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Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the rise and fall of Ildemaro Vargas, the Mets’ and Cubs’ David Peterson swap, Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s refusal to wear a cup, the Giants’ response to Pride Night fallout, and the owners’ CBA strategy. Then (56:41) Ben brings back John Brebbia to discuss the Rockies reliever’s return to the majors, how he’s handling the journeyman phase of his career, when to opt out of a contract, Colorado’s player-dev improvements, Triple-A attitudes, how the minors have changed, the greatest major league luxury, dugout pitch-calling, challenging, his entrance song, how he and other players are following the labor talks, and more. Audio intro: Jimmy Kramer, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: The Spaghettis, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Pedantic)” Link to Lennon song Link to MLFAD Link to “Train Daddy” article Link to “Railroad Daddy” article Link to Brebbia’s first appearance Link to Vargas hot streak Link to Vargas cold strea Link to Voros’s Law Link to gambler’s fallacy Link to Vargas collision Link to Flowers for Algernon adaptations Link to Charly Link to TV movie Link to Awakenings Link to “Snakes alive” slogan Link to Nora Morse wiki Link to FG post on the Cubs Link to MLBTR on Peterson Link to Gary Cohen quote Link to Mets’ six errors Link to Chisholm clip Link to Chisholm story Link to Mariners testicle injury thread Link to Haniger story Link to risk compensation wiki Link to catcher helmets interview Link to lollipop story Link to Davitt interview Link to Posey clip Link to SF Chronicle on the Giants Link to The Athletic on the Giants Link to KNBR interview story Link to Devers apology story Link to Vitello’s The Town reference Link to Manfred letter Link to The Athletic on MLB’s proposals Link to MLBTR on MLB’s proposals Link to Play Sun Smart initiative Link to Rockies team attitude story Link to Senzatela pitch mix Link to Bull Durham scene Link to Collins quote Link to dugout pitch-calling story Link to dugout pitch-calling story 2 Link to Ben on dugout pitch-calling Link to Wham! song Link to story about Brebbia’s song Link to Zoolander scene Link to Meyer quote 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
Steve Kroner, former sportswriter for the SF Chronicle stops by to talk Giants baseball with Bill Laskey on Sportsphone KNBR as the team looks ahead to the Miami Marlins See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Joe Whitman, San Francisco Giants pitching prospect, stops by on Sportsphone KNBR with Bill Laskey to talk about his journey thus far with the San Francisco Giants See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
KNBR 49ers Insider Matt Maiocco discusses the latest news coming from 49ers Training Camp, and whether or not Brandon Aiyuk will be released or traded. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
KNBR 49ers Insider Matt Maiocco discusses the latest news coming from 49ers Training Camp, and whether or not Brandon Aiyuk will be released or traded. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sactown Sports 1140 AM's Allen Stiles joins the Giants Warmup before game 2 of the Giants-White Sox series on the struggles Tony V and the rest of the Giants are facing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hour 4 -- Cooler of Content including the KNBR 49ers schedule release and Vic Tafur of The Athletic joins the show to break down the 49ers 2026 schedule and how international travel will impact them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hour 4 -- Cooler of Content including the KNBR 49ers schedule release and Vic Tafur of The Athletic joins the show to break down the 49ers 2026 schedule and how international travel will impact them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
NATE ROHR is the voice of the Nebraska softball team, which opens the NCAA tournament as the fourth seed and, according to the coaches poll, the Number One ranked team in the country. Nate has called the games for more than two decades; he is also the stadium Public Address announcer for Nebraska football. He's a native Nebraskan and UNL college of journalism grad. His work can be heard on Huskers.com, the Huskers app and for the tournament on radio at B-107.3 FM.Recorded May 13, 2026 THE SHOW:Features interviews with sports media people from around the country, regionally and in Nebraska.John Shrader is an Emmy-award winning sportsbroadcaster and journalist who teaches Sports Media and Broadcasting at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His career includes more than 30 years in San Francisco, 15 years at KNBR Radio, the home of the Giants and the 49ers. He was the voice of the San Jose Earthquakes on radio and TV for 15 years; and spent about a decade as voice of San Jose State football and basketball. He was the primary 49ers reporter for KNBR for most of those 15 years. John is a free-lance writer for Soccer America and hosts and produces the weekly Soccer Media Podcast.For more information and inquiries about John's free lance work, go to www.ShraderMedia.com.
MATT McMASTER is the midday host at sports radio station 1620 The Zone in Omaha, Nebraska. He's a Chicago native who earned a sports media and broadcasting degree fromthe University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Matt says he has wanted to be a sports radio host since he was about ten years old. He got his start in Omaha working on the morning show with Gary Sharp. Recorded May 4, 2026THE SHOW:Features interviews with sports media people from around the country, regionally and in Nebraska.John Shrader is an Emmy-award winning sports broadcaster and journalist who teaches Sports Media and Broadcasting at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His career includes more than 30 years in San Francisco, 15 years at KNBR Radio, the home of the Giants and the 49ers. Hewas the voice of the San Jose Earthquakes on radio and TV for 15 years; and spent about a decade as voice of San Jose State football and basketball. He was the primary 49ers reporter for KNBR for most of those 15 years.John is a free-lance writer for Soccer America and hosts and produces the weekly Soccer Media Podcast.For more information and inquiries about John's free lance work, go to www.ShraderMedia.com.
Bob Sargent, Senior Director of Broadcast Partnerships for the 49ers, joins the show to discuss San Francisco officially extending its partnership with KNBR! Two iconic Bay Area brands meant to be together. We break down what the extension means for fans, coverage, and the future of 49ers football on KNBR.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
HOUR 2 - Mike Krukow joins the show to break down the Giants’ ongoing offensive struggles and what Tony Vitello could do differently to spark the lineup. Plus, we preview the Warriors’ must‑win NBA Play‑In Tournament game tonight and get a great laugh thanks to a classic KNBR call from Ben in SoCal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
HOUR 2 - Mike Krukow joins the show to break down the Giants’ ongoing offensive struggles and what Tony Vitello could do differently to spark the lineup. Plus, we preview the Warriors’ must‑win NBA Play‑In Tournament game tonight and get a great laugh thanks to a classic KNBR call from Ben in SoCal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bob Sargent, Senior Director of Broadcast Partnerships for the 49ers, joins the show to discuss San Francisco officially extending its partnership with KNBR! Two iconic Bay Area brands meant to be together. We break down what the extension means for fans, coverage, and the future of 49ers football on KNBR.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
HOUR 2 - The Giants’ offense continues to struggle as the team falls to 6–10 on the season. Mike Krukow joins the show and raises concerns about the outfield situation and the lack of production at the plate. Plus, the KNBR audience checks in with their biggest worries as frustration builds early in the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
KNBR's Jack Loder joins Kerry during Giants warmups to break down the Giants' rebound from a 3–8 start, why Heliot Ramos could be key to sustained success, and a quick look at promising Giants prospects making noise in the minor leagues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Niners analyst for KNBR, Todd Husak joins Greg Silver & Larry Krueger to break down some draft prospects & philosophy the team could use in April, & they also kick around Jalen Hurts trade rumors, & Trent Williams contract saga. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Niners analyst for KNBR, Todd Husak joins Greg Silver & Larry Krueger to break down some draft prospects & philosophy the team could use in April, & they also kick around Jalen Hurts trade rumors, & Trent Williams contract saga. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Copes, D-Pop and the KNBR crew dive into the 2026 season, discussing the team's chances and key players. They weigh in on the pressure to perform, naming Rafael Devers, Logan Webb, and Jung Hoo Lee as players with significant expectations. The guys also discuss the bullpen, questioning the reliability of Ryan Walker and Landon Roupp. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
HOUR 3 - San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie joins the show to recap last night’s Giants game and discuss the city being showcased to an international audience. Plus, you have to hear this KNBR caller claiming to be a former Giant — easily one of the most awkward and uncomfortable calls in Murph & Markus history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Copes, D-Pop, Murph, Markus, Silver, and JD dive into the 2026 season, discussing the team's new direction under Tony Vitello. They explore the impact of Buster Posey's leadership and the team's decision to go with an unconventional manager. The guys also break down the roster, discussing the addition of Rafael Devers and the departure of Luis Matos. They touch on the bullpen, questioning whether the team has enough arms to compete. With a mix of optimism and skepticism, the crew weighs in on what to expect from this new era of Giants baseball.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
HOUR 3 - San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie joins the show to recap last night’s Giants game and discuss the city being showcased to an international audience. Plus, you have to hear this KNBR caller claiming to be a former Giant — easily one of the most awkward and uncomfortable calls in Murph & Markus history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Copes, D-Pop, Murph, Markus, Silver, and JD dive into the 2026 season, discussing the team's new direction under Tony Vitello. They explore the impact of Buster Posey's leadership and the team's decision to go with an unconventional manager. The guys also break down the roster, discussing the addition of Rafael Devers and the departure of Luis Matos. They touch on the bullpen, questioning whether the team has enough arms to compete. With a mix of optimism and skepticism, the crew weighs in on what to expect from this new era of Giants baseball.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Copes, D-Pop and the KNBR crew dive into the 2026 season, discussing the team's chances and key players. They weigh in on the pressure to perform, naming Rafael Devers, Logan Webb, and Jung Hoo Lee as players with significant expectations. The guys also discuss the bullpen, questioning the reliability of Ryan Walker and Landon Roupp. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Papa and Silver on KNBR, hosts Larry Krueger and Greg Silver revisit a discussion with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred about the future of baseball. They dive into the topic of the ghost runner, with Rob sharing his thoughts on the pitch clock and its impact on the game. The conversation also touches on the evolution of baseball, including the hiring of college coaches as managers and the increasing use of analytics. Paba and Silver share their opinions on the ghost runner and the changing landscape of baseball, making for a lively and thought-provoking discussion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Papa and Silver on KNBR, hosts Larry Krueger and Greg Silver revisit a discussion with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred about the future of baseball. They dive into the topic of the ghost runner, with Rob sharing his thoughts on the pitch clock and its impact on the game. The conversation also touches on the evolution of baseball, including the hiring of college coaches as managers and the increasing use of analytics. Paba and Silver share their opinions on the ghost runner and the changing landscape of baseball, making for a lively and thought-provoking discussion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jack Loder of KNBR’s digital team joins Kerry Crowley on Sportsphone to break down Giants Spring Training, Bryce Eldridge’s chances of making the Opening Day roster, and early buzz around the World Baseball Classic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
HOUR 4 - Big NFL news: the 49ers are open to trading Trent Williams. We give instant reactions to key free‑agent signings as the market heats up. Plus, Murph delivers a heartfelt eulogy for former KNBR teammate Isabelle Lemon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
HOUR 4 - Big NFL news: the 49ers are open to trading Trent Williams. We give instant reactions to key free‑agent signings as the market heats up. Plus, Murph delivers a heartfelt eulogy for former KNBR teammate Isabelle Lemon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One half of Murph & Markus, Markus Boucher joins the boys to talk about watching Giants games from the press box vs. the bleachers, his high‑school matchups on the diamond and the gridiron against Bay Area stars like Joc Pederson and Davante Adams, and how the iconic “What Did Young Tony Learn Today?” segment was born. Plus, Austin finishes his first IPA.The Off Air podcast is hosted by KNBR digital team Michael Connell, Austin Scott, and Jack Loder.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Niners Nightly breaks down what’s next for the 49ers as NFL free agency kicks off. Larry Krueger analyzes roster needs and offseason moves; plus, Damon Bruce joins the show to talk 49ers offseason on his big return to KNBR.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Damon Bruce Plus: Warriors, 49ers, Giants, A’s Bay Area Sports Talk
0:20: The NFC West was already the best, and now the Rams just made a blockbuster addition: Trent McDuffie 6:49: Buckle up for the start of NFL free-agency non-sense 11:01: Damon returns to KNBR for the first time in 12 years TONIGHT 15:38: Rant: Checking in on the 49ers (social media) trip to Mexico 21:11: The Cardinals are cutting ties with Kyler Murray: This is why bad teams stay bad 32:30: The Warriors: Wear beige and blend 39:51: Today in history: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Giants play by play man, Joe Ritzo joins the Morning Show to break down the Giants/Dodgers today on KNBR, the rotation being a little thin, & his season outlook for the teamSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
HOUR 2 - Jonathan Kuminga impresses again in his second game with the Hawks, and Warriors fans are divided on the trade. We also dive into more KNBR calls breaking down the ABS challenge system and its growing impact on the game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
KNBR host, 49ers play-by-play announcer and Bay Area legend Greg Papa opens up about his ongoing battle with leukemia, his time away from the booth, and of course plenty of stories from his incredible football life.The Off Air Podcast is hosted by the KNBR Digital Team — Michael Connell, Austin Scott and Jack LoderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Giants legend, Rich Aurilia joins the Morning Show to break down Giants/Dodgers today on KNBR, & also does the team have enough pitching to be able to contend this seasonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Giants play by play man, Joe Ritzo joins the Morning Show to break down the Giants/Dodgers today on KNBR, the rotation being a little thin, & his season outlook for the teamSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Giants legend, Rich Aurilia joins the Morning Show to break down Giants/Dodgers today on KNBR, & also does the team have enough pitching to be able to contend this seasonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
HOUR 2 - Jonathan Kuminga impresses again in his second game with the Hawks, and Warriors fans are divided on the trade. We also dive into more KNBR calls breaking down the ABS challenge system and its growing impact on the game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
NBC Sports and KNBR's 49ers Insider Matt Maiocco joins the show and discusses whether or not the 49ers should trade Mac Jones to try and improve other positions of need. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Go behind the mic with the KNBR Digital team—Michael Connell, Austin Scott, and Jack Loder—as they pull back the curtain on KNBR and the wider Bay Area sports media world. Each episode brings you candid conversations with the personalities, producers, and storytellers shaping the local sports landscape. Episode 2 features co-host of "Dirty Work" and former KNBR Program Director, Adam Copeland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Go behind the mic with the KNBR Digital team—Michael Connell, Austin Scott, and Jack Loder—as they pull back the curtain on KNBR and the wider Bay Area sports media world. Each episode brings you candid conversations with the personalities, producers, and storytellers shaping the local sports landscape. Episode 1 kicks off with longtime KNBR morning show host Brian Murphy, a.k.a. "Murph."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
HOUR 4 - San Jose Earthquakes head coach, Bruce Arena joins the show to preview Saturday’s home opener, airing at 7:30 on KNBR. Then, John Shea from The San Francisco Standard shares his thoughts on Tony Vitello’s comments that set off a baseball firestorm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
San Jose Earthquakes head coach, Bruce Arena joins the show to preview Saturday’s home opener against Sporting KC at 7:30. He breaks down the matchup, the vibe around the club, and why fans should tune in to KNBR — The Sports Leader for full coverage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
San Jose Earthquakes head coach, Bruce Arena joins the show to preview Saturday’s home opener against Sporting KC at 7:30. He breaks down the matchup, the vibe around the club, and why fans should tune in to KNBR — The Sports Leader for full coverage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
HOUR 4 - San Jose Earthquakes head coach, Bruce Arena joins the show to preview Saturday’s home opener, airing at 7:30 on KNBR. Then, John Shea from The San Francisco Standard shares his thoughts on Tony Vitello’s comments that set off a baseball firestorm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Giants Postcards' Connor Grossman joins Sportsphone KNBR with Kerry Crowley to preview the Giants lineup and bullpen heading into Spring Training.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
HOUR 4 - Tony Vitello’s press conference gets awkward as he’s forced to respond to the fallout from his Monday comments. The KNBR audience weighs in with strong reactions. Plus, we digress into the chaos of Murph’s Off‑Air podcast appearance — and it’s unforgettable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
HOUR 4 - Tony Vitello’s press conference gets awkward as he’s forced to respond to the fallout from his Monday comments. The KNBR audience weighs in with strong reactions. Plus, we digress into the chaos of Murph’s Off‑Air podcast appearance — and it’s unforgettable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We close out the show with sound from Steve Kerr, Christian McCaffrey, Maxx Crosby, & Tom Brady. Finally, Dirty Work tells the story of Mr. KNBR's stolen (and recovered!) e-bike as we finish off a Thursday in styleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.