Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary: Hour 1 – Aaron Boone vs. Media

Release Date: July 23, 2025

In the inaugural episode of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the tumultuous relationship between New York Yankees Manager Aaron Boone and the media. This insightful discussion intertwines team performance analysis with a critical examination of media interactions, providing listeners with a comprehensive view of the current state of the Yankees and the broader sports landscape.

1. Team Performance Highlights

The episode kicks off with a detailed analysis of recent games involving the Yankees and the Mets. Don La Greca provides updates on ongoing matches, emphasizing key moments and player performances.

• Yankees vs. Blue Jays: Don mentions, “The Yankees are back to three, back off the Blue Jays with a chance to take the series tonight” (04:21). He highlights the Yankees' strategic moves and the importance of maintaining momentum in the postseason race.

• Mets' Struggles: The discussion shifts to the Mets' bullpen issues, with Don expressing concerns about their ability to secure victories in tight situations. “They're going to have to start getting length out of these starting pitchers because I believe they're going to make a deal to strengthen the bullpen” (27:00).

2. Aaron Boone's Media Interactions

A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to Aaron Boone's interactions with the media, sparked by a recent interview Boone had with Buster Olney.

• Interview Breakdown: Boone addresses the challenges of dealing with persistent and leading questions from the media. He states, “We’ve been pretty good over the years of, like, compartmentalizing and... it’s a bad trait” (14:41). Hosts analyze Boone’s approach, noting his attempts to remain composed while under scrutiny.

• Don’s Perspective: Don criticizes Boone’s restrained demeanor, suggesting that it doesn’t resonate with the fans. “You know what? You almost hear the tone of voice is like I don't wanna have to be bothered with the media” (16:15). He argues that fans crave genuine emotion and accountability from their manager, especially during challenging seasons.

• Keith Roth’s Insights: Keith Roth adds that Boone’s calmness can be misinterpreted by fans, leading to frustration. “When you say you can't handle the truth, who can't handle it? The media can” (43:26). He emphasizes the necessity of media in conveying information to the fans, countering the notion that Boone’s frustrations lie solely with the media.

3. Fan and Media Dynamics

The hosts explore the broader relationship between sports teams and the media, emphasizing its essential role despite inherent tensions.

• Media as a Conduit: Don asserts, “The media is the conduit. So when you condescend to the media, you're kind of condescending to the fans” (32:07). He underscores the importance of media in keeping fans informed and engaged, especially in a market as intense as New York.

• Historical Comparisons: Drawing parallels to past sports figures, Don references Joe Girardi, suggesting that Boone's current challenges are reminiscent of Girardi's tenure. “The reason why Joe Girardi was fired was his handling of Gary Sanchez” (43:50).

4. Caller Perspectives

Listeners contribute their views on Boone's management and media interactions, adding depth to the discussion.

• Caller on Boone's Authenticity: A caller named Dave expresses frustration over Boone's perceived lack of transparency. “No, I know he's not going to do it. But there are times he goes a little too far” (31:13). Don agrees, highlighting the need for Boone to balance professionalism with genuine emotion.

• Steve’s Concerns: Another caller, Steve, critiques Boone's reliance on analytics and defensive tactics. “Don’t rip him. Just tell me the truth” (42:11). Don responds by stressing the importance of honesty and accountability in leadership.

5. Bullpen and Player Performance

The conversation shifts to specific player performances, focusing on the Mets' bullpen and key players like Anthony Volpe.

• Volpe’s Struggles: Keith Roth points out, “Volpe is not defending” (46:54). Both hosts agree that Volpe's performance has been disappointing, raising questions about Boone's strategies and player development.

• Bullpen Concerns: Don discusses the necessity for the Mets to bolster their bullpen, citing recent games where bullpen performance was pivotal. “Talking about bullpens: For the Mets it’s bullpen. For the Yankees it’s third base” (12:22).

6. Concluding Thoughts

In wrapping up, the hosts emphasize the intricate balance Boone must maintain between team performance and media relations. They advocate for Boone to show more genuine emotion and accountability to align better with fan expectations.

• Don’s Final Take: “The one thing that never has changed, is never going to change is that conduit, the ability to use our access to get information that fans can't get” (40:21). He reiterates the essential role of media in sports.

• Keith’s Summary: Keith concludes by acknowledging that while Boone may struggle with media interactions, the media remains a vital link between the team and its supporters. “Not everything is always positive. There are always things that you want to know about decisions that were made” (40:42).

Notable Quotes

• Don La Greca (16:15): “But if you're calm, that he's actually calm. And sometimes the fans are like, why are you so calm?”

• Aaron Boone (14:41): “We are obsessed with it and hellbent, preparation wise, and guys give a rip.”

• Keith Roth (43:26): “When you say you can't handle the truth, who can't handle it? The media can.”

This episode provides a nuanced exploration of Aaron Boone's managerial style amidst media scrutiny, set against the backdrop of the Yankees' and Mets' current performances. Through engaging dialogue and thoughtful analysis, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg offer listeners valuable insights into the complexities of managing a high-profile sports team in today's media-driven environment.