Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

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! 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! 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! Source

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! 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 Ben on ex-player execs 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! Source

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 FG community blog 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! 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 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! 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! Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Randy Arozarena making up with Cal Raleigh, the response to their announcement of the podcast’s new freemium model, whether they would try to issue the official first ball/strike challenge in MLB history, the challenge system vs. the pitch clock, several straggling WBC topics (the Team Italy espresso machine auction results, great TV ratings, a Team USA strawman, reframing the hierarchy of high-level baseball competition, projecting future WBCs, and a non-called shot, plus NPB “ghost wins”), how Ben’s anti on-field-front-office-meddling rant resonated with readers, why Kevin McGonigle and JJ Wetherholt made Opening Day rosters and Konnor Griffin (and John Brebbia) didn’t, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Cristopher Sánchez extensions, and how politicians should talk about sports fandom if they want to sound authentic. Audio intro: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Daniel Leckie, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to “hierarchy of power” supercut Link to Arozarena statement Link to freemium model announcement Link to written explanation Link to EWStats site Link to espresso auction Link to Jac jersey auction Link to WBC TV ratings Link to Rosenthal comments Link to Webb quote Link to Acuña quote Link to Kay comments Link to McLean/Holmes story Link to NPB “ghost win” story Link to NPB “ghost win” tweet Link to NHL overtime rules Link to Ben on front-office meddling Link to Ben on the foul lines Link to The Athletic on Griffin Link to Pirates hitter projections Link to MLBTR on Brebbia Link to FG post on PCA Link to profane PCA profile Link to FG post on Sánchez Link to FG post on Strider Link to Mamdani quote Link to Adams cap Link to de Blasio cap Link to Hillary caps story 1 Link to Hillary caps story 1 Link to “trash revolution” story Link to HUAL on Mamdani Link to statue prizes Link to MLFAD picks Link to Meg on HUAL Link to observer effect wiki Link to four playoff teams 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! Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley announce a new freemium model for the podcast: From now on, one of their three episodes a week will be available only to Patreon supporters. In this PSA, they lay out their reasons for making the change and explain how it will work. You can also read a written explanation here. Link to subscribe via Patreon Link to written announcement  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, Meg Rowley, and FanGraphs authors Michael Baumann and Ben Clemens (accompanied by podcast scorekeeper Chris Hanel) play “College Baseball Player or Driver in a Formula 1 Support Series” (5:07), banter about an auction for Team Italy’s WBC espresso machine (10:09), explain the fourth annual preseason predictions game (19:20), and then make 10 bold predictions apiece (22:20) about baseball in 2026, to be voted on by listeners. Audio intro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Horny)” Audio outro: Kite Person, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to vote on predictions Link to preseason predictions game wiki Link to Anton’s mash-up song Link to original song Link to EW Episode 2383 Link to “College Baseball Player or” games Link to Baumann on Herta Link to espresso machine auction Link to other Team Italy items Link to Ohtani Cy Young story Link to Ohtani email episode Link to Sam on Gsellman Link to For All Mankind Link to FG playoff odds Link to Artemis II story Link to Perry/moon landing story Link to Neckzilla Link to Schulte’s SABR bio Link to Manfred/Harper/DeRosa story Link to AO3 Link to new managers story Link to team WAR projections Link to 2024 2B innings leaders Link to active postseason droughts Link to 2025 Royals WAR leaders Link to Garcia breakout comment Link to old-SP leaders Link to Quinn’s SABR bio Link to Verlander outing article Link to young, homegrown SP leaders Link to Pirates SP article Link to Baumann on Mlodzinski Link to MLB partnership announcement Link to MLB partnership announcement info 1 Link to MLB partnership announcement info 2 Link to MLB partnership announcement info 3 Link to vote on predictions (do it!)  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, Meg Rowley, and FanGraphs contributor Kiri Oler wrap up the World Baseball Classic, covering Venezuela’s triumph, Team USA’s slump and vibes, and the overall success of the tournament, plus thoughts on Mark DeRosa’s managing and Team USA’s future, the semifinal matchups, the bad calls against the Dominican Republic, the challenge system and pitches that are “too close to take,” the WBC vs. the World Series, when the next WBC should be, and much more. Audio intro: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme 2” Link to Defector on Venezuela Link to Harper on the outcome Link to Posnanski on Team USA Link to Manfred on WBC timing Link to data on US-DR game Link to data on Perdomo take Link to Ben on fouling off pitches Link to Harper on the Olympics Link to McLean start story Link to top SP projections Link to USA anthem answers Link to DeRosa on SEAL speaker Link to Fox Rogers mix-up Link to Julio’s WBC quote Link to Judge’s WBC quote Link to Hernández’s WBC quote Link to Jeter on the WBC Link to DeRosa/López relievers story Link to next WBC timing Link to Ben on more WBCs Link to story on DeRosa’s future Link to Charbonnet play Link to Ben on “Strategy”  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 MLB’s new experimental minor league rules, and the potential downsides of trying to skip straight to a desired on-field result, then complete the 14th annual season preview series by previewing the 2026 Los Angeles Dodgers (35:35) with The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, and the 2026 Colorado Rockies (1:30:13) with Rockies Insider’s Patrick Lyons. 2026 EW Season Preview Series ALBALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NLATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: The Spaghettis, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Ward article 1 Link to Longenhagen on the new rules Link to Stark on the new rules Link to Stark on second base Link to disengagement rules Link to Bois on balks Link to team payrolls page Link to Dodgers offseason tracker Link to Dodgers depth chart Link to Baumann on Roki Link to Fabian on Roki Link to Dodgers first-rounders Link to field-sponsorship story Link to Fabian’s author archive Link to Rockies offseason tracker Link to Rockies depth chart Link to Rockies team wRC+ by year Link to article on Bryant’s back Link to article on Vodnik’s family Link to article on Vodnik at the WBC Link to Brebbia on EW Link to Patrick’s work  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 speedster Braiden Ward’s record spring, whether there’s a baseball equivalent of Bam Adebayo’s 83-point game, and Paradise being a baseball show, then preview the 2026 Atlanta Braves (38:00) with From the Diamond’s Grant McAuley, and the 2026 Chicago White Sox (1:29:45) with Sox Machine’s James Fegan. 2026 EW Season Preview Series ALBALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NLATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG Audio intro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Harold Walker, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Ward article 1 Link to Ward article 2 Link to Ward video Link to Adebayo article 1 Link to Adebayo article 2 Link to Adebayo article 3 Link to Adebayo article 4 Link to SGA record article Link to Adebayo Facebook thread Link to stream Paradise Link to Paradise clip Link to Ben on the Castellanos meme Link to Minor’s 200th K article Link to Minor’s 200th K video Link to team payrolls page Link to Braves offseason tracker Link to Braves depth chart Link to spring standings Link to Strider velo article Link to 2025 team SS WAR Link to BravesVision wiki Link to From the Diamond site Link to From the Diamond podcast Link to Wax Packing Nostalgic Link to White Sox offseason tracker Link to White Sox depth chart Link to 2025 team RP stats Link to Reinsford/Ishbia article Link to James at Sox Machine Link to James at FanGraphs Link to James at Baseball America Link to Sox Machine 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! Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Team Italy’s triumphs (and good vibes) at the WBC, a tumultuous week for Team USA and Mark DeRosa, and where the tournament stands entering the quarterfinals, then preview the 2026 Philadelphia Phillies (39:21) with The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, and the 2026 Los Angeles Angels (1:21:00) with The Athletic’s Sam Blum, plus a postscript (2:09:08). 2026 EW Season Preview Series ALBALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NLATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG Audio intro: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Pedantic)” Audio outro: Xavier LeBlanc, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to WBC standings Link to WBC bracket Link to “caffeine and kisses” story Link to Pasquantino homers Link to “beaned up” article Link to “beaned up” clip Link to DeRosa clip 1 Link to DeRosa clip 2 Link to DeRosa clip 3 Link to latest DeRosa comments Link to clip removal Link to article on DeRosa’s mistake Link to Ghiroli on DeRosa Link to Rosenthal on DeRosa 1 Link to Rosenthal on DeRosa 2 Link to article on DeRosa/Harper Link to Disgrace of Gijón Link to roster reconfigurations Link to Raleigh shirt Link to Team USA chemistry article Link to Sopranos clip Link to team payrolls page Link to Phillies offseason tracker Link to Phillies depth chart Link to Harper EBOO article Link to Matt on Harper Link to Matt on Harper/Dombrowski Link to Matt on Castellanos Link to Castellanos Insta post Link to Matt on Kerkering Link to Phillies himbo article 1 Link to Phillies himbo article 2 Link to Stark on Phillies continuity Link to Matt on Strahm Link to Girl With a Pearl Earring Link to team SP projections Link to team RP projections Link to Matt’s author archive Link to Matt’s podcast Link to TB12 update Link to Angels offseason tracker Link to Angels depth chart Link to Sam’s Angels beat farewell Link to Sam on Netflix in Japan Link to Sam on Rendon Link to Angels TV network story Link to Trout sprint speed story Link to article on fastest human Link to pitching development survey Link to Sam’s author archive Link to Paxton/pitch limits article Link to WBC rules Link to Ben on “Strategy” Link to Laureano post 1 Link to Laureano post 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! Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Cal Raleigh, Randy Arozarena, and WBC handshake etiquette, whether a mercy-rule-inducing dinger qualifies as a walk-off, whether a winning home team could voluntarily play the bottom of the ninth, MLB’s ban of the Brewers’ challenge-system system, why the MLBPA should defend Jurickson Profar and other players with positive PED tests, and Joe Sewell’s indestructible bat, then preview the 2026 New York Mets (56:35) with The Athletic’s Tim Britton, and the 2026 Washington Nationals (1:40:27) with The Athletic’s Spencer Nusbaum, plus several postscript updates (2:27:10). 2026 EW Season Preview Series ALBALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NLATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG Audio intro: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Ian Philllips, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Josh Busman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to espresso shots Link to WBC standings Link to Skubal update Link to handshake beef summary Link to handshake beef precedent Link to video of failed handshake Link to Arozarena’s comments Link to translation Link to De Rosa response Link to Raleigh response Link to Soto homer Link to “walk-off” etymology Link to baseball dictionary definition Link to Albies homer (and call) Link to A Game of Inches excerpt Link to MLB rulebook Link to 2023 ump-less half-inning Link to Brewers signs article Link to Brewers signs update Link to Ghiroli column Link to listener emails database Link to Pages from Baseball’s Past Link to Sewell article Link to EW wiki on bat boning Link to MLBTR on Luzardo Link to MLBTR on Wentz Link to MLBTR on Greene Link to team payrolls page Link to Mets offseason tracker Link to Mets depth chart Link to Lambert eggs article Link to Tim on the Mets’ collapse Link to Soto/Lindor discord update Link to Ben on Mets turnover Link to Alvarez resurgence article Link to Tim’s author archive Link to Nationals offseason tracker Link to Nationals depth chart Link to WaPo discussion on HUAL Link to The Athletic’s WaPo hirings Link to Rizzo mantra Link to Littell on EW Link to Spencer’s WaPo author archive Link to Spencer’s The Athletic archive Link to Italy/USA game story Link to tiebreak scenarios Link to Ben on Ellen’s podcast Link to Ella Black series Link to Ball’s post about mornings Link to Schaeffer clip Link to R.J.’s farewell thread Link to R.J.’s last EW appearance Link to Crizer’s breakout terminology Link to Tarkin 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! Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a Shohei Ohtani survey, early WBC action, Andrew McCutchen’s new team, Payton Tolle’s triple-digits t-shirt, ABS-driven changes to Alex Bregman’s and Bo Naylor’s listed heights, wonky player cards, why teams start spring training days so early, Dodgers pitching problems, and the prevalence of inventive slides, then preview the 2026 Seattle Mariners (50:22) with The Seattle Times’ Ryan Divish, and the 2026 Miami Marlins (1:34:43) with MLB.com’s Christina De Nicola, plus a few postscript updates (2:17:42). 2026 EW Season Preview Series ALBALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NLATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG Audio intro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Cory Brent, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Tom Rhoads, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Alex Glossman and Ali Breneman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to YouGov survey Link to Team USA vs. Rockies recap Link to WBC soundtrack story Link to MLBTR on McCutchen Link to Speier on Tolle Link to Tolle max velos Link to in-season velo data 1 Link to in-season velo data 2 Link to in-season velo article Link to 2025 info on height changes Link to 2025 Naylor page Link to 2026 Naylor page Link to 2024 Bregman page Link to 2025 Bregman page Link to 2026 Bregman page Link to 2024 Lux page Link to 2025 Lux page Link to wonky Ohtani card Link to wonky Judge card Link to wonky Bregman card Link to wonky Naylor card Link to email about giant player Link to early starts post Link to Baumann on Sasaki Link to FG World Series odds Link to Crizer on slides Link to Sam on slides Link to Naylor’s inclusiveness comments Link to team payrolls page Link to Mariners offseason tracker Link to Mariners depth chart Link to “Boys Podcast” SNL skit Link to Ryan’s author archive Link to Marlins offseason tracker Link to Marlins depth chart Link to Christina on Marlins’ elimination Link to Christina on Alcantara’s outing Link to “catcher’s balk” Link to Christina on pitch-calling Link to 2025 Marlins Pythag/BaseRuns Link to 2025 team RP WAR Link to 2025 team RP WPA Link to Pérez nickname article Link to grievance avoidance article Link to Lauren’s NL East post Link to Christina’s author archive Link to ball/strike ejections article Link to Brewers challenges tweet Link to Tango’s challenges tweet Link to Brewers challenges 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! Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Team USA’s pre-WBC warm-up games, follow up on spring training ballpark naming rights, and discuss Jurickson Profar’s second PED suspension in as many seasons, then preview the 2026 New York Yankees (20:07) with The New York Daily News’ Gary Phillips, and the 2026 St. Louis Cardinals (59:53) with The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Derrick Goold. 2026 EW Season Preview Series ALBALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NLATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG Audio intro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Sean .P, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Team USA vs. Giants gamer Link to Team USA vs. Rockies story Link to Kershaw clip Link to Sunny clip Link to Passan on Profar Link to MLBTR on Profar Link to Arrested Development clip Link to Goodyear wiki Link to Wrench Group story Link to milkshake duck meme Link to Wrigley naming info Link to team payrolls page Link to Yankees offseason tracker Link to Yankees depth chart Link to Cashman comments Link to Gary on Cashman’s comments Link to Ben on team turnover Link to Stanton comments Link to Chisholm comments Link to Gary on Volpe Link to 2025 team RP WAR Link to team RP projections Link to Petriello on Judge and ABS Link to team challenges leaderboard Link to Gary on Yankees challenge strategy Link to Yankees sewage story Link to Gary’s author archive Link to Cardinals offseason tracker Link to Cardinals depth chart Link to Derrick on the roster Link to team fielders by FRV Link to team FRV leaderboard Link to YoY attendance data Link to 2025 team K% Link to projected team WAR Link to Simpsons “That’s the joke” clip Link to Herrera/Raleigh data Link to Derrick’s author archive Link to Derrick’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! Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about corporate naming rights of spring training ballparks vs. MLB parks, and potential unwritten rules surrounding the challenge system, then (47:03) preview the World Baseball Classic with MLB.com’s Michael Clair, touching on the big and unsung stories of the WBC, whether the interest level will increase again, how often the WBC should be held, and more, as well as Michael’s WBC-inspired book, We Sacrifice Everything to Baseball. Audio intro: Ted O., “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Andy Ellison, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Garrett Krohn, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to list of spring training parks Link to list of MLB parks Link to Abreu challenge Link to Michael’s book Link to electrician vs. Ohtani Link to Michael’s pools preview Link to Michael on possible surprise teams Link to Michael on must-watch games Link to Michael on who will win Link to Kershaw clip Link to Ben on WBC injuries Link to Ben on demanding more WBCs Link to Ben on Team USA Link to UNP editor on EW Link to denied visa story Link to “yips” quote Link to politician baseball expressions  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 Mets pitching prospect Ryan Lambert’s consumption of copious quantities of raw eggs, then preview the 2026 Chicago Cubs (27:15) with The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma, and the 2026 Cleveland Guardians (1:17:46) with The Athletic’s Zack Meisel, plus a postscript. 2026 EW Season Preview Series ALBALCHWATHBOSCLEHOUNYYDETLAATBRKCRSEATORMINTEX NLATLCHCARIMIACINCOLNYMMILLADPHIPITSDPWSNSTLSFG Audio intro: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 1: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial 2: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Daniel Leckie, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Lambert article Link to Cool Hand Luke scene Link to Beauty and the Beast scene Link to Syndergaard “therapies” Link to Syndergaard velo story 1 Link to Syndergaard velo story 2 Link to pasteurized eggs wiki Link to eggs and cholesterol link Link to Ben’s scrambled eggs pic Link to Ron Swanson clip Link to team payrolls page Link to Cubs offseason tracker Link to Cubs depth chart Link to Sahadev on Bregman Link to PCA profile Link to Sahadev on PCA Link to Sahadev’s spring questions Link to Shaw absence article Link to Sahadev’s author archive Link to Sahadev’s podcast Link to Guardians offseason tracker Link to Guardians depth chart Link to team wRC+ Link to team RP WAR Link to team SP projections Link to framing leaders Link to Bregman/Aiken article Link to Zack on Kwan in CF Link to Vogt MotY article Link to Zack’s author archive Link to Zack’s podcast Link to Skenes article 1 Link to Skenes article 2 Link to Ohtani/Judge 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! Source