Episode 890

The FanGraphs crew has made it through the Wild Card Series, and they have plenty to discuss. The American League has settled into a pair of intense rivalries, while the National League includes a juggernaut and a true underdog.

• Ben Clemens and Dan Szymborski take a closer look at the AL side of the bracket as well as some playoff ZiPS projections. Is Alejandro Kirk for real? Are the Yankees possibly underrated? And what did Ben think of attending the Oakland series in person? [1:40]
• Eric Longenhagen chats with Rachael McDaniel about the NL side of things, including some well-deserved Clayton Kershaw love. Also, how does social media affect today’s young players? And what do these Marlins have in common with the 2003 bunch? [27:32]

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Episode 889

The latest episode of FanGraphs Audio is here in time to preview the 16-team playoff bracket. The Astros continue to receive a closer look as they enter the playoffs (they’re far from the favorites this time around), while the staff prepares for predictions — as well as some impressive callbacks.

• Dan Szymborski and Jay Jaffe continue their Houston talk from last week, but this time, they set their sights on Jose Altuve. The 2017 AL MVP has not been at his best this season, and it could mean troubling things for his baseball future. [1:53]
• Eric Longenhagen chats with Jason Martinez, creator of the invaluable RosterResource, about a number of players who were off the radar before this season who are now mainstays for their clubs. Finally, the pair take a shot at predicting the results of the eight Wild Card Series. While picking playoff winners is a often a fruitless endeavor, Jason will remind you that he aced it last year. [27:32]

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Episode 888

FanGraphs Audio returns just in time for the last weekend of the 2020 season. With a wild playoff schedule looming, the FanGraphs crew discusses topics including young arms that could help in a deep postseason run, the fate of Justin Verlander, and of course, the future of the podcast.

• Meg Rowley leads off with a message to our listeners. [1:22]
• Ben Clemens and Eric Longenhagen talk about reliever usage and take a long look at prospects around the league who could make an impact in the playoffs, with a focus on some exciting arms that could come out of the bullpen. [4:25]
• Finally, Dan Szymborski and Jay Jaffe discuss Verlander and his impressive career, his Hall of Fame outlook and place in history, and what projections can tell us about injuries and legacies. As Jaffe has written, while the ace has reached some remarkable milestones, his surgery means question marks for his future — and the Astros. [35:52]

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