Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

The podcast explores the concept of the 'death ball,' a new curveball variant in baseball. They discuss the importance of terminology in describing pitches and the controversy around pitch classification. The hosts also delve into the evolution of baseball analysis and the importance of player recognition. They analyze the signings of Aroldis Chapman, John Brebbia, James Paxton, and Joey Gallo. They also discuss the potential posting of Roki Sasaki to MLB and various player experiences and grudges.

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the offseason doldrums and this winter’s free-agent activity compared to last year’s, the Josh Hader and Robert Stephenson signings (with a contract over/under draft update), a bleak week in sports (and non-sports) media, pitcher/catcher technique and the automated strike zone, and the invasion of players named Jackson, followed […]

Ben Lindbergh, Meg Rowley, and Patreon supporter Nick Taber banter about Nick’s baseball background and MLB’s most hated teams, then (19:41) answer listener emails about baseball’s newsbreakers as secret newsmakers, a baseball mercenary who plays for multiple teams in the same city (or who has it out for one particular opponent), whether we would remember […]

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about where Blake Snell and Cody Bellinger should/will sign, excoriate the Orioles for their offseason inaction, marvel at Alex Anthopoulos’s lengthy extension, discuss the Giants’ Jordan Hicks signing as part of a trend toward reliever-starter reverse conversions, consider the etymology of “innings eater” and how pitcher usage is like […]

Ben Lindbergh, Meg Rowley, and listener Michael Mountain banter about Michael’s proposal for Effectively Wild listener ballpark meetups during the 2024 MLB season, followed by (7:24) Michael’s guest Stat Blasts about the best non-award-winning players, his all-time player tiers, and Hall of Famers (and HoF candidates) who excelled or flopped at leading their leagues at […]

In this episode, the hosts cover a range of interesting topics including Meg's recovery in the contracts draft, the signing of pitcher Shota Imanaga by the Cubs, the trailblazing career of Rachel Balkovec, and whether the horror film Night Swim can be considered a baseball movie. They also interview Oakland A's player Brent Rooker and discuss breakfast foods, advanced stats, player perceptions of luck, and funny athletes on Twitter. Other topics include DH penalties, unusual meals, recalling pitch sequences, and the aesthetics of baseball players.

Teoscar Hernández, Dodgers player who recently signed with the team, discusses his one-year deal with the Dodgers and its impact on his future earnings. The podcast also explores the challenges teams face in competing with the dominant Los Angeles Dodgers. Other interesting topics include strategies for pitching to ownership groups and free agents, the offseason moves of the Royals and Tigers, a hypothetical scenario of playing multiple games simultaneously, and the concept of K-pop style communication for MLB players.

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about multiple Mariners trades and follow up on a previous conversation about teams with the most work to do before Opening Day, then (21:07) talk to Pebble Hunting author (and former host) Sam Miller about what (if anything!) will be best remembered about the 2023 baseball season. Audio intro: Daniel […]

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the cruelty of the gift Ben gave his Effectively Wild Secret Santa recipient, which MLB team has the most pressure on it to finish the offseason strong (15:23), Chris Sale’s extension, and the Mets signing Harrison Bader. Then (36:36) they answer listener emails about which mascots would be […]

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley recap news and transactions from over the holidays, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s thoughts on San Francisco and Yu Darvish’s thoughts on the Dodgers signing his WBC teammates, the Mariners signing Mitch Garver, the Reds signing Frankie Montas, a smattering of Blue Jays and White Sox signings, the Estevan Florial trade, and […]