Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a rare prediction by Ben, related to two players who were recently swapped by the Pirates and Royals, Adam Frazier and Cam Devanney. Then (13:52) they mark the podcast’s 13th birthday and launch a “2025 in 2025” plea for Patreon support before (24:19) discussing several of the most intriguing storylines of the rest of the season. After that (1:11:35), they wrap up with listener emails about non-MLB Home Run Derby prospects and the Royals’ perfect pitch-clock management. Audio intro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Effectively Wild on Patreon Link to FG on the trade Link to MLBTR on the trade Link to Perrotto on Frazier Link to RoS ZiPS Link to IL DTs Link to MLB DTs Link to Royals depth chart Link to FG “first half” trends Link to The Athletic RoS stories Link to ESPN RoS stories Link to catcher fatigue research 1 Link to catcher fatigue research 2 Link to BaseRuns standings Link to playoff odds Link to K%+ leaders Link to Sam on Hill Link to violations leaderboard Link to listener emails database Link to Effectively Wild on Patreon  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

Ben Lindbergh, Meg Rowley, and FanGraphs lead prospect analyst Eric Longenhagen discuss the lows and highs of the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game and swing-off, plus banter about beef boys, Blooper, kissing, and the timing of the All-Star break, then (1:03:40) recap the amateur draft, touching on the selection of Eli Willits first overall, first-round risers/fallers, teams that had the best drafts, the latest Holliday (Ethan), the Twins’ extremely tall pitcher Jason Reitz, Boston’s Marcus Phillips pick, and the predictability of the draft vs. international signings. Audio intro: Tom Rhoads, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Derby formats Link to Derby formats piece Link to Cal’s plunking Link to Derby robbery Link to one-inch difference Link to Cal/Skubal mic’d up Link to Schwarbombs Link to Posnanski on the ASG Link to Passan on the swing-off Link to swing-off surprise report Link to the Miz ASG story Link to ABS piece 1 Link to ABS piece 2 Link to Scully’s Aaron call Link to Aaron tribute Link to Roberts sidestep Link to beef boy story Link to Sam on the Dumper Link to Meg’s Blooper selfie Link to Mr. Met video Link to Vinnie/Cags kiss Link to Sheehan on the ASB Link to Olympics timing Link to Eric’s mock Link to Eric’s ranking Link to Eric’s recap Link to Bremner article Link to Reitz Reddit post Link to Down on the Farm study  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

Ben Lindbergh and Davy Andrews banter about Meg’s absence, Byron Buxton, Kyle Stowers, and an Orioles/Marlins surprise, the backlash to Jacob Misiorowski’s All-Star selection, the status of the All-Star game and whether All-Star designations need to change, All-Star/Home Run Derby excitement and the merits of several unsung (or undersung) All-Stars and non-All-Stars, a hypothetical about mystery All-Stars, Shohei Ohtani’s pitching progression, and more. Audio intro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Meg’s Blooper selfie Link to Passan and Blooper Link to Vinnie/Cags kiss Link to Davy on PCA Link to 5 BB ≥ 100 mph Link to 5 hits ≥ 100 mph Link to Miz article 1 Link to Miz article 2 Link to Miz article 3 Link to Miz article 4 Link to BP on All-Stars Link to All-Star replacements Link to Neil on the HRD Link to Neil on All-Stars Link to Davy on the Derby Link to NHL ASG policy Link to Chapman velos Link to EW Episode 1 Link to listener emails database Link to pitchers vs. PPP Link to pitchers vs. non-PPP Link to rim height story 1 Link to rim height story 2 Link to rim height story 3  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

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Blooper, the All-Star-Game-hosting Braves’ flagging fortunes, the pre-deadline trade market, the simultaneous surges of Ceddanne Rafaela and Pete Crow-Armstrong, the performances of old pitchers Charlie Morton, Clayton Kershaw, and Justin Verlander, and the death and legacy of Lee Elia, then (1:01:44) share several Stat Blasts about players who were All-Stars in their worst seasons, teams with reverse records against good/bad opponents, Billy McKinney and serial replacement-level players, and more. Audio intro: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Blooper bio Link to Blooper origin story Link to Blooper origin story 2 Link to FG playoff odds Link to Neil on parity Link to Passan deadline preview 1 Link to Passan deadline preview 2 Link to WAR leaders since June Link to Petriello on Rafaela Link to over-40 pitchers Link to run support Link to best ERAs since 2021 Link to Elia obit Link to Elia retrospective Link to Elia retrospective 2 Link to Elia retrospective 3 Link Elia recording Link to bleeped Elia recording Link to oldest rookie hitter All-Stars Link to oldest rookie pitcher All-Stars Link to all-stars in worst season Link to all-stars in worst full season Link to Hunter obit Link to one-run-game data Link to backward team data Link to MLBTR on McKinney Link to replacement-level data Link to Angels tweet Link to Stat Blast notes Link to listener emails database Link to Kalkman on Clarke Link to NCAA concussion news Link to mound-movement math  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

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Rich Hill–Dallas Keuchel competition for the Royals rotation and give José Ramírez his due, then (17:45) answer listener emails about when to fire a GM, an all-star spot for elite defenders, teams composed of clones of Aaron Judge, Daulton Varsho, or Zack Wheeler, moving the mound back unnoticeably, a rule-changing MLB concussion protocol, whether WAR is a counting stat, and unsuccessful surgeries, plus Stat Blasts (1:24:05) about four-team trades, lefty position-player pitchers, homer flubs, bases-loaded walks, and the cost of throwing a ball on purpose, plus (1:47:30) a cat PSA. Audio intro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Horny)” Link to Keuchel signing Link to Hill game log Link to on-pace projections Link to ASG WAR research Link to Judge pitching stats Link to Ben on PPP vs. pitcher hitters Link to Derby participants Link to 2024 CF arm strength Link to 2025 RF arm strength Link to Reds mound story 1 Link to Reds mound story 2 Link to Ben on moving the mound Link to MLB courtesy runner Link to concurrent surgery Link to Jenks surgery Link to Reimold story Link to Segedin story Link to 1991 death Link to 2021 death Link to % LH non-PPP Link to % LH PPP Link to LH PPP wOBA Link to RH PPP wOBA Link to Durant trade Link to five blades satire Link to Varsho play 1 Link to Varsho play 2 Link to two Tylers play Link to Levine on Ortiz Link to Ortiz ball rate Link to strike/ball value Link to FA $/WAR Link to listener emails database Link to Mains data Link to HR thief story Link to HR thief jersey  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

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Brandon Woodruff and the minor medical miracle of players returning from significant injuries to be big leaguers again, the likelihood of players becoming or repeating as all-stars, Clayton Kershaw as an honorary all-star, the end (for now) of the Pete Alonso Home Run Derby era and the Derby’s new blood, the Nationals firing their POBO and manager a week before picking first in the draft, new Statcast catcher-stance data, and the Blue Jays unseating the Yankees in the AL East, plus (1:29:38) postscript updates. Audio intro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Pedantic)” Audio outro: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Woodruff’s return Link to Neil’s new ASG research Link to Neil’s old ASG research Link to Alonso news Link to Derby participants Link to Smith Rule 5 story Link to Kershaw selection Link to Rizzo text Link to Nats WAR leaders Link to Nats prospect list Link to FG on the Nats Link to catcher stance data Link to Petriello on stances Link to Trueblood on stances Link to Trueblood on throwing Link to Swanson on EW Link to FG on the Yankees Link to BaseRuns standings Link to Kay kerfuffle 1 Link to Kay kerfuffle 2 Link to playoff odds changes Link to team pitching clutch Link to team pitching clutch Link to batter tOPS+ w/RISP Link to batter tOPS+ w/high lev Link to pitcher tOPS+ w/RISP Link to pitcher tOPS+ w/high lev Link to Kaline book Link to Scherzer on effort Link to Opta Pirates stat Link to Langs Pirates stat Link to Stark on shutouts Link to Mains on scoring Link to EW YouTube playlist  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

Ryan Nelson, a frequent Stat Blast correspondent known for his analytical insights, joins the conversation to tackle the surprising rise in MLB shutouts this season. The hosts also discuss Clayton Kershaw's milestone of 3,000 strikeouts and how celebrations have evolved over time. With humor and depth, they explore the implications of a deepening deadball era in Japan and share lighthearted anecdotes about the game, making it a fascinating blend of statistics and storytelling.

The hosts humorously dissect the MLB All-Star Celebrity Softball Game roster, pondering their recognition of the participants. They explore the shifting landscape of celebrity marketing and question the legitimacy of influencer culture. The discussion delves into the complications of honorary All-Star selections while addressing concerns about player safety and gambling scandals affecting game integrity. Rob Manfred's comments on labor negotiations spark critique of management disconnect from players. Finally, they share funny fan antics and minor league updates.

The return of Richard Lovelady adds excitement to the season, while knuckleballer Matt Waldron makes his debut with unique challenges. Zack Wheeler's stellar performance stirs Cy Young debates. The podcast humorously navigates the evolving dynamics of player contracts and sponsorships. It also examines the rise in pitching velocity amidst a decline in strikeouts. Plus, a fan interference incident sparks a discussion on the relationship between fans and players, revealing the emotional impact of their interactions.

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.