Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Enhanced Games and whether they would watch a baseball league where PEDS were explicitly permitted, Abner Uribe’s crotch-chop suspension, and (34:40) the most disappointing and surprising (in a positive way) teams of 2026, then (55:37) answer emails about raising a girl who likes baseball, how a salary cap would affect prices for fans, home runs on the first pitch of the game, the Hall of Fame prospects of Kenley Jansen, Craig Kimbrel, and Aroldis Chapman, the most players appearing in a game against their former team, and how to evaluate whether a team’s player development was responsible for a player’s success or failure. Audio intro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to “Let’s enhance” meme Link to “Let’s enhance” montage Link to Enhanced Games wiki Link to Defector on the Enhanced Games Link to The Conversation on the Enhanced Games Link to NPR on the Enhanced Games Link to nostalgia study Link to Ben on the PED era Link to McGwire Simpsons clip Link to dinger distribution article 1 Link to dinger distribution article 2 Link to dinger distribution article 3 Link to Hill homer Link to Uribe post Link to MLB.com on Uribe Link to AP on Uribe Link to MLBTR on Uribe Link to Uribe/Marmol video Link to D-Generation X wiki Link to DX chop compilation Link to player names on Uribe Link to playoff odds changes Link to team wRC+ Link to SI on Rays hitting Link to Posnanski on Rays hitting Link to Garp quote Link to Owen Meany quote Link to Tatis HR website Link to MLBTR on Pérez injury Link to dynamic vs. static stretching Link to Goodnight Baseball Link to @dril tweet Link to BP on payrolls and prices 1 Link to BP on payrolls and prices 1 Link to BP on payrolls and prices 3 Link to first-pitch homers Link to Sam on first-pitch homers 1 Link to Sam on first-pitch homers 2 Link to Sam on first-pitch homers 3 Link to RP JAWS Link to player development study 1 Link to player development study 2 Link to players vs. former teams data Link to listener emails database  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley discuss the initial CBA proposals by the MLBPA and MLB: some specific points of departure and alignment, whether we really learned anything about what each side wants or the likelihood of lost games, and what the rhetoric and rebuttals say about the PR battle to come. Then (50:08) they banter about whether baseball broadcasts could ever get good enough to endanger attendance, why ABS challenge rates haven’t closely correlated with batter quality, a difference between what fans and neutral spectators tend to enjoy about teams, whether ace-type starting-pitcher seasons are making a partial comeback, a threat to baserunners and bat-dog employment, and a mid-start stretching-related mishap. Audio intro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Drellich on franchise values Link to MLBPA proposals Link to Drellich on the MLBPA proposals Link to Normandin on the MLBPA proposals Link to Mains on the MLBPA proposals Link to Drellich on the MLB proposals Link to Meyer statement Link to Caplin statement Link to CBA math post 1 Link to CBA math post 2 Link to Episode 1542 Link to Passan’s CBA proposals breakdown Link to Ben’s bargaining primer Link to Hershberger’s 1876 post Link to Sam on challenge rates Link to challenge leaderboard Link to Andrews on Wood’s challenges Link to pitcher-pace leaderboard Link to batter-pace leaderboard Link to George injury article Link to bat-dog suspension article 1 Link to bat-dog suspension article 2 Link to “Pups in the Park” page Link to 2025 bat-dog call-up Link to Pérez injury article Link to Reddit comment about Ben Link to MLBTR on Brebbia Link to MLBTR on Jones  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Craig Kimbrel’s new home, Colton Cowser’s walk-offs, Chris Taylor’s rapid retirement, unretirement, and re-retirement, whether the Mets should sell (and whom they could deal), the relative improvement of MLB’s worst teams, the Blue Jays’ (and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s) punchless contact, the historic hitting of this season’s MLB debutants, Gage Jump and the best-ever early returns for a draft class, whether the Athletics’ and Pirates’ production has been as lopsided as expected, an Oneil Cruz update, a trio of teams that has benefited from stable rotations, the Astros’ combined no-hitter, the Cubs’ extreme streakiness (and nondescript roster), more Giants innovations in thrusting, and Bryce Harper’s toothpaste/toothbrush technique, plus postscript updates. Audio intro: Sean .P, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLBTR on Kimbrel Link to post on Kimbrel’s destinations Link to team RP over prior 14 days Link to team RP over prior 30 days Link to Diekman predictions pod Link to final Diekman stats update Link to Cowser post Link to Cowser gamer Link to MLB.com on Taylor Link to MLBTR on Taylor Link to FG playoff odds Link to Mets impending free agents Link to article about 2025 Blue Jays hitting Link to 2026 team wRC+ Link to 2025 team ISO and K% Link to 2026 team ISO and K% Link to 2025 team Barrels/BBE% Link to 2026 team Barrels/BBE% Link to 2025 team hard-hit % Link to 2026 team hard-hit % Link to MLB debutants spreadsheet Link to B-Ref’s new debuts Link to Nishida debut story Link to MLB rookie offense Link to Passan on Jump Link to 2024 first round Link to MLBTR on Jump Link to draft-class data Link to Ben on the Pirates and A’s Link to team hitter WAR Link to team pitcher WAR Link to on-pace leaderboard Link to single-season strikeouts leaders Link to combined no-hitter gamer Link to FG post on the no-hitter Link to BP post on the no-hitter Link to Bumpus SABR bio Link to SABR Bumpus no-no story Link to Langs on Bumpus/Santa Link to 2026 MLB RP stats Link to 2026 MLB SP stats Link to team SP leaderboard Link to Cubs WAR leaders Link to Sam on the 2016 Giants Link to streaky teams spreadsheet Link to McCringleberry sketch Link to McCringleberry homage 1 Link to McCringleberry homage 2 Link to Harper’s TikTok Link to Lindbergh burrito method Link to Nishida throw 1 Link to Nishida throw 2 Link to Cubs streak fact 1 Link to Cubs streak fact 2 Link to Rangers’ revenge stat Link to Sox scoring stat 1 Link to Sox scoring stat 2 Link to Marlins/Cardinals/Twins candidates Link to list of ballpark claimants  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Mason Miller’s recent “struggles,” whether the Tigers will trade Tarik Skubal, and how different baseball would be if the Angels had traded Shohei Ohtani, plus (44:05) more than a dozen Stat Blasts. Audio intro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: PJ Harding, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to previous Miller banter 1 Link to previous Miller banter 2 Link to Miller sample 1 Link to Miller sample 2 Link to article about Grogu promo Link to Grogu promo Link to Triton Ballpark wiki Link to Yaddle at Wookieepedia Link to Ben on The Mandalorian and Grogu Link to Kimbrel blog post Link to MLBTR on Kimbrel Link to Heyman on a Skubal trade Link to Murray on a Skubal trade Link to Olney on a Skubal trade Link to Skubal bullpen sessions article Link to trade deadline date article Link to playoff odds Link to Clark quote about “the pant” Link to Rosenthal on 2023 Ohtani talks Link to Rosenthal on 2022 Ohtani talks Link to Seidler wiki Link to MLBTR on Boras/Seidler/Soto Link to Blum post about Johnson Link to team pitcher development rankings Link to “If baseball were different” wiki Link to Mains on regular-season splits Link to reverse records Link to post about three-team combos Link to Marlins/Cardinals/Twins candidates Link to Marlins/Cardinals players Link to Marlins/Twins players Link to Cardinals/Twins players Link to 2025 Sánchez game Link to 2003 Clement game Link to 2023 Thompson game Link to 1968 Roseboro game Link to all-hits-after-oh-fers list Link to McGwire Simpsons clip Link to Hill homer Link to Hill PED admission Link to Hill transactions Link to post-trade improvers Link to 2024 Ray slam game Link to 2025 NL Cy voting Link to 2021 AL Cy voting Link to 2011 NL Cy voting Link to 1986 NL Cy voting Link to 1971 O’s rotation article Link to Maxwell defensive game Link to Sandberg defensive game Link to McAuliffe defensive game Link to team run differentials Link to team runs scored Link to team runs allowed Link to Mets extra-innings game Link to most blown saves in game Link to 2021 blown-saves game Link to 1995 blown-saves game Link to 1983 Rangers-A’s game Link to 1901 Bernhard game Link to Bernhard’s 1901 game log Link to Bernhard’s 1901 opponent splits Link to 2025 Pressly game Link to most hits by sub Link to 1902 Danny Murphy game Link to Murphy game info 1 Link to Murphy game info 2 Link to Murphy game info 3 Link to Clerks quote Link to listener emails database Link to 1991 Phillies game Link to Griffin video board fun fact Link to list of ballpark claimants Link to “Fever” song wiki Link to article about White Sox collision Link to article about Hawk’s call Link to video of collision/call Link to photo of collision Link to comment about Boone’s signals Link to Boone’s flapping signal  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the “tarps off” fan-shirtlessness trend sweeping MLB ballparks, early grand slams, inside-the-park home runs, and “little league home runs,” more sources of baseball embarrassment, Blake Snell’s bone spurs (and the Dodgers’ perennial pitcher-injury issues), Gerrit Cole’s return to the Yankees, Gio Urshela and other players who excelled for one team but struggled for others, updates on early-season sensation Joey Wiemer, John Brebbia, and this season’s class of rookie hitters, and the league’s trend toward catcher challenges. Audio intro: Ted O., “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to shirtless Rockies fans Link to Rockies fan photos Link to shirtless Cardinals fans Link to shirtless Mariners fans Link to shirtlessness trendpiece Link to AP piece on the trend Link to latest Giants thrust Link to Snell surgery update Link to MLBTR on Cole Link to MLBTR on Fried Link to MLBTR on Westburg Link to MLBTR on Berríos Link to Wiemer option news Link to Brebbia update Link to MLB rookie offense Link to FG post on Padres timeliness Link to Arenado grand slam Link to Arenado game play log Link to previous Slam Blast Link to Wood ITPGS Link to Lee’s ITPHR Link to Clemens LLHR Link to Ohtani LLHR Link to Sam on the LLHR Link to “Yakety Sax” Link to “Yakety Sax” wiki Link to Urshela retirement post Link to Urshela wRC stats Link to Small retrospective Link to Chavez Stat Blast Link to Mariners game story Link to Wilson pinch-hitting complaints Link to Sheehan on ABS Link to Sheehan Bluesky post Link to Trueblood on ABS Link to Tap to Challenge Link to MLBTR on Crawford Link to 2025 Cortes article Link to Kimbrough wiki Link to Kimbrough SABR bio Link to Kimbrough book excerpt 1 Link to Kimbrough book excerpt 2  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about whether the Phillies’ surge would have happened the same way if Rob Thomson hadn’t been fired, discuss streaks that were snapped for the Mets and Rico Garcia, delight and dismay in John Kruk repeating a podcast talking point, try to determine the most embarrassing failure a player can suffer on the field, bemoan a missed opportunity for an ambidextrous pitching appearance, mark the promotion of Mariners prospect Colt Emerson, and then discuss which of this season’s most over- or underperforming teams will regress. Audio intro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: The Spaghettis, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to team records since 4/28 Link to team run differentials since 4/28 Link to team records since 4/26 Link to Dan S. on managerial firings Link to Neil P. on managerial firings Link to Mets comeback game story Link to past Mets streak discussion Link to Holmes injury story Link to Davis call story Link to Garcia hit Link to .000 BABIP streaks Link to mound-charge strategy discussion Link to Kruk clip 1 Link to Kruk clip 2 Link to Phillies vs. Pirates game Link to Adolis arms Link to Reds walk streak Link to Cortes pitching play log Link to Cortes profile Link to 2025 Cortes switch-throwing game Link to Venditte glove article Link to Cortes pitching tweet Link to FG post on Emerson Link to MLBTR on Emerson Link to Crawford fielding stats Link to preseason playoff odds Link to BaseRuns standings Link to team performance vs. projections Link to Sheehan on the Rays Link to Sheehan on the Cardinals Link to Ben on playoff velo Link to updated PR pickoff data Link to team positioning runs Link to MLB.com Walls article  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about whether Ben cursed Shohei Ohtani’s bat by predicting that Ohtani would win the Cy Young award but not the MVP award, whether Bobby Witt Jr. could win his first MVP award this season, the defensive transformation of Luis Arraez, and more, then (33:16) further interrogate what homoerotic celebrations say about baseball culture, discuss the latest ABS challenge mishaps, answer listener emails (54:30) about an ABS double-or-nothing idea, trading challenges for runs, purchasing challenges midgame, an upside of umpire rotation, boosting offense with double-barreled batters, and a baseball equivalent to the Kelce brothers, plus Stat Blasts (1:28:21) about players with the most inning-ending at-bats in a game, swing rates in debut plate appearances, grand-slam merchants, teams with many MVP vote-getters, and picked-off pinch runners. Audio intro: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to preseason predictions episode Link to Ohtani slump story 1 Link to Ohtani slump story 2 Link to Ohtani slump story 3 Link to Ohtani slump story 4 Link to Ohtani slump story 5 Link to FG WAR leaders Link to B-Ref WAR leaders Link to FG post on Arraez Link to MLB.com on Arraez Link to FRV leaders Link to Outsports post 1 Link to Outsports post 2 Link to Outsports post 3 Link to homosociality wiki Link to Ross memoir Link to Valentine/Baty incident Link to Torres challenge denials Link to Heim play Link to Ben on accidental challenges Link to Jake on accidental challenges Link to Gausman quote Link to batter challenge leaders Link to Rumsfeld quote wiki Link to catcher challenge leaders Link to team challenge leaders Link to Clemens on FA $/WAR Link to Ortiz ump injury Link to double-barreled BP article 1 Link to double-barreled BP article 2 Link to HUAL segment Link to ex-athlete pods article 1 Link to ex-athlete pods article 2 Link to Tkachuks pod Link to Harrisburg vs. Erie game Link to 1977 Jays-Yanks game Link to five-inning-ending players Link to 2003 NL MVP voting Link to teams with 8+ MVP vote-getters Link to SABR on WAR and awards Link to Baumann on WAR and awards Link to Sam on downballot MVP votes Link to debut-PA swing rates data Link to innings 1-3 swing rate Link to innings 4+ swing rate Link to grand slams data Link to listener emails database Link to highest PR pickoff rates data Link to Haggerty pickoff game Link to SABR on PR specialists Link to Wright on PR specialists 1 Link to Wright on PR specialists 2 Link to Langs Bell fun fact  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the latest lima-bean-related revelations about Tarik Skubal’s elbow surgery, the Giants’ censored synchronized thrust and the history of homoerotic celebrations in baseball, Coby Mayo’s dog’s devotion, the Orioles’ rotation issues (and a Rico Garcia update), Atlanta’s unexpectedly productive DHs, Ben’s invisible baseball neighbor, and Konnor Griffin’s glow-up, plus (1:12:33) a check-in on the hitters and pitchers who’ve over- or underperformed their projections the most through the first quarter of the regular season, and the players who’ve made cases to become new MLB main characters. Audio intro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Horny)” Audio outro: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to The Athletic on Skubal’s surgery Link to Seinfeld squirrel surgery scene Link to Giants celebration clip Link to Key & Peele sketch Link to Baggarly post Link to Baggarly article Link to other article on the edict Link to JHL’s possible smooch attempt Link to new bow celebration Link to Gilbert GIF Link to Vitello thrust Link to Posey ownership story Link to Charles B. Johnson wiki Link to Johnson donations article Link to Mets outfield imitation Link to 2022 Mookie celebration Link to Mookie Twitch stream answer Link to Mookie Twitch clip Link to bukkake wiki Link to Mookie’s Ohtani comment Link to 2024 Dodgers crotch bump Link to 2016 Cubs crotch bump Link to 2014 Mariners celebration post 1 Link to 2014 Mariners celebration post 2 Link to 2019 Rangers crotch grab Link to Red Sox celebration info Link to Dodgers memorial announcement Link to Collins obit Link to MLBTR on Fried’s elbow Link to Mayo game story Link to Mayo quote clip Link to Mayo quote text Link to Argos wiki Link to mid-March team SP projections Link to team SP WAR to date Link to Orioles SP stats so far Link to team hitter WAR Link to Elias’s Eflin/Rodriguez quote Link to 2026 Elias SP quote 1 Link to 2026 Elias SP quote 2 Link to 2026 Elias SP quote 3 Link to team defense leaderboard Link to .000 BABIP streaks Link to MLB.com on Garcia Link to Profar DH article Link to team DH production Link to team LF production Link to 2026 Location+ leaders Link to Link to 2024-26 Location+ leaders Link to latest Skenes gem Link to BP on Griffin’s rookie eligibility Link to Griffin’s early-season sample Link to Griffin’s second sample Link to hitter leaderboard since Griffin’s birthday Link to “quarter pole” definition Link to preseason hitter projections Link to preseason pitcher projections Link to hitter pace leaderboard Link to pitcher pace leaderboard Link to hitter over/underperformers Link to pitcher over/underperformers Link to Hogg on Miz velo post Link to Hogg on Miz velo article Link to Jones on Miz velo Link to Miz vs. Jones velo fun fact Link to Crizer on April 2025 main characters Link to Clemens on Walker Link to Raleigh shower story Link to BP on Turang Link to Blue Jays IP leaders Link to Orioles shutout gamer Link to 2475 Podsednik Stat Blast wiki Link to 1879 Podsednik Stat Blast Link to 1885 Podsednik follow-up Link to Podsednik walk-off Link to corvids wiki Link to icterids wiki Link to Vandy video clip Link to Vandy controversy summary Link to Vandy-Mizzou gamer  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Spencer Jones facing an overclocked Jacob Misiorowski in Jones’s MLB debut, the distance from the mound to home plate when Ryan Waldschmidt is batting, Gage Workman’s middle name, and Tarik Skubal’s loose lima bean, then discuss the surprising Patrick Bailey trade—including takes on Bailey’s bat and framing value in the ABS era, the leadership of Buster Posey and Tony Vitello, Cleveland doubling down on the Austin Hedges catching model, and the virtues of Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson—plus thoughts on the bouncebacks of Bryce Harper and Michael Conforto, the Pirates’ rotation, iron man Matt Olson, a Craig Kimbrel meltdown, and the death of Bobby Cox. Audio intro: Garrett Krohn, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Pedantic)” Link to “POV” meme Link to Jones debut Link to Jones stance tweet Link to Judge/Jones comparison Link to first Jones vs. Miz PA Link to 103 mph+ pitches Link to fastest pitches of 2026 Link to top SP seasons by K% Link to “Ballad of a Thin Man” Link to Miz velo upticks article Link to Miz Charizard pull Link to tallest outfield Link to Ben on big Yankees Link to Waldschmidt quote Link to Workman middle name info 1 Link to Workman middle name info 2 Link to “taters” Gollum clip Link to Boras on the “Skubal scope” Link to Boras/Olney podcast Link to last year’s Boras/Skubal quote Link to FG post on Bailey Link to Dubuque on Bailey Link to Baggarly on Bailey/Posey 1 Link to Baggarly on Bailey/Posey 2 Link to Rosenthal on Posey Link to Bailey’s framing at FG Link to 2026 FG framing leaders Link to 2025 FG framing leaders Link to Savant framing leaders Link to top players since Bailey’s call-up Link to top Giants since Bailey’s call-up Link to top catchers since Bailey’s call-up Link to Giants dugout pitch-calling article 1 Link to Giants dugout pitch-calling article 2 Link to Bailey wRC+ joke Link to story about Hedges the hitter Link to “framemog” at wiktionary Link to framemogging meme Link to NPR on framemogging Link to Vitello quote about effort Link to Vitello pitching change confusion Link to Kapler pitching change confusion Link to La Russa pitching change confusion Link to Nightengale on the trade deadline Link to MLBTR on the Giants’ outlook Link to team run differentials Link to Conforto wRC+ leaderboard Link to top team SP by WAR Link to Pirates SP production Link to FG MLB WAR leaders Link to longest consecutive games streaks Link to Freeman vs. Olson WAR post-2022 Link to worst RP WPAs Link to Kimbrel loss Link to Kimbrel grand slam story Link to Chavez’s Giants origin story Link to “OTP” explainer Link to Cox obit Link to Atlanta championship expectations Link to Cox research 1 Link to Cox research 2 Link to Cox research 3 Link to manager longevity article Link to data on ejection causes Link to CCS ejections posts Link to 2026 manager ejection count Link to 2025 manager ejections count Link to 2024 manager ejections count Link to manager ejections data over time Link to 2016 THT article on Cox DV Link to 1995 THT article on Cox DV Link to Clevinger report 1 Link to Clevinger report 2 Link to Tigers Triple-A manager firing Link to Mixtape wiki Link to “bro explaining” meme Link to Mixtape baseball quote 1 Link to Mixtape baseball quote 2 Link to Ben’s gaming podcast Link to article on foul ball increases Link to 2026 foul ball leaders Link to 1988 foul ball data  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a report that Tarik Skubal’s surgically cleaned-up elbow contained only a solitary “loose body,” why the NL now has the upper hand over the AL and whether the latter’s lackluster win-loss records matter, Meg’s thrilling, frustrating in-person Paul Skenes spectator experience, Kazuma Okamoto’s move back in the box, and Rico Garcia’s impressive .000 BABIP streak, plus a follow-up on why good framers have struggled at challenging, listener emails (57:54) about making more knuckleballers, a popup that never comes down, retiring not just numbers, but names, rotating umpires within games, extra-inning non-scoring, and “extra bases,” followed by a bunch of postscript updates. Audio intro: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Andy Ellison, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Heyman tweet Link to “Torn and Frayed” Link to Bodies Bodies Bodies Link to Rodón quote Link to Rodón EW discussion Link to Sheehan on NL vs. AL Link to team run differential data Link to 2026 team run differentials Link to winning records data 1 Link to winning records data 2 Link to AL vs. NL record by year Link to Skenes start gamer Link to Skenes TTOP Link to 1-0 game at Coors Link to Savantle Link to Petriello’s Okamoto tweet Link to Petriello’s Okamoto article Link to Okamoto quesadilla article Link to depth in box correlations Link to .000 BABIP streaks Link to Garcia profile Link to fielder support for pitchers Link to Voros BABIP article Link to EW Episode 1399 Link to Ben’s article on knuckleballs Link to Knuckleball Nation website Link to Knuckleball Nation article Link to knuckleball total by year Link to pitcher knuckleball totals Link to Jannis on EW Link to Granderson popup clip Link to Granderson popup post Link to Orosco glove article 1 Link to Orosco glove article 2 Link to Orosco glove article 3 Link to Prince guitar toss article Link to Lee6 article 1 Link to Lee6 article 2 Link to Lee6 article 3 Link to Baumann on the Muncys Link to EW Episode 1700 Link to EW Episode 1715 Link to scoreless zombie-inning streaks Link to listener emails database Link to Domínguez injury story Link to Jones call-up story Link to Judge/Jones comparison Link to 2026 TTO% leaders Link to all-time single-season TTO% leaders Link to Frazier’s sign-off Link to Matthews SABR article Link to Rushing feature Link to Coaches4Hire LLC photo Link to Coaches4Hire LLC info Link to coaches4hire.com Link to archived Coaches4Hire site Link to Coaches4Hire Insta  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the late Ted Turner’s explanation for firing Bobby Cox, how MVP-caliber Mike Trout returned and whether a Trout trade is too much to hope for, Carlos Correa’s season-ending injury and the outlook for the Astros, the offseason’s influx of free-agent retreads from NPB and/or the KBO, and a transparent plunking by Framber Valdez, then Stat Blast (1:25:43) about a Pirates scheduling quirk, an unlikely no. 9 batter, hitting-streak outliers, improbable power outages, identical beginnings to innings, and which events get starting pitchers pulled, plus reactions to the surprising starts of Ildemaro Vargas, Fernando Tatis Jr., Patrick Bailey, Austin Hedges, and Adley Rutschman. Audio intro: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Daniel Leckie, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to “The Tell-Tale Heart” Link to actual Turner quote Link to supposed Turner quote Link to NYT Turner obit Link to MLB.com Turner obit Link to story on Turner the manager Link to Turner wiki Link to Cox wiki Link to Cox pitching impact study 1 Link to Cox pitching impact study 2 Link to Cox study 3 Link to Law on Trout Link to Olney on Trout Link to Spy Kids Thumb-Thumbs Link to Trout’s 2024 trade comments Link to FG farm rankings Link to FG on-pace leaderboard Link to Trout’s Savant page Link to EW episode 2218 Link to EW episode 2374 Link to Paine on Trout Link to team OF WAR Link to 2026 Angels preview Link to Cobb/Speaker article Link to Dan S. on Correa Link to Dan S. on the Astros Link to BP IL Ledger Link to playoff odds changes Link to Imai’a latest comments Link to list of NPB/KBO imports Link to Weiss demotion Link to previous retread successes Link to “joint mice” source 1 Link to “joint mice” source 2 Link to Skubal report Link to The Witches scene Link to The Witches retrospective Link to BP on Framber Link to Framber pitch usage Link to Framber article Link to MLBTR on Framber’s suspension Link to preview-pod Framber talk Link to Story HBP Link to Rafaela HBP Link to story about Hosmer Link to Hosmer’s video Link to Hedges 15-game stretches Link to article on Hedges’ hitting Link to Rockies batting orders Link to Jay on Vargas Link to Roth on Vargas Link to Murphy quote about Vargas Link to hitting-streaks data 1 Link to hitting-streaks data 2 Link to PA before first HR data Link to mid-inning-hook data Link to MLBTR on Tatis Link to listener emails database  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley discuss the late John Sterling, fan affection for local broadcasters, and whether any broadcast institutions don’t inspire such attachment, then banter about Anthony Volpe’s demotion, Tarik Skubal’s elbow injury, the Mets’ decision to stand by Carlos Mendoza, dramatically different results in back-to-back Reds-Pirates games, Riley O’Brien’s success, Nick Kurtz, Roy Cullenbine, and prolific walk-drawers with unimpressive power, whether framing and challenging skills are correlated for catchers, and a Baseball Savant-based guessing game, plus follow-ups on Mexico City’s elevation and Dalton Rushing. Audio intro: Philip Tapley and Michael Stokes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Harold Walker, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Brussels sprouts EW episode Link to Sterling obit Link to previous Sterling discussion Link to Sterling on FanGraphs Link to 2011 Sterling profile Link to Sterling wiki Link to Kay wiki Link to Kay on Sterling Link to Kay diet piece 1 Link to Kay diet piece 2 Link to Kay diet piece 3 Link to Baumann on Volpe Link to Clemens on Skubal Link to Passan post Link to Tatiana Trumpet story Link to MLB.com on Skubal Link to CBS Sports on Skubal Link to Dan S. on managerial firings Link to Ball on managerial firings Link to Stearns on Mendoza Link to Mendoza’s reaction Link to seven consecutive walks Link to worst hitters 2023-26 Link to RP WAR leaders Link to Clemens on O’Brien Link to Johnny interview Link to Johnny and Riley Link to Mexico City sinking story Link to status quo bias wiki Link to 2025 run differentials Link to 2026 run differentials Link to Cashman comments Link to Ben on team turnover Link to Kurtz streak story 1 Link to Kurtz streak story 2 Link to Cullenbine post 1 Link to Cullenbine post 2 Link to Ben on pre-WAR valuations Link to Roy Thomas SABR bio Link to foul-strike rule Link to Max Bishop SABR bio Link to Eddie Yost SABR bio Link to Eddie Joost SABR bio Link to career + stats Link to team framing leaderboard Link to catcher challenges leaderboard Link to batter challenges leaderboard Link to Tango’s Soto/Bailey tweet Link to framing/challenging correlations Link to Ruiz on framing/challenging Link to Millas on framing/challenging Link to Petriello on 2025 challenges Link to player survey on challenges Link to Rushing on Lee 1 Link to Rushing on Lee 2 Link to Rushing’s timeout call Link to Rushing’s challenge Link to Tango on the challenge Link to Savantle Link to other Savant guessing games  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about whether Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing is the new reigning redass of MLB, and the first in-depth he-said, they-said mud-slinging about Craig Breslow and Boston’s coaching cull. Then (35:19) they Stat Blast about the longest streaks of series wins and non-losses to start a season (or at any point in a season), lapping the league in run differential, and batterymates who were previously exchanged in a trade, before bringing on Ben Clemens of FanGraphs (49:36) to talk about whether Munetaka Murakami’s hot start is sustainable (and if so, why he was widely underestimated), how the strike zone has been shrunk and reshaped in the ABS era—somewhat counterintuitively, not just because of overturned calls—and the potential short/long-term effects on scoring. Audio intro: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Kite Person, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Link to “redass” definition Link to Carig on “redass” Link to Rushing timeline Link to “fishy” comment clip Link to “fishy” comment article Link to Rockies celebration Link to Lee incident clip Link to Rushing denial Link to Lee incident article Link to Amaya incident clip Link to Hoerner comments Link to Rushing’s slide Link to Arraez comments Link to timeout request Link to 2015 Williams feature Link to Breslow/Boston report Link to fatberg wiki Link to streaks spreadsheet Link to Columbus Solons wiki Link to traded batterymates Link to Ben’s catchers research Link to Shackleton wiki Link to Clemens on Murakami Link to chase rate leaderboard Link to Passan on Ohtani in 2018 Link to Passan’s follow-up Link to Clemens on the strike zone Link to strike zone definition Link to Trueblood on the strike zone Link to Trueblood on challenges Link to Sam on 3-0 autostrikes Link to 2025 buffer zone change Link to ump accuracy over time Link to Ben on umpire grading Link to kernel regression wiki Link to 2024-26 MLB rates Link to 2025 MLB rates through same date Link to 2024 MLB rates through same date Link to highest full-season rates Link to Federer Hawk-Eye stance 1 Link to Federer Hawk-Eye stance 2  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Vinnie Pasquantino’s new espresso machine, how the Phillies’ firing of Rob Thomson compares to Boston’s coaching overhaul and how Thomson’s dismissal both does and doesn’t make sense, Mason Miller’s “slump,” Shohei Ohtani’s WAR distribution, Max Scherzer’s major league last gasp, Travis Bazzana’s debut, and how the Mexican League’s Diablos Rojos have handled high altitude. Then (55:48) they talk to Jason Benetti, TV voice of the Tigers and new lead MLB broadcaster for Sunday Night Baseball on NBC, about how he got his new gig, juggling jobs and employers, teaming up with different broadcast partners (including a besuited John Kruk) every week, how NBC approaches baseball, the AL Central’s mediocrity, Kevin McGonigle’s precocious success, Jason’s full-circle Bob Costas story, and Mr. Monopoly vs. Mr. Peanut. Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to espresso machine post Link to Nespresso wiki Link to Baumann on Thomson Link to MLBTR on Thomson Link to Paine on Thomson Link to Phillies’ record under Thomson Link to batter WAR under Thomson Link to pitcher WAR under Thomson Link to team defense Link to team run differentials Link to playoff odds changes Link to Gelb on Thomson Link to Cora report 1 Link to Cora report 2 Link to MLBTR on Crochet Link to Miller story Link to Soriano story Link to combined WAR leaderboard Link to MLBTR on Scherzer Link to Scherzer’s daughter’s letter Link to Baumann on Bazzana Link to MLBTR on Bazzana Link to 2026 FG top 100 Link to Bazzana at Prospect Savant Link to list of debut IBBs Link to The Devil Wears Prada 2 Link to Patrick Brammall wiki Link to Song Sung Blue Link to Tenet dialogue story 1 Link to Tenet dialogue story 2 Link to Nolan dialogue explanation Link to sound mixing story Link to MLBTR on Bazzana Link to Mexican League elevations Link to Octavio Hernández Link to Coors hangover article 1 Link to Coors hangover article 2 Link to Coors hangover article 3 Link to Benetti at Saberseminar Link to SBJ profile Link to NBC Sundays schedule Link to this Sunday’s schedule Link to Jason’s broadcast partners Link to Walton-Benetti story Link to Kruk’s suit Link to Curb “middling” scene Link to Ben on Albert/Stockton Link to interdivision records Link to bat weight research Link to Mr. Monopoly wiki Link to Mr. Peanut wiki Link to Mr. Peanut tweet Link to Benetti’s podcast  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Red Sox suddenly sweeping their coaching staff clean, projected contenders off to even worse starts than the Sox, MLB offense in Mexico City, a double ball-strike challenge, Kyle Harrison as the new Quinn Priester, and Kevin McGonigle out-phenoming Konnor Griffin, then Stat Blast (38:37) about Brandon Phillips and major league afterlives, teams hitting for the homer cycle in a single inning, and individual net five-homer games. Then (53:38) they talk to The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier about how and why the Red Sox fired Alex Cora and Co. and whether there’s more house-cleaning to come. Audio intro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: The Spaghettis, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to FG post on Sox firings Link to MLBTR on Sox firings Link to MLBTR on Sox hirings Link to original Cronin wiki Link to van photo Link to Four Seasons Total Landscaping Link to Whitlock quote Link to Story quote Link to player reactions round-up Link to firing timing Stat Blast Link to Sportradar firing fact Link to “Chad” wiki Link to Cora reactions story Link to Cora text Link to Cora tweet Link to fired coaches photo 1 Link to fired coaches photo 2 Link to Paine’s Sox analysis 1 Link to Paine’s Sox analysis 2 Link to playoff odds changes Link to Diamondbacks Mexico City win Link to Mexico games Link to Ben on Mexico City scoring Link to Monterrey stadium Link to Mexico City stadium Link to run-scoring comparison Link to Vancouver expansion story Link to double challenge clip Link to double challenge story Link to Refsnyder challenge story Link to Baty challenge story Link to Harrison’s five-start averages Link to FG on-pace leaders Link to Griffin’s first dinger Link to Phillips contract story Link to EW on delayed retirements Link to major league afterlives data Link to Kenny Jackelen Link to Phillips B-Ref page Link to PCL wiki Link to SIS Cameron story Link to SIS Cameron post Link to Red Sox preview pod Link to team HR leaderboard Link to team SP WAR Link to Sheehan on the Sox offense Link to Napoli photo Link to Napoli story Link to team payrolls page Link to Rosenthal on Cora Link to team payrolls page Link to listener meetup tool (PW: EW2026) Link to meetup tool Reddit post Link to sub-two-hour-marathon story  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about whether JR Ritchie should want to keep the ball that was hit for a homer on his first major league pitch, José Soriano’s season-starting hot streak, and the Yankees’ new alternate uniforms, plus follow-ups on accidental challenges, player pecks on the cheek, jersey numbers, and Nolan McLean’s apology, and a mini-Blast about the Rockies’ historically hot start (compared to last year). Then (50:36) they take a break from interviewing octagenarian former players to interview a youthful, quadragenarian former player: former All-Star Brad Lidge. An infamous manager once proclaimed, “The closer is the closer because he’s the closer.” But what if the closer becomes an archaeologist? Ben and Meg talk to Lidge at length about his post-playing pivot to archaeology: what drew him to the field, how he’s pursued a second profession (and how it differs from his first one), ancient Etruscans, misconceptions about archaeology, what he could learn from excavating a ballpark, discovering dice (note: not a gambling ad), discussing his career reinvention at cocktail parties, the pleasures and procedures of communing with the past, archaeology’s moneyball, and much more, followed by his thoughts on fellow fastball-slider artist Mason Miller. Audio intro: PJ Harding, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to The Only Rule closer line Link to line’s EW wiki entry Link to Lidge’s SABR bio Link to postseason saves leaders Link to best post-’88 RP seasons Link to Pujols homer Link to 2008 WS victory Link to Episode 2323 Link to Wood’s HR Link to Ritchie game story Link to Yankees jerseys report 1 Link to Yankees jerseys report 2 Link to Yankees jerseys report 3 Link to jersey number history Link to Gilbert “catch” Link to Gilbert “catch” rules Link to Vargas “accidental” challenge Link to Gonzales “accidental” challenge Link to Martin-Davis smooch Link to Soriano’s six-start stretches Link to Soriano’s 2025 stretch Link to Soriano’s 2026 stretch Link to exit velo responsibility Link to Soriano article 1 Link to Betteridge’s law 1 Link to Soriano article 2 Link to follow-up McLean report Link to fastest team improvements data Link to 2018 archaeoLidgey article Link to 2026 archaeoLidgey article Link to Lidge Explorers Club Link to Poggio Civitate wiki Link to Under the Tuscan Sun wiki Link to Etruscan civilization wiki Link to Roman Empire meme Link to Lidge’s publications Link to Lidge’s dice paper Link to North American dice article 1 Link to North American dice article 2 Link to Ben on Detectorists  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about vagueposting screenshots of Baseball Savant percentiles, a Ron Darling comment during the Mets’ 12th consecutive loss about why pitchers shouldn’t apologize to batters for throwing inside, team-level changes in pitch usage and results this season, why MLB partly escaped the NBA’s tanking epidemic, why relievers are struggling so far, baseball parallels to track’s quest to produce lighter shoes, and an EW listener meetup tool (password: EW2026), then Stat Blast (1:25:12) about player home run totals that outstripped team win totals, winning streaks built from other teams’ losing streaks, and batting orders with jersey numbers that matched lineup slots, plus (1:39:40) a postscript. Audio intro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Horny)” Audio outro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to vagueposting wiki Link to Buxton/McLean matchup Link to pitch before homer Link to home run pitch Link to Clemens on McLean Link to Clemens on hard in, soft away Link to Ben on the Pirates Link to Sawchik on the Pirates Link to THT on the Pirates Link to Dan S. on the Mets Link to SNY ritual clip Link to MLB.com on SNY ritual Link to Baumann on Lumineers curse Link to Mr. Met/Lumineers post Link to NYT on Mamdani curse Link to Rosenberg Mr. Met story Link to team pitching changes Link to 2025 team FA% Link to 2026 team FA% Link to Senzatela pitch usage Link to pitch-type usage by year Link to 2025 team Stuff+ Link to 2026 team Stuff+ Link to 2025 team contact% Link to 2026 team contact% Link to 2025 team pitching WAR Link to 2026 team pitching WAR Link to Sportico on NBA tanking Link to Gold Plan wiki Link to Gilbert “catch” Link to MLB.com on Legumina Link to MLBTR on Legumina Link to MLB SP stats Link to MLB RP stats Link to WSJ running shoes article Link to Ben on MLB player improvements Link to Cooper on fastball speed Link to fastball speed joke graphic Link to listener meetup tool (PW: EW2026) Link to meetup tool Reddit post Link to HR>wins spreadsheet Link to losing streaks spreadsheet Link to jersey=lineup slot data Link to Kenny Jackelen Link to listener emails database Link to streak-snapping Mets gamer Link to 1914 Federal League game Link to 1991 Pirates-Cubs game Link to 2011 Dodgers-Diamondbacks game Link to 1952 Dodgers-Braves game Link to 2017 Yankees-Rays game Link to 1928 Cleveland-Detroit game Link to 1923 Dodgers-Cardinals game Link to 1934 Cardinals-Reds game Link to 2004 Rangers-Tigers game Link to 2019 Diamondbacks-Brewers game Link to EW Episode 2405 Link to Nimmo/Semien comparison Link to Murakami homers fun fact Link to Clemens on Murakami Link to Kruk in a suit Link to Farley’s Matt Foley skit Link to Farley’s Kruk skit Link to Weaver post  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Scott Boras talking turkey, a heartwarming player-fan interaction, two more unintentional challenges, the depths of the Mets’ predicament after their 11-game losing streak, whether Munetaka Murakami can keep up his hot, extreme start, whether hitters should stop swinging against Mason Miller, whether government regulation can improve sports streaming, and the nature of on-base streaks, then Stat Blast (1:32:34) about NL and AL Central standings oddities, the longest periods out of first place, and scoring coming all in one inning, plus (1:44:34) several follow-ups and bonus blasts. Audio intro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Boras quote Link to Geese controversy Link to brother-sister embrace Link to Mangum comments Link to Lorenzen clip Link to Lorenzen quote Link to accidental challenge story Link to Mets streak story Link to MLB.com on the Mets Link to Perry on the Mets Link to Sheehan on the Mets Link to Szymborski on slow starters Link to Ben on high-turnover teams Link to team run differentials Link to preseason playoff odds Link to updated playoff odds Link to “Kokomo” curse story Link to “Kokomo” wiki Link to “Kokomo” video Link to Spanish-language “Kokomo” Link to Mets borough mascots Link to Peraza pitch image Link to Peraza pitch clip Link to swing/zone rate data Link to Miller’s stats as a Padre Link to Miller’s Stuff+ stats Link to Murakami’s grand slam Link to Murakami’s Savant page Link to Longenhagen on Murakami Link to Baumann on Murakami Link to Murakami projections story Link to PECOTA hitter projections Link to NPB analyst on Murakami Link to Kruk in a suit Link to Farley skit Link to Bloomberg on NFL streaming Link to Bloomberg on MLB streaming Link to story on Baldwin’s bill Link to Live Nation verdict story Link to story on Ohtani’s on-base streak Link to times on base wiki Link to info on DiMaggio streak scoring Link to upside-down NL Central Link to previous upside-down standings Link to 4/11 AL Central Link to 2006 NL West Link to 2011 AL West Link to 2022 AL East Link to Orioles-Guardians game Link to 2003 Phillies-Reds game Link to 1972 Braves-Astros game Link to 1933 Yankees-A’s game Link to 1928 Pirates-Giants game Link to new Rockies celebration story Link to Rushing’s “fishy” comments Link to Rockies celebration images Link to Rockies celebration clips Link to Cronenworth HBP story Link to listener emails database Link to new switch-hitters data Link to name matches spreadsheet Link to Takatsu on Murakami Link to “Does Bat Day Make Cents?” Link to other promotions/giveaways info  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about another accidental challenge and listener-suggested alternatives to the head/helmet tap, the implications of the Padres’ reported sale for a record price, Mike Trout’s resurgence and Jordan Walker’s surge, a Stat Blast about one-man lineups, stoic responses to getting drilled by line drives, loud stadium noise, listener emails about extensions and the next CBA, tuning in to no-hitter attempts in progress, and “anti-framing,” and more. Audio intro: Jimmy Kramer, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to latest challenge Link to other review signals Link to soccer review signal Link to cricket review signal Link to skeuomorph wiki Link to HPB/CI challenge sequence Link to WSJ Padres sale story Link to ESPN Padres sale story Link to S&P info 1 Link to S&P info 2 Link to S&P info 3 Link to Chelsea protest story Link to Chelsea money loss story Link to Trout series fun facts Link to Trout six-game streaks Link to Trout four-game streaks Link to Trout’s Savant page Link to Trout hypotheticals Link to Trout’s five homers Link to Walker analysis Link to FG WAR leaders Link to Mets-Dodgers game Link to Jay on the Mets Link to Stat Blast spreadsheet Link to 1969 Williams game Link to 1991 Boston game Link to 1950 Vollmer game Link to 1978 Expos game Link to Freeland vs. Myers hit Link to Ben on sick players Link to sick Sale start Link to Greene game Link to Greene game article Link to 2025 stadium noise article Link to 2026 stadium noise article Link to Collins HoF induction article Link to Messick article Link to “anti-framing” article Link to “anti-framing” clip Link to listener emails database  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Kevin McGonigle’s new contract and whether pre-arbitration extensions are still team-friendly, Tatsuya Imai’s adjustment period, MLB’s average four-seam fastball velo nearing 95 mph, a new frontier in catcher’s interference calls, and whether a new challenge signal should replace the head/helmet tap, then (1:21:02) Stat Blast about a historic scoring day, games in which the score most often matched the inning, homering against all other teams while playing for one team (and the most homers without going deep twice against the same team), opposing pitchers catching pop-ups in the same game, driving in oneself and no one else, and season-starting streaks of games with a lead. Audio intro: Xavier LeBlanc, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLBTR on McGonigle Link to Paine on extensions 1 Link to Paine on extensions 2 Link to Ball on extensions Link to Nightengale on extensions Link to Rome on Imai Link to Imai synopsis Link to Rome on interpreters Link to story on Duran incident Link to Statcast velo by year Link to Pitch Info velo by year Link to Pitch Info info Link to righty Statcast velo by year Link to all-pitches velo by year Link to Woodrum on velo Link to Sam on flames Link to EW on flames 1 Link to EW on flames 2 Link to Trueblood on fastball counts Link to EW on CI Link to 2024 CI totals Link to 2025 CI totals Link to Sam on the Meidroth CI Link to Sam on the Cubs CI attempt Link to Sam on swings and the CI Link to Ohtani accidental challenge Link to Chandler accidental challenge Link to Rice accidental challenge Link to 2025 Lee incident Link to challenge rules Link to volleyball challenge rules Link to NHL officials wiki Link to Crawford rehab update Link to April 13 scores Link to April 13 offense Link to MLB batting stats pre-4/13 Link to MLB batting stats post-4/13 Link to Trout-Judge gamer Link to score matching inning info Link to homers vs. teams spreadsheet Link to homers vs. distinct teams data Link to pitcher pop-ups spreadsheet Link to O’Neill’s OD HR streak Link to team leads spreadsheet Link to Sam on win expectancy Link to listener emails database  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Mariners actually sort of sacrificing Humpy, the historically compressed standings at the start of the season, top prospects (and veteran relievers) pushing for promotions, the solution to a Kutter Crawford mystery, a faux-froyo con, Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s rules confusion, Cade Winquest’s quest, and more. Then (57:18) they talk to Negro Leagues Baseball Museum president Bob Kendrick about Jackie Robinson Day, the importance of telling stories about Black baseball in an anti-diversity climate, Bob’s work on MLB The Show, the MLB pipeline for African American players, showcasing the surviving Negro Leagues ballparks, the NLBM’s expansion plans, baseball in Kansas City, Ichiro Suzuki’s visits to the Museum, and more. Audio intro: Josh Busman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ian Phillips, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to “Jack Robinson” idiom Link to Humpy clip Link to Humpy plushy Link to MLBTR on Imai Link to standings data Link to leaguewide offensive stats Link to baseball drag graph Link to previous Crawford banter Link to 2025 Crawford story Link to new Crawford scoop Link to “hose” baseball slang Link to FG top prospects Link to Parker collision story Link to froyo feature Link to Jazz story Link to Jazz clip Link to Jazz play Link to Boone story Link to Kobayashi Maru wiki Link to Brebbia post Link to MLBTR on Kimbrel Link to Yankees/Mets losses stat Link to Emanski drills video Link to frequency illusion wiki Link to MLBTR on Winquest Link to phantom ballplayer wiki Link to Jackie Robinson Day wiki Link to Robinson story removal Link to MLB “diversity” story Link to new MLB The Show mode Link to MLB at Rickwood Field wiki Link to surviving ballparks story Link to East-West Classic news Link to % of Black players data Link to NLBM expansion page Link to sportswriters/Marriott story Link to Chiefs stadium story Link to Royals stadium story Link to John Donaldson EW episode Link to donate to the NLBM Link to Swanson quote Link to Episode 305 wiki Link to Lorenzen note Link to MLBTR on Pham  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the bad omen of a broken bat on an Ichiro Suzuki statue, whether Mason Miller is, at this moment, the best pitcher ever on a batter-per-batter basis, and how to label atypical pitches, then Stat Blast (30:00) about team promotional giveaways, age and debut gaps among MLB brothers, and switch-hitters who hit higher in the lineup from one side. Then (47:58) Ben talks to 88-year-old All-American Girls Professional Baseball League pitcher Dolly “Lippy” Vanderlip about growing up as the lone girl in games against boys, joining the AAGPBL at age 15, playing for manager Jimmie Foxx, life on and off the field, the end of the league, how A League of Their Own revitalized interest in the AAGPBL, the impending launch of the Women’s Pro Baseball League, and more. Audio intro: Tom Rhoads, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Alex Glossman and Ali Breneman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to broken statue video Link to broken statue image Link to Mariners joke tweet Link to statue being fixed Link to statue story summary Link to Mariners wRC+ ranking Link to three arms episode Link to Wicker Man post Link to highest K% for RP Link to lowest FIP for RP Link to Miller pitch-type splits Link to Miller’s stats as a Padre Link to Sheehan on Miller Link to Padres-Rockies game story Link to MLB SP stats Link to MLB RP stats Link to team RP stats Link to Crizer on Imai Link to MLB.com on Imai Link to MLBN on Imai Link to Imai’s Savant arsenal Link to shuuto wiki Link to 2025 promotions data Link to team giveaway rates Link to Sox giveaway expansion Link to MLB brothers data Link to Ben on Guerrero birthdates Link to Art Fowler SABR bio Link to switch-hitters info Link to switch-hitters data Link to “Hello, Dolly!” wiki Link to Dolly’s wiki Link to Dolly’s AAGPBL player page Link to AAGPBL wiki Link to WPBL wiki Link to AAGPBL queer history Link to Blair article 1 Link to Blair article 2 Link to Ball on extensions Link to Paine on extensions 1 Link to Paine on extensions 2 Link to First Pitch site Link to Grounds Crew Baseball site Link to Mariners Stathead  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Jorge Soler charging the mound against Reynaldo López and whether a team could dupe an opposing ace into getting ejected, Konnor Griffin’s extension becoming official, whether Jose Altuve is benefiting from the reshaped strike zone, a wave of MLB injuries, teams whose playoff odds have changed the most in the first two weeks of the season, Tony Vitello’s PR performance, the debut of brimless hats, a few follow-ups, and more. Audio intro: Cory Brent, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Cease vs. Ohtani game Link to brawl story Link to suspensions story Link to Soler vs. López stats Link to Bois database Link to Bois spreadsheet Link to “aggro” wiki Link to Armadillidiidae wiki Link to Dan S. on Griffin Link to MLBTR on Griffin Link to Olney’s deleted tweet Link to Rosenthal on Griffin Link to marriage/divorce stats Link to Woodrum on the strike zone Link to Seidler on Altuve Link to wRC+ leaderboard Link to batter challenges leaderboard Link to Altuve called-strike rate Link to Judge called-strike rate Link to Altuve mistake-strike rate Link to Judge mistake-strike rate Link to five-year out-of-zone-strike rate Link to five-year in-zone-ball rate Link to Petriello on height 1 Link to Petriello on height 2 Link to banging-scheme player data Link to report on Altuve’s sign-stealing Link to FG post on recent injuries Link to Dan S. on slow starts Link to demure/mindful meme Link to playoff odds changes Link to Red Sox panic Link to Breslow quote Link to Ben on ex-player GMs Link to most consecutive one-run losses Link to Ben on dugout game-calling Link to Vitello article 1 Link to Vitello article 2 Link to Vitello article 3 Link to Vitello article 4 Link to Vitello article 5 Link to Chapman/Schmitt clip Link to Alcantara/McCullough story Link to Rockies start story Link to Sheehan on Caissie Link to Walker’s hot start Link to new City Connects Link to White Sox giveaway hat Link to mitre wiki Link to Baumann post Link to Rangers statue post Link to Jake hat photo Link to Jordan hat photo Link to “Yankee with no brim” clip Link to 2025 Jensen article Link to new Jensen celly Link to Jensen celly video Link to May sunglasses clip Link to Igawa post Link to “sled dog” post Link to Jackson photo 1 Link to Jackson photo 2 Link to 2025 Jackson HR Link to MLBTR on Davitt Link to Davitt on EW Link to date blast image 1 Link to date blast image 2 Link to date blast image 3 Link to date blast image 4  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Carter Jensen’s several (inadequate) alarms and why big leaguers don’t oversleep more often, Artemis II, Daniel Susac as the sequel to Andrew Susac, the timing of Konnor Griffin’s call-up, the many ways to marvel at (and value) Jo Adell’s home-run-robbery spree, Patrick Corbin the Blue Jay, a quintessentially 2026 half-inning, and follow-up emails, plus (1:40:47) a postscript featuring an Afterball by Ben about national announcer stats. Audio intro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Sean .P, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to “It’s Been Awhile” Link to Jensen oversleeping story Link to Pasquantino quote Link to Jensen TikTok clip Link to Russell on young baseball brains Link to overview effect wiki Link to Yankees/Marlins Artemis story Link to Artemis wholesomeness Link to Apollo and baseball story Link to Susac’s nephew Link to Baumann on Griffin Link to MLBTR on Griffin Link to Olney’s deleted tweet Link to info on extensions and PPI Link to Adell catch 1 Link to Adell catch 2 Link to Adell catch 3 Link to 2026 OF FRV laggardboard Link to Adell’s DRS Link to SIS on HR robberies Link to Ben on HR robberies Link to Ben on Trout’s 2011 Link to Ben on pre-WAR valuations Link to Adell’s 2020 FARTBAT Link to FARTBAT naming Link to Angels-M’s box score Link to FG post on Adell Link to win probability tweet Link to Tango on wall balls Link to Tango on catch probability Link to Adell photo Link to article about Adell catch Link to Trout’s Twitter reply Link to Hunter on Adell Link to “wallowing” wiki Link to MLBTR on Corbin Link to Jays SP projections Link to Jays RR depth chart Link to BP on Corbin Link to BP on ATL-AZ inning Link to Albies challenge Link to 2016 Young quotes Link to Grifol on the eclipse Link to Theo “trade” Link to Stokes-Lyon match Link to Snicko wiki Link to EW Episode 1875 Link to Calcaterra on Dirks Link to Dirks Pull% Link to Dirks HR spray chart Link to HUAL episode Link to USR broadcast database  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about rookie batters’ blistering start to the season, then Stat Blast (10:15) about how long it typically takes for there to be no remaining teams that are winless or undefeated (or both), the latest a team won or lost by a margin that matched its record, and the seasons that featured the most Hall of Famers (at all, and in their primes). Then they talk to three listeners who created brand-new apps/sites that enhance the experience of following the season: Tristan Rodman of Baseball Scores (28:00), Zach Gines of First Pitch (46:45), and Ezra Thompson of Play-O-Graph (1:09:30), followed by assorted updates (1:26:58). Audio intro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ted O., “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to freemium model announcement Link to written explanation Link to checksum explainer Link to seasonal rookie batting lines Link to 2026 rookie batting line Link to 2026 rookie pitching line Link to Baumann on Painter Link to Kepner on the rookies Link to aging curve research 1 Link to aging curve research 2 Link to Ben on 2015 rookies Link to Ben on 2015 youth Link to Fernandez debut game Link to two-homer-debuts query Link to winless/undefeated teams data Link to 1894 game Link to 1911 game Link to 1986 game Link to 1993 game Link to 1996 game Link to 2000 game 1 Link to 2000 game 2 Link to HoFers data Link to HoFers graph Link to Frisch VC info Link to listener emails database Link to Baseball Scores site Link to Tristan’s site Link to The Gagnés theme 1 Link to The Gagnés theme 2 Link to @dril tweet Link to Angell quote Link to First Pitch site Link to NERD scores Link to B-Ref Stream Finder Link to Skubal-Gallen gamer Link to Play-O-Graph site Link to playograph wiki Link to FotMob Link to Moneyball clip Link to Grounds Crew Baseball site Link to The Number Wall site Link to “meme” origins Link to Yates press conference Link to Orioles tap-off Link to Crawford walk-off story Link to pre-Artemis II batted balls Link to Artemis II launch story Link to xkcd comic Link to Bucknor play story Link to Bucknor play video Link to Bucknor injury story Link to Ben on forgotten counts Link to Bois on forgotten counts Link to Retrosheet forgotten counts Link to video of Smith PA Link to Smith PA on Gameday Link to Alvarez PA on Gameday Link to Chris’s Reddit post  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Joey Wiemer, Colt Emerson’s contract, the concept of “sticking at shortstop,” and pre-arbitration (and pre-debut) extension trends, then (29:11) answer listener emails about A.J. Preller trading himself, Harrison Bader and the press conference threshold, plotting to prevent a switch-hitter from batting from both sides, no-selling a World Series ring ceremony, giveaway promotions at every game, a Craig Kimbrel PitchCom hypothesis, the top five MLB owners, pitch-count limits in a World Series perfect game bid, technical fouls in baseball, the aesthetic appeal of platooning, and lifetime .500 franchises. Audio intro: Garrett Krohn, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Andy Ellison, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Baumann on Wiemer Link to MLB.com on Wiemer Link to FG combined WAR leaderboard Link to “small sample” song Link to Voros’ Law Link to “WDJDD?” (short) Link to “WDJDD?” (long) Link to MLBTR on Emerson Link to Nichols’ Law of Catcher Defense Link to Passan tweet about Emerson Link to FG post on Pratt Link to Sam on extensions Link to Bader story Link to Seinfeld “sponge-worthy” clips Link to Kiri on promotions Link to “Things Fitting Perfectly Into Other Things” Link to Meg on the baseball penalty box Link to Diamondbacks bullpen story Link to “Maddux” stat Link to Ben on ex-player execs Link to franchise W-L records Link to listener emails database  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Mike Trout’s hot start, Dub Gleed’s (nick)name, the challenge system as a mainstream sensation, several tactical considerations, listener emails, premature conclusions, and pedantic points after a weekend’s worth of ABS action, Munetaka Murakami’s early slugging, a Brewers call-up and extension, NBC’s broadcast crews, and more, plus a few follow-ups. Audio intro: Philip Tapley and Michael Stokes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to the other ABS Link to Gleed trade story Link to challenge system tweet 1 Link to challenge system tweet 2 Link to Ben on the challenge system Link to Sam on the challenge system Link to UmpScorecards data Link to Rosenthal on the challenge system Link to Passan on the challenge system Link to ABS system wiki Link to FG community blog Link to Petriello on 2025 ABS data Link to team ABS leaderboard Link to ABS dashboard Link to ABS player leaderboard Link to Crizer on the challenge system Link to debutant dingers query Link to 2026 debutant dingers Link to Murakami NPB analysis Link to Murakami fun fact Link to Reds Opening Days story Link to Shelton ejection clip Link to Bucknor story Link to Bucknor challenges Link to Bucknor scorecard Link to Bucknor story Link to Cora ejection Link to ABS and manager ejections info 1 Link to ABS and manager ejections info 2 Link to ABS and manager ejections info 3 Link to Quero call-up info Link to MLBTR on Pratt Link to FG Brewers list Link to Sam on check swings Link to AP on Benetti Link to MLBTR on Pratt Link to listener emails database Link to “burn the ships” wiki Link to article about Syracuse team  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the pleasures of and precedents for the historic rookie performances on Opening Day, the pains of Netflix’s Opening Night broadcast, an Opening Day disaster for Paul Skenes, Oneil Cruz, and a bird near Carson Benge, Freddie Freeman’s gameday fit, a perplexing (un?)fun fact about the Phillies and Jhoan Duran, why players don’t always challenge when they “should,” Nico Hoerner and Shane Baz extensions, baseball movies being back (thanks to Tom Hanks), and more, plus a Stat Blast (1:28:40) about Black Ink streaks and a postscript (1:37:14) featuring a follow-up and a few bonus Blasts. Audio intro: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to freemium model announcement Link to written explanation Link to 2026 new debuts Link to RE24 query Link to 2026 RE24 players Link to 1914 RE24 players Link to 1938 RE24 players Link to 1950 RE24 players Link to RE24 glossary Link to B-Ref RE24 leaders Link to total bases query Link to 2026 TB players Link to 1938 TB players Link to 1.000 OPS query Link to 2026 1.000 OPS players Link to 1901 1.000 OPS players Link to 1938 1.000 OPS players Link to Dick Crutcher bio Link to Baumann on the rookies Link to “Baseball’s Sad Lexicon” Link to first White Sox game Link to Marchand on the Netflix game Link to Bonds story Link to Bonds at Rickwood game Link to 180-degree rule Link to FG post on Skenes Link to Ben on the Pirates and A’s Link to Pirates HR celebration Link to Benge on the bird Link to Freeman post 1 Link to Freeman post 2 Link to Stark post Link to Sam post Link to Phillies home closers query Link to Phillies road closers query Link to Phillies OD home games Link to Phillies OD road games Link to home OD saves by team Link to Kruk comment Link to Tango on location uncertainty Link to Petriello on catcher challenges Link to Ben’s catcher research Link to MLBTR on Hoerner Link to MLBTR on Baz Link to upcoming FA class Link to Hanks movie announcement Link to Hanks typewriter collection Link to Night Swim wiki Link to Caught Stealing wiki Link to Eephus EW interview Link to Ben on Rogue One and Andor Link to Black Ink info Link to Black Ink data 1 Link to Black Ink data 2 Link to Ben on Trout’s Black Ink Link to blowout 1 Link to blowout 2 Link to blowout 3 Link to blowout 4 Link to blowout 5 Link to blowout 6 Link to blowout 7 Link to blowout 8 Link to Vinay’s data Link to 1930 game Link to Sam on record talent Link to Davy on Mets basestealing Link to Newsday on Mets basestealing Link to story on Richardson and Riley Link to listener emails database  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the number of Opening Days/Nights at the start of the regular-season schedule and how long they think the challenge system will last, review some of their favorite offseason transactions, and do their annual draft of all 30 MLB teams in order of how fun they’ll be to follow this season. Audio intro: The Spaghettis, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jimmy Kramer, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Craig on Opening Days/Nights Link to broadcast dilemma Link to Ben on the challenge system Link to Ben on the labor situation Link to champing/chomping Link to Rogers tattoo story Link to Langs Giants stat Link to pod duration calculator Link to Adames challenge reaction Link to EWStats site Link to freemium model announcement Link to written explanation  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Randy Arozarena making up with Cal Raleigh, the response to their announcement of the podcast’s new freemium model, whether they would try to issue the official first ball/strike challenge in MLB history, the challenge system vs. the pitch clock, several straggling WBC topics (the Team Italy espresso machine auction results, great TV ratings, a Team USA strawman, reframing the hierarchy of high-level baseball competition, projecting future WBCs, and a non-called shot, plus NPB “ghost wins”), how Ben’s anti on-field-front-office-meddling rant resonated with readers, why Kevin McGonigle and JJ Wetherholt made Opening Day rosters and Konnor Griffin (and John Brebbia) didn’t, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Cristopher Sánchez extensions, and how politicians should talk about sports fandom if they want to sound authentic. Audio intro: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Daniel Leckie, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to “hierarchy of power” supercut Link to Arozarena statement Link to freemium model announcement Link to written explanation Link to EWStats site Link to espresso auction Link to Jac jersey auction Link to WBC TV ratings Link to Rosenthal comments Link to Webb quote Link to Acuña quote Link to Kay comments Link to McLean/Holmes story Link to NPB “ghost win” story Link to NPB “ghost win” tweet Link to NHL overtime rules Link to Ben on front-office meddling Link to Ben on the foul lines Link to The Athletic on Griffin Link to Pirates hitter projections Link to MLBTR on Brebbia Link to FG post on PCA Link to profane PCA profile Link to FG post on Sánchez Link to FG post on Strider Link to Mamdani quote Link to Adams cap Link to de Blasio cap Link to Hillary caps story 1 Link to Hillary caps story 1 Link to “trash revolution” story Link to HUAL on Mamdani Link to statue prizes Link to MLFAD picks Link to Meg on HUAL Link to observer effect wiki Link to four playoff teams article  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley announce a new freemium model for the podcast: From now on, one of their three episodes a week will be available only to Patreon supporters. In this PSA, they lay out their reasons for making the change and explain how it will work. You can also read a written explanation here. Link to subscribe via Patreon Link to written announcement  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh, Meg Rowley, and FanGraphs authors Michael Baumann and Ben Clemens (accompanied by podcast scorekeeper Chris Hanel) play “College Baseball Player or Driver in a Formula 1 Support Series” (5:07), banter about an auction for Team Italy’s WBC espresso machine (10:09), explain the fourth annual preseason predictions game (19:20), and then make 10 bold predictions apiece (22:20) about baseball in 2026, to be voted on by listeners. Audio intro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Horny)” Audio outro: Kite Person, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to vote on predictions Link to preseason predictions game wiki Link to Anton’s mash-up song Link to original song Link to EW Episode 2383 Link to “College Baseball Player or” games Link to Baumann on Herta Link to espresso machine auction Link to other Team Italy items Link to Ohtani Cy Young story Link to Ohtani email episode Link to Sam on Gsellman Link to For All Mankind Link to FG playoff odds Link to Artemis II story Link to Perry/moon landing story Link to Neckzilla Link to Schulte’s SABR bio Link to Manfred/Harper/DeRosa story Link to AO3 Link to new managers story Link to team WAR projections Link to 2024 2B innings leaders Link to active postseason droughts Link to 2025 Royals WAR leaders Link to Garcia breakout comment Link to old-SP leaders Link to Quinn’s SABR bio Link to Verlander outing article Link to young, homegrown SP leaders Link to Pirates SP article Link to Baumann on Mlodzinski Link to MLB partnership announcement Link to MLB partnership announcement info 1 Link to MLB partnership announcement info 2 Link to MLB partnership announcement info 3 Link to vote on predictions (do it!)  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh, Meg Rowley, and FanGraphs contributor Kiri Oler wrap up the World Baseball Classic, covering Venezuela’s triumph, Team USA’s slump and vibes, and the overall success of the tournament, plus thoughts on Mark DeRosa’s managing and Team USA’s future, the semifinal matchups, the bad calls against the Dominican Republic, the challenge system and pitches that are “too close to take,” the WBC vs. the World Series, when the next WBC should be, and much more. Audio intro: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Link to Defector on Venezuela Link to Harper on the outcome Link to Posnanski on Team USA Link to Manfred on WBC timing Link to data on US-DR game Link to data on Perdomo take Link to Ben on fouling off pitches Link to Harper on the Olympics Link to McLean start story Link to top SP projections Link to USA anthem answers Link to DeRosa on SEAL speaker Link to Fox Rogers mix-up Link to Julio’s WBC quote Link to Judge’s WBC quote Link to Hernández’s WBC quote Link to Jeter on the WBC Link to DeRosa/López relievers story Link to next WBC timing Link to Ben on more WBCs Link to story on DeRosa’s future Link to Charbonnet play Link to Ben on “Strategy”  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about MLB’s new experimental minor league rules, and the potential downsides of trying to skip straight to a desired on-field result, then complete the 14th annual season preview series by previewing the 2026 Los Angeles Dodgers (35:35) with The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, and the 2026 Colorado Rockies (1:30:13) with Rockies Insider’s Patrick Lyons. 2026 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: The Spaghettis, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Ward article 1 Link to Longenhagen on the new rules Link to Stark on the new rules Link to Stark on second base Link to disengagement rules Link to Bois on balks Link to team payrolls page Link to Dodgers offseason tracker Link to Dodgers depth chart Link to Baumann on Roki Link to Fabian on Roki Link to Dodgers first-rounders Link to field-sponsorship story Link to Fabian’s author archive Link to Rockies offseason tracker Link to Rockies depth chart Link to Rockies team wRC+ by year Link to article on Bryant’s back Link to article on Vodnik’s family Link to article on Vodnik at the WBC Link to Brebbia on EW Link to Patrick’s work  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about speedster Braiden Ward’s record spring, whether there’s a baseball equivalent of Bam Adebayo’s 83-point game, and Paradise being a baseball show, then preview the 2026 Atlanta Braves (38:00) with From the Diamond’s Grant McAuley, and the 2026 Chicago White Sox (1:29:45) with Sox Machine’s James Fegan. 2026 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Harold Walker, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Ward article 1 Link to Ward article 2 Link to Ward video Link to Adebayo article 1 Link to Adebayo article 2 Link to Adebayo article 3 Link to Adebayo article 4 Link to SGA record article Link to Adebayo Facebook thread Link to stream Paradise Link to Paradise clip Link to Ben on the Castellanos meme Link to Minor’s 200th K article Link to Minor’s 200th K video Link to team payrolls page Link to Braves offseason tracker Link to Braves depth chart Link to spring standings Link to Strider velo article Link to 2025 team SS WAR Link to BravesVision wiki Link to From the Diamond site Link to From the Diamond podcast Link to Wax Packing Nostalgic Link to White Sox offseason tracker Link to White Sox depth chart Link to 2025 team RP stats Link to Reinsford/Ishbia article Link to James at Sox Machine Link to James at FanGraphs Link to James at Baseball America Link to Sox Machine podcast  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Team Italy’s triumphs (and good vibes) at the WBC, a tumultuous week for Team USA and Mark DeRosa, and where the tournament stands entering the quarterfinals, then preview the 2026 Philadelphia Phillies (39:21) with The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, and the 2026 Los Angeles Angels (1:21:00) with The Athletic’s Sam Blum, plus a postscript (2:09:08). 2026 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Pedantic)” Audio outro: Xavier LeBlanc, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to WBC standings Link to WBC bracket Link to “caffeine and kisses” story Link to Pasquantino homers Link to “beaned up” article Link to “beaned up” clip Link to DeRosa clip 1 Link to DeRosa clip 2 Link to DeRosa clip 3 Link to latest DeRosa comments Link to clip removal Link to article on DeRosa’s mistake Link to Ghiroli on DeRosa Link to Rosenthal on DeRosa 1 Link to Rosenthal on DeRosa 2 Link to article on DeRosa/Harper Link to Disgrace of Gijón Link to roster reconfigurations Link to Raleigh shirt Link to Team USA chemistry article Link to Sopranos clip Link to team payrolls page Link to Phillies offseason tracker Link to Phillies depth chart Link to Harper EBOO article Link to Matt on Harper Link to Matt on Harper/Dombrowski Link to Matt on Castellanos Link to Castellanos Insta post Link to Matt on Kerkering Link to Phillies himbo article 1 Link to Phillies himbo article 2 Link to Stark on Phillies continuity Link to Matt on Strahm Link to Girl With a Pearl Earring Link to team SP projections Link to team RP projections Link to Matt’s author archive Link to Matt’s podcast Link to TB12 update Link to Angels offseason tracker Link to Angels depth chart Link to Sam’s Angels beat farewell Link to Sam on Netflix in Japan Link to Sam on Rendon Link to Angels TV network story Link to Trout sprint speed story Link to article on fastest human Link to pitching development survey Link to Sam’s author archive Link to Paxton/pitch limits article Link to WBC rules Link to Ben on “Strategy” Link to Laureano post 1 Link to Laureano post 2  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Cal Raleigh, Randy Arozarena, and WBC handshake etiquette, whether a mercy-rule-inducing dinger qualifies as a walk-off, whether a winning home team could voluntarily play the bottom of the ninth, MLB’s ban of the Brewers’ challenge-system system, why the MLBPA should defend Jurickson Profar and other players with positive PED tests, and Joe Sewell’s indestructible bat, then preview the 2026 New York Mets (56:35) with The Athletic’s Tim Britton, and the 2026 Washington Nationals (1:40:27) with The Athletic’s Spencer Nusbaum, plus several postscript updates (2:27:10). 2026 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Ian Philllips, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Josh Busman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to espresso shots Link to WBC standings Link to Skubal update Link to handshake beef summary Link to handshake beef precedent Link to video of failed handshake Link to Arozarena’s comments Link to translation Link to De Rosa response Link to Raleigh response Link to Soto homer Link to “walk-off” etymology Link to baseball dictionary definition Link to Albies homer (and call) Link to A Game of Inches excerpt Link to MLB rulebook Link to 2023 ump-less half-inning Link to Brewers signs article Link to Brewers signs update Link to Ghiroli column Link to listener emails database Link to Pages from Baseball’s Past Link to Sewell article Link to EW wiki on bat boning Link to MLBTR on Luzardo Link to MLBTR on Wentz Link to MLBTR on Greene Link to team payrolls page Link to Mets offseason tracker Link to Mets depth chart Link to Lambert eggs article Link to Tim on the Mets’ collapse Link to Soto/Lindor discord update Link to Ben on Mets turnover Link to Alvarez resurgence article Link to Tim’s author archive Link to Nationals offseason tracker Link to Nationals depth chart Link to WaPo discussion on HUAL Link to The Athletic’s WaPo hirings Link to Rizzo mantra Link to Littell on EW Link to Spencer’s WaPo author archive Link to Spencer’s The Athletic archive Link to Italy/USA game story Link to tiebreak scenarios Link to Ben on Ellen’s podcast Link to Ella Black series Link to Ball’s post about mornings Link to Schaeffer clip Link to R.J.’s farewell thread Link to R.J.’s last EW appearance Link to Crizer’s breakout terminology Link to Tarkin quote  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a Shohei Ohtani survey, early WBC action, Andrew McCutchen’s new team, Payton Tolle’s triple-digits t-shirt, ABS-driven changes to Alex Bregman’s and Bo Naylor’s listed heights, wonky player cards, why teams start spring training days so early, Dodgers pitching problems, and the prevalence of inventive slides, then preview the 2026 Seattle Mariners (50:22) with The Seattle Times’ Ryan Divish, and the 2026 Miami Marlins (1:34:43) with MLB.com’s Christina De Nicola, plus a few postscript updates (2:17:42). 2026 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Cory Brent, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Tom Rhoads, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Alex Glossman and Ali Breneman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to YouGov survey Link to Team USA vs. Rockies recap Link to WBC soundtrack story Link to MLBTR on McCutchen Link to Speier on Tolle Link to Tolle max velos Link to in-season velo data 1 Link to in-season velo data 2 Link to in-season velo article Link to 2025 info on height changes Link to 2025 Naylor page Link to 2026 Naylor page Link to 2024 Bregman page Link to 2025 Bregman page Link to 2026 Bregman page Link to 2024 Lux page Link to 2025 Lux page Link to wonky Ohtani card Link to wonky Judge card Link to wonky Bregman card Link to wonky Naylor card Link to email about giant player Link to early starts post Link to Baumann on Sasaki Link to FG World Series odds Link to Crizer on slides Link to Sam on slides Link to Naylor’s inclusiveness comments Link to team payrolls page Link to Mariners offseason tracker Link to Mariners depth chart Link to “Boys Podcast” SNL skit Link to Ryan’s author archive Link to Marlins offseason tracker Link to Marlins depth chart Link to Christina on Marlins’ elimination Link to Christina on Alcantara’s outing Link to “catcher’s balk” Link to Christina on pitch-calling Link to 2025 Marlins Pythag/BaseRuns Link to 2025 team RP WAR Link to 2025 team RP WPA Link to Pérez nickname article Link to grievance avoidance article Link to Lauren’s NL East post Link to Christina’s author archive Link to ball/strike ejections article Link to Brewers challenges tweet Link to Tango’s challenges tweet Link to Brewers challenges article  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Team USA’s pre-WBC warm-up games, follow up on spring training ballpark naming rights, and discuss Jurickson Profar’s second PED suspension in as many seasons, then preview the 2026 New York Yankees (20:07) with The New York Daily News’ Gary Phillips, and the 2026 St. Louis Cardinals (59:53) with The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Derrick Goold. 2026 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Sean .P, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Team USA vs. Giants gamer Link to Team USA vs. Rockies story Link to Kershaw clip Link to Sunny clip Link to Passan on Profar Link to MLBTR on Profar Link to Arrested Development clip Link to Goodyear wiki Link to Wrench Group story Link to milkshake duck meme Link to Wrigley naming info Link to team payrolls page Link to Yankees offseason tracker Link to Yankees depth chart Link to Cashman comments Link to Gary on Cashman’s comments Link to Ben on team turnover Link to Stanton comments Link to Chisholm comments Link to Gary on Volpe Link to 2025 team RP WAR Link to team RP projections Link to Petriello on Judge and ABS Link to team challenges leaderboard Link to Gary on Yankees challenge strategy Link to Yankees sewage story Link to Gary’s author archive Link to Cardinals offseason tracker Link to Cardinals depth chart Link to Derrick on the roster Link to team fielders by FRV Link to team FRV leaderboard Link to YoY attendance data Link to 2025 team K% Link to projected team WAR Link to Simpsons “That’s the joke” clip Link to Herrera/Raleigh data Link to Derrick’s author archive Link to Derrick’s podcast  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about corporate naming rights of spring training ballparks vs. MLB parks, and potential unwritten rules surrounding the challenge system, then (47:03) preview the World Baseball Classic with MLB.com’s Michael Clair, touching on the big and unsung stories of the WBC, whether the interest level will increase again, how often the WBC should be held, and more, as well as Michael’s WBC-inspired book, We Sacrifice Everything to Baseball. Audio intro: Ted O., “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Andy Ellison, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Garrett Krohn, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to list of spring training parks Link to list of MLB parks Link to Abreu challenge Link to Michael’s book Link to electrician vs. Ohtani Link to Michael’s pools preview Link to Michael on possible surprise teams Link to Michael on must-watch games Link to Michael on who will win Link to Kershaw clip Link to Ben on WBC injuries Link to Ben on demanding more WBCs Link to Ben on Team USA Link to UNP editor on EW Link to denied visa story Link to “yips” quote Link to politician baseball expressions  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Mets pitching prospect Ryan Lambert’s consumption of copious quantities of raw eggs, then preview the 2026 Chicago Cubs (27:15) with The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma, and the 2026 Cleveland Guardians (1:17:46) with The Athletic’s Zack Meisel, plus a postscript. 2026 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Daniel Leckie, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Lambert article Link to Cool Hand Luke scene Link to Beauty and the Beast scene Link to Syndergaard “therapies” Link to Syndergaard velo story 1 Link to Syndergaard velo story 2 Link to pasteurized eggs wiki Link to eggs and cholesterol link Link to Ben’s scrambled eggs pic Link to Ron Swanson clip Link to team payrolls page Link to Cubs offseason tracker Link to Cubs depth chart Link to Sahadev on Bregman Link to PCA profile Link to Sahadev on PCA Link to Sahadev’s spring questions Link to Shaw absence article Link to Sahadev’s author archive Link to Sahadev’s podcast Link to Guardians offseason tracker Link to Guardians depth chart Link to team wRC+ Link to team RP WAR Link to team SP projections Link to framing leaders Link to Bregman/Aiken article Link to Zack on Kwan in CF Link to Vogt MotY article Link to Zack’s author archive Link to Zack’s podcast Link to Skenes article 1 Link to Skenes article 2 Link to Ohtani/Judge article  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Konnor Griffin’s openness to an extension with the Pirates and a weird Wilyer Abreu check-swing broken bat, then preview the 2026 Boston Red Sox (20:00) with The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier, and the 2026 Cincinnati Reds (1:08:36) with The Athletic’s C. Trent Rosecrans. 2026 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: Kite Person, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Philip Tapley and Michael Stokes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to FG post on Scherzer Link to FG post on Sale Link to Misiorowski video Link to article about video Link to FG post about video Link to Griffin report Link to MLBTR on Griffin Link to Griffin’s wedding Link to Griffin’s homers Link to MLBTR on his bonus Link to Skenes WBC quote Link to Skubal start news Link to Abreu video Link to Abreu article Link to definition of swing Link to team payrolls page Link to Red Sox offseason tracker Link to Red Sox depth chart Link to team SP projections Link to Pete Abe post Link to Red Sox HR projections Link to Red Sox 2B projections Link to Cora on the projections Link to FG post on Duran Link to Alex on Gonzales Link to Alex’s author archive Link to Reds offseason tracker Link to Reds depth chart Link to 2025 team SP WAR Link to C. Trent on Marte’s catch Link to Statcast park factors Link to Votto post 1 Link to Votto post 2 Link to The Simpsons quote Link to C. Trent’s author archive  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a player with legs like a centaur, a knuckleballer’s sore subject, Arte Moreno’s thoughts on whether winning matters to fans, a response from the barback who gave free drinks to a fellow listener, and a new perspective on Tony Clark’s reportedly inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law. Then (45:17) they talk to Maxfield Lane and Owen Riley of Oyster Analytics about the challenge system’s tactical considerations and when it does and doesn’t make sense to second-guess the ump (and also, some slightly scary mascots). Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Audio outro: Jimmy Kramer, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to story about Sloan Link to Sloan headshot Link to A-Rod centaur story Link to horse anatomy info Link to They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? Link to Kapler/calves post 1 Link to Kapler/calves post 2 Link to tweets about Waldron Link to MLBTR on Waldron Link to info on bidets and hemorrhoids Link to Breaking Bad scene Link to Hill EW interview Link to Moreno comments Link to MLBPA response Link to team attendance data Link to “Macavity” Link to Reddit comment Link to Obi-Wan quote Link to Wells video Link to post on Wells 1 Link to post on Wells 2 Link to Down on the Farm Link to Oyster Analytics on Bluesky Link to Oyster rankings Link to Oyster challenge dashboard Link to Oyster challenge explainer Link to 2016 article on Yankees challenges Link to BP on replay reviews Link to Tango on challenges Link to Tango on challenges 2 Link to Tango on challenges 3 Link to Stark on challenges Link to Blum/Lin on challenges Link to Sale on challenging Link to Sale on calling pitches Link to Sale jersey story Link to Bull Durham quote Link to Baysox story 1 Link to Baysox story 2 Link to Archie info Link to Archie/Truckee photo Link to Mr. Baseball info  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a video of Brandon Marsh’s hair-wetting, the Phillies’ latest therapy, the Red Sox “home whites” non-disparagement saga, a former team exec’s proposals to promote competitive balance, and the best candidates among MLB players to pit against each other in a “Who ya got?” debate, then preview the 2026 Toronto Blue Jays (55:43) with The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon, and the 2026 Tampa Bay Rays (1:42:53) with MLB.com’s Adam Berry. 2026 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: The Spaghettis, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Steele tweet Link to Marsh video Link to Jake on Marsh’s hair routine Link to Baumann on Crawford Link to hyperbaric oxygen therapy article 1 Link to hyperbaric oxygen therapy article 2 Link to Mayo Clinic on hyperbaric oxygen therapy Link to research on efficacy Link to Red Sox jersey change Link to story on changing statements Link to side-by-side statements Link to @RedSox reply Link to Ball on competitive balance Link to Moneyball scene Link to BP on competitive balance Link to Ben on Machado vs. Arenado Link to Ben on Correa vs. Seager Link to Baumann on Conforto vs. Judge Link to Machado vs. Arenado, rest of 2015 Link to Machado vs. Arenado, 2016 on Link to Correa vs. Seager, 2018 on Link to Conforto vs. Judge, start of 2017 Link to Conforto vs. Judge, rest of 2017 Link to Conforto vs. Judge, 2018 on Link to team payrolls page Link to Blue Jays offseason tracker Link to Blue Jays depth chart Link to 2025 team FRV Link to team SP projections Link to Rogers Centre renovations Link to “Toronto” pronunciation Link to Return of the Jedi scene Link to bagged milk Link to Happ on bagged milk Link to Sloan’s website Link to Mitch’s author archive Link to Mitch’s podcast Link to Rays offseason tracker Link to Rays depth chart Link to Dolinar data 1 Link to Dolinar data 2 Link to three-team-trades stat Link to Statcast park factors Link to team WAR projections Link to Shane scene Link to ballpark renderings Link to trial delay Link to Adam’s author archive Link to spring training Opening Day  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a generous podcast listener, Bruce Meyer’s elevation to interim executive director of the MLBPA, his framing of the sport’s competitive challenges, media messaging vis-à-vis the owners’ and players’ potential responsibility for missed games in 2027, and the creep of pitch-calling from the dugout, then preview the 2026 Detroit Tigers (53:35) with The Athletic’s Cody Stavenhagen, and the 2026 Athletics (1:31:28) with A’s on SI’s Jason Burke. 2026 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: Harold Walker, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Reddit comment Link to “meatspace” explainer Link to “meatbag” explainer Link to Meyer comments 1 Link to Meyer comments 2 Link to BP on competitive balance Link to Drellich on Meyer Link to Passan on the MLBPA Link to Crizer on dugout pitch-calling Link to EW on 2025 dugout pitch-calling Link to Bendix comments Link to Giants pitch-calling article Link to Vitello comments Link to Rockies article Link to Ben on in-game interviews Link to team payrolls page Link to Tigers offseason tracker Link to Tigers depth chart Link to catcher WAR leaderboard Link to Cody’s author archive Link to Cody’s podcast Link to Athletics offseason tracker Link to Athletics depth chart Link to FG top 100 Link to Vegas promotions Link to Sacramento jerseys Link to Jason’s author archive  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about recent signings and injuries pertaining to teams whose seasons they’ve recently previewed, the Diamondbacks re-signing Zac Gallen and the thrilling resolution of the free-agent-contract over/under draft, the winter of Bryce Harper’s discontent, Harper and Manny Machado’s comments about the Dodgers’ spending, Max Muncy’s extension, the worsening of the allegations against Emmanuel Clase, new details about the challenge system, Mike Trout’s impending return to center field, and (44:33) the momentous, surprising resignation of Tony Clark as MLBPA executive director. Then (1:00:22) they bring on FanGraphs prospect writers Eric Longenhagen and Brendan Gawlowski to discuss their ranking of the sport’s top 100 (well, 110) prospects. Audio intro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Pedantic)” Audio outro: Xavier LeBlanc, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to post on recent Padres signings Link to Preller extension story Link to MLBTR on López Link to MLBTR on Rengifo Link to post on Gallen signing Link to EWStats site Link to over/under draft history Link to Harper video Link to Harper article Link to Harper t-shirt Link to Happy Gilmore scene Link to Harper/Machado comments Link to Muncy extension story Link to the latest on Clase Link to Ben on Clase Link to Manfred’s Clase comment Link to Clase’s 2018 balk Link to EW Episode 1269 Link to challenge system explainer Link to broadcast details Link to MLBTR on Trout Link to The Athletic on Clark Link to ESPN on Clark Link to MLBTR on Clark Link to Baumann on Clark Link to 2024 whistleblower complaint Link to federal probe report Link to federal probe report 2 Link to federal probe report 3 Link to OneTeam Partners explainer Link to NLFPA meltdown Link to FG top prospects list Link to Griffin’s Instagram Link to ZiPS Top 100 Link to top 100 prospects chat Link to piece on prospect debates Link to Brendan’s return post Link to Ben on pitching prospects Link to latest Wade/Ward mix-up Link to Wade/Ward history  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about hamate fractures and other deflating spring training injury announcements, Zack Wheeler’s preserved rib, Chris Getz and Luisangel Acuña, a profusion of salary cap coverage, and more, and then preview the 2026 Baltimore Orioles (38:50) with The Baltimore Banner’s Andy Kostka, and the 2026 San Diego Padres (1:27:28) with MLB.com’s AJ Cassavell. 2026 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Josh Busman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to hamate injuries story Link to “bird bones” wiki Link to hamate research 1 Link to hamate research 2 Link to Walcott news Link to Acuña 200% story Link to >100% wiki entry Link to Casas “dry swings” story Link to rib story Link to Castellanos post Link to Gelb on Castellanos Link to Castellanos release news Link to Craig on Castellanos Link to Stubbs milk post Link to Kimbrel photo Link to Kimbrel photo thread Link to Tong photo Link to Getz/Acuña montage Link to Getz/Acuña story Link to Sam on Getz/Acuña Link to Murakami misspelling Link to prediction markets story Link to Passan cap story Link to previous Passan cap story Link to Drellich cap story Link to previous Drellich cap story Link to Rubenstein/Epstein story Link to team payrolls page Link to Orioles offseason tracker Link to Orioles depth chart Link to team SP projections Link to team RP projections Link to team offseason spending Link to Elias quote Link to O’s catchers Link to Andy’s author archive Link to Padres offseason tracker Link to Padres depth chart Link to AJ’s last 2025 post Link to AJ’s first 2026 post Link to Padres sale story 1 Link to Padres sale story 2 Link to Padres sale story 3 Link to Manfred quote Link to team RP WAR Link to team ISO Link to ESPN farm rankings Link to BP farm rankings Link to BA on Padres prospects Link to Shildt story Link to AJ on Preller Link to AJ’s author archive Link to Stathead query 1 Link to Stathead query 2 Link to Stathead query 3  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about new (and encouraging) details about MLB.TV registration, Justin Verlander returning to the Tigers, the rites of spring training, and the Rafael Devers trade in retrospect, before previewing the 2026 Milwaukee Brewers (20:50) with The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Curt Hogg, and the 2026 Texas Rangers (1:08:28) with MLB.com’s Kennedi Landry. 2026 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: Ian Phillips, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Garrett Krohn, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLB.TV sign-up details Link to in-market streaming details Link to MLBTR on Verlander Link to over/under draft Link to EWStats post 1 Link to EWStats post 2 Link to late-signing pitchers post Link to Casas post Link to Lindor injury story Link to Schwellenbach injury story Link to Jays injuries story Link to Ben on spring injuries Link to Crochet announcement Link to FG post on Durbin deal Link to FG projected standings Link to BP projected standings Link to team payrolls Link to Brewers offseason tracker Link to Brewers depth chart Link to team SS projections Link to team 3B projections Link to MLBTR on Contreras surgery Link to 2025 catcher WAR leaderboard Link to 2025 catcher IP leaderboard Link to Sam on Brewers grounders Link to NL RotY voting Link to Curt’s author archive Link to Curt’s podcast Link to Rangers offseason tracker Link to Rangers depth chart Link to SP depth charts Link to RP depth charts Link to Burger article Link to 2025 team batting age Link to 2025 team pitching age Link to Kennedi’s author archive  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Meg Rowley shares her euphoric reaction to the Seahawks’ Super Bowl win, while Ben Lindbergh largely listens and occasionally interjects with bits of baseball commentary. Then (29:14) they discuss Buck Martinez’s retirement, Terrance Gore’s untimely death, and a purported catching super-prospect, before previewing the 2026 Pittsburgh Pirates (44:23) with Roundtable Sports’ John Perrotto, and the 2026 Minnesota Twins (1:25:07) with The Athletic’s Aaron Gleeman. 2026 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: Cory Brent, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Alex Glossman and Ali Breneman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Andy Ellison, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to HUAL Super Bowl episode Link to Acuña Jr. at the halftime show Link to Mercy wiki Link to Pratt article Link to Bad Bunny insurance article Link to Ben on the KC OF Link to Buck announcement Link to Buck saying Schlittler Link to Andy on Gore Link to Woodrum on Gore Link to Gore on EW Link to catching prospect video Link to scout quote about Robert Link to baserunning leaderboard Link to team payrolls Link to Pirates offseason tracker Link to Pirates depth chart Link to FG playoff odds Link to Post-Gazette closure Link to MLB.com layoffs Link to John’s author archive Link to Twins offseason tracker Link to Twins depth chart Link to Trueblood on Bell Link to Pohlad political comments Link to player political comments Link to Aaron’s author archive Link to Aaron’s podcast Link to Witherspoon post 1 Link to Witherspoon post 2 Link to Teasley obit Link to Teasley on EW  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the new, ESPN-ified process for signing up for MLB.TV, Stat Blast (12:28) about the long-sought, newfound pitching prowess of the WBC’s Team USA superteam, and then (34:31) preview the 2026 San Francisco Giants with The Athletic’s Grant Brisbee, and the 2026 Kansas City Royals (1:20:20) with MLB.com’s Anne Rogers. 2026 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Kite Person, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Labuza Bluesky post Link to resulting Reddit thread Link to Labuza web post Link to Ben on the WBC Link to team payrolls Link to Giants offseason tracker Link to Giants depth chart Link to Grant on Vitello Link to Grant on the Giants offseason Link to Grant’s records account Link to Grant on the “Posey Rule” Link to last year’s Giants preview Link to Bonds curses article Link to Flores call article Link to Bogaerts call article Link to Grant’s author archive Link to Omnibus podcast Link to Royals offseason tracker Link to Royals depth chart Link to Vinnie on EW Link to Anne on outfield fences Link to team OF WAR Link to Anne on Garcia’s extension Link to Anne on Quatraro’s extension Link to Anne on hitting coach changes Link to Chiefs stadium move Link to Royals move article Link to Anne on Royals TV distribution  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about MLB player chatbots, an Addison Barger giveaway, Tarik Skubal’s big arbitration win, the Tigers signing Framber Valdez, and a rough week for sports media, then (36:29) begin the 14th annual EW season preview series by discussing the 2026 Houston Astros with The Athletic’s Chandler Rome, and the 2026 Arizona Diamondbacks (1:25:35) with The Arizona Republic’s Nick Piecoro, followed (1:54:53) by a postscript. 2026 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Sean .P, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Tom Rhoads, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to chatbots story Link to Barger story Link to season preview series wiki Link to Passan on Skubal Link to Baumann on Skubal Link to Dan S. on Framber Link to Rosenthal on the Pirates Link to Rosenthal on the Tigers Link to Chandler on the cross-up Link to team SP projections Link to NPR on WaPo Link to NYT on WaPo sports Link to The Ringer on WaPo sports Link to The New Yorker on WaPo Link to The Atlantic on WaPo Link to Silver on WaPo Link to MLB.com layoffs Link to Grant post Link to team payrolls Link to Astros offseason tracker Link to Astros depth chart Link to BP IL Ledger Link to Dan S. on team injuries Link to Chandler on Correa Link to Chandler on Imai Link to Chandler on the infield Link to Chandler on Espada/Brown Link to Trueblood on Peña Link to Chandler’s author archive Link to Crush City Territory Link to Diamondbacks offseason tracker Link to Diamondbacks depth chart Link to team RP WAR Link to team RP WPA Link to ballpark funding deal info Link to more funding deal info Link to funding deal opinion piece Link to renovations preview Link to Nick on the Alexander trade Link to FG post on Santana Link to Nick’s author archive Link to Boehly/Epstein article Link to ESPN’s Clase report Link to Ben on Clase Link to EW episode on Clase Link to SABR awards voting Link to Wood/Lolich IP leaderboard Link to Lolich obit  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about MLB owners avoiding the Epstein files, preview the season preview series, bemoan the insurance issues preventing some stars from playing in the WBC, and break down the Luis Arraez and Eugenio Suárez signings, the Brendan Donovan trade, the latest White Sox moves, and their major takeaways from the release of the 2026 playoff odds. Then (1:22:00) Ben brings on historian Richard Hershberger to discuss the 150th anniversary of the National League’s founding, followed by (1:41:02) a postscript. Audio intro: Philip Tapley and Michael Stokes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Epstein files sports roundup Link to season preview series wiki Link to insurance article Link to Ben on WBC injuries Link to Arraez signing FG post Link to Dan S. on Arraez Link to Sam on Arraez Link to team 2B projections Link to Arraez offers report Link to Arraez defensive stats Link to Moneyball quote Link to Washington hiring Link to Ben on Arraez Link to “gotta hand it to them” tweet Link to “It’s Been Awhile” Link to Suárez signing FG post Link to over/under draft tracker Link to palindrome post Link to Donovan trade post Link to Dipoto trade story Link to “WWJDD?” Link to Dipoto hospital story Link to Cijntje specialization story Link to Cijntje splits Link to Becker on three-team trades Link to Rays ballpark funding info Link to Sam’s trade post Link to Sam’s original Rays post Link to “White Soxer” post Link to FG offseason tracker Link to Baumann on the White Sox Link to BP on the White Sox Link to Slater “top target” quote Link to Murakami bidets story Link to Sasaki bidets story Link to Mamdani bidets story Link to Ben on bidets Link to team payrolls Link to Dan S. on beating the Dodgers Link to Dan on the Pirates/A’s Link to the playoff odds Link to Clemens on the playoff odds Link to projected team WAR Link to Strike Four Link to Richard’s SABR work Link to projected team WAR Link to Past Blast wiki Link to Richard’s NL post 1 Link to Richard’s NL post 2 Link to Richard’s NL post 3 Link to 1876 NL Link to prediction markets update Link to team broadcasts update Link to 2025 player earnings data Link to original Stat Blast Link to new Stat Blast data Link to $/WAR by year  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the oddly timed end of Derek Falvey’s rein as POBOth for the Twins, Jacob Wilson’s extension and the promising but lopsided A’s, pillow contracts vs. trampoline contracts, which teams have had the most frustrating offseasons, dark-horse-candidate teams for 2026, and listener responses to their previous discussion of a Fellowship of the Ring baseball team. Audio intro: Daniel Leckie, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ted O., “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to The Athletic on Falvey Link to Favley Zoom meeting detail Link to FG payrolls page Link to MLBTR on Wilson Link to 2025 team batting WAR Link to 2025 team pitching WAR Link to team WAR projections Link to sowing/reaping meme Link to team offseason spending Link to FG offseason tracker Link to Rooker on aliens Link to Robertson retirement news Link to Crizer on opt-outs Link to EW wiki on trampolines Link to BP on inactive teams Link to Sheehan on inactive teams Link to The Athletic on trying tiers Link to projected team WAR Link to “dark horse” wiki Link to MLBTR on Evans Link to Mount Doom scene Link to Pasquantino news  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about their coming deliverance from a slow baseball news period, spring training as a spectator experience, and how the prelude to Opening Day has changed, then (12:43) answer emails about the many meanings of “back end” in baseball, an outfielder who repels batted balls, whether all rule violations constitute cheating, a playoff team composed of spoilers, and which positions the members of the Fellowship of the Ring would play, followed (1:16:01) by a Stat Blast about the Mets’ roster reconstruction and the history of high turnover. Audio intro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Link to back end definitions Link to Magneto wiki Link to Magnetokinesis wiki Link to X-Men baseball history Link to Ben’s Mets article Link to Stat Blast data 1 Link to Stat Blast data 2 Link to Ben on turnover history Link to more on turnover history Link to Clemens on the Mets Link to Sherman on the Mets Link to Mets offseason history Link to Mets depth chart Link to projected pitcher playing time Link to projected hitter playing time Link to projected team WAR Link to Ben on team complacency Link to BaseRuns records Link to listener emails database Link to cloud seeding wiki Link to weekend weather info Link to “And my axe!” clip Link to “One does not” clip  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley share their responses—and the baseball world’s response—to the events of this month in Minnesota. Then (17:26) they banter about deboned Carlos Rodón, the latest pseudoscientific pursuits of Bryce Harper (and Mike Trout?), and the Giants signing Harrison Bader, before (48:06) discussing José Ramírez’s new extension with the Guardians, Andrew McCutchen’s quarrel with the Pirates, and what teams and star players owe to each other, if anything. Finally (1:26:22), they bring on data scientist/writer Zach Gozlan to Stat Blast about whether baseball is overrrepresented among sports clues on Jeopardy! Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Calhoun info 1 Link to Calhoun info 2 Link to Calhoun info 3 Link to Ben on Calhoun in 2018 Link to other athlete statements Link to more athlete statements Link to Wemby comments Link to Ober post Link to Strider post Link to Woods Richardson post Link to Klein repost Link to political affiliation data Link to Rodón interview clip Link to Rodón interview article Link to Harper post summary Link to Harper clouds repost Link to Harper’s TikTok Link to Harper’s mat post Link to Harper’s mat Link to Harper and Dombrowski Link to Trout’s reply to Rooker Link to Trout’s sponsored post Link to Trout’s “chamber” Link to Goop article 1 Link to Goop article 2 Link to Goop article 3 Link to FG post on Bader Link to BP post on the Giants Link to FG post on Ramírez Link to Ramírez interview Link to Ramírez’s FA value Link to McCutchen post Link to Cherington comments Link to McCutchen article 1 Link to McCutchen article 2 Link to Defector article Link to Zach’s website Link to Zach’s data Link to baseball crosswords research Link to crosswords wiki summary Link to Jeopardy! football questions Link to Jeopardy! Big Dumper question  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the MacKenzie Gore trade, the trajectories of the Rangers and Nationals since their respective World Series victories, and why the White Sox signed Seranthony Domínguez. Then (29:38) they bring on baseball buds Brent Rooker and Vinnie Pasquantino for a wide-ranging conversation about their scrapped podcasting plans, the Royals remodeling Kauffman Stadium, how Sutter Health Park played, the good and bad of bat-speed training, the challenge system, Brent’s sinking strikeout rate, the best breakfasts, the Pasqwich, A’s outfield defense, Nick Kurtz and Jac Caglianone, playing with Rich Hill, A’s extensions, playing 162 games, why they haven’t become 30-30 guys, arbitration, players’ pre-lockout messaging, an offseason signing deadline, Vinnie’s interactions with Shohei Ohtani, the WBC, the weather, and more. Finally (1:38:25), Ben shares listener responses about Andruw Jones and outfield diving. Audio intro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Harold Walker, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to FG post on Gore trade Link to FG post on traded prospects Link to “jersey guy” discussion Link to team losses post-2019 Link to team SP projections Link to Ben on Sale in 2018 Link to Sox pen rank Link to MLBTR on Domínguez Link to first Rooker pod appearance Link to second Rooker appearance Link to Episode 1875 Link to Episode 1988 Link to lowest WARs in April Link to Brent’s Twitter taunt Link to Vinnie on the canceled podcast Link to story on Vinnie’s slow start Link to story on Muncy’s eyewear Link to bat speed article Link to Brent on bat speed Link to bat speed data Link to Vinnie on the fence changes Link to Brent on breakfast Link to Vinnie on Italian breakfast Link to Pasqwich tweet Link to Pasqwich article Link to Baseball Savant park factors Link to FG park factors Link to Kauffman batter’s eye comments Link to more Kauffman batter’s eye comments Link to visibility by ballpark Link to Brent’s lone Royals hit Link to Lowe comments Link to story on Vinnie and Jac Link to MLBTR on Brent’s extension Link to MLBTR on A’s extensions Link to Vinnie on extensions Link to Vinnie on arbitration Link to iron man Rooker Link to sprint speeds Link to signing deadline tweet 1 Link to signing deadline tweet 2 Link to Soderstrom article Link to Vinnie’s “WTF” tweet Link to Vinnie and Ohtani Link to Brent and Ohtani Link to Team Italy WBC roster Link to Brent’s weather tweet Link to Trout’s response Link to Brent’s “weather boy” tweet Link to “weather boy” meme Link to Bledsoe Agency Link to Pham suspension story Link to Pham Insta post Link to Episode 2430 Link to Bloomquist on Ichiro Link to Pillar/White article  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the best point in the podcast at which to talk transactions, how a salary cap would affect the kind of conversations we have about baseball (based on the way we discuss other sports), the notion that a particular signing would drive owners to pursue a salary cap, and (25:09) whether a fielder’s proclivity for diving catches tells us anything about how good he is (inspired by the belief that Andruw Jones never had to dive). Then (44:32) they break down the latest Mets moves (for Luis Robert Jr. and Freddy Peralta), the team’s extreme makeover, and why the Brewers dealt Peralta, plus (1:29:08) the Yankees’ Cody Bellinger deal, their lack of roster turnover, and Belli’s up-down-up career. Audio intro: Jimmy Kramer, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLBTR on Gore Link to Young trade news Link to Young trade rationale Link to Rosenthal on the cap Link to Drellich on the cap Link to Calcaterra on Jones Link to Sheehan on Jones Link to Jones highlight reel Link to possibility space wiki Link to Ben on Harper’s dives Link to Hannah on dives Link to Rocky quote Link to FG on Robert Link to team CF projections Link to Robert CF rank Link to Robert’s sprint speeds Link to 2017 story on Robert Link to 2017 EW episode on Robert Link to FG on Peralta Link to FG on Peralta prospects Link to Brewers defense ranking Link to Peralta defenders ranking Link to RA-9 WAR leaders Link to team SP projections Link to Tong’s grilled cheese Link to BP on Peralta Link to Brewers payroll story 1 Link to Brewers payroll story 2 Link to team payrolls page Link to Mets team ZiPS post Link to FG post on Bellinger Link to Belli’s celebration injury Link to Belli on changing his celebration Link to team WAR projections Link to Domínguez defensive stats Link to team BaseRuns Link to political registration research Link to EW wiki on car recording  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Ha-Seong Kim and the perils of slipping on ice, the contrasting retirement comments of Mookie Betts and Rich Hill, more on the Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette signings, Goodhart’s law and baseball stats, the late Wilbur Wood, and the latest trends in Hall of Fame voting. Audio intro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Pedantic)” Audio outro: Sam Chess, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Kim story Link to MLBTR on Kim Link to Mateo signing Link to team SS projection Link to Cena/Mookie episode Link to MLB.com on Mookie Link to HUAL on Cena’s retirement Link to Mookie’s other stream Link to MLBTR on Hill Link to “Retire” meme Link to Hill on EW Link to team LF projection Link to team CF projection Link to Dombrowski comment Link to MLBTR on Jays offer Link to Weaver’s Dodgers stat Link to Clemens post Link to barrels definition Link to Andrews post Link to Goodhart’s law wiki Link to Baumann on nerdy players Link to Wood obit Link to Wood’s IP lead Link to Sardell EW appearance Link to Sardell’s penultimate projections Link to Sardell’s final projections Link to Jay’s results preview Link to Jay on EW Link to BBWAA announcement Link to Jay on the results Link to Jay’s Jones profile Link to Jones battery report Link to Jay’s Beltrán profile Link to Felix leap stat Link to Pettitte PEDs story Link to Vizquel persuasion post Link to Sam’s ballot Link to Pollis on the results Link to MLBTR on Robert  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a flurry of transactions and a three-team-trade dilemma, then break down the J.T. Realmuto, Bo Bichette, and Kyle Tucker deals, plus talk of baseball economics and Emmanuel Clase’s roosters. Audio intro: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to FG post on Castro Link to MLBTR on three-team trade Link to Passan on Tucker Link to Passan on three-team trade Link to two buttons meme Link to Passan meme Link to FG post on Realmuto Link to FG post on Bichette Link to FG post on Tucker Link to Ben on Tucker Link to Cohen tweet 1 Link to Cohen tweet 2 Link to FG quarter-zips Link to over/under draft results Link to Ben on free agency Link to Passan on free agency Link to offseason FA spending Link to bad Tucker swing Link to Ben on Yordan’s slump Link to Roberts comments Link to owner floor proposal Link to floor proposal analysis Link to Walker comment Link to champion complacency Link to FA fits episode Link to team hitter age Link to team OF WAR Link to MLB execs poll Link to Tucker persona story Link to Tucker cWPA Link to Teoscar in RF Link to Teoscar in LF Link to team depth chart projections Link to team payrolls page Link to Dodgers CBT tax spending Link to 2006 team payrolls Link to 2005 team payrolls Link to 2003 Onion headline Link to Kershaw WBC news Link to Clase roosters story Link to more on Clase roosters Link to quotes about Clase  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley analyze the latest additions to the AL East: Ryan Weathers to the Yankees and Ranger Suárez to the Red Sox. Then (26:52) they bring on top-tier Patreon supporter Jon Norton to answer listener emails about players who’ve repeatedly signed one-year contracts, whether they would want to play in an MLB game, how impressive switch-hitting should be, WAR without players who took PEDs, and the all-time greatness of Star Trek legend Buck Bokai. Audio intro: Xavier LeBlanc, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to FG post on Weathers Link to FG post on Suárez Link to team SP depth charts Link to team depth charts WAR Link to over/under draft standings Link to Cot’s Contracts Link to 2018 Passan tweet Link to Sam on playing in a game Link to decline of switch-hitting Link to holodeck wiki Link to holodeck malfunctions Link to Buck Bokai at Memory Alpha Link to WWIII at Memory Alpha Link to Star Trek Ringer MLB Show Link to listener emails database Link to scientific method wiki Link to MLBTR on Tucker  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley break down the Cubs’ big Alex Bregman signing, Nolan Arenado’s trade to Arizona, Kauffman Stadium’s soon-to-be-cozier confines, and a former GM’s dismissal of advanced stats, plus a few follow-ups. Audio intro: Josh Busman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Andrews on Bregman Link to Baumann on Bregman Link to Langs on draftees Link to Montgomery on Boras Link to Kennedy comments Link to Sheehan on the Sox Link to Tucker rumors Link to team depth charts Link to team payrolls Link to Baumann on Arenado Link to Passan on Kauffman Link to Royals announcement tweet Link to ballpark homogenization Link to LA Memorial Coliseum info Link to Statcast park factors Link to Pasquantino take Link to Rooker retort Link to Mack piece at BP Link to Sam on where to put a pit Link to Amaro wiki Link to Amaro tweet 1 Link to Amaro tweet 2 Link to Bichette report Link to Collins report Link to stream Stove League Link to Stove League pods Link to Sea Unicorns article  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a breakup of baseball lookalikes, minor league free agent draft eligibility, and more players who unretired after becoming coaches, then break down the latest baseball broadcasting developments, Rob Manfred’s recent comments (about his priorities and future, an offseason signing deadline, and regular-season structure), Tarik Skubal’s historic arbitration case, and, inspired by sensational hockey streaming series Heated Rivalry (which they discuss without spoilers), when an active MLB player might publicly come out. Audio intro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Horny)” Audio outro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLBTR on Fitzgerald Link to Sojo article Link to Campbell hiring Link to TV network news Link to MLBTR on TV networks Link to TV network news 2 Link to Entertainment Strategy Guy Link to streaming revenue info Link to more on streaming revenue Link to Manfred on a signing deadline Link to Rooker tweet Link to Harper sales article 1 Link to Harper sales article 2 Link to Manfred’s tournament comments Link to MLBTR on Skubal Link to The Athletic on Skubal Link to Passan on Skubal Link to Ben on arbitration Link to MLBTR on Kepler Link to Heated Rivalry Link to hockey culture article Link to Outsports article Link to Take Me Out wiki Link to EW Episode 1776 Link to Unwritten Rules Link to Manfred’s diversity comments Link to Venezuela article  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about how the on-ramp for learning about sports analytics has changed since they were students, follow up on players who unretired after becoming coaches, break down the Edward Cabrera trade (and the Michael Lorenzen signing), and then discuss the remaining top-10 free agents (Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Framber Valdez, Cody Bellinger, Bo Bichette, and Ranger Suárez) from three perspectives: where they’d have the biggest impact, where would be most fun for them to sign, and where they will sign. Audio intro: Garrett Krohn, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Rice job listing Link to Andres class article 1 Link to Andres class article 2 Link to Sabermetrics 101 MOOC Link to Mota article Link to Quirk bio Link to Chambliss bio Link to “Conformity Gate” Link to Ben on Mass Effect 3 Link to Baumann on Cabrera Link to Cabrera pitch values Link to worst fastballs Link to Andrews on Lorenzen Link to FG top 50 FA Link to Petriello on Tucker Link to Gelb on Bichette Link to IF fielding value Link to team payrolls Link to team SP depth charts Link to team positional projections  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Daniel Vogelbach becoming a Brewers hitting coach and coach-hiring trends, analyze and phact-check Tommy Pham’s pitch for “PhamGraphs,” react to the Kazuma Okamoto signing and the Blue Jays embracing their big-market potential (in contrast to the Giants), and take the temperature of the pretty tepid stove (phollowed by a phollow-up on Pham). Audio intro: The Spaghettis, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ian Phillips, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Vogelbach news Link to Brewers coaching staff Link to last year’s Vogelbach hiring Link to Vogelbach promo Link to article on PhamGraphs Link to negativity bias wiki Link to team batting LI Link to batter opp_DRA- Link to team batter opp_DRA- Link to lineup construction study Link to DRA- explainer Link to DRC+ explainer Link to Canha’s BP player card Link to Pham’s BP player card Link to August Pham incident Link to EW Episode 2363 Link to PH PA leaders Link to Eric on Okamoto Link to NPB HR since 2019 Link to MLBTR on Okamoto Link to MLBTR on Takahashi Link to FG payroll page Link to FG post on Mahle Link to team SP projections Link to FG top 50 FA Link to Ben on pennant complacency Link to Harbaugh firing Link to latest Hang Up and Listen Link to Albies TikTok  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh, Meg Rowley, and Ben Clemens banter about the Astros signing Tatsuya Imai to a smaller-than-expected deal. Then (18:20) they continue a cherished podcast tradition by conducting the 13th annual Effectively Wild Minor League Free Agent Draft, in which they select 10 minor league free agents each and compete to see whose roster will accumulate the most combined MLB playing time in 2025 (followed by a postscript at 1:31:23). Audio intro: Cory Brent, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to guest appearances sheet Link to FG post on Imai Link to MLBTR on Imai Link to Feinsand tweet Link to The Athletic on Imai Link to minor league free agents Link to MLBTR on MiLB FA Link to last year’s draft Link to MiLB FA draft wiki Link to EWStats page Link to dynasty FA draft sheet Link to Brebbia on EW Link to MLBTR on Baddoo Link to 2025 MLB average SP Link to MiLB IP leaders Link to Can’t Hardly Wait scene Link to this year’s draftees Link to first Stathead query Link to second Stathead query Link to Boob McNutt Link to Mutt and Jeff Link to Gink and Boob Link to Bucco Bricks tweet Link to Lile’s Reddit response Link to MLB.com on Lile Link to car service jingles Link to Conjunction Junction Link to “certain point of view” scene Link to “Old Ben” clip Link to Slate on prediction markets Link to Bloomberg on prediction markets Link to Sporcle quiz  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the potential risk to sports prediction markets pose and then (24:00) discuss at least one listener-nominated topic about each American League team that wasn’t previously covered on the show in 2025. Audio intro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ted O., “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLBTR on Rendon Link to Bloomberg on prediction markets Link to The Athletic on prediction markets Link to FoS on the Blackhawks Link to story about MLB memo Link to Slate on prediction markets Link to Slate on prediction markets 2 Link to Royals stadium story Link to 1922 article on Fowler Link to AL stories spreadsheet Link to Ella Black series  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a smattering of recent transactions and then (20:17) discuss at least one listener-nominated topic about each National League team that wasn’t previously covered on the podcast in 2025. Audio intro: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Sean .P, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLB.com on Soderstrom Link to MLBTR on Soderstrom Link to MLBTR on Refsnyder Link to The Athletic on Refsnyder Link to “the grink” tweet Link to Fowler SABR bio Link to 1925 article on Fowler Link to NL stories spreadsheet  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh talks to two pitchers who topped out at Triple-A in 2025, which was a demotion for one and a promotion for the other. First, he brings back Rangers pitcher Declan Cronin, the only major leaguer alum of Ben’s high school, to discuss a setback of a season that included a mysterious hip injury, compromised mechanics, diminished stuff, a cutthroat release and, finally, Tommy John surgery. Along the way, they cover the urge to play through injuries, joining the Rangers after being unceremoniously jettisoned by the Marlins, what tearing a UCL feels like, the incentives that lead to elbow problems, Declan’s plan to bounce back from a challenging year, MLB-NWSL romances, and competing with other players for wedding dates. Then (1:05:45), Ben talks to White Sox pitcher/sportswriter Duncan Davitt about becoming a journalist on the side, being on both ends of interviews, being blacked out of baseball broadcasts, the plight and importance of local media, his deceptive delivery, being traded and making a 40-man for the first time, what he has to do to earn a call-up, whether pitchers wear protective cups, and much more. Audio intro: Ian Phillips, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Link to “TK” journalism term Link to MLBTR on Soderstrom Link to Regis High School wiki Link to Declan’s first pod appearance Link to Declan’s second pod appearance Link to article about baseball weddings Link to Declan t-shirt Link to MLBTR on Declan’s TJ Link to list of TJ surgeries Link to cascade injury article Link to MLBTR on Declan’s deal Link to team RP WPA Link to team RP WAR Link to staff page at Tread Link to Tyler Zombro wiki Link to Paige Monaghan wiki Link to Paige’s wedding post Link to Dansby/Mallory article Link to Peña/Grosso engagement Link to Duncan strikeout reel Link to Register feature on Duncan Link to Sox Machine feature on Duncan Link to Duncan’s wedding post Link to Rays prospect ranking Link to traded prospects ranking Link to minor league IP leaders Link to Ben on deception Link to Indianola IA website Link to Indianola wiki Link to J.D. Scholten appearance Link to Indianola IA sports page Link to Duncan’s boys’ basketball article Link to Duncan’s girls’ basketball article Link to Duncan on the offseason Link to Duncan on the trade Link to Duncan on the 40-man Link to Duncan on Triple-A Link to Duncan on big league belief Link to Laurila’s notes column Link to Ben on the gap in 2025 Link to Ben on the gap in 2015 Link to Davenport on the gap Link to MLB.com on Abbott Elementary Link to Schwarber’s 4-HR game Link to MLB survey question  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh, Craig Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus, and Joe Sheehan of The Joe Sheehan Baseball Newsletter break down teams’ last-minute Christmas shopping—including the White Sox signing Munetaka Murakami, the Padres signing Michael King and Sung Mun Song, the Orioles trading for Shane Baz, the Red Sox trading for Willson Contreras, a three-team trade involving the Pirates, Rays, and Astros, Jeff McNeil and Matt Strahm swaps, and the Yankees’ hibernation—plus banter about the quasi-retirement of Craig’s nemesis, Joe Kelly, the future of NPB, a report about Emmanuel Clase’s mid-game phone use, and supporting independent media. Then (1:11:40) they conduct an in-depth debate about the respective merits of human umpiring, the challenge system, and full ABS. Audio intro: Harold Walker, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Tom Rhoads, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Kelly’s podcast Link to Dubuque on the challenge system Link to Craig on the challenge system Link to Joe on the challenge system Link to previous podcast discussion Link to Seitz decision wiki Link to Joe on the Seitz decision Link to over/under draft results Link to Baumann on Murakami Link to Rosenblum on Murakami Link to Longenhagen on Murakami Link to Craig on Murakami Link to Sarris on Murakami Link to Ben on Murakami in 2022 Link to Sato story Link to FG post on King Link to FG post on Song Link to FG post on Baz Link to Craig on Baz Link to team SP projections Link to Joe on three-team trade Link to FG post on three-team trade Link to FG post on Contreras Link to FG post on Strahm Link to Strahm’s beer stance Link to Bowlan info Link to FG post on McNeil Link to Lindor/McNeil drama Link to Clase report Link to Dylan phone ban Link to Molina framing montage Link to framing technique evolution Link to Molina on EW Link to Craig on the K-Zone Link to Tango on challenge tactics Link to Five and Dive Link to subscribe to BP Link to subscribe to Joe Link to MLBTR on O’Hearn Link to Posnanski MVP post Link to A’s ballpark update Link to Rian Johnson post  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh brings on ESPN senior MLB insider Jeff Passan to discuss the ins and outs of the newsbreaking business—how he reports and announces news, how newsbreaking in baseball differs from newsbreaking in other sports, conflicts of interest, the ills of social media, work-life balance, aging, his flirtation with switching to the basketball beat, and more—plus Jeff’s thoughts on ESPN’s relationship with MLB, the biggest surprises and questions of this hot stove season, and the outlook for a lockout. Then (1:06:55) Ben talks to The Athletic’s Sam Blum about what he learned from covering the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Tyler Skaggs against the Angels, which was settled just before the jury reached a verdict. Audio intro: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Kite Person, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Jeff’s last EW appearance Link to Jeff’s newsbreaking origins Link to Jeff’s gravy tweet Link to aging research Link to article about aging Link to Woj comments Link to Schefter comments Link to Shams comments Link to Shams profile Link to Shams vs. Woj feature Link to Passan NBA report Link to exhibit 49 info Link to more exhibit 49 info Link to ESPN-MLB deal Link to ESPN-NFL deal Link to ESPN evolution Link to Jeff’s trade tweet Link to news about Jeff’s son Link to The LAT on the settlement Link to Sam on the settlement Link to Sam on Trout Link to MLB testing change  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about an “oppo taco” mention in Wake Up Dead Man, a run on free-agent relievers and the lack of late-inning options remaining on the market, when big free agents actually tend to sign, the Nationals’ youth movement in the front office and on the coaching staff, and the stacked USA WBC pitching staff, plus follow-ups on several subjects. Audio intro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Rian Johnson clip Link to MLB.com on Weaver Link to Williams message Link to FG post on Keller Link to Arizona gulls Link to MLBTR on May Link to Jimmy trailer Link to Buzzfeed post on Jimmy Link to remaining FA RP Link to Nats youth story Link to Nats youth story 2 Link to Nats youth tweet Link to MLBTR on DeBartolo Link to Butera quote Link to Nats ticket settlement Link to scouts lawsuit Link to ump age study Link to Sheehan research Link to Raleigh award tweet Link to USA WBC roster Link to 2023 roster Link to Trout WBC story Link to announced players post Link to Ben on WBC injuries Link to Ben on more WBCs Link to Grinch oral history Link to roast beast Link to MLBTR on Kim’s offer Link to “Big Smooth” article Link to Pomeranz post Link to Calcaterra on the HoF Link to ineligible list wiki  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Ha-Seong Kim, Adrian Houser, and Foster Griffin signings, a prospect-for-prospect Red Sox and Nationals trade, and the Twins’ partial sale, then (34:00) answer emails about saying “pitchoff” instead of “first pitch,” the value of a cool nickname, a Hall of Fame reference in The Wizard of Oz, whether teams value batter performance against elite pitching, protesting ball/strike calls from the dugout, keeping Pete Rose out of the Hall, a running start for pitchers, and moving the catcher back instead of the mound. Audio intro: Alex Glossman and Ali Breneman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to FG post on Kim Link to Anthopoulos comments on Kim Link to MLBTR on Houser Link to MLBTR on Griffin Link to FG post on pitching prospects trade Link to Twins sale story Link to $/WAR analysis Link to $/WAR analysis 2 Link to ceremonial first puck wiki Link to “baseball exceptionalism” series Link to Sam’s hockey quote Link to Raleigh “Beef Boys” story Link to Sam on Trout in 2012 Link to The Wizard of Oz song Link to halls of fame wiki Link to Hall of Fame for Great Americans Link to Schwarber’s postseason stats Link to pitcher quality adjustment post Link to Capps hop post Link to Ben on moving the mound Link to listener emails database  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a smattering of transactions, featuring (among others) Jorge Polanco, Tyler Rogers, Kenley Jansen, Isaac Collins, Angel Zerpa, Merrill Kelly, Josh Bell, and Adolis García. Then (49:03) they talk about MLB’s move to regulate and standardize the use of in-game technology across the minor leagues, baseball content (sans spoilers!) in new Netflix films Wake Up Dead Man and A House of Dynamite (1:04:50), and MLB players who could come out of retirement after long layoffs, à la Colts QB Philip Rivers (1:15:20). Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to FG post on Polanco Link to Petriello on Polanco Link to FG post on Rogers Link to team RP projections Link to FG post on Brewers/Royals trade Link to 2025 team OF stats Link to FG post on Kelly Link to FG post on Kenley Link to R-JAWS leaders Link to Ben on the Lester trade Link to MLBTR on Bell Link to Trueblood on Bell Link to MLBTR on García Link to new MLB regulations Link to 2023 report on team spending Link to report on Monfort’s spending Link to EW Episode 1489 Link to EW Episode 1490 Link to Ben on Elementary Link to baseball in Knives Out Link to blog about baseball in WUDM Link to Reddit on baseball in WUDM Link 2 to Reddit on baseball in WUDM Link to Lindor references Link to Vonn’s win Link to Rivers post in FB group Link to Rivers game story Link to Seahawks tweet Link to Gainwell wiki Link to EW Episode 1928  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Garrett Stubbs and the latest example of eyebrow-raising off-the-field Phillies behavior (content warning: adult breast milk consumption), then (14:58) discuss the Pete Alonso signing from the Orioles’ and Mets’ perspectives, Stat Blast (47:09) about teams losing long-tenured/productive players and rapid roster turnover among title winners, and recap (1:05:25) a smattering of transactions to put a bow on the week of Winter Meetings. Audio intro: Tom Rhoads, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to cursed Stubbs TikTok Link to info on breast milk drinking Link to bodybuilders and breast milk Link to Stubbs on EW Link to Phillies himbo article 1 Link to Phillies himbo article 2 Link to FG post on Alonso Link to Alonso’s career splits Link to O’s vs. LHP Link to Sheehan on the O’s Link to O’s offense sim Link to team SP projections Link to Post cover 1 Link to Post cover 2 Link to “Headless Body in Topless Bar” Link to Stat Blast spreadsheet Link to FG post on Suarez Link to FG post on Yastrzemski Link to FG post on Finnegan Link to FG post on Thomas Link to over/under draft results Link to MLBTR on Garcia Link to MLBTR on Rogers Link to Hughes/Fitzy story  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley break down Scott Boras’s Winter Meetings wordplay and discuss the Kyle Schwarber and Edwin Díaz deals, a smattering of starting-pitcher signings, the Pirates as supposed spenders, the latest on the Ippei Mizuhara TV series, a Lane Kiffin canine conspiracy, and a Johanfran Garcia nickname. Audio intro: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Boras on EW Link to Boras on Imai Link to Boras on Suárez Link to Boras on Bregman Link to Boras on Alonso Link to more on Alonso Link to “Wood” song Link to Boras on Gallen Link to Boras on Skubal Link to Boras on Bellinger Link to Bellinger quote transcription Link to quote about news timing Link to FG post on Schwarber Link to NL fWAR leaders Link to FG post on Díaz Link to Friedman’s “heavy lifting” quote Link to over/under draft results Link to Pirates offer story Link to Boras on the Pirates Link to Pirates/Marlins spending story Link to Ippei show update Link to FG post on Matz Link to MLBTR on Grissom Link to MLBTR on Ponce Link to MLBTR on Weiss Link to MLBTR on Kay Link to MLBTR on Anderson Link to HUAL on Kiffin Link to Kiffin dog story 1 Link to Kiffin dog story 2 Link to report on Juice Link to post on Juice’s account Link to Cruella de Vil wiki Link to Garcia brothers story Link to Patreon gift subs Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley deliver a correction to the preceding episode’s draft results, ponder the mystery of a bigger John Brebbia fan than Ben, remind listeners to sign up for EW Secret Santa, and banter about Sonny Gray, Brian Cashman, and gloriously nonsensical sports beefs, Bryce Harper’s ozone therapy, two trades centered on blocked prospects, and Jeff Kent’s Cooperstown induction. Audio intro: Sean .P, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to EWStats thread Link to competitions/drafts sheet Link to EWStats site Link to FanGraphs Walk-Off Link to Gray article 1 Link to Gray article 2 Link to Dobbins dad story Link to Schlittler article 1 Link to Schlittler article 2 Link to Cashman on Stanton Link to Harper Insta post Link to Baumann post about Harper Link to Baumann’s cycling newsletter Link to Redd post about Harper Link to Harper photo 1 Link to Harper photo 2 Link to Redd’s site Link to Ozone therapy wiki Link to Bastyr U wiki Link to FG post on Ford trade Link to FG post on Password trade Link to Pirates/Marlins spending story Link to 2025 team catcher WAR Link to team SP projections Link to Jay on Kent Link to Sheffield’s explanation Link to 2B JAWS Link to 2000 NL fWAR leaders Link to 2000 NL bWAR leaders Link to “C’mon, do something” meme Link to MLBTR on Wade Link to Patreon gift subs Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh, Sam Miller, and podcast scorekeeper Chris Hanel review the results of an under-25-pitchers draft Ben and Sam conducted a decade ago. Then (13:38) Ben and Sam banter about Ben’s physique, answer listener emails about doing a The Only Rule-style experiment 10 years later, discuss Sam’s revamped, unique approach to writing about baseball this year, and consider some possibilities for what we’ll remember about baseball in 2025. After that (1:05:57), Ben continues the sporadic “Baseball Jobs” series by interviewing 71-year-old John Yandle, the Giants’ left-handed batting-practice pitcher since 1985, about his transition from pitcher to BP pitcher, the keys to good BP, balancing his day job and his baseball side gig, anticipating starting-pitcher matchups, fending off advanced pitching machines, his incredible longevity, arm care in his 70s, the hitters who’ve complained the most, throwing BP to Barry Bonds, and more, followed by (2:01:20) a postscript. Audio intro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Sam Miller, “Effectively Wild Theme (Ken Maeda’s Nice ‘n’ Easy Remix)” Audio outro: Jimmy Kramer, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to EW Episode 669 Link to competitions/drafts sheet Link to EWStats site Link to The Only Rule Link to Ben’s Vince Gilligan video Link to Pebble Hunting Link to Sam on tripping Link to Sam on non-highlight highlights Link to Sam on the CI challenge Link to Sam on dropped third strikes Link to piece about first pitches Link to How To with John Wilson Link to Sam on remembering past years Link to Sam on Ohtani in 2024 Link to Sam on the World Series Link to Sam on the Hall Link to titular Yogi-ism Link to John’s B-Ref page Link to John’s Newmark bio Link to 2024 article on John Link to 2012 article on John Link to 2007 article on John Link to Johnson’s first pitch Link to Bonds TTO splits Link to Giants Trajekt machine Link to Cooney/Wharton Link to Cooney’s LinkedIn Link to Byrnes wiki Link to Wrapped post Link to Patreon gift subs Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the John Brebbia and Devin Williams signings (in that order, obviously), share a few follow-ups, and (31:33) assess whether each team satisfied its season preview guest’s conditions for a successful year. Then (58:18) they answer emails about the origins of the concept of the “opposite field,” the meaning of the word “whiff,” how to refer to offseasons, whether umpires practice throwing, how much stock to place in regular-season wins without an accompanying championship, and two takes on the challenge system. Audio intro: The Spaghettis, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLBTR on Brebbia Link to Brebbia on EW Link to minor league FA Link to FG post on Williams Link to present-value calc Link to Petriello on Williams Link to biggest 2025 ERA-FIP gaps Link to contracts draft Link to team SP projections Link to Canadian currency details Link to Metrodome demolition Link to preseason team goals Link to Dickson on “corner” Link to Dickson on “opposite field” Link to Dickson on “whiff” Link to FG top 50 FA Link to team wins since 2000 Link to Andrews on ABS and catchers Link to Tango on ABS and catchers Link to listener emails database Link to MLBTR on Manoah Link to MLBTR on Ponce Link to Patreon gift subs Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley respond to the responses to their response to a recent listener email, discuss (14:38) the Blue Jays’ Dylan Cease deal (including a Stat Blast about pitchers with big ERA-FIP gaps at 34:11), Anthony Rendon’s potential retirement (47:23), and the Orioles’ Ryan Helsley signing (1:05:37), before scrutinizing ESPN’s annual offseason survey of MLB executives (1:15:53). Audio intro: Andy Ellison, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to EW Episode 2407 Link to T20 cricket Link to Baumann on Cease Link to team SP projections Link to contracts draft results Link to Canadian currency wiki Link to ERA-FIP gap findings Link to ERA estimators study Link to “IPA” drug report Link to Rendon report Link to Rendon EW episode Link to The Force Awakens scene Link to Helsley starting post Link to Helsley signing post Link to Helsley BP player card Link to BP pitching leaderboards Link to Ben on Alcantara in 2022 Link to Trueblood on predictability Link to Sam on the Crasnicks Link to new ESPN survey Link to Giants/Imai report Link to Patreon gift subs Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley bring on top-tier Patreon supporter Becca Balton to banter about Becca’s baseball background, her origins as a listener, and the Nationals’ new direction, then (17:51) answer emails about a team WAR cap, an extra-innings variant in which the team to score fastest wins, manager close-ups on postseason broadcasts, citing the stats of a particular pitch, a pitch-based skills competition, and the “corners” of the strike zone, followed (1:09:33) by Stat Blasts about postseason series MVPs with negative (c)WPAs, pitchers who earned their first save in their final appearance, the oldest/most-experienced pitchers to push their career records over .500 for the first time, and teams that swept the major awards in the shortest spans, plus a postscript on the Dylan Cease signing and more. Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Yesavage splitter stats Link to Babe Ruth Award wiki Link to Kershaw/Stafford backstory Link to xkcd “Ten Thousand” comic Link to Stafford stat Link to Stafford’s season Link to QB wins leaders Link to Nightengale column Link to BP on MLB’s “losses” Link to MaML on Karcher Link to listener emails database Link to Jesser’s YouTube channel Link to Rendon report Link to MLBTR on Cease Link to Baumann on Cease Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Red Sox-Cardinals trade involving Sonny Gray and take Hal Steinbrenner to task for his comments about the Yankees not being profitable, then (37:00) talk to Jay Jaffe about the big issues surrounding this year’s (and upcoming years’) BBWAA and Era Committee Hall of Fame ballots. Audio intro: Philip Tapley and Michael Stokes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLBTR on Gray Link to Baumann on Gray Link to Breslow quote Link to Steinbrenner’s comments Link to Rob on Steinbrenner Link to Rob on Atlanta Link to Beeston quote Link to Forbes estimates Link to 2026 BBWAA ballot Link to Jay on the ballot Link to Jay’s profiles schedule Link to ballot tracker Link to ballot tracker site Link to S-JAWS info Link to Jay on the contemporary ballot Link to Posnanski post Link to The Cooperstown Casebook Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Warren Schaeffer staying on as Rockies manager, the Mets’ and Rangers’ Brandon Nimmo–Marcus Semien swap, and their memories, thoughts, and feelings concerning Alex Rodriguez, inspired by the new, three-part HBO docuseries Alex vs. A-Rod. Then (58:35) they talk to the co-directors/EPs of Alex vs. A-Rod, Gotham Chopra and Erik LeDrew, about how the docuseries sausage was made and their insights into A-Rod’s psyche. Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Audio outro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLBTR on Schaeffer Link to Baumann on the trade Link to Alex vs. A-Rod trailer Link to stream Alex vs. A-Rod Link to Alex vs. A-Rod IMDb page Link to Gotham’s IMDb page Link to Erik’s IMDb page Link to latest HUAL episode Link to Munch King bag Link to “gun” etymology Link to 1993 Levy article Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Aaron Judge having been teammates with both Taylor Ward and Tyler Wade, a revelation about the late-season health of Elly De La Cruz, and the hidden value of multiposition players such as Mauricio Dubón, then (38:22) answer listener emails about the terms “baseball lifer” and “double-barrel action,” when bases-loaded situations are separate, how to count innings, a weird double play, how to classify switch-hitters, non-switch-hitters who should consider switch-hitting, and whether wealth can buy a good farm system. Audio intro: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Elly injury info Link to September Elly episode Link to AA quotes on Dubón Link to 2025 FRV leaders Link to Kostka thread on Grayson Link to double play clip 1 Link to double play clip 2 Link to double play clip 3 Link to Rendon homer story Link to Popkins origin story Link to listener emails database Link to Narduzzi clip Link to Narduzzi story Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben, Meg, Michael Baumann, Ben Clemens, and Chris Hanel congregate to review the results of the 2025 minor league free agent draft (11:45) and recap their 40 bold preseason predictions (19:01), following quick games of “2025 College World Series Starting Pitching Matchup or First Amendment Supreme Court Case” (2:58) and “Cedar Rapids Kernel or Character in the Star Wars Universe” (7:42). Audio intro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Daniel Leckie, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to free agent draft episode Link to draft history Link to preseason predictions episode Link to predictions game history Link to EWStats site Link to EWStats on Bluesky Link to listener leaders Link to Chris’s website Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben and Meg banter about the benefits of baseball supporting longer careers than some other sports (inspired by LeBron James becoming the first NBA player to make it to a 23rd season), the Mariners re-signing Josh Naylor, four free agents accepting qualifying offers, the Orioles and Angels swapping Grayson Rodriguez and Taylor Ward, whether teams will find/develop the next Kyle Hendricks, MLB’s unveiling of its new/old broadcast partners, and some news about the WPBL. Audio intro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Harold Walker, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to LeBron gamer Link to B-Ref seasons leaderboard Link to FG post on Naylor Link to Passan’s Pirates report Link to We Tried Tracker return Link to Baumann on the QOs Link to over/under draft tracker Link to FG post on O’s-Angels trade Link to Judge’s former teammates Link to Judge/Wade sighting Link to xkcd comic Link to Laurila on Hendricks Link to Bloom quote Link to Toboni quote Link to Ben on Arraez Link to MLB rights release Link to Marchand on the rights deals Link to Marchand on the rights deals 2 Link to WPBL news 1 Link to WPBL news 2 Link to Ben on the OWL Link to Hot Stove League on Netflix Link to initial praise of the show Link to first recap pod Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben and Meg banter about Based Boras vs. Borscht Belt Boras and a few corny quips they overlooked, then discuss end-of-season awards (Aaron Judge vs. Cal Raleigh, Paul Skenes vs. Cristopher Sánchez, Skenes as a paid pitchman, José Ramírez MVP shares, Shohei Ohtani’s dog vs. Judge’s dogs, repetition among award winners, groupthink among voters, WAR preference, bringing back old-school awards, and more) before touching on the news that Padres ownership is exploring a sale. Then (1:13:43) Michael Mountain joins Ben to Stat Blast about team rivalries. Audio intro: Josh Busman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Boras/exec comments Link to BP Boras quip ranking Link to AL MVP results Link to Ben on Judge and Raleigh Link to NL MVP results Link to AL Cy results Link to NL Cy results Link to Skenes reaction Link to Skenes reaction article Link to Skenes Raising Cane’s spot Link to Skenes on EW Link to Posnanski on retro awards Link to Ohtani dog video Link to Judge dog video Link to Baumann on voting and WAR Link to award share wiki Link to Ramírez award share Link to pitch-fixing fallout article Link to MLBTR on the Padres sale Link to rivalry scores data Link to CTV Barger video Link to Mense hiring Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben and Meg banter about a hotel-lobby shrine to Addison Barger and Scott Boras wordplay at the GM meetings, Stat Blast (25:50) about Paul DePodesta’s comeback, POBO percentage, postseason questions, and Mike Greenwell, and (1:01:07) conduct the 11th annual free agent contract over/under draft, plus a Boras postscript. Audio intro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Pedantic)” Link to Barger story Link to Marriott love story Link to Boras quote round-up Link to Boras on Skubal Link to Boras on Alonso Link to Boras on Bregman Link to Boras on Bellinger Link to Boras on Kim Link to Boras on EW Link to Ben on the Rockies Link to over/under draft history Link to MLBTR Top 50 FA Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben and Meg break down the federal indictment of Emmanuel Clase and Luis L. Ortiz, including the documentary and statistical evidence of their alleged pitch-fixing, the implications for the sport and sports gambling, the unanswered questions, the dark comedy, and more (plus a real-time reaction to an MLB betting reform and an answer to an email about parenting in the age of ubiquitous sports-betting ads). Audio intro: Ted O., “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Link to government press release Link to indictment Link to NBA story Link to Ben’s article Link to pitches reel Link to Shoeless Joe info 1 Link to Shoeless Joe info 2 Link to MLB press release Link to Pages pitch Link to postseason pitch Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben and Meg banter about the Rockies reportedly hiring Paul DePodesta as their new head of baseball operations, another managerial hiring, MLB’s World Series ratings bonanza, the resurgence of the splitter, the Royals extending Salvador Perez, and more. Then (44:30) they bring on Ben Clemens to discuss his ranking of this offseason’s top 50 free agents, the strengths and weaknesses of the class as a whole, some notable free agents from Kyle Tucker on down, players he’s high/low on, and how the specter of a future work stoppage might affect this hot stove season. Audio intro: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Xavier LeBlanc, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLBTR on DePobo Link to report on “finalists” Link to Colorado tax measure Link to Passan’s Stammen tweet Link to Tingler report Link to WBC exhibitions Link to MLB ratings release Link to article on Canadian ratings Link to MLB/NBA ratings comparison Link to Sarris on splitters Link to Andrews on splitters Link to splitter usage by year Link to Neyer on splitters/forkballs Link to Salvy extension post Link to MLBPA investigation story Link to banned agent story Link to Other Ben’s FA ranking Link to MLBTR on Bieber Link to Tango on Bieber Link to Secret Santa sign-up Link to Plot Hole or Not Hole  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben and Meg banter about the slightly shorter-than-usual duration of the offseason, how big the WBC will be, and a few managerial hirings. After that (41:53), they talk to FanGraphs lead prospect analyst Eric Longenhagen about Munetaka Murakami and this offseason’s most promising free agents from international leagues, what we’ve learned about Roki Sasaki and the factors that predict MLB success for NPB/KBO players, and MLB’s winter moratorium on amateur scouting. Audio intro: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Xavier LeBlanc, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to manager hirings/firings Link to most managers for one GM Link to Rockies update 1 Link to Rockies update 2 Link to Ben on ex-player GMs Link to Eric on IFA Link to Ben on Murakami/Sasaki Link to scouting moratorium news Link to EW on the moratorium Link to Secret Santa sign-up Link to Plot Hole or Not Hole  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben and Meg banter about all the highlights of World Series Game 7, with a side of World Series Game 6, break down the appeal of the now-completed postseason, and discuss what teams might take away from the success of 2025’s pennant winners. Audio intro: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Sean .P, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Ben’s post-G7 story Link to cWPA data Link to Dan S. on the Dodgers Link to Neil Paine on the Dodgers Link to Passan on Yamamoto/Rojas Link to Tango on IKF Link to Andrews on the bench-clearing Link to Ohtani’s G6 double Link to postgame Mattingly moment Link to 2015 Theo quote  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben and Meg banter about Trey Yesavage’s performance in World Series Game 5, whether he’s already provided a career’s worth of value to Toronto, his current prospect ranking, and his future, plus Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s steady postseason production vs. Shohei Ohtani’s clustered postseason production, covering the regular season like we cover the postseason, why the Dodgers’ bats have gone cold, Teoscar Hernández’s outfielding, Mookie Betts’ future at shortstop, what the World Series says about “momentum,” how the last two games of the series will affect post-series discussions about MLB, and Davis Schneider’s batting mimicry. Audio intro: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to “pitcher’s cycle” Link to high-K, 0-BB starts Link to more Yesavage facts Link to Passan on Yesavage Link to FG top 100 update Link to MLB Pipeline ranking Link to Weaver on momentum Link to BP on momentum Link to BP on momentum again Link to Sheehan on the Dodgers Link to Sam on the Dodgers Link to Shneider article Link to “catbird seat” info Link to Barber letter  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben and Meg banter about Magic Johnson’s Game 5 preview, Game 4 observations, belated Game 2 takes on Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the Jonas Brothers, Addison Barger’s sleepovers and doppelgangers, David Popkins’ impact on the Jays, another Cal Raleigh award win, Bryce Harper’s hurt feelings, and more. Audio intro: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jimmy Kramer, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Magic tweet Link to Stephen A. clip Link to “catbird seat” Link to Paine’s research Link to team IBB Link to postseason IBB story Link to MLB.com Jonas Bros story Link to Mastercard Jonas Bros release Link to People Jonas Bros story Link to Jonas Bros backlash story Link to Jonas Bros performance Link to Barger/Schneider story Link to Jays internal dev story Link to Popkins story 1 Link to Popkins story 2 Link to Popkins story 3 Link to Cal award win 1 Link to Cal award win 2 Link to Harper story  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben and Meg banter about and draft their favorite 18 moments (one for each inning!) from an endlessly entertaining, and almost just plain endless, World Series Game 3. Audio intro: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Alex Glossman and Ali Breneman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Ben on Game 3 Link to Laurila on Game 3 Link to Baumann on Game 3 Link to Andrews on Game 3 Link to Clemens on Game 3 Link to Wegner’s Umpire Scorecard Link to Barger/Schneider story Link to Verducci story Link to Paisley story  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben and Meg banter about Ben’s trip to a World Series-obsessed city, whether Game 1 of a best-of-seven series can be “must-win,” the Jays-as-underdogs narrative, the global audience for the matchup, and a few factors they’re following throughout the series, before reacting to two California clubs’ managerial hirings: the Angels’ choice of Kurt Suzuki and the Giants’ choice of Tony Vitello (plus a postgame postscript). Audio intro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Philip Tapley and Michael Stokes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to “Must-win” article Link to best-of-seven probability Link to ZiPS odds Link to Bichette article Link to Mickey Stanley article Link to global viewership Link to Pharrell announcement Link to Pharrell performance Link to Hoffman names Link to Snell fashion Link to subjective age Link to plate-tapping promo Link to Ben on SP as RP Link to Pujols/Angels article Link to Suzuki hiring Link to Minasian story Link to HVAC story Link to Trout testimony Link to Hundley article Link to Vitello article Link to Baumann on Vitello Link to “eyes of the world” message  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Meg Rowley and guest co-host Ben Clemens of FanGraphs discuss the conclusion of the ALCS, including Dan Wilson’s decision to the turn to Eduard Bazardo to face George Springer with runners on in the seventh rather than bring in a higher-leverage reliever like Andrés Muñoz. Then they preview the upcoming World Series between the Blue Jays and the Dodgers, highlighting a few matchups they think might prove to be important in determining the winner. Audio intro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to sign up for Patreon Link to Ben on the first part of his Fielding Bible Awards ballot Link to Eric Longenhagen on Game 7 of the ALCS Link to Ben on intentionally walking Cal Raleigh Link to Joe Posnanski on the Bazardo decision Link to Davy Andrews on the three jumps of Game 7  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

In the hours before an ill-fated (for the Mariners) ALCS Game 7, Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the state of Meg’s fan feelings and the highlights, lowlights, managerial moves, and more from Games 5 and 6. Then they discuss Shohei Ohtani’s instantly legendary NLCS Game 4 performance (plus postscript). Audio intro: Kite Person, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ted O., “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to sign up for Patreon Link to Little reasoning Link to Ben on the Ohtani Game Link to SI Ohtani article Link to Betts pod  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about ALCS Game 4 and NLCS Game 3, with an emphasis on Max Scherzer’s must-win mentality and why his hyped-up mound and start-day demeanor stops just short of scanning as too intense, the Dodgers’ likeability (or lack thereof), and repetitive promos. Then (as Meg sporadically exclaims about the beginning of ALCS Game 5), they discuss how the Tigers should approach Tarik Skubal’s contractual/financial future, followed by a postscript featuring snippets of real-time reaction to the Mariners’ Game 5 comeback and Shohei Ohtani’s instantly legendary, pennant-clinching Game 4 two-way display. Audio intro: Daniel Leckie, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ian Phillips, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to sign up for Patreon Link to Scherzer’s must-win quote Link to Sheehan on Scherzer Link to The Bandwagon post Link to Petriello on catcher fatigue Link to Defector on Piazza Link to MLBTR on Skubal Link to MLBTR Skubal poll Link to Monfort message  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the effect of road dominance on the postseason spectator experience and discuss NLCS Game 2 and ALCS Game 3, touching on Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s throwback complete game, the historic playoff production of Kiké Hernández, the less surprising excellence of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a budding Dodgers backlash, pitcher usage when a team is trailing, how to handle Humpy, and much more. Then (1:16:22) they answer listener emails about the ethics of October rooting, what to call two-game sweeps, “representing” the tying run, great takes on great pitches, and players who lost “local hero” status. Audio intro: Harold Walker, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to sign up for Patreon Link to 2019 road dominance Link to 2023 road dominance Link to playoff OPS ratios Link to Arozarena playoff wRC+ Link to Hernández playoff wRC+ Link to Paine on the Dodgers Link to Castellanos defense Link to Kiké quotes Link to QT commercial Link to #6org post 1 Link to #6org post 2 Link to #6org post 3 Link to Salmon Run cast Link to Humpy story Link to MLBTR on Hedges  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley revisit Meg’s experience of Mariners-Tigers ALDS Game 5 and recap the first few games of the Championship Series round, touching on postseason broadcast booths, the Mariners’ mauling of the Blue Jays in Toronto, Pat Murphy’s burnishing of the Brewers’ underdog image, broader narrative-building about the Brewers-Dodgers series, whether the Dodgers intentionally took it easy during the regular season, the GIDP heard ’round the world, starters moonlighting as relievers, Blake Snell, and more, plus closing banter about manager news and Pete Alonso’s contract target in his second crack at free agency. Audio intro: Jimmy Kramer, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Tom Rhoads, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to sign up for Patreon Link to Meg’s 2386 postscript Link to playoff win expectancy changes Link to Humpy article Link to Humpy video Link to worst BsR w/30+ SB Link to AL team Gold Gloves Link to NL team Gold Gloves Link to The Bandwagon on Gold Gloves Link to GIDP video Link to GIDP article Link to Cooper on the GIDP Link to Turang on his near-HBP Link to Stathead on 100-pitch playoff games Link to jacked Jays fan Link to Robles play Link to Passan on the NLCS Link to Murphy’s “eight guys” quote Link to Defector comment Link to Craig on the Dodgers Link to Schildt story Link to Hinch story Link to Alonso report Link to Sam on “seeking”  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley announce their playoff livestream plans and then break down Game 4 of the Phillies-Dodgers NLDS, including their musings on Orion Kerkering’s game-ending error and the events that preceded it, whether baseball would be better or worse without its tragic on-field figures, the Phillies’ future, and the intimidating Dodgers. Then, after a few thoughts on the Brewers and Cubs, they banter about baseball’s culture of pitch-tipping paranoia (53:29), the effects of high-tech pitching machines (1:09:20), the upcoming MLB free agency of NPB slugger Munetaka Murakami (1:17:00), and potentially encouraging comments about MLB’s path to a unified package of broadcast rights (1:20:58), plus a postscript message from Meg (1:30:05) about the Mariners’ ALDS Game 5 victory. Audio intro: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to sign up for Patreon Link to FG Phillies-Dodgers gamer Link to walk-off video Link to Gelb’s Phillies story Link to walk-off errors stat 1 Link to walk-off errors stat 2 Link to Yoda quote Link to tweet about Call on Call Link to Stark on the Phillies’ future Link to Petriello’s post Link to new meme format Link to bunting etymology Link to FG Cubs-Brewers gamer Link to article on pitch-tipping Link to Ben on the banging scheme Link to Wilson’s chess quote Link to The Bandwagon on Trajekt Link to 2024 Trajekt Stat Blast Link to tweet about Yesavage Link to Ben on pitching machines Link to home wRC+ by year Link to road wRC+ by year Link to MLBTR on Murakami Link to Ben on Murakami/Sasaki Link to Normandin article Link to Kennedy comments Link to Kasten comments  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the rampant overuse of the phrase “must-win game,” denying late timeouts, the Blue Jays’ victory over the Yankees, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a Yankees postmortem, Aaron Judge’s partial postseason redemption, the athletic (and managerial) highlights and lowlights of the other ALDS and the two NLDSes, the swan song of October Clayton Kershaw, postseason sacrifice bunting, Bryce Harper’s thoughts on childbirth, and more. Audio intro: Alex Glossman and Ali Breneman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Passan’s Phillies tweet Link to Posnanski on comebacks from 0-2 Link to Vlad’s Yankees grudge Link to Vlad and Papi Link to Papi on Schlittler Link to Rosenthal on Judge Link to Sheehan on Judge Link to Rosenthal on the Yankees Link to The Ringer on Fox’s MLB panel Link to “clean your clock” etymology Link to Stott bunt explanation Link to Harper quote Link to Raleigh shirt story Link to infield-fly call Link to Stark fun fact Link to The West Wing scene  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Meg’s recovery from illness and her ongoing emotional distress as a postseason spectator, then share their takeaways from the first two games of each ALDS and the first game of each NLDS. After that (51:15), Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie joins to talk about how he’s handling postseason stress, his thoughts on the Mariners season and playoff performance so far, the team he would root for if he weren’t an M’s fan, and whether he’d write a Mariners victory song, plus a postscript (1:31:15) on how Guardians fans are feeling. Audio intro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Cory Brent, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Langs on Yesavage Link to Ben on first-year pitchers Link to Passan on Roki’s reinvention Link to FG post on M’s-Tigers G2 Link to DCFC’s Mariners post Link to 2011 interview about DCFC’s name Link to “Ichiro’s Theme”  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh brings on Michael Baumann, who immediately makes Ben regret it by subjecting him to a lyrical ode to Effectively Wild inspired by the Taylor Swift song “Wood.” Then they play “College Baseball Player or Make and Model of Car?” before recapping the three decisive Game 3s of the wild card round (with an emphasis on the absurdity of the Guardians’ immediate elimination after their historic AL Central comeback, a bad call on Xander Bogaerts, the heroics of Cam Schlittler and Ryan McMahon, and converting from Red Sox fandom to Yankees fandom) and ranking the four division series matchups. Then (1:15:44) Ben talks to Tigers TV broadcaster Jason Benetti about calling the team’s 2024 comeback and 2025 collapse, how to process their reprieve from elimination after a historic blown lead, players to pay attention to in the ALDS, and naturally, John Brebbia. Audio intro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Horny)” Audio interstitial: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to “Wood” lyrics Link to reliever familiarity effect Link to call on Bogaerts Link to Padres postgame video Link to Padres frustration Link to ump scoreboard Link to Schlittler fun facts Link to Schlittler pitches piece Link to Jeter catch Link to McMahon catch Link to Schlittler’s mom’s account 1 Link to Schlittler’s mom’s account 2 Link to article about Schlittler’s family Link to Ben on first-year pitchers Link to Ben on the Brewers and Jays Link to 2024 Benetti appearance Link to Brebbia EW episode Link to Benetti’s podcast Link to Cal award  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh brings on Hannah Keyser and Zach Crizer of The Bandwagon to banter in a hopefully not-immediately-dated way about the first two days of playoff action, including the Dodgers dispatching the Reds, Dave Roberts using “Strategy,” Aaron Boone’s perceived mismanaging, the flamethrowing Mason Miller and a playoff-pitch-speed conundrum, and more, plus conversation about how teams with byes are trying to stay ready, the league’s many managerial openings, whether running the Rockies is a good gig, the Rafael Devers trade in retrospect, and the best teams to bandwagon, followed (1:33:54) by a postscript. Audio intro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to The Bandwagon Link to Episode 2105 Link to Hannah on the Phillies’ prep Link to Phillies intrasquad game Link to Ichiro scrimmage story Link to Ben on the mid-PA pitching change Link to Girardi on “Strategy” Link to 2024 “Strategy” episode Link to Vesia one-pitch K Link to Vesia scoring quirk Link to Anderson tweet about Miller Link to article about Miller Link to Miller video Link to fastest postseason pitches Link to fastest regular-season pitches Link to Eno on playoff pitch speeds Link to The Ringer’s postseason storylines Link to Obama anger translator sketch Link to Crochet vs. LHP tweet Link to The Bandwagon on Boone Link to Chisholm dive Link to Cora’s follow-up Link to Breslow on Devers Link to Diamond tweet Link to Sarris tweet Link to Baggarly on Posey Link to MLBTR on the Rockies Link to manager vacancies Link to Arrested Development meme Link to DeLauter debut article Link to DeLauter debut play Link to Lemon/Bearden kiss Link to article on the kiss Link to 1991 Mets article Link to streaks data Link to SB distribution graphs Link to SB distribution data Link to Sacramento A’s jersey Link to Keown on the A’s  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about their plans for playoff livestreams and an MLB attendance announcement, then recap the highlights of the last weekend of the regular season and discuss what excites them about the playoffs. Along the way, they rank the collapses of the Astros, Tigers, and Mets and banter about trade-deadline do-overs, playoff-clinching walk-offs, Game 162 incentives, whether tiebreakers are fairer than tiebreaker games, a smart save by a first-base coach, the scariest October teams relative to the regular season, the AL wild card matchups, two Alex Cora quotes, the potential for first-time champions, and more, plus follow-ups. Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Josh Busman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to livestreams sign-up Link to MLB press release Link to attendance stats Link to year-over-year attendance Link to Marte robbery Link to Rafaela triple Link to Sam on walk-off triples Link to Trout homers Link to Trout streak Link to Alomar Jr. intervention Link to Kayfus walk-off Link to Norby quote Link to Mets/Marlins history Link to MLBTR on Alonso Link to Cora quote Link to haters meme Link to FG staff predictions Link to preseason playoff odds Link to other Cora quote Link to mid-May Gleyber pull rate Link to May 12 Gleyber game Link to first-year postseason starters Link to MLBTR on Toboni Link to lowest K%+ Link to Adames dinger Link to Episode 2350  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Mariners clinching the AL West, the benefits and drawbacks of MVP debates, the power of great players to enhance a season for spectators, the Cardinals’ and Giants’ reciprocal eliminations, the near-extinction of the 200-inning pitcher, the Nationals’ new head of baseball ops, and how predictive a track record of adept drafting is. Then (53:15) they answer listener emails about whether a player could/should ever challenge a ball/strike call that went their way, whether increased pitcher injuries have contributed to the lack of great teams, sticky-stuff inspections on broadcasts, how many pitches it takes to evaluate a pitcher, whether/why baseball managers incur fans’ wrath more than other sports’ coaches, whether teams are turning fewer double plays than they used to, and Trey Yesavage’s many 2025 teammates, plus (1:40:47) a postscript. Audio intro: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to 2015 MLB promo Link to Ben on Judge vs. Ohtani Link to Giants elimination story Link to Cardinals elimination story Link to pitcher IP leaderboard Link to preseason pitcher IP projections Link to Passan on Toboni Link to MLBTR on Toboni Link to WaPo on the Nats Link to Ben on pitcher injury rates Link to Ben on pitcher workloads Link to Rodón quote Link to MLB GIDP% Link to Jays tweet Link to quote-tweet Link to Kenny Jackelen Link to 2025 teammate leaders Link to single-season teammate leaders Link to listener emails database Link to BP on Blalock Link to Blalock leaderboard Link to highest ML ERA (min. 55 IP) Link to highest ML ERA (min. 100 IP) Link to FG wOBA values Link to BP location research Link to FG playoff odds Link to Darowski update  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the delights of the last week of the regular season, the Dodgers’ bullpen problems, and what kind of compromise the challenge system is, then (43:09) answer listener emails about where the warning track extends, the easiest day at the office for a batter, a player who exclusively hits one single per game, whether MLB front offices are Bayesian or frequentist, the relative strength of the AL and NL, and ticky-tack tags, plus (1:37:08) a postscript. Audio intro: Sean .P, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Skubal error clip Link to MLBTR on Fry Link to Tigers/Guardians game story Link to MLBTR on Sasaki Link to D-Backs/Dodgers game story Link to Sheehan on challenges Link to Goldstein on challenges Link to Posnanski on challenges Link to warning track definition Link to Arenado play Link to Stanton post Link to Sam on NoPAPH Link to NoPAPH by year Link to 2025 NoPAPH Link to Yount incident Link to FG wOBA values Link to Bayesian inference wiki Link to frequentist inference wiki Link to Marlins listing Link to multiple Marlins listings Link to Guardians listing Link to Red Sox listing Link to Rockies listing Link to Angels listing Link to Mets listing Link to Springer tag Link to Cameron on sliding 1 Link to Cameron on sliding 2 Link to listener emails database Link to 2014 F1 story Link to pitwall explainer  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the standings and stakes of an unexpectedly wild last week of the regular season, whether there’s such as a thing as a playoff team that can’t make a deep run, why Cal Raleigh is the player of the year regardless of whether he wins MVP, whether it still makes sense to say that fan-favorite players will never have to buy a meal/drink in their team’s city, the unique celebrations of Pirates pitcher Dauri Moreta, the official arrival of the ABS challenge system, the Marlins calling pitches from the dugout, the extent to which coaches should influence games, and Mike Trout’s barehand catch with a fan. Audio intro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Ben on the last week Link to latest HUAL episode Link to Jay on playoff permutations Link to largest lost leads Link to FG playoff odds Link to BaseRuns standings Link to team payrolls Link to The Phantom Menace scene Link to player of the year award Link to historic achievement award Link to FG mailbag Link to Moreta video Link to Moreta nickname story Link to challenge system explainer Link to Marlins story 1 Link to Marlins story 2 Link to 2016 Dodgers story Link to Trout article/video Link to Petriello post  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about 2025’s record number of 25-25 players and whether the current power/speed version of the sport is rendered any less impressive by its recent rule-change origins, the historic pre/post-All-Star break splits of Julio Rodríguez and whether the Mariners can help him become less of an extreme slow starter/fast finisher (phrasing?), the lockstep seasons (and recent slumps) of Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ceddanne Rafaela, the impending retirement (and on/off-field legacies) of Clayton Kershaw, and MLB’s new Amateur Recovery Period Policy, plus follow-ups (1:21:31) on a few of those topics. Audio intro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Pedantic)” Audio outro: Kite Person, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to power-speed fun fact Link to Opta Sports wiki Link to Opta EW interview Link to power-speed number Link to power-speed by season Link to ’87 HR spike info Link to more on ’87 spike Link to 2025 SB leaders Link to The Bandwagon on basestealers Link to Julio’s career splits Link to biggest pre/post-ASB splits Link to Paine on Julio Link to February Julio article Link to PCA/Ceddanne laggardboard Link to Kershaw retirement story Link to Ben on Kershaw vs. Pedro Link to recovery period announcement Link to ESPN on the recovery period Link to BA on the recovery period Link to 2024 MLB pitching report  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the state of the wild cards and whether the pennant races have been more exciting than forecasted despite the lack of actual changes in the playoff field, Cal Raleigh’s latest exploits, Geraldo Perdomo’s quiet excellence, the Orioles’ 2026 outlook, the Dodgers’ rotation and bullpen, Shohei Ohtani’s playoff role(s), the bouncebacks of Mookie Betts and George Springer, Yordan Alvarez’s ankle, James Wood and Spencer Jones slumps, season-ending schedules, and whether teams playing spoiler is satisfying for fans. Audio intro: Jimmy Kramer, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to FG playoff odds Link to Clemens on the playoff odds Link to Paine on the Mets Link to Clemens on Raleigh Link to FG WAR leaderboard Link to Orioles report Link to Dodgers rotation ranking Link to Dodgers reliever ranking Link to team SP projections Link to Dodgers rotation story Link to Ohtani starting story Link to Ohtani outfield story Link to Perdomo/Betts leaderboard Link to Craig on the Dodgers Link to Rob on the zombie runner Link to Petriello on Jones Link to Apple TV+ baseball doc Link to Astudillo news  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Meg’s reaction to the Mariners moving into first place in the AL West (at least temporarily), Jac Caglianone and the Royals’ woeful corner-outfield offense, whether major leaguers have gotten better at sliding, and an unjust byproduct of the zombie runner. Then (50:43) they bring on baseball researcher and Sports Reference designer Adam Darowski to discuss Robinson Canó’s 4000th professional hit and Adam’s work on the 4000 hits club. Audio intro: Andy Ellison, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Alonso quote Link to mustache/witch article Link to more on the witch Link to even more on the witch Link to 2021 Stat Blast Link to M’s pitching query Link to B-Ref newsletter Link to Langs M’s note Link to team travel Link to team extra innings pitched Link to 2025 worst team LF/RF Link to worst team LF/RF since 2002 Link to Royals LF Link to Royals RF Link to playoff odds Link to Jac’s leading xwOBA-wOBA Link to Moniak slide Link to Moniak slide close-up Link to Crizer on slides Link to Cameron on slides Link to Cameron on slides 2 Link to Treinen game Link to previous Treinen-type losses Link to Treinen nickname article Link to @PitchingNinja tweet Link to Treinen conspiracy posts Link to Canó video Link to Canó video 2 Link to Canó article Link to Canó article 2 Link to Adam’s Canó post Link to Canó Insta post Link to Canó Insta post 2 Link to Canó Insta post 3 Link to Canó Insta post 4 Link to Canó Insta post 5 Link to Canó cards story Link to Adam’s presentation Link to Simkus SABR article Link to BP 4K club article Link to Adam’s website Link to underarm serve article 1 Link to underarm serve article 2 Link to eephus pitch wiki  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the deepening twilight of Mike Trout, then (21:19) discuss why the so-called “death of expertise” sweeping society hasn’t swept sports in the same way, before answering listener emails (1:04:01) about whether the Rangers are good, how the count can be “quickly 0-2,” what makes a righty seem like a lefty, whether a player can be unclutch, the Rockies’ run differential, and the other kind of pitch clock, plus (1:37:58) a postscript. Audio intro: Philip Tapley and Michael Stokes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to The Athletic on Trout Link to Woodrum on velo Link to hitter pitch speeds Link to previous Trout talk Link to The Death of Expertise Link to the WSJ on physics Link to the New Yorker article Link to Manfred analytics quote Link to politics WAR Link to Democracy at the Ballpark Link to the Hard Knocks reference Link to Paine on the Rangers Link to Dubuque on Helman Link to previous Burger banter Link to BaseRuns standings Link to playoff odds Link to Brebbia report Link to leaguewide late & close Link to Alvarez late & close Link to worst run differentials Link to illustrated pitch movement Link to Statcast spin direction Link to clock-reading survey Link to listener emails database Link to Baseball Reliquary interview Link to Buehler comments  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley discuss and speculate about the percentage of major leaguers who’ve been inducted into some hall of fame and banter about Elly De La Cruz’s extended slump, Sean Murphy’s hip-to-be-tear revelation, and the perils of playing through injury, then assess where the line is when publicly shaming fans for ballpark behavior, and a pattern of Tigers executive misconduct (plus a postscript). Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Audio outro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Poff induction Link to Poff pod 1 Link to Poff pod 2 Link to Jones HoF comment Link to Little League Hall Link to Reds WAR leaders Link to Elly 2025 splits Link to Murphy 2023 splits Link to Murphy story 1 Link to Murphy story 2 Link to Phillies fan summary Link to dad interview Link to Phillies fan video Link to Phillies fan article Link to Bader bat story Link to US Open CEO apology Link to CEO fake apology Link to The Athletic Tigers report Link to Ella Black series Link to immaculate inning list Link to Pereda vs. Ohtani Link to Pereda pitches Link to Kahle pitches Link to sports-sounds doc  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley discuss Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s near no-hitter, the Effectively Wild bump, and the Orioles’ incredible comeback), then banter (and quasi-Stat Blast) about four subjects: whether Shohei Ohtani has been more or less valuable as a DH only or as a two-way player this season; whether Cal Raleigh hits a disproportionate number of homers in garbage time (compared to the league and to Aaron Judge); whether position-player pitchers are better when they throw very fast pitches than when they throw very slow ones; and why left-handed pitchers are having a historically strong season, plus (1:23:05) several postscript follow-ups. Audio intro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to YamamotO’s video Link to FG win expectancy Link to B-Ref gamelog Link to Pages robbery story Link to Mussina vs. Everett video Link to near no-nos Link to Ben on no-no umps Link to Ohtani two-homer game Link to one-way Ohtani Dodgers W-L Link to two-way Ohtani Dodgers W-L Link to one-way Ohtani WAR Link to two-way Ohtani batter WAR Link to two-way Ohtani pitcher WAR Link to publication bias wiki Link to file drawer problem Link to MLBTR on Brebbia Link to Cal >4 runs split Link to league >4 runs split Link to Judge >4 runs split Link to Cal leverage split Link to league leverage split Link to Judge leverage split Link to clutch comparison Link to WPA leaderboard Link to mistake hitting article Link to most catcher HR Link to Kingery vs. Kurtz Link to exit velo responsibility Link to Kingery vs. Kurtz pitches Link to Mains on PPP Link to slowest possible pitches Link to average PPP velo Link to slowest PPP pitch Link to fasest PPP pitches Link to PPP 45 and under wOBA Link to PPP 80 and up wOBA Link to PPP 79 and up wOBA Link to PPP 45 and under RV/100 Link to PPP 80 and over RV/100 Link to PPP 79 and over RV/100 Link to LHP ERA- leaderboard Link to LHP FIP- leaderboard Link to 2025 RHP ERA Link to 2025 LHP ERA Link to Sawchik on LHP Link to Crizer on LHP Link to Crizer on LHP 2 Link to Nesbitt on LHP Link to LHP horizontal release Link to pitching fWAR leaders Link to LHP pitch types Link to LHP velo Link to RHP velo Link to wRC+ vs. LHP Link to LHP TBH% by year Link to LHP Stuff+ Link to LHP familiarity advantage Link to Soto pitcher article Link to Soto BP pitcher video Link to Trammell bat update Link to pitch-tipping article Link to Whitecaps article Link to HUAL episode  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about whether Trent Grisham’s 30-homer season is more or less surprising than Juan Soto’s almost-30-steal season, Colson Montgomery’s dinger spree, why there hasn’t been a no-hitter this season, and the exciting-but-boring AL/NL West races. Then (26:47) they bring on top-tier Patreon supporter Ashton Moss to banter about his baseball background and answer listener emails about the value of crowds, minor leaguers and strikeouts, WAR and pitcher value, the effect of funk on familiarity, double switches, automatic doubles, missing bats, rounding bases, and BP with fielders, plus (1:46:18) a postscript. Audio intro: Ted O., “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Cory Brent, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Trammell bat story Link to FB% leaders Link to Montgomery leaderboard Link to no no-nos article Link to no-hit-starts query Link to team records since 8/1 Link to Ballers story Link to Carter story Link to Hang Up Link to Day’s non-piercing Link to Clippers Wall Link to Clippers logo Link to PTFO podcast Link to S-JAWS Link to Lincecum splits Link to double switch wiki Link to dictionary definition Link to ground rule double wiki Link to pitch types penalty Link to “My Oh My” Link to “speedball” reference Link to “2-3 count” Link to listener emails database Link to MuniciPals Golf Podcast Link to listener emails Link to Data Golf Link to Data Golf interview Link to bomb and gouge info  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about broadcasters’ anxiety about saying “Cam Schlittler,” whether the Mets’ pitching-prospect trio of Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong, and Brandon Sproat will produce more WAR than “Generation K,” a protracted trot by Rafael Devers, whether Framber Valdez intentionally crossed up his catcher, how a lockout looming in late 2026 could affect the coming offseason, Mason Miller’s extra-special immaculate inning, and the team that’s surprisingly pitched the most shutouts, plus a postscript (with Mets-SP projections). Audio intro: Josh Busman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Daniel Leckie, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Schlittler article Link to Ruocco clip Link to Generation K wiki Link to Sproat call-up Link to Devers trot article Link to The Athletic on Framber Link to agent’s comments Link to Passan’s preview Link to Langs on Miller Link to Miller video Link to team shutouts leaderboard Link to team goose-egg leaderboard Link to team pitching WAR Link to team SP WAR Link to Foley artist wiki Link to latest HUAL episode  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley talk about not talking about the Cardinals, then banter about Sandy Alcantara’s resurgence, whether Walker Buehler will have his own bounceback for the Phillies, Ha-Seong Kim’s reunion with Jurickson Profar, the concept of “adversarial location,” Aroldis Chapman and Taj Bradley‘s discoveries of inside/outside and scouting reports, respectively, Chapman’s extension, whether Luis Arraez’s strikeout avoidance is still fun, a notable FARTBAT, switch-thrower Carlos Cortes, and Meg’s Mariners anxiety. Audio intro: Harold Walker, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Horny)” Link to Cardinals odds graph Link to Cardinals WAR leaders Link to team attendance changes Link to preseason team projections Link to Glaser bobblehead Link to Alcantara leaderboard Link to team SP projections Link to team RP projections Link to Judge article Link to Olney video Link to Olney pitch-type splits Link to Dan S. on Chapman Link to Chapman on DV Link to Bradley article Link to K%+ leaderboard Link to Dan S. on Arraez Link to Sam on Arraez Link to Goodhart’s Law Link to FARTBAT episode Link to Story HR video Link to Story HR article Link to Cortes article  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about John Brebbia’s return to the big leagues, Kyle Schwarber’s four-homer game, the potential for a position-player-pitcher-assisted five-homer game, Heliot Ramos and dingers on extremely slow pitches, an interminable inning, whether the playoff race is over and, if so, whether that’s an indictment of the 12-team format, and the profusion of recently promoted pitchers potentially in line for postseason starts, then (55:50) answer listener emails about season-ending injuries, accounting for player intention in WAR, “rounding home,” giving pitchers tall shoes, making baseball less random, the worst on-field feeling, pitcher aesthetics, and mid-PA pitching changes, plus (1:36:34) follow-ups. Audio intro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLBTR on Brebbia Link to The Onion headline Link to four-homer-games query Link to Schwarber’s dingers Link to article on Suárez game Link to Ramos homer Link to slowest HR pitches Link to Rob Arthur on exit speed Link to pitch-count tweet Link to Nats-Yanks game Link to pitch-count query Link to Keyser on the playoff race Link to Sheehan on the playoff race Link to Baumann on the playoff race Link to Andrews on the playoff race Link to the AP on strikeouts Link to McLean info Link to Tong info Link to Tolle info Link to Baumann on Rodriguez Link to Marucci email Link to Seinfeld clip Link to possessions info Link to Ben on mid-PA pitching changes Link to listener emails database Link to Rounding Home book Link to Rounding for Home book Link to Rounding Home movie Link to “Rounding Home” headline Link to Berkson’s paradox Link to Berkson and baseball  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the semi-resurgence of Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, and Clayton Kershaw, Nathan Eovaldi’s injury and Patrick Corbin’s climb to the top of the Rangers innings leaderboard, the great-but-forgotten Steve Rogers, the end of Andrew Heaney’s Pirates tenure, Royce Lewis’s focus on his stats, whether MLB’s strikeout rate has declined because teams are targeting higher-contact hitters, the promotion of whiff artist Jonah Tong, why hitters aren’t swinging less, and a minor league attendance drop. Audio intro: Garrett Krohn, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Link to SP trio WAR before Link to SP trio WAR after Link to Kershaw fun fact Link to Eovaldi news Link to Rangers IP leaders Link to Laurila’s post Link to Rogers leaderboard Link to Rogers at BR Bullpen Link to Rogers SABR bio Link to Captain America wiki Link to MLBTR on Heaney Link to Heaney laggardboard Link to owners Reddit research Link to Tellez story Link to Tellez quotes Link to Lewis quotes Link to leaguewide K rate Link to DotF K research Link to Mains on strikeouts Link to Baumann on the K paradox Link to BtB on the K paradox Link to MLBTR on Tong Link to MLB SP K% leaders Link to MiLB SP K% leaders Link to Foundation wiki Link to Tango on taking Link to Eno on taking Link to swing run values Link to take run values Link to leaguewide plate discipline Link to BA on MiLB attendance Link to MLB YoY attendance Link to Carville quote Link to Meg’s MiLB research Link to other Ben on streaks  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the early start to the 2026 regular season and MLB’s schedule in a warming world, tossing snacks after tossing a bat, this year’s potential trio of 50-homer hitters (including a Cal Raleigh update), the virtues of players who have high floors (with check-ins on Bobby Witt Jr. and Trea Turner), the (dubious?) merits of the BBWAA’s new reliever of the year award, Tyler Phillips’s anti-hitter mentality, new large relievers Zach Maxwell and Drew Sommers, Brady Singer in Cincinnati, Juan Soto’s basestealing, Zack Wheeler’s prognosis, the latest on Shane Bieber and Kyle Tucker, and Samuel Basallo’s extension, plus responses about other sports’ significant sounds. Audio intro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Andy Ellison, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to schedule announcement Link to Contreras ejection video Link to Contreras ejection quotes Link to suspension news Link to pre-September HR stat Link to 50-homer-seasons query Link to FG WAR leaderboard Link to Seinfeld scene Link to Zoolander clips Link to Sheehan on Witt Link to Stark on the reliever award Link to setup man award Link to Phillips interview Link to Maxwell intro tweet Link to Sommers intro tweet Link to Maxwell story 1 Link to Maxwell story 2 Link to Kirk steal story Link to Vogelbach promo Link to TOS types Link to Curb scene Link to Wheeler diagnosis Link to FG on Basallo Link to Rubenstein on extensions Link to Kiley on Basallo Link to table tennis spin Link to table tennis stomps Link to catcher stomps Link to Spieth shot Link to Tiger shot Link to quotes about drives  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about sports equivalents to baseball’s bat crack, Colson Montgomery’s torpedo bat, reserving judgement on the MVP race, Francisco Alvarez’s minor league reset (and subsequent injury), a Kyle Tucker slump/injury update, the hot hitting of Giancarlo Stanton and Jakob Marsee, the Twins’ new knuckleballer, Pierson Ohl, and the ramifications of MLB’s impending deal with ESPN (and other broadcast partners), followed by (1:19:16) listener emails about a baserunner catching a pickoff throw, an ill-timed umpire sneeze, and the post-realignment future of MLB awards, plus (1:36:36) follow-ups. Audio intro: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to O’Neil clip Link to bat-crack article 1 Link to bat-crack article 2 Link to bat-crack article 3 Link to bat-crack article 4 Link to bat-crack article 5 Link to tennis strings wiki Link to catgut wiki Link to WaPo on Changeover Link to Changeover Link to Nathan on Hang Up Link to James on Montgomery Link to previous Alvarez banter Link to Alvarez leaderboard Link to Tucker injury article Link to Stanton leaderboard Link to Marsee leaderboard Link to Baumann on Marsee Link to article on Ohl Link to Yahoo broadcast report Link to The Athletic broadcast report Link to WSJ broadcast report Link to The Athletic on ESPN’s plan Link to MLBTR summary Link to Hang Up on ESPN/NFL Link to Cooper’s post Link to enshittification wiki Link to listener emails database  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about torpedo bats (remember them?), Cody Bellinger’s good year and confounding career, recent comments by Craig Counsell and Aaron Boone, the impending call-up of Bubba Chandler and the recent arrival of Owen Caissie, the weirdest things about being a pro baseball player, a zombie-runner-induced ending to a pitcher’s duel, and Alien: Earth as a baseball show. Audio intro: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Alex Glossman and Ali Breneman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Straw update Link to Sam on Bellinger Link to Clay interview Link to Tribune on Counsell Link to latest Counsell quote Link to 2018 Counsell quote Link to The Athletic on Counsell Link to Brewers subreddit post Link to Chandler call-up Link to rookie eligibility tweet Link to rookie eligibility explainer Link to Caissie debut story Link to Marte apology article Link to Marte apology article 2 Link to Tigers-Astros game Link to Oort Cloud wiki Link to Ben on sci-fi Link to Buck Bokai Link to Dixon Hill Link to Captain Proton  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the commissioner’s power to dictate conversations about baseball, realignment possibilities, whether league distinctions still matter, how much they have to banter about, Victor Robles’s bat throw and suspension, the latest Tommy Pham flare-up, a Ketel Marte controversy, the Brewers, the Blue Jays, and what teams’ styles of play represent, a two-pitch inning, the promotion of Samuel Basallo and the Orioles’ future at catcher, Zack Wheeler’s injury and the Phillies’ unaccustomed uncertainty with Wheeler and Aaron Nola, Bryan Woo’s six-inning streak, Kyle Tucker’s slump, Ceddanne Rafaela’s positional splits, three Seymours, and Cody Ponce’s KBO dominance. Audio intro: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Philip Tapley and Michael Stokes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Manfred’s comment Link to Selig on realignment Link to Nesbitt on realignment Link to team travel mileage Link to climate change article Link to Robles suspension article Link to Robles apology Link to Pham article Link to Piecoro on Ketel Link to Nightengale on Ketel Link to Perdomo on Ketel Link to Ketel apology Link to 1.0+ WAR Brewers Link to Rosenthal on the Brewers Link to Sam on the Brewers Link to two-pitch-inning game Link to MiLB two-pitch-inning Link to Basallo promotion Link to Basallo analysis Link to rookie eligibility tweet Link to rookie eligibility explainer Link to Wheeler injury article Link to team SP projections Link to Woo article 1 Link to Woo article 2 Link to Tucker benching news Link to Laurila on Rafaela Link to Kruk comment Link to knocker-up wiki Link to three Seymours Link to Bob promotion Link to Bob Emergency Link to Seymour Weiner news Link to baby-name data  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about whether any of the teams that sold at the trade deadline can make an improbable playoff run, whether the Dodgers’ position in the playoff race refutes or confirms preseason fears about their advantages, and the accelerating splintering of sports broadcasts (MLB on the Poob tube!), then answer emails (41:40) about Roman Anthony’s OBP, driving/batting in runs with walks, and Juan Soto vs. players traded for him, before (1:03:34) talking to FanGraphs founder David Appelman about the site’s 20th anniversary. Audio intro: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to FG playoff odds Link to divisional comebacks story Link to Paine on bad/expensive teams Link to burgers story Link to BP IL Ledger Link to baseball streaming story Link to streaming meme Link to more on the meme Link to streaming expenses story Link to Bois on Bonds Link to listener emails database Link to previous Appelman appearance Link to Appelman’s birthday appearance Link to death of dial-up Link to Crawford conversation Link to Speier post Link to podcast-description stats  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the bounceback season of Trevor Rogers, the NL Cy Young race, career achievement awards, observations from a Shohei Ohtani start, the NL West race, and the significance of the Pohlads’ decision not to sell the Twins. Then (42:36) they answer listener emails about check-swing appeals, how the changing media landscape could affect fandom, streak freezes, when a game is tied, scattering hits, walk-away wins, Red Sox pain vs. Yankees pain, Toronto’s run differential, and Adam Dunn vs. Kyle Schwarber. Audio intro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ian Phillips, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Rogers leaderboard Link to Rogers tattoo episode Link to NL WAR leaderboard Link to Academy Honorary Award Link to outfield defense laggards Link to public enemy no. 1 clip Link to Ohtani pitch usage Link to splitter to Rengifo Link to Padres/Dodgers fun fact Link to Dodgers FG post Link to Sportico on the Twins Link to The Athletic on the Twins Link to Manfred on the sale Link to “sell the team” story Link to umpire manual Link to Sam on the umpire manual Link to KBO check-swing story Link to Duolingo mascot story Link to “Railroad Daddy” Link to team wins since 2018 Link to blowout-adjusted Pythag Link to gradient wins Link to Ben on Dunn vs. Pierre Link to Poscast episode Link to listener emails database  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a few of this year’s WAR leaders dropping off their previous paces, Dave Roberts’ critiques of Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ playoff pitching, Clayton Kershaw vs. Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander’s self-deception, the early hot streaks of Luke Keaschall and Warming Bernabel, Carlos Correa returning to form as an Astro, the AL West race, Brandon Woodruff and the Brewers, alumni home run derbies, Josh Naylor’s low-speed stealing, Luis Arraez’s batting average, the Padres’ failed hidden-ball trick, and pitch-tipping skepticism. Audio intro: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ted O., “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to FG combined WAR leaderboard Link to Roberts quotes Link to Kershaw/Scherzer story 1 Link to Kershaw/Scherzer story 2 Link to Verlander story Link to Verlander’s stuff stats Link to Keaschall fun fact Link to FG playoff odds Link to FG post on Woodruff Link to Brewers derby story Link to Sam on derbies Link to Naylor’s Savant page Link to Padres HBT article Link to pitch-tipping story  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about whether Mike Trout has become a boring baseball player, Paul Skenes almost perfectly replicating his sensational rookie season, and recent trends in pre-arb extensions, answer a listener email (57:39) about becoming a fan of the whole league instead of (or in addition to) one team, and (1:14:49) meet major leaguers Josh Simpson and Dugan Darnell. Audio intro: Xavier LeBlanc, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Trout hypotheticals Link to 2025 TTO% leaders Link to Trout TTO% by year Link to leaguewide TTO% Link to older hitters wRC+ Link to Trout’s Savant page Link to Trout’s $ value Link to Dalton photo Link to pitcher WAR since 2024 Link to Skenes pitch-type splits Link to Paine on extensions Link to listener emails Link to new debuts Link to Simpson wiki Link to Simpson interview Link to phantom ballplayer wiki Link to 2024 Simpson article Link to 2025 Simpson article Link to ERA-xERA leaders Link to Dartmouth draftees Link to Princeton draftees Link to Yale draftees Link to UPenn draftees Link to Harvard draftees Link to Brown draftees Link to Columbia draftees Link to Cornell draftees Link to Ivy draftees ranking Link to Darnell wiki Link to Darnell article 1 Link to Darnell article 2 Link to Darnell article 3 Link to Darnell article 4 Link to Darnell article 5 Link to team RP WAR  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Marlins’ winning record against the Yankees, Ty Cobb and Kyle Stowers, the Blue Jays’ demolition of the Rockies, pocket pancakes, and more. Then (38:19) they answer listener emails about a CBT exemption for World Series winners, celebrations in the pitch clock era, nonpartisan bullpens, a humorous shirsey, batter no-outers, and September roster expansion, plus Stat Blasts (1:26:50) about extreme ball/strike throwers, road-only HR hitters, no-walkoff teams, unusual scoring, and old pitcher/catcher + pitcher/batter combos. Audio intro: Kite Person, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Tom Rhoads, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Marlins vs. Yankees Link to wins since 1993 Link to Leerhsen’s Cobb book Link to Ringer MLB Show Link to HoF site on Cobb Link to Wright on Cobb 1 Link to Wright on Cobb 2 Link to Wright on Cobb 3 Link to Wright on Cobb 4 Link to Wright on Cobb 5 Link to Wright on Cobb 6 Link to Wright on Cobb 7 Link to Wright on Cobb 8 Link to Wright on Cobb 9 Link to Ben on Ichiro power Link to E. coli outbreak Link to dysentery report Link to Oregon Trail meme Link to Jays fun facts Link to run differential data Link to FG’s The Board Link to Buxton cycle Link to Buxton images Link to Twins summer sausage Link to pocket pancake video Link to Bellinger violation Link to pitch clock extension Link to strike% data Link to ball% data Link to road homers sheet Link to runs matching innings sheet Link to 2007 Sox-Yanks game Link to 2013 Sox-M’s game Link to 1979 Phils-Cubs game Link to 2008 Marlins Rockies game Link to 1925 Sox-Tigers game Link to Quinn-Schang game Link to Clemens-Franco game Link to listener emails database Link to all-triples games  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about umpire Jen Pawol’s promotion to the majors, whether the MLB Speedway Classic lived up to its name, Nathan Eovaldi’s Gibsonian season, another big blow to the practice of pitcher hitting, a “breakout” question, an optimistic Twins take, the Yankees’ concerning (to Yankees fans) slide, Roman Anthony’s extension, whether MLB’s playoff picture is boring, Andrew Vaughn’s hot hitting, and the accuracy of a baseball scene on The Gilded Age. Audio intro: Ian Phillips, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Rockies comeback Link to Pawol news Link to Speedway Classic problems Link to Speedway Classic record Link to Gibson/Eovaldi stat Link to Central League news Link to Central League stats Link to Ben on pitcher hitting Link to Adell breakout post Link to Sheehan on the Twins Link to Paine on the Yankees Link to BaseRuns records Link to FG playoff odds Link to team baserunning Link to team defense Link to Sam on hustle Link to Ben on hustle Link to team wins since June 1 Link to MLBTR on Anthony Link to Vaughn leaderboard Link to Davy on the playoff odds Link to TGA question Link to TGA episode Link to Richard’s Strike Four Link to SP FIP stat Link to notable episodes list  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about where they stand on two competing perceptions of this year’s trade deadline activity and why it turned out not to be a dudline, then discuss all the major storylines—including A.J. Preller’s all-in antics, the Twins’ teardown, Carlos Correa’s Houston reunion, and the closer carousel—before going through moves on a team-by-team basis to offer critiques and praise. Audio intro: Daniel Leckie, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Count von Count Link to Jake and Jordan data Link to Paine on deadlines Link to Paine on this deadline Link to Sheehan on the deadline Link to Dan’s post Link to ZiPS verdicts Link to FG roundup Link to MLB.com tracker Link to FG’s The Board Link to Pipeline’s Top 100 Link to Bandwagon on the Padres Link to BA on the Padres Link to Preller’s past prospects Link to FG playoff odds Link to “bob’s your uncle” tweet Link to MiLB FA draft stats Link to Twins letter Link to Antonetti Twins quote Link to Breslow quotes Link to minor league reset episode Link to Greene’s mustache story Link to Cashman on Jones Link to info on Vaughn Link to Seranthony graphic Link to Griffey cow story Link to Griffey cow video  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about how the expanded playoffs may suppress trade activity and, prompted by the passing of Ryne Sandberg, the factors that can make a player punch above their weight from a popularity perspective. Then (31:47) they answer listener emails about triples hitting, Bryce Harper vs. José Ramírez, the effect of gray hairs on free agency, football body comps for baseball players, “first half” vs. “second half,” change-of-scenery candidates, perfection for hitters, the language of WAR, scouting trade candidates, framing a player for pitch-fixing, early/late-season platoon players, outfielders lying down on the job, and Aaron Judge’s BABIP (plus a reaction to Rich Hill’s DFA). Audio intro: Harold Walker, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Ben C. on expanded playoffs Link to Dan S. on expanded playoffs Link to Paine on the deadline Link to Sandberg NYT obit Link to Sandberg Stat Blast Link to “Sandberg Game” video Link to triples Stathead Link to Stark on future HoFers Link to Wilkins kiss story Link to info on Day’s beard Link to post-ASB split 1 Link to post-ASB split 2 Link to splits spreadsheet Link to Ben on the foul lines Link to Russell on outfield defense 1 Link to Russell on outfield defense 2 Link to Russell on outfield defense 3 Link to doubleheader trade Link to Szymborski on Judge Link to Petriello on Judge Link to Savant xBABIP Link to listener emails database  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Well, almost nothin’. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Ichiro Suzuki’s Cooperstown induction, Nick Kurtz’s four-homer game, Aaron Judge’s injury (and Cal Raleigh’s MVP candidacy), Bryce Harper’s showdown with Rob Manfred, Emmanuel Clase’s implication in baseball’s brewing pitch-fixing scandal, Royals, Tigers, Braves, and Yankees trades, and the unsettled standings. Audio intro: Jimmy Kramer, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Ichiro speech Link to Ichiro speech story Link to Bois Mariners doc Link to Paine on the ’01 M’s Link to Kurtz video Link to FG post on Judge Link to McMahon’s shave Link to Bandwagon on the Phillies Link to ESPN on Harper Link to NYP on Harper Link to cow at Camden Link to info on Manfred’s CAP Link to more on Manfred/Phillies Link to McMahon’s shave Link to FG post on Clase Link to Guardians post on Clase Link to MLBTR on Lugo Link to FG playoff odds Link to pitcher WAR since ’24 Link to team OF WAR Link to Royals outfielders Link to Bandwagon on the standings Link to Paine on the Tigers  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh, Meg Rowley, and Ben Clemens banter about the FanGraphs crowdsourced trade value tool, the Josh Naylor, Ryan McMahon, and Gregory Soto trades, the outlook for Eugenio Suárez, the fascinating Spencer Jones, and the lack of production by MLB rookies this season, then (58:30) discuss Other Ben’s player rankings for the fourth annual trade value series (plus a Nick Kurtz update). Audio intro: Cory Brent, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to crowdsourced tool intro Link to crowdsourced tool Link to Twilight EW episode Link to Naylor trade post Link to McMahon trade post Link to Soto trade at MLBTR Link to Jones at Prospect Savant Link to Jones 3-HR video Link to Jones MiLB defense Link to MiLB batting leaders Link to Yankees prospect list Link to Dan’s ZiPS prospects update Link to MLB EV leaders Link to MLB Z-Contact% laggards Link to Ben on Gallo Link to batting stance move Link to team defense leaderboard Link to Yankees WS collapse Link to rookie batting WAR Link to rookie pitching WAR Link to rookie WAR by year Link to Ben on the MiLB-to-MLB gap Link to 2024 trade value top 10 Link to 2025 trade value intro Link to 2025 trade value top 10 Link to Keltner list Link to Kurtz highlight video Link to Kurtz single-game WAR Link to one-game total bases leaders  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the long-awaited baseball events that occurred during Ben’s brief vacation, highlighted by Rich Hill’s return to the majors. They also discuss developments involving other quadragenarian pitchers, provide an update on their “2025 in 2025” Patreon campaign, and consider Bryan Woo’s parents’ dedication to attending all of his starts, additional aspects of the Brewers’ success, the Angels’ lack of rotation turnover, Myles Straw vs. Roki Sasaki, and an especially impressive Ronald Acuña Jr. throw. Then (59:10) they bring on author and researcher Mark Armour to talk about the Satchel Paige Project, Mark’s ongoing, yearslong effort to document every game Paige pitched. Audio intro: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Audio outro: Josh Busman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Effectively Wild on Patreon Link to FG post on Hill Link to Woo article Link to Paine on the Brewers Link to Brewers batters Link to Mains on the Angels Link to Whitley on Soriano Link to pre-ASB SP WAR Link to Sasaki/Straw post Link to Ben on Meneses Link to Acuña throw Link to Acuña throw article Link to Baseball Project song Link to Paige Project article Link to Mark’s announcement post Link to Paige Project results Link to Paige pitching map Link to most wanted games Link to Mark’s website Link to Effectively Wild on Patreon  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Meg Rowley and guest co-host Michael Baumann discuss the Brewers’ recent win streak, what’s contributing to their success, and the general state of the National League playoff field and what it might mean for the trade deadline. Then they consider the worst ways to lose (and win) a baseball game on the back of the Phillies’ walk-off no-swing catcher’s interference versus the Red Sox and discuss the merits of various sauces. Lastly, in response to a listener email, they contemplating what, if anything, they could see the players asking for in exchange for a salary cap in the next CBA negotiation, leading Michael to offer a bold proposal. Lastly, with the Tour de France underway, Michael tells Meg about the effects that PED use had on the world of cycling and its fans. Audio intro: Alex Glossman and Ali Breneman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Garrett Krohn, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to the Brewers’ BaseRuns and PythagenPat record Link to the Brewers’ Playoff Odds Link to Jay Jaffe on why Arizona should sell Link to Baumann on why the Diamondbacks shouldn’t Link to the FanGraphs Trade Value Series Link to Phillies/Red Sox play Link to Sam on no-swing catcher’s interference Link to Baumann’s cycling newsletter Link to listener email database  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a rare prediction by Ben, related to two players who were recently swapped by the Pirates and Royals, Adam Frazier and Cam Devanney. Then (13:52) they mark the podcast’s 13th birthday and launch a “2025 in 2025” plea for Patreon support before (24:19) discussing several of the most intriguing storylines of the rest of the season. After that (1:11:35), they wrap up with listener emails about non-MLB Home Run Derby prospects and the Royals’ perfect pitch-clock management. Audio intro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Effectively Wild on Patreon Link to FG on the trade Link to MLBTR on the trade Link to Perrotto on Frazier Link to RoS ZiPS Link to IL DTs Link to MLB DTs Link to Royals depth chart Link to FG “first half” trends Link to The Athletic RoS stories Link to ESPN RoS stories Link to catcher fatigue research 1 Link to catcher fatigue research 2 Link to BaseRuns standings Link to playoff odds Link to K%+ leaders Link to Sam on Hill Link to violations leaderboard Link to listener emails database Link to Effectively Wild on Patreon  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh, Meg Rowley, and FanGraphs lead prospect analyst Eric Longenhagen discuss the lows and highs of the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game and swing-off, plus banter about beef boys, Blooper, kissing, and the timing of the All-Star break, then (1:03:40) recap the amateur draft, touching on the selection of Eli Willits first overall, first-round risers/fallers, teams that had the best drafts, the latest Holliday (Ethan), the Twins’ extremely tall pitcher Jason Reitz, Boston’s Marcus Phillips pick, and the predictability of the draft vs. international signings. Audio intro: Tom Rhoads, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Derby formats Link to Derby formats piece Link to Cal’s plunking Link to Derby robbery Link to one-inch difference Link to Cal/Skubal mic’d up Link to Schwarbombs Link to Posnanski on the ASG Link to Passan on the swing-off Link to swing-off surprise report Link to the Miz ASG story Link to ABS piece 1 Link to ABS piece 2 Link to Scully’s Aaron call Link to Aaron tribute Link to Roberts sidestep Link to beef boy story Link to Sam on the Dumper Link to Meg’s Blooper selfie Link to Mr. Met video Link to Vinnie/Cags kiss Link to Sheehan on the ASB Link to Olympics timing Link to Eric’s mock Link to Eric’s ranking Link to Eric’s recap Link to Bremner article Link to Reitz Reddit post Link to Down on the Farm study  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Davy Andrews banter about Meg’s absence, Byron Buxton, Kyle Stowers, and an Orioles/Marlins surprise, the backlash to Jacob Misiorowski’s All-Star selection, the status of the All-Star game and whether All-Star designations need to change, All-Star/Home Run Derby excitement and the merits of several unsung (or undersung) All-Stars and non-All-Stars, a hypothetical about mystery All-Stars, Shohei Ohtani’s pitching progression, and more. Audio intro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Meg’s Blooper selfie Link to Passan and Blooper Link to Vinnie/Cags kiss Link to Davy on PCA Link to 5 BB ≥ 100 mph Link to 5 hits ≥ 100 mph Link to Miz article 1 Link to Miz article 2 Link to Miz article 3 Link to Miz article 4 Link to BP on All-Stars Link to All-Star replacements Link to Neil on the HRD Link to Neil on All-Stars Link to Davy on the Derby Link to NHL ASG policy Link to Chapman velos Link to EW Episode 1 Link to listener emails database Link to pitchers vs. PPP Link to pitchers vs. non-PPP Link to rim height story 1 Link to rim height story 2 Link to rim height story 3  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Blooper, the All-Star-Game-hosting Braves’ flagging fortunes, the pre-deadline trade market, the simultaneous surges of Ceddanne Rafaela and Pete Crow-Armstrong, the performances of old pitchers Charlie Morton, Clayton Kershaw, and Justin Verlander, and the death and legacy of Lee Elia, then (1:01:44) share several Stat Blasts about players who were All-Stars in their worst seasons, teams with reverse records against good/bad opponents, Billy McKinney and serial replacement-level players, and more. Audio intro: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Blooper bio Link to Blooper origin story Link to Blooper origin story 2 Link to FG playoff odds Link to Neil on parity Link to Passan deadline preview 1 Link to Passan deadline preview 2 Link to WAR leaders since June Link to Petriello on Rafaela Link to over-40 pitchers Link to run support Link to best ERAs since 2021 Link to Elia obit Link to Elia retrospective Link to Elia retrospective 2 Link to Elia retrospective 3 Link Elia recording Link to bleeped Elia recording Link to oldest rookie hitter All-Stars Link to oldest rookie pitcher All-Stars Link to all-stars in worst season Link to all-stars in worst full season Link to Hunter obit Link to one-run-game data Link to backward team data Link to MLBTR on McKinney Link to replacement-level data Link to Angels tweet Link to Stat Blast notes Link to listener emails database Link to Kalkman on Clarke Link to NCAA concussion news Link to mound-movement math  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Rich Hill–Dallas Keuchel competition for the Royals rotation and give José Ramírez his due, then (17:45) answer listener emails about when to fire a GM, an all-star spot for elite defenders, teams composed of clones of Aaron Judge, Daulton Varsho, or Zack Wheeler, moving the mound back unnoticeably, a rule-changing MLB concussion protocol, whether WAR is a counting stat, and unsuccessful surgeries, plus Stat Blasts (1:24:05) about four-team trades, lefty position-player pitchers, homer flubs, bases-loaded walks, and the cost of throwing a ball on purpose, plus (1:47:30) a cat PSA. Audio intro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Horny)” Link to Keuchel signing Link to Hill game log Link to on-pace projections Link to ASG WAR research Link to Judge pitching stats Link to Ben on PPP vs. pitcher hitters Link to Derby participants Link to 2024 CF arm strength Link to 2025 RF arm strength Link to Reds mound story 1 Link to Reds mound story 2 Link to Ben on moving the mound Link to MLB courtesy runner Link to concurrent surgery Link to Jenks surgery Link to Reimold story Link to Segedin story Link to 1991 death Link to 2021 death Link to % LH non-PPP Link to % LH PPP Link to LH PPP wOBA Link to RH PPP wOBA Link to Durant trade Link to five blades satire Link to Varsho play 1 Link to Varsho play 2 Link to two Tylers play Link to Levine on Ortiz Link to Ortiz ball rate Link to strike/ball value Link to FA $/WAR Link to listener emails database Link to Mains data Link to HR thief story Link to HR thief jersey  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Brandon Woodruff and the minor medical miracle of players returning from significant injuries to be big leaguers again, the likelihood of players becoming or repeating as all-stars, Clayton Kershaw as an honorary all-star, the end (for now) of the Pete Alonso Home Run Derby era and the Derby’s new blood, the Nationals firing their POBO and manager a week before picking first in the draft, new Statcast catcher-stance data, and the Blue Jays unseating the Yankees in the AL East, plus (1:29:38) postscript updates. Audio intro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Pedantic)” Audio outro: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Woodruff’s return Link to Neil’s new ASG research Link to Neil’s old ASG research Link to Alonso news Link to Derby participants Link to Smith Rule 5 story Link to Kershaw selection Link to Rizzo text Link to Nats WAR leaders Link to Nats prospect list Link to FG on the Nats Link to catcher stance data Link to Petriello on stances Link to Trueblood on stances Link to Trueblood on throwing Link to Swanson on EW Link to FG on the Yankees Link to BaseRuns standings Link to Kay kerfuffle 1 Link to Kay kerfuffle 2 Link to playoff odds changes Link to team pitching clutch Link to team pitching clutch Link to batter tOPS+ w/RISP Link to batter tOPS+ w/high lev Link to pitcher tOPS+ w/RISP Link to pitcher tOPS+ w/high lev Link to Kaline book Link to Scherzer on effort Link to Opta Pirates stat Link to Langs Pirates stat Link to Stark on shutouts Link to Mains on scoring Link to EW YouTube playlist  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Paul Skenes’s new interest, Clayton Kershaw and the evolution of 3,000-strikeout celebrations, and the deepening deadball era in Japan. After that (24:37), frequent Stat Blast Correspondent Ryan Nelson joins to discuss why there have been so many team shutouts this season and then deliver several Stat Blasts, followed (1:02:56) by postscript updates. Audio intro: Andy Ellison, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Hiles tweet Link to Reddit joke Link to pitcher run support Link to Kershaw’s 3000th K Link to FG post on Kershaw Link to Scherzer’s 3000th K Link to 3000th-K montage Link to 3000-K club wiki Link to Facebook post Link to 2025 Pacific League Link to 2025 Central League Link to team shutouts count Link to shutout-rate data Link to Posnanski on shutouts Link to BP on blowouts Link to 50-gun salute Link to SP matchups data Link to SP matchups leaders Link to homer-matching data Link to Roberts confession Link to FG Parker obit Link to Parker shirt info Link to Parker smoking photo Link to last-shutout data Link to most younger PA list Link to most younger BF list Link to Woo tweet Link to listener emails database Link to EW YouTube playlist Link to Pujols/Cabrera story Link to Boyd video Link to EW Episode 1735 Link to EW Episode 1736 Link to Independence Day post  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about how many members of the All-Star Celebrity Softball Game roster they have heard of, honorary all-stars, and velocity spikes preceding arm injuries, then discuss an investigation concerning possible pitch-fixing by Luis L. Ortiz, a federal civil rights complaint about the Dodgers’ DEI policies, and Rob Manfred’s pitch to players in advance of CBA discussions. Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Coachella formula Link to the “celebrities” Link to Simpsons clip Link to influencer fame data Link to MLBTR on honorary all-stars Link to Atlanta pitchers story Link to ESPN report on Ortiz Link to Trueblood pitch videos Link to Axios on Miller and L.A. Link to The Athletic on Miller Link to more on the complaint Link to 2023 MLB complaint Link to The Athletic on Manfred Link to more from The Athletic Link to the SBJ on Manfred Link to Sheehan on Manfred Link to MLBPA probe Link to fan ban Link to fan interview Link to MLFAD data Link to Waldron pitch usage  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the return of Richard Lovelady, the MLB season debut of knuckleballer Matt Waldron, the superlative Zack Wheeler, how other knuckleballers in baseball are faring, Rich Hill’s wait for a call-up, Shohei Ohtani vs. Vinnie Pasquantino, Jacob Misiorowski and the leaguewide rise in pitcher extension, James Wood’s four intentional walks in one game (and the Angels’ outlier IBB total), MLB’s strikeout plateau (or reversal), Luis Arraez’s pursuit of contact history, historic events involving Wilyer Abreu, Trevor Rogers, and Jack Leiter, a serial fan interferer, the biggest team attendance climbs and declines, and how MLB’s minor league parks have played. Audio intro: Philip Tapley and Michael Stokes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLBTR on Lovelady Link to uniforms changes Link to best pitchers in June Link to Posnanski on Wheeler Link to AARP patch Link to Pasquantino tweet Link to extension leaderboard Link to leaguewide extension Link to leaguewide four-seam extension Link to leaguewide four-seam velo Link to velo leaders Link to perceived velo leaders Link to extension mailbag Link to Ben on pitching distance Link to Whitley on Wood Link to Andrews on Wood Link to four-IBB club Link to 2025 team IBB Link to IBB difference spreadsheet Link to Bonds/Rays IBB post Link to Rays IBB Link to 2025 K%+ keaders Link to all-time K%+ spreadsheet Link to Dan S. on Arraez Link to Rob on strikeouts Link to MLB K rate by year Link to non-pitcher K rate by year Link to Abreu fun fact Link to Rogers/Leiter fun fact Link to Arizona fan story Link to Arizona fan story 2 Link to Arizona fan tweet Link to Hang Up episode Link to attendance changes Link to park factors Link to Severino story 1 Link to Severino story 2 Link to Manfred quotes Link to leaguewide TTO% Link to player TTO% Link to Marte update  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Kutter Crawford’s mysterious wrist accident, then discuss Wander Franco’s conviction (14:58) and Walker Monfort’s promotion (19:57) before checking in (33:36) on the players and teams on pace to overperform or underperform their preseason projections the most at the precise halfway point of the season. Finally (1:12:44), they answer listener emails about “secret teams” in MLB, throwback, quiet games at the ballpark, and Denzel Clarke. Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Audio outro: Cory Brent, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to WhatIfSports offer page Link to Crawford story 1 Link to Crawford story 2 Link to Sale accident Link to Barmes story 1 Link to Barmes story 2 Link to Kent story Link to injury cover-ups Link to Franco story 1 Link to Franco story 2 Link to Monfort story Link to halfway point Link to Rays playoffs story Link to projections comparison spreadsheet Link to preseason projections Link to on-pace projections Link to preseason playoff odds Link to listener emails database Link to Belanger club Link to most PA with low OPS+  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Dicky, er, Richard Lovelady’s short tenure with the Mets, round one of Paul Skenes vs. Jacob Misiorowski, the nature of modern pitcher’s duels, a Jacob-related fun fact, updates on Juan Soto and Jo Adell, revisiting childhood favorites through the lens of advanced stats, and public funding for the Diamondbacks, then (47:14) discuss fans crossing the line, player reprisals, and (1:08:07) Fernando Tatis Jr. suing Big League Advance. Audio intro: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Daniel Leckie, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLBTR on Lovelady Link to Dietrich call-up Link to Baumann on Skenes vs. Miz Link to Jake/Jacob fact Link to Opta interview Link to Miz fact Link to shutouts stat Link to Wilson Fortnite story Link to Diego Segui news Link to David’s PED admission Link to Diamondbacks funding story Link to Field of Schemes on Arizona Link to Marte story Link to Santana story 1 Link to Santana story 2 Link to Santana story 3 Link to Duran story Link to Hendriks story Link to MLB harassment story Link to NHL harassment story Link to Francisco story Link to Simpsons clip Link to AP on BLA Link to Calcaterra on BLA Link to BLA EW interview Link to FG post on BLA Link to Taylor play 1 Link to Taylor play 2 Link to Taylor play 3  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Richard Lovelady’s qualified embrace of the nickname “Dicky,” the return of players named “Otto” to the major leagues, Denzel Clarke’s increasingly extreme offense-defense divide, Cal Raleigh’s records (and MVP) pursuit, Bryan Woo as Seattle’s starting stalwart, the underrated Eugenio Suárez, Byron Buxton’s success, the loudness of Yankee Stadium (and MLB ballparks in general), Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s shoeless sprint, the Phillies’ tandem slide, the demotion of Francisco Alvarez, catcher offense, and the Rockies’ reported interest in rehiring Bud Black, plus (1:23:53) postscript updates. Audio intro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Harold Walker, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Lovelady article Link to Lovelady tweets Link to players named Otto Link to baby-name data Link to baby-name app Link to Otto popularity Link to FRV leaderboard Link to Langs on Cal’s pace Link to FG post on Cal Link to B-Ref on Woo Link to M’s WAR leaders Link to team SP WAR Link to team wRC+ Link to Players of the Week Link to Suárez tweet Link to Suárez career ranking Link to Buxton surgery article Link to Buxton recovery article Link to plica syndrome wiki Link to Jay on Yankee Stadium Link to Jazz article Link to Phillies slide article Link to Phillies slide GIF Link to Baumann comment Link to Major League clip Link to Phillies sprint speeds Link to Alvarez demotion article Link to MLBTR on Alvarez Link to catcher offense Link to shortstop offense Link to Nightengale report Link to Ben on ex-pitcher managers Link to MLBTR on Brebbia Link to team RP WAR Link to Asensio article Link to Myers play Link to Angels Stathead query Link to times on base wiki Link to Colvin post Link to Colvin article Link to Colvin video Link to NPR on broken bats Link to maple vs. ash article Link to Monrovians game info Link to Kilroy was here wiki Link to Sogard post Link to Ben on long PAs  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Tommy Kahnle’s postgame shaving ritual, Hunter Bigge’s close call and danger from foul balls, Padres vs. Dodgers as baseball’s best rivalry, and a lost opportunity for a Tarik Skubal vs. Paul Skenes matchup, then (58:23) answer listener emails about the most influential owner of the century, the definition of an inside pitch, full-count pickoff attempts with two outs, a possible sliding-mitt drawback, and real baseball with fantasy scoring. Audio intro: Ted O., “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to WhatIfSports offer page Link to “Tommy Can You Hear Me?” Link to new Kahnle article Link to tweet about Kahnle Link to 2023 Kahnle article Link to lowest pitcher ERAs Link to Emma tweet Link to Bigge article 1 Link to Bigge article 2 Link to on-deck-hitter fouls Link to Sam on helmets Link to Dodgers-Padres article 1 Link to Dodgers-Padres article 2 Link to Dodgers-Padres video Link to Ohtani video Link to Jazz article 1 Link to Jazz article 2 Link to Jazz article 3 Link to Jazz article 4 Link to staggered aces article 1 Link to staggered aces article 2 Link to staggered aces article 3 Link to Halvorsen throw Link to Volpe slide article Link to Volpe slide video Link to listener emails database  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a possible Rays franchise sale, the latest on Elly De La Cruz, Oneil Cruz, Sandy Alcantara, and Aaron Judge, Andrew Benintendi as the current face of replacement level, Nats manager Dave Martinez’s comments about coaches, and Clayton Kershaw’s cap on Pride Night. Then (56:10) Ben brings back former guest, podcast host, and major leaguer Ross Stripling for an exit interview about his big league career, covering his greatest regrets and accomplishments, his historic debut, the evolution of the league, his swingman exploits, his future, and much more, followed by (2:04:11) a postscript. Audio intro: Josh Busman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Audio outro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Pedantic)” Link to bold preseason predictions Link to MLBTR on the Rays sale Link to Sportico on the sale Link to Pope’s baseball cap Link to NYT on tax change Link to Hang Up on tax change Link to info on public land sales Link to Forbes franchise valuations Link to Sportico franchise valuations Link to Davy on Cruz Link to Judge slump stats Link to BP on Judge vs. Crochet Link to Posnanski on Judge vs. Crochet Link to Judge vs. Crochet video Link to 2023-25 hitter WAR Link to Tango on Bloomquist Link to Rockies HR record Link to Martinez quotes Link to Martinez video Link to later Martinez quotes Link to The Bandwagon on Martinez Link to Rizzo on Martinez Link to Kershaw cap story Link to Bible verse Link to 2023 Kershaw comments Link to AP on Supreme Court decision Link to NYT on the hotline Link to L.A. Times on Dodgers silence Link to Kiké Insta post Link to story on Lakers sale Link to EW Episode 859 Link to EW Episode 1397 Link to EW Episode 1997 Link to Stripling’s debut game Link to Stripling’s debut game video Link to swingman spreadsheet Link to Ross’s podcast Link to Ross’s “retirement” post Link to Adrian Peterson story Link to Stripling pitch usage Link to story on Stripling and data Link to Stripling’s salaries Link to Stripling vs. batters Link to Kiké crotch bump Link to Stripling’s sprint Link to Stripling on investing 1 Link to Stripling on investing 2 Link to Stripling on investing 3 Link to Stripling’s steal Link to AP story on hustle Link to Triple-A walk-off video Link to Triple-A walk-off details Link to Hill update Link to Trevor Project info Link to Trevor Project website  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley discuss the Rafael Devers trade in depth, covering why Boston made the move, the resulting fan frustration, and the Giants impact. Then (57:56) they cover bad news about Christian Montes De Oca, John Brebbia, and Johnny O’Brien before bantering about Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound, the Rays rotation, Charlie Morton’s turnaround, Patrick Corbin, why the Astros are still good, Aaron Boone, and tennis-style boundary reviews. Audio intro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Andy Ellison, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Ben L. on Devers Link to Ben C. on Devers Link to MLBTR on Devers Link to MLBTR on Devers fallout Link to other teams report Link to Mookie reaction Link to MLBTR on Van Belle Link to MLBTR on Montes De Oca Link to MLBTR on Brebbia Link to Brebbia on EW Link to EW Episode 1153 Link to Jeff on Johnny Link to Johnny obit Link to Ohtani article Link to Ohtani cleaning clips Link to Laurila on the Rays Link to team SP IP Link to Rangers IP Link to Morton splits Link to boundary call article Link to Pope tweet  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Tarik Skubal dialing down his top-end fastball (and dominating nonetheless), Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s self-described 70 percent effort level, Ronald Acuña Jr. hitting more and running less, whether the Blue Jays are getting what they wanted out of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the debut of Jacob Misiorowski, Aaron Civale’s trade request (and trade), whether it matters that the baseball is flying less far, and a correction about Barrys, plus listener emails (1:13:20) about guaranteed WAR in the amateur draft, whether Mike Trout will wind up being the best Mike, and what makes a play (or a player) impressive. Audio intro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Xavier LeBlanc, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to WhatIfSports offer page Link to Skubal’s fastest pitch Link to Skubal top speeds Link to Skubal stats Link to info on Misiorowski’s debut Link to The Miz wiki Link to marks vs. smarks Link to Clemens on Acuña Link to Acuña SB droughts Link to Acuña sprint speeds Link to best hitters Link to Jazz quotes Link to Ben and Jeff on percentages Link to pulldowns explainer Link to full-season best hitters Link to best hitters since 4/9 Link to pulled-air-ball rates Link to Vlad’s rates Link to The Athletic on the baseball Link to Savant drag page Link to Civale trade request Link to more on the request Link to MLBTR on the trade Link to team SP WAR Link to team SP projections Link to league wOBA/xwOBA Link to first overall picks Link to more on no. 1 picks Link to no. 1 pick WAR Link to more on no. 1 pick WAR Link to loss aversion wiki Link to B-Ref’s Skenes post Link to RoS ZiPS projections Link to 2026 ZiPS projections Link to 2027 ZiPS projections Link to Schmidt leaderboard Link to Barrys game Link to Muñoz cat photo Link to Muñoz cat story Link to Pillar catch Link to listener emails database  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about depictions of the pitch clock in popular media, how the lack of advancing visual fidelity in baseball broadcasts makes it harder to identify when clips come from (and other ways we might distinguish eras at a glance), Hunter Dobbins drama and why it’s harder than it used to be to fake a pro baseball career, a fan exchange program, and Jackson Jobe’s surgery (with a Jacksons update), plus Stat Blasts (1:16:57) about the longest team streaks of one-run outcomes, the ultimate vulture wins, game-winning RBI leaders, the longest-tenured lineups, and players who were overshadowed on the day they debuted. Audio intro: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Audio outro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to info on internet outages Link to “Hometown Hero” wiki Link to “Hometown Hero” IMDb Link to ESPN on pitch clock drama Link to edited Trout vs. Ohtani Link to Trueblood on catching Link to initial Dobbins story Link to Sherman report Link to Dobbins response Link to more on Dobbins response Link to third Dobbins response story Link to Lance B-Ref page Link to Griffey explanation Link to Vladito on the Yankees Link to Big South League Link to Mizuhara story Link to Eric Adams story Link to Hill opt-out story Link to Toys movie Link to aircraft carrier derby Link to fan exchange post Link to MLBTR on Jobe Link to The Athletic on Jobe Link to one-run-wins streak Link to one-run-outcomes streak Link to one-run-losses streak Link to Lee/Gipson-Long game Link to Foulke game 1 Link to Santana game Link to Law game Link to Harvey game Link to Wilshere game Link to Knowles game Link to Moore game Link to Cup of Coffee Link to @ScoringChanges tweet 1 Link to @ScoringChanges tweet 2 Link to @ScoringChanges tweet 3 Link to GWRBI wiki Link to ’80s Mets wins ranking Link to career GWRBI leaders Link to single-season GWRBI leaders Link to longest-tenured lineups Link to Van Belle call-up Link to overshadowed debuts sheet 1 Link to overshadowed debuts sheet 2 Link to two Barrys game  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about good news and bad news for Ben’s recent Meet a Major Leaguer subject Christian Montes De Oca, Craig Kimbrel’s short-lived return to Atlanta, the promotions of Roman Anthony and Jacob Misiorowski and a proposal for automatic call-ups, Denzel Clarke’s incredible catch and extreme stat line (and the nature of quantifying defense), Jhonkensy Noel’s offensive outage, two uncommon occurrences involving baseballs in strange places, Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s mic’ed-up error, Clayton Kershaw’s payback against the Cardinals, and (1:10:26) “Hometown Hero,” a baseball-themed episode of Poker Face. Audio intro: Garrett Krohn, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Alex Glossman and Ali Breneman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MaML episode Link to Montes De Oca debut Link to MLBTR on Montes De Oca Link to The Athletic on Kimbrel Link to BP on Kimbrel Link to MLBTR on Kimbrel Link to Orioles/Braves episode Link to O’s/Braves since 5/6 Link to Anthony homer Link to Misiorowski pitch Link to Clarke catch Link to Arneson posts Link to A’s sprint speed leaderboard Link to FRV leaderboard Link to Clarke on-pace projection Link to Sam on Clarke Link to 2015 Trout robbery Link to GMJ robbery Link to White robbery Link to JBJ robbery Link to Pillar robbery Link to Schanuel bat training Link to worst wRC+ ranking Link to Weathers story Link to Weathers clip Link to fan-thrown-ball story Link to fan-thrown-ball clip Link to Jazz error Link to Ben on in-game interviews Link to Kershaw story Link to Kershaw clip Link to Kershaw velo Link to Panthers/Oilers fights Link to Bing Bong explainer Link to Hang Up and Listen Link to recent reinstatements Link to “Hometown Hero” wiki Link to “Hometown Hero” IMDb  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Spencer Strider’s concerning performance, how he and Sandy Alcantara remind us that comebacks from elbow surgery aren’t automatic, and whether things are looking up for the White Sox on and off the field. Then (32:23) they bring on top-tier Patreon supporter John Thomas to banter about his background as an EW listener and baseball fan, answer listener emails (42:34) about the future of baseball’s historic cathedrals, whether sabermetrics inevitably promotes efficiency and specialization, whether Mariano Rivera delayed the reimagining of bullpen roles, the evolution (or devolution) of framing, and a rotation of Paul Skenes clones, and then Stat Blast (1:38:33) about the Rockies and the best-ever infield defenses, Devin Williams and the worst holds, and notable matchups between minor leaguers and rehabbing big leaguers. Audio intro: Xavier LeBlanc, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Jimmy Kramer, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Philip Tapley and Michael Stokes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to WhatIfSports offer page Link to Davy on Strider Link to TJ return study Link to White Sox TV info Link to MLBTR on Ishbia Link to Ishbia wiki Link to story on Ishbia’s home Link to story on the Suns Link to Ishbia letter Link to Sheehan on the Sox Link to Vargas leaderboard Link to team SP WAR Link to Veres on the Rockies Link to Dubuque article Link to Scout School series intro Link to Scout School series conclusion Link to Ben on no-hitter defense Link to Ben’s gaming pod Link to John Thomas slang Link to Russell on shortening up Link to article on historical TTOP Link to Rob on TTOP over time Link to Molina framing montage Link to Ben on framing in 2013 Link to Ben on framing technique Link to Skenes TTOP splits Link to Russell on SP handedness Link to Ben on SP playoff familiarity Link to Ben on RP playoff familiarity Link to Monfort on defense Link to all-time infield defense Link to 2025 infield defense Link to infielder definition Link to infield definition Link to rulebook on infielders Link to Ben on Piazza Link to hold definition Link to Williams game Link to worst 2025 holds by WPA Link to McDaniels game Link to worst-ever holds by WPA Link to Cascarella game Link to worst 2025 holds by RE24 Link to Maton game Link to worst-ever holds by RE24 Link to Cox game Link to Kershaw game story Link to Kershaw box score Link to Reds prospect list Link to rehabbing pitchers sheet Link to rehabbing batters sheet Link to Ryan Nelson Link to Robert Au Link to listener emails database Link to Excellius Link to La Colaborativa Link to Dotson/Farrell article Link to SNL Goulet clip  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Pete Alonso’s performance since they marveled at his hot start, the return of Craig Kimbrel, Max Muncy’s tale of two seasons, how hitters fare after LASIK, the Mets’ “secret sauce” against Shohei Ohtani, whether the Dodgers’ injury woes will hurt their capacity to recruit pitchers, Brandon Pfaadt’s “yes hitter,” the latest step toward the challenge system, Eric Anthony’s dad discovery and nature and nurture in player development, the underrated Willie Davis and Reggie Smith, and more, plus a combined Meet a Major Leaguer/Stat Blast segment (1:19:39) on Nic Enright and Christian Montes De Oca (and the rule-altering signing of the 13-year-old Jimy Kelly). Audio intro: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to previous Pete banter Link to Pete before Link to Pete after Link to Muncy before Link to Muncy after Link to Muncy article Link to MLB LASIK study Link to secret sauce article Link to Spahn quote Link to Cup of Coffee Link to FG on Casparius Link to “yes hitter” post Link to “yes hitter” Stathead Link to Ben on no-hitters 1 Link to Ben on no-hitters 2 Link to challenge system news Link to Anthony and Davis story Link to B-Ref new debuts Link to The Athletic on Enright Link to Guardians prospects list Link to phantom player wiki Link to 1972 scouting article Link to Montes de Oca wiki Link to Montes de Oca name Link to Diamondbacks prospects Link to MDO article 1 Link to MDO article 2 Link to MDO article 3 Link to MDO article 4 Link to Kelly at B-Ref Link to MiLB.com on Kelly Link to SI on Kelly Link to EW Stanky draft Link to Mexican League article Link to Koo video Link to Bois on Koo Link to Kenny Jackelen Link to player signings spreadsheet  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Taylor Walls fulfilling a preseason podcast prediction by being ejected after tapping his helmet following a questionable call (and the many notifications Ben and Meg received from EW listeners), Luke Weaver’s stretching injury, the Rockies’ purported improvement, the decline of the closer as bullpen protagonist, a miraculous softball-delivery dirt clod, an unfortunate instance of replay review, the LSU Shreveport Pilots’ undefeated college season, Jac Caglianone’s call-up, Corbin Burnes’s bum elbow, Mookie Betts’s improved defense, the death of Japanese baseball legend Shigeo Nagashima, and more. Audio intro: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ted O., “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Walls story Link to Reddit comments Link to @EWStats ruling Link to Walls and Trump Link to Walls and DeSantis Link to Revere ride info Link to Weaver stretching story Link to Dan S. on Weaver Link to carrots myth Link to Rockies quotes Link to Rockies 10-day offense Link to Rockies 10-day pitching Link to Denver Post story Link to The Athletic on Kenley Link to Ben on saves Link to Ben on SP protagonists Link to softball clip Link to softball story Link to Ben on Capps Link to Springer clip Link to Springer story Link to Dave on slides 1 Link to Dave on slides 2 Link to Shreveport story Link to Wake Forest story Link to Hill Triple-A game Link to MLBTR on Burnes Link to CBS on Mookie Link to Ohtani Nagashima post Link to Nagashima obit Link to Whiting quote Link to Nagashima NPB Stats page Link to Oh NPB Stats page  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the most exciting prospects who haven’t yet made the majors but should soon (including Jac Caglianone, Roman Anthony, Bubba Chandler, and Andrew Painter), the struggles of once-ballyhooed trade targets Sandy Alcantara and Luis Robert Jr., the recent rebounds of Emmanuel Clase and Devin Williams, the returns of Mike Trout, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Spencer Strider, the differing trajectories of former Reds relievers Fernando Cruz and Alexis Díaz, the surprisingly successful and homegrown Yankees, the looming specter of Craig Kimbrel, watching Paul Skenes, what baseball would be like with man defense, not zone, and teams whose playoff odds have increased or decreased the most in the season’s first two months. Audio intro: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ian Phillips, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to WhatIfSports offer page Link to Passan on prospects Link to MLBTR on Caglianone Link to MiLB leaderboard Link to FG prospect rankings Link to Pipeline rankings Link to team OF WAR Link to FG Royals prospects Link to Dan S. on Jac Link to BaseRuns standings Link to team SP WAR Link to SB leaders Link to team wRC+ Link to FIP since 4/26 Link to MLBTR on Jobe Link to MLBTR on Díaz Link to ERA-FIP gap Link to Kimbrel contract info Link to Tobias clip Link to playoff odds changes Link to Contreras article 1 Link to Contreras article 2 Link to Maldonado article  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Rockies’ historic series losing streak and their rest-of-season projections, an Orioles fan’s decision to get the name of Trevor Rogers tattooed on his butt, a Patrick Corbin innings-eating update, draft prospect Jace LaViolette’s dedication to staying in the lineup, the late-career struggles of Clayton Kershaw, Justin Verlander, and Max Scherzer, the Yankees’ shame about their rings commemorating their 2024 pennant, and more. Audio intro: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Rockies stat Link to Opta interview Link to Kamka tweet Link to BaseRuns standings Link to FG playoff odds Link to ESPN SoS Link to Baltimore Banner article Link to Rogers tweet Link to Kjerstad tweet Link to best Orioles starts Link to Rangers IP leaders Link to LaViolette article 1 Link to LaViolette article 2 Link to LaViolette article 3 Link to LaViolette homers Link to Kershaw article 1 Link to Kershaw article 2 Link to Yankees rings article  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the new hardest-hit ball of the Statcast era, exit speeds across eras, Oneil Cruz vs. Elly De La Cruz, whether Tarik Skubal has gotten too good, Aaron Judge not feeling great at the plate, whether Rockies fans should boycott the team, how the (first) Juan Soto trade is working out for the Nationals, a Clay Holmes rotation conversion progress report, Jake Burger’s minor league reset, a threat to Shea Langeliers’ A’s sprint speed lead, a dominant DH in Division III, and a new show trying to claim the podcast’s corner. Audio intro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Horny)” Audio outro: Tom Rhoads, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Cruz homer Link to 120+ mph balls Link to Clemens on Skubal Link to Cooper stat Link to Passan Skubal tweet Link to ESPN on Skubal Link to Skubal splits Link to Misiorowski story Link to Misiorowski clip Link to Misiorowski video Link to new Judge quotes Link to 2024 Judge quote 1 Link to 2024 Judge quote 2 Link to Kyle Clark commentary Link to year-over-year attendance Link to Nats prospects Link to Nats WAR leaders Link to Rule of 17 explainer Link to Burger game log Link to MLB.com on Burger Link to A’s speed leaders Link to A’s prospects post Link to A’s shakeup article Link to CBS Mazzone post Link to Mazzone player page Link to Mazzone at TBC Link to Mazzone article Link to clip of the other EW Link to Brault wiki Link to Brault on EW Link to Simpsons clip  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Rockies being so bad that mostly innocuous stories about them now seem like examples of organizational incompetence, a wild loss by a Rockies affiliate, and why recent terrible teams have been so bad, then (36:56) answer listener emails about catchers framing poorly on purpose, penalizing hitters when their bats make contact with catchers, whether the draft should be helping the worst teams more, and a potential sac-fly tactic in a walk-off situation, plus a Stat Blast (1:17:59) about runners making up for bad baserunning plays, pinch running too late, failed team attempts to reach .500 for the first time, and a piece of baseball wall art, followed (1:43:28) by postscript updates. Audio intro: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Kite Person, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to WhatIfSports offer page Link to worst 50-game starts Link to Dollander call-up story Link to Dollander IL stint Link to Gelb tweet Link to Soto story Link to lawsuit story Link to “the baseball rule” Link to @ScoringChanges tweet Link to walk-off story 1 Link to walk-off story 2 Link to Aces call Link to box score Link to PCL standings Link to Kirk/Bassitt story Link to Stick It wiki Link to strikes called balls Link to balls called strikes Link to FG post on Wilson Link to pinch-runners spreadsheet Link to Grichuk walk-off video Link to baseball wall art Link to FARTSLAM post 1 Link to FARTSLAM post 2 Link to listener emails database Link to MiLB FAD tracking Link to Hanel’s predictions post Link to Stranger Things Night Link to Victoria Day wiki Link to Victoria Day Jays post  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Rich Hill’s latest perfect game bid, whether the Tigers are as good as they’ve looked, Jared Jones’ elbow surgery and the Pirates’ offensive outage, Paul Skenes and whether lower arm slots will protect pitchers’ arms, Pete Crow-Armstrong and the players who’ve ascended to “main character” status this season, and more listener suggestions for what to call tandem home run robberies and homers that clear the fence due to defensive miscues. Audio intro: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to latest Hill game Link to Hill footage Link to 2016 Hill game Link to Hill on EW Link to BaseRuns standings Link to Sheehan on Detroit Link to projected RoS SP WAR Link to Jones note Link to Passan on Skenes Link to Heyman on Skenes Link to Skenes slot video Link to Pirates unfun fact Link to team offense since 4/23 Link to VAA explainer Link to arm-slot injury study Link to Russell on n=1 Link to The Bandwagon on Brown Link to last-year pitcher WAR Link to BP on Brown Link to 2025 EW bold predictions Link to 2025 FG bold predictions Link to combined WAR leaderboard Link to chase rate leaderboard Link to story on PCA moving back Link to PCA on his mom Link to The Bandwagon on main characters Link to free month of The Bandwagon Link to Paine on the Cardinals Link to Passan on the Cardinals Link to team defense leaderboard Link to Meg on farting Link to Carpenter retirement Link to Carpenter leaderboard 1 Link to Carpenter leaderboard 2  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Elly De La Cruz’s unspectacular start to the season, the firing of Brandon Hyde and what it would take for them to blame a manager for a team’s disappointing season, the hubbub about Juan Soto’s hustle, MLB’s announcement about Rivalry Weekend’s success, Kyle Schwarber and the lineage of non-Hall-of-Fame hitters who’ve appeared to have a chance at “magic number” milestones, MLB’s attempt to define the swing, the overwhelming array of Statcast stats, the latest call for Shohei Ohtani to specialize, and more. Audio intro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes 2, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to FG on the O’s Link to FG playoff odds Link to BaseRuns standings Link to Girardi firing article Link to ESPN on Valentine Link to FG on the Twins Link to Soto flight confusion Link to Ben on Jeter vs. Cano Link to Soto in-game interview info Link to Ben on in-game interviews Link to Soto plays Link to Mendoza quote Link to MLB press release Link to Vedder Cup story Link to Schwarber HR stat Link to Stathead query Link to most HR since 2022 Link to swings article 1 Link to swings article 2 Link to new Savant leaderboard Link to article on new metrics Link to FG on Royals pitching Link to Ohtani strikeout Link to Pereda ball Link to Ohtani article Link to Sam on Ohtani  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about listener suggestions for terms for tandem home run robberies (and the opposite of home run robberies), whether it’s so O’sver in Baltimore, Jacob deGrom succeeding despite slightly less dominant stuff, and the realness of the rivalries in MLB’s inaugural “Rivalry Weekend,” then (48:46) answer listener emails about awarding hit by pitches based on location, not contact, which player actually “starts the scoring,” whether defenders should save the ball from their first putout, a pitcher hitting month, and pantsless mascots, plus a postscript (1:38:32) on Ayami Sato, the first woman to play pro baseball in Canada. Audio intro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to WhatIfSports offer page Link to team wRC+ w/RISP Link to team batting Clutch Link to team wOBA-xwOBA Link to FG playoff odds Link to BaseRuns records Link to MLBTR on the O’s Link to deGrom FG post Link to Rivalry Weekend info Link to Vedder Cup story Link to Sam on the no-go zone Link to Rob Arthur on HBPs Link to Billy the Marlin pics Link to Billy video Link to Grant on mascots Link to listener emails database Link to Hang Up and Listen  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Julio Rodríguez gifting a homer and then taking one away, two Red Sox outfielders teaming up to make a catch, home-run-robbery terminology, Conor Jackson and remembering some guys who were good for your fantasy team, pouring one out for the Austin Barnes Dodgers era, lopsided scores, and the A’s, then (55:30) discuss Pete Rose’s reinstatement from the permanently ineligible list: why it happened, what it means, and what’s next. Audio intro: Kite Person, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Andy Ellison, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Julio gift Link to Julio robbery Link to Sox catch Link to The Bandwagon on the catch Link to Office Space clip Link to Patrick on lopsided scores Link to EW bold predictions Link to BaseRuns standings Link to A’s sprint speeds Link to Ben on Rose’s reinstatement Link to Ben’s Rose obit Link to Jay on Rose Link to Wetzel on Rose  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about an expert’s stance on stretching, whether the White Sox were the funniest team for the new Pope to support, what Paul Skenes signing up for the WBC signifies, an optimistic take on the odds of a lost season, Bud Black’s firing and the dreaded “vote of confidence,” Roki Sasaki’s struggles, a petty Shohei Ohtani, how opposing teams have handled Aaron Judge, a Javier Báez rebound, sliding mitts as fashion accessories, a real-time reaction to a Rich Hill signing, and more, plus (1:36:48) updates and a preliminary postscript on Pete Rose’s reinstatement from the ineligible list. Audio intro: Ian Phillips, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Alex Glossman and Ali Breneman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to NYT on stretching Link to trigger point info Link to end range of motion Link to NYT on Baseball Pope Link to Phillips on the Pope Link to 2005 Pope video Link to 2006 Trump photo Link to papal infallibility wiki Link to JLD on the Rizzler Link to Keke Palmer meme Link to Skenes WBC story Link to Hannah on Skenes Link to The Bandwagon entry Link to Bud Black quotes Link to Pirates Shelton statement Link to MLB.com on Sasaki Link to pitcher zone rate leaders Link to pitcher contact rate leaders Link to Sasaki IL news Link to latest on Kershaw Link to Ohtani video Link to Ohtani story Link to Hannah on Skenes Link to hitter zone rate leaders Link to Clemens on walking Judge Link to defense vs. Judge Link to Jay on Aranda Link to Jay on Báez Link to sliding mitts story Link to MLBTR on Hill Link to FG SP WAR Link to FG SP projections Link to Rose news Link to 2015 Jackson story Link to Thorn in 2016 Link to Thorn in 2019 Link to 2020 ESPN report Link to March ESPN report Link to April ESPN report Link to calling Trump report Link to MLB ban wiki Link to Ben’s Rose obit Link to Rose death reactions Link to Rose ban text Link to Jackson details  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Ben Clemens of FanGraphs banter about the latest positional drama regarding Rafael Devers, then discuss whether and why pitchers leaguewide are Yu Darvish-ing and Tyler Holton-ing—that is, throwing more pitch types, and varying their pitch types more based on batter handedness—before answering listener emails about home strike zones and combining bad teams to make a good team. Then (44:42) Ben continues the “baseball jobs” series by bringing on Adam Auer, major league dietician for the Brewers and former minor and major league strength and conditioning coach, to talk about how teams are improving player performance through nutrition, exercise, and recovery, followed (1:41:49) by Emory Brinkman, senior editor for Stats Perform, who discusses generating viral fun facts, parsing statistical qualifiers, and data-wrangling. Audio intro: Daniel Leckie, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Pedantic)” Audio interstitial 2: Philip Tapley and Michael Stokes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to WhatIfSports offer page Link to MLBTR on Devers Link to Ben on adaptation score Link to adaptation score sequel Link to BP on Holton Link to BP on Brown Link to Ben L. on Rays changeups Link to 2008 SP pitch usage Link to 2024 SP pitch usage Link to Ben on the Orioyals Link to Adam on LinkedIn Link to MLB dietician origins Link to Adam’s hiring Link to Minasian comments Link to Emory on LinkedIn Link to Stats Perform Link to Schneemann fact Link to Alonso fact Link to Carpenter fact Link to Ohtani fact Link to unremarkable day fact Link to shutouts fact Link to Ohtani fact 2 Link to BWJ fact Link to Young graphic Link to @OptaJoe Link to deGrom post Link to Pirates statement Link to Freeland comments  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

It’s a baseball-book bonanza! Ben Lindbergh rounds up the authors of three new baseball books for conversations about their work and our relationships with the past. First he talks to John W. Miller about his biography of Earl Weaver, The Last Manager, Weaver’s wiring and sabermetric intuition, and the diminished role and reputation of managers. Then (48:16) he brings on Will Bardenwerper to discuss his book, Homestand, the contraction of the minor leagues, and baseball as a social bond. Finally (1:29:52), Jacob McArthur Mooney joins to explore his new novel, the Northern, the baseball card wars, and road/coming-of-age stories. Audio intro: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Harold Walker, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to 2022 books episode Link to Pope article 1 Link to Pope article 2 Link to The Last Manager Link to Weaver on Strategy article Link to SABR on manager nicknames Link to Thompson nicknames Link to MLBTR on Shelton Link to Muckdogs video Link to Homestand Link to Meg on MiLB contraction Link to Batavia wiki Link to New York–Penn League wiki Link to Muckdogs wiki Link to Stompers wiki Link to Mint Condition Link to The Northern Link to Canadian Minor League Baseball Link to The Cactus League interview Link to “2319” scene Link to MLBTR on Castillo  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh brings on Brandon Uffner, an Orioles and Braves fan, to talk about his two teams’ slow starts to the season, his prescription for fixing them, how he came to root for them, managing his competing loyalties, and more. Then (36:01) he talks to Austin, a White Sox and Rockies fan, about both of his teams bottoming out and how that has or hasn’t affected his appetite for baseball. Finally, (1:04:59), Frequent Stat Blast Correspondent Ryan Nelson joins to deliver several Stat Blasts. Audio intro: Jimmy Kramer, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Kite Person, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Josh Busman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to playoff odds changes Link to BaseRuns standings Link to Laurila on walk-off groundouts Link to walk-off out 1 Link to walk-off out 2 Link to walk-off out 3 Link to Mets streak tweet Link to rule 34 wiki Link to catching mask trick Link to lone pitcher example Link to new-name data Link to listener emails database  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Mike Trout’s latest injury, Pete Alonso’s renaissance, a Daulton Varsho recovery catch, Andrés Muñoz the cat guy, and the called strike zone (sort of) shrinking. Then (40:49) they bring on top-tier Patreon supporter Carson Otter to talk about his background with baseball and the podcast, share his baseball-related work experience, and answer listener emails about home teams hiring umpires, the one Statcast stat about Babe Ruth they would want, and a way to extend a consecutive-games-played streak without playing. Audio intro: Cory Brent, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to WhatIfSports offer page Link to Ella Black series Link to Ella Black event details Link to Jay on Trout Link to Blum on Trout Link to Trout wOBA-xwOBA Link to Trout hypotheticals Link to The Athletic on Alonso Link to Varsho play Link to Varsho quote Link to Muñoz story Link to recent pets study Link to The Athletic on the zone Link to postseason HFA Link to umpiring history Link to EBUG history Link to Ottavino on Ruth Link to Ben on caliber of play Link to Ripken injury info Link to listener emails database Link to Homestand Link to “Wake up babe” meme  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the unexpected power of Meg’s Mariners (and Jorge Polanco, specifically), in contrast to the Rangers’ unexpectedly light-hitting lineup. They also discuss a Jackson Chourio comment about Julio Rodríguez, the long-awaited comeback of Lance McCullers Jr. and the thus-far-deflating comeback of Sandy Alcantara, the literally diminished Mookie Betts, Jose Altuve’s self-knowledge, a Rockies theory, and the existence of Maverick Handley. Then (38:11) Meg gives Ben some alone time with Tigers reliever John Brebbia, who talks about iPhones vs. Androids, social media, the prospect of becoming Ben’s friend, indy ball, beards, spreadsheets, pitching for the 2024 White Sox, going from worst-to-first in the AL Central, being the new guy in a tightly bonded bullpen, pitch-calling, adapting, Brebbia’s alma mater as a pitching powerhouse, whether baseball players (other than Brebbia) are funny, his post-playing future, a potential new nickname, and more, plus a postscript (1:49:21). Audio intro: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Xavier LeBlanc, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Ella Black series Link to Ella Black event details Link to Dodgers bidets article Link to FG post on Polanco Link to Chourio video Link to Mookie’s Savant page Link to Altuve story Link to Ben on MLB talent level Link to Tigers Brebbia video Link to first EW Brebbia banter Link to second EW on Brebbia Link to Step Brothers scene Link to collected Brebbia clips Link to Players’ Weekend video Link to Brebbia pitch-type splits Link to Brebbia’s Wikipedia page Link to Elon major leaguers Link to Bunny Hearn info Link to TLOU scene  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Roki Sasaki and the Dodgers’ bidets, baseball in The Last of Us, The Simpsons, and the (future) work of Lin-Manuel Miranda, walk-off groundouts, two possibly botched calls, Jesús Luzardo and how skilled teams are at evaluating medicals, a four-homer effort in a loss, the unexpectedly exciting NL West race, and Rob Manfred and Pete Rose, plus follow-ups on towering bat flips, players kissing, unequal leg lengths, and more. Audio intro: Alex Glossman and Ali Breneman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Ella Black series Link to Ella Black event details Link to Dodgers bidets article Link to Ben’s bidet article Link to Greinke quote Link to Sam on TLOU Link to 2003 Tigers on TLOU Link to 2003 Tigers in Doctor Strange Link to Simpsons episode Link to Lin-Manuel story 1 Link to Lin-Manuel story 2 Link to Laurila on ground-offs Link to Judge non-HR Link to triple play Link to triple play story Link to Luzardo story Link to BaseRuns standings Link to Jay on the four-homer game Link to Rangers-Giants walk-off play Link to Contreras flip Link to Twins Insta post Link to one Correa kiss Link to latest Correa kiss Link to Dodgers depth chart Link to Manfred comments  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a new contender for the highest bat flip, meet major leaguers (14:28) Ryan Johnson and Alan Roden, and (48:35) answer listener emails about how different baseball would be if losses were free for fans and wins cost extra, whether the Rockies will finish in first before the Dodgers finish in last, whether umpires would stand somewhere else in a full-ABS situation, the record for career games pitched without a decision, catcher’s gear designed for a one-knee-down stance, why more Japanese catchers haven’t joined MLB, and more. Audio intro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to WhatIfSports (coupon code “EFFECTIVELYWILD”) Link to Ella Black series Link to Ella Black event details Link to Lugo bat flip Link to Caminero bat flip Link to Caminero article Link to tallest buildings wiki Link to Meet a Major Leaguer Link to Angels prospect list Link to Blum on Johnson 1 Link to Blum on Johnson 2 Link to Johnson pitch face Link to Ben on DBU Link to Blue Jays prospect list Link to MLB.com on Roden Link to Sportsnet on Roden Link to Laurila on Roden 1 Link to Laurila on Roden 2 Link to BA on Roden Link to Brian May wiki Link to The Bachelor Australia wiki Link to Ben on international Bachelor Link to Quasar wiki Link to Sagittarius A* wiki Link to B-Ref new debuts Link to Dan S. on Rockies vs. Sox Link to relocated ump image Link to career G w/o decision Link to single-season G w/o decision Link to consecutive G w/o decision Link to G w/o decision to start career Link to Díaz legs quote Link to tall-catchers episode Link to Opening Day catcher video Link to catcher gear 1 Link to catcher gear 2 Link to catcher gear 3 Link to Opening Day catcher video Link to short catchers Link to Allen on NPB catchers Link to 2009 Johjima story Link to FG NPB data Link to Mori’s player page Link to listener emails database Link to Andy’s angles sketch  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about old-pitcher comebacks (or dropoffs), James Wood’s inefficient excellence, Aaron Judge’s potentially unparalleled peak, whether pitching to contact pays, a possible Paul Skenes change, a base-stealing update, private equity’s MLB plans, and Rob Manfred’s feelings on fandom. Audio intro: Tom Rhoads, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Ella Black series Link to Ella Black event details Link to MLBTR on Hill Link to MLBTR on Chavez Link to team SP WAR Link to projected SP WAR Link to MLB.com on Wood Link to pulled air balls Link to Wood’s Savant page Link to Jay on Judge Link to The Bandwagon on Judge Link to strikeouts study Link to Sam on Skenes Link to Skenes max velos Link to Clemens on steals Link to CNBC salary cap piece Link to CNBC private equity piece Link to latest Manfred comment Link to earlier Manfred comment Link to BP on Manfred and fandom Link to cricket popularity piece Link to Rogers statue story Link to Curse of the Colonel  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about EW’s Ella Black series and catch up on topics they missed during the week away from regular episodes, including: some struggling teams (including the Orioles and Braves), Cal Raleigh’s (and David Rubenstein’s) bobbleheads, an Atlanta kerfuffle involving Brian Snitker, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Jarred Kelenic, recent pitcher injuries, Pete Alonso’s slugging and running, Juan Soto’s lineup protection, a Dodgers trade rumor, hitters tapping their helmets, Mike Trout’s fan-interference epiphany and odd batting line, Patrick Corbin’s venomous encounter, MLB’s approach to Jackie Robinson Day, Aaron Judge’s WBC captaincy, a talent differential between leagues, and more, plus Shohei Ohtani the dad, the Comerica keyhole, and other postscript updates. Audio intro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Ella Black series Link to Ella Black event details Link to Hoffman report Link to Elias quote Link to playoff odds changes Link to bobbleheads database Link to Raleigh bobblehead Link to tweet about Diaz Link to Elias quote Link to Snitker article Link to MLBTR on Steele Link to Strider story Link to McKenzie story Link to 2024 Cortes story Link to Cortes update Link to MLBTR on Siri Link to Soto on lineup protection Link to FG on Soto’s comments Link to Alonso running Link to Roberts rumor Link to Bohm helmet tap Link to Lee exchange article Link to Trout on fan interference Link to Corbin news Link to latest Jackie release Link to Jackie language changes Link to Jackie language story Link to Trump/Manfred story Link to Judge/WBC story Link to Olney leagues tweet Link to AL logo Link to NL logo Link to Ohtani birth announcement Link to Ward call-up Link to Canadiens story Link to “burn the ships” wiki Link to keyhole story Link to The Clubhouse precedents  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ella Black was the first woman to write about baseball for a national publication—if her name was Ella Black, and if she was a woman. On Ella Black: Lost and Found, a three-part scripted series from Effectively Wild, Ben Lindbergh explores what we know about the enigmatic trailblazer and tries to solve some of the mysteries that have surrounded her ever since she debuted—and, just as suddenly, disappeared—in 1890. On Part 3, “Ella’s Legacy,” Ben reveals what he’s learned (and what we may never know) about Ella, connects her story to today, and pays his respects in person. Only a Woman: Ella Black, Lost and Found Part 1-Ella's LegendPart 2-Ella's SeasonPart 3-Ella's Legacy Link to Ella’s writing Link to Ella timeline Link to info on Ella’s family Link to info on the Pinkertons Link to headstone photo Link to gravesite photo Link to family photos Link to possible Ella photo Link to Nancy/possible Ella photo Link to Ella’s signature Link to voice cast Link to guest list Link to period music Link to pianist’s website Link to “The Journalist” poem Link to “Only a Newspaper” excerpt  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ella Black was the first woman to write about baseball for a national publication—if her name was Ella Black, and if she was a woman. On Ella Black: Lost and Found, a three-part scripted series from Effectively Wild, Ben Lindbergh explores what we know about the enigmatic trailblazer and tries to solve some of the mysteries that have surrounded her ever since she debuted—and, just as suddenly, disappeared—in 1890. On Part 2, “Ella’s Season,” Ben chronicles Ella’s coverage of baseball’s civil war, explores her own disputes with skeptics, and explains how both conflicts ended. Only a Woman: Ella Black, Lost and Found Part 1-Ella's LegendPart 2-Ella's SeasonPart 3-Ella's Legacy  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ella Black was the first woman to write about baseball for a national publication—if her name was Ella Black, and if she was a woman. On Ella Black: Lost and Found, a three-part scripted series from Effectively Wild, Ben Lindbergh explores what we know about the enigmatic trailblazer and tries to solve some of the mysteries that have surrounded her ever since she debuted—and, just as suddenly, disappeared—in 1890. On Part 1, “Ella’s Legend,” Ben introduces Ella, explains the circumstances that made her so extraordinary, and sets up the stakes of the 1890 baseball civil war. Only a Woman: Ella Black, Lost and Found Part 1-Ella's LegendPart 2-Ella's SeasonPart 3-Ella's Legacy  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the acceptable circumstances (if any) for a bobblehead of a team owner, the Grand Junction Jackalopes belatedly embracing their destiny as the “Chubs,” and more, then (29:35) review and discuss the Netflix documentary The Clubhouse: A Year with the Red Sox, followed by a tease for an upcoming Effectively Wild scripted series and (1:26:37) follow-ups. Audio intro: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Horny)” Link to Orioles bobblehead Link to O’s promotions page Link to Rubenstein wiki Link to Rubenstein video Link to Chubs story 1 Link to Chubs story 2 Link to Chubs story 3 Link to EW Episode 1396 Link to Jackalopes wiki Link to Spartanburgers wiki Link to Spartanburg wiki Link to Netflix doc Link to Cora quote Link to budget issues Link to Duran story 1 Link to Duran story 2 Link to Casas clip Link to 2024 Sox playoff odds Link to Ripperger scorecoard Link to Hammerheads gamer Link to Hammerheads box score Link to Tavares taxes story Link to Paris box position Link to Paris side view Link to Mahomes pants story Link to extension deadlines list Link to The Pitt thread Link to Wade/Ward wiki Link to EW Episode 1890  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s big bonus, Edmundo Sosa’s beginner’s home run robbery, how much of a difference depth makes, and the relative levels of alarm about the shoulder injuries of Reynaldo López, Victor Robles, and Blake Snell. Then (49:14) they talk to MLB.com’s Michael Clair about what it was like to attend the amateur baseball event of the year: the Division III showdown between Yeshiva and Lehman, who entered their Wednesday doubleheader on the two longest active losing streaks in college baseball. Audio intro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Rosenthal on Vlad Link to Sosa play Link to Clemens on depth Link to Clemens on depth on EW Link to MLBTR on López Link to team SP projections Link to MLBTR on Snell Link to MLBTR on Robles Link to Petriello on Robles Link to Robles batting change Link to Michael on the game Link to original Reddit post Link to postgame Reddit post Link to Caltech story Link to Yeshiva team stats Link to Yeshiva vs. Lehman stats Link to Game 2 video Link to Ben on Salina Link to Michael’s manuscript Link to Michael on the Czech team  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about umpires’ surprising preference for full ABS, Rob Manfred’s take on torpedo bats, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s $500 million extension, players’ frugal behaviors, precedents for Dennis Santana’s short pants, the Giants’ new City Connect jerseys, and (1:14:31) the Dodgers’ White House trip. Audio intro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Pedantic)” Audio outro: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Manfred interview Link to Baumann on Vlad Link to MLBTR on Vlad Link to post-Vlad FA class Link to Rogers spending info Link to cheap players article Link to Ben on paywalls Link to Hannah on Skenes Link to cut Skenes quote Link to Pence on pants Link to Pence pants video Link to Pence pants comments Link to Odor pants video Link to Rangers pants video Link to Rangers pants blog Link to more pants photos Link to Giants jerseys Link to Roberts on White House Link to Mookie on White House Link to White House visit  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

In a grab-bag episode, Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the low league BABIP early in the season, the most interesting standings developments so far (with emphases on the Dodgers, Padres, Braves, and AL Central), Atlanta re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-acquiring Jesse Chavez, early attendance issues for the A’s, (team-friendly?) extensions for Jackson Merrill, Kristian Campbell, and Ketel Marte, Dennis Santana’s sartorial innovation, the end of Comerica Park’s dirt strip, players being told not to tap their helmets, a mid-plate-appearance pitching change, a 12-6 slider, the Dodgers’ new, Ohtani-related celebration, ESPN’s annual executives/scouts survey, being “on gear” in climbing, and Carshield baseball ads. Audio intro: Andy Ellison, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to early season BABIPs Link to Ben on 2020 BABIP Link to Ben on lower league BABIPs Link to playoff odds changes Link to Baumann on the Braves Link to Chavez transactions page Link to Hill Stat Blast Link to Chavez Stat Blast Link to Clemens on Mookie Link to 2002 NL East Link to Castillo fun fact Link to FG on Merrill Link to Union-Tribune on Merrill Link to FG on Campbell Link to Campbell on “friends” Link to FG on Marte Link to The Bandwagon on Marte Link to MLBTR on Marte Link to A’s attendance article Link to ESPN survey Link to Goold tweet Link to EW on “strategy” in 2024 Link to Ben on “strategy” Link to Harper quote Link to EW on The Pitt Link to new 12-6 slider Link to Santana clip Link to Comerica change Link to Ben on pickoff moves Link to ballpark homogenization Link to Ohtani celly 1 Link to Ohtani celly 2 Link to Freeman injury info Link to Vlad report Link to Shapiro quote Link to Curb clip Link to Ghiroli article Link to Carshield EW episode Link to FTC press release Link to FTC complaint  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about several oddities of the early season, including pitcher Ryne Nelson’s single and a drone encounter with an A’s bat boy, then discuss Jurickson Profar’s PED suspension, Garrett Crochet’s extension, and Jonathan Lucroy‘s reaction to Roki Sasaki’s apparent post-start tears, before bantering about whether full ABS would encourage even harder throwing, Lance Lynn’s retirement, a wild college throw, and more, plus a postscript. Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Jay on the White Sox Link to Nelson hit Link to more on Nelson Link to Pirates Elias tweet Link to B-Ref Brewers post Link to The Athletic on Profar Link to Orr on Profar Link to Ben on natty or not Link to Baumann on the Braves Link to MLBTR on Crochet 1 Link to MLBTR on Crochet 2 Link to MLBTR on Campbell Link to Sheehan on Crochet Link to Dan S. on Crochet Link to MLB.com on Crochet Link to drone story Link to Sasaki clip Link to L.AT. on Sasaki Link to Lucroy tweet 1 Link to Lucroy tweet 2 Link to more Lucroy tweets Link to Wolfe quotes Link to r/tragedeigh Link to McAfee story Link to ABS story 1 Link to ABS story 2 Link to Lynn podcast Link to RF throw Link to MLBTR on Vlad Link to Shapiro story Link to MLBTR on Pfaadt  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley have an in-depth discussion on all aspects of the sport’s topic du jour: torpedo/bowling-pin/juggling-pin(?) bats. They also banter (59:58) about the abysmal beginning of Rafael Devers’s season, Aaron Judge’s interviews, MLB’s attempt to make up for its MLB.TV outage, the vibes at Blue Jays games, Willson Contreras eating bat tape, Jack Leiter taking a ball to the beans, the invasion of Chases, and Sutter Health Park, plus (1:37:22) several follow-ups. Audio intro: Philip Tapley and Michael Stokes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Cory Brent, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Ben on the bats Link to many bat-related links Link to official bat change Link to Judge quotes Link to Waldman clip Link to Contreras clip Link to Contreras story Link to Leiter clip Link to r/tragedeigh Link to listener emails database  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley react to assorted frustrations and delights of Opening Day, then (42:07) conduct the fifth annual Team Fun Draft, in which they draft all 30 teams in order of how fun they expect them to be to follow in 2025. Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes 2, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Audio outro: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to story on mlb.tv outage Link to Guardians offer Link to FG staff predictions post Link to FG staff bold predictions Link to Meg’s PPR summary Link to Ringer entrance survey Link to Contreras post Link to Bibee on Chipotle Link to Torkelson article Link to Shohei HR reactions Link to Rosen on ballparks  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and FanGraphs writer Dan Szymborski banter about how much spring training stats matter, which players improved their projections the most this spring, whether prospects really have a harder time making the transition to MLB from Triple-A today, their spring training award winners, the five-ish biggest questions/storylines for each of them this MLB season, and a smattering of “bold predictions” from EW listeners. Then (1:23:29) Ben brings back the “Baseball Jobs” series by interviewing Josh Kantor, longtime Fenway Park organist, to talk about how he got his gig, his side projects, the ins and outs of his in-game responsibilities, the upcoming season, and much more, followed by a brief keyboard performance. Audio intro: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Audio interstitial: Josh Kantor and Nancy Faust, “Sweet Caroline” Audio outro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to 2015 spring study Link to Hoyer quote Link to Ben’s new prospects article Link to Ben’s old prospects article Link to spring champions Link to ST team wins Link to FG ST leaderboards Link to five Clemens questions Link to listener bold predictions Link to EW predictions ballot Link to previous Baseball Jobs pod Link to Josh Kantor wiki Link to Baseball Project pod Link to Baseball Project song Link to Kaminski pod  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Mookie Betts’s unwanted weight loss, new Statcast data on batter positioning, and whether hitters should generally move back in the box, then recap Cal Raleigh’s extension and a smattering of other buzzer-beating transactions before discussing (35:46) some of their favorite moves of the offseason. Then (1:10:31) they talk to FanGraphs writer Davy Andrews about his origin story as a writer, his greatest hits so far, and the “We Tried Tracker,” his effort to compile all the times a team reportedly tried (but failed) to acquire a player. Audio intro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Davy Andrews, “Edouard Julien, Are You Gonna Rule Again?” Audio outro: Ted O., “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Ohtani article Link to Dodgers article 1 Link to Mookie article 2 Link to Mookie article 3 Link to Petriello article 1 Link to Petriello article 2 Link to Adler article Link to Ben on moving the mound Link to MLBTR on Raleigh Link to Raleigh dumper thread Link to notable transactions Link to Ben’s Grantland article Link to TFPIOT Tumblr Link to Tracker wiki Link to Too Far From Town posts Link to Target Field post Link to cleat cleaners post 1 Link to cleat cleaners post 2 Link to Davy’s FG archive Link to Seinfeld clip Link to We Tried Tracker Link to WTT posts Link to predictions vote  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Meg’s positional power rankings progress and discuss why MLB is “evaluating” its Diversity Pipeline Program, then for the first time in a while answer listener emails (15:35) about how baseball would be different if swinging hard caused more serious injuries, a high-elevation league/division, inter-game penalties for frivolous end-of-game challenges, whether the challenge system will make umpires tone down their punchout calls, whether player-initiated challenges should be included in WAR calculations, split-squad games in the regular season, and limits on the number of NPB players per MLB roster, plus a real-time reaction (1:14:03) to the Chesapeake Oyster Catchers logo. Audio intro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ian Phillips, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Meg’s PPR intro Link to Athletic report Link to Calcaterra report Link to travel ban news Link to 2019 Cuba deal news Link to Russell on power hitting Link to Ben on Mexico City Link to Oyster Catchers logo Link to logo response story Link to Pickles mascot story Link to GJ Chubs episode Link to EW emails database Link to predictions vote  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh, Meg Rowley, and FanGraphs authors Michael Baumann and Ben Clemens play “College Baseball Player or Musician Who’s Performing at Sea.Hear.Now 2025” (4:53), and then explain the third annual preseason predictions game (11:53) and make 10 bold predictions apiece (18:57) about baseball in 2025, to be voted on by listeners. Audio intro: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to vote Link to music festival Link to Ben on festival posters Link to previous scores Link to 2024 predictions Link to 2023 predictions Link to FG playoff odds Link to Ohtani max velo Link to .500 teams data Link to Waldron article Link to Lewis article Link to knuckleball qualifiers Link to Ben on knuckleballs Link to Other Ben on sliders Link to slider rates Link to highest bullpen WPAs Link to Rob on stolen bases Link to Corbin signing article Link to Dan S. booms/busts Link to 3B sends data Link to Savant 3B sends Link to Patrick on 3B sends Link to Russell on 3B sends Link to Oyster Analytics on 3B sends Link to 2024 attendance Link to Ben on risk aversion Link to vote  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the opening series of the regular season in Japan, then (10:55) discuss the removal (and eventual restoration) of a page about Jackie Robinson on the Department of Defense website, before (39:53) bantering further about breakouts, how player heights dropped (or didn’t!) after players were measured more accurately this spring, Joey Gallo’s attempted conversion to pitching, and an abandoned Marlins player-development idea. Then (1:27:38) they talk to Pirates pitching phenom Paul Skenes about being a cover model for MLB The Show 25, his stoic exterior, starters as stars, an auction for his debut baseball card, his hobbies, his expanding pitch mix, and max-effort pitching. Audio intro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Daniel Leckie, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Randy Johnson on EW Link to Ohtani homer Link to ratings info Link to Davy gamer 1 Link to Davy gamer 2 Link to post about Jackie page Link to article about Jackie page Link to archived 404 page Link to restored page Link to NPR on Rogers page Link to first statement to Passan Link to second statement to Passan Link to segregation ban story Link to MLB D&I page Link to old MLB D&I page Link to post about change Link to CBB breakouts tweet Link to height changes sheet Link to pitcher-measuring info Link to Gallo tweet Link to Ben on Gallo in 2014 Link to TTO% leaderboard Link to Marlins ad Link to Stock tweet Link to Herald on Marlins Link to Athletic on Marlins Link to The Show gameplay trailer Link to The Show launch trailer Link to Livvy’s nonchalant quote Link to Skenes composure quote Link to Skenes Opening Day reveal Link to Skenes dexterity quote Link to new pitches story Link to Skenes auction Link to Skenes on workload Link to deGrom story Link to EW gift subscriptions  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about completing the season preview series, then preview the 2025 New York Yankees (7:48) with Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News, and the 2025 Chicago White Sox (1:04:41) with Sox Machine’s James Fegan. 2025 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: Xavier LeBlanc, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Cory Brent, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to offseason spending Link to FG payrolls page Link to Yankees depth chart Link to Yankees offseason tracker Link to BaseRuns standings Link to Gary’s author archive Link to White Sox depth chart Link to White Sox offseason tracker Link to 2024 CWS WAR leaders Link to Grifol eclipse story Link to James’s author archive Link to EW gift subscriptions  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Jacob deGrom dialing down the velo, the Cardinals signing their first free agent of the offseason, David Robertson still being available, the underrated career of Yasmani Grandal, the latest New Era cap confusion, follow-ups on several recent topics, and the newly jacked Mr. Met. Then (57:22) they talk to R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports and Thomas Nestico of TJStats about their podcast-approved approaches to picking breakout candidates, their methodologies and success rates, their breakout picks for 2025, and more. Audio intro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Horny)” Audio interstitial: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Kite Person, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Passan on deGrom Link to MLBTR on Maton Link to MLBTR on Grandal Link to latest caps Link to more on the caps Link to FG post on caps Link to old EW on caps Link to slambio article Link to Rob on walk-off reversals Link to Patrick on 3B coaches Link to Keke Palmer meme Link to jacked Mr. Met Link to Grizz Link to R.J.’s breakout picks Link to Thomas’s breakout picks Link to R.J.’s 2024 breakouts review Link to xkcd comic Link to sickos meme Link to Devers article Link to EW gift subscriptions  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a surprising amount of Mo Vaughn content, a rash of spring injuries (including Gerrit Cole‘s Tommy John surgery and other Yankees ailments), the latest A’s and Rays woes, and more. Then they preview the 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers (26:11) with The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, and the 2025 Colorado Rockies (1:34:00) with The Rockies Insider’s Patrick Lyons. 2025 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes 2, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Vaughn story 1 Link to Vaughn story 2 Link to Enhanced Games wiki Link to Hang Up episode Link to FG post on Cole Link to Ben on spring injuries Link to Rays report Link to A’s report Link to A’s report 2 Link to A’s feature Link to Russell on rep. level Link to offseason spending Link to FG payrolls page Link to Dodgers depth chart Link to Dodgers offseason tracker Link to Sasaki signing info Link to “Lettuce” digital short Link to EW TJ research Link to “Are We the Baddies?” Link to cherry blossoms info Link to prank war article Link to prank war video Link to Fabian’s author archive Link to Rockies depth chart Link to Rockies offseason tracker Link to Rock Talk 1 Link to Rock Talk 2 Link to Colorado pronunciation Link to hangover effect info Link to Freeland on EW Link to Ben on Freeland in 2018 Link to Sheehan on Bud Black Link to Monfort prediction Link to Patrick’s work Link to Patrick’s podcast Link to trademark article 1 Link to trademark article 2 Link to trademark article 3 Link to trademark renewal Link to EW gift subscriptions  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a baseball flub in medical procedural The Pitt, Lawrence Butler’s extension, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s lofty contract target, how the ball moves differently in the Cactus League, and the value of variety in pitch selection, followed by Stat Blasts (49:20) about the WAR values of letters in player names, the best one-and-done pitcher/batter seasons in each franchise’s history, and the longest-tenured groups of players on pennant winners. Then (1:08:20) they talk to Carson Lund, director and co-writer of newly debuted baseball movie Eephus, about his celebrated contribution to the beleaguered genre. Audio intro: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: The Gagnes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to slider explainer Link to The Pitt episode Link to Inglourious Basterds scene Link to Bluesky post Link to Passan tweet about Butler Link to MLBTR on Butler Link to Vlad contract info Link to Ortiz comments Link to Baumann on Vlad Link to Dan S. on Vlad Link to Trueblood on Vlad Link to Rosen on movement Link to Rosen on variety Link to Down on the Farm study Link to Oyster Analytics Link to Stat Blast 1 spreadsheet Link to Cocaína García wiki Link to Stat Blast 2 request Link to Stat Blast 2 spreadsheet Link to Stat Blast 3 request Link to Stat Blast 3 spreadsheet Link to Carson’s IMDb Link to Eephus website Link to Eephus trailer Link to Eephus Rotten Tomatoes Link to Eephus AP review Link to list of baseball movies Link to Filmmaker Magazine Link to Jacques Barzun quote Link to Barzun essay Link to Soldiers Field game Link to Soldiers Field photos Link to EW gift subscriptions  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a fresh wave of “breakout candidate” crimes, Jerry Dipoto’s latest Meg-maddening comments, the rise of the “kick change,” how ball/strike calls differ from other boundary calls, Barry Bonds’s comments about Shohei Ohtani, and more. Then they preview the 2025 Atlanta Braves (50:56) with 92.9 The Game’s Grant McAuley, and the 2025 Miami Marlins (1:35:27) with Fish on First’s Kevin Barral. 2025 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: Xavier LeBlanc, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Andy Ellison, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Tom Rhoads, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Passan article Link to breakout screenshot 1 Link to breakout screenshot 2 Link to breakout screenshot 3 Link to Dipoto article Link to kick change info 1 Link to kick change info 2 Link to kick change info 3 Link to kick change info 4 Link to kick change info 5 Link to “new hotness” tweet Link to Naquin article Link to Ishbia article Link to MASN update Link to Jay on Iglesias Link to Hang Up and Listen Link to James quote Link to latest Bonds comments Link to earlier Bonds comments Link to Bonds armor Link to Sam on retaliation Link to Rob on retaliation Link to offseason spending Link to FG payrolls page Link to Braves depth chart Link to Braves offseason tracker Link to Baumann on Braves SP Link to team SP projections Link to team RP projections Link to Grant’s author archive Link to Grant’s podcast Link to Marlins depth chart Link to Marlins offseason tracker Link to Sherman article Link to Sheehan on breakouts Link to 2024 attendance Link to grievance article Link to Kevin’s author archive Link to Kevin’s podcast Link to EW gift subscriptions  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about whether the challenge system will inevitably pave the way for full ABS, the degrees of difficulty for two-way Travis Hunter vs. two-way Shohei Ohtani, and (very briefly) reinstating Pete Rose. Then they preview the 2025 Philadelphia Phillies (36:58) with The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, and the 2025 Cleveland Guardians (1:19:49) with The Athletic’s Zack Meisel. 2025 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Pedantic)” Audio interstitial 2: Alex Glossman and Ali Breneman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to post on the two zones Link to Hunter clip Link to Hunter article Link to Colorado pronunciation Link to Ben on goalie goals Link to Manfred/Rose report Link to Ben on Rose Link to EW on Rose Link to offseason spending Link to FG payrolls page Link to Phillies depth chart Link to Phillies offseason tracker Link to Harper/milk post Link to hydrogen water explainer Link to team WAR projections Link to team SP projections Link to team RP projections Link to Matt’s author archive Link to Matt’s podcast Link to Guardians depth chart Link to Guardians offseason tracker Link to BaseRuns standings Link to Mario Kart article Link to Thomas trade quote Link to 20-homer OF article Link to Zack’s author archive Link to Zack’s podcast Link to EW gift subscriptions  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the balletic strikeout celebrations of Rockies reliever Jefry Yan, Terry Francona’s selective opposition to ABS this spring, how frequently potential game-ending strikeouts will get challenged, and baseball in Season 2 of Poker Face. Then they preview the 2025 Arizona Diamondbacks (36:00) with The Arizona Republic’s Nick Piecoro, and the 2025 Washington Nationals (1:24:35) with The Washington Post’s Andrew Golden. 2025 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Harold Walker, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Josh Busman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jimmy Kramer, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Yan article Link to Yan montage (Yantage?) Link to more Yan clips Link to Francona article Link to challenge strategy research Link to Oyster Analytics Link to 2024 Stripers game Link to Poker Face teaser Link to trumpet mute info Link to offseason spending Link to FG payrolls page Link to Nationals depth chart Link to Nationals offseason tracker Link to losses leaderboard Link to Lerner quote Link to MLBTR on MASN Link to Andrew’s author archive Link to Diamondbacks depth chart Link to Diamondbacks offseason tracker Link to bill passage Link to Nick’s author archive Link to EW gift subscriptions  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about some members of last year’s Yankees and Dodgers still sniping about the World Series, Max Scherzer’s objection to the challenge system, how ABS has broadly been received so far, and assorted tactical considerations concerning when to challenge. Then they preview the 2025 New York Mets (29:08) with The Athletic’s Tim Britton, and the 2025 Los Angeles Angels (1:20:24) with The Athletic’s Sam Blum. 2025 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Philip Tapley and Michael Stokes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Andy Ellison, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to 2024 WS stats Link to Nestor comments Link to Boone comments Link to latest Kelly comments Link to November comments Link to Ben on WS Game 1 Link to WS Game 5 recap Link to ABS permutations Link to Scherzer challenges Link to Scherzer on ABS Link to catcher dekes episode Link to challenge strategy research Link to Oyster Analytics Link to replay review analysis Link to replay review episode Link to offseason spending Link to FG payrolls page Link to Mets depth chart Link to Mets offseason tracker Link to M&M Boys wiki Link to Tim’s author archive Link to Angels depth chart Link to Angels offseason tracker Link to Angels-inspired Stat Blast Link to Bender EW episode Link to Sam’s Bender article Link to Sam’s author archive Link to EW gift subscriptions  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about whether certain injuries can improve players, old-but-good guys not getting gigs, the offensive disparity between the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues, and Bryce Harper’s Phanatic tattoo. Then they preview the 2025 Boston Red Sox (31:16) with The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier, and the 2025 Sacramento Athletics (1:25:13) with Jason Burke of Inside the A’s. 2025 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: Kite Person, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Xavier LeBlanc, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Keaschall article Link to Mets camp count Link to MLBTR on Iglesias Link to Belt article Link to aging curve 1 Link to aging curve 2 Link to Verlander article Link to spring training parks Link to homers/humidity Link to 2024 FL ST wOBA Link to FL teams’ RS wOBA Link to 2024 AZ ST wOBA Link to Link to AZ teams’ RS wOBA Link to overall ST wOBA Link to overall RS wOBA Link to Phanatic tattoo story Link to offseason spending Link to FG payrolls page Link to Red Sox depth chart Link to Red Sox offseason tracker Link to Netflix series story Link to Werner quote Link to Alex’s book Link to Alex’s author archive Link to Athletics depth chart Link to Athletics offseason tracker Link to Jason’s author archive Link to EW gift subscriptions  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the end of the Yankees’ beard ban, the potential end of MLB’s business relationship with ESPN, and whether the World Baseball Classic should imitate the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off. Then they preview the 2025 Texas Rangers (50:07) with MLB.com’s Kennedi Landry, and the 2025 Pittsburgh Pirates (1:27:23) with Pittsburgh Baseball Now’s John Perrotto, plus a postscript (2:03:57) about Ben’s growing affection for Tigers righty John Brebbia. 2025 EW Season Preview Series AL BALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NL ATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG .intro-team, .intro-team td { font-family: lato, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .intro-team .intro-header { /*display: none;*/ text-align: center; } .team-lg { text-align: center; width: 100%; } /* [class^="team-box-"] > div { display: inline-block; width: 48%; } [class^="team-box-"] > div table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } [class^="team-box-"] > div td { background-color: #efefef; border: 1px solid #ccc; line-height: 2; text-align: center; cursor: default; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a { color: #000; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 100% } [class^="team-box-"] > div a:hover { color: #50ae26; } [class^="team-box-"] > div a.link-inactive { color: #aaa; } */ Audio intro: Ian Phillips, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Yankees announcement Link to story on policy change Link to story on policy origins Link to Simpsons clip Link to Gleyber photo Link to Castillo hair story Link to Castro hair story Link to McCutchen hair story Link to Vlad/Yankees story Link to Williams reaction Link to ESPN opt-out story 1 Link to ESPN opt-out story 2 Link to Ben on the WBC Link to Ben on Hang Up Link to offseason spending Link to FG payrolls page Link to Rangers depth chart Link to Rangers offseason tracker Link to Kennedi’s author archive Link to Pirates depth chart Link to Pirates offseason tracker Link to John’s author archive Link to Brebbia links Link to EW gift subscriptions  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Email Us: [email protected]  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source