Effectively Wild Episode 2505: Game Recognize (All-Star) Game

Effectively Wild Episode 2505: Game Recognize (All-Star) Game

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about all aspects of the Home Run Derby spectator experience, both in the ballpark and from afar: the new format, the Netflix broadcast, the Philly fans, Jordan Walker’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jordan-walker/27475/stats/batting]s win, and more. Then (49:12) they discuss how All-Star selections increasingly reflect same-season performance, Bruce Meyer’s and Rob Manfred’s comments to the MLBPA, negotiations over MLB players’ participation in the 2028 Olympics, Pete Crow-Armstrong [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/pete-crow-armstrong/27769/stats/batting] and Ceddanne Rafaela [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/ceddanne-rafaela/24262/stats/batting]’s mutual lovefest, and the ice-cold A’s and red-hot Red Sox. Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme 2 [https://drive.google.com/file/d/17xCKWhVd_jYCsHmnzYS21kpPsWJ2zj73/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nUFPNuHpOrpem0flIdJO-zbMml2BaR_a/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to FG HRD recap [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/jordan-walkers-breakout-continues-with-home-run-derby-title] Link to LHB-heavy preview [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/the-hr-derbys-lefties-are-poised] Link to MLB HRD notes [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1agFklIX29uAzHRn4w7kwBdAZOgCs83OJ/view?usp=sharing] Link to LHB park factors [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/statcast-park-factors?type=year&year=2026&batSide=L&stat=index_wOBA&condition=All&rolling=3&parks=mlb] Link to RHB park factors [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/statcast-park-factors?type=year&year=2026&batSide=R&stat=index_wOBA&condition=All&rolling=3&parks=mlb] Link to “Year of the LHH” post [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-year-of-the-left-handed-hitter/] Link to MLB.com on Walker [https://www.mlb.com/news/jordan-walker-wins-2026-home-run-derby-in-debut] Link to list of youngest HRD winners [https://www.mlb.com/news/youngest-home-run-derby-winners] Link to Walker on inspirational value [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49358712/jordan-walker-hopes-home-run-derby-win-inspires-black-kids] Link to historical HRD results [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Run_Derby#Complete_scoreboard] Link to McGwire Simpsons scene [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WderYLZIuX0] Link to Marchand on Netflix [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7443824/2026/07/14/netflix-home-run-derby-mlb-jordan-walker/] Link to Sam on the Derby’s future [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26993820/how-home-run-derby-became-america-national-pas] Link to HRD X wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MLB_Home_Run_Derby_X] Link to Meg’s Arozarena photo [https://bsky.app/profile/megrowler.fangraphs.com/post/3mqkgc2auv22k] Link to Posnanski on the HRD [https://www.joeposnanski.com/p/sport-and-spectacle] Link to Philly Drew/batteries incident [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-aug-11-sp-64795-story.html] Link to Philly Santa Claus incident [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Eagles_Santa_Claus_incident] Link to Paine on All-Star selections [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/baseballs-all-stars-live-in-the-present] Link to past EW discussion on selections [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2189-dont-sell-umpires-shorts/] Link to Manfred competitive balance quote [https://bsky.app/profile/domismoney.bsky.social/post/3mqmqsl5isc2z] Link to Meyer on MLB.TV ads [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7445282/2026/07/14/mlb-union-ad-campaign-salary-cap/] Link to Passan on the Olympics [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49357692/issues-tickets-rooms-complicate-mlb-playing-olympics] Link to Drellich on the Olympics [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7445406/2026/07/14/union-mlb-olympic-participation-consequences/] Link to The West Wing quote [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0745683/quotes/?item=qt0284599&ref_=ext_shr_lnk] Link to Rafaela/PCA article [https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/07/13/sports/all-star-game-ceddanne-rafaela/] Link to FG WAR leaderboard [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/war] Link to playoff odds changes [https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds/fg/mlb?date=2026-07-14&dateDelta=2026-07-01] Link to A’s firing article [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7442519/2026/07/13/athletics-fire-pitching-coach-scott-emerson/] Link to team road FIP [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&season=2026&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&filter=&players=0&sortcol=13&sortdir=default&type=1&month=16] Link to team home FIP [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&season=2026&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&filter=&players=0&sortcol=13&sortdir=default&type=1&month=15&pagenum=1] Link to team batting WAR [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=&age=&filter=&players=0&sortcol=21&sortdir=default&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-07-14] Link to Sheehan on the Sox [https://www.joesheehan.com/2026/07/newsletter-excerpt-july-13-2026-red-hot.html] Link to conn wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conn_(nautical)] [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-2505-game-recognize-all-star-game/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2504: I Choo-Choo-Choose You

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh, Meg Rowley, and FanGraphs lead prospect analyst Eric Longenhagen banter about Zack Wheeler [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/zack-wheeler/10310/stats/pitching] declining MLB’s last-minute All-Star invitation, JJ Wetherholt’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jj-wetherholt/34985/stats/batting]s long-term contract extension, and how the Futures Game and amateur draft fell flat as spectator events, then discuss the top tier of draft picks, some surprising picks and revamped approaches by teams under new management, why better data hasn’t made teams much better at drafting, why no team has tried blowing by its bonus allotment, and more, plus closing banter about Bryce Harper [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/bryce-harper/11579/stats/batting]’s explanation of his video message for a sports-betting addict. Audio intro: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EquxhP2rk11C79uLJ6UGylakDUOcbvzY/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: PJ Harding, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GaXmQoPFfbQdNZTyMqkTGmuPIRdlG22G/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to The Simpsons clip [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWuAIS7Vs_M] Link to Wheeler article [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49342179/zack-wheeler-rejects-all-star-game-invite-snubs-not-gonna-fifth-option] Link to MLBTR on Wetherholt [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/07/cardinals-jj-wetherholt-agree-to-extension.html] Link to Wetherholt’s draft outfit [https://x.com/Cardinals/status/1812860358488461817] Link to Baumann on the spectator experience [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-mlb-draft-is-once-again-for-diehards-only/] Link to Cooper on the spectator experience [https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/mlbs-2026-draft-day-experience-left-a-lot-to-be-desired/] Link to Manfred mispronunciation article [https://awfulannouncing.com/mlb/rob-manfred-butchers-name-roch-cholowsky-top-draft-pick.html] Link to celebrity golf tournament [https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/49346394/mardy-fish-wins-3rd-celebrity-golf-tournament-title-tahoe] Link to Futures Game FAQ [https://www.mlb.com/milb/news/mlb-all-star-futures-game-faq-2026] Link to draft viewing FAQ [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7431948/2026/07/11/mlb-draft-2026-tv-channels-how-to-watch/] Link to Brendan on the Futures Game [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2026-futures-game-recap-more-next-year-please/] Link to Eric’s draft preview [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2026-mlb-draft-preview-and-updated-rankings/] Link to The Board [https://www.fangraphs.com/prospects/the-board] Link to Baumann on big draftees [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-biggest-literally-draft-class-yet/] Link to MLB draft tracker [https://www.mlb.com/draft/tracker] Link to FG Day 1 draft recap [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2026-mlb-draft-day-1-recap/] Link to The Athletic on Schaffner [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7439565/2026/07/12/red-sox-mlb-draft-jake-schaffner/] Link to Crotchfelt vs. Titsworth post [https://x.com/CrossingBroad/status/2076691426570641581] Link to Angels picks [https://www.mlb.com/angels/news/angels-2026-draft-picks] Link to Ball’s draft study [https://andrewballnotes.substack.com/p/are-mlb-teams-getting-better-at-drafting] Link to Seidler on blowing up the draft [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/prospects/article/107233/guarding-the-lines-the-giants-should-blow-up-the-2026-draft/] Link to Ball on blowing up the draft [https://andrewballnotes.substack.com/p/the-missed-opportunity-in-the-mlb] Link to NBA revenue info [https://entertainment.substack.com/p/what-drove-the-2026-finals-viewership] Link to Madisynn from She-Hulk [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GFsv62ghgU] Link to Clemens on prospect valuation 1 [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/introducing-an-updated-method-for-prospect-valuation/] Link to Clemens on prospect valuation 2 [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-details-of-our-new-prospect-valuation-methodology/] Link to camel case wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camel_case] Link to Harper’s Instagram post [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1uvf767/bryce_harper_responds_on_instagram_to_fanduel/] Link to EW guest appearances [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Whj82D67hv5RovhF8vZnuIFEw87YMKuVYkGj2mNBG4k/edit?gid=0#gid=0] Link to Dodgers extra-inning game [https://www.mlb.com/news/dalton-rushing-has-walk-off-hit-in-dodgers-first-extra-inning-game] [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-2504-i-choo-choo-choose-you/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2503: Very Important Prey

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 share listener solutions to the mystery of why the 12-straight-hits club is such an undistinguished group, the Home Run Derby field, Bryce Harper’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/bryce-harper/11579/stats/batting]s video message (13:28) to a sports-betting addict and sportsbooks’ practice of preying on whales, the disparity (35:54) in the recent treatment of two pitchers who had no-hitters in progress, and Zack Wheeler [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/zack-wheeler/10310/stats/pitching]’s gripe against All-Star selecting, then (1:02:42) answer a listener email about how much a game one has to have seen to claim to have “watched” it, and Stat Blast (1:23:20) about partial home run robberies, games with matching starter pitch and strike counts, historical team no-hitter conversion rates, and prolific “first” strikeout and home-run recorders. Audio intro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x3QzhMjO6frLGXRoKk-h4I9dkWw16wff/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qjDTYA9tQlZDQBpZqZUEosHoKN8nMQxR/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to Tolbert record post 1 [https://www.mlb.com/news/tyler-tolbert-ties-record-hits-consecutive-plate-appearances] Link to Tolbert record post 2 [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49302660/tyler-tolbert-ties-mlb-mark-hits-12-straight-plate-appearances] Link to Williams 11th hit [https://www.mlb.com/video/williams-11th-straight-hit] Link to Pedroia 11th hit [https://www.mlb.com/news/dustin-pedroia-s-ab-hit-streak-ends-at-11-c198072190] Link to HRD field [https://www.mlb.com/all-star/home-run-derby] Link to Norway rowing pedant [https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/viking-row-contrarian-9.7266360] Link to Inquirer article on Harper [https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/bryce-harper-fanduel-vip-video-gambling-addiction-20260709.html#loaded] Link to Post article on Harper [https://nypost.com/2026/07/09/sports/how-bryce-harper-got-involved-in-fanduel-video-for-gambler-who-lost-millions/] Link to lawsuit article [https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48297871/nfl-sportsbooks-defendants-gambling-addiction-lawsuit] Link to Giannis/Kalshi article [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7028388/2026/02/06/giannis-antetokounmpo-kalshi-nba-prediction-market/] Link to gambling damage research 1 [https://www.npr.org/2026/04/04/nx-s1-5773354/legal-sports-betting-research-credit-bankruptcy] Link to gambling damage research 2 [https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2830019] Link to addiction story 1 [https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/04/online-sports-betting-app-addiction/686061/] Link to addiction story 2 [https://www.wsj.com/business/hospitality/gambling-addiction-sports-betting-apps-4463cde0] Link to addiction story 3 [https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/12/11/draftkings-sports-betting-gambling-lawsuit/] Link to addiction story 4 [https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/01/sport/gambling-addiction-impact-recovery] Link to addiction story 5 [https://www.thecut.com/article/sports-gambling-addiction.html] Link to story on Jones 1 [https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/pirates-lose-perfect-game-after-pulling-starter-jared-jones-in-seventh-vs-braves/] Link to story on Jones 2 [https://www.mlb.com/news/jared-jones-throws-six-perfect-innings-against-braves] Link to Jones game log [https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=jones-008jar&type=pgl&year=2026] Link to questions about Jones [https://triblive.com/sports/tim-benz-jared-jones-was-never-going-to-go-for-a-perfect-game-but-other-questions-linger/] Link to Jones Q&A [https://triblive.com/sports/bucs-beat-qa-pirates-righty-jared-jones-talks-perfection-pitch-counts-paul-skenes/] Link to Cease story [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7432408/2026/07/08/blue-jays-dylan-cease-loses-no-hitter/] Link to BP on Cease [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/108542/box-score-banter-2026-close-encounters-dylan-cease/] Link to top 2026 pitch counts [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/5J9bT] Link to Blum on pulling pitchers [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7435616/2026/07/10/no-hitter-mlb-manager-decision/] Link to Scott/PCA clip [https://x.com/ZackScottSports/status/2074909941354160460] Link to Ben on no-hitter strike zones [https://grantland.com/the-triangle/2015-mlb-no-hitter-strike-zone-ninth-inning-changes-chris-heston/] Link to Wheeler quote clip [https://www.reddit.com/r/phillies/comments/1uqs7gf/zack_wheeler_on_the_all_star_snub_it_pisses_me/] Link to Wheeler’s agent article [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7424261/2026/07/06/zack-wheeler-phillies-all-star-snub/] Link to latest Luzardo start [https://www.mlb.com/news/jesus-luzardo-tosses-7-scoreless-innings-in-win-after-named-2026-all-star] Link to 2025 Phillies ASG complaints [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6489580/2025/07/12/phillies-all-star-snubs-jacob-misiorowski-brewers/] Link to “May I meet you?” meme [https://www.theringer.com/2025/11/18/pop-culture/bill-ackman-may-i-meet-you-meme-explainer-tweet] Link to Pascal’s wager wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal%27s_wager] Link to “Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?” [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quis_custodiet_ipsos_custodes%3F] Link to Simpson/Adell robbery [https://www.mlb.com/rays/video/chandler-simpson-s-incredible-robbery] Link to Glavine game 1 [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SDN/SDN199709050.shtml] Link to Glavine game 2 [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYN/NYN200705300.shtml] Link to Nola question [https://bsky.app/profile/amycaro.bsky.social/post/3mphotiavqk2a] Link to Bois on Stieb [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlviajJlctQ] Link to Stat Blast data [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GgVjaONpmy8Az3pusPWOYjkCTqwkHNgi?usp=sharing] Link to listener emails database [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-8lpspHQuR5GK7S_nNtGunLGrx60QnSa8XLG_wvRb4Q/edit?usp=sharing] Link to Cubs fact 1 [https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/2073191024298455508] Link to Cubs fact 2 [https://x.com/OptaSTATS/status/2073183661013295406] Link to MLBTR on Ohtani [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/07/shohei-ohtani-to-miss-start-skip-all-star-game-due-to-left-knee-issue.html] Link to MLBTR on Wetherholt [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/07/cardinals-jj-wetherholt-agree-to-extension.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-2503-very-important-prey/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2502: The Cycle of Major League Life

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about failed former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt’s subsequent sports ownership endeavors, a claim about Jacob Misiorowski’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jacob-misiorowski/31623/stats/pitching]s pitching improvement, Jackson Chourio [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jackson-chourio/28806/stats/batting] (batting lefty) as “a baseball player,” the recent struggles of Paul Skenes [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/paul-skenes/33677/stats/pitching] and Steven Kwan [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/steven-kwan/24610/stats/batting], Justin Verlander’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/justin-verlander/8700/stats/pitching]s retirement, Zack Wheeler’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/zack-wheeler/10310/stats/pitching]s continued dominance, Andrew McCutchen’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/andrew-mccutchen/9847/stats/batting]s return to the minors, the Orioles’ lack of improvement, the epitome of a Little League home run, Tyler Tolbert [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/tyler-tolbert/25779/stats/batting]’s contribution to one of baseball’s great mysteries, and a 2026 Dodgers first. Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u9uMDVhB3JbuuT3HQYDzXcl4cXc-mY4Z/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Alex Glossman and Ali Breneman, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LwE1yLYIymQe16tQBjqWkF9Tx8DNlZez/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to McCourt’s new league [https://www.sportico.com/business/team-sales/2026/frank-mccourt-jumping-league-first-franchise-sale-1234937422/] Link to McCourt wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_McCourt_(executive)] Link to show jumping wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Show_jumping] Link to Vladimir Shpunt article [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-jun-10-la-sp-dodgers-psychic-20100610-story.html] Link to NPR on Fitzgerald’s quote [http://npr.org/2013/05/08/182337919/fitzgerald-might-disagree-with-his-no-second-acts-line] Link to Nickelodeon Guts wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickelodeon_Guts] Link to “Let’s go to Mo” [https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1144497043740246] Link to “Aggro Crag piece [https://www.reddit.com/r/nostalgia/comments/135h2ay/a_piece_of_the_aggro_crag_guts/] Link to Slippery Stairs video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsGYMOJMFxQ] Link to Murphy/Chourio quote [https://www.mlb.com/brewers/news/jackson-chourio-bats-left-handed] Link to Rendon lefty dinger [https://www.mlb.com/news/anthony-rendon-homers-in-first-career-left-handed-at-bat] Link to Mr. Baseball wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Baseball] Link to Mr. Baseball scene [https://www.getyarn.io/yarn-clip/3f5b1df4-a389-46be-a775-cf0183760a8a] Link to FG post on Skenes [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/can-paul-skenes-get-his-rizz-back/] Link to Sheehan on Skenes [https://www.joesheehan.com/2026/07/newsletter-excerpt-july-8-2026-paul.html] Link to Skenes mechanics post [https://www.justbaseball.com/mlb/paul-skenes-recent-struggles-pittsburgh-pirates/] Link to Skenes velo tweet [https://x.com/ven_armbarn/status/2074162286499942732] Link to Skenes velo data [https://www.brooksbaseball.net/velo.php?player=694973&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 Skenes on his velo [https://dkpittsburghsports.com/tag/friday-insider/feed?page=0&content=friday-insider-paul-skenes-hoffmann-family-brendan-sorsby] Link to Skenes on O’Hearn [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1uqrb1p/paul_skenes_on_ryan_ohearns_3_homer_10_rbi_game_i/] Link to O’Hearn article [https://www.mlb.com/news/ryan-o-hearn-sets-career-high-for-rbis-in-a-game] Link to Skenes hot dog ad [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOubVJ0g_h4] Link to Skenes on EW [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2206-by-the-skenes-of-his-teeth/] Link to Griffin injury article [https://www.mlb.com/news/konnor-griffin-torn-tendon-left-ring-finger] Link to sagittal band info [https://thearmdoc.co.uk/sagittal-band-rupture-boxers-knuckle/] Link to FG post on Kwan [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/whats-going-on-with-wan-steven-kwan/] Link to Verlander’s retirement post [https://www.instagram.com/p/DaihlkJsJDw/?hl=en] Link to Verlander Legend pick [https://www.mlb.com/news/justin-verlander-legacy-all-star] Link to 2025 ASG box score [https://www.baseball-reference.com/allstar/2025-allstar-game.shtml] Link to Wheeler leaderboard [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=c%2C4%2C5%2C11%2C7%2C8%2C13%2C-1%2C36%2C37%2C40%2C43%2C44%2C48%2C51%2C-1%2C240%2C-1%2C6%2C332%2C45%2C62%2C-1%2C59%2C212&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&startdate=2026-04-25&enddate=2026-07-07&team=0&v_cr=202301&sortcol=21&sortdir=default&pagenum=1] Link to Wheeler ASG article 1 [https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/zack-wheeler-expresses-frustration-over-all-star-snub-after-striking-out-14-reds-i-feel-like-ive-earned-it-192926243.html] Link to Wheeler ASG article 2 [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7424261/2026/07/06/zack-wheeler-phillies-all-star-snub/] Link to McCutchen tweet [https://x.com/minsub4/status/2074484759233696152] Link to Orioles record post [https://bsky.app/profile/kylegoon.bsky.social/post/3mq42tbgp3c2l] Link to Orioles WAR leaders [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/war?lg=&teamid=2] Link to “great call from the haters” [https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/great-call-from-the-haters] Link to LLHR article [https://www.mlb.com/news/carson-benge-little-league-homer-mets-royals] Link to LLHR video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtdNefccOKU] Link to Sam on the LLHR [https://pebblehunting.substack.com/p/a-six-star-little-league-home-run] Link to Posnanski on the LLHR [https://www.joeposnanski.com/p/little-league-homers-and-improbable] Link to BP on the LLHR [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/108517/bsb-the-game-finds-a-story/] Link to FG post on the LLHR [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/ten-thoughts-about-carson-benges-little-league-home-run/] Link to Tolbert record post 1 [https://www.mlb.com/news/tyler-tolbert-ties-record-hits-consecutive-plate-appearances] Link to Tolbert record post 2 [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49302660/tyler-tolbert-ties-mlb-mark-hits-12-straight-plate-appearances] Link to Dodgers extra-inning game [https://www.mlb.com/news/dalton-rushing-has-walk-off-hit-in-dodgers-first-extra-inning-game] [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-2502-the-cycle-of-major-league-life/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2501: Stay on Target

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about two significant MLB debuts on NBC’s “Star-Spangled Sunday” (by Eddy Yean [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/eddy-yean/24248/stats/pitching] and Eliezer Alfonzo [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/eliezer-alfonzo/22741/stats/batting]), the fallout from the Marlins pulling Eury Pérez [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/eury-perez/27768/stats/pitching] mid-perfecto, a rare fog delay, the All-Star Game rosters (featuring a very normal number of Blue Jays, and also Rob Manfred’s good buddy Bryce Harper [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/bryce-harper/11579/stats/batting]), whether the league set a target home-run rate (and whether that would be a bad thing), and the rotation durability of the Cards and Guards. Audio intro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wNnie0fLF2HVQsb4d-w5OqxMzyqfvImV/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: PJ Harding, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GaXmQoPFfbQdNZTyMqkTGmuPIRdlG22G/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to “Star-Spangled Sunday” explainer [https://www.mlb.com/news/star-spangled-sunday-2026-broadcast-schedule-times] Link to minor league draft scoreboard [https://ewstats.com/competitions/mlfad] Link to Yean’s cart clip [https://bsky.app/profile/nationals.com/post/3mpw6dvrqvc2z] Link to Yean debut article [https://www.mlb.com/news/eddy-yean-recalled-robert-hassell-iii-designated-for-assignment-by-nationals] Link to bullpen cart driver episode [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2171-the-tipping-point/] Link to team RP 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=rel&team=0%2Cts&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-07-05] Link to Alfonzo article 1 [https://www.mlb.com/news/eliezer-alfonzo-makes-mlb-debut-with-dodgers-after-family-tragedy] Link to Alfonzo article 2 [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7424171/2026/07/06/dodgers-eliezer-alfonzo-debut-venezuela-earthquake/] Link to Contreras apology [https://www.mlb.com/news/willson-contreras-apologizes-for-incident-with-nationals] Link to B-Ref’s new debuts [https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/2026-debuts.shtml] Link to Pérez article [https://www.mlb.com/news/eury-perez-throws-7-perfect-innings-in-marlins-win?game_pk=824980] Link to Sheehan on pulling Pérez [https://www.joesheehan.com/2026/07/newsletter-excerpt-july-6-2026-eury.html] Link to Ben on Marlins play-by-play [https://www.mlb.com/gameday/marlins-vs-athletics/2026/07/05/824980/final/box] Link to 2016 Hill article [https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/dodgers-pull-rich-hill-during-perfect-game-c200676752] Link to 2022 Kershaw article [https://www.mlb.com/news/clayton-kershaw-removed-from-perfect-game] Link to 2022 Scherzer article [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34627064/max-scherzer-exits-amid-perfect-game-bid-wins-200th-career-new-york-mets-return-playoffs-first-2016] Link to Stripling on his debut [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2337-strip-poker/] Link to Bachar’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/6th_great_lake/] Link to fog game article 1 [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7422707/2026/07/05/cubs-cardinals-delayed-fog/] Link to fog game article 2 [https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/we-cant-see-the-ball-thick-fog-at-wrigley-field-forces-delay-shuts-down-abs-challenge-system-in-cardinals-cubs-042316970.html] Link to BP on the fog game [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/108428/box-score-banter-2026-before-and-after-joe-ryan-ryan-weathers/] Link to foggy ABS clip [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1unsvrz/jomboy_media_fog_at_wrigley_field_broke_abs/] Link to Fog Bowl wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fog_Bowl_(American_football)] Link to Statcast Hawk-Eye explainer [https://technology.mlblogs.com/introducing-statcast-2020-hawk-eye-and-google-cloud-a5f5c20321b8] Link to All-Star rosters announcement [https://www.mlb.com/news/2026-mlb-all-star-game-rosters-announcement] Link to Vladito back injury info [https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/vladimir-guerrero-jr-to-sit-out-mlb-all-star-game-after-being-named-starter-despite-career-worst-season-004556416.html] Link to Harper All-Star story [https://www.mlb.com/news/bryce-harper-reacts-9th-all-star-game-selection] Link to 2025 Harper/Manfred story [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45842533/sources-phillies-bryce-harper-tells-mlb-boss-get-clubhouse] Link to recent episode on baseball behavior [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2497-follow-the-bouncing-ball/] Link to MLB statement [https://bsky.app/profile/benlindbergh.bsky.social/post/3mpk3q334jk2k] Link to Baseball Savant drag dashboard [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/drag-dashboard] Link to 2026 Athletic ball article [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7410468/2026/07/01/mlb-baseball-changes-drag-manufacturing-mistake/] Link to 2025 Athletic ball article [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6422877/2025/06/13/mlb-baseball-fly-ball-distance-drag/] Link to 2022 ball article 1 [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3272450/2022/04/26/baseballs-arent-flying-as-far-and-home-runs-are-down-across-mlb-is-it-the-ball-itself/] Link to 2022 ball article 2 [https://sports.yahoo.com/welcome-to-ml-bs-new-dead-ball-era-how-2022-might-change-with-the-juiced-ball-gone-214409811.html] Link to 2022 humidor article [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3217180/2022/03/31/sarris-mlb-will-have-humidors-in-every-park-this-season-what-will-it-mean-for-offense/] Link to 2021 ball-deadening article [https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-to-alter-baseballs-for-2021] Link to eyeblack ball report [https://www.readeyeblack.com/p/mlb-juiced-ball-dinger-quota-morgan-sword] Link to NPB ball scandal article [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/9692461/japanese-commissioner-ryozo-kato-resigns-juiced-ball] Link to NPB ball scandal outcome [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/9692461/japanese-commissioner-ryozo-kato-resigns-juiced-ball] Link to Strange-Gordon farming info [https://dodgers.mlblogs.com/catching-up-dee-strange-gordon-has-visions-of-becoming-a-goat-5ac98bc02528] Link to NBA deflation scandals [https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/1/28/7929177/deflategate-tom-brady-nba-basketball-phil-jackson] Link to Sheehan on the Cards/Guards [https://www.joesheehan.com/2026/07/newsletter-excerpt-july-3-2026-central.html] Link to BP IL Ledger [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/baseball-prospectus-injured-list-ledger/] Link to SP used per team [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/jmkXy] Link to team SP FB velo [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=FF%7CSI%7C&hfGT=R%7C&hfSea=2026%7C&player_type=pitcher&game_date_lt=2026-07-05&position=SP&group_by=team&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=velocity&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_velocity=on&chk_pitch_type=on&chk_position=on#results] Link to team SP 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=2026-07-05] Link to Pitcher List on Guardians SP stuff [https://pitcherlist.com/below-average-stuff-above-average-results-the-guardians-way/] Link to Thress Pérez/Bachar post [https://bsky.app/profile/retrosheettom.bsky.social/post/3mpwskndluk26] Link to RE24 explainer [https://library.fangraphs.com/misc/re24/] Link to SP/RP RE24 data [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15DSLt-kAObZ-WH5h0wDACsephzc0qnFkpLpQro6bk7g/edit?usp=sharing] [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-2501-stay-on-target/]