Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Hour 1 - MLB Trade Deadline
Release Date: July 31, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts Steve Covino and Rich Davis delve deep into the whirlwind of the Major League Baseball (MLB) trade deadline. Joined by guests Danny G, Angela Rye, and Andrew Gillum, the discussion navigates through pivotal trades, fan behaviors, and the broader implications for various teams as the season progresses. Additionally, the conversation touches upon the intertwining dynamics of the National Football League (NFL) power rankings, offering a multifaceted sports analysis for avid fans.

MLB Trade Deadline and Team Dynamics

Trade Movements and Key Players

The MLB trade deadline serves as the focal point of this episode. The hosts discuss significant trades that have reshaped team rosters, emphasizing the strategic moves made by powerhouse teams.

• Anthony Volpe (New York Yankees):
  Steve Covino highlights the paradox of Volpe's performance and reception by fans. Despite hitting 16 home runs, Volpe has committed 16 errors, leading to significant fan criticism.

  "This dude is still hitting home runs and he hit a big one yesterday. And then of course that base running blunder that you mentioned... It's unbelievable when you think about it. The dude is still hitting home runs and he hit a big one yesterday."
  [05:06]

  Covino passionately argues against the counterproductive behavior of booing players, advocating instead for supportive fan interactions to foster player growth and team morale.

  "When you're at the game and a guy you're rooting for isn't playing up to par, I don't think booing ever helps... So again, when you're at the game and a guy you're rooting for isn't playing up to par, I don't think booing ever helps the team you're rooting for."
  [08:20]

• Recent Trades:
  The hosts mention several key trades, including:

  • Eugenio Suarez moving to the Seattle Mariners.
  • Johan Duran being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.
  • Shane Bieber heading to the Toronto Blue Jays after recovering from Tommy John surgery.
  • Mason Miller from the Oakland Athletics to the San Diego Padres, intensifying the pitching arms race between the LA Dodgers and the Padres.

  "The baseball's popping. We're going to see where it's headed."
  [20:03]

Fan Behavior and Its Impact

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the detrimental effects of negative fan behaviors, such as booing, especially towards key players undergoing rough patches.

• Encouraging Positive Support:
  Covino emphasizes the importance of supporting players during their struggles to foster a positive team environment.

  "Let me teach you how to be a fan 101. Stop booing important players on your own team. Encourage them. Hype them up, because then they get the yips, and then they're in their own head and they can't throw first base anymore."
  [07:05]

• Comparisons and Analogies:
  The hosts draw parallels between fan behavior and personal relationships to illustrate the futility of negative criticism.

  "Imagine your buddy was going through a divorce and instead of supporting him going out for a beer, cheering him up. You're like, man, you suck at relationships. Ha ha. You stink. That's the equivalent."
  [07:29]

National League Competitiveness

Current Standings and Playoff Prospects

Andrew Gillum and Danny G analyze the heightened competitiveness within the National League (NL), attributing the excitement to a confluence of strong teams and strategic trades.

• Top Contenders:
  The discussion highlights several NL teams poised for postseason success, including the Mets, Phillies, Dodgers, Padres, Cubs, Brewers, and Cardinals.

  "If you look at the NL, who's battling in the East, Mets and Phillies in the Central, Cubs and Brewers... And then out West, Dodgers, Padres."
  [20:03]

• Impact of Trades on Playoff Potential:
  Gillum underscores how recent trades bolster team strengths, particularly in bullpens, which are critical for postseason performance.

  "As you get closer to the postseason, having that strong bullpen is the... Make or break starters."
  [34:09]

• Player Potential and Team Fit:
  Covino discusses the importance of not just statistics but also the personality and fit of players within a team’s culture.

  "It's not just the stats that matter. It's will this guy click on your team and how cool it could be for that guy to be on your team."
  [21:48]

Fan Engagement and Trade Speculations

Strategies for Making Effective Trades

The conversation delves into the intricacies of trade negotiations, emphasizing that successful deals often involve substantial considerations rather than minor player exchanges.

• Common Fan Misconceptions:
  Danny G critiques the unrealistic expectations some fans have regarding player trades, advocating for more grounded approaches.

  "They're proposing all these trades where you give up nothing but want the world... If you want trading a guy like he Contra on the Marlins, you're not going to get him for two prospects."
  [14:02]

• Realistic Trade Assessments:
  Covino and Gillum stress the necessity of sports managers considering the practical aspects of trades, such as team needs and available assets.

  "The Padres nab Mason Miller and JP Sears. Baseball's popping."
  [19:35]

NFL Power Rankings and Subjectivity

Critique of NFL on Fox's Power Rankings

Shifting focus to the NFL, the hosts express skepticism about the objectivity and usefulness of power rankings released by broadcasters like NFL on Fox.

• Subjectivity in Rankings:
  Steve Covino criticizes the arbitrary nature of such rankings, comparing them to personal preference lists that lack predictive power.

  "It's just a guy. In his stupid opinion, no one is Madame Ruby Chat GPT can't predict the future. Nobody can."
  [10:52]

• Impact on Fans and Teams:
  The hosts discuss how power rankings can influence fan perceptions and team morale, often without substantial justification.

  "It's really just his list. Again, it would be like if I came up with a list like Rich Davis, I'm gonna tell you the best fast food nuggets. Number one, Chick Fil a, number two, Wendy's."
  [39:43]

• Specific Team Rankings:
  They analyze discrepancies in rankings, noting unexpected placements like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders in higher spots despite mixed performances.

  "Pick the top 15. The ones that stood out to us were the Packers all the way at five. Number six being the Steelers. And there were a couple omissions that were like, what?"
  [50:22]

Concluding Remarks

Future Episodes and Continuing Discussions

The episode wraps up with a tease of upcoming topics, including deeper dives into NFL strategies, more MLB trade analyses, and the introduction of the hosts’ new podcast, Over Promised. The hosts encourage listeners to stay tuned for ongoing debates and comprehensive sports coverage.

"We're going to talk a lot of NFL today. We are. Football from today until Valentine's Day."
[10:27]

"We're having the same debates that American households are having all over the country."
[31:03]

Notable Quotes

• Steve Covino on Fan Behavior:

  "Imagine you were getting booed and discouraged every time you messed up, every time you said a wrong fact, every time you flubbed a word during a live read. Boo."
  [05:40]

• Danny G on Power Rankings:

  "Madame Ruby didn't know anything. She told Pee Wee his bike was in the basement of the Alamo and..."
  [11:30]

• Andrew Gillum on Team Competitiveness:

  "We've been talking about the MLB trade deadline. Today is at 6 Eastern, 3 Pacific. Things are happening fast and furious this morning."
  [33:07]

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a thorough examination of the MLB trade deadline's impact on teams and players, intertwining it with discussions on fan behavior and the subjective nature of NFL power rankings. Through insightful dialogue and engaging banter, the hosts and guests provide listeners with a nuanced perspective on current sports dynamics, encouraging a more supportive and informed fanbase.

Listen to the full episode on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.