Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about how the expanded playoffs may suppress trade activity and, prompted by the passing of Ryne Sandberg, the factors that can make a player punch above their weight from a popularity perspective. Then (31:47) they answer listener emails about triples hitting, Bryce Harper vs. José Ramírez, the effect of gray hairs on free agency, football body comps for baseball players, “first half” vs. “second half,” change-of-scenery candidates, perfection for hitters, the language of WAR, scouting trade candidates, framing a player for pitch-fixing, early/late-season platoon players, outfielders lying down on the job, and Aaron Judge’s BABIP (plus a reaction to Rich Hill’s DFA).

Audio outro: Dave Armstrong and Mike Murray, “Effectively Wild Theme”

Link to Ben C. on expanded playoffs

Link to Dan S. on expanded playoffs

Link to Paine on the deadline

Link to Sandberg NYT obit

Link to Sandberg Stat Blast

Link to “Sandberg Game” video

Link to triples Stathead

Link to Stark on future HoFers

Link to Wilkins kiss story

Link to info on Day’s beard

Link to post-ASB split 1

Link to post-ASB split 2

Link to splits spreadsheet

Link to Ben on the foul lines

Link to Russell on outfield defense 1

Link to Russell on outfield defense 2

Link to Russell on outfield defense 3

Link to doubleheader trade

Link to Szymborski on Judge

Link to Petriello on Judge

Link to Savant xBABIP

Link to listener emails database

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