

Effectively Wild Episode 2364: Torpedoed Bats
8 snips Aug 21, 2025
In an entertaining chat, hosts delve into the quirky history of torpedo bats and their brief excitement in baseball. Cody Bellinger's career inconsistencies spark debate, while the humorous name 'Bubba' brings nostalgia. They also unpack the pressures of players taking time off and the controversial 'zombie runner' rule that altered a recent game. Finally, they explore the intriguing intersection of baseball with sci-fi themes, particularly in the new show 'Alien Earth,' highlighting how the sport weaves through cultural narratives.
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Torpedo Bats Were A Moment, Not A Revolution
- Torpedo bats were a short-lived baseball fad that surged due to timing and narrative more than clear performance gains.
- Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley note the trend fizzled as league-wide data showed no panacea effect.
Bellinger’s Return Feels Muted By Past Peak
- Cody Bellinger delivered significant value for the Yankees this season though it feels muted against his 2019 peak.
- Ben frames Bellinger's current season as a solid role-player rebound rather than a return to MVP heights.
Publish Roster-Day Graduation Lists
- Teams should publicly clarify roster-day eligibility rather than forcing fans and reporters to track days manually.
- Meg Rowley urges MLB to publish an end-of-season list of players who lose rookie eligibility.