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Hour 1 – The Jury Is Still Out on Marvin Harrison Jr., Rob Manfred

The Dan Patrick Show

Thu Sep 25 2025

Summary

The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 1

Episode Title: The Jury Is Still Out on Marvin Harrison Jr., Rob Manfred
Date: September 25, 2025
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Host: Dan Patrick
Notable Guests: Rob Manfred (Commissioner of MLB)
Danettes: Todd Fritz, Seaton, Paulie

Episode Overview

This episode kicks off with a thorough debate on Marvin Harrison Jr.’s performance so far in the NFL season, dissecting expectations versus early results for the highly touted receiver. Dan and the Danettes also dig into the complexities of NFL Hall of Fame cases, using Russell Wilson and Eli Manning as examples. The major feature of the hour is Dan’s interview with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, focusing on new baseball technologies (‘Robo Umps’), the future of the sport, and issues like competitive balance and player marketing. Interspersed are lively exchanges between the crew on driving etiquette and lighthearted listener calls.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Marvin Harrison Jr.: Still Proving Himself

[03:26 – 11:07]

Dan opens the show intrigued by Marvin Harrison Jr. and what he’s shown so far in the NFL:
- Acknowledges Marvin’s impressive college pedigree but points out his NFL stats have underwhelmed compared to draft classmates: Brock Bowers, Malik Nabers, Ladd McConkey, Brian Thomas, and Rome Odunze.
Dan: “I expected him to be 100 catches, 1,000 yards, and 10 touchdowns, at least. I don’t know how much is on Kyler Murray... but there are times when I’ve watched Marvin Harrison Jr. and he is just dropping balls.” [03:56]
The team discusses the unpredictability of transitioning from college to pro, referencing that sometimes even glowing draft grades miss important flaws (“uncharacteristic drops” were the only red flag in his draft profile).
Dan: “Are they just a highlight guy, or somebody who moves the chains throughout a football game?” [10:28]

2. The ‘Left Lane’ Debate

[07:03 – 09:27] & [51:06 – 54:36]

Todd Fritz brings up his driving habits, favoring the middle lane and expressing an aversion to the left lane, sparking a team debate about proper highway etiquette.
Todd: “On the rare occasion that I’m in the left lane, I don’t appreciate someone riding my bumper. Again, something I should have addressed yesterday.” [09:11]
The team teases Todd for occasionally moving the goalposts in this argument, leading to the creation of possible T-shirt slogans poking fun at “left lane campers.”
Seaton: “We discussed the left lane being a passing lane for 75% of that conversation yesterday.” [52:38]

3. Russell Wilson, Eli Manning & the Hall of Fame Debate

[11:07 – 18:41]

The Danettes weigh Russell Wilson’s Hall of Fame credentials, comparing him to Eli Manning and Matthew Stafford.
Dan highlights how postseason performance is often weighted over regular-season excellence:
- Dan: “If Russ completes the pass or hands the ball off to Marshawn Lynch, then he’s a no-brainer. Absolute no-brainer. But it’s weird that Russ is playing his way out of the Hall of Fame. Matthew Stafford played his way into the Hall of Fame.” [12:33]
The Super Bowl interception is re-litigated; Seaton argues Butler made a great play, rather than Wilson making a terrible one.
Dan: “It’s what have you done for me lately?” [13:09]

4. Rob Manfred Interview: Baseball’s Present & Future

[27:08 – 38:39]

a. Automated Balls and Strikes (“Robo Umps” / ABS)

Dan questions the branding and visibility of ‘robo umps’ technology.
- Rob Manfred: “We do prefer the term ABS to robo ... The system was designed to preserve the management role of the home plate umpire... It’s completely invisible to the fan.” [27:08]
MLB will provide real-time renderings of close ball-strike calls on Jumbotrons:
- Manfred: “Our experience in the minor leagues ... suggests that fans are really interested in seeing that rendering.” [28:01]
Umpire reaction: Mostly cooperative but uneasy about public corrections.

b. Human Umpires & the Strike Zone

MLB has worked for decades to bring more uniformity to the called strike zone using tech for evaluation—even before ABS.
- Manfred: “We have dramatically increased the uniformity... By having a computer-based system ... after each game, when they miss a call, they get that pitch. They have to log in and look at it.” [30:19]

c. Rule Changes & Game Experience

On starting extra innings with a runner on second:
- Manfred: “It came with the COVID changes ... The players really liked it, and I think the push to keep it was based on player preference ... and avoidance of putting really valuable players in positions ... that they didn’t ordinarily do.” [32:03]
MLB’s strategy to avoid becoming just a “highlight league”—emphasizing in-stadium experience and daily play.

d. Competitive Balance & Salary Cap Discussion

The salary cap topic comes up episodically, particularly near labor talks.
- Manfred: “One way to ... enhance the perception of competition ... is reduce and regulate the disparity in payrolls.” [34:44]
Minimum spending is as important as a cap:
- Manfred: “The minimum in some ways may be more important than the cap.” [35:17]

e. Player Promotion & Gambling

MLB is expanding player-centric content on social media and will feature lesser-known stars like Cal Raleigh in postseason advertising.
Legalized gambling: MLB benefits mostly from data and sponsorships, but spends more effort on maintaining integrity.

f. Memorable Exchange

Dan Patrick: “Are you allowed to have a man cave at home?”
Rob Manfred: “I do have a room that my wife has ... reluctantly seated to me ... but you can’t quite have a cave in an apartment in New York.” [37:46]

5. Listener Calls and Life Advice

[39:00 – 42:21]

Calls cover reactions to robo umps, support for the left-lane debate, and requests for Dan’s marriage advice.
- Dan: “You fall in love, but you’ll stay married because you like each other... It just comes back to always thinking of the other person.” [42:21]

6. Stat of the Day & Play of the Day

[47:43 – 49:55]

Cal Raleigh’s 60th home run and the Mariners clinching the division is celebrated.
- Dan: “If Cal Raleigh got to 60 home runs and they won the division, he was going to win the MVP. And I still feel that way.” [47:53]
Highlights Paul Skenes’ incredible rookie pitcher stats—youngest to finish with a sub-2.00 ERA since Dwight Gooden.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Dan Patrick: “Are they just a highlight guy, or somebody who moves the chains throughout a football game?” — on evaluating wide receivers [10:28]
Seaton: “Russell Wilson threw that ball perfectly. Malcolm Butler just made a better play, and that happens. That shouldn’t be a negative on Russell Wilson’s career necessarily.” [16:56]
Rob Manfred: “We do prefer the term ABS to robo ... The system was designed to preserve... the home plate umpire. It’s completely invisible to the fan.” [27:08]
Rob Manfred: “The minimum in some ways may be more important than the cap.” [35:17]
Dan Patrick (marriage advice): “You fall in love, but you’ll stay married because you like each other… Can you sit at a table, just you two, and have enough things to talk about?” [42:21]
Fan (Nick in Virginia): “I got a unique nickname for [robot umpires] called Rumps, because I thought they may be ass.” [39:00]

Important Timestamps

03:26 – Opening take on Marvin Harrison Jr.
05:00 – Harrison’s NFL stats vs. peers.
07:03 – Todd’s ‘left lane’ philosophy sparks team debate.
11:07 – Russell Wilson & Hall of Fame argument.
12:33 – Dan: How postseason and regular season matter to Hall cases.
16:56 – Seaton: “Malcolm Butler made a better play.”
27:08 – Rob Manfred on “Robo Umps” (start of interview).
30:19 – How tech improved umpire strike zone standard.
32:03 – Runner on second in extra innings logic.
34:44 – Manfred on salary cap and minimum spend.
39:00 – Nick in Virginia: “Rumps” and robo ump banter.
42:21 – Andreas asks Dan for marriage advice.
47:43 – Play of the Day (Cal Raleigh’s 60th HR).
52:38 – Closing left lane argument and poll question for merch.

Overall Tone and Takeaways

The show balances serious, in-depth sports analysis (particularly around football HOF debates and MLB innovation) with humor, frequent on-air ribbing, and authentic engagement with both sports figures and fans. Dan’s relatable, sometimes self-deprecating tone keeps the energy light even when serious sports business topics (automation, salary caps, player marketing) come up, and the listener call-in segment adds a personal touch.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode:

You’ll come away with new insights into how elite receiver prospects are judged (and can falter), how Hall of Fame worthiness is constantly debated, and a first-hand look at MLB’s plans for game technology and parity.
Don’t miss Rob Manfred’s clarifications on “robo umps” and his candid remarks on revenue, competitive balance, and the evolution of the strike zone.
Expect the same Dan Patrick Show blend of lively camaraderie, sports debate, and humorous asides—plus a few new T-shirt ideas if you’re passionate about the left lane!

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Transcript

Dan Patrick (0:00)

This is an iHeart podcast.

Todd Fritz (0:04)

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Seaton (1:04)

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Dan Patrick (2:59)

Dan Patrick (3:26)

You are listening to the Dan Patrick show on FOX Sports Radio. Everybody's playing nice. It's a Thursday. It's hour one. The commissioner of Major League Baseball is going to join us coming up in about 20 minutes. Brando Chamblee from Golf Channel, always stirring it up. He will preview the Ryder Cup. Jeff Passon for the Mothership will get us ready for a very important weekend in Major League Baseball. 877-3-DP show email address dpdanpatrick.com Twitter handle @DP Show Good morning. If you're watching on Peacock, our streaming partner, or listening on our radio affiliates around the country, operator Tyler sitting by. He'll take your calls. 877-3DP Show Seaton will have the poll question honors today and we'll have a play of the day as well. We have football coming up tonight. The Seahawks are favored by one and a half at Arizona over under 43 and a half. For entertainment purposes only, there's one player I'm watching tonight, one player I'm really curious about tonight. Now, there's other ones. There's probably two other players that I'm interested in, but not as much as this one player. Marvin Harrison Jr. III. When he was going into the draft, I remember when he was a sophomore and the analysts were saying, hey, if he had come out, he would be a first round pick. He'd be a top pick. He might be the number one pick. Nobody could find any negatives. Everybody gushed about him. And then I'm thinking, okay, he's a bigger version of his dad. His dad's a Hall of Famer. He had 62 catches, eight touchdowns in his rookie year. Now that's not bad. And his receptions per game are down this year so far. But there are receivers in that 2024 draft who have outplayed him. Brock Bowers, Malik, neighbors, lad McConkey, Brian Thomas, Roma, Dunze is close and they were all drafted after Marvin Harrison. I Expected him to be 100 catches, a thousand yards and 10 touchdowns, at least. And I don't know if this, how much this is on Kyler Murray because you're playing with a quarterback, a mobile quarterback, but there are times when I've watched Marvin Harrison Jr. The third, and he is just dropping balls. It's not one of those, hey, this is a 50, 50 ball. This is 95 ball. It's yours. So I'm watching him. Kyler Murray I always find fascinating for a variety of reasons, and Sam Darnold, because people probably didn't realize that Sam Darnold's in Seattle. We know what he did with Minnesota, but Minnesota didn't value him. They took JJ McCarthy and they let Sam go. But I'm anxious to see, interested to see how Sam Darnold is tonight in primetime and also Kyler Murray, because these standalone games, everybody's going to have an opinion on Kyler Murray, Sam Darnold and Marvin Harrison Jr. The third tomorrow. Everybody will, because that standalone game, and then all of a sudden you're going to have your opinion. You may have had an opinion, maybe you didn't have an opinion prior to tonight, but you will tomorrow because it'll be formulated when you watch this game. All right, Seaton poll question for the first hour of the program.

Dan Patrick (12:33)

Us in this season. Okay. I think he talked about two things. Gratitude, attitude, and he's going to be a good backup, which he will be. But if you're Russ, the Bengals need help. You still want to play. You're playing your way out of the hall of Fame in some people's eyes now. I think he's a Hall of Famer. It's. It's weird. This became a big story yesterday on the mothership about Eli and Russ. And I'm thinking, okay, how much do you value what you do in the postseason? How much do you value what you do in the regular season? Because if Russ completes the pass or hands the ball off to Marshawn lynch, then he's a no brainer, Absolute no brainer. But it's weird that Russ is playing his way out of the hall of Fame. Matthew Stafford played his way into the hall of Fame. Matthew Stafford has one super bowl win and so does Russ. Russ went to another one. Russ was a 10 time Pro bowl quarterback when it meant something to be a Pro bowl quarterback. Matthew Stafford was a Pro bowl quarterback once. But it's. What have you done for me lately? And Russ has not played well the last couple of years. But I, I know we get, you know, Eli's going into the hall of Fame. Eli's going into the hall of Fame. He was very durable. He played over 200 consecutive games. But he's getting in because of two postseason runs. You beat the Patriots and Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. You're going in. You win the MVP in both of those. Now, I would argue the defensive line should have been the mvp. They don't give it to a group. It's like I, I argued for the Denver Broncos when they beat the Green Bay packers and with Terrell Davis, that offensive line won that Super Bowl. But you have to give it to an individual. So Eli has two MVPs, and he won two Super Bowls and he beat Brady and Belichick. I understand that. Is Eli a better quarterback than Russ? No, not in my opinion. I think the problem was, and having been on the field when Russ was leading the Seahawks down to beat the Patriots, the Patriots had no answer for him. I thought Russ was unbelievable that night. Did it come down to an offensive coordinator and a head coach? Who wanted Russ to be the MVP in the super bowl and not Marshawn Lynch? If you believe that with the play, call with Daryl Bevel and, you know, with Pete calling that play or agreeing to that play. And then all of a sudden, he throws the interception. But if he completes the pass, he's in the hall of Fame. There's no argument. There wouldn't be. He would have been the mvp, and they would have won two Super Bowls with him. But it's that postseason. What have you done for me? What do you do in the biggest games? Well, I can look at it. It's just like when we get into Jordan versus LeBron. Well, Mike won six. All six. Well, what happened all the other years? Well, you know, but. But he. He didn't lose a Super bowl. Okay, but LeBron went to a lot more NBA Finals than Mike. Like, I have to value that. There is value of getting there. It's like we dismissed Jared Goff going to a Super Bowl. Yeah, but. Okay, but he still got there. Like, we pick and choose. And Eli. Eli was not the best player on the field in either of those Super Bowls, but he did come up big in a couple of moments and throughout, he only had two postseason runs. So durable average, you know, as far as statistics, regular season. But if, you know, you want to put in both, good, I have no problem with that. But I, I, I. You can't dismiss what somebody does during the regular season, because you need something happening during the regular season to get you into the postseason. And Russ was a Pro bowl quarterback 10 times. Yeah, see, that's why I don't think.

Dan Patrick (24:15)

It's Miller Time. What's that mean to you? It can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people. For me it's the end of the show end of the week on Friday. Papa Miller Light and they've been doing it for 50 years. Cheers to Miller Light. The great taste of light beer for people who Love beer since 1975. It's a perfect time to celebrate game day with friends and family and great tasting light beer. It's Miller Time. It always is cold, you put it in the glass, you take that first sip and you go weekend. It's a taste you can depend on. A great beer trusted by beer lovers for 50 years. Simply put, it just tastes different. It tastes great. 96 calories, just 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces. Miller Time's always a good time. It's a great time. Iconic 50 years later. Miller Light. Great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlight.com Patrick. You'll find delivery options near you. Or you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer. It's Miller Time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories, 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces. I want to talk to you about your home security just for a minute. I used to think home security was maybe an alarm that went off or maybe you would have really good locks on the door. How about you get a security system that stops crime before it happens? Yeah, proactive, not reactive. It's easy to install. That's the simple part of it. We love it. There's a lot of reasons to love Simplisafe home security. They use AI powered cameras. Simply Safe. They are changing the game. They identify threats, somebody lurking outside your home and immediately alert Simply Safe's professional monitoring agents. They will intervene in real time and they access two way audio to confront the person. Maybe it's a siren that they're going to sound or spotlights to scare them off or even get in touch with the police. It's real security and more than 4 million Americans trust SimpliSafe with their home security every day. Including me. 60 day money back guarantee, no long term contracts. Simply Safe earns your business keeping you safe and satisfied every single day. Visit SimpliSafe.com Dan to claim 50 off a new system. SimpliSafe.com Dan there's no safe like Simply Safe. We'll get to your phone calls coming up. Settle on a poll question. Got our play of the day coming up. Phone number877.3 DP show email address dpdanpatrick.com Twitter handle @DP Show Commissioner Major League Baseball since 2015. Rob Manfred back on the program. We spent a lot of time yesterday talking about abs. But I want to know how did we land on Robo umps? I don't like the phrase. It conjures up something that I think needs to be explained.

Dan Patrick (42:21)

All right, Andreas, good luck with that. I'll pass that on to Nick Reich. Always. You know, I brought this up before you. You fall in love, but you'll stay married because you like each other. That's so important. Can you. Can you sit at a table, just you two, and have enough things to talk about? Always think of her, have respect. Certainly when you have kids, you're, you're, you move down the totem pole. But I think it just comes back to always thinking, always thinking of the other person, always. And hopefully, you know, they reciprocate. But you, you have to like each other. And it sounds crazy, but we all do the same thing. You look at somebody go, oh, my gosh, she's beautiful. Okay, now you got to get to know her. And then all of a sudden, beauty starts to fade away. And then all of a sudden it's, do we like each other? And you'd be surprised how many people, hey, I love my wife, but you gotta look, you gotta like them. And it just. Just have a friend and treat him as a friend with respect. Good luck with that, Andreas. We'll take a break. We got our play of the day up next. Fox Sports Radio has the best sports talk lineup in the nation. Catch all of our shows@foxsportsradio.com and within the iHeartRadio app. Search FSR to listen live. Imagine being able to change your bed's firmness whenever you like. You can with the sleep Number Smart bed. You and your partner have different sleep number settings. Mine's 75 and you're able to do whatever you want with that bed. And there's so much more to that. Three smart reasons why a Sleep number bed is made for you the personalized comfort how about Staying cool Climate series Smart beds cool up to 20 times faster than the leading competitor. You'll stay asleep longer. The bed responds and adjusts to you all night long. Temperature solutions to help you sleep your best. So why choose a Sleep Number Smart bed? So you can choose how you want to sleep. The only bed that lets you make each side firmer or softer. Whatever you like. That's your sleep number setting. Mine's 75 and right now get free home delivery with the purchase of most beds limited time exclusively at a Sleep number store near you. See store for details or sleepnumber.com Patrick.

Dan Patrick (47:46)

Of the day. This is the play of the day. Check this out. Swinging a drive deep to right field. There it is. Number 60. The modern day Bambin has just tied Babe Ruth's record of 60 home runs for third all time in American League history. 59 in the first. Number 60. The magical tour of Cal Raleigh just continues here in 2025, courtesy of the Mariners Radio Network. I said if Cal Raleigh got to 60 home runs and they won the division, he was going to win the mvp. And I still feel that way. That's your play of the day. It's brought to you by Tire rack. For over 40 years they've been helping you find the right tires for how and what and where you drive. Ship fast and free, backed by free road hazard protection, convenient installation options like mobile tire installation. Tirerack.com it's the way tire buying should be. So the Mariners clinch the west for the first time since 01 and he's had 11 multi home run games this season. That ties in with Aaron Judge, Sammy Sosa and Hank Greenberg for the most in a single season in baseball history. The other baseball story, The Guardians were 15 and a half games out of first place. In early July, they beat the Tigers to take over sole possession of first place in the Central this is the biggest deficit to a team has had to overcome to win a division. Prior to that was 14 games and that was the Yankees in 1978. Stat of the day brought to you by Panini America. You know, the Guardians are doing this with pitching. Their starting pitchers have given up two runs or less in 19 consecutive starts. And speaking of pitching, Paul Skeens ended the season 10 and 10 in his 32 starts. In his 10 wins, his ERA was 0.29. In his losses, his ERA was 4.29. In his non decisions, he had 12 no decisions. His ERA was 1.59. An incredible season. And he allowed 4 hits, struck out 7 in 6 innings. The youngest player to have a sub 2.00 ERA for a full season since Dwight Gooden back in 1985. Stat of the day, stat of the day, stat of the day, stat of the day. Here comes that. What? Stat of the day. So his ERA to end the season is 1.97. Gooden's ERA in 1985 was 1.53. And he basically had two pitches. He had an unbelievable breaking ball and an unbelievable fastball. But shout out to Paul Skeens in that season. Let's see Dave in Arkansas. Hi, Dave. What's on your mind?