Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

Effectively Wild Episode 2374: The Death of Exsportise

17 snips
Sep 13, 2025
The discussion kicks off with a humorous look at Mike Trout's recent struggles and the implications for his career. They dive into the 'death of expertise' and how it contrasts in the realm of sports versus society. Listener emails spark debates on the Texas Rangers’ performances and the psychological aspects of clutch situations. They even tackle the quirks of pitcher handedness and how it shapes fan perceptions. Expect laughs and analytics as they explore the unpredictable nature of baseball, blending tradition with innovation.
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INSIGHT

Trout's Availability ≠ Peak Mike

  • Mike Trout's season feels like a new, demoralizing phase where availability no longer equals peak performance.
  • His qualifying for the batting title shows durability but not a return to MVP form.
INSIGHT

Pitchers Still Pitch Trout Tough

  • Trout still sees hard stuff and is pitched like a threat, which suggests residual respect from pitchers.
  • Mechanical issues and a sore knee may explain reduced power and pitch recognition.
ADVICE

Use A New Setting To Force Change

  • Consider a change of scenery if familiar approaches and coaching fail to trigger necessary adjustments.
  • New surroundings can make it easier for a player to accept technical changes and restart career arcs.
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