Effectively Wild Episode 2508: Deadline Deliberations

Effectively Wild Episode 2508: Deadline Deliberations

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Ben’s ongoing jury service and meet major leaguers Zac Thornton [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/zachary-thornton/33891/stats/pitching] and Tyron Guerrero [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/tayron-guerrero/11691/stats/pitching], who used to be—but also never really were?—named Zach Thornton and Tayron Guerrero, respectively. Then (35:29) they attempt to diagnose Cal Raleigh’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/cal-raleigh/21534/stats/batting]s offensive ills, check in on Patrick Bailey [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/patrick-bailey/27478/stats/batting]’s bat, examine how the Red Sox and Phillies wound up where they were supposed to be by a very roundabout route, assess the state of trade-deadline speculation, and consider where they would want a few top trade candidates to go. 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: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IdOM-zb7R8ln39HiJsfTKpQCOdvTF7fd/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to Meet a Major Leaguer wiki [https://effectivelywild.fandom.com/wiki/Meet_a_Major_Leaguer] Link to semantic satiation wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semantic_satiation] Link to Newsday on Thornton [https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/zac-thornton-name-spelling-co27f74y] Link to Thornton’s Grand Canyon page [https://gculopes.com/sports/baseball/roster/zach-thornton/10829] Link to Guerrero call-up article [https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2026/05/chad-tracy-explains-red-sox-roster-moves-why-35-year-old-deserved-first-call-up-since-2019.html] Link to Cotillo’s Guerrero tweet [https://x.com/ChrisCotillo/status/2057943613544214656] Link to Guerrero name pronunciation [https://mktg.mlbstatic.com/redsox/audio/pronunciation-guide/tyron-guerrero.m4a] Link to Guerrero wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyron_Guerrero] Link to MLBTR on Guerrero [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/05/red-sox-to-select-tayron-guerrero.html] Link to The Land Before Time characters [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_The_Land_Before_Time_characters] Link to Soroka name tweet [https://x.com/mlbbowman/status/1623812803214671874] Link to Britton name article [https://www.mlb.com/cut4/zach-britton-has-changed-his-name-to-zack-britton-c303645592] Link to Varland name article [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6157525/2025/02/25/twins-louis-varland-name-change/] Link to Lovelady name article [https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-petes-sake/article309254670.html] Link to Stanton name decision [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giancarlo_Stanton#Personal_life] Link to Carmona/Hernández name change [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roberto_Hern%C3%A1ndez_(starting_pitcher)#Name_and_age_controversy] Link to Jerry Gergich wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Gergich] Link to Raleigh batted-ball profile [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/cal-raleigh-663728?stats=statcast-r-hitting-mlb#batted_ball_profile] Link to Sam’s Raleigh posts [https://bsky.app/profile/sammillerbb.bsky.social/post/3mr4vj5nz2s2b] Link to Raleigh’s 2025 splits [https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.fcgi?id=raleica01&year=2025&t=b] Link to Raleigh’s 2026 splits [https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.fcgi?id=raleica01&year=2026&t=b] Link to original Bailey discussion [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2477-can-cleveland-framemog-the-majors/] Link to profane, offensive Ferguson [https://bsky.app/profile/jomboymedia-mirror.bsky.social/post/3mr4zyyckej2h] Link to hitting after IBB article 1 [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/what-actually-happens-after-an-intentional-walk/] Link to hitting after IBB article 2 [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/26114/bp-unfiltered-to-answer-your-question-about-performance-after-intentional-walks/] Link to hitting after IBB article 3 [https://theanalyst.com/articles/intentional-walks-mlb-worth-the-risk] Link to preseason playoff odds [https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds/fg/mlb?date=2026-03-25] Link to updated playoff odds [https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds/fg/mlb?date=2026-07-21] Link to Breslow on the deadline [https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/07/20/sports/red-sox-trade-deadline-craig-breslow/] Link to Crizer on the Red Sox [https://bandwagon.ghost.io/14-thoughts-on-14-straight-red-sox-wins/] Link to Slaten quote [https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/07/20/sports/red-sox-win-streak/] Link to Dan S. on managerial firings [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/do-manager-firings-really-change-team-trajectories/] Link to BaseRuns standings [https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/pythagorean-baseruns] Link to team batting 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=&age=&filter=&players=0&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-07-20&month=1000] Link to team pitching 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=&age=&filter=&players=0&month=1000&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-07-20] Link to team 2B WAR [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?lg=all&qual=0&season=2026&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=&filter=&players=0&type=8&month=37&sortcol=21&sortdir=asc&pagenum=1] Link to The Athletic trade candidates [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7448958/2026/07/20/mlb-trade-deadline-big-board-2-0-pitchers/] Link to ESPN trade candidates [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49082474/ranking-mlb-trade-deadline-candidates-top-100-skubal-chapman-peralta-arraez] Link to MLBTR on Arraez [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/07/report-giants-have-not-discussed-extension-with-luis-arraez.html] Link to Goodman rumor [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49375888/mlb-2026-all-star-week-buzz-trade-deadline-rumors-intel-tarik-skubal-luis-arraez-mets-red-sox] Link to MLBTR on the Goodman rumor [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/07/yankees-have-shown-past-interest-in-hunter-goodman.html] Link to MLBTR on the Angels’ deadline [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/07/john-mozeliak-discusses-angels-deadline.html] Link to JKG injury article [https://www.mlb.com/news/joshua-kuroda-grauer-placed-on-injured-list] Link to Crotchfelt signing [https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2026/07/new-york-mets-sign-nj-baseball-alum-to-mlb-contract-after-he-made-history-in-college-world-series.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-2508-deadline-deliberations/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2507: Nothing Ventured, Nothing Named

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Ben’s jury duty and his reaction to Meg and Craig’s pillow talk on the preceding episode. Then they discuss why All-Star Game pitching is overpowering, whether the Home Run Derby balls were juiced (and whether it matters), another earliest-ever Opening Day, MLB’s crackdown on teams’ boundary-pushing use of dugout iPads, Shohei Ohtani [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/shohei-ohtani/19755/stats/batting]’s pitching pause, MLB app complaints, extensions for Chase Burns [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/chase-burns/35333/stats/pitching] and Kyle Bradish [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/kyle-bradish/24586/stats/pitching], Luis Arraez [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/luis-arraez/18568/stats/batting] as a prize of the trade deadline, and the funniest tech startups the Dodgers have seeded. Audio intro: Kite Person, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ShNIfvqdt84DII-pVYvCp32cIpVIP2V5/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Ian Phillips, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WrPfzMAqjbs7sudd3ufBF9DQ6CUJQBgI/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to EW Episode 2506 [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2506-all-star-showers-bring-second-half-flowers/] Link to Kepner on the ASG [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7446647/2026/07/15/mlb-all-star-game-pitching-history/] Link to 2018 ASG box score [https://www.baseball-reference.com/allstar/2018-allstar-game.shtml] Link to Heyman on Harper [https://nypost.com/2026/07/16/sports/bryce-harper-claims-home-run-derby-balls-are-juiced-as-mlb-pushes-back/] Link to Insta post with Harper quote [https://www.instagram.com/p/Da5kR11mmCq/?img_index=4] Link to MLB HRD notes [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1agFklIX29uAzHRn4w7kwBdAZOgCs83OJ/view?usp=sharing] Link to longest Harper homers [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfGT=R%7CPO%7C&hfSea=2026%7C2025%7C2024%7C2023%7C2022%7C2021%7C2020%7C2019%7C2018%7C2017%7C2016%7C2015%7C2014%7C2013%7C2012%7C2011%7C2010%7C2009%7C2008%7C&player_type=batter&batters_lookup%5B%5D=547180&metric_1=api_h_distance_projected&metric_1_gt=450&group_by=name-event&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&player_event_sort=api_h_distance_projected&sort_order=desc&chk_event_release_speed=on&chk_event_hit_distance_sc=on#results] Link to longest Caminero homers [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfGT=R%7CPO%7C&hfSea=2026%7C2025%7C2024%7C2023%7C2022%7C2021%7C2020%7C2019%7C2018%7C2017%7C2016%7C2015%7C2014%7C2013%7C2012%7C2011%7C2010%7C2009%7C2008%7C&player_type=batter&batters_lookup%5B%5D=691406&metric_1=api_h_distance_projected&metric_1_gt=450&group_by=name-event&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&player_event_sort=api_h_distance_projected&sort_order=desc&chk_event_release_speed=on&chk_event_hit_distance_sc=on#results] Link to longest Contreras homers [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfGT=R%7CPO%7C&hfSea=2026%7C2025%7C2024%7C2023%7C2022%7C2021%7C2020%7C2019%7C2018%7C2017%7C2016%7C2015%7C2014%7C2013%7C2012%7C2011%7C2010%7C2009%7C2008%7C&player_type=batter&batters_lookup%5B%5D=575929&metric_1=api_h_distance_projected&metric_1_gt=450&group_by=name-event&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&player_event_sort=api_h_distance_projected&sort_order=desc&chk_event_release_speed=on&chk_event_hit_distance_sc=on#results] Link to exit speed responsibility [https://web.archive.org/web/20150523115311/http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/a-baseballs-exit-velocity-is-five-parts-hitter-one-part-pitcher/] Link to 2024 NBA ASG wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NBA_All-Star_Game] Link to 2026 NBA ASG wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NBA_All-Star_Game] Link to top-selling jerseys [https://www.mlb.com/news/most-popular-mlb-player-jerseys-heading-into-opening-day-2026] Link to Sheehan on the lack of stars [https://www.joesheehan.com/2026/07/newsletter-excerpt-july-15-2026.html] Link to Paine on ASG philosophies [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/we-dont-know-what-we-want-from-all] Link to 2027 MLB schedule [https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-2027-schedule-released] Link to EW season preview series wiki [https://effectivelywild.fandom.com/wiki/Season_Preview_Series] Link to World Cup expansion [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7440104/2026/07/12/world-cup-expansion-64-teams-2030-infantino/] Link to March Madness expansion [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7261356/2026/05/07/ncaa-tournament-expansion-76-teams-2027/] Link to Ohtani news [https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-scratched-from-start-on-wednesday] Link to ulnar nerve entrapment [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22272-ulnar-nerve-entrapment] Link to MLB app betting odds [https://x.com/dougherty_jesse/status/2076359643282981184] Link to latest FG app updates [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-changelog-prospects-are-now-in-the-app-and-rosterresource-additions/] Link to The Athletic iPads report [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7448900/2026/07/16/mlb-bans-ai-dugout-ipads/] Link to Ben on front office encroachment [https://www.theringer.com/2026/03/23/mlb/keep-mlb-front-offices-off-the-field-pitch-calling-scouting-cards] Link to Ottavino clip [https://x.com/SleeperMets/status/2078189040306663865] Link to Dubuque on Burns [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/108752/the-reds-commit-to-an-endless-chase/] Link to Bradish on Burns [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/pay-day-comes-for-chase-burns/] Link to MLBTR on Burns [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/07/reds-extend-chase-burns-seven-years-105-million.html] Link to Trent’s tweet about Burns [https://x.com/ctrent/status/2078536557951389849] Link to Burns pitch usage [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/chase-burns/35333/stats/pitching#pitch-type-velo] Link to MLB pitching 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&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-07-18&team=0&qual=0] Link to MLBTR on Bradish [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/07/orioles-kyle-bradish-agree-to-five-year-extension.html] Link to sweepstakes wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweepstake] Link to sweeps week wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nielsen_Media_Research#Sweeps] Link to MLBTR on Arraez [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/07/luis-arraez-hopeful-of-staying-at-second-base-if-traded.html] Link to Andrews on Arraez [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/luis-arraezs-launch-angle-revolution/] Link to BZZR article 1 [https://www.chron.com/news/article/rangers-streaming-service-change-22347729.php] Link to BZZR article 2 [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/texas-rangers-fans-demand-refunds-200019222.html] Link to BZZR article 3 [https://www.sportico.com/leagues/baseball/2026/texas-rangers-victory-bzzr-streaming-price-why-change-1234939332/] Link to BZZR article 4 [https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/article/bzzr-adding-tools-rangers-fans-making-streaming-22350703.php] Link to FOIAball post [https://www.foiaball.com/p/college-football-laundry-detergent-renegade-los-angeles-dodgers] Link to 2015 Dodgers investment news [https://www.mlb.com/news/rga-los-angeles-dodgers-accelerator-announces-program-companies/c-145086162] Link to 2016 Dodgers investment news [https://www.mlb.com/press-release/the-la-dodgers-and-r-ga-announce-second-sports-accelerator-program-com-197648280] Link to 2018 Dodgers investment news [https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-launch-global-sports-venture-studio-c264422258] Link to R/GA companies page [https://ventures.rga.com/portfolio/] Link to Global Sports Venture Studio [https://www.globalsportsventurestudio.com/] Link to Elysian Park companies page [https://elysianpark.ventures/our-companies/] Link to 2023 Elysian Park article [https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2023/08/14/venture-capital/] Link to Elysian Park wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elysian_Park,_Los_Angeles] Link to Elysian Fields wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elysian_Fields_(Hoboken,_New_Jersey)] Link to Gilbert/Creighton interview [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2493-baseball-has-marked-the-time/] [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-2507-nothing-ventured-nothing-named/]

Effectively Wild Episode 2506: All-Star Showers Bring Second-Half Flowers

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]. With Ben Lindbergh serving jury duty, Meg Rowley is joined by Baseball Prospectus editor-in-chief Craig Goldstein. The pair discuss the perils of hotel pillows and showers, then turn their attention to the 2026 All-Star Game, how the in-person experience compares to the TV one, and the challenges of making it a fun event relative to the Home Run Derby. Then Craig offers his thoughts on the CBA negotiations and Rob Manfred’s approach to communicating (38:58), before he and Meg discuss a few of the things they are looking forward to (and one thing they’re dreading) about the season’s second half, including the White Sox, good teams playing well, a potentially weird deadline, and Pete Crow-Armstrong [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/pete-crow-armstrong/27769/stats/batting]. Audio intro: El Warren, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ndTWsOUXceUIb7RGqCtQChfListDI3GP/view]” Audio outro: Josh Busman, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1l8eZQLuLsu8N0m7MD_FXKbVTkOo_f_Pb?ths=true]” Link to the Five and Dive episode where Craig discusses the Rays [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/107706/five-dive-episode-551-jo-no/] Link to Craig on the weird deadline ahead [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/108709/this-is-shaping-up-to-be-a-weird-deadline/] Link to Steven Goldman on the All-Star Game [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/108716/ycliu-rained-out-at-the-all-star-game/] Link to Jake Mintz on the All-Star Game Sandlot tribute [https://sports.yahoo.com/video/was-the-america-sandlot-tribute-the-highlight-of-the-mlb-all-star-game-160158511.html] Link to Jayson Stark on the AL’s All-Star pitching dominance [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7446676/2026/07/15/mlb-all-star-game-2026-strikeouts-pitching-history/] Link to Andy McCullough on the All-Star Game [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7446438/2026/07/14/american-league-wins-mlb-all-star-2026/] Link to Michael Baumann on Philly as the haters’ All-Star Game [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-haters-all-star-game/] Link to Katie Woo on Jordan Walker [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jordan-walker/27475/stats/batting] [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7446566/2026/07/15/mlb-all-star-jordan-walker-cardinals/] Link to Ben Clemens on Dillion Dingler [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-best-catcher-in-baseball-is-dead-long-live-the-new-best-catcher-in-baseball/] Link to Davy Andrews on Pete Crow-Armstrong [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-weekly-mailbag-july-11-2026/] Link to Ryan Blake on Lance McCullers Jr. Trade [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/lance-mccullers-jr-agrees-to-begin-the-2026-trade-deadline/] Link to Dan Szymborski on an AL team with a losing record making the postseason [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-weekly-mailbag-june-20-2026/] [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-2506-all-star-showers-bring-second-half-flowers/]

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

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about all aspects of the Home Run Derby spectator experience, both in the ballpark and from afar: the new format, the Netflix broadcast, the Philly fans, Jordan Walker’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jordan-walker/27475/stats/batting]s win, and more. Then (49:12) they discuss how All-Star selections increasingly reflect same-season performance, Bruce Meyer’s and Rob Manfred’s comments to the BBWAA, negotiations over MLB players’ participation in the 2028 Olympics, Pete Crow-Armstrong [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/pete-crow-armstrong/27769/stats/batting] and Ceddanne Rafaela [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/ceddanne-rafaela/24262/stats/batting]’s mutual lovefest, and the ice-cold A’s and red-hot Red Sox. Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes, “Effectively Wild Theme 2 [https://drive.google.com/file/d/17xCKWhVd_jYCsHmnzYS21kpPsWJ2zj73/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nUFPNuHpOrpem0flIdJO-zbMml2BaR_a/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to FG HRD recap [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/jordan-walkers-breakout-continues-with-home-run-derby-title] Link to LHB-heavy preview [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/the-hr-derbys-lefties-are-poised] Link to MLB HRD notes [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1agFklIX29uAzHRn4w7kwBdAZOgCs83OJ/view?usp=sharing] Link to LHB park factors [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/statcast-park-factors?type=year&year=2026&batSide=L&stat=index_wOBA&condition=All&rolling=3&parks=mlb] Link to RHB park factors [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/statcast-park-factors?type=year&year=2026&batSide=R&stat=index_wOBA&condition=All&rolling=3&parks=mlb] Link to “Year of the LHH” post [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-year-of-the-left-handed-hitter/] Link to MLB.com on Walker [https://www.mlb.com/news/jordan-walker-wins-2026-home-run-derby-in-debut] Link to list of youngest HRD winners [https://www.mlb.com/news/youngest-home-run-derby-winners] Link to Walker on inspirational value [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49358712/jordan-walker-hopes-home-run-derby-win-inspires-black-kids] Link to historical HRD results [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Run_Derby#Complete_scoreboard] Link to McGwire Simpsons scene [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WderYLZIuX0] Link to Marchand on Netflix [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7443824/2026/07/14/netflix-home-run-derby-mlb-jordan-walker/] Link to Sam on the Derby’s future [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26993820/how-home-run-derby-became-america-national-pas] Link to HRD X wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MLB_Home_Run_Derby_X] Link to Meg’s Arozarena photo [https://bsky.app/profile/megrowler.fangraphs.com/post/3mqkgc2auv22k] Link to Posnanski on the HRD [https://www.joeposnanski.com/p/sport-and-spectacle] Link to Philly Drew/batteries incident [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-aug-11-sp-64795-story.html] Link to Philly Santa Claus incident [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Eagles_Santa_Claus_incident] Link to Paine on All-Star selections [https://neilpaine.substack.com/p/baseballs-all-stars-live-in-the-present] Link to past EW discussion on selections [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2189-dont-sell-umpires-shorts/] Link to Manfred competitive balance quote [https://bsky.app/profile/domismoney.bsky.social/post/3mqmqsl5isc2z] Link to Meyer on MLB.TV ads [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7445282/2026/07/14/mlb-union-ad-campaign-salary-cap/] Link to Meyer/Manfred messaging summary [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7446189/2026/07/14/mlb-league-union-all-star-game/] Link to Passan on the Olympics [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49357692/issues-tickets-rooms-complicate-mlb-playing-olympics] Link to Drellich on the Olympics [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7445406/2026/07/14/union-mlb-olympic-participation-consequences/] Link to The West Wing quote [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0745683/quotes/?item=qt0284599&ref_=ext_shr_lnk] Link to Rafaela/PCA article [https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/07/13/sports/all-star-game-ceddanne-rafaela/] Link to FG WAR leaderboard [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/war] Link to playoff odds changes [https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds/fg/mlb?date=2026-07-14&dateDelta=2026-07-01] Link to A’s firing article [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7442519/2026/07/13/athletics-fire-pitching-coach-scott-emerson/] Link to team road FIP [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&season=2026&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&filter=&players=0&sortcol=13&sortdir=default&type=1&month=16] Link to team home FIP [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&season=2026&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=0&filter=&players=0&sortcol=13&sortdir=default&type=1&month=15&pagenum=1] Link to team batting WAR [https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2026&month=1000&season1=2026&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=&age=&filter=&players=0&sortcol=21&sortdir=default&startdate=2026-03-01&enddate=2026-07-14] Link to Sheehan on the Sox [https://www.joesheehan.com/2026/07/newsletter-excerpt-july-13-2026-red-hot.html] Link to conn wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conn_(nautical)] [https://i.imgur.com/hT2AX6G.jpg] Sponsor Us on Patreon [http://www.patreon.com/effectivelywild] [https://i.imgur.com/xQIHgp3.png] Give a Gift Subscription [https://patreon.com/effectivelywild/gift] [https://i.imgur.com/tNOGFnG.png]podcast@fangraphs.com Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com [podcast@fangraphs.com] [https://i.imgur.com/gj3wTt4.png] Effectively Wild Subreddit [https://www.reddit.com/r/effectivelywild/] [https://i.imgur.com/28HuIsx.png] Effectively Wild Wiki [http://effectivelywild.wikia.com/wiki/Effectively_Wild_Wiki] [https://i.imgur.com/n16jO21.png] Apple Podcasts Feed [http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/effectively-wild-daily-baseball/id545919715]  [https://i.imgur.com/fQfPcpV.png] Spotify Feed [https://open.spotify.com/show/18kbXy9p0jHw3o8f2cQlCj] [https://i.imgur.com/sjL4TbJ.png] YouTube Playlist [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXytxPs81CsUSJmN1mQMr526CdeDpf4vK] [https://i.imgur.com/jbkZAC1.png] Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/effectivelywild/] [https://i.imgur.com/waJFv7Y.png] Bluesky Account [https://bsky.app/profile/ewpod.bsky.social] [https://i.imgur.com/DAtijEo.jpg] Twitter Account [https://twitter.com/ewpod] [https://i.imgur.com/YXW4kOd.png] Get Our Merch! [https://breakingt.com/collections/fangraphs] Source [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2505-game-recognize-all-star-game/]

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

EWFI [http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png] MLB Draft 2026 * What Do Real Prospects Think About MLB’s Draft Proposal? [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/what-do-real-prospects-think-about-mlbs-draft-proposal] * 2026 Mock Draft 1.0 [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2026-mock-draft-1-0] * The Biggest (Literally) Draft Class Yet [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-biggest-literally-draft-class-yet] * Jackson Flora's Evolution, Alain Gomez-Gudino's Incredible Journey, and Other Tales from the 2026 Draft Class [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/jackson-floras-evolution-alain-gomez-gudinos-incredible-journey-and-other-tales-from-the-2026-draft-class] * 2026 MLB Draft Preview and Updated Rankings [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2026-mlb-draft-preview-and-updated-rankings] * Day 1 Draft Chat [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-2026-day-1-draft-chat] * 2026 Mock Draft 2.0: The Day Of [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2026-mock-draft-2-0-the-day-of] * The MLB Draft Is Once Again for Diehards Only [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-mlb-draft-is-once-again-for-diehards-only] * Day 1 Recap [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2026-mlb-draft-day-1-recap] * 2026 Futures Game Recap: More Next Year, Please [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2026-futures-game-recap-more-next-year-please] * Effectively Wild Episode 2504: I Choo-Choo-Choose You [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2504-i-choo-choo-choose-you] Ben Lindbergh, Meg Rowley, and FanGraphs lead prospect analyst Eric Longenhagen banter about Zack Wheeler [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/zack-wheeler/10310/stats/pitching] declining MLB’s last-minute All-Star invitation, JJ Wetherholt’ [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jj-wetherholt/34985/stats/batting]s long-term contract extension, and how the Futures Game and amateur draft fell flat as spectator events, then discuss the top tier of draft picks, some surprising picks and revamped approaches by teams under new management, why better data hasn’t made teams much better at drafting, why no team has tried blowing by its bonus allotment, and more, plus closing banter about Bryce Harper [https://www.fangraphs.com/players/bryce-harper/11579/stats/batting]’s explanation of his video message for a sports-betting addict. Audio intro: Nate Emerson, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EquxhP2rk11C79uLJ6UGylakDUOcbvzY/view?usp=drive_link]” Audio outro: PJ Harding, “Effectively Wild Theme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GaXmQoPFfbQdNZTyMqkTGmuPIRdlG22G/view?usp=drive_link]” Link to The Simpsons clip [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWuAIS7Vs_M] Link to Wheeler article [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49342179/zack-wheeler-rejects-all-star-game-invite-snubs-not-gonna-fifth-option] Link to MLBTR on Wetherholt [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/07/cardinals-jj-wetherholt-agree-to-extension.html] Link to Wetherholt’s draft outfit [https://x.com/Cardinals/status/1812860358488461817] Link to Baumann on the spectator experience [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-mlb-draft-is-once-again-for-diehards-only/] Link to Cooper on the spectator experience [https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/mlbs-2026-draft-day-experience-left-a-lot-to-be-desired/] Link to Manfred mispronunciation article [https://awfulannouncing.com/mlb/rob-manfred-butchers-name-roch-cholowsky-top-draft-pick.html] Link to celebrity golf tournament [https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/49346394/mardy-fish-wins-3rd-celebrity-golf-tournament-title-tahoe] Link to Futures Game FAQ [https://www.mlb.com/milb/news/mlb-all-star-futures-game-faq-2026] Link to draft viewing FAQ [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7431948/2026/07/11/mlb-draft-2026-tv-channels-how-to-watch/] Link to Brendan on the Futures Game [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2026-futures-game-recap-more-next-year-please/] Link to Eric’s draft preview [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2026-mlb-draft-preview-and-updated-rankings/] Link to The Board [https://www.fangraphs.com/prospects/the-board] Link to Baumann on big draftees [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-biggest-literally-draft-class-yet/] Link to MLB draft tracker [https://www.mlb.com/draft/tracker] Link to FG Day 1 draft recap [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2026-mlb-draft-day-1-recap/] Link to The Athletic on Schaffner [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7439565/2026/07/12/red-sox-mlb-draft-jake-schaffner/] Link to Crotchfelt vs. Titsworth post [https://x.com/CrossingBroad/status/2076691426570641581] Link to Angels picks [https://www.mlb.com/angels/news/angels-2026-draft-picks] Link to Ball’s draft study [https://andrewballnotes.substack.com/p/are-mlb-teams-getting-better-at-drafting] Link to Seidler on blowing up the draft [https://www.baseballprospectus.com/prospects/article/107233/guarding-the-lines-the-giants-should-blow-up-the-2026-draft/] Link to Ball on blowing up the draft [https://andrewballnotes.substack.com/p/the-missed-opportunity-in-the-mlb] Link to NBA revenue info [https://entertainment.substack.com/p/what-drove-the-2026-finals-viewership] Link to Madisynn from She-Hulk [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GFsv62ghgU] Link to Clemens on prospect valuation 1 [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/introducing-an-updated-method-for-prospect-valuation/] Link to Clemens on prospect valuation 2 [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-details-of-our-new-prospect-valuation-methodology/] Link to camel case wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camel_case] Link to Harper’s Instagram post [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1uvf767/bryce_harper_responds_on_instagram_to_fanduel/] Link to EW guest appearances [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Whj82D67hv5RovhF8vZnuIFEw87YMKuVYkGj2mNBG4k/edit?gid=0#gid=0] Link to Dodgers extra-inning game [https://www.mlb.com/news/dalton-rushing-has-walk-off-hit-in-dodgers-first-extra-inning-game] [https://i.imgur.com/hT2AX6G.jpg] Sponsor Us on Patreon [http://www.patreon.com/effectivelywild] [https://i.imgur.com/xQIHgp3.png] Give a Gift Subscription [https://patreon.com/effectivelywild/gift] [https://i.imgur.com/tNOGFnG.png]podcast@fangraphs.com Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com [podcast@fangraphs.com] [https://i.imgur.com/gj3wTt4.png] Effectively Wild Subreddit [https://www.reddit.com/r/effectivelywild/] [https://i.imgur.com/28HuIsx.png] Effectively Wild Wiki [http://effectivelywild.wikia.com/wiki/Effectively_Wild_Wiki] [https://i.imgur.com/n16jO21.png] Apple Podcasts Feed [http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/effectively-wild-daily-baseball/id545919715]  [https://i.imgur.com/fQfPcpV.png] Spotify Feed [https://open.spotify.com/show/18kbXy9p0jHw3o8f2cQlCj] [https://i.imgur.com/sjL4TbJ.png] YouTube Playlist [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXytxPs81CsUSJmN1mQMr526CdeDpf4vK] [https://i.imgur.com/jbkZAC1.png] Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/effectivelywild/] [https://i.imgur.com/waJFv7Y.png] Bluesky Account [https://bsky.app/profile/ewpod.bsky.social] [https://i.imgur.com/DAtijEo.jpg] Twitter Account [https://twitter.com/ewpod] [https://i.imgur.com/YXW4kOd.png] Get Our Merch! [https://breakingt.com/collections/fangraphs] Source [https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-2504-i-choo-choo-choose-you/]