The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 2: MLB Opening Day with Wally Szczerbiak

Release Date: March 27, 2025 Host: Dan Patrick Co-Host: Paul Pabst Guest: Wally Szczerbiak, former NBA player and CBS Sports College Basketball Analyst

1. Introduction and Early Discussions ([02:41] - [11:35])

The episode kicks off with Dan Patrick and co-host Paul Pabst delving into LeBron James' recent interview on the Pat McAfee Show. They dissect the depth of the conversation, highlighting LeBron's rare openness and his challenging relationship with legendary Michael Jordan.

Dan Patrick remarks on the unprecedented nature of LeBron’s interview:

"[LeBron] usually doesn't sit down with anybody. And McAfee got him." ([05:45])

Paul Pabst adds insight into the complexities between LeBron and Jordan:

"I can't imagine LeBron strengthening his relationship with Mike when it's all said and done." ([08:15])

The hosts explore the difficulties of bridging generational gaps between athletes and the inherent competitiveness that may hinder friendships.

2. Listener Poll: Dream Athlete Interview ([09:00] - [12:04])

Dan introduces a listener poll asking which historical athlete they’d like to interview for an hour. The options included Babe Ruth, Michael Jordan, Jackie Robinson, and Tiger Woods.

Paul Pabst reflects on the allure of Babe Ruth:

"Babe Ruth was larger than life. There's so little audio-video of him—it’s almost mythical." ([10:20])

The discussion emphasizes the fascination with athletes who left significant legacies but remain enigmatic figures due to limited recorded interactions.

3. MLB Concerns: Tommy John Surgeries and Analytics ([12:41] - [17:12])

Shifting focus to Major League Baseball (MLB), Dan and Paul express concerns over the rising incidence of Tommy John surgeries, highlighting it as a troubling trend that could threaten the longevity and health of pitchers.

Dan Patrick underscores the inevitability faced by young pitchers:

"The level of acceptance of a Tommy John is a given in a pitcher's career." ([13:34])

The conversation transitions to the pervasive influence of analytics in sports, critiquing how data-driven strategies may strip the games of their traditional spontaneity and emotional intelligence.

Paul Pabst shares skepticism about relying solely on analytics:

"When you manage by the book, it's black and white. There's no field of the game." ([16:00])

4. College Basketball and the Transfer Portal ([27:32] - [30:05])

Guest Wally Szczerbiak joins to provide his expertise on college basketball, particularly focusing on the transfer portal phenomenon. Wally discusses how the transfer window has become a double-edged sword, offering players more opportunities while placing immense pressure on coaches and team dynamics.

Wally Szczerbiak highlights the benefits and challenges:

"Iron sharpens iron, and now the best players can go to the best teams and play for the best coaches." ([29:45])

The duo debates potential reforms, suggesting measures like limiting unrestricted transfers to stabilize team compositions and ensure fair play.

5. Comparing Legends: Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James ([31:23] - [34:38])

A significant segment is dedicated to comparing Michael Jordan and LeBron James, debating their statuses as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in basketball.

Dan Patrick unequivocally names Jordan as his GOAT:

"Michael Jordan did it in a small span of time and just dominated every Finals. I don’t think there’s anything LeBron can do to surpass that." ([33:05])

Conversely, Paul Pabst acknowledges LeBron's longevity and adaptability:

"LeBron's longevity is incredible. Playing at 40 years old and still being a title contender is just amazing." ([34:15])

The discussion underscores the contrasting eras and playing styles, ultimately celebrating both athletes' monumental impacts on the sport.

6. MLB Opening Day and Team Analysis ([43:01] - [55:30])

Dan and Paul shift their focus to MLB Opening Day, analyzing team performances, odds for the World Series, and the broader state of baseball.

Dan Patrick expresses concern over the Los Angeles Dodgers' dominance, arguing it may be detrimental to the sport's competitive balance:

"MLB has been going in the wrong direction. The Dodgers have become a worldwide franchise, almost like a pipeline for top Japanese talent, which affects regional team dynamics." ([48:35])

They also discuss salary inflation and its implications for team rosters and league parity.

The hosts engage in a humorous segment on ballpark food, inventing fantastical and exaggerated concession stand offerings:

• Dan Patrick introduces the "40, 40, 40 Club":

  "40 ounces of turkey or roast beef, 40 ounces of fries, and a 40-ounce soft drink." ([53:08])

• Paul Pabst contributes with creative names like "Earned Runs" and "Hot Corner":

  "A spicy noodle dish located down the third baseline." ([54:19])

This lighthearted banter provides comic relief amidst serious discussions.

7. Closing Remarks and Final Segments ([55:06] - End)

As the show nears its conclusion, Dan and Paul recap key points, reinforcing their concerns about the current trajectory of MLB and expressing optimism about the college basketball landscape.

Paul Pabst wraps up by highlighting the Mets' impressive Opening Day record:

"The Mets own the best opening day record among active franchises, standing at 41-22." ([50:47])

Dan Patrick reiterates his disdain for inflated MLB salaries:

"MLB has gone too far with player salaries, losing touch with the sport's traditional roots." ([48:18])

The episode concludes with the hosts thanking their listeners and encouraging them to stay engaged with ongoing sports narratives.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "LeBron usually doesn't sit down with anybody. And McAfee got him." — Dan Patrick ([05:45])
• "Babe Ruth was larger than life. There's so little audio-video of him—it’s almost mythical." — Paul Pabst ([10:20])
• "The level of acceptance of a Tommy John is a given in a pitcher's career." — Dan Patrick ([13:34])
• "When you manage by the book, it's black and white. There's no field of the game." — Paul Pabst ([16:00])
• "Iron sharpens iron, and now the best players can go to the best teams and play for the best coaches." — Wally Szczerbiak ([29:45])
• "Michael Jordan did it in a small span of time and just dominated every Finals. I don’t think there’s anything LeBron can do to surpass that." — Dan Patrick ([33:05])
• "LeBron's longevity is incredible. Playing at 40 years old and still being a title contender is just amazing." — Paul Pabst ([34:15])
• "MLB has been going in the wrong direction. The Dodgers have become a worldwide franchise, almost like a pipeline for top Japanese talent, which affects regional team dynamics." — Dan Patrick ([48:35])
• "The Mets own the best opening day record among active franchises, standing at 41-22." — Paul Pabst ([50:47])

Conclusion

In this comprehensive episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick and co-host Paul Pabst navigate through a plethora of topics ranging from LeBron James' candid interview, the state of MLB with particular focus on Opening Day and the Dodgers' impact, to college basketball dynamics with insights from guest Wally Szczerbiak. Their engaging banter, coupled with expert opinions and listener interactions, provides a multifaceted view of current sports landscapes, enriched with humor and deep analysis.