Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

Effectively Wild Episode 2375: Presented in 4K

11 snips

Sep 16, 2025

Adam Darowski, the Executive Director of Design at Sports Reference, joins to discuss Robinson Canó's monumental achievement of 4,000 professional hits and the research behind the 4K Club. The conversation dives into the significance of this milestone in baseball history, the evolution of sliding techniques in the game, and the impact of recent rule changes like the controversial 'zombie runner.' Additionally, they reflect on the legacy of lesser-known Negro League players, shedding light on the importance of honoring baseball's diverse past.

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INSIGHT

Royals’ Corner Outfield Crisis

Royals’ corner outfield offense is historically poor with a 67 wRC+ and many rotating players.
Underlying metrics show some quality contact for Jac Caglianone, but surface results remain crippling.

INSIGHT

Replay Has Shifted Slide Strategy

Replay review and collision-rule changes incentivize more complex, evasive slides by runners.
Players perfect contortions because replay can reward previously marginal safe calls.

ANECDOTE

Blake Treinen’s Unjust Loss From Zombie Runner

Ben recounts Blake Treinen being charged with a loss after being replaced when a zombie runner scored.
He uses the example to rail against the extra-innings runner rule and its unfair bookkeeping effects.

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