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Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the new name and look of Cleveland’s MLB team, the Guardians, then react to the Rays trading for Nelson Cruz and dealing away Rich Hill, analyze a new electronic system for sending signs from catchers to pitchers that’s about to be tested in A ball, and salute Juan Soto’s post-Home Run Derby hot streak. Then (38:42) they bring on FanGraphs writers Ben Clemens and Kevin Goldstein to talk about their just-completed ranking of the 50 players with the most trade value, touching on how the series’ sausage was made, the most divisive players, the toughest omissions, valuing pitchers vs. hitters, evaluating Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, Max Kepler, Ramón Laureano, and other players, synthesizing stats and scouting info (and production and pay), what they expect at this year’s trade deadline, and how teams’ behavior at the deadline has changed (plus a postscript on historic pitching matchups and more alternate cycles). Audio intro: Lou Reed, "Guardian Angel" Audio interstitial: The Bats, "Trade in Silence" Audio outro: Sloan, "I Can Feel It" Link to Guardians announcement video Link to Guardians logo and lettering Link to Guardians uniforms Link to story on Tom Hanks and Cleveland Link to article about the Guardians name selection Link to Dan Szymborski on the Cruz trade Link to BP IL Ledger Link to report on electronic signs system Link to story on Soto and the Derby Link to story about the Derby “curse” Link to Trade Value series  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Facebook Group  Effectively Wild Wiki  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch!  Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {});

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the return of the debate about batting around and other unending debates they do or don’t care about, whether MLB should borrow the NFL’s plan to make clubs forfeit games that can’t be played because of unvaccinated players, Willians Astudillo being back in the big leagues, and listeners’ suggestions for alternate cycles, then answer listener emails about Zack Greinke and the Expos, turning the zombie runner into a ghost runner, beliefs about baseball that they have changed their minds about or will change their minds about, a baseball equivalent of pulling the goalie, and how long it would take aging former stars’ career WARs to hit zero, plus a Stat Blast about the Mariners and teams with the longest droughts since their last sweep of a homestand or road trip. Audio intro: Lou Reed, "Endless Cycle" Audio outro: Death Cab for Cutie, "Debate Exposes Doubt" Link to WSJ batting around article Link to Deadspin batting around article Link to 2019 batting around video Link to 2021 batting around video Link to “triple short of cycle” games Link to “Miggy cycle” games Link to story about NFL forfeits Link to post about pulling the goalie Link to post about civilian WAR Link to post about potato WAR Link to Stat Blast data  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Facebook Group  Effectively Wild Wiki  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch!  Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {});

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the length of the baseball season (and postseason) compared to other sports’, whether Shohei Ohtani ever grows frustrated with his mere-mortal teammates, the prolific predictions of the Rockies’ Mike Redmond, a possible modification to the zombie-runner rule, an update on the Marlins’ run differential, a story about a broadcaster bet gone wrong, a listener report on Tony La Russa, Willie Stargell’s stars, an Ohtani playing-time fun fact, the AL MVP race, the Blue Jays returning to Toronto (and a hat tip to John McDonald), a few potential variations on the cycle, and when MLB will welcome its first active, openly gay player, then close with a discussion of MLB’s first month sans sticky stuff, focusing on the offensive effects and whether cheating is overrated. Audio intro: Vetiver, "Been So Long" Audio outro: The Posies, "Flavor of the Month" Link to study on postseason randomness Link to Neil Paine on MLB vs. the NBA Link to Ohtani’s postgame comments Link to The Onion on Ohtani Link to Ohtani Week intro Link to Redmond predictions story Link to Nightengale on the zombie-runner rule Link to The Athletic on the zombie-runner rule Link to Jim Rooker story Link to Jake Mintz’s ride Link to Buster Olney on Stargell’s stars Link to Engadget on Stargell’s stars Link to cycle tweet Link to story on Ron Wright Link to story on the “Saint Cycle”  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Facebook Group  Effectively Wild Wiki  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch!  Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {});

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the conditions David Fletcher has faced during his hitting streak compared to those Joe DiMaggio faced, follow up on a discussion of baseball in a multiverse scenario, discuss the difficulty of extending (or trading) Byron Buxton, mention a quest to collect Willians Astudillo cards, puzzle over the stagnation of former top prospect Nomar Mazara, and marvel at Padres rookie reliever Daniel Camarena’s improbable grand slam. Then (32:53) they talk to Jake Mintz of Cespedes Family BBQ about his All-Star week experience, his upcoming baseball bike ride from New York City to Chicago, the teams he’ll see along the way, his fateful bet about the White Sox not hiring Tony La Russa, how La Russa has handled the job in Chicago, the challenge of gauging how effective any manager is, Jake’s friendship with Jordan Shusterman, and more. Audio intro: Billy Bragg & Wilco, "Joe DiMaggio Done it Again" Audio interstitial: 2nd Grade, "My Bike" Audio outro: The Dukes of Stratosphear, "Bike Ride to the Moon" Link to Stats about DiMaggio’s streak Link to story about official scorers and DiMaggio Link to list of pitchers Fletcher faced Link to Larry Niven story Link to Buxton extension story Link to Astudillo card collector Link to Wallach card blog Link to Sam on the Wallach card collector Link to one million Cubs cards account Link to 2019 Mazara moonshot Link to Camarena homer Link to Camarena backstory Link to Camarena high-school stats Link to story about Duggleby Link to Andy McCullough on La Russa Link to 2014 Cespedes BBQ road trip Link to Jake’s 2021 trip website Link to Lost Boyz Inc.  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Facebook Group  Effectively Wild Wiki  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch!  Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {});

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Meg’s airport problems, discuss the All-Star Game (touching on mic’d up and profane players, unsightly uniforms, All-Stars being friendly on the field, and MLB embracing the game’s lack of stakes), lament that the zombie-runner rule may not be (un)dead after all, follow up on more players with high highlight-to-value ratios, reflect on Will Craig seeking solace in the KBO, celebrate David Fletcher’s 24-game hitting streak and unique offensive profile, examine some entertaining pettiness between Aaron Judge and Jose Altuve, and assess the state of the standings, focusing on teams that may make a late-season charge. Then they wrap up with a Stat Blast about the underperforming (but opponent-outscoring) Marlins and note some news about Roy Campanella. Audio intro: The Byrds, "The Airport Song" Audio outro: Beady Eye, "Back After the Break" Link to mic’d up Ohtani and Soto Link to mic’d up Tatis Link to mic’d up Hendriks Link to Ben on mic’d up players Link to Rovell’s first Derby tweet Link to Rovell’s second Derby tweet Link to Manfred’s comments Link to article about Craig Link to Fletcher leaderboard Link to Fletcher’s Baseball Savant page Link to Fletcher hitting head-high pitch Link to BP on the Yanks-Astros beef Link to the Chronicle on the Yanks-Astros beef Link to the Post on the Yanks-Astros beef Link to FanGraphs playoff odds Link to FanGraphs BaseRuns standings Link to FanGraphs team pitching Clutch scores Link to B-Ref team pitching high-leverage splits Link to Craig R. Wright on Campanella  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Facebook Group  Effectively Wild Wiki  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch!  Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {});

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Rob Manfred teasing a possible permanent reprieve from zombie runners and seven-inning doubleheaders, react to Monday’s Home Run Derby and outpouring of appreciation for Shohei Ohtani, and lament Ronald Acuña Jr.’s season-ending injury (and assess the state of the Braves). Then (45:46) they bring on FanGraphs Lead Prospect Analyst Eric Longenhagen and National Writer Kevin Goldstein to break down the amateur draft, touching on the Pirates’ surprising first-overall pick, the best player picked, draft-day maneuvering, players who fell further than expected, how to break news about the next players picked, teams with “types,” the best and most eyebrow-raising team approaches, the Angels’ no-hitter draft, the draftees who’ll make the majors fastest, the potential two-way players, the oldest player ever drafted, the impact of the late draft date, the future of the draft, standouts at the Futures Game, and more. Audio intro: Willie Nelson, "Denver" Audio interstitial: Eli “Paperboy” Reed, "Pick a Number" Audio outro: Bob Seger, "Get Out of Denver" Link to story about Manfred’s comments Link to story about Players Alliance donation Link to story about Ohtani ASG rules Link to Ben on the Derby Link to MLB The Show Tatis promo Link to MLB Network Ohtani interview Link to players’ reactions to Ohtani Link to amateur draft results Link to Eric and Kevin’s last mock draft Link to Eric and Kevin’s Day 1 draft recap Link to story on the Angels’ draft Link to list of oldest players drafted Link to Ben on Ohtani’s origin story  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Facebook Group  Effectively Wild Wiki  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch!  Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {});

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the 10th anniversary of Mike Trout’s promotion to the majors, Rey Ordóñez and other players with high highlights-to-value ratios, opting against an Albert Pujols pun, MLB wisely forgoing the humidor for the Home Run Derby, and a quibble with the Derby bracket, then follow up on a discussion of mid-inning coaching visits for hitters and answer listener emails about the value of an above-average broadcast crew, letting All-Stars wear a special patch on their regular jerseys, how baseball would be different in a multiverse scenario, the differing levels of outrage that resulted from MLB’s assorted cheating scandals, and when rooting for individual players crosses over into rooting for teams. Audio intro: Earlimart, "10 Years" Audio outro: The Big Bopper, "Bopper’s Boogie Woogie" Link to MLB.com on Trout’s 10-year anniversary Link to Ben on Trout’s rookie year Link to Michael Baumann on Lindor and the Mariners Link to Ordóñez defensive highlights video Link to story on Vieira’s debut Link to story on the humidor and the Derby Link to FanGraphs TV broadcaster crowdsourcing Link to FanGraphs radio broadcaster crowdsourcing  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Facebook Group  Effectively Wild Wiki  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch!  Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {});

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Rays’ combined seven-inning hitless game, knuckleballer Mickey Jannis as a secret weapon in MLB The Show, Jacob deGrom and the near-impossibility of breaking the ERA record, Billy Hamilton and players with the highest highlight-to-value ratios, a six-man outfield against Joey Gallo, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the retelling of player predictions, a first for Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera’s recent semi-resurgence, Pablo López and an (almost) unprecedented one-pitch loss, Sonny Gray getting naked, another Max Muncy, the hidden difficulties of Shohei Ohtani’s two-way season, Max Stassi and the virtues of a catcher who can frame, and the Angels without Mike Trout, plus a Stat Blast about Jake Arrieta and the fewest pitches before grand slams. Then (1:05:34) they talk to Hat Club community manager Benjamin Christensen about the online backlash to the New Era “Local Market” and “Mixed Font” caps, why those caps are more successful than they seem, the process of designing hats, the overlap (or lack thereof) between Baseball Twitter and baseball-cap buyers, baseball caps as fashion statements, the continued cap dominance of MLB, how caps can promote the sport, and his favorite baseball caps. Audio intro: Oasis, "(Probably) All in the Mind" Audio interstitial: The Rose Petals, "The Man Who Sold the Hats" Audio outro: First Aid Kit, "Ugly" Link to story about Rays’ “notable achievement” Link to Jannis in MLB The Show 21 Link to Ben on mid-PA pitching changes Link to video of Hamilton catch Link to shift against Gallo Link to Vlad prediction clip Link to full mic’d up video Link to Ben on in-game interviews Link to BP on López and Cabrera Link to story on López and Art Schallock Link to story on Gray getting changed Link to FanGraphs mock draft Link to info on the new Muncy Link to video of Ohtani at-bat and homer Link to story on Ohtani and Stassi Link to Ohtani curve/fastball overlay Link to Ben on the .500-ish Angels Link to tweet about economical grand slams Link to Stat Blast spreadsheet Link to WaPo on the “Local Market” caps Link to BP on the “Mixed Font” caps Link to Hat Club website Link to story about Griffey’s backward cap Link to Shakeia Taylor on hats and hip-hop culture  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Facebook Group  Effectively Wild Wiki  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch!  Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {});

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about their long weekends, birthday boy (and two-way All-Star) Shohei Ohtani, MLB’s perplexing timing when it comes to announcing awards and All-Star honors and scheduling special events such as the Futures Game and the amateur draft, the Yankees’ continuing troubles, pitchers who’ve struggled since the sticky stuff crackdown began, and Kyle Schwarber falling prey to the hamstring-injury epidemic. Then (35:34) they “Meet a Major Leaguer” up close by bringing on Mickey Jannis, right-handed knuckleball pitcher for the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, who discusses making his major league debut for the Baltimore Orioles last month, his journey from the 44th round to indy ball to the O’s, how he learned the knuckleball, how high-speed video has helped him refine his unusual pitch, being inspected for sticky stuff, the future of the knuckler, and more. Audio intro: The Decemberists, "Down on the Knuckle" Audio outro: Hinds, "Finally Floating" Link to story about all-Star Ohtani Link to video of Ohtani steal/walkoff Link to video of Walsh/Ohtani hug Link to video of Ohtani whiff Link to story about the Yankees and analytics Link to Lindsey Adler on Cole and Chapman Link to video on Cortes Link to video of Cortes vs. Ohtani Link to Devan Fink on Richards Link to BP article on hamstring strains Link to Derek’s hamstring injury visualization Link to Ben on Jannis and the knuckleball Link to Jannis’ Twitter account Link to Jannis’ first MLB out (and K) Link to Jannis’ spring training knuckler Link to Jannis’ knuckler grip Link to Jannis’ knuckler on high-speed video Link to story on Jannis’ “perfect” loss Link to Ben on the Castellanos meme Link to new Castellanos clip  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Facebook Group  Effectively Wild Wiki  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch!  Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {});

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about passing the halfway point of the regular season, the early effects of the sticky-stuff crackdown, a historically high-scoring day, the white-hot Brewers (and Willy Adames) and the red-hot Nationals (and Kyle Schwarber), a Germán Márquez gem, and a study on how kids become fans that helps explain how Ben and Meg became co-hosts. Then they talk to two academics who have used baseball data to study psychology: Professor James Archsmith of the University of Maryland (33:37) on umpires and decision fatigue, and Professor Hengchen Dai of the UCLA Anderson School of Management (56:33) on midseason trades and performance resets (plus a postscript about foreign-substance beef between Josh Donaldson and Lucas Giolito). Audio intro: Cheap Trick, "Hard to Tell" Audio interstitial 1: Kelley Stoltz, "Decisions, Decisions" Audio interstitial 2: Tri-State, "Start Again" Audio outro: Lucy Dacus, "Going Going Gone" Link to Jeff Sullivan on preseason projections Link to Jeff on predicting second-half records Link to Eno Sarris on sticky stuff Link to Rob Arthur on sticky stuff and the Dodgers Link to Ben on the PED era Link to Will Sammon on the Brewers Link to Brewers predicting a home run Link to Brewers predicting a comeback Link to Eric Cummings data on defensive turnarounds Link to Sam Miller on “True Wins” Link to study on age and fandom Link to Professor Archsmith’s website Link to paper on umpires and decision fatigue Link to study on umpires and air quality Link to article about umpires and air quality Link to study on umpires and racial discrimination Link to article about discriminatory umpires study Link to study on umpires and status bias Link to study on umpires and the Gambler’s Fallacy Link to Freakonomics on umps and the Gambler’s Fallacy Link to study on players and rational inattention Link to Rob on pitchers taking their time Link to Rob on hitters taking their time Link to Professor Dai’s website Link to study on trades and fresh starts Link to article about trades study Link to Donaldson/Giolito story  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Facebook Group  Effectively Wild Wiki  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch!  Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {});

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Ben’s experience attending the worst start of Shohei Ohtani’s MLB career, then (15:04) discuss the Dodgers’ and MLB’s response (and their own reactions to) this week’s serious assault allegations against Trevor Bauer. (Warning: This episode contains some swears, starting at 18:18.) Audio intro: Vanessa Peters, "Rather Bad Day" Audio outro: Teenage Fanclub, "Tears Are Cool" Link to Jay Jaffe on the Ohtani game Link to Twitter thread on traveling to see Ohtani Link to the RAINN hotline Link to the National Domestic Violence Hotline Content warning: Some of the links below include detailed descriptions of alleged sexual and physical assault. Link to TMZ report about Bauer Link to The Athletic on the restraining order Link to The Athletic on the Dodgers, MLB, and Bauer Link to The Athletic on Bauer’s scheduled Sunday start  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Facebook Group  Effectively Wild Wiki  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch!  Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {});

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Ben’s borderline excessive consumption of Angels games and the latest, greatest exploits of Shohei Ohtani, who and what is to blame for the Yankees’ ongoing struggles, Gerrit Cole’s performance post-sticky stuff, Hector Santiago becoming the first pitcher ejected for alleged foreign substance use, a Triple-A umpire’s broken-belt ejection, Zach McKinstry keeping his eye on the ball, the Tigers’ recent respectability, and more. Audio intro: Frank Sinatra, "Bewitched" Audio outro: Bombadil, "Leather Belt" Link to Ohtani homer on Friday Link to Ohtani homer on Sunday Link to Ben’s article on Ohtani Link to Ohtani Twitter stan account Link to Ohtani WAR pace graphic Link to Santiago article Link to second Santiago article Link to article on Ottavino trade Link to Lindsey on the Yankees’ offense Link to Lindsey on LeMahieu Link to belt/ejection video Link to belt/ejection blog post Link to Matsuda article Link to McKinstry quote Link to batter ball-tracking research  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Facebook Group  Effectively Wild Wiki  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch!  Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {});

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the brief big league stay of knuckleballer Mickey Jannis, Joey Votto’s predictions, decline, and reminders of mortality, Greg Maddux forecasting foul balls, and the states of the Cubs and Dodgers post-combined no-hitter. Then they answer listener emails about whether MLB regrets making Statcast data publicly available in the wake of scandals about the ball and foreign substances, why coaches don’t visit hitters mid-inning the way they visit pitchers, why WAR isn’t tailored to individual teams, and how much worse rooting for a terrible team is than rooting for one that’s merely bad, with closing banter about Aaron Nola tying the consecutive-strikeout record and the potential for a seven-inning game to thwart a pitcher’s attempt to record a 21-strikeout outing. Audio intro: Tokyo Police Club, "Can’t Stay Here" Audio outro: Isotopes, "Rule 21" Link to Ben on Jannis and the knuckleball Link to Votto article Link to Maddux article Link to story about Nola Link to Sam on 21-strikeout games  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Facebook Group  Effectively Wild Wiki  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch!  Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {});

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about MLB’s much-maligned All-Star Game uniforms and a pair of odd games, discuss the highs and lows of the first few days of MLB’s enforced foreign-substance ban (with special attention to Max Scherzer, Joe Girardi, and Sergio Romo), review Wander Franco’s debut and note the less-hyped arrivals of Lars […]

Ben Lindbergh and guest co-host Mike Ferrin of MLB Network Radio and the Diamondbacks’ broadcast crew discuss the D-Backs’ 17-game losing streak and more extended stretch of futility before bantering about Shohei Ohtani’s Player of the Week Award-winning performance and the potential for Ohtani to own All-Star Week, the call-up of (and expectations for) Rays infielder and MLB top prospect Wander Franco, and Manny Machado getting distracted by the wave. Then (50:09) Ben talks to biomechanics expert, former Dodgers analyst, and current CEO of Reboot Motion Dr. Jimmy Buffi about how sticky stuff enhances performance, whether Tyler Glasnow was right about the foreign-substance crackdown increasing injury risk, why injury rates are up this season, and whether Jacob deGrom’s ever-escalating velocity and series of minor injuries are causes for concern. Lastly (1:25:37), Ben talks to Rays pitching prospect Graeme Stinson about the lefty’s experience with sticky stuff, the wisdom and effects of the enforced foreign-substance ban, the experimental pickoff rules that have boosted base stealing in A ball, housing and nutrition in the minor leagues, and the founding and future of StatStak, the performance-tracking company he helped start during the pandemic. Audio intro: Grateful Dead, "Loser" Audio interstitial 1: Electric Light Orchestra, "Hold on Tight" Audio interstitial 2: Dave Clark and Friends, "Rub it In" Audio outro: Sharon Van Etten, "Seventeen" Link to list of longest losing streaks Link to Peacock plate appearance Link to Peacock backstory Link to Ohtani Player of the Week highlights Link to Ohtani’s Coors BP Link to FanGraphs Rays prospect ranking Link to Franco origin story Link to all-time list of youngest MLB players Link to video of Machado and the wave Link to Buffi’s first podcast appearance Link to Glasnow comments Link to Mike Sonne’s fatigue research Link to Buffi’s elbow/forearm study Link to Reboot Motion website Link to 2021 experimental rules Link to Jayson Stark on A-ball base stealing Link to Stinson’s Twitter account Link to StatStak website Link to Diamondbacks game story Link to article on sticky stuff and batted balls Link to average 4-seam spin rate by day chart Link to Meg on Lind Link to Maldonado video  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Facebook Group  Effectively Wild Wiki  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch!  Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {});

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley follow up on previous discussions about player predictions and game postponements, answer listener emails about a sticky-stuff pitcher protest, the talent level in the College World Series, the wave as a player-distraction device, a six-year-old who roots for walks, and when the Astros will stop being booed (with an aside about foreign-substance use and the Hall of Fame), then unload a Stat Blast about the Twins and teams with the most and least lineup turnover after Opening Day, before closing with a “Meet a Major Leaguer” segment on Mariners outfielder Dillon Thomas and Monarchs two-way great Bullet Rogan. Audio intro: AC/DC, "Gimme a Bullet" Audio outro: Franz Ferdinand, "Walk Away" Link to article about Puckett’s called shot Link to article about Nationals delay Link to Jeff Passan on sticky stuff Link to Ben on mid-PA pitching changes Link to Ben on college player development Link to article about distracting free-throw shooters Link to post about swinging against deGrom Link to tweet about swinging against deGrom Link to story on the Astros being booed in Boston Link to Baseball Prospectus IL Ledger Link to Stat Blast data Link to SABR on the Cobb replacement game Link to news segment about Thomas Link to video of Burrows throwing (up) Link to Baseball-Reference Negro Leagues hub Link to Bullet Rogan’s B-Ref page Link to SABR on Rogan’s 1921 game Link to MLB.com on Negro Leagues two-way stars Link to THT on Negro Leagues two-way stars  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Facebook Group  Effectively Wild Wiki  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch!  Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {});

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Jose Altuve forgoing a home run trot, then break down the details of MLB’s plan to enforce the rules against foreign-substance use starting on June 21, covering the pros and cons of putting that plan into action at midseason and opting to ban all substances, what the effects on offense will be, whether Tyler Glasnow’s injury presages many more arm injuries ahead, a Scott Boras metaphor, and much more. Then (51:07) they bring on EW listener and criminology scholar Josh Beck to explain what the principles of punishment and deterrence can tell us about the efficacy of MLB’s approach to preventing cheating. Audio intro: John Lennon, "Cold Turkey" Audio interstitial: Grateful Dead, "Victim or the Crime" Audio outro: Paul McCartney & Wings, "Spin it On" Link to video of 2012 Morse homer Link to video of Altuve homer Link to details of MLB’s plan Link to Ben on sticky stuff Link to Jeff Passan on sticky stuff Link to Boras statement Link to info on deterrence Link to paper on deterrence theory Link to five findings about deterrence Link to paper on cheating in baseball  iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Facebook Group  Effectively Wild Wiki  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch!  Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {});

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Meg’s experience seeing Shohei Ohtani pitch, hit, and play right field in person, why balks can be so incomprehensible, the differing recent fortunes of the Angels and the Diamondbacks (and Albert Pujols), Jacob deGrom’s dominance and durability, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the big bats (and playoff fortunes) of […]

Ben Lindbergh, Meg Rowley, and The Athletic’s Grant Brisbee discuss Grant’s experience co-hosting a podcast with Hunter Pence and Grant’s hatred of the zombie-runner rule, before attempting to explain how and why the San Francisco Giants have baseball’s best record and what they should do at the trade deadline. Audio intro: The Baseball Project, "The Giants […]

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about another prescient player prediction (this time involving the Phillies’ Luke Williams), Nick Madrigal’s hamstring injury, another aspect of the baseball scene in A Quiet Place Part II, and a few observations about the foreign-substance scandal, including teams’ culpability, how the perception of sticky stuff use may mirror the […]