The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Episode Summary - Hour 1: The Torpedo Bat Release Date: April 1, 2025

1. Introduction to Baseball Innovations

[00:03] Colin Cowherd:
Colin opens the discussion by highlighting the current favorable conditions in various sports, specifically pointing out innovations in baseball, such as the introduction of Torpedo bats, and noting the robust state of college basketball and shifts in NFL overtime rules.

2. The Torpedo Bat Revolution

[03:50] Colin Cowherd:
Colin delves deep into the impact of Torpedo bats in Major League Baseball (MLB). He cites Ellie De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds as a prime example, noting his significant performance improvement with the new bat:

“Ellie De La Cruz, one of the great players in baseball that doesn't play for the Yankees or the Mets, used the Torpedo bat last night...”
[03:50]

He further discusses the Minnesota Twins' recent sweep using Torpedo bats, drawing an analogy to Harry Potter's wand choosing its wizard, emphasizing the seemingly magical enhancement these bats provide:

“It’s like Harry Potter, the wand is choosing the Wizard...”
[03:50]

Impact Analysis:

• Offensive Surge: Ten teams are now averaging six runs per game, reversing previous trends where pitchers dominated hitters.
• Game Duration: Games have become longer with increased offense, posing scheduling challenges for teams with tight travel times.
• Comparison to Steroids: Colin contrasts Torpedo bats with the historical use of steroids, highlighting that Torpedo bats legally enhance player performance without the negative repercussions associated with performance-enhancing drugs.

Ellie De La Cruz's Performance:

“Ellie De La Cruz is amazing. Like now he's amazing...”
[09:00]

Terry Francona's Take: After discussing player performances, Colin shares insights from Terry Francona, who emphasizes the importance of embracing innovations like Torpedo bats:

“I think it's more of the player than the bat. ... You better embrace it.”
[10:28]

3. Los Angeles Lakers: Defensive Strategies and Performance

[10:13] JJ Redick:
JJ Redick comments on the Lakers’ recent defensive performance, reflecting a playoff-like intensity:

“The competitive spirit and togetherness, we had to play really hard tonight...”
[10:13]

Key Points Discussed:

• Defensive Efficiency: The Lakers showcased improved defense in recent games, holding teams like Houston to under 100 points.
• Home vs. Road Performance: Highlighting the Lakers' strong home record (29-9) versus their struggles on the road, Colin stresses the importance of securing home court advantages in the playoffs.
• Leadership and Player Dynamics: The conversation touches on LeBron James' evolving role, seeking players like Luka Doncic who can share offensive responsibilities, thereby prolonging the team's competitiveness.

JJ Redick's Insights:

“It was fantastic. ... It was one of those games where guys aren't humming at the top. We got to play defense.”
[10:28]

4. NFL Overtime Rule Changes

[30:07] J. Mac:
J. Mac brings up the NFL's recent overhaul of overtime rules, moving away from sudden death to a more structured format where both teams receive possession:

“Regular season overtime will be like playoff overtime. 10 minutes and in length still. But both teams will get a chance to possess the ball.”
[31:35]

Colin Cowherd's Concerns:

“What if I do a 10-minute drive and I score with no time on the clock? Do you get the ball?”
[31:59]

He questions the practicality of the new rules, fearing extended playtime could lead to increased player fatigue and injuries, especially during high-stakes regular season games.

5. DeSean Watson’s Contract Controversy with the Cleveland Browns

[24:32] J. Mac:
The discussion shifts to DeSean Watson and his tumultuous tenure with the Cleveland Browns. Jimmy Haslam, the Browns' owner, openly admits the signing was a mistake:

“We took a big swing and miss with DeSean. We thought we had the quarterback. We didn’t.”
[24:38]

Colin's Analysis: He critiques the Browns’ front office for poor scouting and decision-making, drawing parallels to other teams like the Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Clippers, where ownership changes led to immediate team improvements.

“The difference is not the employees. ... It’s the ownership. Bad ownership ruins the temperature in the room.”
[23:47]

DeSean Watson’s Decline: Colin laments Watson's fall from grace, noting his successful stint with the Texans juxtaposed with his failed contract in Cleveland:

“I've never, I can't think of an athlete who's fallen this far without like getting arrested and really being incarcerated.”
[27:19]

6. Leadership and Team Dynamics: LeBron James and Luka Doncic

[27:39] J. Mac:
The conversation returns to the Lakers, focusing on the leadership styles of LeBron James and the emerging influence of Austin Reeves.

Colin Cowherd on Leadership:

“LeBron has just given him a little bit of a hall pass on possessions.”
[28:28]

Player Development: Discussing Austin Reeves, Colin notes how his role has expanded thanks to LeBron’s leadership, allowing him more opportunities to excel without bearing the entire offensive burden:

“Austin Reeves is getting great looks. He has been unbelievable.”
[31:19]

7. MLB Owners’ Ratings and Organizational Health

[14:14] Colin Cowherd:
Colin reviews the annual NFLPA survey ratings for team owners, noting a general improvement except for four teams, including the New York Jets.

“The only problem is the pitchers are dominating hitters...”
[00:03]

He criticizes poor ownership as the root cause of organizational failures, referencing Dan Snyder of the Washington Commanders as a prime example of detrimental ownership leading to team decline.

8. Closing Discussions and Future Segments

Upcoming Topics: Colin teases future discussions, including an interview with the FIFA President Gianni Infantino about the growth of soccer in the United States and the upcoming Club World Cup.

“We are going to be the centerpiece of the world's greatest soccer... The Club World Cup is on our soil.”
[43:04]

He also mentions upcoming episodes and encourages listeners to tune into various segments such as betting strategies and analysis of upcoming NFL games.

Notable Quotes:

• Ellie De La Cruz on Torpedo Bats:

  “Ellie De La Cruz is amazing. Like now he's amazing.”
  [09:00]

• Terry Francona on Embracing Innovations:

  “I think it's more of the player than the bat. ... You better embrace it.”
  [10:28]

• Colin on Ownership Impact:

  “Bad ownership ruins the temperature in the room. It creates anxiety.”
  [23:47]

• JJ Redick on Lakers’ Defense:

  “The competitive spirit and togetherness, we had to play really hard tonight...”
  [10:13]

• Colin on NFL Overtime:

  “What you don't want as an NFL fan are injuries. That's what you don't want.”
  [32:52]

Conclusion

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" provides an in-depth analysis of significant changes and trends across major sports leagues. From the transformative impact of Torpedo bats in baseball to the strategic defensive plays of the Lakers and the controversial decisions surrounding NFL contracts, Colin offers a comprehensive look at the evolving sports landscape. Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for upcoming discussions on soccer's growth in the U.S. and other pivotal sports topics.

Note: All timestamps correspond to the provided transcript and are intended to reference specific moments within the discussion for clarity.