Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

Effectively Wild Episode 2486: Has the Clutch Code Been Cracked?

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Fernando Tatis Jr.’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/fernando-tatis-jr/19709/stats/batting]s first home run of the season, injuries to Munetaka Murakami [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/munetaka-murakami/37120/stats/batting] and Craig Kimbrel [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/craig-kimbrel/6655/stats/pitching], a crotch-related suspension precedent, the mystery of Julio Rodriguez’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/julio-rodriguez/sa3007992/stats/pitching]s defense, Roki Sasaki’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/roki-sasaki/35323/stats/pitching]s surge, the phenomenon of National Anthem standoffs, Carmen Mlodzinski’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/carmen-mlodzinski/27572/stats/pitching]s brief relief revolt, whether Victor Wembanyama would be a good pitcher, Aaron Ashby [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/aaron-ashby/23550/stats/pitching]’s weirdly winning ways, (1:04:19) whether the Brewers have somehow solved clutch hitting, and the possibility of a Craig Breslow “interpreter.” Audio intro: Cory Brent, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pt4d-z71jiJ_H4Zb23Kos4vuP__tzf8t/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EquxhP2rk11C79uLJ6UGylakDUOcbvzY/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to Tatis HR [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sg4SVX-WA0] Link to Tatis HR website [https://hasfernandotatisjrhitahomerunyet.streamlit.app/] Link to Kimbrel injury news [https://www.mlb.com/news/rays-place-craig-kimbrel-on-injured-list] Link to MLBTR on Murakami [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/05/white-sox-likely-to-place-munetaka-murakami-on-injured-list.html] Link to Murakami injury play [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fL7QaPZzt2I] Link to BP on Gonzalez [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/prospects/article/107547/the-call-up-jacob-gonzalez-chicago-white-sox-debut/] Link to Elly injury news [https://www.mlb.com/news/edwin-arroyo-called-up-elly-de-la-cruz-injured-list] Link to Pérez injury news [https://www.mlb.com/news/eury-perez-on-injured-list-with-leg-strain] Link to gracilis muscle wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gracilis_muscle] Link to Papelbon article 1 [https://www.si.com/mlb/2014/09/16/jonathan-papelbon-suspension-crotch-grab-phillies-joe-west] Link to Papelbon article 2 [https://www.mlb.com/news/jonathan-papelbon-returns-from-suspension-maintains-innocence/c-96298324] Link to Papelbon article 3 [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/11535029/jonathan-papelbon-philadelphia-phillies-suspended-7-games-obscene-gesture] Link to Julio’s defense at Savant [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/julio-rodriguez-677594?stats=statcast-r-fielding-mlb#statcast-fielding-run-value] Link to Julio’s defense at FG [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/julio-rodriguez/23697/stats/batting#advanced-fielding] Link to May leaders in pitcher WAR [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&season=2026&season1=2026&ind=0&type=8&month=5&qual=0&sortcol=20&sortdir=default&pagenum=1&pageitems=50] Link to Wrobleski spreadies article [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7322124/2026/06/01/dodgers-justin-wrobleski-breakout/] Link to standoff ejections article [https://www.mlb.com/news/angels-rays-pitchers-ejected-in-national-anthem-stand-off] Link to standoff ejections article [https://www.mlb.com/video/suter-wilson-rodriguez-ejected-for-anthem-standoff] Link to Mlodzinski article 1 [https://triblive.com/sports/kevin-gormans-take-5-carmen-mlodzinski-saga-overshadowed-positive-news-for-pirates/] Link to Mlodzinski article 2 [https://www.mlb.com/news/carmen-mlodzinski-placed-on-restricted-list] Link to Mlodzinski article 3 [https://www.mlb.com/news/mackey-s-mailbag-carmen-mlodzinski-s-future-pirates-additions-braxton-ashcraft-s-season-and-more] Link to team SP WAR [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&stats=sta&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-31] Link to team RP WAR [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-31&stats=rel] Link to Pirates pitcher WAR leaders [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&team=27&qual=0&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-31] Link to Jaso EW wiki [https://effectivelywild.fandom.com/wiki/John_Jaso] Link to Jaso on EW [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-1225-such-is-this-game-and-such-is-john-jaso/] Link to Wemby baseball photo post [https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2023/6/21/23768326/victor-wembanyamas-hand-baseball-photo-first-pitch-video] Link to Wemby baseball photo [https://x.com/sportingnews/status/1671278973278404611] Link to Shelob wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelob] Link to Wemby’s Yankee Stadium visit [https://www.mlb.com/news/victor-wembanyama-visits-yankees-at-yankee-stadium] Link to Wemby’s first pitch video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nWYZqKR3Ow] Link to Wemby height article 1 [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6719924/2025/10/15/victor-wembanyama-height-measurements-spurs-nba/] Link to Wemby height article 2 [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6737805/2025/10/22/victor-wembanyama-height-mystery-nba-spurs/] Link to pitcher win leaders [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&qual=0&sortcol=2&sortdir=default&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-31&team=0] Link to Ashby’s game log [https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=ashbyaa01&t=p&year=2026] Link to single-season RP leaders [https://www.statmuse.com/mlb/ask/most-wins-in-a-single-season-by-a-relief-pitcher] Link to Face obit [https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/14/us/elroy-face-dead.html] Link to Sheehan on clutch [https://www.joesheehan.com/2026/05/newsletter-excerpt-may-23-2026-thinking.html] Link to Episode 2263 wiki [https://effectivelywild.fandom.com/wiki/Episode_2263:_The_Stories_We_Missed_in_2024_(NL_Edition)] Link to Brewers clutch data [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1mYOvYFF5mT42-IjUzPNDc_3j1-XrEeFC?usp=sharing] Link to 2026 tOPS+ w/RISP [http://bbref.com/pi/shareit/lD3UH] Link to Brooklyn clutch streak [https://imgur.com/E7OG2VG] Link to New York clutch streak [https://imgur.com/Z4C4jr6] Link to Philly clutch streak [https://imgur.com/w5fbPxB] Link to Gumbel distribution wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gumbel_distribution] Link to Clay Davenport’s adjusted standings [https://claydavenport.com/stats/standings.html] Link to BaseRuns standings page [https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/pythagorean-baseruns] Link to Dan S. on the Brewers [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/why-does-zips-hate-the-milwaukee-brewers/] Link to Brewers wOBA w/RISP [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2026%7C2025%7C2024%7C2023%7C2022%7C2021%7C2020%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&home_road=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=2026-05-31&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=5%7C&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=team&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=woba&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_abs=on&chk_stats_hits=on&chk_stats_woba=on#results] Link to Brewers wOBA w/no RISP [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2026%7C2025%7C2024%7C2023%7C2022%7C2021%7C2020%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&home_road=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=2026-05-31&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=7%7C8%7C&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=team&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=woba&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_abs=on&chk_stats_hits=on&chk_stats_woba=on#results] Link to Brewers xWOBA w/RISP [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2026%7C2025%7C2024%7C2023%7C2022%7C2021%7C2020%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&home_road=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=2026-05-31&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=5%7C&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=team&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=xwoba&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_abs=on&chk_stats_hits=on&chk_stats_woba=on&chk_stats_xwoba=on#results] Link to Brewers xWOBA w/no RISP [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2026%7C2025%7C2024%7C2023%7C2022%7C2021%7C2020%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&home_road=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=2026-05-31&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=7%7C8%7C&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=team&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=xwoba&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_abs=on&chk_stats_hits=on&chk_stats_woba=on&chk_stats_xwoba=on#results] Link to Brewers wOBA w/RISP at home [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2026%7C2025%7C2024%7C2023%7C2022%7C2021%7C2020%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&home_road=Home&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=2026-05-31&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=5%7C&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=team&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=woba&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_abs=on&chk_stats_hits=on&chk_stats_woba=on#results] Link to Brewers wOBA w/RISP on the road [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2026%7C2025%7C2024%7C2023%7C2022%7C2021%7C2020%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&home_road=Road&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=2026-05-31&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=5%7C&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=team&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=woba&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_abs=on&chk_stats_hits=on&chk_stats_woba=on#results] Link to Brewers BABIP w/RISP [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2026%7C2025%7C2024%7C2023%7C2022%7C2021%7C2020%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&home_road=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=2026-05-31&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=5%7C&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=team&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=babip&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_abs=on&chk_stats_hits=on&chk_stats_woba=on&chk_stats_babip=on#results] Link to Brewers BABIP w/no RISP [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2026%7C2025%7C2024%7C2023%7C2022%7C2021%7C2020%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&home_road=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=2026-05-31&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=7%7C8%7C&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=team&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=babip&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_abs=on&chk_stats_hits=on&chk_stats_woba=on&chk_stats_babip=on#results] Link to Brewers Whiff% w/RISP [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2026%7C2025%7C2024%7C2023%7C2022%7C2021%7C2020%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&home_road=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=2026-05-31&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=5%7C&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=team&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=swing_miss_percent&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_abs=on&chk_stats_hits=on&chk_stats_woba=on&chk_stats_babip=on&chk_stats_swing_miss_percent=on&chk_stats_hardhit_percent=on#results] Link to Brewers Whiff% w/no RISP [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2026%7C2025%7C2024%7C2023%7C2022%7C2021%7C2020%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&home_road=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=2026-05-31&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=7%7C8%7C&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=team&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=swing_miss_percent&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_abs=on&chk_stats_hits=on&chk_stats_woba=on&chk_stats_babip=on&chk_stats_swing_miss_percent=on&chk_stats_hardhit_percent=on#results] Link to Brewers Pull% w/RISP [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=Pull%7C&hfC=&hfSea=2026%7C2025%7C2024%7C2023%7C2022%7C2021%7C2020%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&home_road=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=2026-05-31&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=5%7C&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=is%5C.%5C.hit%5C.%5C.into%5C.%5C.play%7C&metric_1=&group_by=team&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=pitch_percent&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_abs=on&chk_stats_hits=on&chk_stats_woba=on&chk_stats_babip=on&chk_stats_swing_miss_percent=on&chk_stats_hardhit_percent=on&chk_game_date_lt=on&chk_runner_on=on&chk_is..hit..into..play=on#results] Link to Brewers Pull% w/no RISP [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=Pull%7C&hfC=&hfSea=2026%7C2025%7C2024%7C2023%7C2022%7C2021%7C2020%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&home_road=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=2026-05-31&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=7%7C8%7C&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=is%5C.%5C.hit%5C.%5C.into%5C.%5C.play%7C&metric_1=&group_by=team&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=pitch_percent&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_abs=on&chk_stats_hits=on&chk_stats_woba=on&chk_stats_babip=on&chk_stats_swing_miss_percent=on&chk_stats_hardhit_percent=on&chk_game_date_lt=on&chk_runner_on=on&chk_is..hit..into..play=on#results] Link to Super Saiyan wiki [https://dragonball.fandom.com/wiki/Super_Saiyan] Link to Marmol on Brewers sign-stealing [https://apnews.com/article/cardinals-brewers-stealing-signs-dugout-3ead932d930cabac6f3ad4c3da87b84c] Link to Brewers sign-stealing rumor [https://northsidebaseball.com/forums/topic/56019-proof-the-brewers-are-stealing-signs-again/] Link to “man in white” story 1 [https://www.espn.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/6837424/baseball-toronto-blue-jays-suspicion-again-stealing-signs-rogers-centre] Link to “man in white” story 2 [https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/padres-deny-man-white-stealing-signs/] Link to “man in white” story 3 [https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/blue-jays-stealing-signs-one-royal-says-they-got-a-guy-in-center-field/] EW sign-stealing history episode [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-1505-sign-stealing-is-a-flat-circle/] Link to Healey on Breslow [https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/06/01/sports/craig-breslow-state-of-the-red-sox/] Link to “anger translator” sketch [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qv7k2_lc0M] Link to Brown trade news [https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48912173/2026-nfl-offseason-aj-brown-trade-patriots-eagles-receiver-draft-picks-barnwell] Link to Yankees scoring stat 1 [https://bsky.app/profile/slangsonsports.bsky.social/post/3mn6otl6bvc2s] Link to Yankees scoring stat 2 [https://bsky.app/profile/slangsonsports.bsky.social/post/3mn6mvcqbzs2z] Link to Mlodzinski update 1 [https://www.mlb.com/pirates/news/pirates-carmen-mlodzinski-now-off-the-restricted-list-ready-to-embrace-new-role] Link to Mlodzinski update 2 [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/06/pirates-place-carmen-mlodzinski-on-restricted-list.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! 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Effectively Wild Episode 2485: Let’s Enhance?

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 Enhanced Games and whether they would watch a baseball league where PEDS were explicitly permitted, Abner Uribe [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/abner-uribe/25327/stats/pitching]’s crotch-chop suspension, and (34:40) the most disappointing and surprising (in a positive way) teams of 2026, then (55:37) answer emails about raising a girl who likes baseball, how a salary cap would affect prices for fans, home runs on the first pitch of the game, the Hall of Fame prospects of Kenley Jansen [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/kenley-jansen/3096/stats/pitching], Craig Kimbrel [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/craig-kimbrel/6655/stats/pitching], and Aroldis Chapman [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/aroldis-chapman/10233/stats/pitching], the most players appearing in a game against their former team, and how to evaluate whether a team’s player development was responsible for a player’s success or failure. Audio intro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lGyXnWwEoa3G1mWIJfdeNs8HHFLR8Ml7/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u9uMDVhB3JbuuT3HQYDzXcl4cXc-mY4Z/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to “Let’s enhance” meme [https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/zoom-and-enhance] Link to “Let’s enhance” montage [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhF_56SxrGk] Link to Enhanced Games wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enhanced_Games] Link to Defector on the Enhanced Games [https://defector.com/the-enhanced-games-were-a-predictably-stupid-failure] Link to The Conversation on the Enhanced Games [https://theconversation.com/the-enhanced-games-set-out-to-transform-sport-but-the-results-looked-surprisingly-ordinary-283813] Link to NPR on the Enhanced Games [https://www.npr.org/2026/05/24/nx-s1-5831252/enhanced-games-steroids-olympics-trump] Link to nostalgia study [https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/05/24/when-america-was-great-according-data/] Link to Ben on the PED era [https://www.theringer.com/2018/09/28/mlb/mark-mcgwire-sammy-sosa-steroid-era-home-run-chase] Link to McGwire Simpsons clip [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-k1vDjbxs8] Link to dinger distribution article 1 [https://www.theringer.com/2019/08/30/mlb/juiced-ball-home-run-lineup-distribution] Link to dinger distribution article 2 [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-other-weird-thing-about-the-home-run-surge/] Link to dinger distribution article 3 [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/home-runs-and-the-middle-class/] Link to Hill homer [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYzLhljyMzA] Link to Uribe post [https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/brewers-manager-pat-murphy-calls-out-unacceptable-crotch-chop-celebration-from-relief-pitcher-abner-uribe-045701581.html] Link to MLB.com on Uribe [https://www.mlb.com/news/brewers-cardinals-clear-air-surrounding-abner-uribe-gesture] Link to AP on Uribe [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48892964/cardinals-manager-pointed-ribs-warning-brewers-signs] Link to MLBTR on Uribe [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/05/mlb-announces-one-game-suspension-for-abner-uribe.html] Link to Uribe/Marmol video [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1tqbg8p/abner_uribe_says_he_did_the_dx_suck_it_chops/] Link to D-Generation X wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D-Generation_X] Link to DX chop compilation [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oj0KUcYXFHk] Link to player names on Uribe [https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?search=abner] Link to playoff odds changes [https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds/fg/mlb?date=2026-05-29&dateDelta=2026-03-25] Link to team wRC+ [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=17&sortdir=default&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-28] Link to SI on Rays hitting [https://www.si.com/mlb/rays-bringing-small-ball-back-its-working] Link to Posnanski on Rays hitting [https://www.joeposnanski.com/p/we-dont-really-know-baseball] Link to Garp quote [https://www.themangotimes.com/themt/robin-williams-pre-disastered] Link to Owen Meany quote [https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/434356-baseball-is-a-game-with-a-lot-of-waiting-in] Link to Tatis HR website [https://hasfernandotatisjrhitahomerunyet.streamlit.app/] Link to MLBTR on Pérez injury [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/05/marlins-place-eury-perez-on-injured-list.html] Link to dynamic vs. static stretching [https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dynamic-stretching-vs-static-stretching] Link to Goodnight Baseball [https://shop.capstonepub.com/Shop/s/product/detail/01t4z00000Ad1FGAAZ] Link to @dril tweet [https://x.com/dril/status/1008896576876670977] Link to BP on payrolls and prices 1 [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/1844/lies-damned-lies-ticket-prices-vs-player-salaries/] Link to BP on payrolls and prices 1 [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/47985/moonshot-big-contracts-dont-make-tickets-more-expensive/] Link to BP on payrolls and prices 3 [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/72886/veteran-presence-the-relationship-between-player-salaries-and-ticket-prices/] Link to first-pitch homers [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=home%5C.%5C.run%7C&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=00%7C&hfSea=2026%7C2025%7C2024%7C2023%7C2022%7C2021%7C2020%7C2019%7C2018%7C2017%7C2016%7C2015%7C2014%7C2013%7C2012%7C2011%7C2010%7C2009%7C2008%7C&hfSit=&player_type=pitcher&hfOuts=0%7C&home_road=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=2026-05-28&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=1%7C&hfBBT=&hfFlag=is%5C.%5C.hit%5C.%5C.into%5C.%5C.play%7C&metric_1=lineup_cd&metric_1_gt=1&metric_1_lt=1&group_by=league-year&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=pitches&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_is..hit..into..play=on#results] Link to Sam on first-pitch homers 1 [https://pebblehunting.substack.com/p/first-pitch-swinging] Link to Sam on first-pitch homers 2 [https://pebblehunting.substack.com/p/run-it-back] Link to Sam on first-pitch homers 3 [https://pebblehunting.substack.com/p/three-small-samples] Link to RP JAWS [https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/jaws_RP.shtml] Link to player development study 1 [https://www.drivelinebaseball.com/2019/04/finding-star-nothing-luck-quantifying-effectiveness-mlb-player-development/] Link to player development study 2 [https://www.drivelinebaseball.com/2019/05/developing-less-efficiency-player-development-lead-success/] Link to players vs. former teams data [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EEf_F8PbrCuhNkEbwyRq5rYIx321yQTh9nXGZ08ZXoQ/edit?usp=sharing] Link to listener emails database [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-8lpspHQuR5GK7S_nNtGunLGrx60QnSa8XLG_wvRb4Q/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-2485-lets-enhance/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2484: Buckle Up, It’s CBA Season

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley discuss the initial CBA proposals by the MLBPA and MLB: some specific points of departure and alignment, whether we really learned anything about what each side wants or the likelihood of lost games, and what the rhetoric and rebuttals say about the PR battle to come. Then (50:08) they banter about whether baseball broadcasts could ever get good enough to endanger attendance, why ABS challenge rates haven’t closely correlated with batter quality, a difference between what fans and neutral spectators tend to enjoy about teams, whether ace-type starting-pitcher seasons are making a partial comeback, a threat to baserunners and bat-dog employment, and a mid-start stretching-related mishap. Audio intro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qjDTYA9tQlZDQBpZqZUEosHoKN8nMQxR/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x3QzhMjO6frLGXRoKk-h4I9dkWw16wff/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to Drellich on franchise values [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7310615/2026/05/27/mlb-franchise-value-lags-behind-nfl-nba-nhl/] Link to MLBPA proposals [https://www.mlbplayers.com/post/mlbpa-makes-opening-proposals-to-benefit-all-players-and-build-upon-industry-momentum] Link to Drellich on the MLBPA proposals [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7312562/2026/05/27/mlb-players-labor-negotiations-first-pitch/] Link to Normandin on the MLBPA proposals [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/107386/the-players-deliver-their-opening-arguments/] Link to Mains on the MLBPA proposals [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/107384/the-players-association-opening-proposal-and-two-questions/] Link to Drellich on the MLB proposals [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7315605/2026/05/28/mlb-hard-salary-cap-union-lockout/] Link to Meyer statement [https://www.mlbplayers.com/post/statement-from-interim-executive-director-bruce-meyer] Link to Caplin statement [https://x.com/EvanDrellich/status/2059735642473701399] Link to CBA math post 1 [https://bsky.app/profile/cdgoldstein.baseballprospectus.com/post/3mmwpabd6bz2w] Link to CBA math post 2 [https://bsky.app/profile/benclemens.bsky.social/post/3mmwpldxthc2i] Link to Episode 1542 [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-1542-the-players-pr-handicap/] Link to Passan’s CBA proposals breakdown [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48901348/2026-mlb-labor-cba-mlbpa-first-proposals-lockout-salary-cap-floor] Link to Ben’s bargaining primer [https://www.theringer.com/2026/03/23/mlb/mlb-mlbpa-labor-battle-faq-lockout-work-stoppage-2027-season] Link to Hershberger’s 1876 post [https://www.facebook.com/groups/effectivelywild/permalink/26984396114587218/] Link to Sam on challenge rates [https://pebblehunting.substack.com/p/great-hitters-should-be-greedy] Link to challenge leaderboard [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/abs-challenges] Link to Andrews on Wood’s challenges [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/maybe-james-wood-just-thinks-he-has-a-really-tiny-strike-zone/] Link to pitcher-pace leaderboard [https://www.fangraphs.com/projections?type=onpacegpp&stats=pit&pos=&team=0&players=0&lg=all&z=1779950543&sortcol=&sortdir=desc&pageitems=30&statgroup=dashboard&fantasypreset=dashboard] Link to batter-pace leaderboard [https://www.fangraphs.com/projections?type=onpacegpp&stats=bat&pos=&team=0&players=0&lg=all&z=1779968140&sortcol=&sortdir=desc&pageitems=30&statgroup=dashboard&fantasypreset=dashboard] Link to George injury article [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48896372/dodgers-prospect-suffers-freak-kneecap-injury-trying-avoid-bat-dog] Link to bat-dog suspension article 1 [https://dodgerblue.com/dodgers-affiliate-tulsa-drillers-suspending-bat-dog-program-after-kendall-george-injury/2026/05/28/] Link to bat-dog suspension article 2 [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7314012/2026/05/27/dodgers-tulsa-drillers-bat-dog-program-report/] Link to “Pups in the Park” page [https://www.mlb.com/nationals/tickets/specials/animal-days] Link to 2025 bat-dog call-up [https://www.mlb.com/news/nationals-call-up-bruce-the-bat-dog-for-major-league-debut] Link to Pérez injury article [https://www.mlb.com/news/eury-perez-leaves-game-vs-blue-jays-after-four-innings] Link to Reddit comment about Ben [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1tpfdqc/comment/oo8eubj/] Link to MLBTR on Brebbia [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/05/rockies-john-brebbia-agree-to-minor-league-deal.html] Link to MLBTR on Jones [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/05/jared-jones-to-start-for-pirates-on-friday.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-2484-buckle-up-its-cba-season/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2483: Brush It Off

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Craig Kimbrel’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/craig-kimbrel/6655/stats/pitching]s new home, Colton Cowser’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/colton-cowser/29591/stats/batting]s walk-offs, Chris Taylor’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/chris-taylor/13757/stats/batting]s rapid retirement, unretirement, and re-retirement, whether the Mets should sell (and whom they could deal), the relative improvement of MLB’s worst teams, the Blue Jays’ (and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/vladimir-guerrero-jr/19611/stats/batting]s) punchless contact, the historic hitting of this season’s MLB debutants, Gage Jump [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/gage-jump/sa3034986/stats/pitching] and the best-ever early returns for a draft class, whether the Athletics’ and Pirates’ production has been as lopsided as expected, an Oneil Cruz [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/oneil-cruz/21711/stats/batting] update, a trio of teams that has benefited from stable rotations, the Astros’ combined no-hitter, the Cubs’ extreme streakiness (and nondescript roster), more Giants innovations in thrusting, and Bryce Harper [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/bryce-harper/11579/stats/batting]’s toothpaste/toothbrush technique, plus postscript updates. Audio intro: Sean .P, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/17BLnrn53h0YsHUvT6MqOaWGeKp0bJeQW/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wNnie0fLF2HVQsb4d-w5OqxMzyqfvImV/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to MLBTR on Kimbrel [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/05/rays-to-sign-craig-kimbrel.html] Link to post on Kimbrel’s destinations [https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/craig-kimbrel-could-help-4-bullpens-right-now-after-mets-dfa-pat3] Link to team RP over prior 14 days [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&lg=all&qual=0&season=2026&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&filter=&players=0&stats=rel&sortcol=20&sortdir=default&type=8&month=1000&startdate=2026-05-12&enddate=2026-05-25] Link to team RP over prior 30 days [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&lg=all&qual=0&season=2026&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&filter=&players=0&stats=rel&sortcol=20&sortdir=default&type=8&month=1000&startdate=2026-04-26&enddate=2026-05-25] Link to Diekman predictions pod [https://effectivelywild.fandom.com/wiki/Episode_2005:_Spring_Has_Sproing] Link to final Diekman stats update [https://effectivelywild.fandom.com/wiki/Episode_2120:_Corbin_Competencies] Link to Cowser post [https://bsky.app/profile/jakerill.bsky.social/post/3mmpmmvqgfc23] Link to Cowser gamer [https://www.mlb.com/orioles/news/colton-cowser-walk-off-home-run-vs-rays?t=walk-offs-coverage] Link to MLB.com on Taylor [https://www.mlb.com/news/chris-taylor-retirement-decision] Link to MLBTR on Taylor [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/05/chris-taylor-retires.html] Link to FG playoff odds [https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds/fg/mlb?date=2026-05-25] Link to Mets impending free agents [https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/free-agents/_/year/2027/team/nym] Link to article about 2025 Blue Jays hitting [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6833344/2025/11/25/blue-jays-contact-hitting-mlb/] Link to 2026 team wRC+ [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Css&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-25] Link to 2025 team ISO and K% [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/05/jose-berrios-undergoes-tommy-john-surgery.html] Link to 2026 team ISO and K% [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&month=0&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=&age=&filter=&players=0&startdate=&enddate=&sortcol=10&sortdir=default&season1=2026&season=2026&pagenum=1] Link to 2025 team Barrels/BBE% [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2025%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&home_road=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=team&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=barrels_per_bbe_percent&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_barrels_per_bbe_percent=on#results] Link to 2026 team Barrels/BBE% [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2026%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&home_road=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=2026-05-25&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=team&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=barrels_per_bbe_percent&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_barrels_per_bbe_percent=on#results] Link to 2025 team hard-hit % [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2025%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&home_road=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=team&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=hardhit_percent&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_hardhit_percent=on&chk_stats_barrels_per_bbe_percent=on#results] Link to 2026 team hard-hit % [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2026%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&home_road=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&hfEventOuts=&hfEventRuns=&hfABSFlag=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=2026-05-25&hfMo=&hfTeam=&hfOpponent=&hfRO=&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=team&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=hardhit_percent&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_hardhit_percent=on&chk_stats_barrels_per_bbe_percent=on#results] Link to MLB debutants spreadsheet [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MAGP1IbEVryz9n2HIGdYmr0BJInlUgkygLrrknPvQyc/edit?usp=sharing] Link to B-Ref’s new debuts [https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/2026-debuts.shtml] Link to Nishida debut story [https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/chicago-white-sox/news/one-thing-makes-rikuu-nishida-different-white-sox-all-other-japanese-mlb-players/87d04024e188b267a8e09729] Link to MLB rookie offense [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Css&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-25] Link to Passan on Jump [https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/2059159287612531181] Link to 2024 first round [https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/index.fcgi?draft_round=1&year_ID=2024&draft_type=junreg&query_type=year_round] Link to MLBTR on Jump [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/05/athletics-to-promote-gage-jump-for-debut.html] Link to draft-class data [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1s2QImKqPMVarabi8JP6v7zLuk4_W59H7HJLCMKd8GLc/edit?usp=sharing] Link to Ben on the Pirates and A’s [https://www.theringer.com/2026/03/26/mlb/pittsburgh-pirates-sacramento-athletics-mlb-lopsided-dark-horses-paul-skenes-konnor-griffin] Link to team hitter WAR [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2026&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&month=1000&sortcol=21&sortdir=default&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-25&pagenum=1] Link to team pitcher WAR [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2026&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-25&month=1000] Link to on-pace leaderboard [https://www.fangraphs.com/projections?type=onpacegpp&stats=bat&pos=all&team=27&players=0&lg=all&z=1779795148&pageitems=30&statgroup=standard&fantasypreset=dashboard] Link to single-season strikeouts leaders [https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/SO_season.shtml] Link to combined no-hitter gamer [https://www.mlb.com/news/astros-throw-combined-no-hitter-against-rangers] Link to FG post on the no-hitter [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/how-unlikely-was-the-astros-combined-no-hitter/] Link to BP post on the no-hitter [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/107317/box-score-banter-2026-santa-and-his-elves/] Link to Bumpus SABR bio [https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/bumpus-jones/] Link to SABR Bumpus no-no story [https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/october-15-1892-bumpus-jones-the-no-hit-phenom/] Link to Langs on Bumpus/Santa [https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/2059099233710485642] Link to 2026 MLB RP stats [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Css&stats=rel&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-25] Link to 2026 MLB SP stats [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Css&stats=sta&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-25] Link to team SP leaderboard [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&month=1000&ind=0&stats=sta&team=0%2Cts&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-25&season1=&season=&sortcol=20&sortdir=default] Link to Cubs WAR leaders [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/war?lg=&teamid=17&sortcol=6&sortdir=desc] Link to Sam on the 2016 Giants [https://pebblehunting.substack.com/p/fourth-place] Link to streaky teams spreadsheet [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1R3GOwV-E_6WlSPFuZUgxzIhHjwkEUIa2b0EBu9ERQQU/edit?usp=sharing] Link to McCringleberry sketch [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGJb2iLvOKE] Link to McCringleberry homage 1 [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/giants-outfielders-absolutely-nail-key-014245552.html] Link to McCringleberry homage 2 [https://bsky.app/profile/razzball.bsky.social/post/3mmnaot2ccc2g] Link to Harper’s TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@3ryceharper/video/7643880976195570974] Link to Lindbergh burrito method [https://effectivelywild.fandom.com/wiki/Lindbergh_Burrito_Method] Link to Nishida throw 1 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj_2i4mAJT4] Link to Nishida throw 2 [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1tos0fx/rikuu_nishida_ends_the_10th_inning_by_gunning/] Link to Cubs streak fact 1 [https://x.com/IE_MLB/status/2059445932421497312] Link to Cubs streak fact 2 [https://x.com/OptaSTATS/status/2059332220641255546] Link to Rangers’ revenge stat [https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/2059439489483751630] Link to Sox scoring stat 1 [https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/2058059397423649278] Link to Sox scoring stat 2 [https://x.com/optastats/status/2058058934095626588] Link to Marlins/Cardinals/Twins candidates [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1v-5rOxyQiF2vpVavV9OHH8DrruShY7S5Qn2EfVpPnUU/edit?usp=sharing] Link to list of ballpark claimants [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yFD1jSR93WhSAGUMI1Aww71RZzH2YVIgpsHWnoQD5Vs/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 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Effectively Wild Episode 2482: The Trade Not Taken

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 Mason Miller [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/mason-miller/31757/stats/pitching]’s recent “struggles,” whether the Tigers will trade Tarik Skubal [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/tarik-skubal/22267/stats/pitching], and how different baseball would be if the Angels had traded Shohei Ohtani [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/shohei-ohtani/19755/stats/batting], plus (44:05) more than a dozen Stat Blasts. Audio intro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VtGnSCg2jHV4rEAyhuDuD1WHJrnluwXp/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: PJ Harding, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GaXmQoPFfbQdNZTyMqkTGmuPIRdlG22G/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to previous Miller banter 1 [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2464-hello-dolly/] Link to previous Miller banter 2 [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2468-the-baseball-barometer/] Link to Miller sample 1 [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=c%2C13%2C-1%2C204%2C205%2C206%2C207%2C208%2C209%2C210%2C211%2C6%2C13%2C36%2C37%2C45%2C48%2C62&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-04-19&team=0&players=31757&v_cr=202301] Link to Miller sample 2 [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=c%2C13%2C-1%2C204%2C205%2C206%2C207%2C208%2C209%2C210%2C211%2C6%2C13%2C36%2C37%2C45%2C48%2C62&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&startdate=2026-04-20&enddate=2026-05-21&team=0&players=31757&v_cr=202301] Link to article about Grogu promo [https://www.mlb.com/news/mason-miller-pitches-with-grogu-before-star-wars-the-mandalorian-and-grogu-release] Link to Grogu promo [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DfNM_LQolo] Link to Triton Ballpark wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triton_Ballpark] Link to Yaddle at Wookieepedia [https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Yaddle] Link to Ben on The Mandalorian and Grogu [https://www.theringer.com/2026/05/19/star-wars/the-mandalorian-and-grogu-movie-review-star-wars] Link to Kimbrel blog post [https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/craig-kimbrel-could-help-4-bullpens-right-now-after-mets-dfa-pat3] Link to MLBTR on Kimbrel [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/05/mets-designate-craig-kimbrel-for-assignment-recall-jonah-tong.html] Link to Heyman on a Skubal trade [https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/2057573800670011785] Link to Murray on a Skubal trade [https://fansided.com/mlb/mlb-insider-what-could-the-detroit-tigers-get-in-a-tarik-skubal-trade] Link to Olney on a Skubal trade [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48836935/mlb-2026-trade-deadline-olney-x-factors-rumors-skubal-labor] Link to Skubal bullpen sessions article [https://www.mlb.com/news/tarik-skubal-gets-close-to-game-velocity-two-weeks-after-elbow-surgery] Link to trade deadline date article [https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-trade-deadline-2026-date-time] Link to playoff odds [https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds/fg/mlb?date=2026-05-21] Link to Clark quote about “the pant” [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39577625/mlb-players-add-see-pants-concerns-new-uniforms] Link to Rosenthal on 2023 Ohtani talks [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7296204/2026/05/21/shohei-ohtani-trade-rays-angels-2023-moreno/] Link to Rosenthal on 2022 Ohtani talks [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6360730/2025/05/16/shohei-ohtani-angels-dodgers-failures/] Link to Seidler wiki [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6360730/2025/05/16/shohei-ohtani-angels-dodgers-failures/] Link to MLBTR on Boras/Seidler/Soto [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/04/boras-padres-owner-peter-seidler-discussed-juan-soto-extension-last-year.html] Link to Blum post about Johnson [https://x.com/SamBlum3/status/2057565087892672722] Link to team pitcher development rankings [https://lancebroz.substack.com/p/2026-mlb-pitching-development-rankings-acqusition-lance-brozdowski-best-pitching-organizations-coaches-executives-survey] Link to “If baseball were different” wiki [https://effectivelywild.fandom.com/wiki/If_Baseball_Were_Different] Link to Mains on regular-season splits [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/107175/veteran-presence-are-the-yankees-postseason-hopes-doomed/] Link to reverse records [https://effectivelywild.fandom.com/wiki/Episode_2347:_Time_Elia_All_Wounds#Stat_Blast] Link to post about three-team combos [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1tirfgh/every_possible_3team_combo_has_had_someone_play/] Link to Marlins/Cardinals/Twins candidates [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1v-5rOxyQiF2vpVavV9OHH8DrruShY7S5Qn2EfVpPnUU/edit?usp=sharing] Link to Marlins/Cardinals players [https://www.baseball-reference.com/friv/players-who-played-for-multiple-teams-franchises.fcgi?level=franch&t1=FLA&t2=STL&t3=--&t4=--] Link to Marlins/Twins players [https://www.baseball-reference.com/friv/players-who-played-for-multiple-teams-franchises.fcgi?level=franch&t1=FLA&t2=MIN&t3=--&t4=--] Link to Cardinals/Twins players [https://www.baseball-reference.com/friv/players-who-played-for-multiple-teams-franchises.fcgi?level=franch&t1=STL&t2=MIN&t3=--&t4=--] Link to 2025 Sánchez game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BAL/BAL202508210.shtml] Link to 2003 Clement game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PIT/PIT200305220.shtml] Link to 2023 Thompson game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/TBA/TBA202305280.shtml] Link to 1968 Roseboro game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BOS/BOS196804290.shtml] Link to all-hits-after-oh-fers list [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XYJqXW0GGA2YdJ6_dbBE-KJuEIUca2Qna6kBN5rC4ko/edit?usp=sharing] Link to McGwire Simpsons clip [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-k1vDjbxs8] Link to Hill homer [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NiSpQPfmI4] Link to Hill PED admission [https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3244153] Link to Hill transactions [https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hillgl01.shtml#all_transactions_other] Link to post-trade improvers [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12hXDu6E1pqG2FONTn5JBtpQRpwbOCDWVN-NMJPxoxtI/edit?usp=sharing] Link to 2024 Ray slam game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SFN/SFN202408140.shtml] Link to 2025 NL Cy voting [https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2025.shtml#all_NL_CYA_voting] Link to 2021 AL Cy voting [https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2021.shtml#all_AL_CYA_voting] Link to 2011 NL Cy voting [https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2011.shtml#all_NL_CYA_voting] Link to 1986 NL Cy voting [https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_1986.shtml#all_NL_CYA_voting] Link to 1971 O’s rotation article [https://www.mlb.com/orioles/news/featured/4-x-20-orioles-1971-season-is-one-for-the-books-title-or-not] Link to Maxwell defensive game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/OAK/OAK201304150.shtml] Link to Sandberg defensive game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN198508030.shtml] Link to McAuliffe defensive game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET196609052.shtml] Link to team run differentials [https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/pythagorean-baseruns] Link to team runs scored [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=5&sortdir=default&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-21] Link to team runs allowed [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=0&season=2026&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=&age=&filter=&players=0&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-05-21&month=1000&sortcol=16&sortdir=default&pagenum=1] Link to Mets extra-innings game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/WAS/WAS202605180.shtml] Link to most blown saves in game [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/buaUZ] Link to 2021 blown-saves game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/KCA/KCA202108090.shtml] Link to 1995 blown-saves game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN199509280.shtml] Link to 1983 Rangers-A’s game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/OAK/OAK198307030.shtml] Link to 1901 Bernhard game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHA/PHA190105020.shtml] Link to Bernhard’s 1901 game log [http://bbref.com/pi/shareit/qDE9j] Link to Bernhard’s 1901 opponent splits [https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.fcgi?id=bernhbi01&year=1901&t=p#all_oppon] Link to 2025 Pressly game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN202505060.shtml] Link to most hits by sub [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/zOsPK] Link to 1902 Danny Murphy game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BOS/BOS190207080.shtml] Link to Murphy game info 1 [https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/danny-murphy-3/] Link to Murphy game info 2 [https://otislibrarynorwich.org/2024/09/19/danny-murphy-philadephia-athletics-baseball-team-1902-1913/] Link to Murphy game info 3 [https://imgur.com/sIbGc8w] Link to Clerks quote [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuXwRljpYLg] Link to listener emails database [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-8lpspHQuR5GK7S_nNtGunLGrx60QnSa8XLG_wvRb4Q/edit?usp=sharing] Link to 1991 Phillies game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU199106130.shtml] Link to Griffin video board fun fact [https://imgur.com/a/Ygldmir] Link to list of ballpark claimants [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yFD1jSR93WhSAGUMI1Aww71RZzH2YVIgpsHWnoQD5Vs/edit?usp=sharing] Link to “Fever” song wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fever_(Little_Willie_John_song)] Link to article about White Sox collision [https://www.twincities.com/2013/06/25/chicago-white-sox-big-blunder-on-popup-overcome/] Link to article about Hawk’s call [https://www.mlb.com/cut4/you-have-got-to-be-kidding-me---hawk-harrelson-reacts-to-dropped-popup/c-51837688] Link to video of collision/call [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfFrHM8uP9g] Link to photo of collision [https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/gordon-beckham-of-the-chicago-white-sox-collides-with-conor-news-photo/173238636] Link to comment about Boone’s signals [https://imgur.com/jhlchkb] Link to Boone’s flapping signal [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1tj8q2k/highlight_aaron_boone_signals_for_jake_bird_by/] [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-2482-the-trade-not-taken/]