Effectively Wild Episode 2481: Tarp Off the First

Effectively Wild Episode 2481: Tarp Off the First

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] 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’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/blake-snell/13543/stats/pitching]s bone spurs (and the Dodgers’ perennial pitcher-injury issues), Gerrit Cole [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/gerrit-cole/13125/stats/pitching]’s return to the Yankees, Gio Urshela [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/gio-urshela/10681/stats/batting] and other players who excelled for one team but struggled for others, updates on early-season sensation Joey Wiemer [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/joey-wiemer/27690/stats/batting], John Brebbia [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/john-brebbia/12777/stats/pitching], and this season’s class of rookie hitters, and the league’s trend toward catcher challenges. Audio intro: Ted O., “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gbPLdUli8iCoR0VI_Een0wsDnkm_n8i2/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r_SutdDwCAJtoMBaw5CjiM-mhsRmG6ii/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to shirtless Rockies fans [https://www.outsports.com/2026/4/14/24132081/colorado-rockies-baseball-coors-field-shirtless-fans-city-connect-kansas-city-royals-milwaukee-brewers/] Link to Rockies fan photos [https://www.reddit.com/r/ColoradoRockies/comments/1sgcc3m/todays_shirtless_section_progression/] Link to shirtless Cardinals fans [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48788890/cardinals-marmol-endorses-shirtless-fan-trend-walk-off] Link to shirtless Mariners fans [https://bsky.app/profile/annaclimbsmtns.bsky.social/post/3mmaxsf5hzk22] Link to shirtlessness trendpiece [https://www.mlb.com/news/what-is-tarps-off-shirtless-fan-craze-at-mlb-ballparks] Link to AP piece on the trend [https://apnews.com/article/tarps-off-baseball-st-louis-cardinals-b07576816fbc5abfcfda2d7b50e98ea6] Link to latest Giants thrust [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1tg51ij/the_giants_thrust_victory_celebration_returns/] Link to Snell surgery update [https://bsky.app/profile/fabianardaya.bsky.social/post/3mmadffsc522x] Link to MLBTR on Cole [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/05/gerrit-cole-to-start-for-yankees-on-friday.html] Link to MLBTR on Fried [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/05/max-fried-injured-list-bone-bruise-elbow-yankees.html] Link to MLBTR on Westburg [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/05/jordan-westburg-to-undergo-season-ending-elbow-surgery.html] Link to MLBTR on Berríos [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/05/jose-berrios-undergoes-tommy-john-surgery.html] Link to Wiemer option news [https://www.mlb.com/nationals/news/washington-nationals-recall-dylan-crews-and-andres-chaparro] Link to Brebbia update [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/05/twins-release-matt-bowman-john-brebbia-opt-outs.html] Link to MLB rookie offense [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Css&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-19] Link to FG post on Padres timeliness [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/timely-play-has-put-the-padres-in-first-place/] Link to Arenado grand slam [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1th8lrw/it_took_only_6_total_pitches_in_the_1st_for_the/] Link to Arenado game play log [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ARI/ARI202605180.shtml] Link to previous Slam Blast [https://effectivelywild.fandom.com/wiki/Episode_1717:_The_Bad_Hatters#Stat_Blast] Link to Wood ITPGS [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1ti52yg/highlight_james_wood_insidethepark_grand_slam/] Link to Lee’s ITPHR [https://www.mlb.com/news/jung-hoo-lee-hits-giants-first-inside-the-park-home-run-at-dodger-stadium] Link to Clemens LLHR [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1tfyzdp/highlight_kody_clemens_hits_a_little_league_homer/] Link to Ohtani LLHR [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MF1R60ssy8] Link to Sam on the LLHR [https://pebblehunting.substack.com/p/mere-anarchy-is-loosed-upon-the-world] Link to “Yakety Sax” [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAJB6HsYiNA] Link to “Yakety Sax” wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yakety_Sax] Link to Urshela retirement post [https://www.instagram.com/p/DYfOHnXjsUc/] Link to Urshela wRC stats [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/gio-urshela/10681/stats/batting#advanced] Link to Small retrospective [https://www.pinstripealley.com/2023/2/8/23588608/yankees-surprise-season-2005-aaron-small-wins-american-league-east] Link to Chavez Stat Blast [https://effectivelywild.fandom.com/wiki/Episode_2146:_Long_May_You_(Salmon)_Run#Stat_Blast] Link to Mariners game story [https://www.mlb.com/news/mariners-lose-first-game-with-bryce-miller-luis-castillo-piggyback] Link to Wilson pinch-hitting complaints [https://www.reddit.com/r/Mariners/comments/1tesz9m/dan_wilson_managerial_style/] Link to Sheehan on ABS [https://www.joesheehan.com/2026/05/joe-sheehan-newsletter-may-11-2026-abs.html] Link to Sheehan Bluesky post [https://bsky.app/profile/sheehannewsletter.bsky.social/post/3mmchzvungs2o] Link to Trueblood on ABS [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/107219/rubbing-mud-leave-it-to-the-guys-with-two-eyes/] Link to Tap to Challenge [https://www.taptochallenge.com/] Link to MLBTR on Crawford [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/05/mariners-rumors-j-p-crawford-third-base-colt-emerson-shortstop.html] Link to 2025 Cortes article [https://www.mlb.com/news/willie-maciver-delivers-go-ahead-two-run-double-in-a-s-win-vs-orioles] Link to Kimbrough wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Kimbrough] Link to Kimbrough SABR bio [https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/larry-kimbrough/] Link to Kimbrough book excerpt 1 [https://imgur.com/HThjeRz] Link to Kimbrough book excerpt 2 [https://imgur.com/a/PO9wsKN] [https://i.imgur.com/hT2AX6G.jpg] Sponsor Us on Patreon [http://www.patreon.com/effectivelywild] [https://i.imgur.com/xQIHgp3.png] Give a Gift Subscription [https://patreon.com/effectivelywild/gift] [https://i.imgur.com/tNOGFnG.png]podcast@fangraphs.com Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com [podcast@fangraphs.com] [https://i.imgur.com/gj3wTt4.png] Effectively Wild Subreddit [https://www.reddit.com/r/effectivelywild/] [https://i.imgur.com/28HuIsx.png] Effectively Wild Wiki [http://effectivelywild.wikia.com/wiki/Effectively_Wild_Wiki] [https://i.imgur.com/n16jO21.png] Apple Podcasts Feed [http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/effectively-wild-daily-baseball/id545919715]  [https://i.imgur.com/fQfPcpV.png] Spotify Feed [https://open.spotify.com/show/18kbXy9p0jHw3o8f2cQlCj] [https://i.imgur.com/sjL4TbJ.png] YouTube Playlist [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXytxPs81CsUSJmN1mQMr526CdeDpf4vK] [https://i.imgur.com/jbkZAC1.png] Facebook Group 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[https://breakingt.com/collections/fangraphs] Source [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2481-tarp-off-the-first/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2480: The Most Embarrassing Baseball Play

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] 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 [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/rico-garcia/20023/stats/pitching], 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 [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/colt-emerson/33575/stats/batting], and then discuss which of this season’s most over- or underperforming teams will regress. Audio intro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PG05TBt19rOUlQMuYgF5mNllQ3yEc5Tx/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: The Spaghettis, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KIeoBr9umeDgG2NCtot-YRv1emuJCNFT/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to team records since 4/28 [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2026-04-28&enddate=2026-05-17&sortcol=2&sortdir=default&pagenum=1] Link to team run differentials since 4/28 [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dJepMuW0wie_tCB6NJU0EheTlvAn5crstA992m_UGM8/edit?usp=sharing] Link to team records since 4/26 [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2026-04-26&enddate=2026-05-17&sortcol=2&sortdir=default] Link to Dan S. on managerial firings [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/do-manager-firings-really-change-team-trajectories/] Link to Neil P. on managerial firings [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/maybe-the-new-manager-bounce-is-real] Link to Mets comeback game story [https://www.mlb.com/mets/news/tyrone-taylor-hits-game-tying-homer-in-mets-walk-off-win-vs-yankees] Link to past Mets streak discussion [https://effectivelywild.fandom.com/wiki/Episode_2458:_The_Opening_Day_Debutant_(Base)ball#Notes] Link to Holmes injury story [https://www.mlb.com/news/clay-holmes-suffers-fractured-leg-on-comebacker] Link to Davis call story [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/joe-davis-delivers-oh-no-130038675.html] Link to Garcia hit [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/sporty-videos?playId=830497b7-a8fd-353e-ac8f-0d5503cf4fbc&videoType=AWAY] Link to .000 BABIP streaks [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YbwUcqMhkRdXfg_-LkUSqfpqWgHcraOiTuuesxeqpo4/edit?usp=sharing] Link to mound-charge strategy discussion [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2463-filled-to-the-brim/] Link to Kruk clip 1 [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1tfxahf/comment/omcjotv/] Link to Kruk clip 2 [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1s4n7w9/john_kruk_wants_to_see_tyler_oneill_and_adolis/] Link to Phillies vs. Pirates game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PIT/PIT202605170.shtml] Link to Adolis arms [https://www.reddit.com/r/phillies/comments/1r5pph5/adolis_garc%C3%ADa_arrives_to_spring_training_looking/] Link to Reds walk streak [https://www.mlb.com/news/reds-walk-seven-consecutive-pirates-batters] Link to Cortes pitching play log [https://www.mlb.com/gameday/giants-vs-athletics/2026/05/17/825006/final/summary/all?lctg=36394721] Link to Cortes profile [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6581356/2025/08/29/athletics-carlos-cortes-sliders-reliever-award/] Link to 2025 Cortes switch-throwing game [https://www.mlb.com/news/willie-maciver-delivers-go-ahead-two-run-double-in-a-s-win-vs-orioles] Link to Venditte glove article [https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/12845975/ambidextrous-nashville-sounds-pitcher-pat-venditte-rarest-mlb-skills] Link to Cortes pitching tweet [https://x.com/Theo_DeRosa/status/2056142644804538516] Link to FG post on Emerson [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/colt-emerson-debuts-in-seattle-amid-al-west-skid] Link to MLBTR on Emerson [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/05/mariners-to-promote-colt-emerson.html] Link to Crawford fielding stats [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jp-crawford/15491/stats/batting#advanced-fielding] Link to preseason playoff odds [https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds/fg/mlb?date=2026-03-25] Link to BaseRuns standings [https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/pythagorean-baseruns] Link to team performance vs. projections [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1z1NbvzhhdxdzfxYy5g8luR3ho38Wbhae5IjSWFinhWw/edit?gid=1709834665#gid=1709834665] Link to Sheehan on the Rays [https://www.joesheehan.com/2026/05/newsletter-excerpt-may-14-2026-rays.html] Link to Sheehan on the Cardinals [https://www.joesheehan.com/2026/05/newsletter-excerpt-may-16-2026-cardinals.html] Link to Ben on playoff velo [https://grantland.com/the-triangle/2015-mlb-playoffs-kansas-city-royals-fastball-velocity-contact/] Link to updated PR pickoff data [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Ys2ub19ufB4ZWbP-9L1PTWgr4cvhBUxS43u6dm6EM3k/edit?usp=sharing] Link to team positioning runs [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=fld&lg=all&qual=0&type=1&season=2026&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=&age=&filter=&players=0&startdate=&enddate=&month=0&sortcol=10&sortdir=default&pagenum=1] Link to MLB.com Walls article [https://www.mlb.com/news/taylor-walls-has-perfected-positioning-anticipation-at-shortstop] [https://i.imgur.com/hT2AX6G.jpg] Sponsor Us on Patreon [http://www.patreon.com/effectivelywild] [https://i.imgur.com/xQIHgp3.png] Give a Gift Subscription [https://patreon.com/effectivelywild/gift] [https://i.imgur.com/tNOGFnG.png]podcast@fangraphs.com Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com [podcast@fangraphs.com] [https://i.imgur.com/gj3wTt4.png] Effectively Wild Subreddit [https://www.reddit.com/r/effectivelywild/] [https://i.imgur.com/28HuIsx.png] Effectively Wild Wiki [http://effectivelywild.wikia.com/wiki/Effectively_Wild_Wiki] [https://i.imgur.com/n16jO21.png] Apple Podcasts Feed [http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/effectively-wild-daily-baseball/id545919715]  [https://i.imgur.com/fQfPcpV.png] Spotify Feed [https://open.spotify.com/show/18kbXy9p0jHw3o8f2cQlCj] [https://i.imgur.com/sjL4TbJ.png] YouTube Playlist [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXytxPs81CsUSJmN1mQMr526CdeDpf4vK] [https://i.imgur.com/jbkZAC1.png] Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/effectivelywild/] [https://i.imgur.com/waJFv7Y.png] Bluesky Account [https://bsky.app/profile/ewpod.bsky.social] [https://i.imgur.com/DAtijEo.jpg] Twitter Account [https://twitter.com/ewpod] [https://i.imgur.com/YXW4kOd.png] Get Our Merch! [https://breakingt.com/collections/fangraphs] Source [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2480-the-most-embarrassing-baseball-play/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2479: Batters Up!

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/effectivelywild]. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about whether Ben cursed Shohei Ohtani [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/shohei-ohtani/19755/stats/batting]’s bat by predicting that Ohtani would win the Cy Young award but not the MVP award, whether Bobby Witt Jr. [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/bobby-witt-jr/25764/stats/batting] could win his first MVP award this season, the defensive transformation of Luis Arraez [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/luis-arraez/18568/stats/batting], 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 [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jVOMAuZop-4BhxnZ1JQaULw7FlW2XJD_/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C85Waxu-ubj5VEkl5qCROdNaEAdUbcl4/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to preseason predictions episode [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2455-the-2026-preseason-predictions-game/] Link to Ohtani slump story 1 [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7274674/2026/05/12/dodger-shohei-ohtani-slump-rest/] Link to Ohtani slump story 2 [https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/dodgers-still-plan-rest-shohei-ohtani-after-breaking-slump] Link to Ohtani slump story 3 [https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-out-of-dodgers-lineup-in-back-to-back-games] Link to Ohtani slump story 4 [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48766151/amid-slump-ohtani-keeps-mound-dominance-win-giants] Link to Ohtani slump story 5 [https://full-count.jp/2026/05/14/post1960732/] Link to FG WAR leaders [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/war?teamid=&lg=&sortcol=6&sortdir=desc&wartype=0] Link to B-Ref WAR leaders [https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/WAR_top_ten.shtml] Link to FG post on Arraez [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/luis-arraez-is-good-at-defense-now/] Link to MLB.com on Arraez [https://www.mlb.com/news/luis-arraez-improving-defense-with-giants] Link to FRV leaders [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/fielding-run-value?dateEnd=2026-05-13&gameType=Regular&seasonStart=2026&seasonEnd=2026&type=fielder&position=0&minInnings=q&minResults=1] Link to Outsports post 1 [https://www.outsports.com/2024/10/14/24102753/dodgers-mets-kike-hernandez-gavin-lux-crotch-bump-gay/] Link to Outsports post 2 [https://www.outsports.com/2026/3/16/24130383/world-baseball-classic-italy-vinnie-pasquantino-kansas-city-royals-usa-kiss-madonna-lady-gaga/] Link to Outsports post 3 [https://www.outsports.com/2024/10/18/24102964/chicago-cubs-world-series-david-ross-dexter-fowler-crotch-bump-gay-dodgers-cleveland-guardians-david-fry-brayan-rocchio/] Link to homosociality wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosociality] Link to Ross memoir [https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/david-ross/teammate/9780316559454/?lens=hachette-books] Link to Valentine/Baty incident [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1tcivjg/junior_valentine_thinks_brett_baty_is_challenging/] Link to Torres challenge denials [https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2026/05/10/carlos-torres-denies-abs-challenges-orioles-athletics/90024081007/] Link to Heim play [https://x.com/FoulTerritoryTV/status/2051039658499273166] Link to Ben on accidental challenges [https://www.theringer.com/2026/05/08/mlb/a-complete-taxonomy-of-mlb-abs-accidents-challenge-system] Link to Jake on accidental challenges [https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/will-mlbs-abs-challenge-signal-evolve-heres-why-head-tap-gesture-can-cause-confusion-among-umps-players-and-scoreboard-operators-175516119.html] Link to Gausman quote [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48486702/mlb-2026-automated-ball-strike-challenge-system-rule-players-weigh-in] Link to batter challenge leaders [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/abs-challenges?gameType=regular&year=2026&challengeType=batter&level=mlb&minChal=1&minOppChal=0&fielderMode=as-challenger] Link to Rumsfeld quote wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There_are_unknown_unknowns] Link to catcher challenge leaders [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/abs-challenges?gameType=regular&year=2026&challengeType=catcher&level=mlb&minChal=1&minOppChal=0&sort=net_net_runs&sortDir=desc&page=0&pageSize=50] Link to team challenge leaders [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/abs-challenges?gameType=regular&year=2026&challengeType=team-summary&level=mlb&minChal=1&minOppChal=0&dataCount=runs&sort=n_chal_runs_gained_total&sortDir=desc&page=0&pageSize=50] Link to Clemens on FA $/WAR [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/what-are-teams-paying-for-a-win-in-free-agency-2026-edition/] Link to Ortiz ump injury [https://www.mlb.com/video/home-plate-umpire-roberto-ortiz-exits-game] Link to double-barreled BP article 1 [https://web.archive.org/web/20130825014635/http:/fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2013/08/07/our-turn-to-learn-a-baseball-tradition-reconsidered/] Link to double-barreled BP article 2 [https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/2200462] Link to HUAL segment [https://slate.com/podcasts/hang-up-and-listen/2026/03/why-so-many-professional-athletes-have-podcasts-now-and-why-most-fail] Link to ex-athlete pods article 1 [https://frontofficesports.com/have-we-reached-peak-athlete-podcast/] Link to ex-athlete pods article 2 [https://awfulannouncing.com/podcasts/athlete-hosted-reaching-saturation-point.html] Link to Tkachuks pod [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wingmen-with-matthew-brady-tkachuk/id1851307432] Link to Harrisburg vs. Erie game [https://www.milb.com/gameday/seawolves-vs-senators/2026/05/07/818689/final/box] Link to 1977 Jays-Yanks game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYA/NYA197709100.shtml] Link to five-inning-ending players [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1R33WX84ilK7JQTYInNAjSKhc3dTQqFDEGPQc1lUclWc/edit?usp=sharing] Link to 2003 NL MVP voting [https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/2003_National_League_Most_Valuable_Player_Award] Link to teams with 8+ MVP vote-getters [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NuN63MP-5iLFp6nqYm-L14SE-F1h5gulynFR9x6szTM/edit?usp=sharing] Link to SABR on WAR and awards [https://sabr.org/journal/article/the-relationship-between-war-and-the-selection-of-annual-performance-based-awards/] Link to Baumann on WAR and awards [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/did-war-ruin-the-mvp-conversation/] Link to Sam on downballot MVP votes [https://pebblehunting.substack.com/p/downballots-got-boring] Link to debut-PA swing rates data [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iqe1ft-IyCd7ZFbTSA8yasrQUPFItxibE2oA8kEbAJQ/edit?usp=sharing] Link to innings 1-3 swing rate [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=foul%7Cfoul%5C.%5C.bunt%7Cbunt%5C.%5C.foul%5C.%5C.tip%7Cfoul%5C.%5C.pitchout%7Chit%5C.%5C.into%5C.%5C.play%7Cmissed%5C.%5C.bunt%7Cfoul%5C.%5C.tip%7Cswinging%5C.%5C.pitchout%7Cswinging%5C.%5C.strike%7Cswinging%5C.%5C.strike%5C.%5C.blocked%7C&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2025%7C&hfSit=&player_type=pitcher&hfOuts=&home_road=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=1%7C2%7C3%7C&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=league&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=pitch_percent&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_inning=on#results] Link to innings 4+ swing rate [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=foul%7Cfoul%5C.%5C.bunt%7Cbunt%5C.%5C.foul%5C.%5C.tip%7Cfoul%5C.%5C.pitchout%7Chit%5C.%5C.into%5C.%5C.play%7Cmissed%5C.%5C.bunt%7Cfoul%5C.%5C.tip%7Cswinging%5C.%5C.pitchout%7Cswinging%5C.%5C.strike%7Cswinging%5C.%5C.strike%5C.%5C.blocked%7C&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2025%7C&hfSit=&player_type=pitcher&hfOuts=&home_road=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=4%7C5%7C6%7C7%7C8%7C9%7C10%7C&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=league&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=pitch_percent&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_inning=on#results] Link to grand slams data [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vTSvX4VC1GaOLT6UbanxLa4zUvMqTRImhv7sFO6lRDA/edit?usp=sharing] Link to listener emails database [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-8lpspHQuR5GK7S_nNtGunLGrx60QnSa8XLG_wvRb4Q/edit?usp=sharing] Link to highest PR pickoff rates data [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aiMsFM9aruakWpXktsHDV3dNPzX5yAuFJpnekW_0EWA/edit?usp=sharing] Link to Haggerty pickoff game [https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=401815301] Link to SABR on PR specialists [https://sabr.org/journal/article/leg-men-career-pinch-runners-in-major-league-baseball/] Link to Wright on PR specialists 1 [https://mcusercontent.com/70117f7e29064e68418377637/files/78657855-0a52-3d40-86dc-9838f14a343c/23038_Lewis_Designated_Runner.pdf] Link to Wright on PR specialists 2 [https://mcusercontent.com/70117f7e29064e68418377637/files/ef7939e4-9cbb-5fb6-6b1e-5d53606b7c12/23043_Designated_Runner_Part_2.pdf] Link to Langs Bell fun fact [https://bsky.app/profile/slangsonsports.bsky.social/post/3mlro5vepbc23] [https://i.imgur.com/hT2AX6G.jpg] Sponsor Us on Patreon [http://www.patreon.com/effectivelywild] [https://i.imgur.com/xQIHgp3.png] Give a Gift Subscription [https://patreon.com/effectivelywild/gift] [https://i.imgur.com/tNOGFnG.png]podcast@fangraphs.com Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com [podcast@fangraphs.com] [https://i.imgur.com/gj3wTt4.png] Effectively Wild Subreddit [https://www.reddit.com/r/effectivelywild/] [https://i.imgur.com/28HuIsx.png] Effectively Wild Wiki [http://effectivelywild.wikia.com/wiki/Effectively_Wild_Wiki] [https://i.imgur.com/n16jO21.png] Apple Podcasts Feed [http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/effectively-wild-daily-baseball/id545919715]  [https://i.imgur.com/fQfPcpV.png] Spotify Feed [https://open.spotify.com/show/18kbXy9p0jHw3o8f2cQlCj] [https://i.imgur.com/sjL4TbJ.png] YouTube Playlist [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXytxPs81CsUSJmN1mQMr526CdeDpf4vK] [https://i.imgur.com/jbkZAC1.png] Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/effectivelywild/] [https://i.imgur.com/waJFv7Y.png] Bluesky Account [https://bsky.app/profile/ewpod.bsky.social] [https://i.imgur.com/DAtijEo.jpg] Twitter Account [https://twitter.com/ewpod] [https://i.imgur.com/YXW4kOd.png] Get Our Merch! [https://breakingt.com/collections/fangraphs] Source [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2479-batters-up/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2478: MLB’s New Main Characters

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the latest lima-bean-related revelations about Tarik Skubal’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/tarik-skubal/22267/stats/pitching]s elbow surgery, the Giants’ censored synchronized thrust and the history of homoerotic celebrations in baseball, Coby Mayo’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/coby-mayo/28312/stats/batting]s dog’s devotion, the Orioles’ rotation issues (and a Rico Garcia [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/rico-garcia/20023/stats/pitching] update), Atlanta’s unexpectedly productive DHs, Ben’s invisible baseball neighbor, and Konnor Griffin [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/konnor-griffin/35376/stats/batting]’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) [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fe79WqDT_GXFX_lxicx_kPv11RE0Q1tf/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/19KwOxp2kpN60CdFDMpP6Za73FHrfwofC/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to The Athletic on Skubal’s surgery [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7274811/2026/05/13/tigers-tarik-skubal-elbow-surgery-explained/] Link to Seinfeld squirrel surgery scene [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FieGqyLJYHc] Link to Giants celebration clip [https://bsky.app/profile/michaelaugustine.bsky.social/post/3mlmzziyzt22n] Link to Key & Peele sketch [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGJb2iLvOKE] Link to Baggarly post [https://bsky.app/profile/andrewbaggarly.bsky.social/post/3mlp77jqr5k2f] Link to Baggarly article [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7275258/2026/05/13/eric-haase-giants-win-dodgers-two-home-runs/] Link to other article on the edict [https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2026/05/13/sf-giants-outfield-win-celebration-drew-gilbert-harrison-bader-jung-hoo-lee/] Link to JHL’s possible smooch attempt [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1t7va1s/jung_hoo_lee_tries_to_get_drew_gilbert_and_heliot/] Link to new bow celebration [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NUekTjK6TrQ] Link to Gilbert GIF [https://bsky.app/profile/cptowers.bsky.social/post/3mlorebzs722g] Link to Vitello thrust [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1tbtww8/giants_pelvic_thrust_lives/] Link to Posey ownership story [https://www.mlb.com/news/buster-posey-joins-giants-ownership-group] Link to Charles B. Johnson wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_B._Johnson] Link to Johnson donations article [https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/12/05/report-turns-out-giants-co-owner-has-a-history-of-contributions-to-anti-lgbtq-politicians/] Link to Mets outfield imitation [https://bsky.app/profile/themetsnewsletter.com/post/3mlpaken3bs2x] Link to 2022 Mookie celebration [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/wgcdzc/the_dodgers_clubhouse_with_an_interesting/] Link to Mookie Twitch stream answer [https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1694295192] Link to Mookie Twitch clip [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rGVVcPh3eFY] Link to bukkake wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukkake] Link to Mookie’s Ohtani comment [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1oieimc/reporter_asks_mookie_betts_if_he_will_think_about/] Link to 2024 Dodgers crotch bump [https://sports.yahoo.com/dodgers-star-debuts-cup-bump-052303336.html] Link to 2016 Cubs crotch bump [https://www.outsports.com/2024/10/18/24102964/chicago-cubs-world-series-david-ross-dexter-fowler-crotch-bump-gay-dodgers-cleveland-guardians-david-fry-brayan-rocchio/] Link to 2014 Mariners celebration post 1 [https://www.reddit.com/r/Mariners/comments/276fnz/what_is_that_thing_that_the_mariners_are_doing/] Link to 2014 Mariners celebration post 2 [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/2demax/the_mariners_have_a_rather_interesting_show_of/] Link to 2019 Rangers crotch grab [https://people.com/sports/crotch-grab-joey-gallo-nomar-mazara-double-home-run/] Link to Red Sox celebration info [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/one-unexpected-bright-spot-ugly-112155659.html] Link to Dodgers memorial announcement [https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/press-release/dodgers-to-celebrate-13th-annual-lgbtq-night-presented-by-blue-shield-of-california-at-uniqlo-field-at-dodger-stadium-on-friday-june-5-vs-the-angels?t=dodgers-press-releases] Link to Collins obit [https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48753479/jason-collins-dies-47] Link to MLBTR on Fried’s elbow [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/05/max-fried-departs-game-with-elbow-soreness.html] Link to Mayo game story [https://www.mlb.com/news/coby-mayo-hits-3-run-homer-in-orioles-comeback-win-vs-yankees] Link to Mayo quote clip [https://www.instagram.com/reels/DYOJlYQsXzU/] Link to Mayo quote text [https://x.com/JakeDRill/status/2054018271293083789] Link to Argos wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argos_(dog)] Link to mid-March team SP projections [https://web.archive.org/web/20260309213504/https://www.fangraphs.com/depthcharts.aspx?position=SP] Link to team SP WAR to date [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&stats=sta&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-12] Link to Orioles SP stats so far [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&team=2&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&stats=sta&sortcol=6&sortdir=default&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-12] Link to team hitter WAR [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?lg=all&qual=y&season=2026&season1=2026&ind=0&sortcol=21&sortdir=default&type=8&month=1000&team=0%2Cts&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-12] Link to Elias’s Eflin/Rodriguez quote [https://bsky.app/profile/afkostka.bsky.social/post/3lmuvuodfkc2q] Link to 2026 Elias SP quote 1 [https://www.baltimorebaseball.com/sports/orioles-mlb/2026/02/10/elias-orioles-starting-rotation-strong-talented-richdubroff/] Link to 2026 Elias SP quote 2 [https://x.com/afkostka/status/2025279893861183685] Link to 2026 Elias SP quote 3 [https://x.com/jcalvinmeyer/status/2035467006460256560] Link to team defense leaderboard [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/fielding-run-value?dateEnd=2026-05-12&gameType=Regular&seasonStart=2026&seasonEnd=2026&type=fielding-team&position=0&minInnings=q&minResults=1] Link to .000 BABIP streaks [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YbwUcqMhkRdXfg_-LkUSqfpqWgHcraOiTuuesxeqpo4/edit?usp=sharing] Link to MLB.com on Garcia [https://www.mlb.com/news/orioles-rico-garcia-one-hit-allowed-first-64-batters-in-2026] Link to Profar DH article [https://www.mlb.com/news/jurickson-profar-on-being-braves-dh-hernia-surgery] Link to team DH production [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?lg=all&qual=0&season=2026&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=&filter=&players=0&type=8&month=44] Link to team LF production [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?lg=all&qual=0&season=2026&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=&filter=&players=0&type=8&month=42] Link to 2026 Location+ leaders [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&type=36&month=0&ind=0&sortcol=13&sortdir=default&startdate=&enddate=&season1=2026&season=2026&qual=40] Link to Link to 2024-26 Location+ leaders [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&type=36&month=0&ind=0&sortcol=13&sortdir=default&startdate=&enddate=&season1=2024&season=2026&qual=250&pagenum=1] Link to latest Skenes gem [https://pittsburghbaseballnow.com/paul-skenes-pittsburgh-pirates-dominance-colorado-rockies/] Link to BP on Griffin’s rookie eligibility [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/prospects/article/107039/flight-of-the-konnor/] Link to Griffin’s early-season sample [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&type=c%2C6%2C-1%2C372%2C375%2C193%2C-1%2C373%2C376%2C196%2C377%2C-1%2C198%2C58%2C61&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-04-23&team=0&pageitems=2000000000&sortcol=3&sortdir=default&qual=70&v_cr=202301] Link to Griffin’s second sample [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&type=c%2C6%2C-1%2C372%2C375%2C193%2C-1%2C373%2C376%2C196%2C377%2C-1%2C198%2C58%2C61&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&startdate=2026-04-24&enddate=2026-05-12&team=0&pageitems=2000000000&sortcol=3&sortdir=default&qual=70&v_cr=202301] Link to hitter leaderboard since Griffin’s birthday [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&startdate=2026-04-24&enddate=2026-05-12&team=0&pagenum=1&pageitems=200] Link to “quarter pole” definition [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/quarter_pole] Link to preseason hitter projections [https://www.fangraphs.com/projections?type=fangraphsdc&stats=bat&pos=&team=0&players=0&lg=all&z=1778671568&sortcol=&sortdir=desc&pageitems=30&statgroup=dashboard&fantasypreset=dashboard] Link to preseason pitcher projections [https://www.fangraphs.com/projections?type=fangraphsdc&stats=pit&pos=&team=0&players=0&lg=all&z=1778671568&sortcol=&sortdir=desc&pageitems=30&statgroup=dashboard&fantasypreset=dashboard] Link to hitter pace leaderboard [https://www.fangraphs.com/projections?type=onpacegpp&stats=bat&pos=&team=0&players=0&lg=all&z=1778671568&sortcol=&sortdir=desc&pageitems=30&statgroup=dashboard&fantasypreset=dashboard] Link to pitcher pace leaderboard [https://www.fangraphs.com/projections?type=onpacegpp&stats=pit&pos=&team=0&players=0&lg=all&z=1778671568&sortcol=&sortdir=desc&pageitems=30&statgroup=dashboard&fantasypreset=dashboard] Link to hitter over/underperformers [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CjngLVV4B4W84oxMQghQ-yTU6HGeqpfM6TNKahl-Flo/edit?usp=sharing] Link to pitcher over/underperformers [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QvvH781lQlCZss7JUwB77g9xa6V7O31ExcUDD7E3ioM/edit?usp=sharing] Link to Hogg on Miz velo post [https://bsky.app/profile/cyrthogg.bsky.social/post/3mlnx5rq6sk2p] Link to Hogg on Miz velo article [https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/mlb/brewers/2026/05/12/jacob-misiorowskis-adrenaline-laced-celebrations-tied-to-his-success/89991882007/] Link to Jones on Miz velo [https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/mlb/brewers/2026/05/08/new-york-yankees-rookie-impressed-by-milwaukee-brewers-pitcher-jacob-misiorowski/90005821007/] Link to Miz vs. Jones velo fun fact [https://x.com/JessicaDBrand/status/2052956606762008805] Link to Crizer on April 2025 main characters [https://bandwagon.substack.com/p/17-april-in-review-and-preview] Link to Clemens on Walker [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/jordan-walker-is-trending-up/] Link to Raleigh shower story [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7276463/2026/05/14/cal-raleigh-mariners-shower-uniform-mindset/] Link to BP on Turang [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/107018/in-graphical-detail-you-hang-it-turang-bangs-it/] Link to Blue Jays IP leaders [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&team=14&sortcol=7&sortdir=default&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-12] Link to Orioles shutout gamer [https://www.mlb.com/orioles/news/kyle-bradish-allows-1-hit-in-6-innings-in-shutout-of-yankees] Link to 2475 Podsednik Stat Blast wiki [https://effectivelywild.fandom.com/wiki/Episode_2475:_The_Telltale_Heat#Stat_Blast] Link to 1879 Podsednik Stat Blast [https://effectivelywild.fandom.com/wiki/Episode_1879:_Me_and_Julio_Down_By_the_Ballyard#Stat_Blast] Link to 1885 Podsednik follow-up [https://effectivelywild.fandom.com/wiki/Episode_1885:_The_Pit_Clock] Link to Podsednik walk-off [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACHJvLM8848] Link to corvids wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corvidae] Link to icterids wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icterid] Link to Vandy video clip [https://x.com/VandyBoys/status/2052979184121565612] Link to Vandy controversy summary [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/happened-vanderbilt-home-run-controversy-151127431.html] Link to Vandy-Mizzou gamer [https://www.secsports.com/news/2026/05/vanderbilt-missouri-split-pair-to-open-weekend-series] [https://i.imgur.com/hT2AX6G.jpg] Sponsor Us on Patreon [http://www.patreon.com/effectivelywild] [https://i.imgur.com/xQIHgp3.png] Give a Gift Subscription [https://patreon.com/effectivelywild/gift] [https://i.imgur.com/tNOGFnG.png]podcast@fangraphs.com Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com [podcast@fangraphs.com] [https://i.imgur.com/gj3wTt4.png] Effectively Wild Subreddit [https://www.reddit.com/r/effectivelywild/] [https://i.imgur.com/28HuIsx.png] Effectively Wild Wiki [http://effectivelywild.wikia.com/wiki/Effectively_Wild_Wiki] [https://i.imgur.com/n16jO21.png] Apple Podcasts Feed [http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/effectively-wild-daily-baseball/id545919715]  [https://i.imgur.com/fQfPcpV.png] Spotify Feed [https://open.spotify.com/show/18kbXy9p0jHw3o8f2cQlCj] [https://i.imgur.com/sjL4TbJ.png] YouTube Playlist [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXytxPs81CsUSJmN1mQMr526CdeDpf4vK] [https://i.imgur.com/jbkZAC1.png] Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/effectivelywild/] [https://i.imgur.com/waJFv7Y.png] Bluesky Account [https://bsky.app/profile/ewpod.bsky.social] [https://i.imgur.com/DAtijEo.jpg] Twitter Account [https://twitter.com/ewpod] [https://i.imgur.com/YXW4kOd.png] Get Our Merch! [https://breakingt.com/collections/fangraphs] Source [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2478-mlbs-new-main-characters/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2477: Can Cleveland Framemog the Majors?

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Spencer Jones [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/spencer-jones/31532/stats/batting] facing an overclocked Jacob Misiorowski [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jacob-misiorowski/31623/stats/pitching] in Jones’s MLB debut, the distance from the mound to home plate when Ryan Waldschmidt [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/ryan-waldschmidt/35061/stats/batting] is batting, Gage Workman’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/gage-workman/27573/stats/batting]s middle name, and Tarik Skubal [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/tarik-skubal/22267/stats/pitching]’s loose lima bean, then discuss the surprising Patrick Bailey [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/patrick-bailey/27478/stats/batting] trade—including takes on Bailey’s bat and framing value in the ABS era, the leadership of Buster Posey [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/buster-posey/9166/stats/batting] and Tony Vitello, Cleveland doubling down on the Austin Hedges [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/austin-hedges/12976/stats/batting] catching model, and the virtues of Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/matthew-wilkinson/sa3023171/stats/pitching]—plus thoughts on the bouncebacks of Bryce Harper [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/bryce-harper/11579/stats/batting] and Michael Conforto [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/michael-conforto/16376/stats/batting], the Pirates’ rotation, iron man Matt Olson [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/matt-olson/14344/stats/batting], a Craig Kimbrel [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/craig-kimbrel/6655/stats/pitching] meltdown, and the death of Bobby Cox. Audio intro: Garrett Krohn, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nbHRnaQDaxK16uyU1-5qqUZhEg6cqBWJ/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Pedantic) [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gRbN55AUmEHEfjljyqFNWloCLSTXu527/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to “POV” meme [https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/pov-memes] Link to Jones debut [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/MIL/MIL202605080.shtml] Link to Jones stance tweet [https://x.com/jonmoxieys/status/2052901239277445331] Link to Judge/Jones comparison [https://bsky.app/profile/cptowers.bsky.social/post/3mlcia4m45k2c] Link to first Jones vs. Miz PA [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2026%7C&hfSit=&player_type=pitcher&hfOuts=&home_road=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=2%7C&hfBBT=&batters_lookup%5B%5D=682987&hfFlag=&pitchers_lookup%5B%5D=694819&metric_1=&group_by=name&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=pitches&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc#results] Link to 103 mph+ pitches [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7CPO%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2026%7C2025%7C2024%7C2023%7C2022%7C2021%7C2020%7C2019%7C2018%7C2017%7C2016%7C2015%7C2014%7C2013%7C2012%7C2011%7C2010%7C2009%7C2008%7C&hfSit=&player_type=pitcher&hfOuts=&home_road=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=2026-05-10&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=&position=SP&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=api_p_release_speed&metric_1_gt=103&metric_1_lt=&group_by=name-event&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=velocity&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_event_release_speed=on#results] Link to fastest pitches of 2026 [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2026%7C&hfSit=&player_type=pitcher&hfOuts=&home_road=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=2026-05-10&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=api_p_release_speed&metric_1_gt=103&metric_1_lt=&group_by=name-event&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=pitches&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_event_release_speed=on#results] Link to top SP seasons by K% [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&lg=all&qual=y&type=1&ind=1&month=0&sortcol=7&sortdir=default&startdate=&enddate=&season1=1871&season=2026&stats=sta] Link to “Ballad of a Thin Man” [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we37yX3zpKA] Link to Miz velo upticks article [https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/mlb/brewers/2026/05/12/jacob-misiorowskis-adrenaline-laced-celebrations-tied-to-his-success/89991882007/] Link to Miz Charizard pull [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45933157/milwaukee-brewers-pokemon-card-charizard-jacob-misiorowski] Link to tallest outfield [https://x.com/CodifyBaseball/status/1512824484394246146] Link to Ben on big Yankees [https://www.theringer.com/2019/01/16/mlb/dj-lemahieu-giancarlo-stanton-aaron-judge-tall-new-york-yankees] Link to Waldschmidt quote [https://www.mlb.com/news/what-to-expect-diamondbacks-ryan-waldschmidt-mlb] Link to Workman middle name info 1 [https://www.mlb.com/news/gage-workman-hits-1st-career-home-run-tigers-win-vs-royals] Link to Workman middle name info 2 [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6189601/2025/03/09/gage-workman-cubs-opening-day-roster-tokyo-series/] Link to “taters” Gollum clip [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7S4wPzcruY] Link to Boras on the “Skubal scope” [https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/breaking-news/article/scott-boras-tarik-skubal-underwent-skubal-scope-procedure-that-projects-to-significantly-shorten-his-recovery-timeline-from-elbow-surgery-013043732.html?guccounter=2] Link to Boras/Olney podcast [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tQuLKlOHNQ] Link to last year’s Boras/Skubal quote [https://x.com/EvanPetzold/status/1988698091227357356] Link to FG post on Bailey [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/giants-trade-patrick-bailey-to-guardians-as-buster-posey-shakes-it-up-again/] Link to Dubuque on Bailey [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/106973/guardians-trade-for-new-improved-edition-of-austin-hedges/] Link to Baggarly on Bailey/Posey 1 [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7266893/2026/05/09/sf-giants-trading-patrick-bailey-buster-posey-comments/] Link to Baggarly on Bailey/Posey 2 [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7267303/2026/05/10/giants-loss-boo-birds-bryce-eldridge/] Link to Rosenthal on Posey [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7269191/2026/05/11/buster-posey-san-francisco-giants-patrick-bailey-trade/] Link to Bailey’s framing at FG [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/patrick-bailey/27478/stats/batting#advanced-fielding] Link to 2026 FG framing leaders [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=fld&lg=all&qual=y&type=1&season=2026&month=0&season1=2026&ind=0&sortcol=19&sortdir=desc&pagenum=1] Link to 2025 FG framing leaders [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=fld&lg=all&type=1&month=0&ind=0&sortcol=19&sortdir=desc&startdate=&enddate=&season1=2025&season=2025&qual=0] Link to Savant framing leaders [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/catcher-framing?gameType=Regular&seasonStart=2026&seasonEnd=2026&type=catcher&minPitches=q&minResults=1] Link to top players since Bailey’s call-up [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&startdate=2023-05-19&enddate=2026-05-10&team=0&qual=0&pagenum=1&pageitems=100] Link to top Giants since Bailey’s call-up [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&startdate=2023-05-19&enddate=2026-05-10&qual=0&pageitems=100&team=30] Link to top catchers since Bailey’s call-up [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?stats=bat&lg=all&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&startdate=2023-05-19&enddate=2026-05-10&qual=0&pageitems=100&team=0&pos=c] Link to Giants dugout pitch-calling article 1 [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7049414/2026/02/16/mlb-dugout-called-pitches-sf-giants-tony-vitello/] Link to Giants dugout pitch-calling article 2 [https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/giants/article/calling-pitches-bench-baseball-21952647.php] Link to Bailey wRC+ joke [https://x.com/CarlosACollazo/status/2053176828181856355] Link to story about Hedges the hitter [https://www.mlb.com/news/austin-hedges-improvement-as-hitter-in-2026] Link to “framemog” at wiktionary [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/framemog] Link to framemogging meme [https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/clavicular-frame-mogged-by-asu-frat-leader] Link to NPR on framemogging [https://www.npr.org/2026/04/03/nx-s1-5770199/mogging-rooted-in-the-manosphere-found-new-life-as-a-joke] Link to Vitello quote about effort [https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/giants-manager-tony-vitello-players-effort/] Link to Vitello pitching change confusion [https://x.com/ChadMoriyama/status/2053334387849298230] Link to Kapler pitching change confusion [https://www.mlb.com/news/kapler-reacts-to-bullpen-error-phillies-loss-c270358106] Link to La Russa pitching change confusion [https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2011/story/_/id/7145762/tony-la-russa-bad-call] Link to Nightengale on the trade deadline [https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2026/05/10/mlb-trade-deadline-rumors-2026-take-shape-sellers-to-watch/90016512007/] Link to MLBTR on the Giants’ outlook [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/05/the-giants-long-term-contracts-are-becoming-a-big-problem.html] Link to team run differentials [https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/pythagorean-baseruns] Link to Conforto wRC+ leaderboard [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&qual=50&sortcol=17&sortdir=default&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-10&team=0] Link to top team SP by WAR [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&stats=sta&team=0%2Cts&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-10] Link to Pirates SP production [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&lg=all&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&stats=sta&team=27&qual=0&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-10] Link to FG MLB WAR leaders [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/war] Link to longest consecutive games streaks [https://www.mlb.com/news/most-consecutive-games-played-in-mlb-history-c282212708] Link to Freeman vs. Olson WAR post-2022 [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&month=0&ind=0&startdate=&enddate=&season1=2022&season=2026&players=14344%2C5361] Link to worst RP WPAs [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&lg=all&type=c%2C63%2C64%2C65%2C66%2C67%2C68%2C69%2C70%2C71%2C72%2C73%2C74%2C115%2C116%2C13&month=0&ind=0&startdate=&enddate=&season1=2019&season=2026&stats=rel&qual=250&sortcol=2&sortdir=asc&v_cr=202301] Link to Kimbrel loss [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/COL/COL202605070.shtml] Link to Kimbrel grand slam story [https://www.mlb.com/news/craig-kimbrel-yields-go-ahead-grand-slam-to-rockies] Link to Chavez’s Giants origin story [https://www.mlb.com/news/jesse-chavez-joins-giants-staff-thanks-to-video-game-partner] Link to “OTP” explainer [https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/otp] Link to Cox obit [https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/09/us/bobby-cox-dead.html] Link to Atlanta championship expectations [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/bobby-cox-built-a-dynasty-greater] Link to Cox research 1 [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/16199/the-stats-go-marching-in-the-hidden-helpers-of-the-pitching-staff/] Link to Cox research 2 [https://www.google.com/books/edition/Evaluating_Baseball_s_Managers/I_K8gplq24gC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=bobby%20cox&pg=PA15&printsec=frontcover] Link to Cox research 3 [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/most-managers-are-headed-to-the-hall] Link to manager longevity article [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7238949/2026/04/29/mlb-manager-firings-job-requirements/] Link to data on ejection causes [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/46357017/mlb-approves-robot-umpires-2026-part-challenge-system] Link to CCS ejections posts [https://www.closecallsports.com/p/ejection-list.html] Link to 2026 manager ejection count [https://closecallsports.com/2026/05/mlb-ejections-020-21-mark-wegner-1-2.html] Link to 2025 manager ejections count [https://www.closecallsports.com/2025/09/mlb-ejection-174-john-bacon-6-mark.html] Link to 2024 manager ejections count [https://www.closecallsports.com/2024/09/mlb-ejection-186-marvin-hudson-2-aj.html] Link to manager ejections data over time [https://retrosheet.org/Research/SmithD/EjectionsThroughTheYears.pdf] Link to 2016 THT article on Cox DV [https://tht.fangraphs.com/mlb-turned-a-blind-eye-to-bobby-coxs-domestic-abuse/] Link to 1995 THT article on Cox DV [https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1995/05/14/cox-braves-should-snap-out-of-denial-in-abuse-case/62390704007/] Link to Clevinger report 1 [https://www.readeyeblack.com/p/your-life-is-over-bitch] Link to Clevinger report 2 [https://www.readeyeblack.com/p/mlb-promised-a-comprehensive-domestic-violence-investigation-of-a-baseball-star-his-exes-say-the-lea] Link to Tigers Triple-A manager firing [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7258363/2026/05/06/tigers-gabe-alvarez-investigation/] Link to Mixtape wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixtape_(video_game)] Link to “bro explaining” meme [https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/bro-explaining] Link to Mixtape baseball quote 1 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptuA1TbwFKU#t=19m08s] Link to Mixtape baseball quote 2 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSFmaXOVmUs#t=3h04m45s] Link to Ben’s gaming podcast [https://www.theringer.com/podcasts/button-mash] Link to article on foul ball increases [https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/3197557/the-quiet-scourge-of-the-foul-ball] Link to 2026 foul ball leaders [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=foul%7C&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2025%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&home_road=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=name&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=pitches&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc#results] Link to 1988 foul ball data [https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/1988-standard-batting.shtml] [https://i.imgur.com/hT2AX6G.jpg] Sponsor Us on Patreon [http://www.patreon.com/effectivelywild] [https://i.imgur.com/xQIHgp3.png] Give a Gift Subscription [https://patreon.com/effectivelywild/gift] [https://i.imgur.com/tNOGFnG.png]podcast@fangraphs.com Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com [podcast@fangraphs.com] [https://i.imgur.com/gj3wTt4.png] Effectively Wild Subreddit 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[https://breakingt.com/collections/fangraphs] Source [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2477-can-cleveland-framemog-the-majors/]