Effectively Wild Episode 2105: The Stories We Missed in 2023
Dec 30, 2023
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Sports journalist Hannah Keyser and The Bandwagon podcast co-host Zach Crizer join Ben Lindbergh to discuss overlooked topics from 2023 for each MLB team. Topics include two brothers facing off at the major league level, Charlie Culberson's career shift to pitching, controversy surrounding the robo zone, Tigers claiming Tyler Holton, a friendship leading to a drunken tattoo offer, breakout performances in baseball, Giants players' obsession with a Filipino card game, and reflecting on the podcasting time. Happy New Year!
Detroit Tigers pitcher Matt Manning overcame two foot fractures and performed well in between.
Houston Astros claimed relief pitcher Tyler Holton off waivers, and he tied for the Major League lead in relief innings pitched.
Amid controversy, Astros manager Dusty Baker defended his choices and denied weight-related concerns about player Chaz McCormick.
A bakery in New York gained popularity for its banana pudding cookies made by incorporating banana pudding into the cookie batter.
Kansas City Royals player Dieron Blanco stole an impressive 71 bases, showcasing his speed and stolen base success rate.
Houston Astros pitcher Zach Greinke won a game with only 44 pitches, displaying his efficiency and control of the game.
Deep dives
Matt Manning's Foot Woes
Detroit Tigers pitcher Matt Manning broke his foot twice in the same season, both times from comebackers. Despite the injuries, he pitched relatively well in between the foot fractures.
Tyler Holton's Success After Being Claimed from Diamondbacks
The Houston Astros claimed relief pitcher Tyler Holton off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks, who had to make room for another player. Holton went on to pitch well and tied for the Major League lead in relief innings pitched.
The Dusty Baker Banana Pudding Saga
Amid controversy over playing time, Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker defended his choices and denied claims about concerns over player Chaz McCormick's weight. Baker humorously cited his habit of bringing McCormick banana pudding as evidence against any weight-related concerns.
Bakery with Delicious Banana Pudding Cookies
A bakery in New York offers banana pudding cookies made by incorporating banana pudding into the cookie batter. These unique cookies have become a hit.
Dieron Blanco: The Speedster for the Kansas City Royals
Dieron Blanco, a player for the Kansas City Royals, showcased his speed by stealing an impressive 71 bases in a combined 118 games between the majors and minors. Despite not having the best on-base percentages, his speed and stolen base success rate made him a standout player.
Zach Greinke's Efficient 44-Pitch Victory
Zach Greinke of the Houston Astros achieved a remarkable win by throwing only 44 pitches in a five-inning start. This outstanding performance made him the first pitcher since Greg Maddux in 2003 to win a game with 45 or fewer pitches. It showcased Greinke's efficiency and ability to effectively control the game with minimal pitches.
The Angels' Unique Hottest Dodger Bracket
A unique tradition among Los Angeles Dodgers fans is the Hottest Dodger Bracket. It was started in 2018 by a Dodgers fan and has gained increasing popularity over the years. The bracket involves fans selecting and voting for their pick for the hottest Dodger player. The bracket has not only generated fun and discussion among fans, but it has also been used as a means to raise funds for domestic violence relief.
Miami Marlins' Trades and Jeffrey Loria's Critique of Marlins Park
The Miami Marlins made notable trades during the season, acquiring players like Jake Burger and Josh Bell, who significantly contributed to the team's offense. However, Marlins Park's previous owner, Jeffrey Loria, criticized Derek Jeter's alterations to the ballpark, including the removal of the home run sculpture and Miami-related elements. Loria argued that these changes negatively impacted the overall atmosphere and aesthetic of the stadium.
Freddie Dance and the Hottest Dodger Bracket
Dodgers player Freddie Freeman's dance celebration gained popularity among his teammates and fans, becoming a signature move associated with post-extra-base hits. Additionally, a Dodgers fan created the Hottest Dodger Bracket, a popular tournament-style competition that rates the attractiveness of Dodgers players. This light-hearted bracket gained attention for being a fun and interactive way for fans to engage with the team, and it also helped raise funds for domestic violence relief.
Breakout Performance by Zach Gelof for the Milwaukee Brewers
Zach Gelof, a rookie second baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers, had an impressive breakout season. Despite not being a top-rated prospect, Gelof proved himself as a highly productive hitter, ranking among the top 40 position players in terms of WAR since his July 14th call-up. His offensive performance greatly contributed to bolstering the Brewers' lineup and played a crucial role in their success.
Impressive Defensive Transformation of Koby Hays for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Koby Hays, a highly regarded infield prospect for the Pittsburgh Pirates, made significant strides in improving his defensive skills. Despite struggling initially in the majors, Hays showcased remarkable improvement by reducing his ground ball rate and elevating his launch angle. This defensive transformation, combined with his solid offensive contributions, solidified Hays as a key player for the Pirates.
Adam Wainwright's Musical Journey as a Country Singer
Adam Wainwright, a veteran pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, embraced his passion for country music during the 2023 season. Wainwright transitioned into a singer-songwriter career and completed an album set to release in the following year. His musical talents were well-received by his fans and the country music scene, setting the stage for a new chapter in his post-playing career.
Pete Fairbanks and His Black Eye Mishap
Pete Fairbanks, a reliever for the Tampa Bay Rays, earned attention for an unusual off-the-field injury. He sustained a black eye after accidentally pulling a pool basketball hoop down onto his face while playing with a three-year-old. Despite the mishap, Fairbanks continued to pitch effectively for the Rays, demonstrating his resilience and determination.
Jay Jackson's Persistence Amid Challenges
Jay Jackson, a relief pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, displayed remarkable dedication to both his family and baseball during the season. Despite his son being born extremely premature and undergoing various health struggles, Jackson continued to balance his career as a major league pitcher while being there for his family. He became an inspiring figure, embodying resilience and perseverance.
CJ Abrams' Stolen Base Surge for the San Diego Padres
CJ Abrams, a young player for the San Diego Padres, experienced a significant surge in stolen bases during the season. He stole 38 bases in his last 74 games, leading the major leagues in stolen bases during that span. Abrams' speed on the bases made him a dynamic player and showcased his potential for future success.
Jacob Young's Rapid Rise Through the Washington Nationals Organization
Jacob Young impressed as he swiftly ascended from high A to the majors within the Washington Nationals organization. This prospect's meteoric rise showcased his talent and potential, providing a positive outlook for his future in the Nationals' system.
Reliever Jay Jackson's Personal Challenge as a Major League Pitcher and New Father
Jay Jackson, a pitcher for the Washington Nationals, faced the difficult task of balancing his professional baseball career with the challenges of having a premature newborn son. Despite the personal difficulties, Jackson continued to play and contribute to the Nationals bullpen while supporting his son and fiancee. His determination and perseverance were commendable and inspiring.
Ben Lindbergh is joined by Hannah Keyser and Zach Crizer, formerly of Yahoo Sports and the Bandwagon podcast, to discuss at least one listener-nominated, previously overlooked topic from 2023 about each MLB team. Audio intro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to The Bandwagon Link to Hannah’s Yahoo archive Link to […]
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