Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

Effectively Wild Episode 2342: The Extension Extension

21 snips
Jul 2, 2025
The return of Richard Lovelady adds excitement to the season, while knuckleballer Matt Waldron makes his debut with unique challenges. Zack Wheeler's stellar performance stirs Cy Young debates. The podcast humorously navigates the evolving dynamics of player contracts and sponsorships. It also examines the rise in pitching velocity amidst a decline in strikeouts. Plus, a fan interference incident sparks a discussion on the relationship between fans and players, revealing the emotional impact of their interactions.
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ANECDOTE

Lovelady's Return and Waldron's Debut

  • Richard Lovelady bounced back to MLB with the Mets after a whirlwind of transactions.
  • Knuckleballer Matt Waldron made his MLB season debut, facing Zach Wheeler's dominance.
INSIGHT

Wheeler's Cy Young Conundrum

  • Zach Wheeler delivers reliably dominant starts, making him a strong Cy Young contender.
  • Lack of Cy Young wins complicates Hall of Fame cases despite stellar performance.
INSIGHT

Pitchers Increasing Extension and Speed

  • Pitchers have increased extension, releasing the ball closer to home plate than in past decades.
  • Combined with faster pitch speeds, this significantly reduces hitter reaction time, intensifying challenges at the plate.
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