Podcast Summary: The Best Of Covino & Rich The Herd with Colin Cowherd | Release Date: March 18, 2025

The Herd with Colin Cowherd presents "The Best Of Covino & Rich," an engaging episode where hosts David Covino and Rich Davis delve into the latest and most compelling sports stories. This detailed summary captures the essence of their discussions, key insights, and memorable moments from the episode.

05:00 – Dodgers’ World Championship and Early Morning Tokyo Game

David Covino kicks off the episode by congratulating the Los Angeles Dodgers on their monumental victory over the Chicago Cubs, securing another World Series title.

David Covino [05:15]: "Congrats to the Dodgers, world champs again. It was a 4 to 1 win over the Cubs."

The conversation shifts to the unique challenge of watching games scheduled internationally, specifically the Dodgers' home opener in Tokyo at 3 AM Eastern Time. Covino reflects on the loneliness and inconvenience fans might feel tuning in at such odd hours.

Rich Davis [05:45]: "Watching a game in the middle of the night isn't ideal, but it's a testament to the Dodgers' global reach."

They discuss how international broadcasting affects fan engagement and the logistics behind scheduling games across different time zones.

15:00 – Sports Fandom and Team Loyalty

Covino and Davis explore the concept of sports fandom, particularly the idea of wearing team gear regardless of the game's outcome. They debate whether true fans maintain their support through wins and losses, using opening day as a focal point.

David Covino [15:30]: "A real fan is a fan no matter what, win or lose. It's about supporting your team through thick and thin."

Rich Davis [15:45]: "But practically speaking, how many people are willing to wear their team jerseys after a significant loss, especially on opening day?"

The hosts share personal anecdotes about their own experiences with team support and the importance of consistent fandom.

25:00 – New York Yankees’ Season Outlook and Injuries

Shifting focus to Major League Baseball, Covino and Davis express concerns about the New York Yankees' prospects amidst a slew of injuries to key players. They analyze how these setbacks could impact the Yankees' performance throughout the lengthy 162-game season.

Rich Davis [25:10]: "Giancarlo Stanton is dealing with elbow issues, and Garrett Cole is out for the season with Tommy John surgery. These are big losses."

David Covino [25:25]: "Without Garrett Cole, who’s our ace pitcher? And with Stanton sidelined, how do we expect the Yankees to compete at a high level?"

They discuss potential trades and strategies the Yankees might employ to mitigate these injuries and remain competitive in the American League East.

35:00 – Joey Gallo’s Career Reinvention

One of the episode's highlights is the discussion about Joey Gallo's potential transition from a power-hitting outfielder to a pitcher. Covino and Davis ponder the feasibility of such a move, drawing parallels with previous players who have successfully reinvented their careers.

David Covino [35:15]: "Joey Gallo considering coming back to pitching is a bold move. Do you think his arm strength can translate into effective pitching?"

Rich Davis [35:30]: "It's not unprecedented. Look at Rick Ankiel or John Smoltz, who successfully transitioned roles later in their careers."

They debate the challenges Gallo might face and the necessary adjustments he would need to make to excel on the mound, ultimately rooting for his success despite the risks.

45:00 – Shaq Diesel Trivia Segment

Adding a fun twist to the episode, Covino and Davis host the "Shaq Diesel Trivia" segment featuring a playful interaction with a Shaquille O'Neal impersonator, Shaq Diesel. The trivia game tests their knowledge on various sports facts, leading to light-hearted competition and banter.

Shaq Diesel [45:00]: "I used to break bad boys. Now I'm breaking records for FSR Radio."

The segment includes humorous questions about NBA history, player achievements, and memorable moments, showcasing the hosts' camaraderie and deep sports knowledge.

55:00 – Closing Thoughts and Season Outlook

Towards the end of the episode, Covino and Davis revisit their earlier discussions, emphasizing the unpredictability of sports seasons and the importance of resilience for both players and teams. They encourage listeners to stay engaged and support their favorite teams despite challenges.

David Covino [55:30]: "The season is long, like John Lennon's legendary tales. There's still plenty of time for teams to turn things around."

Rich Davis [55:45]: "Absolutely. Even with early setbacks, baseball has a way of surprising us. Let's keep our optimism alive."

Notable Quotes

• David Covino [05:15]: "Congrats to the Dodgers, world champs again. It was a 4 to 1 win over the Cubs."

• David Covino [15:30]: "A real fan is a fan no matter what, win or lose. It's about supporting your team through thick and thin."

• Rich Davis [25:10]: "Giancarlo Stanton is dealing with elbow issues, and Garrett Cole is out for the season with Tommy John surgery. These are big losses."

• David Covino [35:15]: "Joey Gallo considering coming back to pitching is a bold move. Do you think his arm strength can translate into effective pitching?"

• Shaq Diesel [45:00]: "I used to break bad boys. Now I'm breaking records for FSR Radio."

Conclusion

"The Best Of Covino & Rich" offers a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of current sports narratives, blending serious analysis with humor and camaraderie. From celebrating the Dodgers' triumph and dissecting the Yankees' challenges to speculating on Joey Gallo's career pivot and enjoying a trivia bout with Shaq Diesel, Covino and Davis provide listeners with valuable insights and engaging discussions that resonate with both die-hard fans and casual enthusiasts alike.

For those who haven’t tuned in, this episode serves as a compelling entry point, highlighting the duo’s ability to balance in-depth sports analysis with relatable banter, ensuring an enjoyable listening experience.