Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: Is MLB Making a Mistake?

Release Date: March 20, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd is a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.

1. NCAA March Madness Updates

The episode kicks off with a comprehensive update on the 2025 NCAA March Madness Men's Tournament. Host Doug Gottlieb provides real-time scores and insights into the unfolding games.

• Current Standings at Halftime:

  • Purdue vs. High Point: Purdue leads 37-27 with 11 minutes left.
  • Creighton vs. Louisville: Creighton is ahead 58-44 in the early stages.
  • Wisconsin vs. Montana: Wisconsin holds an early lead.

• Key Insights:

  • Gottlieb emphasizes the unpredictability of the tournament, highlighting potential upsets and standout performances.
  • Quote: “If you pricked Louisville, you're probably not in great shape. So that tournament is going on.” [31:29]

2. NFL Segment: Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Aaron Rodgers' future in the NFL. Doug Gottlieb speculates on Rodgers potentially joining the Pittsburgh Steelers and its implications.

• Key Points:

  • Rodgers, at 40, remains one of the most talented quarterbacks, but his career decisions are under scrutiny.
  • The Steelers recently added a wide receiver, increasing their playoff prospects.
  • Discussion on Rodgers' limited media presence and his focus on performance over publicity.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Gottlieb: “Aaron Rodgers is going to make some sort of tweet or announcement ... because that's who he is.” [09:25]
  • Doug Gottlieb: “I’m empathetic towards Aaron Rodgers because he has all these different thoughts ... but dude, pooper, get off the pot.” [19:14]

3. MLB Focus: Dodgers vs. Cubs in Japan

The segment delves into Major League Baseball’s decision to have the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs play real games in Japan. This pivotal topic aligns with the episode’s theme: Is MLB making a mistake?

• Discussion with MLB Insider JP Morosi:

  • Positive Impact:

    • Boosts global engagement and appreciation for baseball.
    • High television ratings and enthusiastic attendance in Japan.
    • Highlights Japanese talent, enhancing the sport's international appeal.

  • Strategic Benefits:

    • Strengthens MLB’s position as a leading global sports league.
    • Players like Ohtani garner significant attention, promoting cross-cultural sportsmanship.
    • Potential for increased merchandise sales and international fanbase growth.

• Investment and Team Performance:

  • Dodgers’ strategic signings, including Blake Snell and Sasaki, have paid off with decisive wins, showcasing the team's depth and talent.
  • Quote: “The depth of this team is unlike any that I have ever seen in my years covering the sport.” [19:25]

• Assessing the Move:

  • While the move seems beneficial in expanding MLB's reach, questions arise about long-term sustainability and potential overextension.
  • Conclusion: The immediate response is overwhelmingly positive, indicating MLB is on the right path with this international venture.

4. Boston Red Sox Farm System and On-Field Product

JP Morosi provides an in-depth analysis of the Boston Red Sox's farm system and their prospects for the 2025 season.

• Farm System Strengths:

  • Highlighting prospects like Marcelo Meyer and Christian Campbell who have shown promising performances in spring training.
  • Strategic acquisitions, such as Garrett Crochet, demonstrate the Red Sox’s commitment to building a competitive roster.

• On-Field Expectations:

  • The Red Sox are positioned as strong contenders in the American League East, especially with Trevor Story and Alex Bregman’s contributions.
  • Emphasis on the team's depth and ability to adapt through trades and player development.

• Notable Quote:

  • Morosi: “The Red Sox have, in my opinion, one of the very best farm systems in the game.” [25:15]

5. Oakland Athletics’ Stadium Plans

The conversation shifts to the Oakland Athletics and their ongoing plans to build a new stadium in Las Vegas.

• Current Status:

  • Confirmation that the A’s will temporarily remain in Sacramento while the new stadium project in Las Vegas progresses.
  • Discussion on the transient nature of the baseball roster and how players will adapt to the temporary relocation.

• Future Implications:

  • The move is part of MLB’s broader expansion and relocation strategy, addressing market demands and infrastructure needs.
  • Potential impact on fan engagement and team performance during the transition period.

• Quote:

  • Morosi: “The Sacramento plan is not just for one year, it’s for several years while they’re building the stadium in Las Vegas.” [27:54]

6. NBA Update: Milwaukee Bucks Sliding

The episode examines the Milwaukee Bucks’ recent struggles in the NBA, shedding light on team dynamics and future prospects.

• Team Performance:

  • Bucks have lost five of their last seven games, including a surprising defeat to the Warriors.
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard held a meeting to address team concerns, which Doug Gottlieb views skeptically.

• Key Insights:

  • Giannis’ shooting struggles are a growing concern as he ages, questioning the Bucks' long-term dominance.
  • The emergence of new talents like Wesley Matthews and adjustments in team strategy are discussed as potential solutions.

• Notable Quote:

  • Gottlieb: “I don’t buy that either.” [32:50]

7. NFL Roster Changes: San Francisco 49ers

The discussion touches upon the San Francisco 49ers' recent roster changes and general manager John Lynch's strategies.

• Roster Overhaul:

  • Significant player departures to make room for future contracts, notably Brock Purdy’s anticipated lucrative deal.
  • Emphasis on flexibility and building for long-term success over short-term gains.

• Strategic Goals:

  • Clear plans for upcoming seasons with an eye on sustained competitiveness.
  • Balancing high-profile signings with maintaining team chemistry and depth.

• Quote:

  • John Lynch: “You want to have flexibility. I believe the insinuation there with big things coming is obviously the large contract that people expect Brock Purdy is in line to receive...” [35:10]

8. Proposed NFL Rule Changes: Banning the "Tush Push"

A proposed rule change by the Green Bay Packers aims to outlaw the "tush push" tactic commonly used by the Philadelphia Eagles.

• Rule Details:

  • The proposed rule prohibits a teammate from lining up directly behind the player receiving the snap and pushing them forward beyond the line of scrimmage.
  • The intent is to enhance safety and reduce the reliance on such plays without banning standard quarterback sneaks.

• Discussion:

  • Gottlieb and Cowherd debate the effectiveness and fairness of the proposal, ultimately supporting the ban on the pushing element while maintaining the quarterback's ability to execute sneaks.

• Notable Quote:

  • Gottlieb: “You can have the tush, you can't have the push.” [37:15]

9. Additional Segments

The episode also includes brief updates on various other topics, maintaining a dynamic and engaging flow throughout.

• Instagram Teen Accounts Safety:

  • Introduction of new automatic protections to ensure safer online environments for teens.
  • Emphasis on parental control features and content moderation.

• Promotional Content:

  • Brief mentions of upcoming shows like "Covino and Rich" and various advertisements interspersed throughout the episode.

Conclusion

Hour 2 of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a multifaceted exploration of current sports events, with a primary focus on Major League Baseball’s strategic moves. The decision to have the Dodgers and Cubs play in Japan is scrutinized, revealing both its immediate benefits in global engagement and potential long-term challenges. Coupled with insightful discussions on NFL roster strategies, NBA team dynamics, and NCAA March Madness, the episode provides listeners with a thorough analysis of the sports landscape in 2025.

Notable Quotes:

• Doug Gottlieb: “Aaron Rodgers is going to make some sort of tweet or announcement ... because that's who he is.” [09:25]
• JP Morosi: “The depth of this team is unlike any that I have ever seen in my years covering the sport.” [19:25]
• Morosi: “The Red Sox have, in my opinion, one of the very best farm systems in the game.” [25:15]
• Doug Gottlieb: “I don’t buy that either.” [32:50]
• Gottlieb: “You can have the tush, you can't have the push.” [37:15]

This structured and detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't tuned in.