The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Episode: Hour 1 - Steph Curry and the Warriors (Released March 18, 2025)

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the conversation traverses a wide array of sports topics, with a significant focus on Major League Baseball (MLB) and the NBA. Hosted by Colin Cowherd, along with contributors Nick Wright, J. Mac, and guest Adam Wainwright, the episode offers in-depth analysis, spirited debates, and insightful commentary on current sports events.

1. MLB Spotlight: Dodgers vs. Cubs Game

Timestamp: 03:24 - 06:20

The episode kicks off with a discussion about the Los Angeles Dodgers' recent victory over the Chicago Cubs. Colin Cowherd emphasizes the Dodgers' depth and the pivotal role of Shohei Ohtani in their success.

• Colin Cowherd: "Watching a Dodger game with Ohtani reminds me of when Tiger started taking over golf. You were watching history."

Cowherd highlights Ohtani's magnetic presence and his ability to draw fans:

• Colin Cowherd: "He's leading off, which will force, yes, people in Los Angeles to show up to Dodger games early."

2. Shohei Ohtani: The Face of Baseball?

Timestamp: 06:21 - 10:37

Adam Wainwright joins the conversation to delve deeper into the Dodgers' pitching prowess. He commends the team's scouting, research, and development efforts, particularly praising their ability to unearth talent from international markets.

• Adam Wainwright: "You can never have too much depth. Not ever, ever, ever."

The discussion touches upon the similarities between Ohtani and legendary sports figures, contemplating whether Ohtani could become the face of baseball akin to Michael Jordan's influence in the NBA.

• Colin Cowherd: "Language barriers irrelevant. Doesn't matter at all. The look, the size is so much bigger in person."

3. Comparing Ohtani to Michael Jordan

Timestamp: 10:38 - 15:00

Cowherd draws parallels between Ohtani and Michael Jordan, focusing on their charismatic personalities and their roles as central figures in their respective sports.

• Colin Cowherd: "He was watching history. And that's what it feels like with Ohtani. Unfazed, always smiling."

This comparison underscores Ohtani's potential to elevate baseball's visibility and appeal, much like Jordan did for the NBA.

4. NBA Focus: LeBron James, Lakers, and Warriors Dynamics

Timestamp: 15:01 - 20:17

Shifting to basketball, the conversation centers on LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers’ performance against the Golden State Warriors. Cowherd critiques Steph Curry's fatigue and contrasts it with LeBron's strategic game management.

• Colin Cowherd: "Steph looks really tired. And this is where the Lakers have an advantage over the Warriors."

Discussions also highlight Austin Reaves’s growing importance to the Lakers, praising his ability to initiate offense and contribute significantly when key players are resting.

• Colin Cowherd: "Austin Reaves has really shown his value because I worried when they got Luka and LeBron."

5. Austin Reaves: Emerging Star for the Lakers

Timestamp: 19:47 - 20:17

Nick Wright chimes in to advocate for Austin Reaves, considering him a pivotal player for the Lakers' championship aspirations.

• Nick Wright: "I'm just telling you, Colin, Austin Reeves has been amazing this season."

Reaves is lauded for his versatility, defensive skills, and ability to score, making him an indispensable asset for the Lakers.

• Colin Cowherd: "How many teams in the league have three different guys that can initiate contact, get to the line and start the offense?"

6. NFL Insights: Giants' Quarterback Dilemma and the Draft

Timestamp: 21:10 - 25:12

The discussion shifts to the NFL, focusing on the New York Giants' urgent need for a quarterback. Cowherd critiques the undervaluation of Shedeur Sanders in the draft and draws an analogy to Steve Ballmer's acquisition of the Clippers, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities.

• Colin Cowherd: "The Giants are desperate for a quarterback right now. They're crossing their fingers, hoping Aaron Rodgers says yes."

He advocates for the Giants to confidently draft Sanders, arguing against the notion that Sanders is overrated.

• Colin Cowherd: "The Giants are desperate for a quarterback right now. They're crossing their fingers, hoping Aaron Rodgers says yes. And Shador Sanders is the consensus number two quarterback in this draft."

7. Bears' Free Agency Moves and Team Building

Timestamp: 25:12 - 34:14

The Chicago Bears' recent activities in the free agency market are examined, particularly their acquisition of Olamide Zakitis to bolster their offensive line for quarterback Caleb Williams.

• Colin Cowherd: "He has all the talent that you need to be a top tier quarterback in the league."

The conversation delves into the impact of a strong offensive line on overall team performance, highlighting the interconnectedness of various units within a football team.

• Colin Cowherd: "If the O line's good, we're good. The defense is on the field less. Caleb can throw 22 times, not 34 times."

8. Adam Wainwright on Dodgers' Pitching Depth and Japanese Talent

Timestamp: 38:12 - 45:06

Adam Wainwright returns to discuss the Dodgers' exceptional pitching depth and the significant contributions of Japanese players like Imanaga and other international talents.

• Adam Wainwright: "You can never have too much depth. Not ever, ever, ever."

He praises the Dodgers' ability to consistently find and develop high-caliber pitchers, attributing this success to the team's robust scouting and development strategies.

• Adam Wainwright: "They never draft at the top of the draft. They never get the top 10 picks of the draft, and yet they find the gems every single time."

Wainwright also addresses concerns about Japanese pitchers adjusting to the MLB, defending their mechanical prowess and effectiveness on the mound.

• Adam Wainwright: "Their pitchers are amazing. They have incredible arms."

9. Yankees' Injury Woes and Team Outlook

Timestamp: 41:48 - 45:06

The New York Yankees' ongoing injury issues are scrutinized, particularly focusing on key players like Garrett Cole and Juan Soto. Wainwright expresses concern over the potential impact of these injuries on the Yankees' season prospects.

• Adam Wainwright: "Eric Cole's a top five pitcher in the major leagues when he's healthy. There's no question about it."

However, both Cowherd and Wainwright remain optimistic about the Yankees' ability to navigate these setbacks, citing standout performances from players like Aaron Judge.

• Adam Wainwright: "Aaron is so great. He's so great. He's so talented, and he can carry a lineup by himself."

10. Closing Remarks and Teasers for Upcoming Segments

Timestamp: 45:07 - End

As the episode nears its conclusion, Colin Cowherd teases upcoming discussions, including the evaluation of NFL team rosters and the potential quarterback issues with the Steelers. Additionally, he mentions future guest appearances and the introduction of a new podcast segment featuring Adam Wainwright and Julie Swerbinks.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [03:24]: "Watching a Dodger game with Ohtani reminds me of when Tiger started taking over golf."

• Adam Wainwright [06:21]: "You can never have too much depth. Not ever, ever, ever."

• Nick Wright [19:47]: "Austin Reeves has been amazing this season."

• Colin Cowherd [25:12]: "He has all the talent that you need to be a top tier quarterback in the league."

• Adam Wainwright [38:12]: "You can never have too much depth. Not ever, ever, ever."

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive look into the current state of MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers, the evolving dynamics within the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers, and pressing issues in the NFL. With expert insights from guest Adam Wainwright and lively discussions among the hosts, listeners are treated to a nuanced analysis of team strategies, player performances, and the broader implications for their respective sports. Whether you're a baseball enthusiast intrigued by Ohtani's impact or an NBA follower tracking the Lakers' championship chances, this episode delivers engaging and informative content.