Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

Ben and Meg dive into Daniel Vogelbach's new role as a hitting coach and discuss the trend of teams hiring younger coaches. They evaluate Tommy Pham's proposal for 'PhamGraphs' and its implications on player metrics. The hosts analyze the Blue Jays' bold signings, particularly Kazuma Okamoto, contrasting it with the quieter Giants' moves. They also gauge the current state of the hot stove, examining why this offseason feels lackluster and the impact of late signings on team performance.

The hosts dive into the Astros' unexpected signing of Tatsuya Imai and the complexities behind NPB deals. They engage in a friendly competition with the 13th annual Minor League Free Agent Draft, strategically selecting players aimed at maximizing MLB playing time. Highlighted picks include Eddie Yean and Chaz McCormick, showcasing both statistical savvy and roster needs. The discussion evolves into insights about unsigned pitchers and unique player stats, wrapping up with amusing trivia and a nod to the unpredictability of minor league dynamics.

Ben and Meg dive into the intriguing world of sports prediction markets, tackling the risks they pose to integrity. They cover captivating stories from each American League team, including the Angels' contract drama and the Blue Jays' clubhouse pranks. Listen as they discuss the Mariners' quirky moments, the Orioles' hydration station scandal, and the Yankees' historic home-run bursts. With plenty of laughter and insightful stats, they explore how betting alters the fan experience and analyze minor-league successes from the Tigers.

Ben and Meg explore overlooked stories from the National League in 2025, from Ozzie Albies' intriguing aquariums to Arizona's record-breaking bullpen struggles. They dive into the quirky Mozzarella sticks prank by announcers and celebrate Nick Raquet's inspiring return to the majors. Listen as they discuss the D-backs' viral churro dog and the hilarious Hall of Fame drama involving a mascot affair. Plus, insights into the Pirates’ nostalgia-driven fight necklaces and the challenges faced by the Mets' pitcher-heavy strategy.

In this lively discussion, former MLB pitcher Declan Cronin shares the highs and lows of his career, from a painful hip injury to the reality of Tommy John surgery. He candidly talks about the mental challenges during rehab and the pressures of competing with fellow players. Joining him is Duncan Davitt, a White Sox prospect who juggles pitching at Triple-A and writing sports articles. He elaborates on his unique pitching style, the importance of local media, and his exciting journey towards a big league call-up.

Craig Goldstein, an Editor at Baseball Prospectus, and Joe Sheehan, publisher of The Joe Sheehan Baseball Newsletter, dive into the latest baseball transactions, including the White Sox's intriguing signing of Munetaka Murakami and a three-team trade involving the Pirates. They passionately debate the merits of the challenge system versus full automated balls and strikes (ABS), with Joe advocating for ABS to promote offense while Craig finds value in the challenge system's compromise. The duo also discusses the implications of Emmanuel Clase's mid-game phone use.

In a lively discussion, ESPN senior MLB insider Jeff Passan shares insights into the art of breaking news, highlighting his ethical approach and the challenges posed by social media. He reflects on the unique dynamics of baseball reporting and the balance of relationships with players. Later, Sam Blum, The Athletic reporter, dives into the complexities of the Tyler Skaggs wrongful death trial, revealing the trial's impact on the Angels organization and the insights gained from jurors' perspectives. Both guests offer a fascinating look into baseball's personal and professional realities.

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

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

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