Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "The Best Of Covino & Rich"

Release Date: December 4, 2024

Overview

In the episode titled "The Best Of Covino & Rich," hosts Cavino and Rich delve into one of the most debated topics in Major League Baseball (MLB) — the proposed Golden Bat Rule. This rule aims to inject fresh excitement into the game by allowing teams to designate one at-bat per game for their best hitter, irrespective of their position in the batting order. The discussion not only explores the potential impact of this rule change on the dynamics of baseball but also reflects on broader themes of evolution and adaptation in sports to cater to modern audiences.

1. Introduction to the Golden Bat Rule

The conversation kicks off with Cavino introducing the buzz around MLB considering the Golden Bat Rule. This proposal, as explained, would permit teams to use their premier hitter in a strategic at-bat, potentially altering game outcomes significantly.

Notable Quote:

• [03:22] Cavino: "Robert Manfred says there's a buzz around adding a Golden Bat rule to Major League Baseball, and he says this rule would allow a team to choose one at bat in every game to use their best hitter, regardless of where they're at in the lineup."

2. Hosts' Initial Reactions and Skepticism

Initially, both hosts express skepticism. Cavino likens the rule to backyard games with arbitrary house rules, emphasizing how traditionalists might view it as undermining baseball's storied heritage.

Notable Quote:

• [06:07] Cavino: "It's like, wait, so you're going to just take someone out of lineup to throw someone better in but once per game? At first, it feels silly..."

Rich counters by highlighting the inevitability of change in sports, drawing parallels with past rule alterations like the pitch clock in baseball, which despite initial resistance, ultimately benefited the game.

Notable Quote:

• [05:25] Rich: "I'll tell you why I think any change in sports is good for the most part... It happened with past interference challenges. Right. Like, yeah, this is just..."

3. Re-evaluating the Rule Change

As the discussion progresses, Cavino and Rich reconsider their initial stance after hearing viewpoints from seasoned analysts and old-school fans like Mad Dog Russo, who show openness to the idea. This shift underscores the complexity of balancing tradition with innovation.

Notable Quote:

• [06:52] Rich: "Not so great. He said, yeah. So when it comes to this golden, what is that golden at bat, I'm open to it. He's open to it."

Cavino reflects on other successful rule changes, such as larger bases and the pitch clock, which, despite sounding radical initially, were embraced over time.

Notable Quote:

• [07:38] Rich: "Do you hear anyone complaining about none. The pitch clock now that we're a year or so deep into it. No..."

4. Comparing to Other Sports and Innovations

The hosts draw comparisons between the Golden Bat Rule and innovations in other sports aiming to enhance viewer engagement. They reference the Savannah Bananas, a baseball team known for its entertainment-centric approach, suggesting that MLB could attract younger fans through similar enthusiasm and spectacle.

Notable Quote:

• [10:27] Cavino: "You know, it's popular to get the attention of young fans? Does the public... how popular the Savannah Bananas are?"

Rich emphasizes the importance of keeping sports relevant in a fast-paced, attention-driven culture, where fans demand instant gratification and entertainment.

Notable Quote:

• [10:51] Rich: "It's a game. Let's not make it seem like it's Supposed to be fun. Right?"

5. Listener and Expert Opinions

The episode features insights from listener call-ins and sports experts like Dan Beyer, who critiques the idea from a strategic and traditional standpoint. There's a balance between embracing change for the sake of excitement and preserving the integrity and competitive nature of the game.

Notable Quote:

• [14:55] Dan Beyer: "I've heard that being argued earlier today, Rich, that you couldn't pull a batter off the basis."

Cavino underscores that while the rule may seem gimmicky, its potential to invigorate the game could justify its implementation.

Notable Quote:

• [19:57] Cavino: "It's just something I saw on CBS Sports, if You include the 171 interception return yards that Denver had..."

6. The Shaq Diesel Trivia Segment

Adding a humorous twist, the episode includes a lively trivia segment featuring Shaquille O’Neal, dubbed "Shaq Diesel." This segment serves as a brief interlude, offering listeners a break from the heavy discussions with light-hearted basketball trivia and playful banter.

Notable Quote:

• [60:37] Shaquille O'Neal: "Who was the first player in NBA history to be unanimously voted MVP? A, Steph Curry, B, LeBron James, or C, me. Big Shaq, Daddy."

7. Concluding Thoughts on Evolution in Sports

As the episode wraps up, Cavino and Rich reiterate their openness to rule changes that could modernize baseball. They advocate for trying out the Golden Bat Rule in non-critical games like the All-Star Game or spring training to gauge its effectiveness without disrupting the traditional season structure.

Notable Quote:

• [19:46] Cavino: "I think sports is about fun. I said this in the hallway during the break. I go, guys, what's sports? Fun, right?"

Rich aligns with this sentiment, emphasizing that evolution is a natural and necessary part of any enduring sport.

Notable Quote:

• [19:57] Rich: "Listen, what. What did more people watching anything this year in the United States and the world. Mike Tyson, Jake Paul."

8. Final Remarks and Future Considerations

The hosts conclude by reflecting on how historical rule changes have been met with resistance but ultimately benefited the sports they transformed. They encourage listeners to stay engaged and consider how embracing certain innovations can keep sports like baseball vibrant and appealing to new generations.

Notable Quote:

• [28:33] Rich: "If you want to chime in with your opinion, hit us up at Covino and Rich or call us now. We're talking about this Goldenette bat."

Conclusion

"The Best Of Covino & Rich" offers an insightful exploration into the potential transformation of baseball through the proposed Golden Bat Rule. Cavino and Rich navigate the fine line between preserving the rich traditions of the sport and advocating for necessary changes to maintain its relevance in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. Through balanced discussions, listener interactions, and engaging segments like Shaq Diesel Trivia, the episode encapsulates the dynamic nature of sports commentary and its role in shaping public discourse.