Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

The Mariners clinched the AL West, leading to a spirited celebration and reflection on the emotional stakes for fans. An intriguing MVP debate unfolds, comparing standout players and highlighting fan psychology. The hosts discuss the dwindling number of 200-inning pitchers and increasing team mediocrity due to injuries. They tackle whether players could challenge beneficial calls and examine fans' tendency to blame managers more than coaches in other sports. Plus, updates on playoff races and the dynamics of late-season drama round out the conversation.

In a lively discussion, the hosts dive into the chaotic last week of baseball, spotlighting the Dodgers' bullpen troubles and thrilling playoff races. They explore the implications of the new ABS challenge system, weighing its benefits against traditional strategies. Listener questions spark debates about odd scenarios, like a player who hits one single per game and whether MLB front offices lean more toward Bayesian or frequentist methods. Tensions rise over ticky-tack tag calls, with insights on league strength and the challenges of late-season dynamics.

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the standings and stakes of an unexpectedly wild last week of the regular season, whether there’s such as a thing as a playoff team that can’t make a deep run, why Cal Raleigh is the player of the year regardless of whether he wins MVP, whether it still makes sense to say that fan-favorite players will never have to buy a meal/drink in their team’s city, the unique celebrations of Pirates pitcher Dauri Moreta, the official arrival of the ABS challenge system, the Marlins calling pitches from the dugout, the extent to which coaches should influence games, and Mike Trout’s barehand catch with a fan. Audio intro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Ben on the last week Link to latest HUAL episode Link to Jay on playoff permutations Link to largest lost leads Link to FG playoff odds Link to BaseRuns standings Link to team payrolls Link to The Phantom Menace scene Link to player of the year award Link to historic achievement award Link to FG mailbag Link to Moreta video Link to Moreta nickname story Link to challenge system explainer Link to Marlins story 1 Link to Marlins story 2 Link to 2016 Dodgers story Link to Trout article/video Link to Petriello post  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

In this episode, the hosts dive into the record number of players achieving 25-25 stats, exploring whether recent rule changes affect the achievement's credibility. They dissect Julio Rodríguez's notorious slow starts and potential adjustments by the Mariners. A thoughtful reflection on Clayton Kershaw's retirement highlights his impressive legacy. Finally, they discuss MLB's new Amateur Recovery Period Policy aimed at reducing pitcher overuse, detailing its implications and potential loopholes. Expect a mix of sports analysis and engaging banter!

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the state of the wild cards and whether the pennant races have been more exciting than forecasted despite the lack of actual changes in the playoff field, Cal Raleigh’s latest exploits, Geraldo Perdomo’s quiet excellence, the Orioles’ 2026 outlook, the Dodgers’ rotation and bullpen, Shohei Ohtani’s playoff role(s), the bouncebacks of Mookie Betts and George Springer, Yordan Alvarez’s ankle, James Wood and Spencer Jones slumps, season-ending schedules, and whether teams playing spoiler is satisfying for fans. Audio intro: Jimmy Kramer, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to FG playoff odds Link to Clemens on the playoff odds Link to Paine on the Mets Link to Clemens on Raleigh Link to FG WAR leaderboard Link to Orioles report Link to Dodgers rotation ranking Link to Dodgers reliever ranking Link to team SP projections Link to Dodgers rotation story Link to Ohtani starting story Link to Ohtani outfield story Link to Perdomo/Betts leaderboard Link to Craig on the Dodgers Link to Rob on the zombie runner Link to Petriello on Jones Link to Apple TV+ baseball doc Link to Astudillo news  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Adam Darowski, the Executive Director of Design at Sports Reference, joins to discuss Robinson Canó's monumental achievement of 4,000 professional hits and the research behind the 4K Club. The conversation dives into the significance of this milestone in baseball history, the evolution of sliding techniques in the game, and the impact of recent rule changes like the controversial 'zombie runner.' Additionally, they reflect on the legacy of lesser-known Negro League players, shedding light on the importance of honoring baseball's diverse past.

The discussion kicks off with a humorous look at Mike Trout's recent struggles and the implications for his career. They dive into the 'death of expertise' and how it contrasts in the realm of sports versus society. Listener emails spark debates on the Texas Rangers’ performances and the psychological aspects of clutch situations. They even tackle the quirks of pitcher handedness and how it shapes fan perceptions. Expect laughs and analytics as they explore the unpredictable nature of baseball, blending tradition with innovation.

Discover fascinating insights into the percentage of major leaguers in Hall of Fames while pondering Elly De La Cruz’s slump and Sean Murphy’s injury revelations. The hosts dive into the ethics of public shaming at ballparks and the complexities of sports injuries, challenging societal and cultural norms. They tackle the cultural implications of fan behavior and the troubling misconduct within the Tigers organization. Expect humorous banter and thoughtful analysis on the intersection of player performance and public perception.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto's near no-hitter sparks a discussion about baseball's emotional rollercoaster. Shohei Ohtani's value as a two-way player versus a DH is debated while Cal Raleigh's clutch homers versus garbage time take center stage. The dynamics of position player pitching raise intriguing questions about speed and effectiveness. Additionally, left-handed pitchers are enjoying an unprecedented season, adding to the unpredictability of the game. The conversation is filled with humor and insightful stats that keep listeners engaged.

Ashton Moss, a passionate Patreon supporter and baseball enthusiast, joins for a lively discussion. They debate Trent Grisham's surprising power versus Juan Soto’s notable speed. The lack of no-hitters this season raises eyebrows, as they explore the implications of a power-heavy game. Listener emails dive into topics like minor league evaluation, the complexities of pitcher performance, and the evolving language of baseball. Expect plenty of banter about the intricacies of double switches and nostalgic baseball experiences.