Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

Effectively Wild Episode 2391: It’s the World Series, Baby

13 snips
Oct 23, 2025
Guest
Ben Clemens
Join Ben Clemens, a FanGraphs contributor known for his sharp baseball insights, as he and Meg Rowley dive into the ALCS aftermath and the World Series matchup between the Blue Jays and Dodgers. They dissect Dan Wilson's controversial decision to use Eduard Bazardo over a higher-leverage reliever, explore pivotal pitcher roles, and analyze lineup strategies. The duo debates the impact of George Springer’s health and anticipates how manager tactics could sway the series. Expect engaging discussions on key players and potential matchups that will define the outcome!
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INSIGHT

Leverage Over Routine In Playoff Moves

  • Dan Wilson's choice to bring in Eduard Bazardo for George Springer felt like poor leverage optimization in a high-leverage ALCS spot.
  • Ben Clemens and Meg Rowley argue managers should prioritize putting their best available relievers into the game's biggest at-bats.
ANECDOTE

Bazardo Was A Surprise Breakout

  • Meg Rowley sympathizes with Bazardo as a revelation this year but says he was the wrong arm in that spot given better alternatives.
  • She notes Bazardo had thrown the night before and wasn't a fresh high-leverage option.
ADVICE

Don't Rigidly Lock Relievers To Innings

  • Avoid rigidly locking relievers to innings in playoff games; tailor matchups to leverage and opponent threats.
  • Managers should mix and target arms based on game state instead of strict inning-based roles.
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