Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2 Featuring Rob Manfred

Release Date: March 26, 2025
Episode: Hour 2 – Rob Manfred
Host: Colin Cowherd
Published by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In the second hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," host Colin Cowherd welcomes Rob Manfred, the Commissioner of Major League Baseball (MLB), for an insightful and in-depth discussion about the current state and future of baseball. As Manfred enters his third term, the conversation delves into the significant changes he has implemented, their impacts on the game, and the challenges of balancing tradition with modernization.

Modernizing Baseball: Embracing Change

Colin Cowherd begins by highlighting the unique position of a baseball commissioner dealing with a sport steeped in tradition and revered by purists. He notes, “Baseball’s the only sport where the commissioner has to deal with purists” (02:48). This sets the stage for discussing the various rule changes Manfred has championed.

Rob Manfred explains the rationale behind these changes, emphasizing the need to enhance the entertainment value and pace of the game. He states, "Our history and tradition is, you know, great. It's good for the sport. It's part of our popularity, but it does make change more difficult" (08:33). To address this, MLB has introduced several modifications:

• Pitch Clock: Designed to speed up the game by reducing downtime between pitches.
• Universal Designated Hitter (DH): Eliminates the need for a pitcher to bat, allowing for more strategic gameplay.
• Larger Bases and Ghost Runners: Aimed at increasing base-stealing opportunities and overall game excitement.

Manfred shares an anecdote about the pitch clock's success: “The first-year ratings went up 10%. So did attendance. And then last year it was the best year in postseason baseball in a long time” (05:30).

Impact of Rule Changes on Game Dynamics

The introduction of these rules has had a palpable effect on both the pace and appeal of baseball. Cowherd observes, “It's a living, breathing thing” when referring to the strike zone, highlighting how dynamic and adaptable the game has become. Manfred concurs, noting that the rules are continuously evolving to align with fan expectations and enhance the viewing experience.

Notable Quote:
Manfred: “The umpire gets the call in his ear almost immediately. So, you know, we are cognizant of doing something that would slow the game down after we've worked so hard to speed it up” (17:11).

This balance aims to retain the sport's traditional aspects while making it more accessible and engaging to a modern audience.

Shohei Ohtani’s Transition and Its Ripple Effects

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Shohei Ohtani’s move from the Angels to the Dodgers. Cowherd remarks on the unexpected surge in popularity and commercial success following the trade, stating, “The shift from the Angels to the Dodgers has really been explosive” (09:11).

Rob Manfred expresses his surprise and delight at Ohtani’s impact: “The level of interest and excitement there, Colin, just absolutely unbelievable” (09:44). This move not only bolsters the Dodgers’ appeal but also elevates baseball’s international presence, particularly in Japan.

The discussion underscores how star players can profoundly influence a team’s dynamics, fan engagement, and even the league’s overall popularity.

Competitive Imbalance and Parity in MLB

Colin raises concerns about the perception of competitive imbalance, especially between large-market teams like the Yankees and Dodgers versus smaller-market franchises. He asks Manfred if these imbalances necessitate interventions to maintain parity.

Cowherd: “There is a perception of, you know, competitive imbalance... it's much tougher for our smaller market teams to compete” (10:24).

Manfred acknowledges this challenge but remains cautious about implementing measures like a salary cap. He explains, “We're two years away from the end of the basic agreement. We're just not in a position where we are talking about or have made decisions about what's ahead in the next round of bargaining” (14:13). While MLB does not currently have a salary cap, discussions around resource disparities continue, with Manfred emphasizing the league’s focus on incremental rule changes over significant financial restructuring.

Replay Technology and Game Flow

The introduction of replay technology, specifically the automated ball-strike system, sparks a debate between Cowherd and Manfred. Cowherd expresses skepticism about the system’s potential to slow down the game, stating, “I think the minute you introduce replay, it gets extended” (15:08).

However, Manfred defends the system’s efficiency: “The system adjusts to the differences that you're talking about... it is a very fast system” (16:13). He assures that replay technology is designed to enhance accuracy without compromising the game’s pace, aligning with MLB’s broader objectives to streamline gameplay.

The Golden At-Bat Proposal

Colin introduces the concept of the “golden at-bat,” a proposed rule allowing star players an additional at-bat in critical game moments to boost entertainment. He emphasizes his preference for maximizing star players' visibility: “I just go get a hit. Go make a play. Math doesn't make great television” (18:04).

Manfred responds cautiously, highlighting the complexities of implementing such a rule. He notes, “If there's ever going to be serious conversation about the golden at bat rule, it's going to have to start with experimentation at the minor league level, probably years of experimentation” (19:23). Manfred underscores the need for thorough testing to evaluate the rule’s impact on game integrity and player dynamics before any major adoption.

Final Remarks and Future Outlook

As the conversation wraps up, Manfred expresses optimism about the ongoing evolution of baseball. He congratulates Cowherd on the league’s improved state, noting, “It's going to be great” (21:06). The discussion concludes with mutual acknowledgment of the strides MLB has made under Manfred’s leadership in making the sport more appealing to a broader audience while respecting its rich traditions.

Conclusion

The hour-long interview between Colin Cowherd and Rob Manfred provides a comprehensive look into the strategic changes reshaping Major League Baseball. Manfred’s commitment to modernizing the game, enhancing fan engagement, and navigating the delicate balance between tradition and innovation is evident throughout their discussion. The insights shared illuminate the complexities of managing one of America’s most beloved sports in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd: “Baseball’s the only sport where the commissioner has to deal with purists” (02:48).

• Rob Manfred: “Our history and tradition is, you know, great. It's good for the sport. It's part of our popularity, but it does make change more difficult” (08:33).

• Colin Cowherd: “I told a story years ago... the first-year ratings went up 10%. So did attendance” (05:30).

• Rob Manfred: “The umpire gets the call in his ear almost immediately. So, you know, we are cognizant of doing something that would slow the game down after we've worked so hard to speed it up” (17:11).

• Colin Cowherd: “Math doesn't make great television” (18:04).

• Rob Manfred: “Look, I think that one of the big motivations for the set of rule changes that we did two years ago was we felt that analytics had changed the game in a way that was not positive in terms of the entertainment value of the sport” (18:48).

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the conversation between Colin Cowherd and Rob Manfred, highlighting key discussions on MLB's modernization efforts, the impact of star players, competitive balance, and the future direction of baseball.