Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

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 […]

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), […]

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.

Hosts share laughs over the pronunciation challenges of rising Yankees prospect, Cam Schlittler. They compare the Mets' promising pitchers to the infamous Generation K while exploring the culture of baseball nicknames. A discussion on Rafael Devers highlights the emotional sparks that fly in competitive play. Mason Miller’s rare Immaculate Inning using only sliders showcases strategic genius. They also dive into the Pirates' impressive shutout performances and project the future of the Mets' young talent amid looming contract uncertainties.