Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Covino & Rich - Sports Cry Babies?
Release Date: June 18, 2025

1. Shohei Ohtani's Triumphant Return to Pitching

Overview: Covino and Rich delve into Shohei Ohtani's much-anticipated return to pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers. While Ohtani showcased his signature velocity, his control was noticeably lacking, resulting in a mixed reception from fans, especially those who invested heavily in tickets expecting a stellar performance.

Key Discussions:

• Performance Analysis:
  Ohtani delivered a fast-trajectory pitch clocking at 100-101 mph but struggled with command, allowing an earned run in his sole inning. Covino remarks, “But it did seem that he had no command of his fastball. Maybe that was adrenaline, maybe that was rust, I don't know.” (05:05)

• Fan Expectations vs. Reality:
  The hosts discuss the disappointment among fans who paid a premium to witness Ohtani's pitching return, hoping for more innings and effectiveness. Rich emphasizes, “If you overpaid for tickets, Rich, just to say you saw that should...” (05:37)

• Future Implications:
  They ponder whether Ohtani will solidify his role in the Dodgers' starting rotation or remain a versatile asset both on the mound and at the plate. Covino states, “Do you think he feels a little bit of nerves going out there in this sort of moment? I think he does.” (10:46)

Notable Quotes:

• Covino: "But it did seem that he had no command of his fastball." (05:05)
• Danny G: "If you're a casual fan and you were disappointed, like, wait, we paid all that money, Ohtani's return. If you expected more than 25, 30 pitches in one inning, I almost say shame on you." (06:10)

2. Rafael Devers' Trade: Crybaby or Legitimate Concern?

Overview: The conversation shifts to Rafael Devers' trade from the Boston Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants. The trade stemmed from Devers' refusal to play first base, a position outside his comfort zone, leading to debates about player flexibility and team demands.

Key Discussions:

• Trade Details:
  Covino explains, “Rafael Devers was traded from the Red Sox to the Giants in exchange for Jordan Hicks, Kyle Harrison, James Tibbs.” (33:36)

• Player's Perspective:
  Devers stood his ground, refusing to play first base despite the team's insistence. Covino reflects, “He just didn't want to play first, and it rubbed people the wrong way.” (34:36)

• Expert Insight:
  Bringing in Joe Girardi's perspective, the hosts consider that transitioning to first base at the major league level isn't as straightforward as it might seem in recreational sports. Girardi points out, “It's not easy. It's not an easy position to learn.” (19:22)

• Balancing Act:
  The debate centers on whether Devers is being unreasonable or if he's right to prioritize his strengths and well-being over team demands. Covino posits, “So is he wrong or not? Because we have another crybaby, crybaby story in the news.” (17:00)

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Girardi, Former Yankees Manager: "It's not easy. It's not an easy position to learn." (19:22)
• Covino: "I'm not the only crybaby, quote, unquote crybaby in sports." (24:03)
• Danny G: "He is saying there's tricky ways to look at it." (38:30)

3. Darren Waller's Retirement: A Parallel Crybaby Narrative

Overview: Examining another high-profile case, the hosts discuss Darren Waller's unexpected retirement following his assignment to play fullback for the New York Giants, diverging from his established role as a tight end.

Key Discussions:

• Transition Challenges:
  Waller, accustomed to the tight end position, found himself relegated to fullback duties, leading to dissatisfaction and eventual retirement. Covino narrates, “He got traded to the Raiders, to the Giants... and then he decided to retire after playing fullback.” (36:40)

• Professional Expectations:
  The conversation highlights the pressures professional athletes face to adapt, even when it conflicts with their expertise and passion. Danny G comments, “That would be a realization he had in that moment to, I guess, I should retire.” (41:26)

• Comparative Analysis:
  Drawing parallels with Devers, Covino questions whether these athletes are genuinely facing unreasonable demands or merely resisting necessary team adjustments. He muses, “So is he wrong or not?” (35:43)

Notable Quotes:

• Covino: "He was a slugger. He just didn't want to play first, and it rubbed people the wrong way." (34:36)
• Danny G: "Is that not gonna be live streamed the whole time? I can’t wait.*" (50:00)

4. Broader Sports Updates

Overview: Beyond the main topics, Covino and Rich provide updates on various sports events and administrative changes.

Key Updates:

• Basketball:
  Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers is dealing with a reported calf strain, pending an MRI to determine his return status. (Dan Beyer, 37:08)

• Hockey:
  The Stanley Cup Final is underway with Game 6 between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers, both teams poised for a potential Game 7. (Dan Beyer, 37:08)

• Baseball:
  PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan will step down post-2026 season. Joe Torre will serve as honorary coach for the American League during the upcoming All-Star Game. (Dan Beyer, 37:08)

• College Sports:
  The College World Series features a tense battle between Oregon State and Louisville, with significant implications in the elimination stages. (Dan Beyer, 37:08)

5. Closing Remarks and Reflections

Overview: As the episode wraps up, Covino and Rich reflect on the themes discussed, emphasizing the complexity of labeling athletes as "crybabies" when they resist roles outside their expertise.

Key Reflections:

• Dual Perspectives:
  They acknowledge the validity of both sides—players have personal strengths and comfort zones, while teams have strategic needs. Covino states, “So there's two sides to the story...” (38:54)

• Team Dynamics vs. Individual Well-being:
  The discussion underscores the delicate balance between being a team player and maintaining individual performance and mental health. Danny G adds, “Everything you say yes to means you're saying no to something else.” (53:23)

Notable Quotes:

• Covino: "I'm a veteran. Like, I've been doing this a long time. Why do I got to do that?” (42:34)
• Danny G: "Is there a bridge between being a star and being a team player?” (Continuation of various quotes)

Notable Quotes Throughout the Episode:

• Covino: "Wait, I'm not done yet.” (02:56)
• Rich: "I'm J.R. Martinez. I'm a U.S. army veteran...” (26:48)
• Mila: "I don't feel sorry for any of the fans that just want to brag to people.” (07:19)
• Covino: "I can't stand Rafael Devers because he's a Yankee killer, but I do understand...” (22:55)
• Mitch: "toughest, toughest position of the hottest position besides the catcher...” (54:05)

Conclusion:

In this episode, Covino and Rich navigate the nuanced discussions surrounding athlete roles, team demands, and personal boundaries. Through the lens of recent high-profile cases like Shohei Ohtani, Rafael Devers, and Darren Waller, they explore whether resistance to unconventional roles warrants the label of "crybaby" or if it signifies a legitimate stance on personal and professional well-being. Additionally, they provide timely updates on broader sports events, enriching the conversation with diverse viewpoints and expert insights.

Listeners can tune in to "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" for more in-depth sports analysis and spirited discussions on current sports narratives.