Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

Ben Lindbergh, Meg Rowley, and Ben Clemens banter about the Astros signing Tatsuya Imai to a smaller-than-expected deal. Then (18:20) they continue a cherished podcast tradition by conducting the 13th annual Effectively Wild Minor League Free Agent Draft, in which they select 10 minor league free agents each and compete to see whose roster will accumulate the most combined MLB playing time in 2025 (followed by a postscript at 1:31:23). Audio intro: Cory Brent, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to guest appearances sheet Link to FG post on Imai Link to MLBTR on Imai Link to Feinsand tweet Link to The Athletic on Imai Link to minor league free agents Link to MLBTR on MiLB FA Link to last year’s draft Link to MiLB FA draft wiki Link to EWStats page Link to dynasty FA draft sheet Link to Brebbia on EW Link to MLBTR on Baddoo Link to 2025 MLB average SP Link to MiLB IP leaders Link to Can’t Hardly Wait scene Link to this year’s draftees Link to first Stathead query Link to second Stathead query Link to Boob McNutt Link to Mutt and Jeff Link to Gink and Boob Link to Bucco Bricks tweet Link to Lile’s Reddit response Link to MLB.com on Lile Link to car service jingles Link to Conjunction Junction Link to “certain point of view” scene Link to “Old Ben” clip Link to Slate on prediction markets Link to Bloomberg on prediction markets Link to Sporcle quiz  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 3 January 2026

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the potential risk to sports prediction markets pose and then (24:00) discuss at least one listener-nominated topic about each American League team that wasn’t previously covered on the show in 2025. Audio intro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ted O., “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLBTR on Rendon Link to Bloomberg on prediction markets Link to The Athletic on prediction markets Link to FoS on the Blackhawks Link to story about MLB memo Link to Slate on prediction markets Link to Slate on prediction markets 2 Link to Royals stadium story Link to 1922 article on Fowler Link to AL stories spreadsheet Link to Ella Black series  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 31 December 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a smattering of recent transactions and then (20:17) discuss at least one listener-nominated topic about each National League team that wasn’t previously covered on the podcast in 2025. Audio intro: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Sean .P, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLB.com on Soderstrom Link to MLBTR on Soderstrom Link to MLBTR on Refsnyder Link to The Athletic on Refsnyder Link to “the grink” tweet Link to Fowler SABR bio Link to 1925 article on Fowler Link to NL stories spreadsheet  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 30 December 2025

Ben Lindbergh talks to two pitchers who topped out at Triple-A in 2025, which was a demotion for one and a promotion for the other. First, he brings back Rangers pitcher Declan Cronin, the only major leaguer alum of Ben’s high school, to discuss a setback of a season that included a mysterious hip injury, compromised mechanics, diminished stuff, a cutthroat release and, finally, Tommy John surgery. Along the way, they cover the urge to play through injuries, joining the Rangers after being unceremoniously jettisoned by the Marlins, what tearing a UCL feels like, the incentives that lead to elbow problems, Declan’s plan to bounce back from a challenging year, MLB-NWSL romances, and competing with other players for wedding dates. Then (1:05:45), Ben talks to White Sox pitcher/sportswriter Duncan Davitt about becoming a journalist on the side, being on both ends of interviews, being blacked out of baseball broadcasts, the plight and importance of local media, his deceptive delivery, being traded and making a 40-man for the first time, what he has to do to earn a call-up, whether pitchers wear protective cups, and much more. Audio intro: Ian Phillips, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Link to “TK” journalism term Link to MLBTR on Soderstrom Link to Regis High School wiki Link to Declan’s first pod appearance Link to Declan’s second pod appearance Link to article about baseball weddings Link to Declan t-shirt Link to MLBTR on Declan’s TJ Link to list of TJ surgeries Link to cascade injury article Link to MLBTR on Declan’s deal Link to team RP WPA Link to team RP WAR Link to staff page at Tread Link to Tyler Zombro wiki Link to Paige Monaghan wiki Link to Paige’s wedding post Link to Dansby/Mallory article Link to Peña/Grosso engagement Link to Duncan strikeout reel Link to Register feature on Duncan Link to Sox Machine feature on Duncan Link to Duncan’s wedding post Link to Rays prospect ranking Link to traded prospects ranking Link to minor league IP leaders Link to Ben on deception Link to Indianola IA website Link to Indianola wiki Link to J.D. Scholten appearance Link to Indianola IA sports page Link to Duncan’s boys’ basketball article Link to Duncan’s girls’ basketball article Link to Duncan on the offseason Link to Duncan on the trade Link to Duncan on the 40-man Link to Duncan on Triple-A Link to Duncan on big league belief Link to Laurila’s notes column Link to Ben on the gap in 2025 Link to Ben on the gap in 2015 Link to Davenport on the gap Link to MLB.com on Abbott Elementary Link to Schwarber’s 4-HR game Link to MLB survey question  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 26 December 2025

Ben Lindbergh, Craig Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus, and Joe Sheehan of The Joe Sheehan Baseball Newsletter break down teams’ last-minute Christmas shopping—including the White Sox signing Munetaka Murakami, the Padres signing Michael King and Sung Mun Song, the Orioles trading for Shane Baz, the Red Sox trading for Willson Contreras, a three-team trade involving the Pirates, Rays, and Astros, Jeff McNeil and Matt Strahm swaps, and the Yankees’ hibernation—plus banter about the quasi-retirement of Craig’s nemesis, Joe Kelly, the future of NPB, a report about Emmanuel Clase’s mid-game phone use, and supporting independent media. Then (1:11:40) they conduct an in-depth debate about the respective merits of human umpiring, the challenge system, and full ABS. Audio intro: Harold Walker, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Tom Rhoads, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Kelly’s podcast Link to Dubuque on the challenge system Link to Craig on the challenge system Link to Joe on the challenge system Link to previous podcast discussion Link to Seitz decision wiki Link to Joe on the Seitz decision Link to over/under draft results Link to Baumann on Murakami Link to Rosenblum on Murakami Link to Longenhagen on Murakami Link to Craig on Murakami Link to Sarris on Murakami Link to Ben on Murakami in 2022 Link to Sato story Link to FG post on King Link to FG post on Song Link to FG post on Baz Link to Craig on Baz Link to team SP projections Link to Joe on three-team trade Link to FG post on three-team trade Link to FG post on Contreras Link to FG post on Strahm Link to Strahm’s beer stance Link to Bowlan info Link to FG post on McNeil Link to Lindor/McNeil drama Link to Clase report Link to Dylan phone ban Link to Molina framing montage Link to framing technique evolution Link to Molina on EW Link to Craig on the K-Zone Link to Tango on challenge tactics Link to Five and Dive Link to subscribe to BP Link to subscribe to Joe Link to MLBTR on O’Hearn Link to Posnanski MVP post Link to A’s ballpark update Link to Rian Johnson post  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2025

Ben Lindbergh brings on ESPN senior MLB insider Jeff Passan to discuss the ins and outs of the newsbreaking business—how he reports and announces news, how newsbreaking in baseball differs from newsbreaking in other sports, conflicts of interest, the ills of social media, work-life balance, aging, his flirtation with switching to the basketball beat, and more—plus Jeff’s thoughts on ESPN’s relationship with MLB, the biggest surprises and questions of this hot stove season, and the outlook for a lockout. Then (1:06:55) Ben talks to The Athletic’s Sam Blum about what he learned from covering the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Tyler Skaggs against the Angels, which was settled just before the jury reached a verdict. Audio intro: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Kite Person, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Jeff’s last EW appearance Link to Jeff’s newsbreaking origins Link to Jeff’s gravy tweet Link to aging research Link to article about aging Link to Woj comments Link to Schefter comments Link to Shams comments Link to Shams profile Link to Shams vs. Woj feature Link to Passan NBA report Link to exhibit 49 info Link to more exhibit 49 info Link to ESPN-MLB deal Link to ESPN-NFL deal Link to ESPN evolution Link to Jeff’s trade tweet Link to news about Jeff’s son Link to The LAT on the settlement Link to Sam on the settlement Link to Sam on Trout Link to MLB testing change  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about an “oppo taco” mention in Wake Up Dead Man, a run on free-agent relievers and the lack of late-inning options remaining on the market, when big free agents actually tend to sign, the Nationals’ youth movement in the front office and on the coaching staff, and the stacked USA WBC pitching staff, plus follow-ups on several subjects. Audio intro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Rian Johnson clip Link to MLB.com on Weaver Link to Williams message Link to FG post on Keller Link to Arizona gulls Link to MLBTR on May Link to Jimmy trailer Link to Buzzfeed post on Jimmy Link to remaining FA RP Link to Nats youth story Link to Nats youth story 2 Link to Nats youth tweet Link to MLBTR on DeBartolo Link to Butera quote Link to Nats ticket settlement Link to scouts lawsuit Link to ump age study Link to Sheehan research Link to Raleigh award tweet Link to USA WBC roster Link to 2023 roster Link to Trout WBC story Link to announced players post Link to Ben on WBC injuries Link to Ben on more WBCs Link to Grinch oral history Link to roast beast Link to MLBTR on Kim’s offer Link to “Big Smooth” article Link to Pomeranz post Link to Calcaterra on the HoF Link to ineligible list wiki  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Ha-Seong Kim, Adrian Houser, and Foster Griffin signings, a prospect-for-prospect Red Sox and Nationals trade, and the Twins’ partial sale, then (34:00) answer emails about saying “pitchoff” instead of “first pitch,” the value of a cool nickname, a Hall of Fame reference in The Wizard of Oz, whether teams value batter performance against elite pitching, protesting ball/strike calls from the dugout, keeping Pete Rose out of the Hall, a running start for pitchers, and moving the catcher back instead of the mound. Audio intro: Alex Glossman and Ali Breneman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to FG post on Kim Link to Anthopoulos comments on Kim Link to MLBTR on Houser Link to MLBTR on Griffin Link to FG post on pitching prospects trade Link to Twins sale story Link to $/WAR analysis Link to $/WAR analysis 2 Link to ceremonial first puck wiki Link to “baseball exceptionalism” series Link to Sam’s hockey quote Link to Raleigh “Beef Boys” story Link to Sam on Trout in 2012 Link to The Wizard of Oz song Link to halls of fame wiki Link to Hall of Fame for Great Americans Link to Schwarber’s postseason stats Link to pitcher quality adjustment post Link to Capps hop post Link to Ben on moving the mound Link to listener emails database  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a smattering of transactions, featuring (among others) Jorge Polanco, Tyler Rogers, Kenley Jansen, Isaac Collins, Angel Zerpa, Merrill Kelly, Josh Bell, and Adolis García. Then (49:03) they talk about MLB’s move to regulate and standardize the use of in-game technology across the minor leagues, baseball content (sans spoilers!) in new Netflix films Wake Up Dead Man and A House of Dynamite (1:04:50), and MLB players who could come out of retirement after long layoffs, à la Colts QB Philip Rivers (1:15:20). Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to FG post on Polanco Link to Petriello on Polanco Link to FG post on Rogers Link to team RP projections Link to FG post on Brewers/Royals trade Link to 2025 team OF stats Link to FG post on Kelly Link to FG post on Kenley Link to R-JAWS leaders Link to Ben on the Lester trade Link to MLBTR on Bell Link to Trueblood on Bell Link to MLBTR on García Link to new MLB regulations Link to 2023 report on team spending Link to report on Monfort’s spending Link to EW Episode 1489 Link to EW Episode 1490 Link to Ben on Elementary Link to baseball in Knives Out Link to blog about baseball in WUDM Link to Reddit on baseball in WUDM Link 2 to Reddit on baseball in WUDM Link to Lindor references Link to Vonn’s win Link to Rivers post in FB group Link to Rivers game story Link to Seahawks tweet Link to Gainwell wiki Link to EW Episode 1928  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 16 December 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Garrett Stubbs and the latest example of eyebrow-raising off-the-field Phillies behavior (content warning: adult breast milk consumption), then (14:58) discuss the Pete Alonso signing from the Orioles’ and Mets’ perspectives, Stat Blast (47:09) about teams losing long-tenured/productive players and rapid roster turnover among title winners, and recap (1:05:25) a smattering of transactions to put a bow on the week of Winter Meetings. Audio intro: Tom Rhoads, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to cursed Stubbs TikTok Link to info on breast milk drinking Link to bodybuilders and breast milk Link to Stubbs on EW Link to Phillies himbo article 1 Link to Phillies himbo article 2 Link to FG post on Alonso Link to Alonso’s career splits Link to O’s vs. LHP Link to Sheehan on the O’s Link to O’s offense sim Link to team SP projections Link to Post cover 1 Link to Post cover 2 Link to “Headless Body in Topless Bar” Link to Stat Blast spreadsheet Link to FG post on Suarez Link to FG post on Yastrzemski Link to FG post on Finnegan Link to FG post on Thomas Link to over/under draft results Link to MLBTR on Garcia Link to MLBTR on Rogers Link to Hughes/Fitzy story  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley break down Scott Boras’s Winter Meetings wordplay and discuss the Kyle Schwarber and Edwin Díaz deals, a smattering of starting-pitcher signings, the Pirates as supposed spenders, the latest on the Ippei Mizuhara TV series, a Lane Kiffin canine conspiracy, and a Johanfran Garcia nickname. Audio intro: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Boras on EW Link to Boras on Imai Link to Boras on Suárez Link to Boras on Bregman Link to Boras on Alonso Link to more on Alonso Link to “Wood” song Link to Boras on Gallen Link to Boras on Skubal Link to Boras on Bellinger Link to Bellinger quote transcription Link to quote about news timing Link to FG post on Schwarber Link to NL fWAR leaders Link to FG post on Díaz Link to Friedman’s “heavy lifting” quote Link to over/under draft results Link to Pirates offer story Link to Boras on the Pirates Link to Pirates/Marlins spending story Link to Ippei show update Link to FG post on Matz Link to MLBTR on Grissom Link to MLBTR on Ponce Link to MLBTR on Weiss Link to MLBTR on Kay Link to MLBTR on Anderson Link to HUAL on Kiffin Link to Kiffin dog story 1 Link to Kiffin dog story 2 Link to report on Juice Link to post on Juice’s account Link to Cruella de Vil wiki Link to Garcia brothers story Link to Patreon gift subs Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley deliver a correction to the preceding episode’s draft results, ponder the mystery of a bigger John Brebbia fan than Ben, remind listeners to sign up for EW Secret Santa, and banter about Sonny Gray, Brian Cashman, and gloriously nonsensical sports beefs, Bryce Harper’s ozone therapy, two trades centered on blocked prospects, and Jeff Kent’s Cooperstown induction. Audio intro: Sean .P, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to EWStats thread Link to competitions/drafts sheet Link to EWStats site Link to FanGraphs Walk-Off Link to Gray article 1 Link to Gray article 2 Link to Dobbins dad story Link to Schlittler article 1 Link to Schlittler article 2 Link to Cashman on Stanton Link to Harper Insta post Link to Baumann post about Harper Link to Baumann’s cycling newsletter Link to Redd post about Harper Link to Harper photo 1 Link to Harper photo 2 Link to Redd’s site Link to Ozone therapy wiki Link to Bastyr U wiki Link to FG post on Ford trade Link to FG post on Password trade Link to Pirates/Marlins spending story Link to 2025 team catcher WAR Link to team SP projections Link to Jay on Kent Link to Sheffield’s explanation Link to 2B JAWS Link to 2000 NL fWAR leaders Link to 2000 NL bWAR leaders Link to “C’mon, do something” meme Link to MLBTR on Wade Link to Patreon gift subs Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2025

Ben Lindbergh, Sam Miller, and podcast scorekeeper Chris Hanel review the results of an under-25-pitchers draft Ben and Sam conducted a decade ago. Then (13:38) Ben and Sam banter about Ben’s physique, answer listener emails about doing a The Only Rule-style experiment 10 years later, discuss Sam’s revamped, unique approach to writing about baseball this year, and consider some possibilities for what we’ll remember about baseball in 2025. After that (1:05:57), Ben continues the sporadic “Baseball Jobs” series by interviewing 71-year-old John Yandle, the Giants’ left-handed batting-practice pitcher since 1985, about his transition from pitcher to BP pitcher, the keys to good BP, balancing his day job and his baseball side gig, anticipating starting-pitcher matchups, fending off advanced pitching machines, his incredible longevity, arm care in his 70s, the hitters who’ve complained the most, throwing BP to Barry Bonds, and more, followed by (2:01:20) a postscript. Audio intro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Sam Miller, “Effectively Wild Theme (Ken Maeda’s Nice ‘n’ Easy Remix)” Audio outro: Jimmy Kramer, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to EW Episode 669 Link to competitions/drafts sheet Link to EWStats site Link to The Only Rule Link to Ben’s Vince Gilligan video Link to Pebble Hunting Link to Sam on tripping Link to Sam on non-highlight highlights Link to Sam on the CI challenge Link to Sam on dropped third strikes Link to piece about first pitches Link to How To with John Wilson Link to Sam on remembering past years Link to Sam on Ohtani in 2024 Link to Sam on the World Series Link to Sam on the Hall Link to titular Yogi-ism Link to John’s B-Ref page Link to John’s Newmark bio Link to 2024 article on John Link to 2012 article on John Link to 2007 article on John Link to Johnson’s first pitch Link to Bonds TTO splits Link to Giants Trajekt machine Link to Cooney/Wharton Link to Cooney’s LinkedIn Link to Byrnes wiki Link to Wrapped post Link to Patreon gift subs Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the John Brebbia and Devin Williams signings (in that order, obviously), share a few follow-ups, and (31:33) assess whether each team satisfied its season preview guest’s conditions for a successful year. Then (58:18) they answer emails about the origins of the concept of the “opposite field,” the meaning of the word “whiff,” how to refer to offseasons, whether umpires practice throwing, how much stock to place in regular-season wins without an accompanying championship, and two takes on the challenge system. Audio intro: The Spaghettis, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLBTR on Brebbia Link to Brebbia on EW Link to minor league FA Link to FG post on Williams Link to present-value calc Link to Petriello on Williams Link to biggest 2025 ERA-FIP gaps Link to contracts draft Link to team SP projections Link to Canadian currency details Link to Metrodome demolition Link to preseason team goals Link to Dickson on “corner” Link to Dickson on “opposite field” Link to Dickson on “whiff” Link to FG top 50 FA Link to team wins since 2000 Link to Andrews on ABS and catchers Link to Tango on ABS and catchers Link to listener emails database Link to MLBTR on Manoah Link to MLBTR on Ponce Link to Patreon gift subs Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley respond to the responses to their response to a recent listener email, discuss (14:38) the Blue Jays’ Dylan Cease deal (including a Stat Blast about pitchers with big ERA-FIP gaps at 34:11), Anthony Rendon’s potential retirement (47:23), and the Orioles’ Ryan Helsley signing (1:05:37), before scrutinizing ESPN’s annual offseason survey of MLB executives (1:15:53). Audio intro: Andy Ellison, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to EW Episode 2407 Link to T20 cricket Link to Baumann on Cease Link to team SP projections Link to contracts draft results Link to Canadian currency wiki Link to ERA-FIP gap findings Link to ERA estimators study Link to “IPA” drug report Link to Rendon report Link to Rendon EW episode Link to The Force Awakens scene Link to Helsley starting post Link to Helsley signing post Link to Helsley BP player card Link to BP pitching leaderboards Link to Ben on Alcantara in 2022 Link to Trueblood on predictability Link to Sam on the Crasnicks Link to new ESPN survey Link to Giants/Imai report Link to Patreon gift subs Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley bring on top-tier Patreon supporter Becca Balton to banter about Becca’s baseball background, her origins as a listener, and the Nationals’ new direction, then (17:51) answer emails about a team WAR cap, an extra-innings variant in which the team to score fastest wins, manager close-ups on postseason broadcasts, citing the stats of a particular pitch, a pitch-based skills competition, and the “corners” of the strike zone, followed (1:09:33) by Stat Blasts about postseason series MVPs with negative (c)WPAs, pitchers who earned their first save in their final appearance, the oldest/most-experienced pitchers to push their career records over .500 for the first time, and teams that swept the major awards in the shortest spans, plus a postscript on the Dylan Cease signing and more. Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Yesavage splitter stats Link to Babe Ruth Award wiki Link to Kershaw/Stafford backstory Link to xkcd “Ten Thousand” comic Link to Stafford stat Link to Stafford’s season Link to QB wins leaders Link to Nightengale column Link to BP on MLB’s “losses” Link to MaML on Karcher Link to listener emails database Link to Jesser’s YouTube channel Link to Rendon report Link to MLBTR on Cease Link to Baumann on Cease Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Red Sox-Cardinals trade involving Sonny Gray and take Hal Steinbrenner to task for his comments about the Yankees not being profitable, then (37:00) talk to Jay Jaffe about the big issues surrounding this year’s (and upcoming years’) BBWAA and Era Committee Hall of Fame ballots. Audio intro: Philip Tapley and Michael Stokes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLBTR on Gray Link to Baumann on Gray Link to Breslow quote Link to Steinbrenner’s comments Link to Rob on Steinbrenner Link to Rob on Atlanta Link to Beeston quote Link to Forbes estimates Link to 2026 BBWAA ballot Link to Jay on the ballot Link to Jay’s profiles schedule Link to ballot tracker Link to ballot tracker site Link to S-JAWS info Link to Jay on the contemporary ballot Link to Posnanski post Link to The Cooperstown Casebook Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Warren Schaeffer staying on as Rockies manager, the Mets’ and Rangers’ Brandon Nimmo–Marcus Semien swap, and their memories, thoughts, and feelings concerning Alex Rodriguez, inspired by the new, three-part HBO docuseries Alex vs. A-Rod. Then (58:35) they talk to the co-directors/EPs of Alex vs. A-Rod, Gotham Chopra and Erik LeDrew, about how the docuseries sausage was made and their insights into A-Rod’s psyche. Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Audio outro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLBTR on Schaeffer Link to Baumann on the trade Link to Alex vs. A-Rod trailer Link to stream Alex vs. A-Rod Link to Alex vs. A-Rod IMDb page Link to Gotham’s IMDb page Link to Erik’s IMDb page Link to latest HUAL episode Link to Munch King bag Link to “gun” etymology Link to 1993 Levy article Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Aaron Judge having been teammates with both Taylor Ward and Tyler Wade, a revelation about the late-season health of Elly De La Cruz, and the hidden value of multiposition players such as Mauricio Dubón, then (38:22) answer listener emails about the terms “baseball lifer” and “double-barrel action,” when bases-loaded situations are separate, how to count innings, a weird double play, how to classify switch-hitters, non-switch-hitters who should consider switch-hitting, and whether wealth can buy a good farm system. Audio intro: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Elly injury info Link to September Elly episode Link to AA quotes on Dubón Link to 2025 FRV leaders Link to Kostka thread on Grayson Link to double play clip 1 Link to double play clip 2 Link to double play clip 3 Link to Rendon homer story Link to Popkins origin story Link to listener emails database Link to Narduzzi clip Link to Narduzzi story Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2025

Ben, Meg, Michael Baumann, Ben Clemens, and Chris Hanel congregate to review the results of the 2025 minor league free agent draft (11:45) and recap their 40 bold preseason predictions (19:01), following quick games of “2025 College World Series Starting Pitching Matchup or First Amendment Supreme Court Case” (2:58) and “Cedar Rapids Kernel or Character in the Star Wars Universe” (7:42). Audio intro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Daniel Leckie, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to free agent draft episode Link to draft history Link to preseason predictions episode Link to predictions game history Link to EWStats site Link to EWStats on Bluesky Link to listener leaders Link to Chris’s website Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2025

Ben and Meg banter about the benefits of baseball supporting longer careers than some other sports (inspired by LeBron James becoming the first NBA player to make it to a 23rd season), the Mariners re-signing Josh Naylor, four free agents accepting qualifying offers, the Orioles and Angels swapping Grayson Rodriguez and Taylor Ward, whether teams will find/develop the next Kyle Hendricks, MLB’s unveiling of its new/old broadcast partners, and some news about the WPBL. Audio intro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Harold Walker, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to LeBron gamer Link to B-Ref seasons leaderboard Link to FG post on Naylor Link to Passan’s Pirates report Link to We Tried Tracker return Link to Baumann on the QOs Link to over/under draft tracker Link to FG post on O’s-Angels trade Link to Judge’s former teammates Link to Judge/Wade sighting Link to xkcd comic Link to Laurila on Hendricks Link to Bloom quote Link to Toboni quote Link to Ben on Arraez Link to MLB rights release Link to Marchand on the rights deals Link to Marchand on the rights deals 2 Link to WPBL news 1 Link to WPBL news 2 Link to Ben on the OWL Link to Hot Stove League on Netflix Link to initial praise of the show Link to first recap pod Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2025

Ben and Meg banter about Based Boras vs. Borscht Belt Boras and a few corny quips they overlooked, then discuss end-of-season awards (Aaron Judge vs. Cal Raleigh, Paul Skenes vs. Cristopher Sánchez, Skenes as a paid pitchman, José Ramírez MVP shares, Shohei Ohtani’s dog vs. Judge’s dogs, repetition among award winners, groupthink among voters, WAR preference, bringing back old-school awards, and more) before touching on the news that Padres ownership is exploring a sale. Then (1:13:43) Michael Mountain joins Ben to Stat Blast about team rivalries. Audio intro: Josh Busman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Boras/exec comments Link to BP Boras quip ranking Link to AL MVP results Link to Ben on Judge and Raleigh Link to NL MVP results Link to AL Cy results Link to NL Cy results Link to Skenes reaction Link to Skenes reaction article Link to Skenes Raising Cane’s spot Link to Skenes on EW Link to Posnanski on retro awards Link to Ohtani dog video Link to Judge dog video Link to Baumann on voting and WAR Link to award share wiki Link to Ramírez award share Link to pitch-fixing fallout article Link to MLBTR on the Padres sale Link to rivalry scores data Link to CTV Barger video Link to Mense hiring Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2025

Ben and Meg banter about a hotel-lobby shrine to Addison Barger and Scott Boras wordplay at the GM meetings, Stat Blast (25:50) about Paul DePodesta’s comeback, POBO percentage, postseason questions, and Mike Greenwell, and (1:01:07) conduct the 11th annual free agent contract over/under draft, plus a Boras postscript. Audio intro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Pedantic)” Link to Barger story Link to Marriott love story Link to Boras quote round-up Link to Boras on Skubal Link to Boras on Alonso Link to Boras on Bregman Link to Boras on Bellinger Link to Boras on Kim Link to Boras on EW Link to Ben on the Rockies Link to over/under draft history Link to MLBTR Top 50 FA Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2025

Ben and Meg break down the federal indictment of Emmanuel Clase and Luis L. Ortiz, including the documentary and statistical evidence of their alleged pitch-fixing, the implications for the sport and sports gambling, the unanswered questions, the dark comedy, and more (plus a real-time reaction to an MLB betting reform and an answer to an email about parenting in the age of ubiquitous sports-betting ads). Audio intro: Ted O., “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Link to government press release Link to indictment Link to NBA story Link to Ben’s article Link to pitches reel Link to Shoeless Joe info 1 Link to Shoeless Joe info 2 Link to MLB press release Link to Pages pitch Link to postseason pitch Link to Secret Santa sign-up  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 11 November 2025

Ben and Meg banter about the Rockies reportedly hiring Paul DePodesta as their new head of baseball operations, another managerial hiring, MLB’s World Series ratings bonanza, the resurgence of the splitter, the Royals extending Salvador Perez, and more. Then (44:30) they bring on Ben Clemens to discuss his ranking of this offseason’s top 50 free agents, the strengths and weaknesses of the class as a whole, some notable free agents from Kyle Tucker on down, players he’s high/low on, and how the specter of a future work stoppage might affect this hot stove season. Audio intro: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Xavier LeBlanc, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLBTR on DePobo Link to report on “finalists” Link to Colorado tax measure Link to Passan’s Stammen tweet Link to Tingler report Link to WBC exhibitions Link to MLB ratings release Link to article on Canadian ratings Link to MLB/NBA ratings comparison Link to Sarris on splitters Link to Andrews on splitters Link to splitter usage by year Link to Neyer on splitters/forkballs Link to Salvy extension post Link to MLBPA investigation story Link to banned agent story Link to Other Ben’s FA ranking Link to MLBTR on Bieber Link to Tango on Bieber Link to Secret Santa sign-up Link to Plot Hole or Not Hole  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2025

Ben and Meg banter about the slightly shorter-than-usual duration of the offseason, how big the WBC will be, and a few managerial hirings. After that (41:53), they talk to FanGraphs lead prospect analyst Eric Longenhagen about Munetaka Murakami and this offseason’s most promising free agents from international leagues, what we’ve learned about Roki Sasaki and the factors that predict MLB success for NPB/KBO players, and MLB’s winter moratorium on amateur scouting. Audio intro: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Xavier LeBlanc, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to manager hirings/firings Link to most managers for one GM Link to Rockies update 1 Link to Rockies update 2 Link to Ben on ex-player GMs Link to Eric on IFA Link to Ben on Murakami/Sasaki Link to scouting moratorium news Link to EW on the moratorium Link to Secret Santa sign-up Link to Plot Hole or Not Hole  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2025

Ben and Meg banter about all the highlights of World Series Game 7, with a side of World Series Game 6, break down the appeal of the now-completed postseason, and discuss what teams might take away from the success of 2025’s pennant winners. Audio intro: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Sean .P, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Ben’s post-G7 story Link to cWPA data Link to Dan S. on the Dodgers Link to Neil Paine on the Dodgers Link to Passan on Yamamoto/Rojas Link to Tango on IKF Link to Andrews on the bench-clearing Link to Ohtani’s G6 double Link to postgame Mattingly moment Link to 2015 Theo quote  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 4 November 2025

Ben and Meg banter about Trey Yesavage’s performance in World Series Game 5, whether he’s already provided a career’s worth of value to Toronto, his current prospect ranking, and his future, plus Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s steady postseason production vs. Shohei Ohtani’s clustered postseason production, covering the regular season like we cover the postseason, why the Dodgers’ bats have gone cold, Teoscar Hernández’s outfielding, Mookie Betts’ future at shortstop, what the World Series says about “momentum,” how the last two games of the series will affect post-series discussions about MLB, and Davis Schneider’s batting mimicry. Audio intro: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to “pitcher’s cycle” Link to high-K, 0-BB starts Link to more Yesavage facts Link to Passan on Yesavage Link to FG top 100 update Link to MLB Pipeline ranking Link to Weaver on momentum Link to BP on momentum Link to BP on momentum again Link to Sheehan on the Dodgers Link to Sam on the Dodgers Link to Shneider article Link to “catbird seat” info Link to Barber letter  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2025

Ben and Meg banter about Magic Johnson’s Game 5 preview, Game 4 observations, belated Game 2 takes on Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the Jonas Brothers, Addison Barger’s sleepovers and doppelgangers, David Popkins’ impact on the Jays, another Cal Raleigh award win, Bryce Harper’s hurt feelings, and more. Audio intro: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jimmy Kramer, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Magic tweet Link to Stephen A. clip Link to “catbird seat” Link to Paine’s research Link to team IBB Link to postseason IBB story Link to MLB.com Jonas Bros story Link to Mastercard Jonas Bros release Link to People Jonas Bros story Link to Jonas Bros backlash story Link to Jonas Bros performance Link to Barger/Schneider story Link to Jays internal dev story Link to Popkins story 1 Link to Popkins story 2 Link to Popkins story 3 Link to Cal award win 1 Link to Cal award win 2 Link to Harper story  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2025

Ben and Meg banter about and draft their favorite 18 moments (one for each inning!) from an endlessly entertaining, and almost just plain endless, World Series Game 3. Audio intro: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Alex Glossman and Ali Breneman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Ben on Game 3 Link to Laurila on Game 3 Link to Baumann on Game 3 Link to Andrews on Game 3 Link to Clemens on Game 3 Link to Wegner’s Umpire Scorecard Link to Barger/Schneider story Link to Verducci story Link to Paisley story  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2025

Ben and Meg banter about Ben’s trip to a World Series-obsessed city, whether Game 1 of a best-of-seven series can be “must-win,” the Jays-as-underdogs narrative, the global audience for the matchup, and a few factors they’re following throughout the series, before reacting to two California clubs’ managerial hirings: the Angels’ choice of Kurt Suzuki and the Giants’ choice of Tony Vitello (plus a postgame postscript). Audio intro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Philip Tapley and Michael Stokes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to “Must-win” article Link to best-of-seven probability Link to ZiPS odds Link to Bichette article Link to Mickey Stanley article Link to global viewership Link to Pharrell announcement Link to Pharrell performance Link to Hoffman names Link to Snell fashion Link to subjective age Link to plate-tapping promo Link to Ben on SP as RP Link to Pujols/Angels article Link to Suzuki hiring Link to Minasian story Link to HVAC story Link to Trout testimony Link to Hundley article Link to Vitello article Link to Baumann on Vitello Link to “eyes of the world” message  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2025

Meg Rowley and guest co-host Ben Clemens of FanGraphs discuss the conclusion of the ALCS, including Dan Wilson’s decision to the turn to Eduard Bazardo to face George Springer with runners on in the seventh rather than bring in a higher-leverage reliever like Andrés Muñoz. Then they preview the upcoming World Series between the Blue Jays and the Dodgers, highlighting a few matchups they think might prove to be important in determining the winner. Audio intro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to sign up for Patreon Link to Ben on the first part of his Fielding Bible Awards ballot Link to Eric Longenhagen on Game 7 of the ALCS Link to Ben on intentionally walking Cal Raleigh Link to Joe Posnanski on the Bazardo decision Link to Davy Andrews on the three jumps of Game 7  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2025

In the hours before an ill-fated (for the Mariners) ALCS Game 7, Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the state of Meg’s fan feelings and the highlights, lowlights, managerial moves, and more from Games 5 and 6. Then they discuss Shohei Ohtani’s instantly legendary NLCS Game 4 performance (plus postscript). Audio intro: Kite Person, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ted O., “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to sign up for Patreon Link to Little reasoning Link to Ben on the Ohtani Game Link to SI Ohtani article Link to Betts pod  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about ALCS Game 4 and NLCS Game 3, with an emphasis on Max Scherzer’s must-win mentality and why his hyped-up mound and start-day demeanor stops just short of scanning as too intense, the Dodgers’ likeability (or lack thereof), and repetitive promos. Then (as Meg sporadically exclaims about the beginning of ALCS Game 5), they discuss how the Tigers should approach Tarik Skubal’s contractual/financial future, followed by a postscript featuring snippets of real-time reaction to the Mariners’ Game 5 comeback and Shohei Ohtani’s instantly legendary, pennant-clinching Game 4 two-way display. Audio intro: Daniel Leckie, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ian Phillips, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to sign up for Patreon Link to Scherzer’s must-win quote Link to Sheehan on Scherzer Link to The Bandwagon post Link to Petriello on catcher fatigue Link to Defector on Piazza Link to MLBTR on Skubal Link to MLBTR Skubal poll Link to Monfort message  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the effect of road dominance on the postseason spectator experience and discuss NLCS Game 2 and ALCS Game 3, touching on Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s throwback complete game, the historic playoff production of Kiké Hernández, the less surprising excellence of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a budding Dodgers backlash, pitcher usage when a team is trailing, how to handle Humpy, and much more. Then (1:16:22) they answer listener emails about the ethics of October rooting, what to call two-game sweeps, “representing” the tying run, great takes on great pitches, and players who lost “local hero” status. Audio intro: Harold Walker, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to sign up for Patreon Link to 2019 road dominance Link to 2023 road dominance Link to playoff OPS ratios Link to Arozarena playoff wRC+ Link to Hernández playoff wRC+ Link to Paine on the Dodgers Link to Castellanos defense Link to Kiké quotes Link to QT commercial Link to #6org post 1 Link to #6org post 2 Link to #6org post 3 Link to Salmon Run cast Link to Humpy story Link to MLBTR on Hedges  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley revisit Meg’s experience of Mariners-Tigers ALDS Game 5 and recap the first few games of the Championship Series round, touching on postseason broadcast booths, the Mariners’ mauling of the Blue Jays in Toronto, Pat Murphy’s burnishing of the Brewers’ underdog image, broader narrative-building about the Brewers-Dodgers series, whether the Dodgers intentionally took it easy during the regular season, the GIDP heard ’round the world, starters moonlighting as relievers, Blake Snell, and more, plus closing banter about manager news and Pete Alonso’s contract target in his second crack at free agency. Audio intro: Jimmy Kramer, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Tom Rhoads, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to sign up for Patreon Link to Meg’s 2386 postscript Link to playoff win expectancy changes Link to Humpy article Link to Humpy video Link to worst BsR w/30+ SB Link to AL team Gold Gloves Link to NL team Gold Gloves Link to The Bandwagon on Gold Gloves Link to GIDP video Link to GIDP article Link to Cooper on the GIDP Link to Turang on his near-HBP Link to Stathead on 100-pitch playoff games Link to jacked Jays fan Link to Robles play Link to Passan on the NLCS Link to Murphy’s “eight guys” quote Link to Defector comment Link to Craig on the Dodgers Link to Schildt story Link to Hinch story Link to Alonso report Link to Sam on “seeking”  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley announce their playoff livestream plans and then break down Game 4 of the Phillies-Dodgers NLDS, including their musings on Orion Kerkering’s game-ending error and the events that preceded it, whether baseball would be better or worse without its tragic on-field figures, the Phillies’ future, and the intimidating Dodgers. Then, after a few thoughts on the Brewers and Cubs, they banter about baseball’s culture of pitch-tipping paranoia (53:29), the effects of high-tech pitching machines (1:09:20), the upcoming MLB free agency of NPB slugger Munetaka Murakami (1:17:00), and potentially encouraging comments about MLB’s path to a unified package of broadcast rights (1:20:58), plus a postscript message from Meg (1:30:05) about the Mariners’ ALDS Game 5 victory. Audio intro: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to sign up for Patreon Link to FG Phillies-Dodgers gamer Link to walk-off video Link to Gelb’s Phillies story Link to walk-off errors stat 1 Link to walk-off errors stat 2 Link to Yoda quote Link to tweet about Call on Call Link to Stark on the Phillies’ future Link to Petriello’s post Link to new meme format Link to bunting etymology Link to FG Cubs-Brewers gamer Link to article on pitch-tipping Link to Ben on the banging scheme Link to Wilson’s chess quote Link to The Bandwagon on Trajekt Link to 2024 Trajekt Stat Blast Link to tweet about Yesavage Link to Ben on pitching machines Link to home wRC+ by year Link to road wRC+ by year Link to MLBTR on Murakami Link to Ben on Murakami/Sasaki Link to Normandin article Link to Kennedy comments Link to Kasten comments  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 11 October 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the rampant overuse of the phrase “must-win game,” denying late timeouts, the Blue Jays’ victory over the Yankees, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a Yankees postmortem, Aaron Judge’s partial postseason redemption, the athletic (and managerial) highlights and lowlights of the other ALDS and the two NLDSes, the swan song of October Clayton Kershaw, postseason sacrifice bunting, Bryce Harper’s thoughts on childbirth, and more. Audio intro: Alex Glossman and Ali Breneman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Passan’s Phillies tweet Link to Posnanski on comebacks from 0-2 Link to Vlad’s Yankees grudge Link to Vlad and Papi Link to Papi on Schlittler Link to Rosenthal on Judge Link to Sheehan on Judge Link to Rosenthal on the Yankees Link to The Ringer on Fox’s MLB panel Link to “clean your clock” etymology Link to Stott bunt explanation Link to Harper quote Link to Raleigh shirt story Link to infield-fly call Link to Stark fun fact Link to The West Wing scene  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Meg’s recovery from illness and her ongoing emotional distress as a postseason spectator, then share their takeaways from the first two games of each ALDS and the first game of each NLDS. After that (51:15), Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie joins to talk about how he’s handling postseason stress, his thoughts on the Mariners season and playoff performance so far, the team he would root for if he weren’t an M’s fan, and whether he’d write a Mariners victory song, plus a postscript (1:31:15) on how Guardians fans are feeling. Audio intro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Cory Brent, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Langs on Yesavage Link to Ben on first-year pitchers Link to Passan on Roki’s reinvention Link to FG post on M’s-Tigers G2 Link to DCFC’s Mariners post Link to 2011 interview about DCFC’s name Link to “Ichiro’s Theme”  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 7 October 2025

Ben Lindbergh brings on Michael Baumann, who immediately makes Ben regret it by subjecting him to a lyrical ode to Effectively Wild inspired by the Taylor Swift song “Wood.” Then they play “College Baseball Player or Make and Model of Car?” before recapping the three decisive Game 3s of the wild card round (with an emphasis on the absurdity of the Guardians’ immediate elimination after their historic AL Central comeback, a bad call on Xander Bogaerts, the heroics of Cam Schlittler and Ryan McMahon, and converting from Red Sox fandom to Yankees fandom) and ranking the four division series matchups. Then (1:15:44) Ben talks to Tigers TV broadcaster Jason Benetti about calling the team’s 2024 comeback and 2025 collapse, how to process their reprieve from elimination after a historic blown lead, players to pay attention to in the ALDS, and naturally, John Brebbia. Audio intro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Horny)” Audio interstitial: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to “Wood” lyrics Link to reliever familiarity effect Link to call on Bogaerts Link to Padres postgame video Link to Padres frustration Link to ump scoreboard Link to Schlittler fun facts Link to Schlittler pitches piece Link to Jeter catch Link to McMahon catch Link to Schlittler’s mom’s account 1 Link to Schlittler’s mom’s account 2 Link to article about Schlittler’s family Link to Ben on first-year pitchers Link to Ben on the Brewers and Jays Link to 2024 Benetti appearance Link to Brebbia EW episode Link to Benetti’s podcast Link to Cal award  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2025

Ben Lindbergh brings on Hannah Keyser and Zach Crizer of The Bandwagon to banter in a hopefully not-immediately-dated way about the first two days of playoff action, including the Dodgers dispatching the Reds, Dave Roberts using “Strategy,” Aaron Boone’s perceived mismanaging, the flamethrowing Mason Miller and a playoff-pitch-speed conundrum, and more, plus conversation about how teams with byes are trying to stay ready, the league’s many managerial openings, whether running the Rockies is a good gig, the Rafael Devers trade in retrospect, and the best teams to bandwagon, followed (1:33:54) by a postscript. Audio intro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to The Bandwagon Link to Episode 2105 Link to Hannah on the Phillies’ prep Link to Phillies intrasquad game Link to Ichiro scrimmage story Link to Ben on the mid-PA pitching change Link to Girardi on “Strategy” Link to 2024 “Strategy” episode Link to Vesia one-pitch K Link to Vesia scoring quirk Link to Anderson tweet about Miller Link to article about Miller Link to Miller video Link to fastest postseason pitches Link to fastest regular-season pitches Link to Eno on playoff pitch speeds Link to The Ringer’s postseason storylines Link to Obama anger translator sketch Link to Crochet vs. LHP tweet Link to The Bandwagon on Boone Link to Chisholm dive Link to Cora’s follow-up Link to Breslow on Devers Link to Diamond tweet Link to Sarris tweet Link to Baggarly on Posey Link to MLBTR on the Rockies Link to manager vacancies Link to Arrested Development meme Link to DeLauter debut article Link to DeLauter debut play Link to Lemon/Bearden kiss Link to article on the kiss Link to 1991 Mets article Link to streaks data Link to SB distribution graphs Link to SB distribution data Link to Sacramento A’s jersey Link to Keown on the A’s  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 2 October 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about their plans for playoff livestreams and an MLB attendance announcement, then recap the highlights of the last weekend of the regular season and discuss what excites them about the playoffs. Along the way, they rank the collapses of the Astros, Tigers, and Mets and banter about trade-deadline do-overs, playoff-clinching walk-offs, Game 162 incentives, whether tiebreakers are fairer than tiebreaker games, a smart save by a first-base coach, the scariest October teams relative to the regular season, the AL wild card matchups, two Alex Cora quotes, the potential for first-time champions, and more, plus follow-ups. Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Josh Busman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to livestreams sign-up Link to MLB press release Link to attendance stats Link to year-over-year attendance Link to Marte robbery Link to Rafaela triple Link to Sam on walk-off triples Link to Trout homers Link to Trout streak Link to Alomar Jr. intervention Link to Kayfus walk-off Link to Norby quote Link to Mets/Marlins history Link to MLBTR on Alonso Link to Cora quote Link to haters meme Link to FG staff predictions Link to preseason playoff odds Link to other Cora quote Link to mid-May Gleyber pull rate Link to May 12 Gleyber game Link to first-year postseason starters Link to MLBTR on Toboni Link to lowest K%+ Link to Adames dinger Link to Episode 2350  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 30 September 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Mariners clinching the AL West, the benefits and drawbacks of MVP debates, the power of great players to enhance a season for spectators, the Cardinals’ and Giants’ reciprocal eliminations, the near-extinction of the 200-inning pitcher, the Nationals’ new head of baseball ops, and how predictive a track record of adept drafting is. Then (53:15) they answer listener emails about whether a player could/should ever challenge a ball/strike call that went their way, whether increased pitcher injuries have contributed to the lack of great teams, sticky-stuff inspections on broadcasts, how many pitches it takes to evaluate a pitcher, whether/why baseball managers incur fans’ wrath more than other sports’ coaches, whether teams are turning fewer double plays than they used to, and Trey Yesavage’s many 2025 teammates, plus (1:40:47) a postscript. Audio intro: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to 2015 MLB promo Link to Ben on Judge vs. Ohtani Link to Giants elimination story Link to Cardinals elimination story Link to pitcher IP leaderboard Link to preseason pitcher IP projections Link to Passan on Toboni Link to MLBTR on Toboni Link to WaPo on the Nats Link to Ben on pitcher injury rates Link to Ben on pitcher workloads Link to Rodón quote Link to MLB GIDP% Link to Jays tweet Link to quote-tweet Link to Kenny Jackelen Link to 2025 teammate leaders Link to single-season teammate leaders Link to listener emails database Link to BP on Blalock Link to Blalock leaderboard Link to highest ML ERA (min. 55 IP) Link to highest ML ERA (min. 100 IP) Link to FG wOBA values Link to BP location research Link to FG playoff odds Link to Darowski update  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 26 September 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the delights of the last week of the regular season, the Dodgers’ bullpen problems, and what kind of compromise the challenge system is, then (43:09) answer listener emails about where the warning track extends, the easiest day at the office for a batter, a player who exclusively hits one single per game, whether MLB front offices are Bayesian or frequentist, the relative strength of the AL and NL, and ticky-tack tags, plus (1:37:08) a postscript. Audio intro: Sean .P, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Skubal error clip Link to MLBTR on Fry Link to Tigers/Guardians game story Link to MLBTR on Sasaki Link to D-Backs/Dodgers game story Link to Sheehan on challenges Link to Goldstein on challenges Link to Posnanski on challenges Link to warning track definition Link to Arenado play Link to Stanton post Link to Sam on NoPAPH Link to NoPAPH by year Link to 2025 NoPAPH Link to Yount incident Link to FG wOBA values Link to Bayesian inference wiki Link to frequentist inference wiki Link to Marlins listing Link to multiple Marlins listings Link to Guardians listing Link to Red Sox listing Link to Rockies listing Link to Angels listing Link to Mets listing Link to Springer tag Link to Cameron on sliding 1 Link to Cameron on sliding 2 Link to listener emails database Link to 2014 F1 story Link to pitwall explainer  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2025

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: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about 2025’s record number of 25-25 players and whether the current power/speed version of the sport is rendered any less impressive by its recent rule-change origins, the historic pre/post-All-Star break splits of Julio Rodríguez and whether the Mariners can help him become less of an extreme slow starter/fast finisher (phrasing?), the lockstep seasons (and recent slumps) of Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ceddanne Rafaela, the impending retirement (and on/off-field legacies) of Clayton Kershaw, and MLB’s new Amateur Recovery Period Policy, plus follow-ups (1:21:31) on a few of those topics. Audio intro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Pedantic)” Audio outro: Kite Person, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to power-speed fun fact Link to Opta Sports wiki Link to Opta EW interview Link to power-speed number Link to power-speed by season Link to ’87 HR spike info Link to more on ’87 spike Link to 2025 SB leaders Link to The Bandwagon on basestealers Link to Julio’s career splits Link to biggest pre/post-ASB splits Link to Paine on Julio Link to February Julio article Link to PCA/Ceddanne laggardboard Link to Kershaw retirement story Link to Ben on Kershaw vs. Pedro Link to recovery period announcement Link to ESPN on the recovery period Link to BA on the recovery period Link to 2024 MLB pitching report  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 19 September 2025

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: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 18 September 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Meg’s reaction to the Mariners moving into first place in the AL West (at least temporarily), Jac Caglianone and the Royals’ woeful corner-outfield offense, whether major leaguers have gotten better at sliding, and an unjust byproduct of the zombie runner. Then (50:43) they bring on baseball researcher and Sports Reference designer Adam Darowski to discuss Robinson Canó’s 4000th professional hit and Adam’s work on the 4000 hits club. Audio intro: Andy Ellison, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Alonso quote Link to mustache/witch article Link to more on the witch Link to even more on the witch Link to 2021 Stat Blast Link to M’s pitching query Link to B-Ref newsletter Link to Langs M’s note Link to team travel Link to team extra innings pitched Link to 2025 worst team LF/RF Link to worst team LF/RF since 2002 Link to Royals LF Link to Royals RF Link to playoff odds Link to Jac’s leading xwOBA-wOBA Link to Moniak slide Link to Moniak slide close-up Link to Crizer on slides Link to Cameron on slides Link to Cameron on slides 2 Link to Treinen game Link to previous Treinen-type losses Link to Treinen nickname article Link to @PitchingNinja tweet Link to Treinen conspiracy posts Link to Canó video Link to Canó video 2 Link to Canó article Link to Canó article 2 Link to Adam’s Canó post Link to Canó Insta post Link to Canó Insta post 2 Link to Canó Insta post 3 Link to Canó Insta post 4 Link to Canó Insta post 5 Link to Canó cards story Link to Adam’s presentation Link to Simkus SABR article Link to BP 4K club article Link to Adam’s website Link to underarm serve article 1 Link to underarm serve article 2 Link to eephus pitch wiki  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 16 September 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the deepening twilight of Mike Trout, then (21:19) discuss why the so-called “death of expertise” sweeping society hasn’t swept sports in the same way, before answering listener emails (1:04:01) about whether the Rangers are good, how the count can be “quickly 0-2,” what makes a righty seem like a lefty, whether a player can be unclutch, the Rockies’ run differential, and the other kind of pitch clock, plus (1:37:58) a postscript. Audio intro: Philip Tapley and Michael Stokes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to The Athletic on Trout Link to Woodrum on velo Link to hitter pitch speeds Link to previous Trout talk Link to The Death of Expertise Link to the WSJ on physics Link to the New Yorker article Link to Manfred analytics quote Link to politics WAR Link to Democracy at the Ballpark Link to the Hard Knocks reference Link to Paine on the Rangers Link to Dubuque on Helman Link to previous Burger banter Link to BaseRuns standings Link to playoff odds Link to Brebbia report Link to leaguewide late & close Link to Alvarez late & close Link to worst run differentials Link to illustrated pitch movement Link to Statcast spin direction Link to clock-reading survey Link to listener emails database Link to Baseball Reliquary interview Link to Buehler comments  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 13 September 2025

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley discuss and speculate about the percentage of major leaguers who’ve been inducted into some hall of fame and banter about Elly De La Cruz’s extended slump, Sean Murphy’s hip-to-be-tear revelation, and the perils of playing through injury, then assess where the line is when publicly shaming fans for ballpark behavior, and a pattern of Tigers executive misconduct (plus a postscript). Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Audio outro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Poff induction Link to Poff pod 1 Link to Poff pod 2 Link to Jones HoF comment Link to Little League Hall Link to Reds WAR leaders Link to Elly 2025 splits Link to Murphy 2023 splits Link to Murphy story 1 Link to Murphy story 2 Link to Phillies fan summary Link to dad interview Link to Phillies fan video Link to Phillies fan article Link to Bader bat story Link to US Open CEO apology Link to CEO fake apology Link to The Athletic Tigers report Link to Ella Black series Link to immaculate inning list Link to Pereda vs. Ohtani Link to Pereda pitches Link to Kahle pitches Link to sports-sounds doc  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: [email protected]  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! Source

Transcribed - Published: 11 September 2025