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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

Defector

David Roth

Gerrit Cole, seen here looking uncomfortable on the mound, if notably less uncomfortable than he seemed when asked whether he cheats.

Podcasts

Napoleonic Wars, Baseball Cheating, And Pandemic Television, With Michael Schur

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19

Chris Thompson

Jake Fraley leaps to rob a walk-off home run.

10 Uninterrupted Minutes Of FRAYHAYLAYYYYY, Sure

Lauren Theisen

This Is So Stupid

Is Today Aaron Harang’s Birthday? An Investigation

Patrick Dubuque is a writer and editor at Baseball Prospectus.

Patrick Dubuque

Giovanny Gallegos, seen here not being bothered about whatever sticky stuff he does or doesn't have on his glove.

The Dirty Little Secret About Breaking The Rules

Ronald Acuña Jr. crushes a ball to the moon.

Dinger Beauty Is A Joy Forever

A shell-shocked Carlos Martinez hands the ball to manager Mike Shildt after registering just two outs.

Cardinals Pitcher Carlos Martinez Takes An All-Time Ass-Whupping

<a href="https://twitter.com/cdgoldstein">Craig Goldstein</a> is the editor-in-chief of Baseball Prospectus and the co-host of <a href="https://www.baseballprospectus.com/show/five-and-dive/">the Five &amp; Dive podcast</a>.



Patrick Dubuque is a writer and editor at Baseball Prospectus.

Craig Goldstein and Patrick Dubuque

Dave Roberts removes Scott Alexander from a Dodgers game in May.

We Need A Restrictor Plate For Pitchers

Stephen Strasburg looks bummed as he leaves the field following another injury.

More Like Stephen Hamburger

Albert Burneko

Walter Johnson grips what looks like a cut fastball in 1925.

What Is Dealing, And What Is Not

White Sox Seating Area, Dedicated To Beloved Longtime Employee, Rededicated To Disliked Short-Term Employee

Matt Wieters, seen here catching for the Cardinals in a 2019 game.

Olympics

Team USA’s Preliminary Roster Is A Damn Symphony Of Baseball Guys

Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa, seen here trudging towards the pitcher's mound.

Tony La Russa Should Just Stay In His Office

Chas McCormick thrown out at home in the bottom of the 10th by Joey Gallo

I Want To See The Dang Throw!

Jarred Walsh of the Angels seen here getting frustrated after striking out, or remembering he's on the Angels.

What Are They Doing To The Baseballs, With Will Leitch

I Wonder If The Rockies Regret Dealing Nolan Arenado Yet

Mookie Betts an instant before something bad happens to him.

Mookie Betts Tagged Outrageously In Dick And Balls

Dave McKenna

President Nixon holds "a frank exchange of views" with a young basefall fan at the Washington Senators' Opening Day game versus the New York Yankees at RFK Stadium

Senators Week

Bob Short Still Stinks

Dan McQuade was a founding member of Defector. He died in January 2026.

Dan McQuade

Here’s Yet Another Baffling, Unreviewable Call From An Umpire

<a href="https://twitter.com/cdgoldstein">Craig Goldstein</a> is the editor-in-chief of Baseball Prospectus and the co-host of <a href="https://www.baseballprospectus.com/show/five-and-dive/">the Five &amp; Dive podcast</a>.

Craig Goldstein

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, seen here in Cooperstown, being weird.

Rob Manfred Has No Feel

Vlad Jr. waves to fans after his team beat the hell out of the Washington Nationals.

Vlad Jr. Did Some Primo Smashing

Trevor Bauer lies on the mound, tragically un-owned.

Heartbreaking: Most Annoying Person In Baseball Makes Great Point

Milwaukee pitcher Corbin Burnes throws a pitch in a game against the Minnesota Twins.

It’s All Happening For Corbin Burnes

Pandemic Baseball Quirks Are Really Starting To Mess With Me

Mets team president Sandy Alderson seen at a 2014 event, presumably discussing cancel culture in a normal way.

Sandy Alderson Is Sick Of These Stories About His Many Creepy Mets Coworkers

Maitreyi Anantharaman

CFDA Fashion Icon Award recipient US singer Jennifer Lopez and fiance former baseball pro Alex Rodriguez arrive for the 2019 CFDA fashion awards at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City on June 3, 2019.

baseball