<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" src="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png" alt="EWFI" width="590" height="206" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-242076" srcset="https://blogs.fangraphs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi.png 590w, https://blogs.fangraphs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ewlogofi-300x105.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px" />
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about whether certain injuries can <em>improve</em> players, old-but-good guys not getting gigs, the offensive disparity between the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues, and <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/players/bryce-harper/11579/stats" target="_blank">Bryce Harper&#8217;</a>s Phanatic tattoo. Then they preview the 2025 Boston Red Sox (31:16) with <em>The Boston Globe</em>&#8217;s <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/alexspeier.bsky.social" target="_blank">Alex Speier</a>, and the 2025 Sacramento Athletics (1:25:13) with <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/jasonburke.bsky.social" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Jason Burke</a> of Inside the A&#8217;s.
<div class="intro-misc intro-team">
        <div class="intro-header"><span class="intro-header-text">2025 EW Season Preview Series</span></div>
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                <div class="team-lg">AL</div><table><tr><td><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/effectively-wild-episode-2281-season-preview-series-orioles-and-royals">BAL</a></td><td><a class="link-inactive">CHW</a></td><td><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/effectively-wild-episode-2288-season-preview-series-red-sox-and-athletics">ATH</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/effectively-wild-episode-2288-season-preview-series-red-sox-and-athletics">BOS</a></td><td><a class="link-inactive">CLE</a></td><td><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/effectively-wild-episode-2284-season-preview-series-astros-and-cardinals">HOU</a></td></tr><tr><td><a class="link-inactive">NYY</a></td><td><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/effectively-wild-episode-2282-season-preview-series-twins-and-tigers">DET</a></td><td><a class="link-inactive">LAA</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/effectively-wild-episode-2280-season-preview-series-rays-and-brewers">TBR</a></td><td><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/effectively-wild-episode-2281-season-preview-series-orioles-and-royals">KCR</a></td><td><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/effectively-wild-episode-2286-season-preview-series-mariners-and-reds">SEA</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/effectively-wild-episode-2279-season-preview-series-blue-jays-and-padres">TOR</a></td><td><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/effectively-wild-episode-2282-season-preview-series-twins-and-tigers">MIN</a></td><td><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/effectively-wild-episode-2287-season-preview-series-rangers-and-pirates">TEX</a></td></tr></table>
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                <div class="team-lg">NL</div><table><tr><td><a class="link-inactive">ATL</a></td><td><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/effectively-wild-episode-2283-season-preview-series-cubs-and-giants">CHC</a></td><td><a class="link-inactive">ARI</a></td></tr><tr><td><a class="link-inactive">MIA</a></td><td><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/effectively-wild-episode-2286-season-preview-series-mariners-and-reds">CIN</a></td><td><a class="link-inactive">COL</a></td></tr><tr><td><a class="link-inactive">NYM</a></td><td><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/effectively-wild-episode-2280-season-preview-series-rays-and-brewers">MIL</a></td><td><a class="link-inactive">LAD</a></td></tr><tr><td><a class="link-inactive">PHI</a></td><td><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/effectively-wild-episode-2287-season-preview-series-rangers-and-pirates">PIT</a></td><td><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/effectively-wild-episode-2279-season-preview-series-blue-jays-and-padres">SDP</a></td></tr><tr><td><a class="link-inactive">WSN</a></td><td><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/effectively-wild-episode-2284-season-preview-series-astros-and-cardinals">STL</a></td><td><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/effectively-wild-episode-2283-season-preview-series-cubs-and-giants">SFG</a></td></tr></table></div>
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<p><strong>Audio&nbsp;intro</strong>: Kite Person, &#8220;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ShNIfvqdt84DII-pVYvCp32cIpVIP2V5/view?usp=drive_link" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Effectively Wild Theme</a>&#8221;
<strong>Audio&nbsp;interstitial 1</strong>: Ian H., &#8220;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x3QzhMjO6frLGXRoKk-h4I9dkWw16wff/view?usp=drive_link" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Effectively Wild Theme</a>&#8221;
<strong>Audio&nbsp;interstitial 2</strong>: Xavier LeBlanc, &#8220;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/14GwETbHV9icxS2-FKQXWPNtoJKy1U55L/view?usp=drive_link" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Effectively Wild Theme</a>&#8221;
<strong>Audio&nbsp;outro</strong>: The Shirey Brothers, &#8220;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lGyXnWwEoa3G1mWIJfdeNs8HHFLR8Ml7/view?usp=drive_link" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Effectively Wild Theme</a>&#8221;
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://www.startribune.com/twins-top-prospect-luke-keaschall-starred-in-minors-despite-torn-elbow-ligament/601227676" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to Keaschall article</a>
<a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/mets-navigating-spring-training-with-large-number-of-players" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to Mets camp count</a>
<a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/02/mets-remain-unlikely-to-pursue-jose-iglesias-after-madrigal-injury.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to MLBTR on Igleias</a>
<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2024/5/3/24148199/mlb-brandon-belt-unsigned-why-free-agent-giants-blue-jays-dh-first-base" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to Belt article</a>
<a href="https://medium.com/@matan_k/no-sport-for-old-men-baseballs-changing-aging-curve-5158f09ca4d3" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to aging curve 1</a>
<a href="https://tht.fangraphs.com/aging-curves-revisited-damn-strikeouts/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to aging curve 2</a>
<a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/justin-verlander-makes-spring-training-debut-with-giants" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to Verlander article</a>
<a href="https://www.mlb.com/spring-training/ballparks" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to spring training parks</a>
<a href="https://annex.exploratorium.edu/baseball/features/how-far-can-you-hit-one.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to homers/humidity</a>
<a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=S%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2024%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&hfOpponent=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=&hfMo=&hfTeam=TOR%7CBAL%7CTB%7CBOS%7CNYY%7CDET%7CMIN%7CHOU%7CATL%7CMIA%7CNYM%7CWSH%7CPHI%7CSTL%7CPIT%7C&home_road=&hfRO=&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=league&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=woba&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_abs=on&chk_stats_hits=on&chk_stats_woba=on#results" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to 2024 FL ST wOBA</a>
<a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2024%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&hfOpponent=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=&hfMo=&hfTeam=TOR%7CBAL%7CTB%7CBOS%7CNYY%7CDET%7CMIN%7CHOU%7CATL%7CMIA%7CNYM%7CWSH%7CPHI%7CSTL%7CPIT%7C&home_road=&hfRO=&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=league&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=woba&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_abs=on&chk_stats_hits=on&chk_stats_woba=on#results" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to FL teams&#8217; RS wOBA</a>
<a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=S%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2024%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&hfOpponent=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=&hfMo=&hfTeam=CLE%7CKC%7CCWS%7CLAA%7COAK%7CSEA%7CTEX%7CMIL%7CCHC%7CCIN%7CAZ%7CLAD%7CSF%7CSD%7CCOL%7C&home_road=&hfRO=&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=league&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=woba&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_abs=on&chk_stats_hits=on&chk_stats_woba=on#results" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to 2024 AZ ST wOBA</a>
<a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2024%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&hfOpponent=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=&hfMo=&hfTeam=CLE%7CKC%7CCWS%7CLAA%7COAK%7CSEA%7CTEX%7CMIL%7CCHC%7CCIN%7CAZ%7CLAD%7CSF%7CSD%7CCOL%7C&home_road=&hfRO=&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=league&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=woba&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_abs=on&chk_stats_hits=on&chk_stats_woba=on#results" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to Link to AZ teams&#8217; RS wOBA</a>
<a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=S%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2024%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&hfOpponent=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=&hfMo=&hfTeam=&home_road=&hfRO=&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=league&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=woba&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_abs=on&chk_stats_hits=on&chk_stats_woba=on#results" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to overall ST wOBA</a>
<a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=&hfAB=&hfGT=R%7C&hfPR=&hfZ=&hfStadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfPull=&hfC=&hfSea=2024%7C&hfSit=&player_type=batter&hfOuts=&hfOpponent=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=&hfMo=&hfTeam=&home_road=&hfRO=&position=&hfInfield=&hfOutfield=&hfInn=&hfBBT=&hfFlag=&metric_1=&group_by=league&min_pitches=0&min_results=0&min_pas=0&sort_col=woba&player_event_sort=api_p_release_speed&sort_order=desc&chk_stats_abs=on&chk_stats_hits=on&chk_stats_woba=on#results" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to overall RS wOBA</a>
<a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/bryce-harper-gets-phanatic-tattoo" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to Phanatic tattoo story</a>
<a href="https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/offseason/_/year/2025" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to offseason spending</a>
<a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/roster-resource/breakdowns/payroll" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to FG payrolls page</a>
<a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/roster-resource/depth-charts/red-sox" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to Red Sox depth chart</a>
<a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/roster-resource/offseason-tracker/red-sox" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to Red Sox offseason tracker</a>
<a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/red-sox-2024-netflix-documentary-previews-at-fenway-fest" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to Netflix series story</a>
<a href="https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2023/11/tom-werner-vows-red-sox-will-go-full-throttle-in-effort-to-improve-team.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to Werner quote</a>
<a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/products/homegrown-alex-speier?variant=32216091820066" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to Alex&#8217;s book</a>
<a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/about/staff-list/staff/alex-speier/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to Alex&#8217;s author archive</a>
<a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/roster-resource/depth-charts/athletics" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to Athletics depth chart</a>
<a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/roster-resource/offseason-tracker/athletics" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to Athletics offseason tracker</a>
<a href="https://www.si.com/mlb/athletics/author/jason-burke" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to Jason&#8217;s author archive</a>
<a href="https://patreon.com/effectivelywild/gift" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Link to EW gift subscriptions</a></p>
<p>
<a href="http://www.patreon.com/effectivelywild" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <img decoding="async" alt="" height="18" src="https://i.imgur.com/hT2AX6G.jpg" style="width: 18px;height: 18px" width="18" />&nbsp;<strong>Sponsor Us&nbsp;on&nbsp;Patreon</strong></a>
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<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/effectivelywild/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="" height="18" src="https://i.imgur.com/I4hfhMi.png" style="width: 18px;height: 18px" width="18" /></strong><strong>&nbsp;EW Subreddit</strong></a>
<a href="http://effectivelywild.wikia.com/wiki/Effectively_Wild_Wiki" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="" height="18" src="https://i.imgur.com/28HuIsx.png" style="width: 18px;height: 18px" width="18" />&nbsp;Effectively Wild Wiki</a>
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Effectively Wild Episode 2288: Season Preview Series: Red Sox and Athletics

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