Effectively Wild Episode 2414: You Can Go Home Again

Effectively Wild Episode 2414: You Can Go Home Again
December 16, 2025 | Hosts: Ben Lindbergh & Meg Rowley

Episode Overview

In this episode, Ben and Meg unpack a smattering of recent MLB offseason transactions. They analyze the Mets’ signing of Jorge Polanco as a Pete Alonso replacement, notable bullpen moves by contenders, and several comeback stories in both baseball and sports at large. The hosts also discuss MLB's new regulation on minor league tech and data, and the ever-growing infiltration of baseball in pop culture—including a deep-dive into the accuracy of baseball depictions in the new "Knives Out" movie. The tone is classic Effectively Wild: witty, analytical, and rooted in a deep love for both baseball minutiae and wider sports culture.

Major Discussion Points

1. How Baseball Never Really Has an “Offseason” (00:35–01:55)

Ben and Meg commiserate over the year-round demands of baseball media work, with Meg noting:

“If you do a year-round podcast and edit a year-round website... it’s even less of an offseason.” (01:13)

2. Mets Sign Jorge Polanco as a (Sort-Of) Pete Alonso Replacement (01:55–09:22)

Polanco’s Fit:
- Polanco, a former Mariner, steps in for Alonso at first base—a spot he’s played professionally only once.
“It’s a guy who has played first base for one professional pitch as an injury replacement. So he’s going to have to pick up the position.” (02:59)
Comparing Bats:
- Polanco’s ceiling statistically aligns with an average Alonso season, but with more risk and less upside.
- Pay reflects expectations: 2 years, $40M (Polanco) vs. the much larger Alonso deal (04:14).
Defense and Upside:
- The hosts argue first base isn’t as “plug-and-play” as often assumed and discuss Polanco’s defensive limitations.
- Ben: “Many a baseball player has learned as he has tumbled down the defensive spectrum... If there had ever been a time when I had said anything negative about Jorge Polanco... it would have been watching him try to man second base.” (04:32)
Mets’ Offseason Status:
“My instinct is still to render unto the Mets an incomplete,” says Ben (03:40), with Meg noting the fan perspective:

“If you’re a Mets fan, you might think, well, we cheaped out a little or we went a little cheaper for slightly worse replacements... But they might yet do that [sign a premier free agent].” (08:06)

Notable Quote

“There’s a lot of offseason to go, more moves to be made. So still incomplete, but more complete in that we now know who is slotted in to replace Pete at first base... a guy who has played first base for one professional pitch.”
— Meg Rowley (02:31)

3. Josh Bell to the Twins: Value and Vibes (10:19–12:01)

Meg calls Bell “more or less a replacement level player” for some years, but at one year, $5.5M, the risk is minimal.
Ben speculates:

“A suspicion that I have now about Josh Bell is that he must be like the best hang because he keeps getting work.” (11:12)

4. Reinventing Bullpens: Blue Jays & Dodgers Additions (12:01–17:14)

Blue Jays Sign Tyler Rogers:
- Both Toronto and LA address their postseason bullpen woes.
- Ben praises the Jays’ ambition:
  
  “I just appreciate the obvious ambition being demonstrated by Toronto and by the Dodgers too... Go, go, go get them. I like that.” (14:29)
- Discussion on the value of arm slot diversity (“bullpen octopus”).
Dodgers Assembly:
- LA projects to again have the best bullpen, but hosts caution projections aren’t guarantees.
Debates the pronunciation “submariner” vs “submariner” for submarine pitchers—classic EW tangent (17:37–18:20).

5. AL East Heating Up: Yankees, Red Sox, and Michael King Rumors (19:10–20:04)

AL East teams seen as “stocking up”; Yankees are “the sleeping giant of the offseason.”
Scene-setting for possible future “Stat Blast” segment on divisional talent influx.

6. The “Go Home Again” Move: Merrill Kelly Returns to the Diamondbacks (20:04–32:37)

Kelly returns to Arizona after a short stint with Texas.

“He likes being there and they like having him... It’s sort of satisfying, but it doesn’t happen all that often.” (20:04, 23:14)
Ben and Meg riff on the rarity—and emotional dynamics—of players being traded midseason then re-signing with their old club, citing Ricky Henderson and others.
Notable research and quotes from Meg’s past reporting:

“It takes so much emotional energy to leave a long-term team relationship, and it’s worse when you didn’t initiate it.” (Doug Glanville, 30:27)

7. Kenley Jansen to Tigers: Closer Role & Hall of Fame Credentials (32:37–38:21)

Jansen, age 38, joins a Tigers pen with an uncertain hierarchy, but strong career productivity.
Meg reviews his HOF case:

“He is sandwiched between Trevor Hoffman and Billy Wagner... If you’re a relievers-deserve-to-be-in-the-Hall pursuit, I don’t know how you could keep Kenley out.” (34:05)

8. Phillies Sign Adolis García; Dispiriting or Savvy? (39:26–44:14)

García gets $10M from Philly after a non-tender by Texas.
Ben questions the fit:

“It seems like a lot of money to have tied up in that position that isn’t anticipated to be very productive... Why?” (40:31, 42:21)
Discussion compares him to other options (e.g., bringing back Harrison Bader for vibes).

9. Royals and Brewers Swap: Isaac Collins, Nick Mears for Angel Zerpa (44:20–48:50)

The Royals attempt to move past having the league’s worst outfield, acquiring Collins (a late-blooming rookie and 2025 ROY 4th-place finisher).

“Even if he’s kind of close, I guess it’s an upgrade. It can’t get much worse.” (45:32)
Ben notes: “I voted for Collins on my rookie of the year ballot. This could be like kind of respectable. It could be. And it was so bad.” (45:45)

10. MLB Regulates Minor League Data & Tech: Parity or Anti-Competitive? (49:09–63:50)

MLB will standardize tech/data in the minors, limiting clubs’ choice of vendors/providers to “level the playing field”—or, more cynically, cut owner costs.
Hosts react skeptically:
- Ben calls it “anti-competitive behavior” and “cheap,” arguing it stifles innovation and mostly helps clubs like the Rockies (53:02–57:34).
- Meg:
  
  “It’s like with Moneyball... started as a way to save money, [but] then it gets co-opted by the rich teams too.” (57:34–59:25)
- Discussion touches on impacts for small-market vs. big-market teams, and the potential for further owner fractures in future CBA negotiations.

11. Pop Culture Segment: Baseball in “Knives Out – Wake Up Dead Man” (64:56–74:52)

Listener emails and Meg’s analysis praise the accuracy of Cubs/D-backs games depicted in the new movie.
Meg:

“There’s a lot of baseball in Wake Up Dead Man... it’s fine, it’s done well. I have no notes, almost.” (67:13)
Extended email from listener Stephen details the in-movie baseball timeline and technical details (91:17).

12. Comeback Stories: MLB’s Philip Rivers? (75:29–91:14)

Inspired by NFL QB Philip Rivers' return, Meg and Ben muse on possible baseball parallels—who could return from retirement and create a buzz?
Equivalents: Cole Hamels, Felix Hernandez, Buster Posey, Robinson Cano, Albert Pujols, Ichiro, Zach Greinke, etc.
Meg:

“If Buster Posey... says ‘I’ll strap on the gear again,’... that would be a good one.” (84:52)
Ben:

“It would just be the most fun story... I’m envisioning him, like, mid-game... up in the suite, starts to loosen his tie...” (86:16)

Additional Noteworthy Quotes & Memorable Moments

“[Toronto is] assembling...a bullpen octopus coming at you from every angle.” — Meg (16:47)
Pronunciation debate: “Submariner” vs. “submariner” for submarine-style pitchers (17:37–18:26)
On needing diversity in arm slots: “It’s fun. And even if it doesn’t help, it is fun.” — Meg (17:13)
Meg’s investigative reporting on midseason trade/reunion cases, quoting GMs and players' sentiments about the emotional challenges (24:46–30:57)
Ben on owner philosophy:

“They want to have all profit, no expense. That’s not how any of this works...some of you are barely capitalists.” (63:50)
Pop culture nods:
- House of Dynamite’s random Lindor reference and the ongoing tradition of baseball “just appearing” in non-baseball films (72:33–75:19)
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s cameo as a baseball announcer in “Wake Up Dead Man” (91:17)
Closing note on Jamie Moyer, Bartolo Colon, and the “baseball octogenarian” lane for comebacks (90:06)

Timestamps for Key Segments

01:55 – Mets’ Alonso replacement; Jorge Polanco fit
10:19 – Josh Bell to Twins
12:01 – Blue Jays improve bullpen
17:37 – Submariner debate
19:10 – AL East rumors & moves
20:04 – Merrill Kelly returns to D-backs
32:37 – Kenley Jansen to Tigers
39:26 – Adolis García signs with Phillies
44:20 – Royals and Brewers trade
49:09 – MLB minor league tech/data regulations
64:56 – Pop culture: baseball in Knives Out
75:29 – Comeback stories: MLB’s own Philip Rivers?

Conclusion

The episode is a blend of insightful offseason analysis, appreciation for baseball’s emotional and weird corners, and the kind of humor and pop culture awareness fans expect from Meg and Ben. Whether unpacking the “incomplete” offseasons of various clubs, opining on the hidden impact of analytics budgets, or geeking out over fictional Cubs broadcasts, the hosts keep it Effectively Wild—asking not just what happened in baseball, but why and how it feels.

For more, and listener Stephen’s in-depth breakdown of “Knives Out” baseball accuracy, tune in from 91:17.

[End of Summary]

Effectively Wild Episode 2414: You Can Go Home Again
December 16, 2025 | Hosts: Ben Lindbergh & Meg Rowley

Episode Overview

Major Discussion Points

1. How Baseball Never Really Has an “Offseason” (00:35–01:55)

Ben and Meg commiserate over the year-round demands of baseball media work, with Meg noting:

“If you do a year-round podcast and edit a year-round website... it’s even less of an offseason.” (01:13)

2. Mets Sign Jorge Polanco as a (Sort-Of) Pete Alonso Replacement (01:55–09:22)

Polanco’s Fit:
- Polanco, a former Mariner, steps in for Alonso at first base—a spot he’s played professionally only once.
“It’s a guy who has played first base for one professional pitch as an injury replacement. So he’s going to have to pick up the position.” (02:59)
Comparing Bats:
- Polanco’s ceiling statistically aligns with an average Alonso season, but with more risk and less upside.
- Pay reflects expectations: 2 years, $40M (Polanco) vs. the much larger Alonso deal (04:14).
Defense and Upside:
- The hosts argue first base isn’t as “plug-and-play” as often assumed and discuss Polanco’s defensive limitations.
- Ben: “Many a baseball player has learned as he has tumbled down the defensive spectrum... If there had ever been a time when I had said anything negative about Jorge Polanco... it would have been watching him try to man second base.” (04:32)
Mets’ Offseason Status:
“My instinct is still to render unto the Mets an incomplete,” says Ben (03:40), with Meg noting the fan perspective:

“If you’re a Mets fan, you might think, well, we cheaped out a little or we went a little cheaper for slightly worse replacements... But they might yet do that [sign a premier free agent].” (08:06)

Notable Quote

“There’s a lot of offseason to go, more moves to be made. So still incomplete, but more complete in that we now know who is slotted in to replace Pete at first base... a guy who has played first base for one professional pitch.”
— Meg Rowley (02:31)

3. Josh Bell to the Twins: Value and Vibes (10:19–12:01)

Meg calls Bell “more or less a replacement level player” for some years, but at one year, $5.5M, the risk is minimal.
Ben speculates:

“A suspicion that I have now about Josh Bell is that he must be like the best hang because he keeps getting work.” (11:12)

4. Reinventing Bullpens: Blue Jays & Dodgers Additions (12:01–17:14)

Blue Jays Sign Tyler Rogers:
- Both Toronto and LA address their postseason bullpen woes.
- Ben praises the Jays’ ambition:
  
  “I just appreciate the obvious ambition being demonstrated by Toronto and by the Dodgers too... Go, go, go get them. I like that.” (14:29)
- Discussion on the value of arm slot diversity (“bullpen octopus”).
Dodgers Assembly:
- LA projects to again have the best bullpen, but hosts caution projections aren’t guarantees.
Debates the pronunciation “submariner” vs “submariner” for submarine pitchers—classic EW tangent (17:37–18:20).

5. AL East Heating Up: Yankees, Red Sox, and Michael King Rumors (19:10–20:04)

AL East teams seen as “stocking up”; Yankees are “the sleeping giant of the offseason.”
Scene-setting for possible future “Stat Blast” segment on divisional talent influx.

6. The “Go Home Again” Move: Merrill Kelly Returns to the Diamondbacks (20:04–32:37)

Kelly returns to Arizona after a short stint with Texas.

“He likes being there and they like having him... It’s sort of satisfying, but it doesn’t happen all that often.” (20:04, 23:14)
Ben and Meg riff on the rarity—and emotional dynamics—of players being traded midseason then re-signing with their old club, citing Ricky Henderson and others.
Notable research and quotes from Meg’s past reporting:

“It takes so much emotional energy to leave a long-term team relationship, and it’s worse when you didn’t initiate it.” (Doug Glanville, 30:27)

7. Kenley Jansen to Tigers: Closer Role & Hall of Fame Credentials (32:37–38:21)

Jansen, age 38, joins a Tigers pen with an uncertain hierarchy, but strong career productivity.
Meg reviews his HOF case:

“He is sandwiched between Trevor Hoffman and Billy Wagner... If you’re a relievers-deserve-to-be-in-the-Hall pursuit, I don’t know how you could keep Kenley out.” (34:05)

8. Phillies Sign Adolis García; Dispiriting or Savvy? (39:26–44:14)

García gets $10M from Philly after a non-tender by Texas.
Ben questions the fit:

“It seems like a lot of money to have tied up in that position that isn’t anticipated to be very productive... Why?” (40:31, 42:21)
Discussion compares him to other options (e.g., bringing back Harrison Bader for vibes).

9. Royals and Brewers Swap: Isaac Collins, Nick Mears for Angel Zerpa (44:20–48:50)

The Royals attempt to move past having the league’s worst outfield, acquiring Collins (a late-blooming rookie and 2025 ROY 4th-place finisher).

“Even if he’s kind of close, I guess it’s an upgrade. It can’t get much worse.” (45:32)
Ben notes: “I voted for Collins on my rookie of the year ballot. This could be like kind of respectable. It could be. And it was so bad.” (45:45)

10. MLB Regulates Minor League Data & Tech: Parity or Anti-Competitive? (49:09–63:50)

MLB will standardize tech/data in the minors, limiting clubs’ choice of vendors/providers to “level the playing field”—or, more cynically, cut owner costs.
Hosts react skeptically:
- Ben calls it “anti-competitive behavior” and “cheap,” arguing it stifles innovation and mostly helps clubs like the Rockies (53:02–57:34).
- Meg:
  
  “It’s like with Moneyball... started as a way to save money, [but] then it gets co-opted by the rich teams too.” (57:34–59:25)
- Discussion touches on impacts for small-market vs. big-market teams, and the potential for further owner fractures in future CBA negotiations.

11. Pop Culture Segment: Baseball in “Knives Out – Wake Up Dead Man” (64:56–74:52)

Listener emails and Meg’s analysis praise the accuracy of Cubs/D-backs games depicted in the new movie.
Meg:

“There’s a lot of baseball in Wake Up Dead Man... it’s fine, it’s done well. I have no notes, almost.” (67:13)
Extended email from listener Stephen details the in-movie baseball timeline and technical details (91:17).

12. Comeback Stories: MLB’s Philip Rivers? (75:29–91:14)

Inspired by NFL QB Philip Rivers' return, Meg and Ben muse on possible baseball parallels—who could return from retirement and create a buzz?
Equivalents: Cole Hamels, Felix Hernandez, Buster Posey, Robinson Cano, Albert Pujols, Ichiro, Zach Greinke, etc.
Meg:

“If Buster Posey... says ‘I’ll strap on the gear again,’... that would be a good one.” (84:52)
Ben:

“It would just be the most fun story... I’m envisioning him, like, mid-game... up in the suite, starts to loosen his tie...” (86:16)

Additional Noteworthy Quotes & Memorable Moments

“[Toronto is] assembling...a bullpen octopus coming at you from every angle.” — Meg (16:47)
Pronunciation debate: “Submariner” vs. “submariner” for submarine-style pitchers (17:37–18:26)
On needing diversity in arm slots: “It’s fun. And even if it doesn’t help, it is fun.” — Meg (17:13)
Meg’s investigative reporting on midseason trade/reunion cases, quoting GMs and players' sentiments about the emotional challenges (24:46–30:57)
Ben on owner philosophy:

“They want to have all profit, no expense. That’s not how any of this works...some of you are barely capitalists.” (63:50)
Pop culture nods:
- House of Dynamite’s random Lindor reference and the ongoing tradition of baseball “just appearing” in non-baseball films (72:33–75:19)
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s cameo as a baseball announcer in “Wake Up Dead Man” (91:17)
Closing note on Jamie Moyer, Bartolo Colon, and the “baseball octogenarian” lane for comebacks (90:06)

Timestamps for Key Segments

01:55 – Mets’ Alonso replacement; Jorge Polanco fit
10:19 – Josh Bell to Twins
12:01 – Blue Jays improve bullpen
17:37 – Submariner debate
19:10 – AL East rumors & moves
20:04 – Merrill Kelly returns to D-backs
32:37 – Kenley Jansen to Tigers
39:26 – Adolis García signs with Phillies
44:20 – Royals and Brewers trade
49:09 – MLB minor league tech/data regulations
64:56 – Pop culture: baseball in Knives Out
75:29 – Comeback stories: MLB’s own Philip Rivers?

Conclusion

For more, and listener Stephen’s in-depth breakdown of “Knives Out” baseball accuracy, tune in from 91:17.

[End of Summary]

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Summary

Episode Overview

Major Discussion Points

1. How Baseball Never Really Has an “Offseason” (00:35–01:55)

2. Mets Sign Jorge Polanco as a (Sort-Of) Pete Alonso Replacement (01:55–09:22)

Notable Quote

3. Josh Bell to the Twins: Value and Vibes (10:19–12:01)

4. Reinventing Bullpens: Blue Jays & Dodgers Additions (12:01–17:14)

5. AL East Heating Up: Yankees, Red Sox, and Michael King Rumors (19:10–20:04)

6. The “Go Home Again” Move: Merrill Kelly Returns to the Diamondbacks (20:04–32:37)

7. Kenley Jansen to Tigers: Closer Role & Hall of Fame Credentials (32:37–38:21)

8. Phillies Sign Adolis García; Dispiriting or Savvy? (39:26–44:14)

9. Royals and Brewers Swap: Isaac Collins, Nick Mears for Angel Zerpa (44:20–48:50)

10. MLB Regulates Minor League Data & Tech: Parity or Anti-Competitive? (49:09–63:50)

11. Pop Culture Segment: Baseball in “Knives Out – Wake Up Dead Man” (64:56–74:52)

12. Comeback Stories: MLB’s Philip Rivers? (75:29–91:14)

Additional Noteworthy Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Conclusion

Summary

Episode Overview

Major Discussion Points

1. How Baseball Never Really Has an “Offseason” (00:35–01:55)

2. Mets Sign Jorge Polanco as a (Sort-Of) Pete Alonso Replacement (01:55–09:22)

Notable Quote

3. Josh Bell to the Twins: Value and Vibes (10:19–12:01)

4. Reinventing Bullpens: Blue Jays & Dodgers Additions (12:01–17:14)

5. AL East Heating Up: Yankees, Red Sox, and Michael King Rumors (19:10–20:04)

6. The “Go Home Again” Move: Merrill Kelly Returns to the Diamondbacks (20:04–32:37)

7. Kenley Jansen to Tigers: Closer Role & Hall of Fame Credentials (32:37–38:21)

8. Phillies Sign Adolis García; Dispiriting or Savvy? (39:26–44:14)

9. Royals and Brewers Swap: Isaac Collins, Nick Mears for Angel Zerpa (44:20–48:50)

10. MLB Regulates Minor League Data & Tech: Parity or Anti-Competitive? (49:09–63:50)

11. Pop Culture Segment: Baseball in “Knives Out – Wake Up Dead Man” (64:56–74:52)

12. Comeback Stories: MLB’s Philip Rivers? (75:29–91:14)

Additional Noteworthy Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Conclusion