Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

Mark Armour, an author and SABR official celebrated for his work on the Satchel Paige Project, joins the discussion. He shares fascinating insights about documenting the legendary Satchel Paige's career, including the challenges of capturing his extensive legacy. The hosts also explore the emotional dynamics between athletes and their families, such as Bryan Woo’s supportive parents. They mix in humor while analyzing veteran pitchers like Rich Hill and engaging with the community's passion for preserving baseball history through crowdsourcing.

Michael Baumann, a writer at FanGraphs, joins the discussion with Meg Rowley. They dive into the Brewers' impressive win streak and its playoff implications. The duo explores the worst ways to lose a game, reflecting on the chaotic Phillies' no-swing incident. They entertain ideas for a salary cap in baseball, proposing bold changes to the economic landscape. The conversation wraps up with insights into the cycling world, touching on the effects of past doping scandals and the sport's ongoing evolution. Humor and critical analysis make for a captivating exchange.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.