also plug my personal Patreon because why not. I make most of my yearly income from DFS advice columns. https://www.patreon.com/BaseballATeam

Roger: What is the minimum number of games do you need for a legitimate season to take place? Do you think it is possible that we don’t get any baseball this year?

Brad Johnson: This might just be me, but legitimacy isn’t a function of games played imo

Brad Johnson: Obviously, the more games played, the more likely we are to see the best teams in the postseason.

Paul Sporer: Welcome everyone!! Peak draft season is here. Lots of drafts this weekend and next, let’s talk some baseball!

grundle: thoughts on narvaez?

Paul Sporer: Not trying to put you on blast specifically, this is more of a PSA, but I generally don’t love “thoughts on” bc it’s not really a question and just super vague, so I’ll ask for more pointed questions or generally ignore these. He’s good, though.

dougie jones: happ or myers as last OF?

Paul Sporer: Happ, I’m fully back in!

Unsullied: big hubbub in my league as owner 1 traded $40 Trout for $25 Verlander and $13 Hader. seems unanimous that erstwhile Trout owner could have gotten more – substantially more. what do you think? 10 team head to head points.