Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

Effectively Wild Episode 2341: The Second Half Has Started

11 snips

Jun 28, 2025

Dive into the curious case of a Red Sox pitcher with a mysterious wrist injury and the challenges of injury transparency in baseball. The hosts also tackle the serious legal troubles surrounding Juan de Franco and discuss the pressures of nepotism in the sport. Midseason performance analysis reveals surprising teams and players exceeding expectations. With whimsical fan dynamics in play, they explore how individual performances impact team success. Plus, a nod to historical performance and the balance of hitting and fielding careers adds depth to the discussion.

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INSIGHT

Mysterious Injury Secrecy Invites Speculation

Teams often omit details on off-field injuries to protect players from embarrassment or scrutiny.
This lack of transparency invites rampant fan speculation and curiosity about the true cause.

ANECDOTE

Clint Barmas' Deer Meat Injury

Clint Barmas once broke his collarbone carrying a package of deer meat, not from ATV riding.
His team’s initial story was overturned by this unusual but true explanation.

INSIGHT

Wander Franco’s Career Impacted by Conviction

Wander Franco's legal conviction severely limits his ability to return to MLB, especially due to visa issues.
MLB will likely impose a lengthy suspension, effectively ending his team career.

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