Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

Effectively Wild Episode 2459: Pump the ABS Brakes

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Mike Trout’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/mike-trout/10155/stats/batting]s hot start, Dub Gleed’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/william-gleed/sa3032302/stats/batting]s (nick)name, the challenge system as a mainstream sensation, several tactical considerations, listener emails, premature conclusions, and pedantic points after a weekend’s worth of ABS action, Munetaka Murakami [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/munetaka-murakami/37120/stats/batting]’s early slugging, a Brewers call-up and extension, NBC’s broadcast crews, and more, plus a few follow-ups. Audio intro: Philip Tapley and Michael Stokes, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZIp68xsf3VligZWlp_LIlfw_k-0KNsJt/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Guy Russo, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/18ypilLuC54vxaDVVNtUuHSx9gP2ZcLug/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to the other ABS [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-lock_braking_system] Link to Gleed trade story [https://www.mlb.com/news/leo-jimenez-traded-from-blue-jays-to-marlins] Link to challenge system tweet 1 [https://x.com/i_zzzzzz/status/2038287903378333925] Link to challenge system tweet 2 [https://x.com/SamAdlerBell/status/2038437383012516251] Link to Ben on the challenge system [https://www.theringer.com/2026/03/25/mlb/is-mlb-challenge-system-already-doomed-full-abs-balls-strikes-umpires] Link to Sam on the challenge system [https://pebblehunting.substack.com/p/abs-and-the-human-element] Link to UmpScorecards data [https://umpscorecards.com/data/umpires] Link to Rosenthal on the challenge system [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7156806/2026/03/30/automated-ball-strike-system-mlb-success/] Link to Passan on the challenge system [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48346818/mlb-2026-automated-balls-strikes-challenges-abs-best-worst-opening-weekend] Link to ABS system wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automated_Ball-Strike_System] Link to Petriello on 2025 ABS data [https://www.mlb.com/news/abs-challenge-system-statistical-breakdown-2025] Link to team ABS leaderboard [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/abs-challenges?challengeType=catching-team&level=mlb&gameType=regular&year=2026&sort=n_challenges&sortDir=desc&page=0&pageSize=50&dataMode=for] Link to ABS dashboard [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/abs] Link to ABS player leaderboard [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/abs-challenges] Link to Crizer on the challenge system [https://bandwagon.ghost.io/delauter-and-the-delorean/] Link to debutant dingers query [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/tiny/guoVD] Link to 2026 debutant dingers [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/bGp6g] Link to Murakami NPB analysis [https://1point02.jp/op/gnav/column/bs/column.aspx?cid=54068] Link to Murakami fun fact [https://x.com/jaycuda/status/2038430412100325549] Link to Reds Opening Days story [https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/mlb/reds/openingday/2021/03/30/cincinnati-reds-opening-day/6927264002/] Link to Shelton ejection clip [https://x.com/JomboyMedia/status/2038358447087906913] Link to Bucknor story [https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/cb-bucknor-umpire-abs-system-mlb-reds-red-sox/] Link to Bucknor challenges [https://x.com/CBoxSports/status/2038019886987804681] Link to Bucknor scorecard [https://x.com/UmpScorecards/status/2038263756535353367] Link to Bucknor story [https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/cb-bucknor-umpire-abs-system-mlb-reds-red-sox/] Link to Cora ejection [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1s6exey/highlight_trevor_story_is_irate_after_a_check/] Link to ABS and manager ejections info 1 [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7086734/2026/03/05/mlb-abs-manager-ejections-aaron-boone/] Link to ABS and manager ejections info 2 [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7144957/2026/03/25/abs-mlb-managers-umpires-argue/] Link to ABS and manager ejections info 3 [https://apnews.com/article/robot-umpires-abs-ejections-b50fe554c47712f95da18d1015c2afe4] Link to Quero call-up info [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/105682/the-call-up-jeferson-quero/] Link to MLBTR on Pratt [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/03/brewers-cooper-pratt-reportedly-working-on-extension.html] Link to FG Brewers list [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/milwaukee-brewers-top-47-prospects/] Link to Sam on check swings [https://pebblehunting.substack.com/p/what-if-all-checked-swings-were-just] Link to AP on Benetti [https://apnews.com/article/nbc-mlb-jason-benetti-acd628aef41b78a2679e83a21d0e6e0b] Link to MLBTR on Pratt [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/03/brewers-cooper-pratt-reportedly-working-on-extension.html] Link to listener emails database [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-8lpspHQuR5GK7S_nNtGunLGrx60QnSa8XLG_wvRb4Q/edit?usp=sharing] Link to “burn the ships” wiki [https://effectivelywild.fandom.com/wiki/Burn_the_Ships] Link to article about Syracuse team [https://www.syracuse.com/orangelacrosse/2026/03/syracuse-lacrosse-will-no-longer-wear-warm-up-shirts-after-group-calls-phrase-especially-cruel.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-2459-pump-the-abs-brakes/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2458: The Opening Day Debutant (Base)ball

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 the pleasures of and precedents for the historic rookie performances on Opening Day, the pains of Netflix’s Opening Night broadcast, an Opening Day disaster for Paul Skenes [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/paul-skenes/33677/stats/pitching], Oneil Cruz [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/oneil-cruz/21711/stats/batting], and a bird near Carson Benge [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/carson-benge/35177/stats/batting], Freddie Freeman [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/freddie-freeman/5361/stats/batting]’s gameday fit, a perplexing (un?)fun fact about the Phillies and Jhoan Duran [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jhoan-duran/21029/stats/pitching], why players don’t always challenge when they “should,” Nico Hoerner [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/nico-hoerner/21479/stats/batting] and Shane Baz [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/shane-baz/22264/stats/pitching] extensions, baseball movies being back (thanks to Tom Hanks), and more, plus a Stat Blast (1:28:40) about Black Ink streaks and a postscript (1:37:14) featuring a follow-up and a few bonus Blasts. Audio intro: Grant Brisbee, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CJziS-LZMoyB13avq991af2-c9KaGfoU/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 freemium model announcement [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-is-going-freemium/] Link to written explanation [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c3ZJ21_5CSpH6fPsG-BNNahj2xmWSwxgMsJFXbnbgho/edit?usp=sharing] Link to 2026 new debuts [https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/2026-debuts.shtml] Link to RE24 query [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/ayy6Z] Link to 2026 RE24 players [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/TxSzy] Link to 1914 RE24 players [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/42LPv] Link to 1938 RE24 players [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/I4sef] Link to 1950 RE24 players [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/oglpr] Link to RE24 glossary [https://library.fangraphs.com/misc/re24/] Link to B-Ref RE24 leaders [https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/re24_bat_career.shtml] Link to total bases query [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/WvWz8] Link to 2026 TB players [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/Wai4f] Link to 1938 TB players [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/nz12a] Link to 1.000 OPS query [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/9aVSG] Link to 2026 1.000 OPS players [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/9ZKJA] Link to 1901 1.000 OPS players [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/Zzaa7] Link to 1938 1.000 OPS players [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/j6scs] Link to Dick Crutcher bio [https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/Dick-Crutcher/] Link to Baumann on the rookies [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/welcome-to-the-big-leagues-boys-it-can-only-get-worse-from-here/] Link to “Baseball’s Sad Lexicon” [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball%27s_Sad_Lexicon] Link to first White Sox game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/MIL/MIL202603260.shtml] Link to Marchand on the Netflix game [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7148046/2026/03/26/mlb-netflix-yankees-giants/] Link to Bonds story [https://www.mlb.com/news/how-barry-bonds-was-nearly-a-yankee] Link to Bonds at Rickwood game [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p3CJ-M1hXM] Link to 180-degree rule [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/180-degree_rule] Link to FG post on Skenes [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-worst-start-of-paul-skenes-career/] 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 Pirates HR celebration [https://www.mlb.com/news/inside-the-pirates-pittsburgh-themed-home-run-celebration] Link to Benge on the bird [https://bsky.app/profile/timbritton.bsky.social/post/3mhykftibzs2h] Link to Freeman post 1 [https://x.com/Dodgers/status/2037307527155847315] Link to Freeman post 2 [https://bsky.app/profile/iamwhatyousay.bsky.social/post/3mhyqp5gpnk27] Link to Stark post [https://bsky.app/profile/jaysonst.bsky.social/post/3mhypylfnds27] Link to Sam post [https://bsky.app/profile/sammillerbb.bsky.social/post/3mhyreddni22i] Link to Phillies home closers query [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/Rbk3i] Link to Phillies road closers query [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/iVpTC] Link to Phillies OD home games [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/w71wm] Link to Phillies OD road games [https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/sharing/UmXPR] Link to home OD saves by team [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aEnBJ4kcg3EC44gQMIMgRVEkBeTIamSsPHpHUMpusUI/edit?usp=sharing] Link to Kruk comment [https://bsky.app/profile/johngonzalez.bsky.social/post/3mhylzkhmbk2u] Link to Tango on location uncertainty [https://tangotiger.com/index.php/site/article/abs-challenge-rates-by-proximity-to-border-of-strike-zone] Link to Petriello on catcher challenges [https://www.mlb.com/news/abs-spring-training-2026-takeaways] Link to Ben’s catcher research [https://www.theringer.com/2018/03/26/mlb/three-theories-on-catcher-plate-performance] Link to MLBTR on Hoerner [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/03/cubs-nico-hoerner-agree-to-extension.html] Link to MLBTR on Baz [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/03/orioles-shane-baz-finalizing-extension.html] Link to upcoming FA class [https://www.mlb.com/news/baseball-s-next-free-agent-classes] Link to Hanks movie announcement [https://variety.com/2026/film/news/tom-hanks-baseball-movie-combacker-bad-bunny-1236699572/] Link to Hanks typewriter collection [https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/jan/14/tom-hanks-typewriters-display] Link to Night Swim wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_Swim] Link to Caught Stealing wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caught_Stealing] Link to Eephus EW interview [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2293-impossible-sliders-and-extremely-slow-curves/] Link to Ben on Rogue One and Andor [https://www.theringer.com/2025/05/16/star-wars/five-takeaways-from-rewatching-rogue-one-after-andor-star-wars] Link to Black Ink info [https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Black_Ink] Link to Black Ink data 1 [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DpWwNi-Cs7-8RZUqNJ0e4sB_W_dhPYRcXEv_L0wv3WU/edit?usp=sharing] Link to Black Ink data 2 [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DFvokl9qKZe1Qi1_7qw8eJ4YzKVUR-Yd4H7xIRtzk6o/edit?usp=sharing] Link to Ben on Trout’s Black Ink [https://www.theringer.com/2019/08/07/mlb/mike-trout-home-runs-league-leader-stats] Link to blowout 1 [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/TOR/TOR202009220.shtml] Link to blowout 2 [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/TOR/TOR202009230.shtml] Link to blowout 3 [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYA/NYA200006180.shtml] Link to blowout 4 [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BOS/BOS200006190.shtml] Link to blowout 5 [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYA/NYA190407130.shtml] Link to blowout 6 [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYA/NYA190407140.shtml] Link to blowout 7 [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYA/NYA197807271.shtml] Link to blowout 8 [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYA/NYA197807272.shtml] Link to Vinay’s data [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ohH_ou9M3HYP5H4XHAjCL-qRLLlEXLRP?usp=sharing] Link to 1930 game [https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYA/NYA193009012.shtml] Link to Sam on record talent [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27535188/what-greatest-collection-talent-ever-one-roster] Link to Davy on Mets basestealing [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-mets-could-swipe-some-base-stealing-records/] Link to Newsday on Mets basestealing [https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/mets-antoan-richardson-base-stealing-juan-soto-brandon-nimmo-un62giix] Link to story on Richardson and Riley [https://www.mlb.com/news/antoan-richardson-might-have-austin-riley-running-in-2026] 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-2458-the-opening-day-debutant-baseball/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2457: The 2026 Team Fun Draft

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the number of Opening Days/Nights at the start of the regular-season schedule and how long they think the challenge system will last, review some of their favorite offseason transactions, and do their annual draft of all 30 MLB teams in order of how fun they’ll be to follow this season. Audio intro: The Spaghettis, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KIeoBr9umeDgG2NCtot-YRv1emuJCNFT/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Jimmy Kramer, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OsA2tZMe8hrgFONo1iYv7od0ZFea8mpx/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to Craig on Opening Days/Nights [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/105581/deep-but-playable-do-you-know-when-opening-day-is/] Link to broadcast dilemma [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7144726/2026/03/25/yankees-giants-mlb-opening-night-netflix-youtube-nbc/] Link to Ben on the challenge system [https://www.theringer.com/2026/03/25/mlb/is-mlb-challenge-system-already-doomed-full-abs-balls-strikes-umpires] Link to Ben on the labor situation [https://www.theringer.com/2026/03/23/mlb/mlb-mlbpa-labor-battle-faq-lockout-work-stoppage-2027-season] Link to champing/chomping [https://www.npr.org/sections/memmos/2016/06/09/605796769/chew-on-this-is-it-chomping-or-champing] Link to Rogers tattoo story [https://www.thebanner.com/sports/orioles-mlb/orioles-trevor-rogers-calvin-wooden-fan-tattoo-butt-CHL6KCDBUNAJLDTAYWUBQTNDBM/] Link to Langs Giants stat [https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:2x5bs276hs2ibqgwzhnx2jae/post/3mhtofk26ls27] Link to pod duration calculator [https://podduration.rknight.me/] Link to Adames challenge reaction [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1s23kz9/willy_adames_is_in_disbelief_that_the_sultanes/] Link to EWStats site [https://ewstats.com/competitions/predictions] Link to freemium model announcement [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-is-going-freemium/] Link to written explanation [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c3ZJ21_5CSpH6fPsG-BNNahj2xmWSwxgMsJFXbnbgho/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-2457-the-2026-team-fun-draft/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2456: The Hierarchy of Power in the MLB Universe is About to Change

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Randy Arozarena [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/randy-arozarena/19290/stats/batting] making up with Cal Raleigh [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/cal-raleigh/21534/stats/batting], the response to their announcement of the podcast’s new freemium model [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c3ZJ21_5CSpH6fPsG-BNNahj2xmWSwxgMsJFXbnbgho/edit?usp=sharing], whether they would try to issue the official first ball/strike challenge in MLB history, the challenge system vs. the pitch clock, several straggling WBC topics (the Team Italy espresso machine auction results, great TV ratings, a Team USA strawman, reframing the hierarchy of high-level baseball competition, projecting future WBCs, and a non-called shot, plus NPB “ghost wins”), how Ben’s anti on-field-front-office-meddling rant resonated with readers, why Kevin McGonigle [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/kevin-mcgonigle/sa3022895/stats/batting] and JJ Wetherholt [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jonathan-wetherholt/sa3025154/stats/batting] made Opening Day rosters and Konnor Griffin [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/konnor-griffin/sa3065496/stats/batting] (and John Brebbia [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/john-brebbia/12777/stats/pitching]) didn’t, Pete Crow-Armstrong [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/pete-crow-armstrong/27769/stats/batting] and Cristopher Sánchez [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/cristopher-sanchez/20778/stats/pitching] extensions, and how politicians should talk about sports fandom if they want to sound authentic. Audio intro: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jVOMAuZop-4BhxnZ1JQaULw7FlW2XJD_/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Daniel Leckie, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MDiYT6nzp-be6mFJdJgEZtCfPxSRWERW/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to “hierarchy of power” supercut [https://www.reddit.com/r/TwoBestFriendsPlay/comments/1hpmpqe/the_hierarchy_of_power_in_the_dc_universe_is/] Link to Arozarena statement [https://apnews.com/article/arozarena-raleigh-mariners-handshake-ac39b879a579bbbff2738dd6644bdf69] Link to freemium model announcement [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-is-going-freemium/] Link to written explanation [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c3ZJ21_5CSpH6fPsG-BNNahj2xmWSwxgMsJFXbnbgho/edit?usp=sharing] Link to EWStats site [https://ewstats.com/competitions/predictions] Link to espresso auction [https://auctions.mlb.com/charity-auction-2026-world-baseball-classic---home/isynmv1/aucd/6131691] Link to Jac jersey auction [https://auctions.mlb.com/2026-world-baseball-classic---italy-game-used-jersey/isynmv1/aucd/6124722] Link to WBC TV ratings [https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2026/03/world-baseball-classic-final-ten-million-viewers/] Link to Rosenthal comments [https://awfulannouncing.com/mlb/ken-rosenthal-team-usa-narrative-world-baseball-classic.html] Link to Webb quote [https://x.com/underdogmlb/status/2034837700185137377] Link to Acuña quote [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/wbc-title-bigger-baseball-ronald-061458368.html] Link to Kay comments [https://www-nj-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.nj.com/sports/2026/03/yankees-aaron-judges-wbc-comment-has-michael-kay-flummoxed-im-somewhat-taken-aback.html] Link to McLean/Holmes story [https://www.nydailynews.com/2026/03/19/mets-carlos-mendoza-venezuela-world-baseball-classic-ronny-mauricio/] Link to NPB “ghost win” story [https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/88aa18c67913b0f6cfe182e846f6365dc5ab9bf8] Link to NPB “ghost win” tweet [https://x.com/yakyucosmo/status/2034513343596425486] Link to NHL overtime rules [https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39345002/what-nhl-rules] Link to Ben on front-office meddling [https://www.theringer.com/2026/03/23/mlb/keep-mlb-front-offices-off-the-field-pitch-calling-scouting-cards] Link to Ben on the foul lines [https://www.theringer.com/2024/07/18/mlb/the-case-for-wider-mlb-foul-lines-rule-changes-strikeouts-batting-average] Link to The Athletic on Griffin [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7138517/2026/03/22/konnor-griffin-pittsburgh-pirates-minor-leagues-prospect/] Link to Pirates hitter projections [https://www.fangraphs.com/projections?type=fangraphsdc&stats=bat&pos=all&team=27&players=0&lg=&z=1774348605&sortcol=&sortdir=desc&pageitems=30&statgroup=dashboard&fantasypreset=dashboard] Link to MLBTR on Brebbia [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/03/rockies-release-john-brebbia.html] Link to FG post on PCA [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/its-a-good-day-to-be-pcas-cpa] Link to profane PCA profile [https://www.chicagomag.com/chicago-magazine/march-2026/welcome-to-the-pca-show/] Link to FG post on Sánchez [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/phillies-re-extend-cristopher-sanchez/] Link to FG post on Strider [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/are-the-braves-finally-running-out-of-pitchers/] Link to Mamdani quote [https://bsky.app/profile/davecolon.bsky.social/post/3mhsxja6tyk24] Link to Adams cap [https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/15/style/mayor-adams-mets-yankees-hat.html] Link to de Blasio cap [https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-red-sox/2021/02/05/new-york-city-mayor-red-sox-fan-bill-de-blasio-yankees-hat/] Link to Hillary caps story 1 [https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/24/us/politics/hillary-clinton-cubs.html] Link to Hillary caps story 1 [https://chicago.suntimes.com/2016/10/20/18386618/sweet-hillary-s-baseball-politics-a-cubs-yankees-saga] Link to “trash revolution” story [https://www.indy100.com/viral/new-york-trash-wheelie-bins] Link to HUAL on Mamdani [https://slate.com/podcasts/hang-up-and-listen/2025/11/new-york-mayors-race-mamdani-cuomo-and-the-knicks] Link to statue prizes [https://bsky.app/profile/ewstats.com/post/3mhqfeocb222o] Link to MLFAD picks [https://ewstats.com/competitions/mlfad] Link to Meg on HUAL [https://slate.com/podcasts/hang-up-and-listen/2026/03/the-wnbas-new-cba-includes-salary-increases-revenue-sharing-and-sets-a-historic-precedent-for-womens-sports] Link to observer effect wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observer_effect_(physics)] Link to four playoff teams article [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5698236/2024/08/13/mlb-playoffs-standings-national-league-the-windup/] [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-2456-the-hierarchy-of-power-in-the-mlb-universe-is-about-to-change/]

Effectively Wild is Going Freemium

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley announce a new freemium model for the podcast: From now on, one of their three episodes a week will be available only to Patreon supporters [https://patreon.com/effectivelywild]. In this PSA, they lay out their reasons for making the change and explain how it will work. You can also read a written explanation here [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c3ZJ21_5CSpH6fPsG-BNNahj2xmWSwxgMsJFXbnbgho/edit?usp=sharing]. Link to subscribe via Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/effectivelywild] Link to written announcement [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c3ZJ21_5CSpH6fPsG-BNNahj2xmWSwxgMsJFXbnbgho/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-is-going-freemium/]