The Ryen Russillo Podcast: MLB Is Back! (Kind Of?) With Jeff Passan. Plus, How Much to Believe in the Cavs, Clippers, and Zion

Release Date: March 20, 2025
Host: Ryan Rosillo
Guest: Jeff Passan, ESPN's Baseball Insider

1. MLB Opening Day and International Expansion

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into Major League Baseball's Opening Day, particularly focusing on its international dimension. Jeff Passan highlights the strategic move of hosting Opening Day in Japan, emphasizing the immense popularity of baseball there.

Jeff Passan [18:46]: "Shohei Ohtani is the biggest celebrity in the entire country [Japan]. And you have Yoshinobu Yamamoto starting against Shohei Ohtani in game one."

Passan discusses the benefits of this approach, noting the vibrant baseball culture in Japan and the potential for MLB to replicate this enthusiasm domestically. He expresses a desire for MLB to harness the passion seen in Japan to rejuvenate its standing in American sports.

Jeff Passan [20:55]: "Maybe that behavior can be modeled and replicated here. And I would love a world, Ryan, in which Major League Baseball domestically here in the United States has the passion that they do in Japan and in Latin America."

2. Los Angeles Dodgers' Financial Maneuvers and Impact on MLB

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Los Angeles Dodgers' financial strategies, particularly their use of deferrals to manage payroll while maintaining a competitive edge.

Jeff Passan [23:24]: "The Dodgers are going to be over a half billion dollars [payroll], and there are some teams in Major League Baseball that aren't even spending $100 million."

Passan explains how deferrals allow the Dodgers to manage their immediate financial burden while securing top talent like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. He argues that the Dodgers' success is not solely due to deferrals but a combination of excellent drafting, player development, and strategic acquisitions.

Jeff Passan [25:17]: "Shohei Ohtani is having 680 million of the $700 million he's guaranteed. Ryan deferred for 10 years. He is making $2 million a year."

Passan contends that while deferrals are a tool, the Dodgers' dominance stems from a holistic approach to team building, making them a formidable force in MLB.

3. National League East Dynamics: Mets, Braves, Phillies, Diamondbacks, and Padres

The conversation shifts to the National League East, with an analysis of key teams and their prospects for the upcoming season.

New York Mets

Passan expresses cautious optimism about the Mets, acknowledging their strong lineup but voicing concerns about pitching depth.

Jeff Passan [31:47]: "I worry about the Mets pitching depth, especially. Edwin Diaz's velocity is down pretty demonstrably at this point."

Atlanta Braves

The Braves are lauded for their pitching prowess and young talent, positioning them as serious contenders.

Jeff Passan [35:06]: "The Braves do such an incredible job. Ryan of Schwalinbach was a shortstop and he threw a little bit in college. And the Braves' ability to look at athletes and say, we can make you into a pitcher is unparalleled in baseball."

Passan contrasts the Braves' young core with the aging stars of the Philadelphia Phillies, highlighting the Braves' potential for sustained success.

Philadelphia Phillies

Passan critiques the Phillies' reliance on aging stars like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, suggesting that their window for contention is closing.

Jeff Passan [40:12]: "The Phillies have been acting like a minor league version of what they can be. And it's messing with their potential."

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks receive praise for their balanced team with strong offense and pitching depth, making them a dark horse in the division.

Jeff Passan [42:07]: "They have the largest gap between floor and ceiling, I think, in the sport."

San Diego Padres

Although not extensively discussed, the Padres are acknowledged for their strong lineup and pitching staff, positioning them as threats to the Dodgers.

Jeff Passan [43:53]: "The Padres have the top of the rotation... The starting pitching depth is going to define this team."

4. American League Outlook: Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, and Others

The analysis broadens to include the American League, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of prominent teams.

New York Yankees

Despite a hefty payroll, Passan expresses skepticism about the Yankees' projected dominance due to potential injuries and aging players.

Jeff Passan [46:02]: "The Yankees are banged up right now...they are like one Aaron Judge injury away from being a below .500 team."

Red Sox

The Red Sox are critiqued for their conservative payroll and reliance on aging stars, hindering their competitiveness against more aggressively built teams.

Jeff Passan [51:07]: "They have been acting like the Paw Sox. Like, they have not been acting like the Red Sox...their payroll is sub $200 million."

Tampa Bay Rays and Other AL Teams

The Rays are recognized for their consistent performance, while other teams like the Orioles, Blue Jays, and Kansas City Royals are considered contenders.

Jeff Passan [47:07]: "The American League is really wide open and we're going to see some compelling things happen."

5. Fan Sentiment and MLB Payroll Disparities

The episode delves into the disparities in team payrolls across MLB, highlighting how teams like the Dodgers leverage their financial resources to maintain supremacy.

Jeff Passan [63:07]: "Do the Marlins, are they just in business for revenue sharing? It looks that way, doesn't it?"

Passan criticizes teams with low payrolls, such as the Marlins and White Sox, for tanking rather than investing in competitiveness, while applauding the Dodgers for their strategic financial management.

6. The Life Advice Segment: Navigating Social Situations and Personal Crises

In the latter part of the episode, the hosts transition to the Life Advice segment, where they address listener-submitted scenarios. One notable story involves a husband confronted by his wife about a questionable interaction during a bachelor party.

Ryan Rosillo: "Help me. Don't order the flowers."

The conversation offers various perspectives on handling such embarrassing and potentially damaging situations, emphasizing the importance of communication, reflection, and addressing the root cause rather than superficial fixes like ordering flowers.

Jeff Passan: "Some people tell on themselves, and it felt like they told on themselves here."

7. Jeff Passan's Investigation into Jackie Robinson's Military History

A poignant moment occurs when Jeff Passan recounts his investigation into a Department of Defense webpage about Jackie Robinson, which had been inexplicably removed.

Jeff Passan [71:48]: "I care about that, and it's the most important thing. So I don't want to go out accusing the government of doing something. But then I tried to type in the URL of where that was, and when it redirected... I was like, well, this is very interesting."

Passan's diligence leads him to uncover potentially problematic alterations of historical records, underscoring the intersection of sports, history, and politics.

Jeff Passan [79:51]: "Sports are life. Politics is life. The two are bound to intersect."

He emphasizes the responsibility of sports journalists to uphold truth and integrity, especially when addressing the legacies of iconic figures like Jackie Robinson.

8. Closing Remarks and World Series Predictions

As the episode winds down, Passan shares his World Series prediction, leaning towards the Dodgers over the Rangers.

Jeff Passan [70:54]: "I'm going to pick the Dodgers over Rangers. They're the best team in baseball."

Ryan Rosillo commends Passan for his insightful analysis throughout the episode, bridging the gap between sports analytics and personal storytelling.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jeff Passan [18:46]: "Shohei Ohtani is the biggest celebrity in the entire country [Japan]."

• Jeff Passan [23:24]: "The Dodgers are going to be over a half billion dollars [payroll], and there are some teams in Major League Baseball that aren't even spending $100 million."

• Jeff Passan [25:17]: "Shohei Ohtani is having 680 million of the $700 million he's guaranteed. Ryan deferred for 10 years. He is making $2 million a year."

• Jeff Passan [40:12]: "The Phillies have been acting like a minor league version of what they can be. And it's messing with their potential."

• Jeff Passan [68:06]: "It is ugly having 110 plus lost team, it's ugly."

• Jeff Passan [71:48]: "I care about that, and it's the most important thing. So I don't want to go out accusing the government of doing something."

• Jeff Passan [79:51]: "Sports are life. Politics is life. The two are bound to intersect."

• Jeff Passan [70:54]: "I'm going to pick the Dodgers over Rangers. They're the best team in baseball."

Conclusion

This episode of The Ryen Russillo Podcast offers an extensive analysis of both MLB and NBA landscapes, with Jeff Passan providing expert insights into team strategies, financial maneuvers, and league dynamics. The blend of sports commentary with personal anecdotes in the Life Advice segment adds a unique dimension, making the episode both informative and relatable. For sports enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive breakdown of current sports topics and thoughtful discussions on handling complex personal scenarios, this episode serves as a valuable resource.