Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

Effectively Wild Episode 2394: Swing Hard in Case You Hit It

10 snips
Oct 30, 2025
Ben and Meg dive into the nuances of playoff baseball, analyzing Magic Johnson's amusing tweet and its viral impact. They explore the Blue Jays' strategic moves against Shohei Ohtani, along with Addison Barger's quirky couch-surfing story. The conversation shifts to the backlash against the Jonas Brothers' midgame performance and David Popkins' influence on Toronto's hitting adjustments. Amidst player awards and candid remarks from management, they debate the implications for players like Bryce Harper and Blake Treinen. It's a lively mix of stats, stories, and sports culture!
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INSIGHT

Celebrity Obviousness Drives Engagement

  • Magic Johnson's banal tweets about the series illustrate how obvious statements can still go viral when stated by celebrities.
  • Ben Lindbergh values low-drama, factual commentary over flashy punditry for clarity and reliability.
INSIGHT

Two-Way Usage Creates Fragile Routines

  • Shohei Ohtani looked fatigued after heavy usage as both starter and DH, affecting velocity and sharpness.
  • Ben and Meg highlight the delicate routine and recovery needs for two-way players in postseason scheduling.
INSIGHT

Eye Test Trumps FIP For Troubled Relievers

  • Blake Treinen's postseason performance looks diminished despite acceptable FIP, and the hosts trust the eye test over surface metrics.
  • They worry Dave Roberts still relies on Treinen despite visible command and movement issues.
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