Eric Longenhagen Prospects Chat: 10/3/25

12:21
Eric A Longenhagen: Good morning from Tempe, where we’ll hit 100 degrees again today, hopefully for the final time this calendar year.

12:22
Eric A Longenhagen: I did an end of year update to the Top 100 Prospects list. The piece with all the writing is still with editing and will be published at some point today, but for now you can view the fresh list over on The Board.

12:22
Eric A Longenhagen: The Board | FanGraphs Baseball

12:24
Eric A Longenhagen: Today is Fall League Media Day and also one of the last days remaining on the instructional league calendar, so this will likely be more of a 45 minute chat today so I have the option of hitting both.

12:24
Rube: What happens in an expansion draft and what excites you about it?

12:27
Eric A Longenhagen: It probable the rules would be different from the last time MLB had one (like ’96 ish I wanna say?) but essentially teams got to protect 15 players on their roster from selection. The expansion team(s) gets to take a player from each other club in “round one”, and then those clubs get to protect a few more of their players before round two (I think it was three more guys)…

Read the rest of this entry »


Must Be the Season of the Witch

Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

SEATTLE — Every year, pitchers and catchers report for spring training, and just as spring represents a reawakening in the natural world, spring training provides a reawakening for every team, a fresh start, full of renewed optimism. No matter the team, fans across the league allow themselves to dream a little, to believe that this year might be the one.

You could be my silver springs
Blue-green colors flashin’
I would be your only dream
Your shining autumn, ocean crashing.

But for 29 teams, the season will end in heartbreak. For some teams that heartbreak might come as early as June or July, for others in August or September, and a few will experience the agony of October sorrow. Over the last several years, the Seattle Mariners have unwittingly built a tradition of remaining very much in the playoff hunt until the final week of the regular season, only to miss the cut by a harrowingly thin margin. They did make the playoffs in 2022, ending a 20-year postseason drought, but they struggled to cross that threshold again. Instead, they fell into a familiar rhythm, playing hard until the very end, but then their season was over. Their time was up.

Time cast its spell on you, but you won’t forget me
I know I could have loved you, but you would not let me.

This season is different. The Mariners not only secured a place in the postseason, but they also won the AL West for the first time since 2001. In doing so, they eschewed the Wild Card Series and advanced directly to the best-of-five Division Series, which begins on Saturday against the Tigers in Seattle. And all it took was a little witchcraft. Read the rest of this entry »


Cubs Control the Narrative in Decisive Game 3 NL Wild Card Win Over Padres

David Banks-Imagn Images

They say that in order to thrive in stressful and uncertain times, the key is to focus on the things you control. And who are “they” exactly? Mostly people who traffic in self-help cliches on the internet. But cliches are cliches for a reason. They’re rooted in some measure of truth. And in a decisive Game 3 on Thursday, the NL Wild Card Series between the Cubs and Padres was ultimately decided by control — in nearly every sense of the word. The type of control that refers to whether a pitcher can find the strike zone, the type of control a manager exercises over bullpen usage, and the type of control exerted over batted ball outcomes when lockdown defense becomes a critical component of a team’s identity.

In a 3-1 Cubs victory over the Padres, neither team looked dominant, but Chicago dominated the variables within its control, while San Diego seemed to be pulling blocks from a Jenga tower on an inning-by-inning basis and hoping to stay upright until its offense could break through with a few runs. Read the rest of this entry »


Job Posting: Baltimore Orioles – Pro Scouting Analyst Fellowship

Pro Scouting Analyst Fellowship

Location: Baltimore · MD
Reports To: Manager, Professional Scouting

Job Summary:
This individual will support the efforts of the Professional Scouting department by conducting extensive evaluations of professional players in the United States and abroad. The employee will utilize multiple information sources, relying heavily on video analysis while also working closely with the Baseball Analytics department. This is a seasonal position that is based out of Baltimore, MD. Preference will be given to candidates who can begin in the off-season, though summer-only candidates will be considered as well.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Compose scouting reports on professional players utilizing video, technology, and in-person looks to enhance the club’s decision-making process.
  • Monitor roster dynamics of other organizations and leagues, maintaining prospect lists, depth charts, and positional rankings.
  • Distribute target lists (FA, trade, Rule 5, international professional players, etc.) to scouts, coaches, and front office staff and coordinate responses for recommendations.
  • Monitor scouting reports for consistency, accuracy, and compliance.
  • Coordinate scout schedules and track coverage of target players.
  • Troubleshoot technical and equipment issues, provide solutions to video scouting assignments, coordinate data-sharing agreements, and perform other administrative duties as assigned.
  • Assist with data analysis, maintenance, and collection.
  • Prepare tools, visualizations, and reports to aid in disseminating information throughout Baseball Operations.

Qualifications

  • Exceptional knowledge of baseball and of sabermetric research and principles.
  • Demonstrated experience with player evaluation.
  • High level of attention to detail.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with staff members of all levels.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, SQL, R, and Python preferred.
  • Degree or equivalent experience in a STEM field preferred.
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays and to travel as needed.

DISCLAIMER:
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. The duties listed do not represent an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:
The Baltimore Orioles are an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Baltimore Orioles to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race (including hair textures, afro hairstyles, or protective hairstyles), color, national origin or ancestry, religion or creed, gender or sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, citizenship status, marital status, veteran’s status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The anticipated hourly rate for this role is $20/hour.

Benefits include concession and merchandise discounts, free parking, and limited complimentary baseball tickets to home games. A 401(k) plan with discretionary employer match available after one year of service and 1,000 hours is also available.

This information is being provided in accordance with the Maryland Equal Pay for Equal Work – Wage Range Transparency law.

To Apply
To apply, please follow this link.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Baltimore Orioles.


Job Posting: Cleveland Guardians – Baseball Technology Fellow

Baseball Technology Fellow

Primary Purpose
The Cleveland Guardians Fellowship program is designed to accelerate the pace of development and impact for people interested in working for our organization. Fellowship roles are focused on solving complex challenges, which involve developing innovative approaches, tools, and techniques to meaningfully drive the organization forward. Fellows will be exposed to work across multiple departments and have access to and be encouraged to use a suite of internal, proprietary resources.

The Cleveland Guardians Fellowship program is all about fostering your growth and making an impact within our organization. As a fellow, you’ll take on real challenges and come up with creative solutions that help move us forward. You’ll get to work with different departments across the organization, gaining hands-on experience and using some of our exclusive, in-house tools. It’s a great chance to dive in, learn, and make a difference!

We are seeking Fellows to join our Baseball Technology department. Each Fellow will work full-time with one of our minor league affiliates (Columbus, Akron, Lake County, Lynchburg, and Arizona Complex) and report to the Baseball Technology, Player Development, and Baseball Operations departments. Fellows will be expected to manage the collection of multiple data streams and operate as a resource for both coaches and players. This position will include travel to away games.

We’re looking for someone who’s curious, creative, and open to new ideas—someone who loves working in a team setting. You should be comfortable communicating with others, building solid relationships, and explaining complex ideas in a way anyone can understand. You’ll also have the opportunity to take the initiative and perform research in the area of your choosing that helps push forward the Guardians’ approach to player development.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Baseball Technology:

  • Operate and maintain bat/ball tracking systems and emerging sports science technologies.
  • Manage pre-game, in-game, and post-game video processes.
  • Manage the corresponding data and video collection process and assist with interpretation & distribution.
  • Assist the Information Systems team with Baseball Technology related troubleshooting and support.

Coaching Staff Support:

  • Support Minor League field staff with Advance Scouting Process.
  • Assist affiliate staff with various administrative tasks (i.e. daily scheduling, team travel).
  • Assist Minor League field staff with pre-game activities.

Baseball Development and Analysis:

  • Collaborate with coaching staff, Player Development, and Baseball Operations to monitor player goals and player progress.
  • Perform ad hoc research and analysis, both at the request of staff and independently.
  • Communicate findings and insights to Minor League Coaches, Players, and Player Development and Baseball Operations Departments.

Education & Experience
At the Cleveland Guardians, we are all about creating an environment that brings out the best in everyone. It is a big part of who we are, how we compete, and how we make an impact in our community. We want every employee to feel like they truly belong here.

We also know that people sometimes hesitate to apply for jobs unless they check every single box on the qualifications list. We are looking for the best person for the job, and we know that you might bring skills and experiences that are not exactly listed but could be a huge asset to our team. So, if this role excites you, we encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet every single qualification.

  • Bachelor’s degree or Prior Professional Experience.
  • Demonstrated passion for at least one of baseball technology, scouting, baseball analytics, sports science, hitting or pitching analysis and/or biomechanics, strength and conditioning, motor learning, or other baseball/softball related field.

Job Skills

  • Organization: Ability to create, maintain and execute a schedule effectively.
  • Work Ethic: A relentless drive to collect more and better information.
  • Passion: Demonstrate a clear passion for the game, teammates, the organization, and learning.
  • Resourcefulness: Utilize organizational resources to develop and understand organizational philosophies.
  • Strategic Thinking: Employ a problem-solving mindset and strategic thinking.
  • Time Management: Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
  • Collaboration: Partner with staff and players and exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Experience
While we are looking for a variety of diverse skill sets for this role, we know that past Fellows who have thrived in this role possessed certain skills that are best aligned to the game of baseball. If you have demonstrated experience with any of the following, you may be better positioned to thrive in this role.

  • Conversational Spanish or better a plus.
  • Experience with video editing software a plus.
  • Experience with SQL and statistical software (i.e. R, Python, Stata, SAS) a plus.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
  • Working knowledge of advanced baseball statistics and publicly available research.

About Us:
In Baseball Technology, our shared goal is to identify and develop diverse players and front office teammates who contribute to our mission. By working together effectively and collaboratively, we create a family atmosphere that supports learning as we strive for excellence in everything we do. We believe that we will achieve our goals by making evidence-based decisions and creating environments that support our people and empower them to learn.

To Apply
To apply, please follow this link.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Cleveland Guardians.


Job Posting: Chicago Cubs – Specialist, Pro Acquisitions

Specialist, Pro Acquisitions

DEPARTMENT: Pro Acquisitions – Baseball Operations
ORGANIZATION: Chicago Cubs
REPORTS TO: Vice President, Pro Acquisitions
LOCATION: Arizona or Florida
FLSA STATUS: Exempt

BEING PART OF THE TEAM
Our business is a team sport that began on a field with baseballs and bats and has evolved into one of the most recognizable brands in sports and entertainment through Cubs baseball and live events. Our success is driven by our people, who work to create and inspire change in an engaging, collaborative and inclusive environment. As a team, we continue to build a culture on and off the field that delivers unforgettable experiences for one another, our fans and community. In support of that effort, we expect associates to work primarily in our office. Are you ready to be part of it?

OUR STORY
THE CHICAGO CUBS FRANCHISE The Chicago Cubs franchise, a charter member of Major League Baseball’s National League since 1876, has won the National League pennant 17 times and was the first team to win back-to-back World Series titles in the 1907 and 1908 seasons. In 2016, the Chicago Cubs made history again when the team won its first World Series in 108 years, ending the longest championship drought in North American sports. Known for its ivy-covered outfield walls, hand-operated scoreboard and famous Marquee, iconic Wrigley Field has been the home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916 and is the second oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. In 2009, the Ricketts family assumed ownership of the Chicago Cubs and established three main goals for the organization: Win the World Series, Preserve and Improve Wrigley Field, and Be a Good Neighbor.

HOW YOU’LL CONTRIBUTE:
The Pro Acquisition Specialist plays a key role in supporting the organization’s player evaluation and acquisition processes. The Specialist must be local to or willing to relocate to Florida or Arizona and will focus on live scouting coverage of players, producing high-quality written reports, capturing high-speed video, and contributing to the organization’s understanding of player value. The Specialist will also be tasked with ad hoc video reports. In the offseason, the Specialist will attend workouts in the assigned region and will also be expected to conduct or assist with ad hoc research projects to enhance player evaluation frameworks and decision-making processes.

This role requires strong scouting instincts, proficiency with analytical methods, and the ability to synthesize information into actionable recommendations. The position is ideal for someone passionate about player evaluation who can balance traditional scouting with modern analytical approaches.

THE DAY-TO-DAY:

  • Provide in-person scouting coverage of players during the season, producing timely and detailed reports on player skills, performance, and projection.
  • Capture high-speed video of players at games and workouts.
  • Complete video scouting reports as assigned.
  • Attend offseason workouts in assigned region.
  • Build and maintain relationships with league personnel, coaches, and other contacts in assigned region.
  • Conduct offseason project work, which may include research and other initiatives to support player acquisition.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of scouting workflows, evaluation methods, and decision support processes.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING:

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce clear, detailed scouting reports.
  • Demonstrated understanding of fundamental scouting principles and current baseball analytics research.
  • Ability to integrate scouting insights with data-driven analysis to enhance player evaluations.
  • Proficiency in SQL, R, and/or Python for data manipulation and research.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to balance live coverage demands and offseason project work.
  • Passion for talent evaluation, baseball operations/analytics, and learning.


WHAT SETS YOU APART:

  • Previous experience with in-person player evaluation.
  • Experience with statistical analysis; prior baseball research is a plus.
  • Knowledge of current trends in baseball industry and Major League Rules.
  • Familiarity with professional and amateur baseball player pool and independent baseball facility landscape.
  • Understanding of current player development best practices.

TOTAL REWARDS:

  • Paid time off: Personal, Sick, Vacation Time
  • 401K Plan Employee Contribution & Employer Match  
  • Company Vehicle and Gas Card
  • Benefit Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
  • Health & Wellness engagement & programming
  • Variety partnership discounts
  • Tuition Reimbursement

The Chicago Cubs and its affiliates embrace diversity and are committed to building a team that represents all communities. We hold ourselves accountable to include new and different voices in our organization. Everyone is welcome here, and we celebrate what makes each of us unique.

Response Expectations:
Due to the overwhelming number of applications we receive, we unfortunately may not be able to respond in person to each applicant. However, we can assure you that you will receive an email confirmation when you apply as well as additional email notifications whether you are selected to move forward for the position or not. Please note, we keep all resumes on file and will contact you should we wish to schedule an interview with you.

The Chicago Cubs and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and employing a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics.

To Apply
To apply, please follow this link.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Chicago Cubs.


Job Posting: New York Mets – Multiple Openings

Direct links to applications (please see job details below):

Associate Analyst, Player Information
Associate Analyst, Player Optimization
Intern, Data Science


Associate Analyst, Player Information

Location: Citi Field – Queens, New York

Job Description:
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Perform thorough research analysis on Mets players to help staff build and maintain individual Player Plans
  • Transform internal data and model results into actionable information that enhances both in-game and player performance strategy
  • Monitor and report on in-season performance trends, delivering key insights to coaches and leadership
  • Develop systems that allow staff to efficiently come to conclusions consistent with organizational philosophy
  • Drive growth of Mets coaches through continued education
  • Provide feedback to the rest of Baseball Analytics and Baseball Systems on reports, models, and tools that impact player analysis
  • As time permits, analysts will be assigned additional coding and/or statistical modeling projects related to the position
  • Ad hoc requests from Baseball Analytics in line with these job responsibilities
  • Work with other analysts to help improve each other’s coding abilities and quantitative abilities

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field or equivalent experience
  • Significant experience in R, Python, or similar, as well as proficiency in SQL
  • Fluency in Spanish is a plus
  • Domestic travel required throughout the length of the position
  • Must be able to work unconventional hours

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
To apply for this position, please respond to the questions below and upload your answers as a PDF file alongside the resume. Please limit responses to 200 words.

  • Who is an upcoming MLB free agent that you feel is undervalued and why?
  • When evaluating outfield defense, which metric(s) would you use and why?

The above information is intended to describe the general nature, type, and level of work to be performed. The information is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for this position. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The individual selected may perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

The New York Mets value the unique qualities individuals with various backgrounds and experiences can offer the organization. Our continued success depends heavily on the quality of our workforce. The Organization is committed to providing employees with the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential.

Hourly Rate: $20 – $25

For technical reasons, we strongly advise to not use an .edu email address when applying. Thank you very much.

To Apply
To apply, please follow this link.


Associate Analyst, Player Optimization

Location: Citi Field – Queens, New York

Job Description:
Summary:

The Player Optimization Associate Analyst will be responsible for building tools to identify and aid implementation of optimization and improvement strategies for both internal and external players.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Analyze new data sources and their potential to explain baseball performance
  • Collaborate with Biomechanics and Performance teams to analyze players’ physical capabilities
  • Present research and tools to coaches to aid implementation of optimization strategies
  • Systematically identify internal and external players with room for optimization
  • Work with Data Science team to understand how players’ capacity to improve impacts their value
  • Perform research that explains how players are able to express skills on the field
  • Expand the organization’s understanding of how players can improve relative to expectations

Requirements:

  • Creativity and curiosity regarding the game of baseball  
  • Ability to collaborate and work within and across teams
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and execute tasks under time constraints
  • Knowledge of baseball technology, including but not limited to KinaTrax, Blast Motion, Hawk-Eye, and force plates
  • Interest in public baseball research
  • Experience in R, Python, or similar programming languages, and proficiency in SQL
  • Statistical modeling experience. Experience in Biomechanics is a plus
  • Must be able to work unconventional hours

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
To apply for this position, please respond to the questions below and upload your answers as a PDF file alongside the resume. Please limit responses to 200 words.

  • When trying to understand how fast a player should be able to swing a bat, what information would you seek and why?
  • When evaluating outfield defense, which metric(s) would you use and why?
  • When looking at how much a pitcher can improve, what information would you consider?

The above information is intended to describe the general nature, type, and level of work to be performed. The information is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for this position. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The individual selected may perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

The New York Mets value the unique qualities individuals with various backgrounds and experiences can offer the organization. Our continued success depends heavily on the quality of our workforce. The Organization is committed to providing employees with the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential.

Hourly Rate: $20 – $25

For technical reasons, we strongly advise to not use an .edu email address when applying. Thank you very much.

To Apply
To apply, please follow this link.


Intern, Data Science

Location: Citi Field – Queens, New York

Job Description:
Summary:

The New York Mets are seeking an intern in our Baseball Analytics Department for the summer of 2026. During the summer, the Intern will build, test, and present statistical models to inform the decision-making of our Baseball Operations department. This position requires strong background in complex statistics and data analytics, as well as the ability to communicate statistical model details and findings to both a technical and non-technical audience. Prior experience in or knowledge of baseball is a plus, but is not required.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Build statistical models to answer a wide variety of baseball-related questions affecting the operations of the organization using advanced knowledge of statistics and data analytics and exercising appropriate discretion and judgment regarding development of statistical models
  • Interpret data and report conclusions drawn from their analyses
  • Present model outputs in an effective way, both for technical and non-technical audiences
  • Communicate well with both the Baseball Analytics team as well as other Baseball Operations personnel to understand the parameters of any particular research project

Qualifications:

  • Pursuing a degree in statistics or a related field
  • Professional experience in a quantitative position is a plus
  • Strong background in a wide variety of statistical techniques
  • Strong proficiency in R or Python
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to work cooperatively with others

The above information is intended to describe the general nature, type, and level of work to be performed. The information is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for this position. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The individual selected may perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

The New York Mets value the unique qualities individuals with various backgrounds and experiences can offer the organization. Our continued success depends heavily on the quality of our workforce. The Organization is committed to providing employees with the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential.

Hourly Rate: $20 – $25

For technical reasons, we strongly advise to not use an .edu email address when applying. Thank you very much.

To Apply
To apply, please follow this link.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the New York Mets.


Holy Schlittler! Rookie Righty Dominates Red Sox as Yankees Advance to ALDS

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

NEW YORK — In just the second winner-take-all postseason matchup started by two rookies — in one of the sport’s most storied rivalries, no less — 24-year-old Yankees righty Cam Schlittler utterly dominated the Red Sox lineup on Thursday, striking out 12 without a walk while scattering just five hits over eight scoreless innings. His opposite number, 23-year-old lefty Connelly Early, matched Schlittler zero for zero through the first three frames, making up with deception what he lacked in velocity, at least relative to the New York starter. Alas, a mistake by the Red Sox defense opened the door to trouble in the fourth inning, as five of the first six Yankees reached base en route to a 4-0 lead. Boston manager Alex Cora, who pulled starter Brayan Bello after 28 pitches in Game 2, left Early to throw 33 pitches in the fourth inning alone. That outburst was more than enough, as the Yankees eliminated the Red Sox from the postseason for the first time since 2003, when current manager Aaron Boone hit a walk-off home run off Tim Wakefield.

This was the sixth time the two AL East rivals squared off in the postseason, with the Red Sox riding a series winning streak that included the 2004 American League Championship Series, the 2018 AL Division Series, and the 2021 AL Wild Card Game. The only other time two rookie starters met in a winner-take-all game was in Game 7 of the 2020 NLCS, when the Dodgers’ Dustin May and the Braves’ Ian Anderson went head to head, though May pitched just one inning and Anderson three, and neither figured in the decision.

The two starters in this one began the season in Double-A, and didn’t figure to contribute substantially this season. Schlittler joined a banged-up Yankees rotation on July 9 and pitched brilliantly during the second half, overpowering batters with a four-seam fastball that averaged 98.0 mph as well as an effective cutter. He posted a 2.96 ERA and 3.74 FIP with a 27.6% strikeout rate in 14 starts, and was an easy choice for Boone to start Game 3 following Max Fried and Carlos Rodón. By contrast, Early only debuted on September 9, and pitched brilliantly (2.33 ERA, 0.91 FIP) but might not have made the postseason roster — or at least would not have started — had Lucas Giolito not been sidelined by elbow trouble. While Garrett Crochet’s 7 2/3 innings in Game 1 required Cora to use only closer Aroldis Chapman in relief, the manager didn’t like what he saw from Bello in Game 2 and pulled him with one out in the third, leaving him to call upon six relievers, one of whom (Garrett Whitlock) threw a season-high 47 pitches and gave up the winning run. Read the rest of this entry »


Tigers Pounce on Guardians in Game 3 To Advance to the Alds

Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Nobody likes a quick exit from the playoffs, but a brief October cameo would have been an especial humiliation for the 2025 Detroit Tigers. After spending much of the season fighting for the league’s best record, and collecting a 14-game divisional lead at one point, the Tigers went nine games under .500 in the second half. Not only was that bad enough to throw away the division title, Detroit nearly missed the playoffs altogether, only squeezing in thanks to a tiebreak advantage over the Houston Astros. So Thursday’s 6-3 win in Game 3 of the Wild Card series must come as a relief, especially given the measure of revenge that comes with beating Cleveland.

Jack Flaherty got the call in Game 3, his first playoff appearance for the Tigers. There had to be some trepidation about Flaherty, given that his last quality start came back in mid-August. While his 4 2/3 innings of work were short on highlight moments, and he allowed three 100 mph liners that fortunately found leather instead of grass or dirt, Flaherty confined the hits to two-out rallies, leaving Cleveland little room for any bunting or other little-ball shenanigans until the fourth inning. A George Valera double and a José Ramírez single got the Guardians on the board in the fourth, but the danger ended when J-Ram was caught stealing and Chase DeLauter hit into a double play. Flaherty did at least avoid angering the cruel deity that governs predictions; last offseason, he famously said that the Tigers would have defeated the Guardians in last year’s playoffs if he hadn’t been traded to the Dodgers at the deadline. Read the rest of this entry »


Effectively Wild Episode 2382: The October Bandwagon

EWFI
Ben Lindbergh brings on Hannah Keyser and Zach Crizer of The Bandwagon to banter in a hopefully not-immediately-dated way about the first two days of playoff action, including the Dodgers dispatching the Reds, Dave Roberts using “Strategy,” Aaron Boone’s perceived mismanaging, the flamethrowing Mason Miller and a playoff-pitch-speed conundrum, and more, plus conversation about how teams with byes are trying to stay ready, the league’s many managerial openings, whether running the Rockies is a good gig, the Rafael Devers trade in retrospect, and the best teams to bandwagon, followed (1:33:54) by a postscript.

Audio intro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme
Audio outro: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme

Link to The Bandwagon
Link to Episode 2105
Link to Hannah on the Phillies’ prep
Link to Phillies intrasquad game
Link to Ichiro scrimmage story
Link to Ben on the mid-PA pitching change
Link to Girardi on “Strategy”
Link to 2024 “Strategy” episode
Link to Vesia one-pitch K
Link to Vesia scoring quirk
Link to Anderson tweet about Miller
Link to article about Miller
Link to Miller video
Link to fastest postseason pitches
Link to fastest regular-season pitches
Link to Eno on playoff pitch speeds
Link to The Ringer’s postseason storylines
Link to Obama anger translator sketch
Link to Crochet vs. LHP tweet
Link to The Bandwagon on Boone
Link to Chisholm dive
Link to Cora’s follow-up
Link to Breslow on Devers
Link to Diamond tweet
Link to Sarris tweet
Link to Baggarly on Posey
Link to MLBTR on the Rockies
Link to manager vacancies
Link to Arrested Development meme
Link to DeLauter debut article
Link to DeLauter debut play
Link to Lemon/Bearden kiss
Link to article on the kiss
Link to 1991 Mets article
Link to streaks data
Link to SB distribution graphs
Link to SB distribution data
Link to Sacramento A’s jersey
Link to Keown on the A’s

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