Podcast Summary: The Tony Kornheiser Show – Episode “Potatoes” (May 9, 2025)

Host: Tony Kornheiser
Guests: Buster Olney, Kenny McPeak
Release Date: May 9, 2025
Producer: This Show Stinks Productions, LLC

Episode Overview

In the episode titled “Potatoes,” Tony Kornheiser navigates a blend of sports commentary, personal interests, and engaging conversations with guest experts. The episode delves into Major League Baseball (MLB) insights with Buster Olney, explores the nuances of gardening—specifically planting potatoes—and discusses the intricacies of horse racing with Kentucky Derby trainer Kenny McPeak. Additionally, listener interactions add a personal and humorous touch, enriching the overall listening experience.

1. Baseball Analysis with Buster Olney

Discussion Highlights:

• Pirates Managerial Change:

  • Tony Kornheiser expresses surprise over the Pittsburgh Pirates firing their manager, Derek Shelton.
    • “The Pirates fired their manager. I didn’t even know his name.” [20:54]
  • Buster Olney critiques the Pirates' financial strategy, highlighting their significantly lower spending compared to teams like the Dodgers and Brewers.
    • “The Pirates have spent $1.2 billion less than the Dodgers over seven years, and even $200 million less than the Milwaukee Brewers. Their owner, Bob Nutting, seems to be hoarding revenue sharing money instead of investing to win games.” [20:54]

• Orioles' Managerial Support:

  • Buster discusses Brandon Hyde’s tenure with the Orioles, noting the mixed performance despite managerial backing.
    • “They win 101 games in one season, 91 last season. And now it's been so ugly with the Orioles.” [22:38]
  • Predicts that managerial changes are imminent due to ongoing team struggles.

• Aaron Judge's Dominance:

  • Buster lauds Aaron Judge as possibly the best right-handed hitter ever, comparing his stats favorably against legends like Babe Ruth and Willie Mays.
    • “Aaron Judge is the best right-handed hitter ever.” [23:04]
  • Discusses Judge’s impressive adjusted OPS plus and his continued excellence even without Juan Soto in the lineup.
    • “He’s hitting .400… his adjusted OPS plus is at 249 after having 223 for all of 2024.” [24:50]

• Shohei Ohtani’s Performance:

  • Tony describes Ohtani’s commanding presence on the mound and his powerful hitting, likening him to an “oak tree.”
    • “His swing… he just hits it out. Just the type of swing he has.” [26:12]
  • Buster highlights Ohtani’s extraordinary exit velocities and his ability to dominate games.

• Impact of New MLB Rules:

  • Buster notes that recent rule changes, such as the pitch clock, have not significantly boosted offensive statistics but have been well-received by players for improving game pace.
    • “Players love the pitch clock. It has helped the product tremendously.” [28:51]

2. Gardening: Planting Potatoes with Buster Olney

Discussion Highlights:

• Buster’s Passion for Potatoes:

  • Buster Olney shares his enthusiasm for planting potatoes, describing it as his favorite gardening activity.
    • “I love potatoes more than I love baseball.” [20:25]

• Planting Process:

  • Buster explains the straightforward process of planting real potatoes with eyes, emphasizing depth and sunlight.
    • “You cut them up and include an eye on a potato. And you plant them about 4 to 6 inches deep.” [17:58]

• Tony’s Gardening Plans:

  • Tony expresses excitement about planting potatoes in his front yard with his son, addressing concerns about potential animal interference.
    • “I am completely unlucky in tomatoes and peppers and zucchini because animals eat these things.” [19:24]

• Managing Challenges:

  • Buster mentions minor issues like vole damage but reassures that it’s manageable.
    • “Two were sort of gnawed by voles… just throw those ones off to the side, or you can cut them in half and eat the good part.” [19:44]

3. Horse Racing Insights with Kenny McPeak

Discussion Highlights:

• Decision to Skip the Preakness:

  • Tony questions Kenny McPeak about the decision to not run Sovereignty, last year’s Kentucky Derby winner, in the Preakness Stakes.
    • “Sovereignty won't ride in the Preakness. It's just a decision. It's not a sign of weakness.” [33:36]
  • Kenny explains that there's no significant incentive to pursue the Triple Crown this year, focusing instead on strategic race placements to ensure the horse's longevity and performance.
    • “There's no incentive… what’s the incentive to come back in two weeks?” [35:13]

• Triple Crown Scheduling Debate:

  • Kenny suggests that spacing out the Triple Crown races more evenly could improve horse performance and maintain public interest over a longer period.
    • “First Saturday in May, first Saturday in June, first Saturday in July would be ideal.” [40:48]

• Impact of Racing Practices:

  • Kenny discusses how changes like removing Lasix have improved horse health and recovery, potentially making the Triple Crown more attainable.
    • “Without Lasix, I think it’s easier to win… the horses recover quicker.” [39:15]

• Race Track Influences:

  • Kenny highlights how different tracks, such as Saratoga and Belmont, affect training and race outcomes.
    • “The circumference of Saratoga doesn’t. It isn’t conducive to running at a mile and a half.” [36:41]

4. Mailbag Highlights

Discussion Highlights:

• Listener Interactions:

  • Tony reads and responds to various listener messages, ranging from personal anecdotes to humorous remarks about sports and daily life.
    • Example: A listener shares a creative narrative blending historical figures with sports elements, showcasing the show's influence.
      • “Tony donning a tunic… Wilbon dressed to the nines in a cloak woven from the finest textiles imported from Babylon.” [53:09]

• Appreciation and Social Engagement:

  • Tony expresses gratitude towards listeners, sharing heartfelt messages about how the show has impacted their lives.
    • “Mitch Gotti Long time, first time. There’s no way to express how much your show has meant to me over the years.” [55:03]

• Humorous Shoutouts:

  • Tony engages humorously with listeners, including playful banter about mix-ups with celebrity names and local anecdotes.
    • “If you think being named Rob Lowe in Ohio is tough, try living in Southern California.” [57:47]

5. Notable Quotes

• Buster Olney on Potatoes:

  • “I love nothing more than potatoes. I love potatoes more than I love baseball.” [20:25]

• Tony Kornheiser on Aaron Judge:

  • “He’s a monster… Judge is the colossus at Rhodes.” [26:38]

• Kenny McPeak on Triple Crown Decisions:

  • “Just cause you happen to win a Churchill Downs doesn’t mean you have to go for the Triple Crown.” [33:36]

• Buster Olney on MLB Spending:

  • “The Pirates have spent $1.2 billion less than the Dodgers… he’s not trying to win.” [20:54]

Conclusion

In “Potatoes,” Tony Kornheiser seamlessly intertwines his passion for sports with personal interests, creating an episode rich in diverse discussions. From dissecting MLB team dynamics and celebrating standout players to sharing practical gardening tips and unraveling the complexities of horse racing strategies, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive and engaging experience. The addition of heartfelt and humorous listener interactions further enhances the show's relatable and entertaining nature.