Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

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.

The hosts dive into Richard Lovelady's hilarious nickname while analyzing his short stint with the Mets. They explore an exciting pitching matchup and discuss Juan Soto's remarkable resurgence. Fan behavior takes center stage, highlighting the emotional impact on players and the challenges of playing in front of passionate crowds. Additionally, the ethics of athlete investment through Big League Advance raise critical questions about young players' futures. Amidst all this, they introduce a quirky new statistical category that adds a fun twist to baseball analysis!

The hosts dive into the quirky embrace of Richard Lovelady's nickname 'Dicky' and the fun surrounding players named 'Otto.' They analyze Cal Raleigh's impressive records and the dual challenges of young player development. Noise levels at MLB ballparks, especially Yankee Stadium, get some funny critiques. A dramatic home plate play between the Mets and Phillies brings out baseball's lighter side, while they also discuss player demotions, injuries, and a notable historical baseball match that highlights America's racial complexities.

The hosts dive into Tommy Kahnle's quirky postgame shaving ritual, sparking laughs about the unique traditions of athletes. They discuss the intense rivalry between the Padres and Dodgers, highlighting how competition fuels the game. There's an intriguing debate on the impact of ownership styles in baseball, particularly with the Rays' innovative approach. The conversation shifts to the potential for new fantasy scoring systems that could revolutionize player evaluation, making for a dynamic and engaging experience for fans.

Former MLB pitcher Ross Stripling shares insights about his baseball journey, discussing his biggest regrets and proudest moments. He reflects on his historic debut and the evolution of the league, exploring how the game's dynamics have shifted over time. Stripling also reveals the challenges of transitioning from player to retirement, along with his thoughts on the growing impact of pitching analytics. With a mix of nostalgia and humor, he recounts memorable career anecdotes, from a thrilling walk-off to navigating pitchers' egos.

The hosts delve into the surprising trade of Rafael Devers to the Giants, discussing fan reactions and implications for the Red Sox. They also tackle injury updates for players like Christian Montes De Oca and Johnny O’Brien. The excitement builds around Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound, alongside insights into the Rays' pitching success. A lighthearted debate about technology in baseball, including tennis-style boundary reviews, adds an entertaining twist to the analysis of team strategies and player dynamics.

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Tarik Skubal dialing down his top-end fastball (and dominating nonetheless), Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s self-described 70 percent effort level, Ronald Acuña Jr. hitting more and running less, whether the Blue Jays are getting what they wanted out of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the debut of Jacob Misiorowski, Aaron Civale’s trade request (and trade), whether it matters that the baseball is flying less far, and a correction about Barrys, plus listener emails (1:13:20) about guaranteed WAR in the amateur draft, whether Mike Trout will wind up being the best Mike, and what makes a play (or a player) impressive. Audio intro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Xavier LeBlanc, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to WhatIfSports offer page Link to Skubal’s fastest pitch Link to Skubal top speeds Link to Skubal stats Link to info on Misiorowski’s debut Link to The Miz wiki Link to marks vs. smarks Link to Clemens on Acuña Link to Acuña SB droughts Link to Acuña sprint speeds Link to best hitters Link to Jazz quotes Link to Ben and Jeff on percentages Link to pulldowns explainer Link to full-season best hitters Link to best hitters since 4/9 Link to pulled-air-ball rates Link to Vlad’s rates Link to The Athletic on the baseball Link to Savant drag page Link to Civale trade request Link to more on the request Link to MLBTR on the trade Link to team SP WAR Link to team SP projections Link to league wOBA/xwOBA Link to first overall picks Link to more on no. 1 picks Link to no. 1 pick WAR Link to more on no. 1 pick WAR Link to loss aversion wiki Link to B-Ref’s Skenes post Link to RoS ZiPS projections Link to 2026 ZiPS projections Link to 2027 ZiPS projections Link to Schmidt leaderboard Link to Barrys game Link to Muñoz cat photo Link to Muñoz cat story Link to Pillar catch Link to listener emails database  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com  EW Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Spotify Feed  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

The hosts delve into the quirky depictions of pitch clocks in media and how visual aesthetics can obscure baseball’s history. They share amusing tales of Hunter Dobbins's rivalry with the Yankees and the challenges of verifying players' backstories. A whimsical fan exchange program invites fans to embrace new teams. The conversation also highlights one-run game streaks, 'vulture wins' challenges, and the often-overlooked debut stories of players overshadowed by contemporaries. Expect a mix of humor, stats, and insightful commentary!

Join the lively discussion on the highs and lows of Christian Montes de Oca's big league debut and the complexities of player emotions. Explore the fascinating world of rising stars like Roman Anthony and Denzel Clarke, alongside the unexpected incidents that shake up the game. From Clayton Kershaw's iconic payback to the quirky antics featured in a baseball-themed episode of Poker Face, this lively banter covers it all, blending humor with insightful analysis on the unpredictable nature of baseball.

John Thomas, a middle school math teacher and passionate baseball fan, shares his insights while discussing the evolving dynamics of the game. He weighs in on Spencer Strider's injury challenges and its effect on team performance, along with a candid look at the White Sox's shaky season. The conversation touches on the impact of Mariano Rivera's legacy on closers and diving into the evolution of pitch framing. John also reflects on fantasy baseball's blend of skill and luck, and the nostalgia tied to iconic ballparks.