Effectively Wild Episode 2485: Let’s Enhance?

Effectively Wild Episode 2494: Culture WAR

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 discuss the backlash to MLB’s initial statement about the Giants’ objectors to Pride Night, the league’s subsequent expanded statement, and the facts about the policies and punishments (or the lack thereof) pertaining to uniform alterations. Then (37:10) they banter about the Blue Jays’ ballot dominance in early All-Star voting, the history of teams being overrepresented on All-Star rosters, the Mariners’ piggyback pitching plan, and Curtis Washington Jr. [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/curtis-washington/sa3019803/stats/batting] as the ultimate phantom ballplayer, answer emails (1:19:28) about where the next two-way player might come from and whether Pete Crow-Armstrong [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/pete-crow-armstrong/27769/stats/batting]’s defensive value is underrated, and Stat Blast (1:31:56) about where franchise scoring records tend to be set, the biggest run differentials in games with equivalent times on base, days when one team outscored many other teams combined, Boston’s lack of late comebacks, and teams whose win totals did or didn’t match their WAR totals. Audio intro: Austin Klewan, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/19KwOxp2kpN60CdFDMpP6Za73FHrfwofC/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Andy Ellison, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-zryFrA5vGf46iu7jSvWSrkrDXTfJ3zY/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to wisdom teeth etymology [https://www.hmoralsurgery.com/blog/the-fascinating-history-behind-the-name-wisdom-teeth/] Link to Domínguez tooth news [https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/yankees-jasson-dominguez-not-in-tuesdays-lineup-1009391/] Link to Ohtani gamer [https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/shohei-ohtani-allows-season-high-four-runs-vs-rays] Link to MLB’s initial statement [https://www.outsports.com/2026/6/15/24136606/san-francisco-giants-pride-night-cap-bible-verse-mlb-response/] Link to assorted bad tweets [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z1deKSS5IqhYJeGmRW3aP089HXtPpk81TGIyNPQItVI/edit?usp=sharing] Link to MLB’s second statement [https://x.com/EvanDrellich/status/2066907085858910353] Link to story about statements [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7364268/2026/06/15/sf-giants-pride-night-caps-bible-verses-mlb-warning/] Link to Hawley letter story [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7368250/2026/06/17/josh-hawley-giants-pride-night-bible-verses-letter-rob-manfred/] Link to story about backlash [https://www.outsports.com/2026/6/16/24136778/giants-fans-homophobic-gay-pride-night-caps-lgbtq-clay-travis-josh-hawley/] Link to CBA [https://registrationz.mlbpa.org/pdf/MLB%20Basic%20Agreement%202022-26.pdf] Link to Josh Hawley fleeing footage [https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/josh-hawley-seen-fleeing-trump-mob-riled-newly-released-jan-6-footage-rcna39490] Link to Noah Hawley wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noah_Hawley] Link to Vesia tribute story [https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-bullpen-wears-hat-tribute-to-alex-vesia] Link to California Post story [https://nypost.com/2026/06/17/sports/san-francisco-giants-pitchers-defend-bible-verse-protest-on-pride-night-after-backlash/] Link to All-Star vote totals [https://www.mlb.com/news/2026-mlb-all-star-ballot-first-update] Link to AL 2B WAR leaders [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?lg=al&season=2026&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0&qual=0&type=8&month=37] Link to Blue Jays voting story 1 [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/blue-jays-fans-over-star-193812236.html] Link to Blue Jays voting story 2 [https://www.si.com/mlb/bluejays/onsi/blue-jays-all-star-vote-success-raising-eyebrows] Link to Blue Jays WAR leaders [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/war?lg=&teamid=14] Link to team All-Star records [https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/mlb/news/most-mlb-all-star-players-one-team-braves-rangers-2023/degzi9fh83ku1xfzzw9pjmuw] Link to 2015 Royals voting story [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/13093905/why-kansas-city-royals-dominating-mlb-all-star-game-voting] Link to 2015 Royals All-Stars [https://www.royalsreview.com/2019/7/22/20698606/where-are-the-2015-royals-all-stars-now] Link to 2026 YoY attendance [https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/2026-misc.shtml#all_attendance] Link to 2015 YoY attendance [https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/2015-misc.shtml#all_attendance] Link to 2023 Braves All-Stars story [https://www.mlb.com/news/braves-send-eight-representatives-to-all-star-game-in-seattle] Link to Mariners piggyback plan [https://www.mlb.com/news/mariners-revist-piggyback-rotation-before-all-star-break] Link to Ben on the ’93 A’s [https://www.theringer.com/2018/08/20/mlb/1993-oakland-athletics-tony-la-russa-opener-experiment] Link to Washington call-up story 1 [https://www.mlb.com/press-release/mariners-select-of-curtis-washington-jr-from-high-a-everett-x8720] Link to Washington call-up story 2 [https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/mariners-minor-leaguer-gets-big-league-call-up-despite-hitting-190-at-high-a-030251326.html] Link to Washington call-up story 3 [https://www.si.com/mlb/mariners/onsi/why-randy-arozarena-s-injury-forced-mariners-into-bizarre-curtis-washington-jr-call-up] Link to Washington scouting report [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/prospects/article/108025/the-call-up-curtis-washington-jr/] Link to Washington demotion story [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/curtis-washington-jr-made-good-010305190.html] Link to Rob Mains on roster limits [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/107924/when-40-isnt-enough/] Link to Ben on Padres Rule 5 guys [https://www.theringer.com/2017/04/13/mlb/2017-mlb-san-diego-padres-tanking-aj-preller-rule-five-players-2a5d7a640c3d] Link to phantom ballplayers wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_ballplayer] Link to Ben on Ohtani’s origin story [https://www.theringer.com/2021/07/12/mlb/shohei-ohtani-first-two-way-season-nippon-ham-fighters] Link to Las Vegas stats [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/numbers-las-vegas-series-show-120914650.html] Link to Rockies record score [https://www.mlb.com/news/rockies-score-franchise-record-23-runs-in-win-vs-a-s-in-las-vegas] Link to scoring differentials data [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZdmQh2pjICnoP2nHjWv7eI-0GxOIE5FYHtT4wGS9Ugc/edit?usp=sharing] Link to 9/2/01 scoreboard [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/index.fcgi?year=2001&month=09&day=2] Link to ninth-inning scoring splits [https://www.baseball-reference.com/tools/split_stats_lg.cgi?full=1¶ms=innng%7C9th%20inning%7CML%7C2026%7Cbat%7CAB%7C] Link to FG mailbag answer [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-weekly-mailbag-june-13-2026/] Link to team WAR/wins data [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11E0CKXsmX0E6LjnR6hsz-XYXv12o-UVshLm9wv5Eii4/edit?usp=sharing] Link to listener emails database [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-8lpspHQuR5GK7S_nNtGunLGrx60QnSa8XLG_wvRb4Q/edit?usp=sharing] Link to HRD format report [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7371335/2026/06/17/mlb-home-run-derby-format-change-sources-all-star/] Link to HRD format history [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Run_Derby#History] [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-2494-culture-war/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2493: Baseball Has Marked the Time

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and The Ringer’s Van Lathan [https://x.com/VanLathan] banter about Van’s love of baseball, his origin story as a fan, how he got back into the sport, MLB’s resurgence in popularity, advanced stats questions, why the percentage of Black players in MLB fell, how average sports fans perceive MLB’s labor battle, and much more (warning: language). Then (1:25:38) Ben talks to Thomas Gilbert, author of Death in the Strike Zone: The Mystery of America’s First Baseball Hero, about how Jim Creighton revolutionized pitching and reshaped the game, and how Gilbert investigated the many unknowns and misperceptions surrounding the right-hander’s life and death. Audio intro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RRfThaYTS3pNyN08OEGLJLdhXRb-wIUZ/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/18ypilLuC54vxaDVVNtUuHSx9gP2ZcLug/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to Van’s Ringer archive [https://www.theringer.com/creator/van-lathan] Link to Van’s baseball outfit [https://imgur.com/prOkxBy] Link to Van’s dad story [https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXSg9sREuuy/] Link to Chico Escuela clip [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HK_lBOkli8] Link to Ben on Dunn and Pierre [https://grantland.com/the-triangle/adam-dunn-juan-pierre-why-we-need-wins-above-replacement-stat/] Link to B-Ref career WAR leaders [https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/WAR_career.shtml] Link to wOBA glossary entry [https://www.mlb.com/glossary/advanced-stats/weighted-on-base-average] Link to Field of Dreams scene [https://www.americanrhetoric.com/MovieSpeeches/moviespeechfieldofdreams.html] Link to Jeter’s dating history [https://parade.com/culture/derek-jeter-girlfriends-dating-lineup] Link to The Simpsons scene [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we-c6uhEpnE] Link to Death in the Strike Zone [https://godine.com/products/death-in-the-strike-zone] Link to How Baseball Happened [https://godine.com/products/how-baseball-happened] Link to Creighton wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Creighton] Link to Thorn on Creighton 1 [https://ourgame.mlblogs.com/jim-creighton-cc770fcaa470] Link to Thorn on Creighton 2 [https://ourgame.mlblogs.com/jim-creighton-b49741376fc7] Link to EW on pesäpallo [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-1302-no-true-outcomes/] Link to The Universal Baseball Association [https://www.nyrb.com/products/the-universal-baseball-association-inc] Link to Defector on Coover’s book [https://defector.com/the-universal-baseball-association-inc-j-henry-waugh-prop-drab] Link to Ella Black series [https://www.fangraphs.com/blog-roll?category=Only%20a%20Woman:%20Ella%20Black] [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-2493-baseball-has-marked-the-time/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2492: Pride Goeth Before Baseball

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about baseball’s time to shine after the NBA/NHL seasons and a structural difference between basketball and baseball, Jacob Misiorowski [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jacob-misiorowski/31623/stats/pitching] achieving escape velocity and entering the deGrom Zone (and a change he’s made that may matter more than his increased speed), the impending posting of red-hot Teruaki Sato [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/teruaki-sato/sa3063811/stats/batting], the losers and losers of the Rafael Devers [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/rafael-devers/17350/stats/batting] deal one year later, what the trade deadline will look like in this topsy-turvy season, and (42:55) what MLB should do to avoid a repeat of the Giants’ Pride Night debacle, plus (1:25:45) closing banter about games starting/ending too early for night owls. Audio intro: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jVOMAuZop-4BhxnZ1JQaULw7FlW2XJD_/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Daniel Leckie, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MDiYT6nzp-be6mFJdJgEZtCfPxSRWERW/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to 82-0 [https://www.82-0.com/] Link to 162-0 [https://162baseball.com/] Link to Jimmy John’s wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_John's] Link to Misiorowski game [https://www.mlb.com/brewers/news/jacob-misiorowski-hardest-strikeout-pitch-by-starter] Link to Misiorowski fun fact [https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/2065614773878772024] Link to The Miz max speed by game [https://www.brooksbaseball.net/velo.php?player=694819&b_hand=-1&gFilt=regular&pFilt=FA&time=game&minmax=ci&var=maxmph&s_type=2&startDate=01/01/2026&endDate=01/01/2027] Link to The Miz zone rate by game [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jacob-misiorowski/31623/graphs?position=P&statArr=210&legend=1%2C2&split=base&time=game&ymin=&ymax=&start=2026&end=2026&rtype=single>1=1&dStatArray=] Link to Skubal game-ending pitch [https://www.si.com/mlb/tarik-skubal-great-reaction-after-finishing-complete-game-with-102-mph-strike] Link to Skubal comeback [https://www.mlb.com/news/tarik-skubal-strikes-out-four-guardians-in-return-from-il] Link to “Just Dropped In” [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0-7fg8oAO4] Link to The Miz on Pokémon 1 [https://www.mlb.com/news/jacob-misiorowski-pulls-rare-pokemon-card-after-brewers-win] Link to The Miz on Pokémon 2 [https://www.mlb.com/news/brewers-fan-gifts-jacob-misiorowski-custom-pokemon-card] Link to Charmander wiki [https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Charmander_(Pok%C3%A9mon)] Link to Charizard wiki [https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Charizard_(Pok%C3%A9mon)] Link to Mega Charizard X wiki [https://sg.portal-pokemon.com/play/pokedex/0006_1] Link to Ground type Pokémon wiki [https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Ground_(type)] Link to Ben on the Brewers’ clutchness [https://www.theringer.com/2026/06/15/mlb/have-the-milwaukee-brewers-cracked-the-clutchness-code-brice-turang-christian-yelich] Link to FG playoff odds [https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds/fg/mlb] Link to FG post on the White Sox [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-white-sox-are-in-the-midst-of-an-impressive-turnaround/] Link to Passan’s deadline preview [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48958846/mlb-2026-early-trade-deadline-preview-jeff-passan-30-teams-skubal-tigers-dodgers-yankees-brewers-braves] Link to FG post on Ramírez injury [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-ultra-durable-jose-ramirez-has-been-felled-by-another-hamate-injury/] Link to The Athletic on the Devers trade [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7357844/2026/06/15/rafael-devers-trade-anniversary-red-sox-sf-giants/] Link to Rosenthal on the Giants’ deadline [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7363364/2026/06/15/giants-buster-posey-trade-talks/] Link to MLBTR on Sato [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/03/hiromi-itoh-teruaki-sato-expected-to-be-posted-for-mlb-teams-next-winter.html] Link to SFGate on the Giants [https://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/sf-giants-pitchers-pride-protest-22303677.php] Link to McCovey Chronicles on the Giants [https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/san-francisco-giants-analysis/107734/giants-pride-night-bigotry-landen-roupp-jt-brubaker] Link to Katie on the Giants [https://katies.substack.com/p/baseball-has-a-god-problem] Link to Grant on the Giants [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7358121/2026/06/13/sf-giants-pride-night-bible-verses-caps/] Link to Outsports on the Giants [https://www.outsports.com/2026/6/15/24136666/sf-giants-pride-night-caps-team-history-lgbtq-hiv-b/] Link to SF Chronicle on the Giants [https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/giants/article/sf-giants-sam-hentges-explains-decision-not-wear-22304312.php] Link to SF Chronicle on the Giants 2 [https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/annkillion/article/giants-pitchers-alienate-fans-san-francisco-22306122.php] Link to Webb quote [https://bsky.app/profile/abradacabla.bsky.social/post/3mobailq6kk22] Link to Bates story [https://www.mlb.com/news/former-minor-league-pitcher-solomon-bates-comes-out-as-gay] Link to info on Dodgers caps [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/two-dodgers-players-refused-wear-135850252.html] Link to Outsports on Dodgers caps [https://www.outsports.com/2026/6/8/24135717/two-dodgers-players-refused-to-wear-pride-caps-let-them/] Link to Dodgers’ Burke/Bean memorial [https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-unveil-mural-tribute-to-glenn-burke-billy-bean-on-pride-night] Link to 2022 Rays story [https://www.npr.org/2022/06/06/1103303679/tampa-bay-rays-rainbow-logo-pride-night] Link to NHL Pride story 1 [https://www.npr.org/2023/10/12/1205476006/nhl-bans-pride-tape-backlash] Link to NHL Pride story 2 [https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/38734725/nhl-reverses-new-ban-pride-tape-warmups] Link to NHL Pride story 3 [https://www.outsports.com/2023/3/30/23663483/nhl-pride-nights-gary-bettman-gay-lgbt-russia-rainbow/] Link to Outsports on Strider [https://www.outsports.com/2026/6/9/24135803/spencer-strider-atlanta-braves-pride-night-truist-park-gay-lgbtq-rainbow/] Link to Outsports on MLB warning [https://www.outsports.com/2026/6/15/24136606/san-francisco-giants-pride-night-cap-bible-verse-mlb-response/] Link to The Athletic on MLB warning [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7364268/2026/06/15/sf-giants-pride-night-caps-bible-verses-mlb-warning/] Link to uniform rules [https://baseballrulesacademy.com/official-rule/mlb/3-03-1-11-player-uniforms/] Link to Outsports on Affeldt [https://www.outsports.com/2013/5/22/4356362/san-francisco-giants-pitcher-jeremy-affeldt-wrong-for-being-homophobic/] Link to Picard scene [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3RNsZvdYZQ] Link to SBJ on start times [https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/06/05/never-had-more-positive-feedback-inside-mlbs-race-to-beat-7-pm/] Link to year-over-year attendance [https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/2026-misc.shtml#all_attendance] [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-2492-pride-goeth-before-baseball/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2491: How Not to Get Hurt

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Tarik Skubal [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/tarik-skubal/22267/stats/pitching] is the latest athlete to return to play faster than anticipated thanks to a new surgical technique or technology. But there’s something even better than coming back more quickly from an injury: avoiding an injury in the first place. Can injury prevention be improved as much as injury treatment? In this themed episode, Ben Lindbergh talks to four guests about three potential ways to keep players healthy. First (5:14), Mariners biomechanist Cedric Attias [https://ca.linkedin.com/in/cedric-attias] joins to discuss how pitching mechanics affect elbow stress, whether injuries stem more from nature or nurture, and whether MLB teams are prioritizing injury research. Second (49:23), Daryl [https://x.com/moreau_daryl] and Adam Moreau [https://x.com/AdamMoreauPD], the father-and-son inventors of FlexProGrip, explain how forearm weakness endangers the UCL, how they designed and validated their training tool, and how the device has been adopted in the game. Third (1:41:18), Steve Rowson [https://steverowson.com/], director of the Helmet Lab at Virginia Tech, shares how helmets have improved across sports, why dangerous impacts are different in football and baseball, and why catcher’s masks may need an overhaul to minimize concussions. Audio intro: Ian Phillips, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WrPfzMAqjbs7sudd3ufBF9DQ6CUJQBgI/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio interstitial 1: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IdOM-zb7R8ln39HiJsfTKpQCOdvTF7fd/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio interstitial 2: Xavier LeBlanc, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/14GwETbHV9icxS2-FKQXWPNtoJKy1U55L/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CJziS-LZMoyB13avq991af2-c9KaGfoU/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to NanoNeedle AP piece [https://apnews.com/article/nanoneedle-skubal-hellebuyck-00b34d0d90e7d09d9389f99bfa47e5e3] Link to NanoNeedle Athletic piece [https://apnews.com/article/nanoneedle-skubal-hellebuyck-00b34d0d90e7d09d9389f99bfa47e5e3] Link to Ben on protecting pitchers [https://www.theringer.com/2024/04/02/mlb/pitcher-injuries-crisis-mlb-study-tommy-john-ucl] Link to Ben on pitcher roster limits [https://www.theringer.com/2022/05/02/mlb/pitcher-roster-rules-limit] Link to McGregor/ElAttrache article [https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/11/us/politics/conor-mcgregor-ufc-drugs.html] Link to MLB/ElAttrache article [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7353194/2026/06/11/dodgers-doctor-questioned-performance-enhancing-drugs-neal-elattrache/] Link to article on Altuve’s return [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7334794/2026/06/05/astros-jose-altuve-injury-return/] Link to article on Alvarez’s return [https://www.mlb.com/news/francisco-alvarez-activated-by-mets] Link to internal brace info [https://www.mlb.com/news/new-procedure-could-be-tommy-john-alternative-c233867508] Link to article on Tatum’s return [https://www.wsj.com/sports/basketball/jayson-tatum-achilles-surgery-celtics-398ab9f0] Link to article on Mahomes’s return [https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48903412/chiefs-mahomes-pleased-get-ota-reps-amid-knee-injury-recovery] Link to article on Kittle’s return [https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48960408/niners-kittle-achilles-targets-week-1-says-track] Link to summary of Cedric’s research [https://uwaterloo.ca/news/media/throwing-smarter-not-softer-how-baseball-pitchers-can] Link to Cedric’s research paper [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11044-026-10143-y] Link to other research on lower arm slots [https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/do-lower-arm-slots-lessen-injury-risks-for-pitchers/] Link to pulldowns explainer [https://www.drivelinebaseball.com/2017/12/pulldowns-the-what-why-and-when/?srsltid=AfmBOooDEcZPusGzbKJYnnO8P1-4-XZkn22-JRlwyrRFga98sAPAPsrs] Link to Ben on team secrets [https://www.theringer.com/2017/02/06/mlb/mlb-cardinals-astros-hacking-scandal-front-office-secrets-144dbe8fac32] Link to Rieekan quote [https://movie-sounds.org/sci-fi/star-wars-episode-v-the-empire-strikes-back/] Link to lower-arm-slots trend [https://www.drivelinebaseball.com/2026/03/pitchers-are-going-low-and-for-good-reason-but-its-not-for-everyone/] Link to video clip about the trend [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LRpG-3p6efw] Link to Crizer on arm slots [https://bandwagon.substack.com/p/23-a-new-slant-on-hunter-browns-breakout] Link to Misiorowski game [https://www.mlb.com/brewers/news/jacob-misiorowski-hardest-strikeout-pitch-by-starter] Link to FlexProGrip site [https://flexprogrip.com] Link to FlexProGrip article 1 [https://flexprogrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Tommy-John-SportTechie-article-about-FlexPro-Grip.pdf] Link to FlexProGrip article 2 [https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/04/24/pitching-injuries-flexpro-grip-data/] Link to FlexProGrip article 3 [https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/02/24/10-most-innovative-sports-tech-companies-flexpro-grip-specializes-in-protecting-pitchers-elbows/] Link to FlexProGrip article 4 [https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/3273317] Link to FlexProGrip white papers [https://flexprogrip.com/white-papers/] Link to Driveline research [https://flexprogrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/White-Paper-Analysis-of-Driveline-Athletes-Tested-on-FPG.pdf] Link to The Layback Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-layback-podcast/id1736500287] Link to The Island of Doctor Moreau [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Island_of_Doctor_Moreau] Link to Edward Scissorhands [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Scissorhands] Link to Helmet Lab concussions research [https://news.vt.edu/articles/2026/04/helmet-lab-mlb-baseball-catcher-concussions-study.html] Link to helmet ratings site [https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/] Link to Rowson’s faculty page [https://bme.vt.edu/people/faculty/rowson-s.html] Link to CNN Helmet Lab story [https://www.cnn.com/health/virginia-tech-helmet-lab-technology-safety-testing-spc] Link to Ben on catcher concussions [https://grantland.com/features/mlb-catcher-concussions-home-plate-collisions-rule/] Link to Carlin baseball vs. football bit [https://www.baseball-almanac.com/humor7.shtml] Link to risk compensation wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_compensation] Link to Helmet Lab testing footage [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSfutL8t11c] Link to Marvin the Martian wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvin_the_Martian] Link to Great Gazoo wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Gazoo] Link to Dark Helmet wiki [https://spaceballs.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Helmet] Link to Torres protective cap article 1 [https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/23/sports/baseball/alex-torres-is-alone-in-mlb-wearing-isoblox-hat.html] Link to Torres protective cap article 2 [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/12741917/uni-watch-history-headgear-mlb-alex-torres] Link to Torres cap footage [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zp2vZaUybbM] Link to pitcher cap inserts info 1 [https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-pitchers-weighing-cap-safety-options-c167095520] Link to pitcher cap inserts info 2 [https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-pitcher-head-protection-coming-in-spring-c164382304] Link to pitcher cap inserts info 3 [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/20250470/ball-cap-guards-not-catching-mlb-pitchers-danger] Link to softball pitcher mask article [https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/college/softball/2024/05/17/ncaa-softball-tournament-2024-softball-pitchers-wear-face-masks-womens-college-world-series/73589692007/] Link to softball fielder mask article [https://www.npr.org/2014/05/18/313696131/softballers-face-a-fielders-choice-when-to-wear-a-face-mask] Link to softball fielder mask research [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6342899/] Link to The Athletic on catcher nut shots [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7343059/2026/06/09/mlb-catchers-foul-balls-groin-stance/] Link to SIS on catcher nut shots [https://www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2026/06/11/stat-of-the-week-how-often-are-catchers-getting-hit-with-foul-balls-in-bad-spots/] Link to Knoxville incident [https://people.com/movies/johnny-knoxville-penis-great-working-order-2007-jackass-stunt-injury/] [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-2491-how-not-to-get-hurt/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2490: Hogging the Spotlight

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 listener response to their conversation with Adrian Chiles, newly minted major leaguer LuJames Groover [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/lujames-groover/33552/stats/batting], and a big Giants comeback (in defiance of the team’s historically walk-averse ways), then (21:25) answer listener emails about how long-term team outlooks factor into present-day disappointment levels, spectacle vs. analysis in closer-entrance pageantry, whether umps should be able to challenge themselves, how future sub-Ohtani two-way players will be perceived, the entertainment value of human managers and hypothetical robo-managers, a pre-playoffs rest period, and stats used as verbs, plus Stat Blasts (1:27:23) about teams that turned deficits into large leads, Paul Skenes [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/paul-skenes/33677/stats/pitching] and glad-to-see-him-go games, and the Angels’ used-to-be-good guys. Audio intro: Josh Busman, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SggB_cBRUvlpFnxY6mZRh4wXQ4AHj91K/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Harold Walker, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_u1OHC8kumMkTfl2QWSo4FRlkFWvOcHB/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to Episode 2489 [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2489-baseball-better-late-than-never/] Link to Groover debut story [https://www.mlb.com/news/d-backs-prospect-lujames-groover-makes-mlb-debut] Link to 2025 Groover story [https://www.newschannel10.com/2025/07/14/stories-soddies-lujames-groover-iii/] Link to 2025 Groover clip [https://www.instagram.com/reels/DMGUL_DqjCu/] Link to Groover shirt story [https://www.sidelinesports.news/post/his-name-is-lujames-groover] Link to Eldridge game story [https://www.mlb.com/giants/news/giants-bryce-eldridge-hits-walk-off-grand-slam] Link to Eldridge game box score [https://www.mlb.com/gameday/nationals-vs-giants/2026/06/10/823215/final] Link to ultimate slams story [https://www.mlb.com/news/all-time-ultimate-grand-slams-c290137154] Link to Giants BB%+ [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=al%2Cnl&qual=0&type=23&month=0&ind=1&team=0%2Cts&rost=&age=&filter=&players=0&sortcol=3&sortdir=asc&startdate=&enddate=&season1=1901&season=2026] Link to Krukow/Kuiper clip [https://bsky.app/profile/giantbot.bsky.social/post/3mo2b5lrlxt2x] Link to Knicks comeback story [https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/49025502/knicks-brink-title-historic-comeback-vs-spurs] Link to Ben on Larry David [https://www.theringer.com/2024/04/11/tv/curb-your-enthusiasm-series-finale-seinfeld-larry-david-legacy] Link to Burnes setback story [https://www.mlb.com/news/corbin-burnes-suffers-setback-with-teres-strain] Link to Crochet setback story [https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/06/10/sports/garrett-crochet-update-red-sox/] Link to Crochet setback confusion [https://www.mlb.com/news/garrett-crochet-update-on-lat-injury] Link to Michael’s BOOG intro [https://community.fangraphs.com/boog-and-the-hall-of-fame-part-1-introduction/] Link to BOOG pod appearance [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2254-gods-do-not-answer-letters/] Link to Jay on the White Sox [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-white-sox-are-in-the-midst-of-an-impressive-turnaround/] Link to Duran entrance video [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1o01tvj/boos_rained_down_as_jhoan_duran_got_a_closers/] Link to story about ballpark loudness [https://frontofficesports.com/newsletter/how-ballparks-got-so-loud/] Link to call on Contreras [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/sporty-videos?playId=21481ec2-c91e-3d7b-8243-e40a9a418048] Link to Miller hot-mic moment 1 [https://x.com/IcyVert/status/2035465318806499330] Link to Miller hot-mic moment 2 [https://x.com/JomboyMedia/status/1918483627710500895] Link to Miller hot-mic moments article [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7137192/2026/03/21/hot-mic-umpire-bill-miller-sf-giants-guardians-abs/] Link to Sam on the Umpire Manual [https://pebblehunting.substack.com/p/august-and-the-umpire-manual] Link to info on umps and HFA [https://tht.fangraphs.com/tht-live/the-ump-in-the-home-field-advantage/] Link to Sam on the two-way balance [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/23561838/los-angeles-angels-shohei-ohtani-experiment-just-working-perfect] Link to two-way draft prospects story [https://www.mlb.com/news/best-two-way-prospects-in-mlb-draft-history-c233425760] Link to “obligate” definition [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obligate#dictionary-entry-2] Link to Grandstand Managers Night [https://baseballhall.org/discover-more/stories/inside-pitch/grandstand-managers-night] Link to Ballers’ AI manager [https://techcrunch.com/2025/09/22/the-oakland-ballers-let-an-ai-manage-the-team-what-could-go-wrong/] Link to Twitch Plays Pokémon [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twitch_Plays_Pok%C3%A9mon] Link to moonwalking robot [https://www.reddit.com/r/shittyrobots/comments/1tinihs/robot_moonwalks_its_way_to_death/] Link to running robot [https://kotaku.com/robot-runner-crashes-and-burns-before-even-starting-race-china-marathon-2000688571] Link to kicking robot [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BojeUP0_m_w] Link to Laws of Robotics [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Laws_of_Robotics] Link to Deep Thought wiki [https://hitchhikers.fandom.com/wiki/Deep_Thought] Link to Marvin robot [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvin_the_Paranoid_Android] Link to Grant on mascot pants [https://www.sbnation.com/2014/1/14/5305960/clark-cubs-mascot-pantsless] Link to NBA Cup [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Cup] Link to Paine on the NBA Cup [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/the-thunder-might-finally-make-us] Link to more Paine on the NBA Cup [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/the-knicks-and-spurs-meet-again-at] Link to Knicks banner news [https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47335913/sources-knicks-decide-hanging-nba-cup-banner-msg] Link to Schlittler quote [https://x.com/GaryHPhillips/status/2057317374584356932] Link to Shakespeare usage shifts [https://www.bardweb.net/content/grammar/03shifts.html] Link to Bulls vs. Tides story [https://www.milb.com/durham/news/bulls-surge-ahead-of-tides-in-friday-night-victory] Link to big comebacks data [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HZUmhlJoMlDHv4cKws5Y8YQVn1ieZjVwszQJmNZyPME/edit?usp=sharing] Link to harmonic mean wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmonic_mean] Link to listener emails database [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-8lpspHQuR5GK7S_nNtGunLGrx60QnSa8XLG_wvRb4Q/edit?usp=sharing] Link to Skenes game story [https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-10-run-inning-against-pirates] Link to more on Skenes game [https://www.audacy.com/937thefan/sports/pittsburgh-pirates/disastrous-10-run-7th-inning-dodgers-pummel-pirates] Link to bullpen blowups data [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wcol6S3porkzRy_OGvPRKuFHYeT_nhEpPkJSG4kthos/edit?usp=sharing] Link to Mancini comeback story [https://www.mlb.com/angels/news/trey-mancini-returns-to-mlb-with-angels] Link to past Angels Blasts [https://effectivelywild.fandom.com/wiki/Episode_2284:_Season_Preview_Series:_Astros_and_Cardinals#Stat_Blast] Link to used-to-be-good guys data [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1R16-bzGdKg5TCVUgynwT7cHERCwv5yR3?usp=sharing] Link to Boog/Mancini survival story [https://www.mlb.com/news/featured/orioles-boog-powell-trey-mancini-surviving-cancer-and-advocating-for-others] [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-2490-hogging-the-spotlight/]