Effectively Wild Episode 2515: All Fun and Games

Effectively Wild Episode 2515: All Fun and Games

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/membership]. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the long-in-the-making major league debut of gravity-defying, strikeout-celebrating reliever Jefry Yan [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jefry-yan/27902/stats/pitching], Steven Kwan’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/steven-kwan/24610/stats/batting]s resurgence, a lineup with lots of Juniors, a scooter celebration, a double FARTBAT, Luis Arraez [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/luis-arraez/18568/stats/batting] abandoning home plate, MLB players’ low-stakes conspiracies, a head-to-head MVP battle, the Mets’ Francisco Lindor [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/francisco-lindor/12916/stats/batting]–Juan Soto [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/juan-soto/20123/stats/batting] drama, the A’s firing David Forst, a pitcher plate appearance, and more. Then (1:02:46) Ben brings on YouTubers Noah Campbell (aka SOFTDRINKTV) and Taylor McNelis (aka WildLion Games) to discuss the decline in the quantity and quality of sports video games, how well baseball lends itself to gaming, the golden age of baseball video games, and whether a few new challengers might endanger MLB The Show’s dominance. Audio intro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Pedantic) [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gRbN55AUmEHEfjljyqFNWloCLSTXu527/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio interstitial: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jVOMAuZop-4BhxnZ1JQaULw7FlW2XJD_/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 Reddit post on Yan [https://www.reddit.com/r/effectivelywild/comments/1vgsfru/jefry_yan/] Link to first Yan episode [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2290-season-preview-series-diamondbacks-and-nationals/] Link to second Yan episode [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2294-season-preview-series-dodgers-and-rockies/] Link to Yan debut story [https://www.mlb.com/news/jefry-yan-celebrates-after-strikeouts-in-mlb-debut] Link to Yan debut video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmySA9LAYcs] Link to Yan leap on single [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/sporty-videos?playId=6b00c001-2115-39b0-83e7-022d94e94dfe] Link to Guardians’ Yan mockery [https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/jefry-yan-s-signature-leap-was-ruthlessly-mocked-by-the-guardians/ar-AA29wxgu] Link to MLBTR on Brebbia [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/08/red-sox-to-sign-john-brebbia-to-minor-league-deal.html] Link to Brebbia’s second EW appearance [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2496-our-daily-breb/] Link to previous Kwan chat [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2502-the-cycle-of-major-league-life/] Link to Kwan 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=0&startdate=2026-07-01&enddate=2026-08-06&team=0] Link to Kwan pillow quote [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6236437/2025/04/04/mlb-players-money-saving-hacks/] Link to sports nepo babies article [https://nikolavukovic.substack.com/p/why-athletes-are-increasingly-the] Link to article on baseball nepo babies [https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/2167845/the-son-also-rises-its-a-golden-age-for-major-leaguers-kids] Link to Ryan HoF page [https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/ryan-nolan] Link to Giants scooter celly [https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2026/08/06/giants-player-trolls-harrison-bader-over-scooter-crash-celebration-mlb/91202534007/] Link to Arraez abandonment [https://x.com/MLB/status/2085508791618138298] Link to @ScoringChanges explanation [https://x.com/ScoringChanges/status/2085499785944170967] Link to Marlins misplay [https://www.mlb.com/news/ronald-acuna-jr-hits-home-run-after-it-deflects-off-two-marlins-players] Link to EW Episode 500 [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-500/] Link to PCA comments [https://awfulannouncing.com/mlb/pete-crow-armstrong-babe-ruth-never-existed.html] Link to Saucedo comments [https://bsky.app/profile/razzball.bsky.social/post/3ms6r2jrcus2e] Link to Ottavino comments [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/25506993/free-agent-pitcher-adam-ottavino-says-whiff-babe-ruth] Link to PCA vs. Ohtani game [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/109228/box-score-banter-les-jeux-sont-faits/] Link to Peralta/Lindor/Soto report [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49536047/former-mets-pitcher-peralta-initiated-sitdown-soto-lindor] Link to 2025 Yankees bullpen blowup [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6531473/2025/08/02/yankees-new-bullpen-acquisitions-implode-marlins/] Link to Lindor/McNeil article [https://www.mlb.com/news/francisco-lindor-and-jeff-mcneil-offer-explanation-for-incident] Link to MLBTR on Forst [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/08/athletics-fire-david-forst.html] Link to Mikolas PA article [https://www.mlb.com/news/nationals-snap-seven-game-losing-streak-vs-phillies] Link to Nusbaum tweet [https://x.com/spencernusbaum_/status/2085190380425728100] Link to Button Mash [https://www.theringer.com/podcasts/button-mash] Link to The Ringer-Verse [https://open.spotify.com/show/3z9QIZzDR4o34uBBbsxb0z] Link to SOFTDRINKTV on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@SOFTDRINKTV] Link to WildLion Games on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@WildLionGames/videos] Link to Paine on sports games 1 [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/will-college-football-25-save-the] Link to Paine on sports games 2 [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/the-paradox-of-sports-video-gaming] Link to Jabroni Baseball video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ntcTFIEw_4] Link to EA buyout [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leveraged_buyout_of_Electronic_Arts] Link to EA layoffs report [https://kotaku.com/bloodbath-ahead-for-ea-as-it-looks-to-cut-700-million-in-annual-costs-under-saudi-arabia-2000721875] Link to EA layoffs report [https://kotaku.com/bloodbath-ahead-for-ea-as-it-looks-to-cut-700-million-in-annual-costs-under-saudi-arabia-2000721875] Link to College Football microtransactions [https://kotaku.com/ea-sports-reverses-course-on-college-football-microtransactions-following-player-revolt-2000714972] Link to Ben on MVP Baseball 2005 [https://grantland.com/the-triangle/mvp-baseball-2005-mod-community-mlb-video-games/] Link to Noah on MVP Baseball 2005 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_XtDTJTj9M] Link to Super Mega Baseball 4 article [https://remapradio.com/articles/super-mega-baseball-4-and-the-quest-for-the-perfect-game/] Link to Metalhead on EW 1 [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-589/] Link to Metalhead on EW 2 [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-1530-thats-why-they-play-the-games/] Link to Taylor on SMB4 roster updates [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-815tI2J_Qc] Link to Taylor’s SMB4 review [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LETB2xvIzW0] Link to Zach Kram on Backyard Baseball [https://www.theringer.com/2017/10/10/features/backyard-baseball-20-year-anniversary] Link to Backyard Baseball comeback article [https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/style/backyard-baseball-video-game-teacher.html] Link to Backyard Baseball wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backyard_Baseball] Link to Taylor’s Backyard Baseball review [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzBdRQTLNb4] Link to Noah on MLB Power Pros [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLO8wXmtxwQ] Link to Indoor Baseball [https://store.steampowered.com/app/3434700/Indoor_Baseball/] Link to Noah on Indoor Baseball [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14JWmYG6KeY] Link to Noah on MVP 06: NCAA Baseball [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjiQ161F0Jk] Link to Noah’s MLB The Show 26 review [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfTnRAVct14] Link to Taylor’s MLB The Show 26 review [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU89c1d7O0k] Link to Power Pros wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_Pros] Link to Professional Baseball Spirits wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_Baseball_Spirits] Link to article about eBaseball Pro Spirit 2026 [https://www.sportico.com/business/tech/2026/konami-japanese-baseball-video-game-us-shohei-ohtani-1234938997/] Link to Noah on eBaseball: PRO SPIRIT [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHKE4DjOo_E] Link to eBaseball: PRO SPIRIT 2026 on PS5 [https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP0101-PPSA34491_00-PROBBSPIRITS26AE] Link to Noah on eBaseball: PRO SPIRIT 2026 news [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0mERTjtTbI] Link to Noah’s eBaseball: PRO SPIRIT 2026 review [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaGlbMRxsXM] Link to Taylor’s eBaseball: PRO SPIRIT 2026 review [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPZMjsvYm2Y] [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-2515-all-fun-and-games/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2514: The Deadline, From Adell to Zeferjahn

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] After talking Tarik Skubal [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/tarik-skubal/22267/stats/pitching] and a few other early acquisitions in the preceding pod, Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley recap the rest of the trade deadline in detail, from Adell to Zeferjahn (with many non-ex-Angels in between): the biggest surprises, the winners and losers, and the various reminders that life comes at you fast. Audio intro: Garrett Krohn, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nbHRnaQDaxK16uyU1-5qqUZhEg6cqBWJ/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PG05TBt19rOUlQMuYgF5mNllQ3yEc5Tx/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to Skubal trade EW discussion [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2513-abandon-zyhir-hope-all-ye-who-enter-here/] Link to Ben on the Skubal trade [https://www.theringer.com/2026/08/02/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers-detroit-tigers-tarik-skubal-mlb-trade-deadline] Link to Andy M. on the Brewers and Skubal [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7486951/2026/08/02/tarik-skubal-brewers-dodgers-trade-deadline/] Link to Brewers “we tried” article 1 [https://www.mlb.com/news/brewers-tried-to-trade-for-tarik-skubal] Link to Brewers “we tried” article 2 [https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/mlb/brewers/2026/08/03/brewers-coach-pat-murphy-talks-about-tarik-skubal-joining-dodgers/91147276007/] Link to Hogg post [https://bsky.app/profile/cyrthogg.bsky.social/post/3ms7ib2gsmc2q] Link to Roberts quote [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7486979/2026/08/03/tarik-skubal-dodgers-mlb-trade-deadline-other-teams/] Link to Skubal quote [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7486988/2026/08/03/dodgers-tarik-skubal-mlb-trade-deadline-arrival/] Link to Dodgers super-rotation post [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/where-does-the-dodgers-new-super] Link to SP RoS projections [https://www.fangraphs.com/projections?type=rfangraphsdc&stats=sta&pos=all&team=0&players=0&lg=all&z=1785584933&sortcol=15&sortdir=asc&pageitems=30&statgroup=dashboard&fantasypreset=dashboard] Link to SP depth charts [https://www.fangraphs.com/depthcharts.aspx?position=SP] Link to Trueblood on the Brewers [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/108967/rubbing-mud-what-to-get-the-team-who-has-everything/] Link to mlb.com trade tracker [https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-trade-deadline-2026-deal-tracker] Link to FG trade post round-up [https://substack.com/@neilpaine/note/c-305357810] Link to FG winners/losers post [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-2026-fangraphs-trade-deadline-roundup/] Link to Ben on Spider-Man [https://www.theringer.com/2026/08/04/marvel/why-spider-man-is-immune-to-the-superhero-swoon-brand-new-day-tom-holland] Link to Baumann’s Rockies headline [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/marlins-cap-off-deadline-day-by-ordering-vodnik-on-the-rockies/#comments] Link to Wade/Ward wiki [https://effectivelywild.fandom.com/wiki/Tyler_Wade_and_Taylor_Ward] Link to Brebbia news [https://bsky.app/profile/evanlang27.bsky.social/post/3mschjd27ek2q] Link to Harper OF move [https://www.mlb.com/news/bryce-harper-to-move-back-to-outfield-after-luis-arraez-trade] Link to May monthly award winners [https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-monthly-award-winners-for-may-2026] Link to Toboni comments [https://x.com/dougherty_jesse/status/2084412284084932777] Link to Elias comments [https://www.mlb.com/news/mike-elias-discusses-adley-rutschman-orioles-trade-deadline] Link to ZiPS deadline breakdown [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/zipsing-up-the-trade-deadline-2026-edition/] Link to Kostka tweet [https://x.com/afkostka/status/2084450839918490067] Link to FG farm rankings [https://www.fangraphs.com/prospects/farm-system-rankings] Link to “subtle” oblique strain [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/08/nationals-to-place-james-wood-on-il-with-oblique-strain.html] Link to Lombard call-up [https://www.mlb.com/news/george-lombard-jr-yankees-callup] Link to Lombard dinger [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MNmeWb4FY0] Link to white flag trade [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Flag_Trade] Link to Law on Mayer [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7490092/2026/08/03/marcelo-mayer-trade-erik-miller-red-sox-sf-giants-analysis/] Link to Partners INW [https://partnersinw.org/] Link to wildfire response fund [https://innovia.iphiview.com/innovia/GiveNow/AccountInformation/tabid/495/dispatch/accountselection_id$180408_hash$f9c04d9a7ad07c61d181c69d882b312140005878/Default.aspx] Link to fire relief fund [https://my.spokanecity.org/endinghomelessness/donations/] Link to Red Cross donation site [https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/krem-pub.html/] [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-2514-the-deadline-from-adell-to-zeferjahn/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2513: Abandon Zyhir Hope, All Ye Who Enter Here

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley break down the Dodgers’ trade for Tarik Skubal [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/tarik-skubal/22267/stats/pitching] from multiple angles: the Tigers’ return, expectations for Skubal and the Dodgers, why other teams let the trade happen, and the significance for the sport. Then they discuss a smattering of other moves (including deals for Freddy Peralta [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/freddy-peralta/18679/stats/pitching] and Luis Castillo [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/luis-castillo/15689/stats/pitching]) before closing banter about a shampoo disclosure in the Baltimore booth. Audio intro: Andy Ellison, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-zryFrA5vGf46iu7jSvWSrkrDXTfJ3zY/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 Ben on the Skubal trade [https://www.theringer.com/2026/08/02/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers-detroit-tigers-tarik-skubal-mlb-trade-deadline] Link to Other Ben on the Skubal trade [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/dodgers-acquire-tarik-skubal-in-deadline-blockbuster] Link to Longenhagen on the Skubal trade [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/in-detroits-valley-of-darkness-a-river-of-hope] Link to Sheehan on the Skubal trade [https://www.joesheehan.com/2026/08/newsletter-excerpt-august-2-2026-rage.html] Link to Paine on the Skubal trade [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/the-dodgers-havent-ruined-baseball] Link to Dodgers discourse article [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7486126/2026/08/02/tarik-skubal-dodgers-trade-reaction-mlb-lockout/] Link to Friedman quote [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49484942/dodgers-expect-ohtani-rejoin-rotation-check-skubal] Link to FG’s pre-deadline top 100 [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2026-pre-trade-deadline-top-100-prospects-update] Link to SP RoS projections [https://www.fangraphs.com/projections?type=rfangraphsdc&stats=sta&pos=all&team=0&players=0&lg=all&z=1785584933&sortcol=15&sortdir=asc&pageitems=30&statgroup=dashboard&fantasypreset=dashboard] Link to Baumann on the Brewers/Rays [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-rays-or-brewers-must-trade-for-tarik-skubal] Link to FG playoff odds [https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds/fg/div] Link to San Andreas meme [https://en.meming.world/wiki/Ah_Shit,_Here_We_Go_Again] Link to payroll/winning correlation [https://substack.com/@neilpaine/note/c-305357810] Link to more on payroll/winning correlation [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/is-it-getting-tougher-to-build-a] Link to Rosenthal column [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7474087/2026/07/28/mlb-competitive-balance-standings/] Link to Dodgers playoff improvement [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/have-the-dodgers-finally-cracked] Link to BP on competitive balance [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/104290/changing-speeds-what-we-talk-about-when-we-talk-about-competitive-balance/] Link to Sheehan on rentals [https://www.joesheehan.com/2026/07/newsletter-excerpt-july-27-2026-rentals.html] Link to Clemens on rentals [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-weekly-mailbag-august-1-2026/] Link to Paine on deadline impact [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/we-love-the-mlb-trade-deadline-but] Link to Cooper on prospect trades [https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/how-often-do-prospects-traded-at-the-deadline-become-successful-mlb-players/] Link to FG farm rankings [https://www.fangraphs.com/prospects/farm-system-rankings] Link to FG on the Peralta trade [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/rays-trade-for-freddy-peralta-because-too-much-pitching-is-never-enough] Link to MLBTR on the Castillo trade [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/08/white-sox-to-acquire-luis-castillo.html] Link to FG on the Twins trade [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/twins-bolster-pitching-depth-as-surprise-deadline-buyers] Link to FG on the Brewers/Guardians trade [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/bo-naylor-is-milwaukee-bound-as-brewers-guardians-exchange-depth-pieces] Link to FG on the Atlanta/KC trade [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-lane-train-is-atlanta-bound] Link to MLBTR on the Doval trade [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/08/yankees-trade-camilo-doval-pirates.html] Link to Paine on everybody being a buyer [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/almost-everybody-in-baseball-is-still] Link to “C’mon, do something” meme [https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/cmon-do-something] Link to Queens vs. Heights gamer [https://abc7.com/post/wpbl-opener-la-queens-face-new-york-heights-inaugural-game-womens-pro-baseball-league/19612162/] Link to The West Wing scene [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN8U-TSbfwE] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN8U-TSbfwE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN8U-TSbfwE [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-2513-abandon-zyhir-hope-all-ye-who-enter-here/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2512: The Superhero Baseball Draft

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/membership]. Ben Lindbergh brings on baseball-loving comic-book experts David Harper [https://bsky.app/profile/davidharper.bsky.social] (of SKTCHD and Off Panel: A Comics Interview Podcast) and Tiffany Babb [https://bsky.app/profile/explodingarrow.bsky.social] (of The Comics Courier, The Comics Staple, The Fan Files, and Interesting Jobs the Podcast) to assemble superpowered baseball teams. First they banter about Harrison Bader [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/harrison-bader/18030/stats/batting]’s scooter troubles and David’s and Tiffany’s baseball/comic-book backgrounds, trade-deadline desires, and favorite baseball/comics crossovers. Then (37:20) they take turns filling out rosters from the ranks of Marvel/DC superheroes. Audio intro: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/18ypilLuC54vxaDVVNtUuHSx9gP2ZcLug/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/19KwOxp2kpN60CdFDMpP6Za73FHrfwofC/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to Bader article 1 [https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/giants/article/new-details-emerge-harrison-bader-s-late-night-22367593.php] Link to Bader article 2 [https://sfist.com/2026/07/29/sf-giants-troubles-continue-as-outfielder-harrison-bader-has-scooter-accident-and-tickets-go/] Link to Bader article 3 [https://nypost.com/2026/07/31/sports/harrison-baders-first-season-with-giants-over-after-scooter-crash/] Link to another Bader report [https://x.com/mattblively/status/2083000721717469682] Link to 2014 Bader incident [https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/baseball/2014/02/04/uf-baseball-suspends-outfielder-bader/31111769007/] Link to Bumgarner story [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19212318/madison-bumgarner-san-francisco-giants-hurt-dirt-bike-accident-dl] Link to Kent injury story 1 [https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/2002/0317/1353104.html] Link to Kent injury story 2 [https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Giants-probing-Kent-s-injury-claim-Two-911-2863515.php] Link to Giants vehicular injuries [https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2026-07-31/giants-harrison-bader-scooter-fire-truck-foot-injury-contract-void-jeff-kent-motorcycle] Link to Bader suspension article [https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/mlb/san-francisco-giants/suspend-payment-harrison-bader-scooter-crash/1953653/] Link to MLBTR on Bader’s suspension [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/07/giants-suspending-payment-to-harrison-bader-after-scooter-accident.html] Link to Shanahan injury article [https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/1123593/kyle-shanaha-car-accident-cover-up-49ers-nfl-conspiracy] Link to Midnight Sun Game [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midnight_Sun_Game] Link to Midnight Sons wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midnight_Sons] Link to Brand New Day box office [https://deadline.com/2026/07/box-office-spider-man-brand-new-day-1237014268/] Link to The Death of Superman wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Death_of_Superman] Link to Goldman on power levels [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/13878/the-bp-broadside-who-is-stronger-a-rod-or-spider-man/] Link to Granillo on baseball and supes 1 [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/15702/wezen-ball-the-greatest-comic-ever/] Link to Granillo on baseball and supes 2 [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/13977/wezen-ball-playing-baseball-in-the-land-of-superheroes/] Link to Granillo on baseball and supes 3 [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/12941/wezen-ball-baseballs-superheroes/] Link to superhero strength scale wiki [https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Strength_Scale] Link to Peanuts podcast episode [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tbg-73-charlie-browns-all-stars-with-ben-lindbergh/id1727260674?i=1000752257667] Link to Joe Shlabotnik wiki [https://peanuts.fandom.com/wiki/Joe_Shlabotnik] Link to Peanuts baseball analysis [https://web.archive.org/web/20150507031340/http://wezen-ball.com/2010-articles/calculating-charlie-browns-wins-losses-a-other-stats-introduction.html] Link to FG on the Angels/Rangers trade [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-curious-incident-of-the-angels-rangers-trade-in-the-night-time/] Link to MLBTR on the Minter trade [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/07/twins-to-acquire-a-j-minter.html] Link to West Coast Avengers Annual #2 [https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/17939/west_coast_avengers_annual_1986_2] Link to Bullseye bio [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullseye_(Marvel_Comics)#Early_life] Link to David’s Eisner acceptance speech [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWOpt_bFPFc] Link to Eisner Awards wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eisner_Awards] Link to SKTCHD [https://sktchd.com/] Link to Off Panel [https://sktchd.com/podcast/] Link to SKTCHD draft post [https://sktchd.com/longform/a-justice-league-of-their-own-fantasy-drafting-the-best-comic-baseball-teams-possible/] Link to SKTCHD HoF post [https://sktchd.com/column/the-hall-of-fame-of-superhero-comics-being-weird-at-sports/] Link to SKTCHD Avengers post [https://sktchd.com/column/comics-seriously-the-avengers-go-moneyball/] Link to Tiffany’s website [https://www.tiffanybabb.com/] Link to The Comics Courier [https://www.tiffanybabb.com/the-comics-courier] Link to The Comics Staple [https://www.tiffanybabb.com/the-comics-staple] Link to Interesting Jobs the Podcast [https://rss.com/podcasts/interesting-jobs-the-podcast/] Link to The Fan Files [https://www.thefanfiles.com/] Link to The Fan Files Insta videos [https://www.instagram.com/_thefanfiles/] Link to The Fan Files TikTok videos [https://www.tiktok.com/@thefanfiles] Link to SI on baseball and superheroes 1 [https://web.archive.org/web/20131021094729/http://extramustard.si.com/2013/10/17/which-superhero-would-be-best-at-baseball-a-scientific-study-part-1/] Link to SI on baseball and superheroes 2 [https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2013/10/22/which-superhero-would-be-best-at-baseball-a-scientific-study-part-2-the-results] Link to Clemens home run video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsVVASg9HkE] Link to Clemens home run article [https://www.mlb.com/news/kody-clemens-hits-walk-off-grand-slam-in-twins-win-vs-royals] Link to Clemens fun facts thread [https://x.com/dohyoungpark/status/2082935840117039518] Link to ultimate grand slam wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walk-off_home_run#Ultimate_grand_slam] [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-2512-the-superhero-baseball-draft/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2511: Will the WPBL Be a W?

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the end of Ben’s jury duty and Meg’s first colonoscopy, then discuss an investigation into Dodgers owner Mark Walter’s finances, Roki Sasaki’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/roki-sasaki/35323/stats/pitching]s big glove, Munetaka Murakami’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/munetaka-murakami/37120/stats/batting]s performance against good velocity, a squirrel sighting (and top prospect Max Clark’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/maxwell-clark/sa3022683/stats/batting]s arrival) in Detroit, baseball’s animal kingdom, who gets to claim Jimothy, the frustrating Mariners, Curtis Mead [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/curtis-mead/23986/stats/batting]’s im-mead-iate injury, and pre-deadline unrest in Philly. Then (1:05:16) FanGraphs contributor Kiri Oler [https://bsky.app/profile/kirio.bsky.social] joins to preview the Women’s Pro Baseball League’s inaugural season and consider its prospects for long-term success. Audio intro: Daniel Leckie, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MDiYT6nzp-be6mFJdJgEZtCfPxSRWERW/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio interstitial: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wNnie0fLF2HVQsb4d-w5OqxMzyqfvImV/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RRfThaYTS3pNyN08OEGLJLdhXRb-wIUZ/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to WSJ on Walter’s finances [https://www.wsj.com/finance/regulation/federal-probe-into-dodgers-owners-financial-empire-was-sparked-by-whistleblower-013b0053] Link to WSJ on Walter’s stroke [https://www.wsj.com/finance/dodgers-owner-at-center-of-federal-probe-suffered-stroke-in-2024-e09c8ab3] Link to Ben on the Dodgers in 2015 [https://grantland.com/the-triangle/mlb-los-angeles-dodgers-outlook-2015-and-beyond/] Link to WSJ on Sasaki [https://www.wsj.com/sports/baseball/roki-sasaki-large-glove-dodgers-e0742b7c] Link to June FG post on Sasaki [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/roki-sasaki-is-putting-it-all-together] Link to Roki’s rolling WAR [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/roki-sasaki/35323/graphs?position=P&statArr=59&legend=1%2C2&split=base&time=game&ymin=&ymax=&start=2025&end=2026&rtype=mult>1=2&dStatArray=] Link to Roki’s four-seamer speed by start [https://www.brooksbaseball.net/velo.php?player=808963&b_hand=-1&gFilt=regular&pFilt=FA&time=game&minmax=ci&var=mph&s_type=2&startDate=01/01/2026&endDate=01/01/2027] Link to Murakami vs. velo article [https://www.mlb.com/whitesox/news/munetaka-murakami-is-crushing-high-velocity-in-mlb] Link to extended squirrel video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJj6D3FPF1M] Link to MLB.com squirrel article [https://www.mlb.com/news/squirrel-on-the-field-at-comerica-park-causes-chase] Link to BP squirrel article [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/108969/box-score-banter-2026-topsy-turvy-joc-pederson/] Link to PAWS page [https://www.mlb.com/tigers/fans/paws] Link to animal appearances video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HthQkLtpwA] Link to MLB.com on Clark’s call-up [https://www.mlb.com/news/max-clark-callup-by-tigers] Link to BP on Clark’s call-up [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/prospects/article/109063/the-call-up-max-clark/] Link to baseball exceptionalism wiki [https://effectivelywild.fandom.com/wiki/Baseball_exceptionalism] Link to Jimothy wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimothy_(raccoon)] Link to M’s Jimothy promotion [https://www.instagram.com/p/DbYrfFMAGxD/] Link to Trash Pandas’ Jimothy promotion [https://x.com/trashpandas/status/2082209487293919733] Link to food guarding info [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/food-guarding] Link to Mead injury article [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49474507/reports-red-sox-put-curtis-mead-il-broken-wrist] Link to Mead recovery report [https://x.com/ChrisCotillo/status/2082585250647982189] Link to BP IL Triage tool [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/109050/how-long-will-he-be-out/] Link to Gelb on the Phillies [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7478646/2026/07/29/phillies-slump-trade-deadline-bryce-harper-dave-dombrowski/] Link to Paine on the Phillies [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/are-the-phillies-phavorites-or-phrauds] Link to WPBL wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Pro_Baseball_League] Link to Kiri on the WPBL teams [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-wpbl-has-teams-and-players-now/] Link to Kiri on WPBL managers [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/meet-the-managers-of-the-wpbl/] Link to Kiri’s 2025 pod appearance [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2272-leagues-of-their-own/] Link to Kiri on other women’s leagues [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/what-the-upstart-wpbl-should-learn-from-other-womens-sports-leagues/] Link to WPBL team pages [https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/teams-overview/] Link to AP on the WPBL [https://apnews.com/article/womens-baseball-history-wpbl-70befa0286e29ef678104cfae9682698] Link to ESPN’s WPBL press release [https://espnpressroom.com/press-release/espn-secures-media-rights-to-womens-pro-baseball-league-bringing-full-season-and-playoffs-to-espn-starting-august-1/] Link to 2025 WPBL announcement [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6808743/2025/11/17/wpbl-robin-roberts-stadium-illinois-venue/] Link to Women’s Baseball World Cup article [https://www.mlb.com/news/usa-australia-canada-advance-to-women-s-baseball-world-cup-finals] Link to Ben on the OWL [https://www.theringer.com/2018/01/17/video-games/esports-the-overwatch-league-debut-new-york-excelsior] Link to A League of Their Own scene [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyiQl2mDHsE] Link to Roki game story [https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/roki-sasaki-strikes-out-seven-earns-win-vs-mariners] [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-2511-will-the-wpbl-be-a-w/]