Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

Effectively Wild Episode 2399: Fixed That (Pitch) for You

Nov 11, 2025
The discussion dives into the shocking federal indictment of Emmanuel Clase and Luis L. Ortiz over alleged pitch-fixing schemes, raising questions about MLB's oversight. Listeners learn how players might facilitate gambling through in-game communications and the moral complexities behind their choices. The hosts also examine the implications of micro betting, urging for stricter regulations. Humorous anecdotes and historical parallels, like Shoeless Joe, add depth to the serious nature of cheating in sports, while addressing how parents can navigate a world awash in gambling ads.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Allegations Targeted Micro Pitch Bets

  • The DOJ indictment alleges Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz coordinated pitch-level signals to bettors, using texts, calls, and in-person visits.
  • The scheme targeted micro prop bets like ball/strike and pitch velocity to remove betting uncertainty.
INSIGHT

A Clear Digital Trail Fueled The Case

  • The indictment documents a brazen digital trail: texts, calls, audio messages, and visits linking players to bettors.
  • Classé even left tickets for a bettor and communicated minutes before entering games, increasing detection risk.
INSIGHT

Small Payments Raise Big Questions

  • Financial incentives to Classe were small compared with his MLB earnings, raising questions about motive.
  • Motives could include favors to friends, thrill-seeking, or false security from prior success, not only addiction or coercion.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app