Effectively Wild Episode 2355: Touch of Gray
Effectively Wild Episode 2355: Touch of Gray  
Podcast: Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast
Published On: Wed Jul 30 2025
Description: Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about how the expanded playoffs may suppress trade activity and, prompted by the passing of Ryne Sandberg, the factors that can make a player punch above their weight from a popularity perspective. Then (31:47) they answer listener emails about triples hitting, Bryce Harper vs. José Ramírez, the effect of gray hairs on free agency, football body comps for baseball players, “first half” vs. “second half,” change-of-scenery candidates, perfection for hitters, the language of WAR, scouting trade candidates, framing a player for pitch-fixing, early/late-season platoon players, outfielders lying down on the job, and Aaron Judge’s BABIP (plus a reaction to Rich Hill’s DFA). Audio intro: Harold Walker, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Ben C. on expanded playoffs Link to Dan S. on expanded playoffs Link to Paine on the deadline Link to Sandberg NYT obit Link to Sandberg Stat Blast Link to “Sandberg Game” video Link to triples Stathead Link to Stark on future HoFers Link to Wilkins kiss story Link to info on Day’s beard Link to post-ASB split 1 Link to post-ASB split 2 Link to splits spreadsheet Link to Ben on the foul lines Link to Russell on outfield defense 1 Link to Russell on outfield defense 2 Link to Russell on outfield defense 3 Link to doubleheader trade Link to Szymborski on Judge Link to Petriello on Judge Link to Savant xBABIP Link to listener emails database  Sponsor Us on Patreon  Give a Gift Subscription  Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com  Effectively Wild Subreddit  Effectively Wild Wiki  Apple Podcasts Feed   Spotify Feed  YouTube Playlist  Facebook Group  Bluesky Account  Twitter Account  Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source