Podcast appearances and mentions of ben lindbergh

Tarik Skubal is the latest athlete to return to play faster than anticipated thanks to a new surgical technique or technology. But there’s something even better than coming back more quickly from an injury: avoiding an injury in the first place. Can injury prevention be improved as much as injury treatment? In this themed episode, Ben Lindbergh talks to four guests about three potential ways to keep players healthy. First (5:14), Mariners biomechanist Cedric Attias joins to discuss how pitching mechanics affect elbow stress, whether injuries stem more from nature or nurture, and whether MLB teams are prioritizing injury research. Second (49:23), Daryl and Adam Moreau, the father-and-son inventors of FlexProGrip, explain how forearm weakness endangers the UCL, how they designed and validated their training tool, and how the device has been adopted in the game. Third (1:41:18), Steve Rowson, director of the Helmet Lab at Virginia Tech, shares how helmets have improved across sports, why dangerous impacts are different in football and baseball, and why catcher’s masks may need an overhaul to minimize concussions. Audio intro: Ian Phillips, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Xavier LeBlanc, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to NanoNeedle AP piece Link to NanoNeedle Athletic piece Link to Ben on protecting pitchers Link to Ben on pitcher roster limits Link to McGregor/ElAttrache article Link to MLB/ElAttrache article Link to article on Altuve’s return Link to article on Alvarez’s return Link to internal brace info Link to article on Tatum’s return Link to article on Mahomes’s return Link to article on Kittle’s return Link to summary of Cedric’s research Link to Cedric’s research paper Link to other research on lower arm slots Link to pulldowns explainer Link to Ben on team secrets Link to Rieekan quote Link to lower-arm-slots trend Link to video clip about the trend Link to Crizer on arm slots Link to Misiorowski game Link to FlexProGrip site Link to FlexProGrip article 1 Link to FlexProGrip article 2 Link to FlexProGrip article 3 Link to FlexProGrip article 4 Link to FlexProGrip white papers Link to Driveline research Link to The Layback Podcast Link to The Island of Doctor Moreau Link to Edward Scissorhands Link to Helmet Lab concussions research Link to helmet ratings site Link to Rowson’s faculty page Link to CNN Helmet Lab story Link to Ben on catcher concussions Link to Carlin baseball vs. football bit Link to risk compensation wiki Link to Helmet Lab testing footage Link to Marvin the Martian wiki Link to Great Gazoo wiki Link to Dark Helmet wiki Link to Torres protective cap article 1 Link to Torres protective cap article 2 Link to Torres cap footage Link to pitcher cap inserts info 1 Link to pitcher cap inserts info 2 Link to pitcher cap inserts info 3 Link to softball pitcher mask article Link to softball fielder mask article Link to softball fielder mask research Link to The Athletic on catcher nut shots Link to SIS on catcher nut shots Link to Knoxville incident 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the listener response to their conversation with Adrian Chiles, newly minted major leaguer LuJames Groover, and a big Giants comeback (in defiance of the team’s historically walk-averse ways), then (21:25) answer listener emails about how long-term team outlooks factor into present-day disappointment levels, spectacle vs. analysis in closer-entrance pageantry, whether umps should be able to challenge themselves, how future sub-Ohtani two-way players will be perceived, the entertainment value of human managers and hypothetical robo-managers, a pre-playoffs rest period, and stats used as verbs, plus Stat Blasts (1:27:23) about teams that turned deficits into large leads, Paul Skenes and glad-to-see-him-go games, and the Angels’ used-to-be-good guys. Audio intro: Josh Busman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Harold Walker, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Episode 2489 Link to Groover debut story Link to 2025 Groover story Link to 2025 Groover clip Link to Groover shirt story Link to Eldridge game story Link to Eldridge game box score Link to ultimate slams story Link to Giants BB%+ Link to Krukow/Kuiper clip Link to Knicks comeback story Link to Ben on Larry David Link to Burnes setback story Link to Crochet setback story Link to Crochet setback confusion Link to Michael’s BOOG intro Link to BOOG pod appearance Link to Jay on the White Sox Link to Duran entrance video Link to story about ballpark loudness Link to call on Contreras Link to Miller hot-mic moment 1 Link to Miller hot-mic moment 2 Link to Miller hot-mic moments article Link to Sam on the Umpire Manual Link to info on umps and HFA Link to Sam on the two-way balance Link to two-way draft prospects story Link to Grandstand Managers Night Link to Ballers’ AI manager Link to Twitch Plays Pokémon Link to moonwalking robot Link to running robot Link to kicking robot Link to Laws of Robotics Link to Deep Thought wiki Link to Marvin robot Link to Grant on mascot pants Link to NBA Cup Link to Paine on the NBA Cup Link to more Paine on the NBA Cup Link to Knicks banner news Link to Schlittler quote Link to Shakespeare usage shifts Link to Bulls vs. Tides story Link to big comebacks data Link to harmonic mean wiki Link to listener emails database Link to Skenes game story Link to more on Skenes game Link to bullpen blowups data Link to Mancini comeback story Link to past Angels Blasts Link to used-to-be-good guys data Link to Boog/Mancini survival story 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the bunt’s rehabilitation and (17:49) the President publicly picking a side in MLB’s labor battle, then talk to two guests about falling in love with and learning about baseball as adults. First (32:35), beloved BBC presenter and The Guardian columnist Adrian Chiles breaks his baseball silence to expound on how he got bitten by the baseball bug, his long-distance Rays relationship, the loneliness of following baseball from afar, cross-sport comparisons, Chiles-like wonder, and what mystifies him as a fan. Second (1:21:39), Jade Van Kley joins to discuss her journey from registered nurse to baseball content creator, bingeing baseball history, finding an audience for baseball lore drops and video diaries of her first season as a fan, and what fascinates her about the sport. Audio intro: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Kite Person, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Philip Tapley and Michael Stokes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Leo on left-handed hitting Link to Other Ben on bunting Link to Stat Blast about bunting Link to The Wire quote Link to Padres’ three bunts Link to MSG boos Link to Trump interview comments Link to BP on Trump comments Link to Drellich on Trump comments Link to Drellich on Trump’s influence Link to Trump’s Yankee Stadium visit Link to Dodgers White House visit Link to EW episode on Trump’s baseball past Link to voter registration research Link to article on screwworms Link to Adrian’s baseball column Link to Adrian’s Guardian archive Link to Chiles wiki Link to West Bromwich Albion wiki Link to Adrian’s BBC show Link to Adrian’s book about drinking Link to Adrian’s columns collection Link to article about Adrian 1 Link to article about Adrian 2 Link to article about Adrian 3 Link to article about Adrian 4 Link to Chiles headline generator Link to Machado comments Link to European Super League wiki Link to EW episode on promotion/relegation Link to “silly position” at EW wiki Link to Playing Hard Ball book Link to foul strike rule Link to foul tip rule Link to Snickometer wiki Link to British baseball wiki Link to “Baseball Brit” EW episode Link to “London Series” EW episode Link to Adrian on soap dispensers Link to Whales logo Link to @backlinenurse on Instagram Link to Jade interstitial video Link to Jade on her first game Link to Sulphur Dell wiki Link to Green Cathedrals book Link to Veeck As In Wreck Link to Ben on Veeck As In Wreck Link to Ben on losing track of the count Link to pitcher hitting by year Link to backline wiki Link to Jade article 1 Link to Jade article 2 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Shohei Ohtani’s career-year pace, how often his number of times on base has exceeded his times on base allowed in his two-way games, and his awards outlook, discuss Aaron Judge’s injury and the wide-open AL MVP race, and then (1:06:39) Stat Blast about the most former catchers in one game, Brayan Bello’s woes as a starter, clustering a team’s plate appearances in one inning, perfectly parallel pitch counts for piggybackers, long-lasting low-WAR players, where in the batting order teams tend to go back-to-back-to-belly, players with the longest streaks of having a teammate in the World Series, the most times striking out looking, the best duos drafted consecutively, and more. Audio intro: Tom Rhoads, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to FG combined WAR leaderboard Link to batting pace leaders Link to pitching pace leaders Link to Ohtani game story Link to “true win” wiki Link to “I’m the Greatest” Link to Judge injury article Link to Judge injury testing article Link to article on Judge injury impact Link to Judge quote Link to Raiders scene Link to story about Raiders scene Link to Beer Barrel Man wiki Link to Ben on Ohtani and Judge 1 Link to Ben on Ohtani and Judge 2 Link to Amtrak event Link to Crizer on scoreless innings streaks Link to The Miz on Pokémon Link to Sánchez meal plan Link to Red Sox vs. Guardians game Link to Sox catchers tweet Link to The Onion blades article Link to Ben on Padres shortstops Link to Russell on emergency catchers Link to catchers Blast text Link to catchers Blast data Link to article on first-inning scoring Link to info on first-inning scoring and HFA Link to Bello Stathead query 1 Link to Bello Stathead query 2 Link to story on Bello being optioned Link to MLBTR on Bello Link to Yankees’ 13-run inning Link to % of PA in one inning text Link to % of PA in one inning data Link to Miller-Castillo game Link to parallel pitch counts text Link to SABR on Allan Roth Link to longest-lasting players Link to consecutive-homers text Link to consecutive-homers data Link to The Human Centipede 3 wiki Link to Jágr streak tweet Link to Jágr streak post Link to Jágr wiki Link to The Rural Juror clip Link to teammate WS streaks data Link to looking-strikeouts text Link to Beltrán K Link to previous “Toothpick” Jones episode Link to draft duos data Link to harmonic mean wiki Link to Brett-Schmidt draft round Link to listener emails database Link to Emil Gumbel wiki Link to @ScoringChanges tweet 1 Link to @ScoringChanges tweet 2 Link to @ScoringChanges tweet 3 Link to loose bodies clip 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the duality of Jo Adell’s defense (after the FARTBAT low that followed his triple-robbery high), Spencer Arrighetti and MLB’s monthly player honors as the last bastion of old-school-stat-based awards, whether a team with a losing record could make the playoffs this season, Paul Goldschmidt’s pleasing platoon role, how much credit the Brewers deserve for Kyle Harrison’s success, Louis Varland’s value, the Tigers’ rapid plummet out of contention, the twilights of Nick Castellanos’s and Andrew McCutchen’s careers, and (1:15:01) whether the CBA negotiations merit horse race-style coverage. Audio intro: Alex Glossman and Ali Breneman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Link to Adell’s FARTBAT Link to Adell quote Link to Adell’s three robberies Link to dramatic robbery photo Link to EW robbery discussion Link to Adell’s 2020 FARTBAT Link to Canseco FARTBAT Link to May’s Pitchers of the Month Link to Pereda nut shot Link to Pennywise quote Link to Desk Set wiki Link to Player of the Month Award wiki Link to past PotM winners Link to THT article on the award Link to pitcher WAR leaders in May Link to Sportico on the unbalanced leagues Link to MLB.com on the lower October bar Link to Jay on the Tigers Link to Skubal rehab update Link to Rosenthal on Skubal Link to lowest-win playoff teams Link to Curt on Harrison Link to Location+ leaders Link to Brewers WAR leaders Link to reliever WAR leaders Link to four-seamer velo leaders Link to MLBTR on McCutchen Link to MLBTR on Castellanos Link to Clemens on the opening offers Link to Drellich on Meyer/Caplin quotes Link to Drellich on Manfred quotes Link to The Athletic on open books Link to story on Sánchez’s streak 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Fernando Tatis Jr.’s first home run of the season, injuries to Munetaka Murakami and Craig Kimbrel, a crotch-related suspension precedent, the mystery of Julio Rodriguez’s defense, Roki Sasaki’s surge, the phenomenon of National Anthem standoffs, Carmen Mlodzinski’s brief relief revolt, whether Victor Wembanyama would be a good pitcher, Aaron Ashby’s weirdly winning ways, (1:04:19) whether the Brewers have somehow solved clutch hitting, and the possibility of a Craig Breslow “interpreter.” Audio intro: Cory Brent, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Tatis HR Link to Tatis HR website Link to Kimbrel injury news Link to MLBTR on Murakami Link to Murakami injury play Link to BP on Gonzalez Link to Elly injury news Link to Pérez injury news Link to gracilis muscle wiki Link to Papelbon article 1 Link to Papelbon article 2 Link to Papelbon article 3 Link to Julio’s defense at Savant Link to Julio’s defense at FG Link to May leaders in pitcher WAR Link to Wrobleski spreadies article Link to standoff ejections article Link to standoff ejections article Link to Mlodzinski article 1 Link to Mlodzinski article 2 Link to Mlodzinski article 3 Link to team SP WAR Link to team RP WAR Link to Pirates pitcher WAR leaders Link to Jaso EW wiki Link to Jaso on EW Link to Wemby baseball photo post Link to Wemby baseball photo Link to Shelob wiki Link to Wemby’s Yankee Stadium visit Link to Wemby’s first pitch video Link to Wemby height article 1 Link to Wemby height article 2 Link to pitcher win leaders Link to Ashby’s game log Link to single-season RP leaders Link to Face obit Link to Sheehan on clutch Link to Episode 2263 wiki Link to Brewers clutch data Link to 2026 tOPS+ w/RISP Link to Brooklyn clutch streak Link to New York clutch streak Link to Philly clutch streak Link to Gumbel distribution wiki Link to Clay Davenport’s adjusted standings Link to BaseRuns standings page Link to Dan S. on the Brewers Link to Brewers wOBA w/RISP Link to Brewers wOBA w/no RISP Link to Brewers xWOBA w/RISP Link to Brewers xWOBA w/no RISP Link to Brewers wOBA w/RISP at home Link to Brewers wOBA w/RISP on the road Link to Brewers BABIP w/RISP Link to Brewers BABIP w/no RISP Link to Brewers Whiff% w/RISP Link to Brewers Whiff% w/no RISP Link to Brewers Pull% w/RISP Link to Brewers Pull% w/no RISP Link to Super Saiyan wiki Link to Marmol on Brewers sign-stealing Link to Brewers sign-stealing rumor Link to “man in white” story 1 Link to “man in white” story 2 Link to “man in white” story 3 Link to Healey on Breslow Link to “anger translator” sketch Link to Brown trade news Link to Yankees scoring stat 1 Link to Yankees scoring stat 2 Link to Mlodzinski update 1 Link to Mlodzinski update 2 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Enhanced Games and whether they would watch a baseball league where PEDS were explicitly permitted, Abner Uribe’s crotch-chop suspension, and (34:40) the most disappointing and surprising (in a positive way) teams of 2026, then (55:37) answer emails about raising a girl who likes baseball, how a salary cap would affect prices for fans, home runs on the first pitch of the game, the Hall of Fame prospects of Kenley Jansen, Craig Kimbrel, and Aroldis Chapman, the most players appearing in a game against their former team, and how to evaluate whether a team’s player development was responsible for a player’s success or failure. Audio intro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to “Let’s enhance” meme Link to “Let’s enhance” montage Link to Enhanced Games wiki Link to Defector on the Enhanced Games Link to The Conversation on the Enhanced Games Link to NPR on the Enhanced Games Link to nostalgia study Link to Ben on the PED era Link to McGwire Simpsons clip Link to dinger distribution article 1 Link to dinger distribution article 2 Link to dinger distribution article 3 Link to Hill homer Link to Uribe post Link to MLB.com on Uribe Link to AP on Uribe Link to MLBTR on Uribe Link to Uribe/Marmol video Link to D-Generation X wiki Link to DX chop compilation Link to player names on Uribe Link to playoff odds changes Link to team wRC+ Link to SI on Rays hitting Link to Posnanski on Rays hitting Link to Garp quote Link to Owen Meany quote Link to Tatis HR website Link to MLBTR on Pérez injury Link to dynamic vs. static stretching Link to Goodnight Baseball Link to @dril tweet Link to BP on payrolls and prices 1 Link to BP on payrolls and prices 1 Link to BP on payrolls and prices 3 Link to first-pitch homers Link to Sam on first-pitch homers 1 Link to Sam on first-pitch homers 2 Link to Sam on first-pitch homers 3 Link to RP JAWS Link to player development study 1 Link to player development study 2 Link to players vs. former teams data Link to listener emails database 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

In a departure from the typical "Recommends" format, Ben Lindbergh brings on 'Vulture' TV critic and 'TV Is Good' cohost Kathryn VanArendonk for a wide-ranging discussion centered on a sci-fi/fantasy pairing of 'Outlander' (which just concluded an eight-season Starz run), 'For All Mankind' (which just wrapped its fifth season of six on Apple TV), and their respective spinoffs (especially 'Star City,' which just premiered). They start by assessing how much the shows have in common, what sets them apart, and how they reflect TV trends, before diving deeper into each franchise, first in a high-level way and then (with warnings) by reacting to the latest seasons. (00:00) Intro (04:14) Kathryn VanArendonk Joins (15:39) 'Outlander' (38:29) 'Outlander' Spoilers (48:18) 'For All Mankind' (65:03) 'For All Mankind' Spoilers (78:25) 'Star City' Host: Ben Lindbergh Guest: Kathryn VanArendonk Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley discuss the initial CBA proposals by the MLBPA and MLB: some specific points of departure and alignment, whether we really learned anything about what each side wants or the likelihood of lost games, and what the rhetoric and rebuttals say about the PR battle to come. Then (50:08) they banter about whether baseball broadcasts could ever get good enough to endanger attendance, why ABS challenge rates haven’t closely correlated with batter quality, a difference between what fans and neutral spectators tend to enjoy about teams, whether ace-type starting-pitcher seasons are making a partial comeback, a threat to baserunners and bat-dog employment, and a mid-start stretching-related mishap. Audio intro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Drellich on franchise values Link to MLBPA proposals Link to Drellich on the MLBPA proposals Link to Normandin on the MLBPA proposals Link to Mains on the MLBPA proposals Link to Drellich on the MLB proposals Link to Meyer statement Link to Caplin statement Link to CBA math post 1 Link to CBA math post 2 Link to Episode 1542 Link to Passan’s CBA proposals breakdown Link to Ben’s bargaining primer Link to Hershberger’s 1876 post Link to Sam on challenge rates Link to challenge leaderboard Link to Andrews on Wood’s challenges Link to pitcher-pace leaderboard Link to batter-pace leaderboard Link to George injury article Link to bat-dog suspension article 1 Link to bat-dog suspension article 2 Link to “Pups in the Park” page Link to 2025 bat-dog call-up Link to Pérez injury article Link to Reddit comment about Ben Link to MLBTR on Brebbia Link to MLBTR on Jones 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Brian breaks down the Sox's loss to the Braves on Thursday, including some questionable pitching changes from the Sox dugout (0:00). Then, Brian chats with The Ringer's Ben Lindbergh about the Sox and their young core including Payton Tolle, Connelly Early, Marcello Mayer, and Roman Anthony (16:50). Brian and Jamie end by chatting about Patriots OTAs (1:03:30). We want to hear from you! Leave Brian a message on the listener line at 617-396-7172. Or send us your questions for our mailbag at offthepike@gmail.com. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Host: Brian Barrett Guest: Ben Lindbergh Producer: Jamie McClellan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Craig Kimbrel’s new home, Colton Cowser’s walk-offs, Chris Taylor’s rapid retirement, unretirement, and re-retirement, whether the Mets should sell (and whom they could deal), the relative improvement of MLB’s worst teams, the Blue Jays’ (and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s) punchless contact, the historic hitting of this season’s MLB debutants, Gage Jump and the best-ever early returns for a draft class, whether the Athletics’ and Pirates’ production has been as lopsided as expected, an Oneil Cruz update, a trio of teams that has benefited from stable rotations, the Astros’ combined no-hitter, the Cubs’ extreme streakiness (and nondescript roster), more Giants innovations in thrusting, and Bryce Harper’s toothpaste/toothbrush technique, plus postscript updates. Audio intro: Sean .P, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLBTR on Kimbrel Link to post on Kimbrel’s destinations Link to team RP over prior 14 days Link to team RP over prior 30 days Link to Diekman predictions pod Link to final Diekman stats update Link to Cowser post Link to Cowser gamer Link to MLB.com on Taylor Link to MLBTR on Taylor Link to FG playoff odds Link to Mets impending free agents Link to article about 2025 Blue Jays hitting Link to 2026 team wRC+ Link to 2025 team ISO and K% Link to 2026 team ISO and K% Link to 2025 team Barrels/BBE% Link to 2026 team Barrels/BBE% Link to 2025 team hard-hit % Link to 2026 team hard-hit % Link to MLB debutants spreadsheet Link to B-Ref’s new debuts Link to Nishida debut story Link to MLB rookie offense Link to Passan on Jump Link to 2024 first round Link to MLBTR on Jump Link to draft-class data Link to Ben on the Pirates and A’s Link to team hitter WAR Link to team pitcher WAR Link to on-pace leaderboard Link to single-season strikeouts leaders Link to combined no-hitter gamer Link to FG post on the no-hitter Link to BP post on the no-hitter Link to Bumpus SABR bio Link to SABR Bumpus no-no story Link to Langs on Bumpus/Santa Link to 2026 MLB RP stats Link to 2026 MLB SP stats Link to team SP leaderboard Link to Cubs WAR leaders Link to Sam on the 2016 Giants Link to streaky teams spreadsheet Link to McCringleberry sketch Link to McCringleberry homage 1 Link to McCringleberry homage 2 Link to Harper’s TikTok Link to Lindbergh burrito method Link to Nishida throw 1 Link to Nishida throw 2 Link to Cubs streak fact 1 Link to Cubs streak fact 2 Link to Rangers’ revenge stat Link to Sox scoring stat 1 Link to Sox scoring stat 2 Link to Marlins/Cardinals/Twins candidates Link to list of ballpark claimants 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Mason Miller’s recent “struggles,” whether the Tigers will trade Tarik Skubal, and how different baseball would be if the Angels had traded Shohei Ohtani, plus (44:05) more than a dozen Stat Blasts. Audio intro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: PJ Harding, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to previous Miller banter 1 Link to previous Miller banter 2 Link to Miller sample 1 Link to Miller sample 2 Link to article about Grogu promo Link to Grogu promo Link to Triton Ballpark wiki Link to Yaddle at Wookieepedia Link to Ben on The Mandalorian and Grogu Link to Kimbrel blog post Link to MLBTR on Kimbrel Link to Heyman on a Skubal trade Link to Murray on a Skubal trade Link to Olney on a Skubal trade Link to Skubal bullpen sessions article Link to trade deadline date article Link to playoff odds Link to Clark quote about “the pant” Link to Rosenthal on 2023 Ohtani talks Link to Rosenthal on 2022 Ohtani talks Link to Seidler wiki Link to MLBTR on Boras/Seidler/Soto Link to Blum post about Johnson Link to team pitcher development rankings Link to “If baseball were different” wiki Link to Mains on regular-season splits Link to reverse records Link to post about three-team combos Link to Marlins/Cardinals/Twins candidates Link to Marlins/Cardinals players Link to Marlins/Twins players Link to Cardinals/Twins players Link to 2025 Sánchez game Link to 2003 Clement game Link to 2023 Thompson game Link to 1968 Roseboro game Link to all-hits-after-oh-fers list Link to McGwire Simpsons clip Link to Hill homer Link to Hill PED admission Link to Hill transactions Link to post-trade improvers Link to 2024 Ray slam game Link to 2025 NL Cy voting Link to 2021 AL Cy voting Link to 2011 NL Cy voting Link to 1986 NL Cy voting Link to 1971 O’s rotation article Link to Maxwell defensive game Link to Sandberg defensive game Link to McAuliffe defensive game Link to team run differentials Link to team runs scored Link to team runs allowed Link to Mets extra-innings game Link to most blown saves in game Link to 2021 blown-saves game Link to 1995 blown-saves game Link to 1983 Rangers-A’s game Link to 1901 Bernhard game Link to Bernhard’s 1901 game log Link to Bernhard’s 1901 opponent splits Link to 2025 Pressly game Link to most hits by sub Link to 1902 Danny Murphy game Link to Murphy game info 1 Link to Murphy game info 2 Link to Murphy game info 3 Link to Clerks quote Link to listener emails database Link to 1991 Phillies game Link to Griffin video board fun fact Link to list of ballpark claimants Link to “Fever” song wiki Link to article about White Sox collision Link to article about Hawk’s call Link to video of collision/call Link to photo of collision Link to comment about Boone’s signals Link to Boone’s flapping signal 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the “tarps off” fan-shirtlessness trend sweeping MLB ballparks, early grand slams, inside-the-park home runs, and “little league home runs,” more sources of baseball embarrassment, Blake Snell’s bone spurs (and the Dodgers’ perennial pitcher-injury issues), Gerrit Cole’s return to the Yankees, Gio Urshela and other players who excelled for one team but struggled for others, updates on early-season sensation Joey Wiemer, John Brebbia, and this season’s class of rookie hitters, and the league’s trend toward catcher challenges. Audio intro: Ted O., “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to shirtless Rockies fans Link to Rockies fan photos Link to shirtless Cardinals fans Link to shirtless Mariners fans Link to shirtlessness trendpiece Link to AP piece on the trend Link to latest Giants thrust Link to Snell surgery update Link to MLBTR on Cole Link to MLBTR on Fried Link to MLBTR on Westburg Link to MLBTR on Berríos Link to Wiemer option news Link to Brebbia update Link to MLB rookie offense Link to FG post on Padres timeliness Link to Arenado grand slam Link to Arenado game play log Link to previous Slam Blast Link to Wood ITPGS Link to Lee’s ITPHR Link to Clemens LLHR Link to Ohtani LLHR Link to Sam on the LLHR Link to “Yakety Sax” Link to “Yakety Sax” wiki Link to Urshela retirement post Link to Urshela wRC stats Link to Small retrospective Link to Chavez Stat Blast Link to Mariners game story Link to Wilson pinch-hitting complaints Link to Sheehan on ABS Link to Sheehan Bluesky post Link to Trueblood on ABS Link to Tap to Challenge Link to MLBTR on Crawford Link to 2025 Cortes article Link to Kimbrough wiki Link to Kimbrough SABR bio Link to Kimbrough book excerpt 1 Link to Kimbrough book excerpt 2 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

No 'GTA' trailer? No problem! Ben Lindbergh, Matt James, and Steve Ahlman dissect five big games you can play today. While steering clear of spoilers, they explore how ‘Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight' expands on the Lego gaming formula and draws on decades of the Caped Crusader's past; whether ‘Forza Horizon 6' delivers on the hype surrounding the series' visit to Japan; why ‘Mixtape' touched a nerve in the gaming community; whether ‘Subnautica 2' demands a deep dive in early access; and whether ‘Yoshi and the Mysterious Book' can restore the Switch 2's momentum after Nintendo announced a new price hike. Intro (0:00) ‘Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight' review (4:54) First thoughts on ‘Forza Horizon' (33:34) Reactions to ‘Mixtape' (1:01:23) ‘Subnautica' deep dive (1:25:05) ‘Yoshi and the Mysterious Book' takes (1:33:09) Outro (1:43:16) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Matt James and Steve Ahlman Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about whether the Phillies’ surge would have happened the same way if Rob Thomson hadn’t been fired, discuss streaks that were snapped for the Mets and Rico Garcia, delight and dismay in John Kruk repeating a podcast talking point, try to determine the most embarrassing failure a player can suffer on the field, bemoan a missed opportunity for an ambidextrous pitching appearance, mark the promotion of Mariners prospect Colt Emerson, and then discuss which of this season’s most over- or underperforming teams will regress. Audio intro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: The Spaghettis, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to team records since 4/28 Link to team run differentials since 4/28 Link to team records since 4/26 Link to Dan S. on managerial firings Link to Neil P. on managerial firings Link to Mets comeback game story Link to past Mets streak discussion Link to Holmes injury story Link to Davis call story Link to Garcia hit Link to .000 BABIP streaks Link to mound-charge strategy discussion Link to Kruk clip 1 Link to Kruk clip 2 Link to Phillies vs. Pirates game Link to Adolis arms Link to Reds walk streak Link to Cortes pitching play log Link to Cortes profile Link to 2025 Cortes switch-throwing game Link to Venditte glove article Link to Cortes pitching tweet Link to FG post on Emerson Link to MLBTR on Emerson Link to Crawford fielding stats Link to preseason playoff odds Link to BaseRuns standings Link to team performance vs. projections Link to Sheehan on the Rays Link to Sheehan on the Cardinals Link to Ben on playoff velo Link to updated PR pickoff data Link to team positioning runs Link to MLB.com Walls article 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about whether Ben cursed Shohei Ohtani’s bat by predicting that Ohtani would win the Cy Young award but not the MVP award, whether Bobby Witt Jr. could win his first MVP award this season, the defensive transformation of Luis Arraez, and more, then (33:16) further interrogate what homoerotic celebrations say about baseball culture, discuss the latest ABS challenge mishaps, answer listener emails (54:30) about an ABS double-or-nothing idea, trading challenges for runs, purchasing challenges midgame, an upside of umpire rotation, boosting offense with double-barreled batters, and a baseball equivalent to the Kelce brothers, plus Stat Blasts (1:28:21) about players with the most inning-ending at-bats in a game, swing rates in debut plate appearances, grand-slam merchants, teams with many MVP vote-getters, and picked-off pinch runners. Audio intro: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to preseason predictions episode Link to Ohtani slump story 1 Link to Ohtani slump story 2 Link to Ohtani slump story 3 Link to Ohtani slump story 4 Link to Ohtani slump story 5 Link to FG WAR leaders Link to B-Ref WAR leaders Link to FG post on Arraez Link to MLB.com on Arraez Link to FRV leaders Link to Outsports post 1 Link to Outsports post 2 Link to Outsports post 3 Link to homosociality wiki Link to Ross memoir Link to Valentine/Baty incident Link to Torres challenge denials Link to Heim play Link to Ben on accidental challenges Link to Jake on accidental challenges Link to Gausman quote Link to batter challenge leaders Link to Rumsfeld quote wiki Link to catcher challenge leaders Link to team challenge leaders Link to Clemens on FA $/WAR Link to Ortiz ump injury Link to double-barreled BP article 1 Link to double-barreled BP article 2 Link to HUAL segment Link to ex-athlete pods article 1 Link to ex-athlete pods article 2 Link to Tkachuks pod Link to Harrisburg vs. Erie game Link to 1977 Jays-Yanks game Link to five-inning-ending players Link to 2003 NL MVP voting Link to teams with 8+ MVP vote-getters Link to SABR on WAR and awards Link to Baumann on WAR and awards Link to Sam on downballot MVP votes Link to debut-PA swing rates data Link to innings 1-3 swing rate Link to innings 4+ swing rate Link to grand slams data Link to listener emails database Link to highest PR pickoff rates data Link to Haggerty pickoff game Link to SABR on PR specialists Link to Wright on PR specialists 1 Link to Wright on PR specialists 2 Link to Langs Bell fun fact 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the latest lima-bean-related revelations about Tarik Skubal’s elbow surgery, the Giants’ censored synchronized thrust and the history of homoerotic celebrations in baseball, Coby Mayo’s dog’s devotion, the Orioles’ rotation issues (and a Rico Garcia update), Atlanta’s unexpectedly productive DHs, Ben’s invisible baseball neighbor, and Konnor Griffin’s glow-up, plus (1:12:33) a check-in on the hitters and pitchers who’ve over- or underperformed their projections the most through the first quarter of the regular season, and the players who’ve made cases to become new MLB main characters. Audio intro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Horny)” Audio outro: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to The Athletic on Skubal’s surgery Link to Seinfeld squirrel surgery scene Link to Giants celebration clip Link to Key & Peele sketch Link to Baggarly post Link to Baggarly article Link to other article on the edict Link to JHL’s possible smooch attempt Link to new bow celebration Link to Gilbert GIF Link to Vitello thrust Link to Posey ownership story Link to Charles B. Johnson wiki Link to Johnson donations article Link to Mets outfield imitation Link to 2022 Mookie celebration Link to Mookie Twitch stream answer Link to Mookie Twitch clip Link to bukkake wiki Link to Mookie’s Ohtani comment Link to 2024 Dodgers crotch bump Link to 2016 Cubs crotch bump Link to 2014 Mariners celebration post 1 Link to 2014 Mariners celebration post 2 Link to 2019 Rangers crotch grab Link to Red Sox celebration info Link to Dodgers memorial announcement Link to Collins obit Link to MLBTR on Fried’s elbow Link to Mayo game story Link to Mayo quote clip Link to Mayo quote text Link to Argos wiki Link to mid-March team SP projections Link to team SP WAR to date Link to Orioles SP stats so far Link to team hitter WAR Link to Elias’s Eflin/Rodriguez quote Link to 2026 Elias SP quote 1 Link to 2026 Elias SP quote 2 Link to 2026 Elias SP quote 3 Link to team defense leaderboard Link to .000 BABIP streaks Link to MLB.com on Garcia Link to Profar DH article Link to team DH production Link to team LF production Link to 2026 Location+ leaders Link to Link to 2024-26 Location+ leaders Link to latest Skenes gem Link to BP on Griffin’s rookie eligibility Link to Griffin’s early-season sample Link to Griffin’s second sample Link to hitter leaderboard since Griffin’s birthday Link to “quarter pole” definition Link to preseason hitter projections Link to preseason pitcher projections Link to hitter pace leaderboard Link to pitcher pace leaderboard Link to hitter over/underperformers Link to pitcher over/underperformers Link to Hogg on Miz velo post Link to Hogg on Miz velo article Link to Jones on Miz velo Link to Miz vs. Jones velo fun fact Link to Crizer on April 2025 main characters Link to Clemens on Walker Link to Raleigh shower story Link to BP on Turang Link to Blue Jays IP leaders Link to Orioles shutout gamer Link to 2475 Podsednik Stat Blast wiki Link to 1879 Podsednik Stat Blast Link to 1885 Podsednik follow-up Link to Podsednik walk-off Link to corvids wiki Link to icterids wiki Link to Vandy video clip Link to Vandy controversy summary Link to Vandy-Mizzou gamer 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Spencer Jones facing an overclocked Jacob Misiorowski in Jones’s MLB debut, the distance from the mound to home plate when Ryan Waldschmidt is batting, Gage Workman’s middle name, and Tarik Skubal’s loose lima bean, then discuss the surprising Patrick Bailey trade—including takes on Bailey’s bat and framing value in the ABS era, the leadership of Buster Posey and Tony Vitello, Cleveland doubling down on the Austin Hedges catching model, and the virtues of Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson—plus thoughts on the bouncebacks of Bryce Harper and Michael Conforto, the Pirates’ rotation, iron man Matt Olson, a Craig Kimbrel meltdown, and the death of Bobby Cox. Audio intro: Garrett Krohn, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Pedantic)” Link to “POV” meme Link to Jones debut Link to Jones stance tweet Link to Judge/Jones comparison Link to first Jones vs. Miz PA Link to 103 mph+ pitches Link to fastest pitches of 2026 Link to top SP seasons by K% Link to “Ballad of a Thin Man” Link to Miz velo upticks article Link to Miz Charizard pull Link to tallest outfield Link to Ben on big Yankees Link to Waldschmidt quote Link to Workman middle name info 1 Link to Workman middle name info 2 Link to “taters” Gollum clip Link to Boras on the “Skubal scope” Link to Boras/Olney podcast Link to last year’s Boras/Skubal quote Link to FG post on Bailey Link to Dubuque on Bailey Link to Baggarly on Bailey/Posey 1 Link to Baggarly on Bailey/Posey 2 Link to Rosenthal on Posey Link to Bailey’s framing at FG Link to 2026 FG framing leaders Link to 2025 FG framing leaders Link to Savant framing leaders Link to top players since Bailey’s call-up Link to top Giants since Bailey’s call-up Link to top catchers since Bailey’s call-up Link to Giants dugout pitch-calling article 1 Link to Giants dugout pitch-calling article 2 Link to Bailey wRC+ joke Link to story about Hedges the hitter Link to “framemog” at wiktionary Link to framemogging meme Link to NPR on framemogging Link to Vitello quote about effort Link to Vitello pitching change confusion Link to Kapler pitching change confusion Link to La Russa pitching change confusion Link to Nightengale on the trade deadline Link to MLBTR on the Giants’ outlook Link to team run differentials Link to Conforto wRC+ leaderboard Link to top team SP by WAR Link to Pirates SP production Link to FG MLB WAR leaders Link to longest consecutive games streaks Link to Freeman vs. Olson WAR post-2022 Link to worst RP WPAs Link to Kimbrel loss Link to Kimbrel grand slam story Link to Chavez’s Giants origin story Link to “OTP” explainer Link to Cox obit Link to Atlanta championship expectations Link to Cox research 1 Link to Cox research 2 Link to Cox research 3 Link to manager longevity article Link to data on ejection causes Link to CCS ejections posts Link to 2026 manager ejection count Link to 2025 manager ejections count Link to 2024 manager ejections count Link to manager ejections data over time Link to 2016 THT article on Cox DV Link to 1995 THT article on Cox DV Link to Clevinger report 1 Link to Clevinger report 2 Link to Tigers Triple-A manager firing Link to Mixtape wiki Link to “bro explaining” meme Link to Mixtape baseball quote 1 Link to Mixtape baseball quote 2 Link to Ben’s gaming podcast Link to article on foul ball increases Link to 2026 foul ball leaders Link to 1988 foul ball data 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Steve Ahlman sit down and chat about the extended sneak preview they got of the latest from TT Games, 'Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight'! They touch on and highlight its mix of classic Lego humor and Arkham-inspired gameplay, open-world Gotham, character-driven mechanics, and the celebration of Batman lore. Host: Ben Lindbergh Guest: Steve Ahlman Producers: Devon Renaldo and Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a report that Tarik Skubal’s surgically cleaned-up elbow contained only a solitary “loose body,” why the NL now has the upper hand over the AL and whether the latter’s lackluster win-loss records matter, Meg’s thrilling, frustrating in-person Paul Skenes spectator experience, Kazuma Okamoto’s move back in the box, and Rico Garcia’s impressive .000 BABIP streak, plus a follow-up on why good framers have struggled at challenging, listener emails (57:54) about making more knuckleballers, a popup that never comes down, retiring not just numbers, but names, rotating umpires within games, extra-inning non-scoring, and “extra bases,” followed by a bunch of postscript updates. Audio intro: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Andy Ellison, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Heyman tweet Link to “Torn and Frayed” Link to Bodies Bodies Bodies Link to Rodón quote Link to Rodón EW discussion Link to Sheehan on NL vs. AL Link to team run differential data Link to 2026 team run differentials Link to winning records data 1 Link to winning records data 2 Link to AL vs. NL record by year Link to Skenes start gamer Link to Skenes TTOP Link to 1-0 game at Coors Link to Savantle Link to Petriello’s Okamoto tweet Link to Petriello’s Okamoto article Link to Okamoto quesadilla article Link to depth in box correlations Link to .000 BABIP streaks Link to Garcia profile Link to fielder support for pitchers Link to Voros BABIP article Link to EW Episode 1399 Link to Ben’s article on knuckleballs Link to Knuckleball Nation website Link to Knuckleball Nation article Link to knuckleball total by year Link to pitcher knuckleball totals Link to Jannis on EW Link to Granderson popup clip Link to Granderson popup post Link to Orosco glove article 1 Link to Orosco glove article 2 Link to Orosco glove article 3 Link to Prince guitar toss article Link to Lee6 article 1 Link to Lee6 article 2 Link to Lee6 article 3 Link to Baumann on the Muncys Link to EW Episode 1700 Link to EW Episode 1715 Link to scoreless zombie-inning streaks Link to listener emails database Link to Domínguez injury story Link to Jones call-up story Link to Judge/Jones comparison Link to 2026 TTO% leaders Link to all-time single-season TTO% leaders Link to Frazier’s sign-off Link to Matthews SABR article Link to Rushing feature Link to Coaches4Hire LLC photo Link to Coaches4Hire LLC info Link to coaches4hire.com Link to archived Coaches4Hire site Link to Coaches4Hire Insta 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the late Ted Turner’s explanation for firing Bobby Cox, how MVP-caliber Mike Trout returned and whether a Trout trade is too much to hope for, Carlos Correa’s season-ending injury and the outlook for the Astros, the offseason’s influx of free-agent retreads from NPB and/or the KBO, and a transparent plunking by Framber Valdez, then Stat Blast (1:25:43) about a Pirates scheduling quirk, an unlikely no. 9 batter, hitting-streak outliers, improbable power outages, identical beginnings to innings, and which events get starting pitchers pulled, plus reactions to the surprising starts of Ildemaro Vargas, Fernando Tatis Jr., Patrick Bailey, Austin Hedges, and Adley Rutschman. Audio intro: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Daniel Leckie, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to “The Tell-Tale Heart” Link to actual Turner quote Link to supposed Turner quote Link to NYT Turner obit Link to MLB.com Turner obit Link to story on Turner the manager Link to Turner wiki Link to Cox wiki Link to Cox pitching impact study 1 Link to Cox pitching impact study 2 Link to Cox study 3 Link to Law on Trout Link to Olney on Trout Link to Spy Kids Thumb-Thumbs Link to Trout’s 2024 trade comments Link to FG farm rankings Link to FG on-pace leaderboard Link to Trout’s Savant page Link to EW episode 2218 Link to EW episode 2374 Link to Paine on Trout Link to team OF WAR Link to 2026 Angels preview Link to Cobb/Speaker article Link to Dan S. on Correa Link to Dan S. on the Astros Link to BP IL Ledger Link to playoff odds changes Link to Imai’a latest comments Link to list of NPB/KBO imports Link to Weiss demotion Link to previous retread successes Link to “joint mice” source 1 Link to “joint mice” source 2 Link to Skubal report Link to The Witches scene Link to The Witches retrospective Link to BP on Framber Link to Framber pitch usage Link to Framber article Link to MLBTR on Framber’s suspension Link to preview-pod Framber talk Link to Story HBP Link to Rafaela HBP Link to story about Hosmer Link to Hosmer’s video Link to Hedges 15-game stretches Link to article on Hedges’ hitting Link to Rockies batting orders Link to Jay on Vargas Link to Roth on Vargas Link to Murphy quote about Vargas Link to hitting-streaks data 1 Link to hitting-streaks data 2 Link to PA before first HR data Link to mid-inning-hook data Link to MLBTR on Tatis Link to listener emails database 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley discuss the late John Sterling, fan affection for local broadcasters, and whether any broadcast institutions don’t inspire such attachment, then banter about Anthony Volpe’s demotion, Tarik Skubal’s elbow injury, the Mets’ decision to stand by Carlos Mendoza, dramatically different results in back-to-back Reds-Pirates games, Riley O’Brien’s success, Nick Kurtz, Roy Cullenbine, and prolific walk-drawers with unimpressive power, whether framing and challenging skills are correlated for catchers, and a Baseball Savant-based guessing game, plus follow-ups on Mexico City’s elevation and Dalton Rushing. Audio intro: Philip Tapley and Michael Stokes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Harold Walker, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Brussels sprouts EW episode Link to Sterling obit Link to previous Sterling discussion Link to Sterling on FanGraphs Link to 2011 Sterling profile Link to Sterling wiki Link to Kay wiki Link to Kay on Sterling Link to Kay diet piece 1 Link to Kay diet piece 2 Link to Kay diet piece 3 Link to Baumann on Volpe Link to Clemens on Skubal Link to Passan post Link to Tatiana Trumpet story Link to MLB.com on Skubal Link to CBS Sports on Skubal Link to Dan S. on managerial firings Link to Ball on managerial firings Link to Stearns on Mendoza Link to Mendoza’s reaction Link to seven consecutive walks Link to worst hitters 2023-26 Link to RP WAR leaders Link to Clemens on O’Brien Link to Johnny interview Link to Johnny and Riley Link to Mexico City sinking story Link to status quo bias wiki Link to 2025 run differentials Link to 2026 run differentials Link to Cashman comments Link to Ben on team turnover Link to Kurtz streak story 1 Link to Kurtz streak story 2 Link to Cullenbine post 1 Link to Cullenbine post 2 Link to Ben on pre-WAR valuations Link to Roy Thomas SABR bio Link to foul-strike rule Link to Max Bishop SABR bio Link to Eddie Yost SABR bio Link to Eddie Joost SABR bio Link to career + stats Link to team framing leaderboard Link to catcher challenges leaderboard Link to batter challenges leaderboard Link to Tango’s Soto/Bailey tweet Link to framing/challenging correlations Link to Ruiz on framing/challenging Link to Millas on framing/challenging Link to Petriello on 2025 challenges Link to player survey on challenges Link to Rushing on Lee 1 Link to Rushing on Lee 2 Link to Rushing’s timeout call Link to Rushing’s challenge Link to Tango on the challenge Link to Savantle Link to other Savant guessing games 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about whether Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing is the new reigning redass of MLB, and the first in-depth he-said, they-said mud-slinging about Craig Breslow and Boston’s coaching cull. Then (35:19) they Stat Blast about the longest streaks of series wins and non-losses to start a season (or at any point in a season), lapping the league in run differential, and batterymates who were previously exchanged in a trade, before bringing on Ben Clemens of FanGraphs (49:36) to talk about whether Munetaka Murakami’s hot start is sustainable (and if so, why he was widely underestimated), how the strike zone has been shrunk and reshaped in the ABS era—somewhat counterintuitively, not just because of overturned calls—and the potential short/long-term effects on scoring. Audio intro: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Kite Person, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Link to “redass” definition Link to Carig on “redass” Link to Rushing timeline Link to “fishy” comment clip Link to “fishy” comment article Link to Rockies celebration Link to Lee incident clip Link to Rushing denial Link to Lee incident article Link to Amaya incident clip Link to Hoerner comments Link to Rushing’s slide Link to Arraez comments Link to timeout request Link to 2015 Williams feature Link to Breslow/Boston report Link to fatberg wiki Link to streaks spreadsheet Link to Columbus Solons wiki Link to traded batterymates Link to Ben’s catchers research Link to Shackleton wiki Link to Clemens on Murakami Link to chase rate leaderboard Link to Passan on Ohtani in 2018 Link to Passan’s follow-up Link to Clemens on the strike zone Link to strike zone definition Link to Trueblood on the strike zone Link to Trueblood on challenges Link to Sam on 3-0 autostrikes Link to 2025 buffer zone change Link to ump accuracy over time Link to Ben on umpire grading Link to kernel regression wiki Link to 2024-26 MLB rates Link to 2025 MLB rates through same date Link to 2024 MLB rates through same date Link to highest full-season rates Link to Federer Hawk-Eye stance 1 Link to Federer Hawk-Eye stance 2 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh, Steve Ahlman, and Matt James assess their hype levels for several recently announced release dates for upcoming games and video game movies, react to the ‘Resident Evil' teaser, and share their thoughts on Microsoft's Game Pass price cut and Xbox brand rehabilitation. Then they review Sony's new PS5-exclusive rogue-like shooter ‘Saros' and compare it to its predecessor ‘Returnal.' Finally, they play Mash or Pass with four other new games: ‘Vampire Crawlers,' ‘Invincible VS,' ‘Tides of Tomorrow,' and ‘Aphelion' (plus “Rage Quit” rants about a ‘Battlefield' movie and rolling credits too early). (00:00) Intro(1:14) Upcoming games and video game movies (11:54) ‘Resident Evil' teaser(17:16) ‘Battlefield' rage quit (22:12) Microsoft's Game Pass price cut(28:15) 'Saros' review(51:54) Rolling credits rage quit (56:38) Mash or Pass Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Steve Ahlman and Matt JamesProducers: Devon Renaldo and Chris SuttonAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Vinnie Pasquantino’s new espresso machine, how the Phillies’ firing of Rob Thomson compares to Boston’s coaching overhaul and how Thomson’s dismissal both does and doesn’t make sense, Mason Miller’s “slump,” Shohei Ohtani’s WAR distribution, Max Scherzer’s major league last gasp, Travis Bazzana’s debut, and how the Mexican League’s Diablos Rojos have handled high altitude. Then (55:48) they talk to Jason Benetti, TV voice of the Tigers and new lead MLB broadcaster for Sunday Night Baseball on NBC, about how he got his new gig, juggling jobs and employers, teaming up with different broadcast partners (including a besuited John Kruk) every week, how NBC approaches baseball, the AL Central’s mediocrity, Kevin McGonigle’s precocious success, Jason’s full-circle Bob Costas story, and Mr. Monopoly vs. Mr. Peanut. Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to espresso machine post Link to Nespresso wiki Link to Baumann on Thomson Link to MLBTR on Thomson Link to Paine on Thomson Link to Phillies’ record under Thomson Link to batter WAR under Thomson Link to pitcher WAR under Thomson Link to team defense Link to team run differentials Link to playoff odds changes Link to Gelb on Thomson Link to Cora report 1 Link to Cora report 2 Link to MLBTR on Crochet Link to Miller story Link to Soriano story Link to combined WAR leaderboard Link to MLBTR on Scherzer Link to Scherzer’s daughter’s letter Link to Baumann on Bazzana Link to MLBTR on Bazzana Link to 2026 FG top 100 Link to Bazzana at Prospect Savant Link to list of debut IBBs Link to The Devil Wears Prada 2 Link to Patrick Brammall wiki Link to Song Sung Blue Link to Tenet dialogue story 1 Link to Tenet dialogue story 2 Link to Nolan dialogue explanation Link to sound mixing story Link to MLBTR on Bazzana Link to Mexican League elevations Link to Octavio Hernández Link to Coors hangover article 1 Link to Coors hangover article 2 Link to Coors hangover article 3 Link to Benetti at Saberseminar Link to SBJ profile Link to NBC Sundays schedule Link to this Sunday’s schedule Link to Jason’s broadcast partners Link to Walton-Benetti story Link to Kruk’s suit Link to Curb “middling” scene Link to Ben on Albert/Stockton Link to interdivision records Link to bat weight research Link to Mr. Monopoly wiki Link to Mr. Peanut wiki Link to Mr. Peanut tweet Link to Benetti’s podcast 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

In a one-month deviation from the typical "Recommends" format, Ben Lindbergh forms a coalition of co-hosts with Jomi Adeniran and Daniel Chin for a full-episode discussion of ‘Invincible' Season 4: the overall arc of the show, the season's lows and lofty highs, the audience's enthusiasm, deviations from the source material, favorite moments and casting decisions, the spoiler-free long-term outlook for the series, Mark's close calls, Paul's spaghetti, and so much more. Host: Ben LindberghGuests:  Jomi Adeniran and Daniel ChinProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell, Stefan Anderson, and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Red Sox suddenly sweeping their coaching staff clean, projected contenders off to even worse starts than the Sox, MLB offense in Mexico City, a double ball-strike challenge, Kyle Harrison as the new Quinn Priester, and Kevin McGonigle out-phenoming Konnor Griffin, then Stat Blast (38:37) about Brandon Phillips and major league afterlives, teams hitting for the homer cycle in a single inning, and individual net five-homer games. Then (53:38) they talk to The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier about how and why the Red Sox fired Alex Cora and Co. and whether there’s more house-cleaning to come. Audio intro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: The Spaghettis, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to FG post on Sox firings Link to MLBTR on Sox firings Link to MLBTR on Sox hirings Link to original Cronin wiki Link to van photo Link to Four Seasons Total Landscaping Link to Whitlock quote Link to Story quote Link to player reactions round-up Link to firing timing Stat Blast Link to Sportradar firing fact Link to “Chad” wiki Link to Cora reactions story Link to Cora text Link to Cora tweet Link to fired coaches photo 1 Link to fired coaches photo 2 Link to Paine’s Sox analysis 1 Link to Paine’s Sox analysis 2 Link to playoff odds changes Link to Diamondbacks Mexico City win Link to Mexico games Link to Ben on Mexico City scoring Link to Monterrey stadium Link to Mexico City stadium Link to run-scoring comparison Link to Vancouver expansion story Link to double challenge clip Link to double challenge story Link to Refsnyder challenge story Link to Baty challenge story Link to Harrison’s five-start averages Link to FG on-pace leaders Link to Griffin’s first dinger Link to Phillips contract story Link to EW on delayed retirements Link to major league afterlives data Link to Kenny Jackelen Link to Phillips B-Ref page Link to PCL wiki Link to SIS Cameron story Link to SIS Cameron post Link to Red Sox preview pod Link to team HR leaderboard Link to team SP WAR Link to Sheehan on the Sox offense Link to Napoli photo Link to Napoli story Link to team payrolls page Link to Rosenthal on Cora Link to team payrolls page Link to listener meetup tool (PW: EW2026) Link to meetup tool Reddit post Link to sub-two-hour-marathon story 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about whether JR Ritchie should want to keep the ball that was hit for a homer on his first major league pitch, José Soriano’s season-starting hot streak, and the Yankees’ new alternate uniforms, plus follow-ups on accidental challenges, player pecks on the cheek, jersey numbers, and Nolan McLean’s apology, and a mini-Blast about the Rockies’ historically hot start (compared to last year). Then (50:36) they take a break from interviewing octagenarian former players to interview a youthful, quadragenarian former player: former All-Star Brad Lidge. An infamous manager once proclaimed, “The closer is the closer because he’s the closer.” But what if the closer becomes an archaeologist? Ben and Meg talk to Lidge at length about his post-playing pivot to archaeology: what drew him to the field, how he’s pursued a second profession (and how it differs from his first one), ancient Etruscans, misconceptions about archaeology, what he could learn from excavating a ballpark, discovering dice (note: not a gambling ad), discussing his career reinvention at cocktail parties, the pleasures and procedures of communing with the past, archaeology’s moneyball, and much more, followed by his thoughts on fellow fastball-slider artist Mason Miller. Audio intro: PJ Harding, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to The Only Rule closer line Link to line’s EW wiki entry Link to Lidge’s SABR bio Link to postseason saves leaders Link to best post-’88 RP seasons Link to Pujols homer Link to 2008 WS victory Link to Episode 2323 Link to Wood’s HR Link to Ritchie game story Link to Yankees jerseys report 1 Link to Yankees jerseys report 2 Link to Yankees jerseys report 3 Link to jersey number history Link to Gilbert “catch” Link to Gilbert “catch” rules Link to Vargas “accidental” challenge Link to Gonzales “accidental” challenge Link to Martin-Davis smooch Link to Soriano’s six-start stretches Link to Soriano’s 2025 stretch Link to Soriano’s 2026 stretch Link to exit velo responsibility Link to Soriano article 1 Link to Betteridge’s law 1 Link to Soriano article 2 Link to follow-up McLean report Link to fastest team improvements data Link to 2018 archaeoLidgey article Link to 2026 archaeoLidgey article Link to Lidge Explorers Club Link to Poggio Civitate wiki Link to Under the Tuscan Sun wiki Link to Etruscan civilization wiki Link to Roman Empire meme Link to Lidge’s publications Link to Lidge’s dice paper Link to North American dice article 1 Link to North American dice article 2 Link to Ben on Detectorists 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about vagueposting screenshots of Baseball Savant percentiles, a Ron Darling comment during the Mets’ 12th consecutive loss about why pitchers shouldn’t apologize to batters for throwing inside, team-level changes in pitch usage and results this season, why MLB partly escaped the NBA’s tanking epidemic, why relievers are struggling so far, baseball parallels to track’s quest to produce lighter shoes, and an EW listener meetup tool (password: EW2026), then Stat Blast (1:25:12) about player home run totals that outstripped team win totals, winning streaks built from other teams’ losing streaks, and batting orders with jersey numbers that matched lineup slots, plus (1:39:40) a postscript. Audio intro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Horny)” Audio outro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to vagueposting wiki Link to Buxton/McLean matchup Link to pitch before homer Link to home run pitch Link to Clemens on McLean Link to Clemens on hard in, soft away Link to Ben on the Pirates Link to Sawchik on the Pirates Link to THT on the Pirates Link to Dan S. on the Mets Link to SNY ritual clip Link to MLB.com on SNY ritual Link to Baumann on Lumineers curse Link to Mr. Met/Lumineers post Link to NYT on Mamdani curse Link to Rosenberg Mr. Met story Link to team pitching changes Link to 2025 team FA% Link to 2026 team FA% Link to Senzatela pitch usage Link to pitch-type usage by year Link to 2025 team Stuff+ Link to 2026 team Stuff+ Link to 2025 team contact% Link to 2026 team contact% Link to 2025 team pitching WAR Link to 2026 team pitching WAR Link to Sportico on NBA tanking Link to Gold Plan wiki Link to Gilbert “catch” Link to MLB.com on Legumina Link to MLBTR on Legumina Link to MLB SP stats Link to MLB RP stats Link to WSJ running shoes article Link to Ben on MLB player improvements Link to Cooper on fastball speed Link to fastball speed joke graphic Link to listener meetup tool (PW: EW2026) Link to meetup tool Reddit post Link to HR>wins spreadsheet Link to losing streaks spreadsheet Link to jersey=lineup slot data Link to Kenny Jackelen Link to listener emails database Link to streak-snapping Mets gamer Link to 1914 Federal League game Link to 1991 Pirates-Cubs game Link to 2011 Dodgers-Diamondbacks game Link to 1952 Dodgers-Braves game Link to 2017 Yankees-Rays game Link to 1928 Cleveland-Detroit game Link to 1923 Dodgers-Cardinals game Link to 1934 Cardinals-Reds game Link to 2004 Rangers-Tigers game Link to 2019 Diamondbacks-Brewers game Link to EW Episode 2405 Link to Nimmo/Semien comparison Link to Murakami homers fun fact Link to Clemens on Murakami Link to Kruk in a suit Link to Farley’s Matt Foley skit Link to Farley’s Kruk skit Link to Weaver post 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Scott Boras talking turkey, a heartwarming player-fan interaction, two more unintentional challenges, the depths of the Mets’ predicament after their 11-game losing streak, whether Munetaka Murakami can keep up his hot, extreme start, whether hitters should stop swinging against Mason Miller, whether government regulation can improve sports streaming, and the nature of on-base streaks, then Stat Blast (1:32:34) about NL and AL Central standings oddities, the longest periods out of first place, and scoring coming all in one inning, plus (1:44:34) several follow-ups and bonus blasts. Audio intro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Boras quote Link to Geese controversy Link to brother-sister embrace Link to Mangum comments Link to Lorenzen clip Link to Lorenzen quote Link to accidental challenge story Link to Mets streak story Link to MLB.com on the Mets Link to Perry on the Mets Link to Sheehan on the Mets Link to Szymborski on slow starters Link to Ben on high-turnover teams Link to team run differentials Link to preseason playoff odds Link to updated playoff odds Link to “Kokomo” curse story Link to “Kokomo” wiki Link to “Kokomo” video Link to Spanish-language “Kokomo” Link to Mets borough mascots Link to Peraza pitch image Link to Peraza pitch clip Link to swing/zone rate data Link to Miller’s stats as a Padre Link to Miller’s Stuff+ stats Link to Murakami’s grand slam Link to Murakami’s Savant page Link to Longenhagen on Murakami Link to Baumann on Murakami Link to Murakami projections story Link to PECOTA hitter projections Link to NPB analyst on Murakami Link to Kruk in a suit Link to Farley skit Link to Bloomberg on NFL streaming Link to Bloomberg on MLB streaming Link to story on Baldwin’s bill Link to Live Nation verdict story Link to story on Ohtani’s on-base streak Link to times on base wiki Link to info on DiMaggio streak scoring Link to upside-down NL Central Link to previous upside-down standings Link to 4/11 AL Central Link to 2006 NL West Link to 2011 AL West Link to 2022 AL East Link to Orioles-Guardians game Link to 2003 Phillies-Reds game Link to 1972 Braves-Astros game Link to 1933 Yankees-A’s game Link to 1928 Pirates-Giants game Link to new Rockies celebration story Link to Rushing’s “fishy” comments Link to Rockies celebration images Link to Rockies celebration clips Link to Cronenworth HBP story Link to listener emails database Link to new switch-hitters data Link to name matches spreadsheet Link to Takatsu on Murakami Link to “Does Bat Day Make Cents?” Link to other promotions/giveaways info 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about another accidental challenge and listener-suggested alternatives to the head/helmet tap, the implications of the Padres’ reported sale for a record price, Mike Trout’s resurgence and Jordan Walker’s surge, a Stat Blast about one-man lineups, stoic responses to getting drilled by line drives, loud stadium noise, listener emails about extensions and the next CBA, tuning in to no-hitter attempts in progress, and “anti-framing,” and more. Audio intro: Jimmy Kramer, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to latest challenge Link to other review signals Link to soccer review signal Link to cricket review signal Link to skeuomorph wiki Link to HPB/CI challenge sequence Link to WSJ Padres sale story Link to ESPN Padres sale story Link to S&P info 1 Link to S&P info 2 Link to S&P info 3 Link to Chelsea protest story Link to Chelsea money loss story Link to Trout series fun facts Link to Trout six-game streaks Link to Trout four-game streaks Link to Trout’s Savant page Link to Trout hypotheticals Link to Trout’s five homers Link to Walker analysis Link to FG WAR leaders Link to Mets-Dodgers game Link to Jay on the Mets Link to Stat Blast spreadsheet Link to 1969 Williams game Link to 1991 Boston game Link to 1950 Vollmer game Link to 1978 Expos game Link to Freeland vs. Myers hit Link to Ben on sick players Link to sick Sale start Link to Greene game Link to Greene game article Link to 2025 stadium noise article Link to 2026 stadium noise article Link to Collins HoF induction article Link to Messick article Link to “anti-framing” article Link to “anti-framing” clip Link to listener emails database 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh, Matt James, and Joshua Rivera join forces to share their spoiler-free reviews of three hot new IPs from international game developers: Capcom's sci-fi thriller 'Pragmata,' and indie debuts 'Mouse: P.I. for Hire' and 'Replaced.' They play "Mash or Pass?" and provide their ratings for each game on the Mash Meter, while marveling at Capcom's comeback, lamenting the decline of single-player first-person shooters, and pondering whether pixel art is a personality. (00:00) Intro (05:07) Pragmata (46:18) Mouse P.I. For Hire (65:56) Replaced Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Matt James, Joshua Rivera Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Kevin McGonigle’s new contract and whether pre-arbitration extensions are still team-friendly, Tatsuya Imai’s adjustment period, MLB’s average four-seam fastball velo nearing 95 mph, a new frontier in catcher’s interference calls, and whether a new challenge signal should replace the head/helmet tap, then (1:21:02) Stat Blast about a historic scoring day, games in which the score most often matched the inning, homering against all other teams while playing for one team (and the most homers without going deep twice against the same team), opposing pitchers catching pop-ups in the same game, driving in oneself and no one else, and season-starting streaks of games with a lead. Audio intro: Xavier LeBlanc, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLBTR on McGonigle Link to Paine on extensions 1 Link to Paine on extensions 2 Link to Ball on extensions Link to Nightengale on extensions Link to Rome on Imai Link to Imai synopsis Link to Rome on interpreters Link to story on Duran incident Link to Statcast velo by year Link to Pitch Info velo by year Link to Pitch Info info Link to righty Statcast velo by year Link to all-pitches velo by year Link to Woodrum on velo Link to Sam on flames Link to EW on flames 1 Link to EW on flames 2 Link to Trueblood on fastball counts Link to EW on CI Link to 2024 CI totals Link to 2025 CI totals Link to Sam on the Meidroth CI Link to Sam on the Cubs CI attempt Link to Sam on swings and the CI Link to Ohtani accidental challenge Link to Chandler accidental challenge Link to Rice accidental challenge Link to 2025 Lee incident Link to challenge rules Link to volleyball challenge rules Link to NHL officials wiki Link to Crawford rehab update Link to April 13 scores Link to April 13 offense Link to MLB batting stats pre-4/13 Link to MLB batting stats post-4/13 Link to Trout-Judge gamer Link to score matching inning info Link to homers vs. teams spreadsheet Link to homers vs. distinct teams data Link to pitcher pop-ups spreadsheet Link to O’Neill’s OD HR streak Link to team leads spreadsheet Link to Sam on win expectancy Link to listener emails database 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Mariners actually sort of sacrificing Humpy, the historically compressed standings at the start of the season, top prospects (and veteran relievers) pushing for promotions, the solution to a Kutter Crawford mystery, a faux-froyo con, Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s rules confusion, Cade Winquest’s quest, and more. Then (57:18) they talk to Negro Leagues Baseball Museum president Bob Kendrick about Jackie Robinson Day, the importance of telling stories about Black baseball in an anti-diversity climate, Bob’s work on MLB The Show, the MLB pipeline for African American players, showcasing the surviving Negro Leagues ballparks, the NLBM’s expansion plans, baseball in Kansas City, Ichiro Suzuki’s visits to the Museum, and more. Audio intro: Josh Busman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ian Phillips, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to “Jack Robinson” idiom Link to Humpy clip Link to Humpy plushy Link to MLBTR on Imai Link to standings data Link to leaguewide offensive stats Link to baseball drag graph Link to previous Crawford banter Link to 2025 Crawford story Link to new Crawford scoop Link to “hose” baseball slang Link to FG top prospects Link to Parker collision story Link to froyo feature Link to Jazz story Link to Jazz clip Link to Jazz play Link to Boone story Link to Kobayashi Maru wiki Link to Brebbia post Link to MLBTR on Kimbrel Link to Yankees/Mets losses stat Link to Emanski drills video Link to frequency illusion wiki Link to MLBTR on Winquest Link to phantom ballplayer wiki Link to Jackie Robinson Day wiki Link to Robinson story removal Link to MLB “diversity” story Link to new MLB The Show mode Link to MLB at Rickwood Field wiki Link to surviving ballparks story Link to East-West Classic news Link to % of Black players data Link to NLBM expansion page Link to sportswriters/Marriott story Link to Chiefs stadium story Link to Royals stadium story Link to John Donaldson EW episode Link to donate to the NLBM Link to Swanson quote Link to Episode 305 wiki Link to Lorenzen note Link to MLBTR on Pham 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Hosts Alex Kirshner, Lindsay Gibbs, and Ben Lindbergh join forces one last time to break down (what else?) the week's top sports stories. Then, the panel is joined by Hang Up all-star guests from across the years (including John Wertheim, Jeff Passan, Louisa Thomas, and more) to share memories from the show's seventeen-year run and make predictions of the sports world for the next seventeen.Finally, Lindsay closes us out with an Afterball capturing what the WNBA was like seventeen years ago.The Masters: (12:48): Rory is still greatThe Hang Up Guest All Stars (39:27): “This show was the perfect anti-toxin to sports radio.”Afterballs (1:11:41): One of the most thrilling WNBA Finals occurred in 2009 (not a typo!)(Note: time codes are only accurate for Slate Plus members, who listen ad-free.)Get more Hang Up and Listen with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Hang Up and Listen and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Hang Up and Listen show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or visit slate.com/hangupplus for access wherever you listen.You can email us at hangup@slate.com.Podcast production and editing by Kevin Bendis, with production assistance from Patrick Fort Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Alex Kirshner, Lindsay Gibbs, and Ben Lindbergh join forces one last time to break down (what else?) the week's top sports stories. Then, the panel is joined by Hang Up all-star guests from across the years (including John Wertheim, Jeff Passan, Louisa Thomas, and more) to share memories from the show's seventeen-year run and make predictions of the sports world for the next seventeen.Finally, Lindsay closes us out with an Afterball capturing what the WNBA was like seventeen years ago.The Masters: (12:48): Rory is still greatThe Hang Up Guest All Stars (39:27): “This show was the perfect anti-toxin to sports radio.”Afterballs (1:11:41): One of the most thrilling WNBA Finals occurred in 2009 (not a typo!)(Note: time codes are only accurate for Slate Plus members, who listen ad-free.)Get more Hang Up and Listen with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Hang Up and Listen and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Hang Up and Listen show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or visit slate.com/hangupplus for access wherever you listen.You can email us at hangup@slate.com.Podcast production and editing by Kevin Bendis, with production assistance from Patrick Fort Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Alex Kirshner, Lindsay Gibbs, and Ben Lindbergh join forces one last time to break down (what else?) the week's top sports stories. Then, the panel is joined by Hang Up all-star guests from across the years (including John Wertheim, Jeff Passan, Louisa Thomas, and more) to share memories from the show's seventeen-year run and make predictions of the sports world for the next seventeen.Finally, Lindsay closes us out with an Afterball capturing what the WNBA was like seventeen years ago.The Masters: (12:48): Rory is still greatThe Hang Up Guest All Stars (39:27): “This show was the perfect anti-toxin to sports radio.”Afterballs (1:11:41): One of the most thrilling WNBA Finals occurred in 2009 (not a typo!)(Note: time codes are only accurate for Slate Plus members, who listen ad-free.)Get more Hang Up and Listen with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Hang Up and Listen and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Hang Up and Listen show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or visit slate.com/hangupplus for access wherever you listen.You can email us at hangup@slate.com.Podcast production and editing by Kevin Bendis, with production assistance from Patrick Fort Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the bad omen of a broken bat on an Ichiro Suzuki statue, whether Mason Miller is, at this moment, the best pitcher ever on a batter-per-batter basis, and how to label atypical pitches, then Stat Blast (30:00) about team promotional giveaways, age and debut gaps among MLB brothers, and switch-hitters who hit higher in the lineup from one side. Then (47:58) Ben talks to 88-year-old All-American Girls Professional Baseball League pitcher Dolly “Lippy” Vanderlip about growing up as the lone girl in games against boys, joining the AAGPBL at age 15, playing for manager Jimmie Foxx, life on and off the field, the end of the league, how A League of Their Own revitalized interest in the AAGPBL, the impending launch of the Women’s Pro Baseball League, and more. Audio intro: Tom Rhoads, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Alex Glossman and Ali Breneman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to broken statue video Link to broken statue image Link to Mariners joke tweet Link to statue being fixed Link to statue story summary Link to Mariners wRC+ ranking Link to three arms episode Link to Wicker Man post Link to highest K% for RP Link to lowest FIP for RP Link to Miller pitch-type splits Link to Miller’s stats as a Padre Link to Sheehan on Miller Link to Padres-Rockies game story Link to MLB SP stats Link to MLB RP stats Link to team RP stats Link to Crizer on Imai Link to MLB.com on Imai Link to MLBN on Imai Link to Imai’s Savant arsenal Link to shuuto wiki Link to 2025 promotions data Link to team giveaway rates Link to Sox giveaway expansion Link to MLB brothers data Link to Ben on Guerrero birthdates Link to Art Fowler SABR bio Link to switch-hitters info Link to switch-hitters data Link to “Hello, Dolly!” wiki Link to Dolly’s wiki Link to Dolly’s AAGPBL player page Link to AAGPBL wiki Link to WPBL wiki Link to AAGPBL queer history Link to Blair article 1 Link to Blair article 2 Link to Ball on extensions Link to Paine on extensions 1 Link to Paine on extensions 2 Link to First Pitch site Link to Grounds Crew Baseball site Link to Mariners Stathead 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Jorge Soler charging the mound against Reynaldo López and whether a team could dupe an opposing ace into getting ejected, Konnor Griffin’s extension becoming official, whether Jose Altuve is benefiting from the reshaped strike zone, a wave of MLB injuries, teams whose playoff odds have changed the most in the first two weeks of the season, Tony Vitello’s PR performance, the debut of brimless hats, a few follow-ups, and more. Audio intro: Cory Brent, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Cease vs. Ohtani game Link to brawl story Link to suspensions story Link to Soler vs. López stats Link to Bois database Link to Bois spreadsheet Link to “aggro” wiki Link to Armadillidiidae wiki Link to Dan S. on Griffin Link to MLBTR on Griffin Link to Olney’s deleted tweet Link to Rosenthal on Griffin Link to marriage/divorce stats Link to Woodrum on the strike zone Link to Seidler on Altuve Link to wRC+ leaderboard Link to batter challenges leaderboard Link to Altuve called-strike rate Link to Judge called-strike rate Link to Altuve mistake-strike rate Link to Judge mistake-strike rate Link to five-year out-of-zone-strike rate Link to five-year in-zone-ball rate Link to Petriello on height 1 Link to Petriello on height 2 Link to banging-scheme player data Link to report on Altuve’s sign-stealing Link to FG post on recent injuries Link to Dan S. on slow starts Link to demure/mindful meme Link to playoff odds changes Link to Red Sox panic Link to Breslow quote Link to Ben on ex-player GMs Link to most consecutive one-run losses Link to Ben on dugout game-calling Link to Vitello article 1 Link to Vitello article 2 Link to Vitello article 3 Link to Vitello article 4 Link to Vitello article 5 Link to Chapman/Schmitt clip Link to Alcantara/McCullough story Link to Rockies start story Link to Sheehan on Caissie Link to Walker’s hot start Link to new City Connects Link to White Sox giveaway hat Link to mitre wiki Link to Baumann post Link to Rangers statue post Link to Jake hat photo Link to Jordan hat photo Link to “Yankee with no brim” clip Link to 2025 Jensen article Link to new Jensen celly Link to Jensen celly video Link to May sunglasses clip Link to Igawa post Link to “sled dog” post Link to Jackson photo 1 Link to Jackson photo 2 Link to 2025 Jackson HR Link to MLBTR on Davitt Link to Davitt on EW Link to date blast image 1 Link to date blast image 2 Link to date blast image 3 Link to date blast image 4 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Carter Jensen’s several (inadequate) alarms and why big leaguers don’t oversleep more often, Artemis II, Daniel Susac as the sequel to Andrew Susac, the timing of Konnor Griffin’s call-up, the many ways to marvel at (and value) Jo Adell’s home-run-robbery spree, Patrick Corbin the Blue Jay, a quintessentially 2026 half-inning, and follow-up emails, plus (1:40:47) a postscript featuring an Afterball by Ben about national announcer stats. Audio intro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Sean .P, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to “It’s Been Awhile” Link to Jensen oversleeping story Link to Pasquantino quote Link to Jensen TikTok clip Link to Russell on young baseball brains Link to overview effect wiki Link to Yankees/Marlins Artemis story Link to Artemis wholesomeness Link to Apollo and baseball story Link to Susac’s nephew Link to Baumann on Griffin Link to MLBTR on Griffin Link to Olney’s deleted tweet Link to info on extensions and PPI Link to Adell catch 1 Link to Adell catch 2 Link to Adell catch 3 Link to 2026 OF FRV laggardboard Link to Adell’s DRS Link to SIS on HR robberies Link to Ben on HR robberies Link to Ben on Trout’s 2011 Link to Ben on pre-WAR valuations Link to Adell’s 2020 FARTBAT Link to FARTBAT naming Link to Angels-M’s box score Link to FG post on Adell Link to win probability tweet Link to Tango on wall balls Link to Tango on catch probability Link to Adell photo Link to article about Adell catch Link to Trout’s Twitter reply Link to Hunter on Adell Link to “wallowing” wiki Link to MLBTR on Corbin Link to Jays SP projections Link to Jays RR depth chart Link to BP on Corbin Link to BP on ATL-AZ inning Link to Albies challenge Link to 2016 Young quotes Link to Grifol on the eclipse Link to Theo “trade” Link to Stokes-Lyon match Link to Snicko wiki Link to EW Episode 1875 Link to Calcaterra on Dirks Link to Dirks Pull% Link to Dirks HR spray chart Link to HUAL episode Link to USR broadcast database 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Hosts Alex Kirshner, Lindsay Gibbs, and Ben Lindbergh recap a chalky March Madness marked by coaching drama and uncertainty about college basketball's future. Then Alex and Lindsay ask Ben about the early MLB season, from the Automated Ball-Strike challenge system to a new wave of impressive rookies. Finally, the panel speaks with author and soccer journalist Ryan O'Hanlon about the real story behind Wrexham A.F.C. and how high the celebrity-owned club can realistically climb.Ben also has an Afterball on Kenny Albert's impending record for most national broadcasts called.In this week's bonus episode for Slate Plus members: Saudi Arabia makes a big push into esports and fighting video games.March Madness: (6:29): Was relatively mildMLB ABS (22:50): “You can't challenge the robots!”Wrexham AFC (43:34): The aging Welsh TV stars need to win nowAfterballs (1:00:33): Kenny Albert has called almost 1480 national games(Note: time codes are only accurate for Slate Plus members, who listen ad-free.)Get more Hang Up and Listen with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Hang Up and Listen and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Hang Up and Listen show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or visit slate.com/hangupplus for access wherever you listen.You can email us at hangup@slate.com.Podcast production and editing by Kevin Bendis, with production assistance from Patrick Fort Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Alex Kirshner, Lindsay Gibbs, and Ben Lindbergh recap a chalky March Madness marked by coaching drama and uncertainty about college basketball's future. Then Alex and Lindsay ask Ben about the early MLB season, from the Automated Ball-Strike challenge system to a new wave of impressive rookies. Finally, the panel speaks with author and soccer journalist Ryan O'Hanlon about the real story behind Wrexham A.F.C. and how high the celebrity-owned club can realistically climb.Ben also has an Afterball on Kenny Albert's impending record for most national broadcasts called.In this week's bonus episode for Slate Plus members: Saudi Arabia makes a big push into esports and fighting video games.March Madness: (6:29): Was relatively mildMLB ABS (22:50): “You can't challenge the robots!”Wrexham AFC (43:34): The aging Welsh TV stars need to win nowAfterballs (1:00:33): Kenny Albert has called almost 1480 national games(Note: time codes are only accurate for Slate Plus members, who listen ad-free.)Get more Hang Up and Listen with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Hang Up and Listen and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Hang Up and Listen show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or visit slate.com/hangupplus for access wherever you listen.You can email us at hangup@slate.com.Podcast production and editing by Kevin Bendis, with production assistance from Patrick Fort Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Alex Kirshner, Lindsay Gibbs, and Ben Lindbergh recap a chalky March Madness marked by coaching drama and uncertainty about college basketball's future. Then Alex and Lindsay ask Ben about the early MLB season, from the Automated Ball-Strike challenge system to a new wave of impressive rookies. Finally, the panel speaks with author and soccer journalist Ryan O'Hanlon about the real story behind Wrexham A.F.C. and how high the celebrity-owned club can realistically climb.Ben also has an Afterball on Kenny Albert's impending record for most national broadcasts called.In this week's bonus episode for Slate Plus members: Saudi Arabia makes a big push into esports and fighting video games.March Madness: (6:29): Was relatively mildMLB ABS (22:50): “You can't challenge the robots!”Wrexham AFC (43:34): The aging Welsh TV stars need to win nowAfterballs (1:00:33): Kenny Albert has called almost 1480 national games(Note: time codes are only accurate for Slate Plus members, who listen ad-free.)Get more Hang Up and Listen with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Hang Up and Listen and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Hang Up and Listen show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or visit slate.com/hangupplus for access wherever you listen.You can email us at hangup@slate.com.Podcast production and editing by Kevin Bendis, with production assistance from Patrick Fort Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about rookie batters’ blistering start to the season, then Stat Blast (10:15) about how long it typically takes for there to be no remaining teams that are winless or undefeated (or both), the latest a team won or lost by a margin that matched its record, and the seasons that featured the most Hall of Famers (at all, and in their primes). Then they talk to three listeners who created brand-new apps/sites that enhance the experience of following the season: Tristan Rodman of Baseball Scores (28:00), Zach Gines of First Pitch (46:45), and Ezra Thompson of Play-O-Graph (1:09:30), followed by assorted updates (1:26:58). Audio intro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ted O., “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to freemium model announcement Link to written explanation Link to checksum explainer Link to seasonal rookie batting lines Link to 2026 rookie batting line Link to 2026 rookie pitching line Link to Baumann on Painter Link to Kepner on the rookies Link to aging curve research 1 Link to aging curve research 2 Link to Ben on 2015 rookies Link to Ben on 2015 youth Link to Fernandez debut game Link to two-homer-debuts query Link to winless/undefeated teams data Link to 1894 game Link to 1911 game Link to 1986 game Link to 1993 game Link to 1996 game Link to 2000 game 1 Link to 2000 game 2 Link to HoFers data Link to HoFers graph Link to Frisch VC info Link to listener emails database Link to Baseball Scores site Link to Tristan’s site Link to The Gagnés theme 1 Link to The Gagnés theme 2 Link to @dril tweet Link to Angell quote Link to First Pitch site Link to NERD scores Link to B-Ref Stream Finder Link to Skubal-Gallen gamer Link to Play-O-Graph site Link to playograph wiki Link to FotMob Link to Moneyball clip Link to Grounds Crew Baseball site Link to The Number Wall site Link to “meme” origins Link to Yates press conference Link to Orioles tap-off Link to Crawford walk-off story Link to pre-Artemis II batted balls Link to Artemis II launch story Link to xkcd comic Link to Bucknor play story Link to Bucknor play video Link to Bucknor injury story Link to Ben on forgotten counts Link to Bois on forgotten counts Link to Retrosheet forgotten counts Link to video of Smith PA Link to Smith PA on Gameday Link to Alvarez PA on Gameday Link to Chris’s Reddit post 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Joey Wiemer, Colt Emerson’s contract, the concept of “sticking at shortstop,” and pre-arbitration (and pre-debut) extension trends, then (29:11) answer listener emails about A.J. Preller trading himself, Harrison Bader and the press conference threshold, plotting to prevent a switch-hitter from batting from both sides, no-selling a World Series ring ceremony, giveaway promotions at every game, a Craig Kimbrel PitchCom hypothesis, the top five MLB owners, pitch-count limits in a World Series perfect game bid, technical fouls in baseball, the aesthetic appeal of platooning, and lifetime .500 franchises. Audio intro: Garrett Krohn, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Andy Ellison, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Baumann on Wiemer Link to MLB.com on Wiemer Link to FG combined WAR leaderboard Link to “small sample” song Link to Voros’ Law Link to “WDJDD?” (short) Link to “WDJDD?” (long) Link to MLBTR on Emerson Link to Nichols’ Law of Catcher Defense Link to Passan tweet about Emerson Link to FG post on Pratt Link to Sam on extensions Link to Bader story Link to Seinfeld “sponge-worthy” clips Link to Kiri on promotions Link to “Things Fitting Perfectly Into Other Things” Link to Meg on the baseball penalty box Link to Diamondbacks bullpen story Link to “Maddux” stat Link to franchise W-L records Link to listener emails database 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Spring has arrived, and with it, a bounty of nerd-culture content! First, Ben Lindbergh and Van Lathan explain the compulsive appeal of 'Paradise,' first in a general, high-level, non-spoilery sense, and then in a (clearly indicated) spoiler section on the series' just-concluded second season. After that, other Ringer-Verse hosts, friends, and listeners salute unsung releases to top off another monthly roundup of fandom favorites from TV, anime, movies, video games, books, comics, and beyond that were released recently but not yet covered in depth on a full-length episode. Intro (0:00)‘Paradise' (2:50)‘Paradise' Season 2 finale and spoiler section (21:10)Steve's recommendation (1:01:07)Arjuna's recommendation (1:03:18)Matt's recommendation (1:04:50)Ben's recommendation (01:07:18)Aleya's recommendation (1:14:31)Daniel's recommendation (1:17:40)Listener nomination (1:20:52Recap of picks  (1:22:49) Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Van Lathan, Steve Ahlman, Arjuna Ramgopowell, Matt James,  Aleya Zenieris, and Daniel ChinProducer: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Mike Trout’s hot start, Dub Gleed’s (nick)name, the challenge system as a mainstream sensation, several tactical considerations, listener emails, premature conclusions, and pedantic points after a weekend’s worth of ABS action, Munetaka Murakami’s early slugging, a Brewers call-up and extension, NBC’s broadcast crews, and more, plus a few follow-ups. Audio intro: Philip Tapley and Michael Stokes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to the other ABS Link to Gleed trade story Link to challenge system tweet 1 Link to challenge system tweet 2 Link to Ben on the challenge system Link to Sam on the challenge system Link to UmpScorecards data Link to Rosenthal on the challenge system Link to Passan on the challenge system Link to ABS system wiki Link to Petriello on 2025 ABS data Link to team ABS leaderboard Link to ABS dashboard Link to ABS player leaderboard Link to Crizer on the challenge system Link to debutant dingers query Link to 2026 debutant dingers Link to Murakami NPB analysis Link to Murakami fun fact Link to Reds Opening Days story Link to Shelton ejection clip Link to Bucknor story Link to Bucknor challenges Link to Bucknor scorecard Link to Bucknor story Link to Cora ejection Link to ABS and manager ejections info 1 Link to ABS and manager ejections info 2 Link to ABS and manager ejections info 3 Link to Quero call-up info Link to MLBTR on Pratt Link to FG Brewers list Link to Sam on check swings Link to AP on Benetti Link to MLBTR on Pratt Link to listener emails database Link to “burn the ships” wiki Link to article about Syracuse team 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Hosts Lindsay Gibbs and Ben Lindbergh discuss the maddest moment of March—from the UConn buzzer beater, to Women's Final Four redux. Alex Kirshner rejoins for two interviews: the first with author and professor Seth Tannenbaum about the growing class divide inside baseball stadiums, the subject of his new book, Bleacher Seats and Luxury Suites: Democracy and Division at the Twentieth-Century Ballpark. The second with Nina Mandell about an Ohio gymnastics dynasty, chronicled in her book: A Fraction of a Point: A Gymnastics Dynasty on the Line.Finally, Ben closes with an Afterball about the historic and cringey N64 video game Mia Hamm Soccer 64.In this week's bonus episode for Slate Plus members: the T-Rex hunting for a draft spot in the NFL.March Madness: (6:37): Duke's demiseBleacher Seats (26:32): The haves and the have-notsFraction of a Point (42:42): The gymnastics world beatersAfterballs (57:49): Mia Hamm Soccer 64(Note: time codes are only accurate for Slate Plus members, who listen ad-free.)Get more Hang Up and Listen with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Hang Up and Listen and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Hang Up and Listen show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or visit slate.com/hangupplus for access wherever you listen.You can email us at hangup@slate.com.Podcast production and editing by Kevin Bendis, with production assistance from Patrick Fort Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the pleasures of and precedents for the historic rookie performances on Opening Day, the pains of Netflix’s Opening Night broadcast, an Opening Day disaster for Paul Skenes, Oneil Cruz, and a bird near Carson Benge, Freddie Freeman’s gameday fit, a perplexing (un?)fun fact about the Phillies and Jhoan Duran, why players don’t always challenge when they “should,” Nico Hoerner and Shane Baz extensions, baseball movies being back (thanks to Tom Hanks), and more, plus a Stat Blast (1:28:40) about Black Ink streaks and a postscript (1:37:14) featuring a follow-up and a few bonus Blasts. Audio intro: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to freemium model announcement Link to written explanation Link to 2026 new debuts Link to RE24 query Link to 2026 RE24 players Link to 1914 RE24 players Link to 1938 RE24 players Link to 1950 RE24 players Link to RE24 glossary Link to B-Ref RE24 leaders Link to total bases query Link to 2026 TB players Link to 1938 TB players Link to 1.000 OPS query Link to 2026 1.000 OPS players Link to 1901 1.000 OPS players Link to 1938 1.000 OPS players Link to Dick Crutcher bio Link to Baumann on the rookies Link to “Baseball’s Sad Lexicon” Link to first White Sox game Link to Marchand on the Netflix game Link to Bonds story Link to Bonds at Rickwood game Link to 180-degree rule Link to FG post on Skenes Link to Ben on the Pirates and A’s Link to Pirates HR celebration Link to Benge on the bird Link to Freeman post 1 Link to Freeman post 2 Link to Stark post Link to Sam post Link to Phillies home closers query Link to Phillies road closers query Link to Phillies OD home games Link to Phillies OD road games Link to home OD saves by team Link to Kruk comment Link to Tango on location uncertainty Link to Petriello on catcher challenges Link to Ben’s catcher research Link to MLBTR on Hoerner Link to MLBTR on Baz Link to upcoming FA class Link to Hanks movie announcement Link to Hanks typewriter collection Link to Night Swim wiki Link to Caught Stealing wiki Link to Eephus EW interview Link to Ben on Rogue One and Andor Link to Black Ink info Link to Black Ink data 1 Link to Black Ink data 2 Link to Ben on Trout’s Black Ink Link to blowout 1 Link to blowout 2 Link to blowout 3 Link to blowout 4 Link to blowout 5 Link to blowout 6 Link to blowout 7 Link to blowout 8 Link to Vinay’s data Link to 1930 game Link to Sam on record talent Link to Davy on Mets basestealing Link to Newsday on Mets basestealing Link to story on Richardson and Riley Link to listener emails database 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the number of Opening Days/Nights at the start of the regular-season schedule and how long they think the challenge system will last, review some of their favorite offseason transactions, and do their annual draft of all 30 MLB teams in order of how fun they’ll be to follow this season. Audio intro: The Spaghettis, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jimmy Kramer, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Craig on Opening Days/Nights Link to broadcast dilemma Link to Ben on the challenge system Link to Ben on the labor situation Link to champing/chomping Link to Rogers tattoo story Link to Langs Giants stat Link to pod duration calculator Link to Adames challenge reaction Link to EWStats site Link to freemium model announcement Link to written explanation 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! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source