Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Episode: Hour 2: Bazungas and Pitch Clock (feat. Adnan Virk)

Original Air Date: October 2, 2025
Featured Guest: Adnan Virk

Episode Overview

Broadcasting from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, this episode dives into playoff baseball, sports fandom, and the enduring drama of Yankees-Red Sox. The crew offers signature banter, sharp observations, and playful speculation—especially focused on this year’s MLB playoffs, the evolution of the game, and some behind-the-scenes show drama. The episode also features the “Pitch Clock” segment with Adnan Virk, which blends nostalgic trivia with sharp analysis of the 2025 MLB postseason.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Modern Playoff Baseball & Offense Drought

(Starts ~03:00)

• The crew reflects on the increased dominance of pitchers in MLB’s postseason, noting how the bases-loaded scenario is no longer an automatic scoring opportunity due to strikeout rates.

  “The bases loaded situation does not matter anymore for offenses because of the way that pitchers are now striking out one fourth of the hitters. And in the case of Mason Miller, striking out all seven guys he’s faced because everything he’s throwing up there is triple.”
  — Billy Gill (03:37)

• Mike Ryan and Tony marvel at how these games move more quickly now, crediting both improved pitching and new rules (like the three-batter minimum for relievers).

  "It’s high drama...these games are going so quick...even in the 90s, pitchers’ duels would take forever."
  — Tony (04:38, 05:02)

• Strategic intricacies—like the Royals’ blueprint for bullpen dominance—no longer set teams apart since “everyone is basically that Royals bullpen” now (05:34).

2. Yankees, Red Sox, and Fan Allegiances

(06:00-14:00)

• Debate erupts over whether rooting for the Yankees in the postseason is more fun than rooting against their pain. Zaslow admits he likes drama and wants to keep Judge in the spotlight but doesn’t need them to win it all.

  “Am I the only one rooting for the Yankees? I like when the Yankees keep advancing in playoffs…there’s always drama.”
  — Zaslow (05:51)

• Dan admits he was once a Yankees fan but now relishes in “New York suffering in all sports” due to Miami being “infected” with New Yorkers (11:57).

• The Dodgers’ consistent postseason presence is discussed, with a joke about “money not guaranteeing happiness, but guaranteeing you the divisional round if you’re the Dodgers” (06:25).

• Brief trivia: The Reds last won a playoff series in 1995.

3. Inside Jokes, Show Gossip, and “Work Done” Speculation

(10:40–15:30)

• Several minutes are dedicated to recounting internal show drama about Jeremy’s absence, his rumored trip to Yankees-Red Sox with author Jane Levy, and whether or not Jeremy had "work done" (i.e., cosmetic procedures).

  • “Is it reckless to say, looks like Jeremy’s had some work done? The eyebrows on the top right here... look a little high.”
    — Mike Ryan (13:06)

  • “She did tweet out that he’s her boy toy.”
    — Zaslow (13:29)

  • The conversation quickly spirals into playful accusations and mock apologies.

• Billy Gill is praised for his love of baseball, with Chris retelling a story of staying extra days in Detroit waiting for Miguel Cabrera’s 3,000th hit. The group jokes about attending milestone baseball games and how those adventures become legendary (15:34–16:44).

4. Pitch Clock Segment: Playoff Baseball Showdown & Analysis with Adnan Virk

(Pitch Clock segment starts at 21:52)

• Jeremy hosts with Ethan and Dan, combining a Yankees-Red Sox postseason RBI draft game with expert analysis from Adnan Virk.

Segment 1: Yankees vs. Red Sox—Postseason RBI Draft

(23:20–32:17)

• A competitive trivia game where Jeremy and Chris draft Yankees/Red Sox legends by career postseason RBI totals.

• Notable picks: David Ortiz, Derek Jeter, Manny Ramirez, Bernie Williams (the all-time Yankees postseason RBI leader with 80), A-Rod, Jorge Posada, Jason Varitek, and “fun name picks” like Trot Nixon.

• Humor and lighthearted competition reign supreme as Chris clinches the win:

  “I’m so mad. This is such a stupid game.”
  — Jeremy (30:41)

Segment 2: Adnan Virk on 2025 MLB Playoffs

(25:13–37:59)

• Adnan Virk brings the heat, dissecting playoff matchups:

  • Yankees vs. Red Sox:

    • Praises the drama and volatility of this year’s series, especially with rookie starters Connolly Early and Cam Schlitler going toe-to-toe.
    • “I think ultimately the Yankees win this game because they’ve got the better offense, but I give props to Trevor Story and Boston for hanging in. It’s been a great story so far.”
      — Adnan Virk (26:06)

  • Tigers vs. Guardians:

    • Guardians’ lackluster offense vs. Tigers’ inability to capitalize with runners in scoring position is analyzed.
    • Adnan, showing his bias, ultimately pulls for Detroit.

  • Padres vs. Cubs:

    • Focuses on bullpen fatigue, the impact of Mason Miller, and why the Padres are slightly favored due to bullpen strength.

  • Dodgers vs. Phillies:

    • Sees NLDS as the “real NLCS”—winner likely heads to the World Series.
    • Notes Ohtani’s historic impact and Mookie Betts finally heating up after a rough season.

• Scene-stealing playoff notes:

  • “No one’s picking [Milwaukee]...Everyone’s talking Dodgers, Phillies.” — Adnan Virk (35:34)
  • “Bernie Williams is where this thing really started.” — Jeremy (41:21)

• Jeremy’s “Marlins bias” comes out with a shoutout to Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Jesus Luzardo as X-factors.

5. Closing: Book Plugs, Inside-Baseball Guests, and More Banter

(37:59–end)

• Jeremy plugs Jane Levy’s and Adnan’s latest baseball books, warmly referring to Jane Levy as his “new Jewish bubby.”
• Dan and Adnan reminisce about Levy’s place in baseball lore and engage in more show-family ribbing.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dan Le Batard (on the show’s Miami/New York tension):

  “There are so many New Yorkers in Miami who have infected Miami with their New York that I have since now just enjoyed New York suffering in all sports.” (11:57)

• Billy Gill (on baseball’s evolution):

  “Getting runners on first and third just stopped mattering because it’s so hard to make contact and even hit a ball to the outfield…you can’t play the way the Royals won the championship anymore. Bunting and stealing bases and doing that stuff.” (05:15)

• Adnan Virk (on playoff drama):

  “There’s nothing quite like playoff baseball. I know it’s been a grind for you…Just getting it in is absolutely phenomenal.” (26:06)

• Mike Ryan (on speculation):

  “Is it reckless to say, looks like Jeremy’s had some work done? The eyebrows…” (13:06)

• Chris (on cosmetic surgery):

  “If you pay, you want to see, like, results. Like, if I were to get implants, I’m not gonna get an A cup, you know?” (17:27)

• Jeremy (on trivia defeat):

  “I’m so mad. This is such a stupid game. I’m so mad at myself.” (30:41)

Key Timestamps (MM:SS)

• 03:36 — Pitching dominance and the death of the bases loaded rally
• 05:34 — Royals bullpen legacy; offensive decline explained
• 06:00–14:00 — Yankees/Red Sox drama and fan loyalties
• 13:06 — Speculating on Jeremy's "work done"
• 15:34 — Billy and Chris reminisce about baseball adventures
• 21:52 — Pitch Clock segment launches
• 23:20–32:17 — Yankees vs. Red Sox playoff RBI draft game
• 25:13–37:59 — Adnan Virk’s 2025 playoff analysis
• 37:59 — Book plugs and affectionate show banter

Episode Tone & Style

The episode is energetic, irreverent, and dense with inside jokes—classic Le Batard Show. There’s a balance between deep baseball nerdery, sports bar trash talk, and friendly show roasts. Guests and hosts alike bring strong opinions, but everything is laced with self-deprecating humor and a sense of community among the cast.

For Baseball Fans and Newcomers

This episode delivers smart playoff insights, playful banter, show-family drama, and a nerdy, nostalgic baseball throwdown. Whether you’re tuning in for MLB analysis or just for pure entertainment, “Bazungas and Pitch Clock” delivers.