Summary of "The Big Suey: The Devil He Knew" (February 26, 2025)

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
• Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, Mike Ryan, Jessica, Amin Elhassan, and Billy
• Guest: David Sampson
• Location: Elser Hotel, Downtown Miami
• Episode Title: The Big Suey: The Devil He Knew (feat. David Samson)

Overview: In this lively episode of "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz," hosts Dan Le Batard and Stugotz, along with their panelists, engage in spirited discussions covering a range of topics from Major League Baseball's (MLB) early split from ESPN to personal anecdotes about birthdays and movie reviews. Featuring guest David Sampson, the episode blends humor, sports insights, and pop culture commentary, offering an engaging experience for both regular listeners and newcomers.

1. MLB and ESPN’s Early Split

Timestamp: 04:57 – 12:23

The episode dives into the significant news that Major League Baseball (MLB) has ended its broadcasting partnership with ESPN three years early, leading to a $550 million forfeiture.

• David Sampson's Analysis:

  • Mutual Opt-Out: Sampson explains that MLB and ESPN mutually agreed to terminate the deal, signaling MLB's willingness to explore more lucrative broadcasting opportunities.

    "It's like a divorce where sometimes you stick it out longer than you expect because you don't exactly know what to do next." [07:10]

  • Future Broadcast Strategy: Emphasizes MLB’s openness to both traditional linear TV deals and streaming platforms to maximize reach and revenue.

    "I want to reach the most people possible, whatever that is, if the money's equal." [06:34]

  • ESPN’s Shift in Focus: Points out that ESPN has been reallocating resources towards the NFL and NBA, resulting in reduced attention and investment in baseball.

    "They invested more money in other properties like the NFL, like the NBA. And there's no coincidence that Fox is leaning even more into baseball." [10:12]

  • Market Implications: Sampson anticipates that MLB’s ability to secure a better deal hinges on the market's valuation of their broadcasting package.

    "If MLB cannot sell the package that ESPN had for more than 550, then they lose. If they can sell it for more, then they win." [12:03]

• Panel Discussion:

  • Dan Le Batard: Questions the mutual nature of the split, seeking clarity on MLB’s satisfaction with ESPN’s performance.

    "Was MLB really happy with this?" [07:05]

  • Mike Ryan: Explores the potential benefits for MLB if they secure a more robust broadcasting partner.

    "Are they going to be able to just get more programming and power?" [11:23]

  • Amin Elhassan: Probes into MLB president Rob Manfred’s preferences between streaming and traditional TV deals.

    "If you were Rob Manfred and you had two big offers that are roughly the same monetarily, but one is via streamer and one is via linear tv, which direction do you take?" [06:34]

2. Birthday Celebrations and Personal Routines

Timestamp: 02:25 – 18:44

The hosts shift to a lighter segment, celebrating David Sampson’s birthday and delving into his unique birthday rituals and work habits.

• David Sampson on Birthday Traditions:

  • 24-Hour Celebration: Sampson chooses to stay awake for his entire birthday, interacting with friends across various time zones to maximize the day.

    "I stay awake every birthday. I don't want to waste a minute of it." [13:03]

  • Work-Life Balance: Discusses his intense work schedule, balancing up to 15 hours of work with personal activities.

    "I work efficiently. Some days I work more hours than others." [39:37]

• Panel Banter:

  • Mike Ryan and Jessica: Tease Sampson about his non-stop work ethic and humorous birthday habits.

    Mike Ryan: "What do you have happening here, David? You're going to get shorter." [36:41]

  • Amin Elhassan: Defends Sampson’s statement about not referring to his ex-wife as "the devil," adding depth to their personal exchanges.

    Amin Elhassan: "He called her the devil he knew." [08:52]

• Humorous Interactions:

  • Billy: Jokes about Sampson’s “birthday suit,” adding a playful tone to the segment.

    Billy: "I really like your birthday suit." [40:11]

3. Spring Training: Grapefruit vs. Cactus League

Timestamp: 19:07 – 23:34

David Sampson shares insights from his tenure as president of the Miami Marlins, focusing on the dynamics of MLB’s spring training leagues.

• Preference for Grapefruit League:

  • Stability and Hope: Sampson highlights the Grapefruit League’s focus on team-building and strategic play during spring training.

    "Spring training is rebirth. Even when you think you're gonna stink like Bruce Sherman..." [19:26]

• Cactus League Dynamics:

  • Vibrant Atmosphere: Amin Elhassan advocates for the Cactus League’s more festive and party-oriented environment.

    Amin Elhassan: "Cactus League is amazing." [20:18]

• Cultural Comparisons:

  • Portillo’s Debate: The hosts engage in a humorous debate over the pronunciation and cultural significance of Chicago’s Portillo’s restaurant, reflecting regional preferences.

    Dan Le Batard: "They say Portillo's. You don't have to second guess me on this." [22:00]

4. Movie Reviews and Pop Culture Commentary

Timestamp: 27:20 – 34:35

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing recent films and performances, with David Sampson offering critiques and endorsements.

• "Don't Die" Documentary:

  • Synopsis: Sampson reviews the documentary about a man striving for immortality through unconventional methods.

    "It's a pyramid scam because he's trying to sell products and get people to come to conferences." [34:35]

• Actor Performances:

  • Timothee Chalamet vs. Adrien Brody:

    "Chalamet at Complete Unknown was better, and his speech at the SAG Awards is what got me there." [27:27]

  • Ralph Fiennes in "Conclave": The panel debates Fiennes’ performance, comparing him to acting legends.

    Dan Le Batard: "He was great in that, too. He's had such a cool career." [31:01]

• Notable Quotes:

  • David Sampson on Acceptance Speeches:

    "You don't see acceptance speeches like that often where you just acknowledge, I want to win." [28:19]

  • Panelists’ Opinions:

    Amin Elhassan: "I love that speech. I love that sentiment." [30:18]

5. Closing Segments and Final Banter

Timestamp: 34:35 – 40:37

The episode concludes with more personal interactions, humorous exchanges, and final thoughts from the hosts and guest.

• Final Jokes and Goodbyes:

  • Dan Le Batard: Playfully eulogizes Sampson before wrapping up.

    Dan Le Batard: "So are you okay with a birthday text? It sounds. That doesn't offend you if someone just texts you?" [38:08]

  • Mike Ryan and Billy: Continue the jest about Sampson’s work habits and birthday celebrations.

    Mike Ryan: "You've had a very strong hour. The Pope is 88." [38:35]

• Goodbyes:

  • David Sampson: Expresses his appreciation while maintaining humor.

    "I don't want to be eulogized by you. You don't need to say anything other than Happy birthday. Have a great day. Goodbye." [38:55]

  • Final Remarks:

    Dan Le Batard: "You're the devil I know." [23:55]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• David Sampson on MLB-ESPN Split:

  "It's like a divorce where sometimes you stick it out longer than you expect because you don't exactly know what to do next." [07:10]

• David Sampson on Birthday Routine:

  "I stay awake every birthday. I don't want to waste a minute of it." [13:03]

• Discussion on Ralph Fiennes:

  Dan Le Batard: "Has Ralph Fiennes been bad in any movie ever?" [32:39]

• David Sampson on "Don't Die" Documentary:

  "It's a pyramid scam because he's trying to sell products and get people to come to conferences." [34:35]

• Final Banter:

  Dan Le Batard: "You're the devil I know." [23:55]

Conclusion: "The Big Suey: The Devil He Knew" masterfully blends serious sports commentary with light-hearted personal interactions. David Sampson's insights into MLB's broadcasting strategies provide depth, while the hosts' playful banter ensures the episode remains entertaining. From dissecting significant sports media shifts to sharing personal birthday traditions and movie critiques, this episode encapsulates the multifaceted appeal of "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz."