Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

Effectively Wild Episode 2473: Rushing to Judgement

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/effectivelywild]. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about whether Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/dalton-rushing/31382/stats/batting] is the new reigning redass of MLB, and the first in-depth he-said, they-said mud-slinging about Craig Breslow and Boston’s coaching cull. Then (35:19) they Stat Blast about the longest streaks of series wins and non-losses to start a season (or at any point in a season), lapping the league in run differential, and batterymates who were previously exchanged in a trade, before bringing on Ben Clemens [https://bsky.app/profile/benclemens.bsky.social] of FanGraphs (49:36) to talk about whether Munetaka Murakami [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/munetaka-murakami/37120/stats/batting]’s hot start is sustainable (and if so, why he was widely underestimated), how the strike zone has been shrunk and reshaped in the ABS era—somewhat counterintuitively, not just because of overturned calls—and the potential short/long-term effects on scoring. Audio intro: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ndTWsOUXceUIb7RGqCtQChfListDI3GP/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio interstitial: Kite Person, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ShNIfvqdt84DII-pVYvCp32cIpVIP2V5/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme 2 [https://drive.google.com/file/d/17xCKWhVd_jYCsHmnzYS21kpPsWJ2zj73/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to “redass” definition [https://www.baseball-almanac.com/dictionary-term.php?term=red%20ass] Link to Carig on “redass” [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/944782/2019/04/30/i-just-had-the-ass-an-appreciation-of-red-ass-baseballs-most-colorful-turn-of-phrase/] Link to Rushing timeline [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dalton-rushing-timeline-trouble-calling-004747670.html] Link to “fishy” comment clip [https://x.com/FredoCervantes/status/2045752694196027711] Link to “fishy” comment article [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7210251/2026/04/19/dodgers-rockies-dalton-rushing-first-pitch-comments/] Link to Rockies celebration [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rockies-breaks-celebration-dalton-rushing-113006340.html] Link to Lee incident clip [https://x.com/js9inningsmedia/status/2046805596305756352] Link to Rushing denial [https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/giants/article/dodgers-catcher-denies-disparaging-giants-lee-22221099.php] Link to Lee incident article [https://www.mlb.com/news/logan-webb-hits-dalton-rushing-with-pitch-in-finale-of-dodgers-giants-series] Link to Amaya incident clip [https://x.com/TheConnorPils/status/2048491301134287169] Link to Hoerner comments [https://nypost.com/2026/04/29/sports/nico-hoerner-has-regrets-after-alleged-fat-f-k-moment-with-dodgers-dalton-rushing/] Link to Rushing’s slide [https://x.com/BayAreaTrev/status/2047426726922498206] Link to Arraez comments [https://x.com/NBCSGiants/status/2047452680872940012] Link to timeout request [https://x.com/js9inningsmedia/status/2049334008924794979] Link to 2015 Williams feature [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/12926321/new-york-yankees-bernie-williams-uncommon-dignity-grace] Link to Breslow/Boston report [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7239320/2026/04/29/craig-breslow-alex-cora-red-sox-coaches-purge/] Link to fatberg wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatberg] Link to streaks spreadsheet [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MEsFt7PGubQJedx2WQhqjC9kIZBlhXmkcsfdx0JjJRA/edit?usp=sharing] Link to Columbus Solons wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Solons] Link to traded batterymates [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CzJ5KYW9Ht5u80D55WlrTdcgPAKt6BmzkN1UGqUthy0/edit?usp=sharing] Link to Ben’s catchers research [https://www.theringer.com/2018/03/26/mlb/three-theories-on-catcher-plate-performance] Link to Shackleton wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Shackleton] Link to Clemens on Murakami [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/munetaka-murakami-as-advertised/] Link to chase rate leaderboard [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=83&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&sortcol=3&sortdir=asc&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-04-29&team=0] Link to Passan on Ohtani in 2018 [https://sports.yahoo.com/verdict-shohei-ohtanis-bat-not-good-023611674.html] Link to Passan’s follow-up [https://sports.yahoo.com/10-degrees-dear-shohei-im-sorry-totally-wrong-060850661.html] Link to Clemens on the strike zone [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-strike-zone-is-shrinking-heres-how/] Link to strike zone definition [https://www.mlb.com/glossary/rules/strike-zone] Link to Trueblood on the strike zone [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/106524/rubbing-mud-the-square-zone-abs/] Link to Trueblood on challenges [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/106128/rubbing-mud-lefties-eat-hot-dogs-righties-eat-burgers/] Link to Sam on 3-0 autostrikes [https://pebblehunting.substack.com/p/will-the-3-0-autostrike-survive] Link to 2025 buffer zone change [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6328105/2025/05/01/mlb-umpire-strike-zone-buffer-zone-change/] Link to ump accuracy over time [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/your-final-pre-robo-zone-umpire-accuracy-update/] Link to Ben on umpire grading [https://grantland.com/features/ben-lindbergh-possibility-machines-replacing-umpires/] Link to kernel regression wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_regression] Link to 2024-26 MLB rates [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&month=0&ind=0&startdate=&enddate=&team=0%2Css&season1=2024&season=2026&sortcol=8&sortdir=default&pagenum=1] Link to 2025 MLB rates through same date [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&month=1000&ind=0&startdate=2025-03-01&enddate=2025-04-29&season1=2025&season=2025&team=0%2Css] Link to 2024 MLB rates through same date [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&month=1000&ind=0&startdate=2024-03-01&enddate=2024-04-29&season1=2023&season=2025&team=0%2Css] Link to highest full-season rates [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&month=0&ind=0&team=0%2Css&startdate=&enddate=&season1=1871&season=2026&sortcol=8&sortdir=default&pagenum=1] Link to Federer Hawk-Eye stance 1 [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/federer-calls-debut-of-hawkeye-technology-madness-6105904.html] Link to Federer Hawk-Eye stance 2 [https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/federer-totally-fine-with-hawk-eye-but-wants-darkness-rules-changed] [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-2473-rushing-to-judgement/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2472: Jason B. on NBC

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Vinnie Pasquantino’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/vinnie-pasquantino/27676/stats/batting]s new espresso machine, how the Phillies’ firing of Rob Thomson compares to Boston’s coaching overhaul and how Thomson’s dismissal both does and doesn’t make sense, Mason Miller’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/mason-miller/31757/stats/pitching]s “slump,” Shohei Ohtani’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/shohei-ohtani/19755/stats/batting]s WAR distribution, Max Scherzer’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/max-scherzer/3137/stats/pitching]s major league last gasp, Travis Bazzana’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/travis-bazzana/34967/stats/batting]s debut, and how the Mexican League’s Diablos Rojos have handled high altitude. Then (55:48) they talk to Jason Benetti [https://x.com/jasonbenetti], TV voice of the Tigers and new lead MLB broadcaster for Sunday Night Baseball on NBC, about how he got his new gig, juggling jobs and employers, teaming up with different broadcast partners (including a besuited John Kruk) every week, how NBC approaches baseball, the AL Central’s mediocrity, Kevin McGonigle [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/kevin-mcgonigle/33572/stats/batting]’s precocious success, Jason’s full-circle Bob Costas story, and Mr. Monopoly vs. Mr. Peanut. Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u9uMDVhB3JbuuT3HQYDzXcl4cXc-mY4Z/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EquxhP2rk11C79uLJ6UGylakDUOcbvzY/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to espresso machine post [https://bsky.app/profile/jenramose.online/post/3mklrbewswk2c] Link to Nespresso wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nespresso] Link to Baumann on Thomson [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/phillies-sacrifice-manager-to-appease-vengeful-baseball-gods] Link to MLBTR on Thomson [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/04/phillies-fire-rob-thomson-name-don-mattingly-interim-manager.html] Link to Paine on Thomson [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/rob-thomson-was-the-phillies-fixer] Link to Phillies’ record under Thomson [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2022&month=1000&season1=2022&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2022-06-03&enddate=2026-04-27&sortcol=2&sortdir=default&pagenum=1] Link to batter WAR under Thomson [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&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-04-27&sortcol=21&sortdir=default&pagenum=1] Link to pitcher WAR under Thomson [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-04-27] Link to team defense [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=fld&lg=all&qual=0&type=1&season=2026&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=&age=&filter=&players=0&startdate=&enddate=&month=0&sortcol=11&sortdir=asc&pagenum=1] Link to team run differentials [https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/pythagorean-baseruns] Link to playoff odds changes [https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds/fg/mlb?date=2026-04-28&dateDelta=2026-03-25] Link to Gelb on Thomson [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7238782/2026/04/28/phillies-rob-thomson-exit-dombrowski-mattingly-cora-mlb/] Link to Cora report 1 [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7237474/2026/04/28/mlb-alex-cora-phillies-job-red-sox-decline/] Link to Cora report 2 [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7238593/2026/04/28/dave-dombrowski-phillies-rob-thomson-alex-cora/] Link to MLBTR on Crochet [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/04/red-sox-garrett-crochet-injured-list-shoulder.html] Link to Miller story [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7236660/2026/04/28/san-diego-padres-mason-miller-scoreless-streak-ends/] Link to Soriano story [https://www.mlb.com/angels/news/jose-soriano-s-scoreless-streak-ends-at-25-2-3-innings] Link to combined WAR leaderboard [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/war?lg=&teamid=] Link to MLBTR on Scherzer [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/04/blue-jays-max-scherzer-injured-list-forearm-ankle.html] Link to Scherzer’s daughter’s letter [https://www.mlb.com/news/max-scherzer-s-daughter-wrote-letter-asking-blue-jays-to-re-sign-her-dad] Link to Baumann on Bazzana [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/advance-australia-fair-travis-bazzana-is-a-big-leaguer] Link to MLBTR on Bazzana [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/04/guardians-to-select-travis-bazzana.html] Link to 2026 FG top 100 [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2026-top-100-prospects/] Link to Bazzana at Prospect Savant [https://prospectsavant.com/player/683953] Link to list of debut IBBs [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/kgSGT] Link to The Devil Wears Prada 2 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Devil_Wears_Prada_2] Link to Patrick Brammall wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Brammall] Link to Song Sung Blue [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Song_Sung_Blue_(2025_film)] Link to Tenet dialogue story 1 [https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/a33859053/tenet-sound-problems/] Link to Tenet dialogue story 2 [https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/sep/03/tenet-dialogue-christopher-nolan-sound-technology] Link to Nolan dialogue explanation [https://www.businessinsider.com/oppenheimer-christopher-nolan-cant-hear-dialogue-in-movie-2023-8] Link to sound mixing story [https://www.avclub.com/television-film-sound-audio-quality-subtitles-why-1849664873] Link to MLBTR on Bazzana [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/04/guardians-to-select-travis-bazzana.html] Link to Mexican League elevations [https://x.com/Shawn_Spradling/status/1643348175447785472/] Link to Octavio Hernández [https://x.com/octaviolider] Link to Coors hangover article 1 [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1649617/2020/03/04/inside-the-rockies-new-idea-to-finally-cure-the-coors-field-hangover/] Link to Coors hangover article 2 [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/another-look-at-the-coors-conundrum/] Link to Coors hangover article 3 [https://www.mlb.com/news/how-rockies-can-win-consistently-at-altitude] Link to Benetti at Saberseminar [http://southside.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2017/08/07/notes-from-saberseminar-2017-featuring-rick-hahn/] Link to SBJ profile [https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/04/24/jason-benetti-is-the-guy-for-the-job/] Link to NBC Sundays schedule [https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/sunday-night-baseball-full-2026-schedule-for-mlb-games-on-nbc-peacock] Link to this Sunday’s schedule [https://www.nbcsports.com/pressbox/press-releases/from-noon-til-night-nbc-sports-is-home-to-national-sunday-mlb-coverage-beginning-this-weekend-with-season-debuts-of-mlb-sunday-leadoff-and-sunday-stretch-whip-around-show-leading-into-sunday-night-baseball] Link to Jason’s broadcast partners [https://x.com/sportswithben1/status/2049205299815346638] Link to Walton-Benetti story [https://www.mlb.com/news/remembering-when-bill-walton-called-a-baseball-game] Link to Kruk’s suit [https://bsky.app/profile/briancgrubb.bsky.social/post/3mjv45t3jhi2x] Link to Curb “middling” scene [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m5LK4FTNoo] Link to Ben on Albert/Stockton [https://www.theringer.com/2026/04/24/sports/new-national-sportscast-king-kenny-albert-dick-stockton-tony-miller-unecessary-sports-research] Link to interdivision records [https://www.theringer.com/2026/03/27/mlb/closest-al-east-race-ever-mlb-yankees-red-sox-blue-jays-orioles-rays-projections] Link to bat weight research [https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-theory-strikes-out-weighted-bats-dont-quicken-the-swing-1495791007] Link to Mr. Monopoly wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Monopoly] Link to Mr. Peanut wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Peanut] Link to Mr. Peanut tweet [https://x.com/MrPeanut/status/1082344496610922497] Link to Benetti’s podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/have-a-seat-with-jason-benetti-and-dan-dickerson/id1742348104] [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-2472-jason-b-on-nbc/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2471: The Red Sox Sackings

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Red Sox suddenly sweeping their coaching staff clean, projected contenders off to even worse starts than the Sox, MLB offense in Mexico City, a double ball-strike challenge, Kyle Harrison [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/kyle-harrison/27758/stats/pitching] as the new Quinn Priester [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/quinn-priester/25977/stats/pitching], and Kevin McGonigle [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/kevin-mcgonigle/33572/stats/batting] out-phenoming Konnor Griffin [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/konnor-griffin/35376/stats/batting], then Stat Blast (38:37) about Brandon Phillips [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/brandon-phillips/791/stats/batting] and major league afterlives, teams hitting for the homer cycle in a single inning, and individual net five-homer games. Then (53:38) they talk to The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier [https://bsky.app/profile/alexspeier.bsky.social] about how and why the Red Sox fired Alex Cora [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/alex-cora/1386/stats/batting] and Co. and whether there’s more house-cleaning to come. Audio intro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wNnie0fLF2HVQsb4d-w5OqxMzyqfvImV/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio interstitial: The Spaghettis, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KIeoBr9umeDgG2NCtot-YRv1emuJCNFT/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 FG post on Sox firings [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/red-sox-spring-clean-coaching-staff-following-disappointing-start] Link to MLBTR on Sox firings [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/04/red-sox-fire-manager-alex-cora-announce-coaching-changes.html] Link to MLBTR on Sox hirings [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/04/red-sox-add-three-interim-coaches-to-staff.html] Link to original Cronin wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Cronin] Link to van photo [https://x.com/ChrisCotillo/status/2048204364742046173] Link to Four Seasons Total Landscaping [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Seasons_Total_Landscaping_press_conference] Link to Whitlock quote [https://x.com/timbhealey/status/2048428421475082602] Link to Story quote [https://x.com/timbhealey/status/2048433238113136930] Link to player reactions round-up [https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/04/26/sports/red-sox-players-reaction-alex-cora-fired/] Link to firing timing Stat Blast [https://effectivelywild.fandom.com/wiki/Episode_2202:_The_Hierarchy_of_Versatility#Stat_Blast] Link to Sportradar firing fact [https://x.com/JoshDubowAP/status/2048209469470015661] Link to “Chad” wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chad_(slang)] Link to Cora reactions story [https://nesn.com/boston-red-sox/news/alex-cora-sends-one-word-message-after-red-sox-firing/ba981a9a9895f7ae999bda8d] Link to Cora text [https://x.com/bradfo/status/2048230499768815724] Link to Cora tweet [https://x.com/ac13alex/status/2048314161193517348] Link to fired coaches photo 1 [https://x.com/ChrisCotillo/status/2048265828273983751] Link to fired coaches photo 2 [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1swo4jd/alex_cora_shared_a_new_picture_of_all_the_fired/] Link to Paine’s Sox analysis 1 [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/the-red-sox-cycle-comes-for-alex] Link to Paine’s Sox analysis 2 [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/what-do-we-make-of-the-2024-red-sox] Link to playoff odds changes [https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds/fg/mlb?date=2026-04-27&dateDelta=2026-03-25] Link to Diamondbacks Mexico City win [https://www.mlb.com/news/d-backs-come-back-to-defeat-padres-in-mexico-city-series-finale] Link to Mexico games [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Major_League_Baseball_games_played_outside_the_United_States_and_Canada] Link to Ben on Mexico City scoring [https://www.theringer.com/2017/07/18/mlb/mlb-expansion-mexico-city-drawbacks-7cbce43269ac] Link to Monterrey stadium [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walmart_Park] Link to Mexico City stadium [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estadio_Alfredo_Harp_Hel%C3%BA] Link to run-scoring comparison [https://imgur.com/uBj3UH7] Link to Vancouver expansion story [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-approves-mlb-expression-interest-process-9.7174684] Link to double challenge clip [https://bsky.app/profile/chadmoriyama.bsky.social/post/3mkggjtekr22q] Link to double challenge story [https://www.mlb.com/news/nico-hoerner-dalton-rushing-challenge-same-pitch] Link to Refsnyder challenge story [https://www.mlb.com/news/rob-refsnyder-hits-pinch-hit-home-run-as-mariners-sweep-cardinals] Link to Baty challenge story [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48605192/mets-brett-baty-first-abs-change-bases-loaded-walk-inning-ending-called-third-strike] Link to Harrison’s five-start averages [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/kyle-harrison/27758/graphs?position=P&statArr=119%2C118&legend=1%2C2&split=base&time=game&ymin=&ymax=&start=2023&end=2026&rtype=mult>1=5&dStatArray=] Link to FG on-pace leaders [https://www.fangraphs.com/projections?pos=all&stats=bat&type=onpacegpp] Link to Griffin’s first dinger [https://www.mlb.com/video/konnor-griffin-homers-1-on-a-fly-ball-to-right-center-field] Link to Phillips contract story [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48591988/brandon-phillips-signs-1-day-contract-reds-retire] Link to EW on delayed retirements [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2145-opening-daze-and-the-2024-team-fun-draft/] Link to major league afterlives data [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wm071j3xwsPRSlch9XhST3i_t-Sz9M80/view?usp=sharing] Link to Kenny Jackelen [https://x.com/kennyjackelen] Link to Phillips B-Ref page [https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=philli001bra] Link to PCL wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Coast_League] Link to SIS Cameron story [https://www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2023/04/13/stat-of-the-week-fun-facts-about-hitting-a-hr-and-robbing-one-too/] Link to SIS Cameron post [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baseball-hall-of-fame-analysis-with-mike-cameron-tom-tango/id1461705002?i=1000685121610&l=ko] Link to Red Sox preview pod [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2445-season-preview-series-red-sox-and-reds/] Link to team HR leaderboard [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=4&sortdir=default&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-04-26] 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=2026-04-26] Link to Sheehan on the Sox offense [https://www.joesheehan.com/2026/04/newsletter-excerpt-april-22-2026-darned.html] Link to Napoli photo [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1ps21x/twitter_mike_napoli_is_walking_around_boston/] Link to Napoli story [https://www.boston.com/uncategorized/noprimarytagmatch/2013/11/03/mike-napoli-enjoys-himself-after-parade/] Link to team payrolls page [https://www.fangraphs.com/roster-resource/breakdowns/payroll] Link to Rosenthal on Cora [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7231427/2026/04/26/boston-red-sox-firing-alex-cora-craig-breslow/] Link to team payrolls page [https://www.fangraphs.com/roster-resource/breakdowns/payroll] Link to listener meetup tool (PW: EW2026) [https://ew-meetups-2026--johnjoyceiii.replit.app] Link to meetup tool Reddit post [https://www.reddit.com/r/effectivelywild/comments/1sslj8l/ew_listener_meetup_tool/] Link to sub-two-hour-marathon story [https://www.sportico.com/leagues/other-sports/2026/mens-marathon-world-record-sabastian-sawe-adidas-nike-1234891251/] [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-2471-the-red-sox-sackings/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2470: The Closer Who Became an Archaeo-Lidge-ist

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, please visit our Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/effectivelywild]. Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about whether JR Ritchie [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jr-ritchie/31760/stats/pitching] should want to keep the ball that was hit for a homer on his first major league pitch, José Soriano’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jose-soriano/22100/stats/pitching]s season-starting hot streak, and the Yankees’ new alternate uniforms, plus follow-ups on accidental challenges, player pecks on the cheek, jersey numbers, and Nolan McLean [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/nolan-mclean/33703/stats/pitching]’s apology, and a mini-Blast about the Rockies’ historically hot start (compared to last year). Then (50:36) they take a break from interviewing octagenarian former players to interview a youthful, quadragenarian former player: former All-Star Brad Lidge [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/brad-lidge/563/stats/pitching]. An infamous manager once proclaimed [https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Only_Rule_Is_It_Has_to_Work/Z-e2CgAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22the+closer%27s+the+closer+because+he%27s+the+closer%22&pg=PT149&printsec=frontcover], “The closer is the closer because he’s the closer.” But what if the closer becomes an archaeologist? Ben and Meg talk to Lidge at length about his post-playing pivot to archaeology: what drew him to the field, how he’s pursued a second profession (and how it differs from his first one), ancient Etruscans, misconceptions about archaeology, what he could learn from excavating a ballpark, discovering dice (note: not a gambling ad), discussing his career reinvention at cocktail parties, the pleasures and procedures of communing with the past, archaeology’s moneyball, and much more, followed by his thoughts on fellow fastball-slider artist Mason Miller [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/mason-miller/31757/stats/pitching]. Audio intro: PJ Harding, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GaXmQoPFfbQdNZTyMqkTGmuPIRdlG22G/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r_SutdDwCAJtoMBaw5CjiM-mhsRmG6ii/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to The Only Rule closer line [https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Only_Rule_Is_It_Has_to_Work/Z-e2CgAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22the+closer%27s+the+closer+because+he%27s+the+closer%22&pg=PT149&printsec=frontcover] Link to line’s EW wiki entry [https://effectivelywild.fandom.com/wiki/The_Closer_Is_the_Closer] Link to Lidge’s SABR bio [https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/brad-lidge/] Link to postseason saves leaders [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/0OPfB] Link to best post-’88 RP seasons [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&lg=all&type=8&month=0&ind=1&stats=rel&startdate=&enddate=&qual=0&season1=1988&season=2026] Link to Pujols homer [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsEuTYbDRwE] Link to 2008 WS victory [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-dJtmTbvNY] Link to Episode 2323 [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2323-look-mascot-no-pants/] Link to Wood’s HR [https://www.mlb.com/video/jr-ritchie-in-play-run-s-to-james-wood] Link to Ritchie game story [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48573771/braves-jr-ritchie-rebounds-first-pitch-hr-wins-debut] Link to Yankees jerseys report 1 [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7217246/2026/04/22/yankees-players-alternate-road-jerseys/] Link to Yankees jerseys report 2 [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7222735/2026/04/23/yankees-alternate-jerseys-decision-timetable/] Link to Yankees jerseys report 3 [https://www.mlb.com/news/yankees-players-propose-alternate-road-jerseys] Link to jersey number history [https://books.google.com/books?id=j_zNttV8VSwC&lpg=PP1&vq=jersey%20number&pg=PA319#v=onepage&q&f=false] Link to Gilbert “catch” [https://bsky.app/profile/cjzero.bsky.social/post/3mk4d6zhfzc2w] Link to Gilbert “catch” rules [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/106429/bsb-the-moral-arc-of-rule-5-09a/] Link to Vargas “accidental” challenge [https://bsky.app/profile/themetsnewsletter.com/post/3mk6xmlupm22m] Link to Gonzales “accidental” challenge [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/sporty-videos?playId=b21e7051-d486-3b66-bd09-9d40c72302f9] Link to Martin-Davis smooch [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1su6y9j/white_sox_pitcher_davis_martin_practices_kissing/] Link to Soriano’s six-start stretches [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jose-soriano/22100/graphs?position=P&statArr=118&legend=1%2C2&split=base&time=game&ymin=&ymax=&start=2024&end=2026&rtype=mult>1=6&dStatArray=] Link to Soriano’s 2025 stretch [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&month=1000&ind=0&startdate=2025-06-04&enddate=2025-07-03&season1=&season=&team=0&players=22100] Link to Soriano’s 2026 stretch [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&month=0&ind=0&startdate=&enddate=&team=0&players=22100&season1=2026&season=2026] Link to exit velo responsibility [https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/a-baseballs-exit-velocity-is-five-parts-hitter-one-part-pitcher/] Link to Soriano article 1 [https://www.mlb.com/news/jose-soriano-start-against-blue-jays] Link to Betteridge’s law 1 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betteridge%27s_law_of_headlines] Link to Soriano article 2 [https://www.mlb.com/angels/news/jose-soriano-breakdown-april-2026] Link to follow-up McLean report [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-nolan-mclean-good-citizen-021454904.html] Link to fastest team improvements data [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VFd6_vIFrbD4-7gyoOv7jVcI_VEPvjcpRPHBb7ZUknQ/edit?usp=sharing] Link to 2018 archaeoLidgey article [https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2018/09/27/brad-lidge-archaeology/81688004007/] Link to 2026 archaeoLidgey article [https://www.penn.museum/blog/major-league-archaeology/] Link to Lidge Explorers Club [https://50.explorers.org/community/brad-lidge/] Link to Poggio Civitate wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poggio_Civitate] Link to Under the Tuscan Sun wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Under_the_Tuscan_Sun_(film)] Link to Etruscan civilization wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etruscan_civilization] Link to Roman Empire meme [https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/how-often-do-you-think-about-the-roman-empire] Link to Lidge’s publications [https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Brad-Lidge-2311756295] Link to Lidge’s dice paper [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/400918910_The_Sacred_and_the_Mundane_Divergent_Dice_from_Poggio_Civitate] Link to North American dice article 1 [https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1121072] Link to North American dice article 2 [https://theconversation.com/archaeologists-have-discovered-12-000-year-old-dice-heres-what-they-reveal-about-the-history-of-play-280545] Link to Ben on Detectorists [https://www.theringer.com/2018/01/15/tv/detectorists-mackenzie-crook] [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-2470-the-closer-who-became-an-archaeo-lidge-ist/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2469: Tanks for Nothing

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about vagueposting screenshots of Baseball Savant percentiles, a Ron Darling comment during the Mets’ 12th consecutive loss about why pitchers shouldn’t apologize to batters for throwing inside, team-level changes in pitch usage and results this season, why MLB partly escaped the NBA’s tanking epidemic, why relievers are struggling so far, baseball parallels to track’s quest to produce lighter shoes, and an EW listener meetup tool [https://ew-meetups-2026--johnjoyceiii.replit.app/] (password: EW2026), then Stat Blast (1:25:12) about player home run totals that outstripped team win totals, winning streaks built from other teams’ losing streaks, and batting orders with jersey numbers that matched lineup slots, plus (1:39:40) a postscript. Audio intro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Horny) [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fe79WqDT_GXFX_lxicx_kPv11RE0Q1tf/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PG05TBt19rOUlQMuYgF5mNllQ3yEc5Tx/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to vagueposting wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vagueposting] Link to Buxton/McLean matchup [https://www.mlb.com/gameday/823640/play/40] Link to pitch before homer [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/sporty-videos?playId=3147be9a-e317-310a-a9b5-d743f5a3b83b] Link to home run pitch [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/sporty-videos?playId=7fb0f6bb-70f1-3b5a-a251-050e696ec218] Link to Clemens on McLean [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/nolan-mclean-feels-like-a-video-game-pitcher] Link to Clemens on hard in, soft away [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/too-much-math-about-an-old-adage/] Link to Ben on the Pirates [https://grantland.com/the-triangle/pittsburgh-pirates-mike-fitzgerald-mit-sabermetric-road-show/] Link to Sawchik on the Pirates [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/have-batters-become-too-comfortable/] Link to THT on the Pirates [https://tht.fangraphs.com/the-pirates-and-team-groundball-rates/] Link to Dan S. on the Mets [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/can-the-2026-mets-be-salvaged] Link to SNY ritual clip [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1ss44qm/highlight_the_sny_broadcast_booth_holds_a_ritual/] Link to MLB.com on SNY ritual [https://www.mlb.com/mets/news/mets-fall-to-twins-as-losing-streak-hits-12] Link to Baumann on Lumineers curse [https://bsky.app/profile/baumann.bsky.social/post/3mk2gmvgbg222] Link to Mr. Met/Lumineers post [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1lxqj25/mr_met_appeared_on_stage_with_the_lumineers_at/] Link to NYT on Mamdani curse [https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/21/nyregion/mets-mamdani-curse.html] Link to Rosenberg Mr. Met story [https://defector.com/new-york-radio-yutz-has-had-it-with-mr-mets-antisemitism] Link to team pitching changes [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iseHM3NqHuvoM6hyX4JnbZhTlvxbgR9Vj8-mTXuEPbw/edit?usp=sharing] Link to 2025 team FA% [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=9&month=0&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=&enddate=&season1=2025&season=2025&sortcol=2&sortdir=default&pagenum=1] Link to 2026 team FA% [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=9&month=0&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=&enddate=&sortcol=2&sortdir=default&season1=2026&season=2026] Link to Senzatela pitch usage [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/antonio-senzatela/15488/stats/pitching#pitch-type-velo] Link to pitch-type usage by year [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=9&month=0&ind=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&team=0%2Css&startdate=&enddate=&season1=2008&season=2026&sortcol=0&sortdir=default&pagenum=1] Link to 2025 team Stuff+ [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=36&month=0&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sortcol=11&sortdir=default&startdate=&enddate=&season1=2025&season=2025] Link to 2026 team Stuff+ [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=36&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sortcol=11&sortdir=default&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-04-21] Link to 2025 team contact% [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=15&month=0&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=&enddate=&sortcol=0&sortdir=asc&season1=2025&season=2025] Link to 2026 team contact% [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=15&month=0&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=&enddate=&sortcol=0&sortdir=asc&season1=2026&season=2026] Link to 2025 team pitching WAR [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&month=&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=&enddate=&season1=2025&season=2025] Link to 2026 team pitching WAR [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-04-21] Link to Sportico on NBA tanking [https://www.sportico.com/leagues/basketball/2026/nba-tanking-data-draft-lottery-odds-1234890511/] Link to Gold Plan wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_Plan_(sports)] Link to Gilbert “catch” [https://bsky.app/profile/cjzero.bsky.social/post/3mk4d6zhfzc2w] Link to MLB.com on Legumina [https://www.mlb.com/news/casey-legumina-designated-for-assignment-by-mariners] Link to MLBTR on Legumina [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/04/mariners-to-designate-casey-legumina-for-assignment.html] Link to MLB SP stats [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2026&season1=2026&ind=0&rost=&age=&filter=&players=0&month=1000&stats=sta&team=0%2Css&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-04-21] Link to MLB RP stats [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2026&season1=2026&ind=0&rost=&age=&filter=&players=0&month=1000&stats=rel&team=0%2Css&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-04-21] Link to WSJ running shoes article [https://www.wsj.com/sports/super-shoes-marathons-b8856b87] Link to Ben on MLB player improvements [https://www.theringer.com/2019/03/29/mlb/best-players-ever-woba-adam-ottavino-babe-ruth] Link to Cooper on fastball speed [https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/mlb-velocity-is-up-no-its-not-the-radar-guns/] Link to fastball speed joke graphic [https://x.com/jacklambert__/status/2045174490326573409] Link to listener meetup tool (PW: EW2026) [https://ew-meetups-2026--johnjoyceiii.replit.app] Link to meetup tool Reddit post [https://www.reddit.com/r/effectivelywild/comments/1sslj8l/ew_listener_meetup_tool/] Link to HR>wins spreadsheet [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DwCim7Pf9TZaaTqZE0c-KB7PwB533C8KZ-ndcCFMe0I/edit?usp=sharing] Link to losing streaks spreadsheet [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1z2c1YYZDx2y1EuLdQU5wm_JdRjoekpUArvh1magYAiw/edit?usp=sharing] Link to jersey=lineup slot data [https://drive.google.com/file/d/197PTCgz9D9ExxCW610deUyt81jc0r_xh/view?usp=sharing] Link to Kenny Jackelen [https://x.com/kennyjackelen] Link to listener emails database [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-8lpspHQuR5GK7S_nNtGunLGrx60QnSa8XLG_wvRb4Q/edit?usp=sharing] Link to streak-snapping Mets gamer [https://www.mlb.com/mets/news/mets-losing-streak-ends-at-12-games-with-win-over-twins] Link to 1914 Federal League game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLF/SLF191406160.shtml] Link to 1991 Pirates-Cubs game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PIT/PIT199104210.shtml] Link to 2011 Dodgers-Diamondbacks game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ARI/ARI201109270.shtml] Link to 1952 Dodgers-Braves game [https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/june-2-1954-jackie-robinson-ejected-in-brooklyns-rain-shortened-win/] Link to 2017 Yankees-Rays game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYA/NYA201707290.shtml] Link to 1928 Cleveland-Detroit game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET192804170.shtml] Link to 1923 Dodgers-Cardinals game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN192308011.shtml] Link to 1934 Cardinals-Reds game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN193407060.shtml] Link to 2004 Rangers-Tigers game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/TEX/TEX200405080.shtml] Link to 2019 Diamondbacks-Brewers game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ARI/ARI201907190.shtml] Link to EW Episode 2405 [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2405-the-tragicomic-a-rod/] Link to Nimmo/Semien comparison [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&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-04-21&team=0&players=12927%2C12533] Link to Murakami homers fun fact [https://bsky.app/profile/slangsonsports.bsky.social/post/3mk56g3qz7s2h] Link to Clemens on Murakami [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/munetaka-murakami-as-advertised] Link to Kruk in a suit [https://bsky.app/profile/megrowler.fangraphs.com/post/3mjv4qp4mn224] Link to Farley’s Matt Foley skit [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv2VIEY9-A8] Link to Farley’s Kruk skit [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kC9EBwTz_g] Link to Weaver post [https://bsky.app/profile/threetwoeephus.bsky.social/post/3mjvfgbr7rs2u] [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-2469-tanks-for-nothing/]