Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

Effectively Wild Episode 2380: Clinching Chaos

5 snips
Sep 26, 2025
The Mariners clinched the AL West, leading to a spirited celebration and reflection on the emotional stakes for fans. An intriguing MVP debate unfolds, comparing standout players and highlighting fan psychology. The hosts discuss the dwindling number of 200-inning pitchers and increasing team mediocrity due to injuries. They tackle whether players could challenge beneficial calls and examine fans' tendency to blame managers more than coaches in other sports. Plus, updates on playoff races and the dynamics of late-season drama round out the conversation.
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ANECDOTE

Mariners Clinch Feels Like A Personal Moment

  • Meg Rowley describes the Mariners clinching the AL West and the celebration in the clubhouse with vivid, personal detail.
  • She emphasizes how meaningful it felt to have the team clinch at home and 'do it themselves.'
INSIGHT

Enjoy Great Seasons, Drop The Binary MVP Fight

  • Meg and Ben argue we should savor great individual seasons instead of turning them into bitter debates.
  • They urge appreciating both Judge and Cal Raleigh rather than forcing a binary MVP fight.
INSIGHT

200-Inning Starter Is Nearly Extinct

  • The 200-inning starting pitcher is nearly extinct and likely to disappear within a few years.
  • Ben tracks only a handful of pitchers reaching 200 innings this season and calls it a sign of changing workloads.
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