Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the overwhelming listener response to their previous conversation about cover models for baseball video games, and Ben issues some “Bo Nos” in support of his previous Royals reporting. Then (18:19) they talk about the Rays signing Ha-Seong Kim , Roki Sasaki “prospect” rankings, a recent leaguewide run on relievers, trade-based brother breakups, Hal Steinbrenner’s unconvincing attempt at anti-Dodgers-spending solidarity, and minor league name matches for ...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 35 min
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about some good news and bad news about breakout picks, Junior Caminero ’s unbeatable bat flip and home run trot in the LIDOM playoffs, the latest MLB The Show cover model(s) and the lone MLB franchise that hasn’t put a player on the cover of a video game, the Ryan Pressly trade and whether Houston has a plan, and the mysteries of T-Mobile Park’s scoring suppression, plus a Stat Blast (1:28:57) about the players who came closest to team monogamy without quite ...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 40 min
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Meg’s memories of Ichiro and his sensational MLB debut, Ippei Mizuhara’s letter about his work with Shohei Ohtani , Roki Sasaki ’s dog, the misleading name of “Sluggball,” Jurickson Profar and the prospect of a Braves rebound, which players will get “shorter” thanks to the challenge system, two new rules changes, how the Dodgers will make innings meet, how to make 3B coaches more aggressive, “Tragedeigh,” and more. Audio intro : Alex Glossman and Ali Bre...
Jan 25, 2025•1 hr 46 min
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley bring on FanGraphs senior writer Jay Jaffe to break down the Hall of Fame voting results, from new honorees to one-and-done candidates to trends in support to forecasts for future ballots and much more. Audio intro : Philip Bergman, “ Effectively Wild Theme ” Audio outro : Tom Rhoads, “ Effectively Wild Theme ” Link to Hill report Link to MLBTR on Hill Link to 2025 voting results Link to 2024 voting results Link to selections by year Link to Jay’s results post Link t...
Jan 23, 2025•1 hr 19 min
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley revisit and update their recent discussion on the Dodgers, competitive balance, and what’s good for the game in light of L.A.’s latest additions, then (1:06:18) discuss the Blue Jays’ signing of Anthony Santander and the outlook for Pete Alonso , followed by (1:20:02) a Stat Blast on Bob Uecker and the players with the highest percentage of homers hit against Hall of Famers. Audio intro : Grant Brisbee, “ Effectively Wild Theme ” Audio outro : Kite Person, “ Effectiv...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 37 min
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley react to the news that Roki Sasaki is signing with the Dodgers (shocker!), breaking down how the posting process played out, the Dodgers’ ridiculous rotation, whether L.A.’s talent-acquisition advantage is good or bad for baseball, the runners-up for Roki, and more. Then they explore how softball and baseball are joining the women’s sports boom via the expansion/launch of professional leagues this year and next by talking to Emma Baccellieri of Sports Illustrated abo...
Jan 18, 2025•2 hr 18 min
Deaths don’t actually come in threes—unfortunately, there are many more than that—but Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley begin by marking the passings of a trio of notable figures: David Lynch, Bob Uecker , and Tommy Brown . Then (35:27) they talk about the maybe-momentous signing of a Japanese player not named Roki Sasaki (Shotaro Morii), follow up on previous conversations about “breakout” creep, answer a couple of questions about breakouts, and then respond to listener emails on other topics, inclu...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr 48 min
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a new escalation in “breakout” creep, the Blue Jays signing Jeff Hoffman , risk tolerance in transactions, alternate spellings of names, Roki Sasaki ’s effect on the market for international amateur free agents, another example of a team offering a higher salary in arbitration than a player requested, Mets owner Steve Cohen’s financial returns, Nick Castellanos on MVP Jose Iglesias , and a 19th-century curved-bat idea (1:08:44), plus (1:22:40) a Stat Bla...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 34 min
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about salary arbitration, Kyle Tucker , and the unique case of Mike Edwards , then (15:55) kick off a series of interviews about unsung baseball jobs by talking to Rockies bullpen catcher and major league operations assistant (and now, minor league hitting coach) Aaron Muñoz , followed (1:06:09) by former Marlins coordinator of baseball information services (and former FanGraphs writer) Bradley Woodrum , plus (1:59:04) a few follow-ups. Audio intro : Benny and...
Jan 11, 2025•2 hr 4 min
Ben Lindbergh, Meg Rowley, and Ben Clemens banter about the Giants signing Justin Verlander , a plateau in leaguewide slider usage, and why spending on free agents has exceeded expectations so far. Then (20:55) they continue a cherished podcast tradition by conducting the 12th annual Effectively Wild Minor League Free Agent Draft, in which they select 10 minor league free agents each and compete to see whose roster will accumulate the most combined MLB playing time in 2025. Audio intro : Austin ...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 49 min
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley rant about the practice of picking “breakout” players who have already broken out, react (22:20) to the Orioles’ Charlie Morton signing and discuss (38:24) Morton as one of the pitchers who best embodies his era, and answer listener emails (52:14) about whether the existence of the minor leagues suggests that baseball is the hardest sport to play and why MLB’s potential TV-driven decrease in revenue is worthy worrying about, plus a postscript (1:33:54). Audio intro :...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 40 min
Ben Lindbergh, Meg Rowley, and Patreon supporter Jordan Smith banter about Jordan’s baseball background, the Tigers’ 2025 hopes, the Dodgers signing Hyeseong Kim, and more, then (30:48) answer listener emails about per-game stats, “advanced” stats, televised arbitration cases, an owner playing in games, pit stops on the basepaths, assorted variations on the Golden Batter (and the Golden Batter vs. the zombie runner), relaxing substitution rules, defining “changeup,” and $ per HR. Audio intro : T...
Jan 04, 2025•1 hr 37 min
As the halfway point of the offseason approaches, Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the relative merits of the first half of the offseason vs. the second half of the offseason, assess the weakest projected positions on contending teams and the best remaining free agents, and list MLB stories they’re looking forward to following. Audio intro : Liz Panella, “ Effectively Wild Theme ” Audio outro : Jimmy Kramer, “ Effectively Wild Theme ” Link to weak positions sheet Link to FG team project...
Jan 03, 2025•1 hr 17 min
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the latest on Roki Sasaki’s posting process, the NL-AL imbalance, and why the active homer leader doesn’t have more homers, then (50:44) review the team goals from the 2024 season preview series. Audio intro : Kite Person, “ Effectively Wild Theme ” Audio outro : Cory Brent, “ Effectively Wild Theme ” Link to Sasaki update Link to Mains on NL vs. AL Link to Posnanski post Link to Jeremy Frank tweet Link to B-Ref HR page Link to active HR leaders Link to ...
Jan 02, 2025
Ben Lindbergh, Lindsey Adler , and Hannah Keyser talk about Lindsey and Hannah’s evolving relationships to baseball writing, near-simultaneous Substack-starting, and (ongoing) pursuits of self-discovery and creative fulfillment. Then (45:27) Ben and Hannah analyze the Teoscar Hernández and Corbin Burnes signings and (1:05:49) discuss at least one listener-nominated topic about each National League team that wasn’t previously covered on the podcast in 2024 (plus a real-time reaction to Shohei Oht...
Dec 29, 2024•2 hr 29 min
Ben Lindbergh and Michael Baumann play “College Baseball Player or U.S. Army Air Forces Pilot Who Took Part in Operation Vengeance,” banter about Jake Burger ’s three consecutive seasons with a .250 batting average, the Tigers signing Gleyber Torres , and how the ruling about Diego Pavia’s NCAA eligibility could affect college (and pro) baseball, then (26:59) discuss least one listener-nominated topic about each American League team that wasn’t previously covered on the podcast in 2024. Audio in...
Dec 28, 2024•1 hr 44 min
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley discuss the career and life of Rickey Henderson , focusing on changes in public perceptions of his play and personality, how underrated he was (even though he was highly rated!), and his impact on the modern game and media, then (41:52) catch up on a flurry of transactions, including a run on first basemen, NL/AL East pitching moves, and predawn newsbreaking. Audio intro : El Warren, “ Effectively Wild Theme ” Audio outro : Josh Busman, “ Effectively Wild Theme ” Lin...
Dec 24, 2024•1 hr 23 min
Ben Lindbergh, Meg Rowley, and Pebble Hunting ’s Sam Miller banter about Michael Lorenzen embracing an Effectively Wild hypothetical, Ben and Sam’s past predictions about baseball in the 2020s, and Paul Skenes and the ERA title, then discuss what will be remembered about baseball in 2024 (plus a postscript). Audio intro : Daniel Leckie, “ Effectively Wild Theme ” Audio outro : Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “ Effectively Wild Theme ” Link to EW Episode 2242 Link to Lorenzen article Link to EW E...
Dec 21, 2024•1 hr 39 min
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Cody Bellinger trade, the Yankees’ and Cubs’ next moves, Guaranteed Rate Field changing to Rate Field, and the results of MLB’s inquiry into pitcher injuries. Then (31:39) they bring back A’s slugger Brent Rooker to discuss his monster 2024, his work as a World Series correspondent, misconceptions about hitting, how Sutter Health Park will play, leaving the Coliseum, his future with the A’s, unreported injuries, ballplayer parental leave, his favorit...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 26 min
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the qualifications for being a superstar, the Kyle Tucker trade from the Astros’ and Cubs’ perspectives, the Devin Williams trade from the Yankees’ and Brewers’ perspectives, and various other transactions, including the A’s trading for Jeffrey Springs and the Orioles signing Tomoyuki Sugano , plus thoughts on Caleb Durbin ’s dimensions, the significance of financial terms in transaction analysis, a possible spending divide stemming from a disparity in T...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 31 min
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the end of the Winter Meetings, then discuss the rest of what down in Dallas: the Max Fried signing and where the Yankees roster stands, the Garrett Crochet trade, referring to a single player as a “Red Sox,” the Andrés Giménez (and Spencer Horwitz ) trades, the Rangers re-signing Nathan Eovaldi and trading for Jake Burger , the Nationals landing the no. 1 overall pick in the draft lottery, Washington’s pitching development philosophy, the saga of Braggo...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 34 min
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Roki Sasaki’s destination, follow up on their previous discussion of the Juan Soto signing, and discuss several more transactions, including the Giants signing Willy Adames , multiple Dodgers and Orioles moves, and a trio of starting-pitcher signings, plus reactions to the Hall of Fame elections of Dick Allen and Dave Parker , and FanGraphs Walk-Off talk. Audio intro : Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “ Effectively Wild Theme ” Audio outro : Jonathan Crym...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 27 min
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley discuss all the aspects of Juan Soto signing a record-breaking contract with the New York Mets. That’s it. That’s the episode. Audio intro : Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “ Effectively Wild Theme (Pedantic) ” Audio outro : The Shirey Brothers, “ Effectively Wild Theme ” Link to Dan S. on Soto Link to Ben C. on Soto Link to Kram on Soto Link to Passan on Soto Link to The Athletic on Soto Link to Heyman on Soto Link to MLBTR on Soto Link to FG Soto stats post Li...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 23 min
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a Tigers tweet about future first-pitch timing and other non-topical PSAs, provide a Secret Santa sign-up reminder, consider baseball authority figures who answer fan mail, discuss the impact that the changing economic landscape of college sports could have on MLB drafting and development, react to Danny Jansen ’s deal with the Rays, and answer a question about defining “division rivals,” then (57:10) bring on Michael Mountain to Stat Blast about his new...
Dec 07, 2024•1 hr 29 min
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the A’s signing Luis Severino and year-end podcast-listening stats, follow up on the golden at-bat and Hall of Fame plaques, and (1:07:46) discuss the history of deferred payments in sports contracts. Audio intro : Josh Busman, “ Effectively Wild Theme ” Audio outro : Luke Lillard, “ Effectively Wild Theme ” Link to FG post on Severino Link to over/under draft results Link to Gonzalez A’s tweet Link to Passan spending tweet Link to FG payrolls page Link ...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 49 min
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about their obliviousness to Juan Soto signing rumors, what should count as a team claiming to have tried to sign someone, a rash of recent real signings, the strength of the free agent market so far, the Dodgers’ accounting tactics and misperceptions about deferrals, the decline in therapeutic use exemptions to MLB’s joint drug policy, and (44:17) the pros and cons of the controversial “golden at-bat” idea that was recently mooted by Rob Manfred. Audio intro ...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 19 min
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a Nolan Arenado rumor, then (5:15) answer listener emails about fandoms that are overrepresented in baseball media, Formula 1-style “pay players” in MLB, whether players should be paid overtime for the postseason, whether MLB will ever classify foreign leagues as “major,” a Disney Channel baseball scene, fan-elected baseball executives, and (1:14:13) a player ( Earl Pruess ) with a mysterious nickname, followed by a bonus Stat Blast (1:24:02) about the t...
Nov 28, 2024•1 hr 35 min
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley begin with a cold-open reaction to late-breaking news about Blake Snell signing with the Dodgers, then (19:52) banter about gift subscriptions, the Angels signing Yusei Kikuchi , and the Brady Singer – Jonathan India trade, follow up (46:58) on the Rays stadium situation, and, in the Thanksgiving spirit, discuss (56:59) things about baseball that they’re thankful for. Audio intro : Beatwriter, “ Effectively Wild Theme ” Audio outro : Philip Bergman, “ Effectively Wil...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 42 min
Ben Lindbergh, Meg Rowley, Ben Clemens , Michael Baumann , and podcast scorekeeper Chris Hanel convene to play “College Baseball Player or Fictional Republican Politician?” and reveal the victors of the 2024 minor league free agent draft and bold preseason predictions game, including recaps of each prediction. Audio intro : The Gagnés, “ Effectively Wild Theme ” Audio outro : Gabriel-Ernest, “ Effectively Wild Theme ” Link to minor league FA draft pod Link to draft wiki Link to past draft resear...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 32 min
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about how much Shohei Ohtani ’s teammates helped him win his third MVP award, his incredible four-season stretch, whether Dekopin/Decoy is really his dog, the other MVP and Cy Young results, a Joey Meneses signing, Austin Slater and the virtues of being a team’s “top target,” the Rays’ confounding stadium strategy, the varying pronunciations of “envelope,” a listener question about RSN ownership, the seventh annual Effectively Wild Secret Santa, and more, plus...
Nov 23, 2024•1 hr 25 min
