Effectively Wild: A Fangraphs Baseball Podcast

Ben and Sam banter about a LaRoche-related White Sox conspiracy and update Ryan Webb’s save outlook, then answer emails about Ryan Howard, Trout vs. Goldschmidt, a terrible trivia question, and more.

Ben and Sam preview the Giants’ season with Erik Malinowski, and Jeff talks to Grant Brisbee of McCovey Chronicles (at 24:10).

Ben and Sam preview the Nationals’ season with Washington Post Nationals beat writer Chelsea Janes, and Jeff talks to Chelsea’s Washington Post colleague, James Wagner (at 23:56).

Ben and FiveThirtyEight author Rob Arthur talk to Pittsburgh Pirates multi-position player Cole Figueroa about his use of statistics, why athletes should keep a close eye on what teams are tracking, and how his future depends on a small sample.

Ben and Sam preview the Astros’ season with Houston Chronicle Astros beat writer Evan Drellich, and George talks to Evan’s Houston Chronicle colleague, Jesus Ortiz (at 31:38).

Ben and Sam preview the Blue Jays’ season with Joshua Howsam of Baseball Prospectus Toronto, and George talks to Sportsnet columnist Shi Davidi (at 19:49).

Ben and Sam announce this year’s Effectively Wild fantasy game, “Beat PECOTA,” then answer listener emails about Mike Trout, game theory in the amateur draft, baseball caps, Goose Gossage, and more.

Ben and Sam preview the Yankees’ season with Kenny Ducey of Sports Illustrated and BP Bronx, and George talks to Lohud.com Yankees beat writer Chad Jennings (at 29:32).

Ben and Sam preview the Mariners’ season with BP/Lookout Landing writer Meg Rowley, and George talks to Tacoma Rainiers broadcaster Mike Curto (at 25:23).

Ben and Sam preview the Pirates’ season with Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Pirates beat writer Travis Sawchik, and Jeff talks to Pat Lackey of Where Have You Gone Andy Van Slyke? (at 23:58).

Ben and Sam preview the Cardinals’ season with Dayn Perry of CBS Sports, and Jeff talks to The Cardinals Way author Howard Megdal (at 22:29).

Ben and Sam banter about a T-Pain tweet, two famous phrases, Ray Searage, and the final results of their contracts draft, then answer listener emails about the Cubs, a baseball broadcast from Better Call Saul, redistributing salaries, and more.

Ben and Sam preview the White Sox’ season with BP author R.J. Anderson, and George talks to CSN Chicago White Sox insider Dan Hayes (at 23:14).

Ben and Sam preview the Rangers’ season with BP author Kate Morrison, and George talks to Fort Worth Star-Telegram Rangers beat writer Jeff Wilson (at 26:32).

Ben and Sam preview the Diamondbacks’ season with BP author Zachary Levine, and Jeff talks to SiriusXM and Diamondbacks pre- and postgame host Mike Ferrin (at 32:10).

Ben and Sam preview the Tigers’ season with FiveThirtyEight author Rob Arthur, and George talks to MLB.com Tigers beat writer Jason Beck (at 22:06).

Ben and Sam play a quick player guessing game, banter about pitching-coach projects and Coors Field fences, and answer listener emails about the Cubs and personal catchers, irrational fan beliefs, Mike Trout, and more.

Ben and Sam preview the Twins’ season with BP author Kun Funck, and Jeff talks to Pioneer Press Twins beat writer Mike Berardino (at 23:40).

Ben and Sam preview the Padres’ season with MLB.com Cut 4 writer Michael Clair, and Jeff talks to MLB.com Padres beat writer Corey Brock (at 23:31).

Ben and Sam preview the Brewers’ season with BP Milwaukee’s Ryan Romano, and Jeff talks to freelance writer Jack Moore (at 23:16).