Effectively Wild Episode 2456: The Hierarchy of Power in the MLB Universe is About to Change

by
March 25, 2026

EWFI
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Randy Arozarena making up with Cal Raleigh, the response to their announcement of the podcast’s new freemium model, whether they would try to issue the official first ball/strike challenge in MLB history, the challenge system vs. the pitch clock, several straggling WBC topics (the Team Italy espresso machine auction results, great TV ratings, a Team USA strawman, reframing the hierarchy of high-level baseball competition, projecting future WBCs, and a non-called shot, plus NPB “ghost wins”), how Ben’s anti on-field-front-office-meddling rant resonated with readers, why Kevin McGonigle and JJ Wetherholt made Opening Day rosters and Konnor Griffin (and John Brebbia) didn’t, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Cristopher Sánchez extensions, and how politicians should talk about sports fandom if they want to sound authentic.

Audio intro: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme”
Audio outro: Daniel Leckie, “Effectively Wild Theme”

Link to “hierarchy of power” supercut
Link to Arozarena statement
Link to freemium model announcement
Link to written explanation
Link to EWStats site
Link to espresso auction
Link to Jac jersey auction
Link to WBC TV ratings
Link to Rosenthal comments
Link to Webb quote
Link to Acuña quote
Link to Kay comments
Link to McLean/Holmes story
Link to NPB “ghost win” story
Link to NPB “ghost win” tweet
Link to NHL overtime rules
Link to Ben on front-office meddling
Link to Ben on the foul lines
Link to The Athletic on Griffin
Link to Pirates hitter projections
Link to MLBTR on Brebbia
Link to FG post on PCA
Link to profane PCA profile
Link to FG post on Sánchez
Link to FG post on Strider
Link to Mamdani quote
Link to Adams cap
Link to de Blasio cap
Link to Hillary caps story 1
Link to Hillary caps story 1
Link to “trash revolution” story
Link to HUAL on Mamdani
Link to statue prizes
Link to MLFAD picks
Link to Meg on HUAL
Link to observer effect wiki
Link to four playoff teams article

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