Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary
Episode: Hour 1: Bad Series or Bad Sign?
Release Date: June 16, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the recent performance of the New York Yankees, analyzing whether their losing streak in recent series is merely a temporary setback or an indicator of more significant underlying issues.
Yankees’ Recent Performance Overview
The discussion kicks off with Don La Greca expressing frustration over the Yankees' recent losses. He highlights the team's struggles, particularly in their bullpen and starting pitching, which led to consecutive series sweeps by rival teams.
Don La Greca [01:35]: "It's over. The Phillies could overtake them. Typical Mets."
Analyzing the Series Losses
Alan Hahn shares his observations on the Yankees' performance, noting that while the bullpen has been a persistent issue, the recent series against the Red Sox and Dodgers showcased not just poor pitching but also offensive shortcomings.
Alan Hahn [03:29]: "I'm just, I asked the question. I'll ask it here today to everybody listening 800-919-3776 because, you know, again, I don't want to pretend like I am the be all end all when it comes to the Yankee opinion."
Offensive Dependencies and Aaron Judge’s Slump
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the Yankees' heavy reliance on Aaron Judge. Hahn expresses concern over the team's offensive performance when Judge is struggling at the plate.
Alan Hahn [08:10]: "What's with some of these approaches at bat? What's with the baserunning? What's with the fricking fielding?"
Don counters by suggesting that the team is still fundamentally sound and that the recent poor performances might just be a "bad weekend."
Don La Greca [06:48]: "I'm willing to just say, hey, just a bad weekend, just tough weekend."
Management, Accountability, and Team Dynamics
The hosts debate the role of management and coaching in the team's performance. Hahn questions whether the current regime is effectively addressing the team's recurring issues, while Don believes that management likely views the team’s performance favorably given their standings and attendance.
Alan Hahn [19:28]: "But think about it. When even with some of the players you've changed like it used to be, well, Glaber's lazy or Gary's lazy or you know, like you think, oh, maybe it's just those guys, but it just seems to still be there."
Don remains skeptical about the team's championship prospects, emphasizing that despite some recent improvements, foundational issues remain.
Don La Greca [35:21]: "Now you just wonder, is this team going to be able to win the World Series? That's what Yankee fans want when you play like that."
Guest Segment: Conversation with Jeff Passan
The episode features an impromptu interview with renowned sportswriter Jeff Passan. Don discovers that Jeff's father, Rich Passen, was the longtime journalist covering the Cleveland Barons, adding a personal touch to the discussion.
Don La Greca [44:14]: "I've been dying to talk to you about this. I've actually tried to get you while you were on hold to go on with Michael, but the timing just wasn't right."
Jeff shares his insights on the Yankees, acknowledging that while they have moments of brilliance, the team still grapples with inconsiderate errors and dependence on key players.
Jeff Passan [45:00]: "I think once Luke Weaver comes back, their bullpen is going to be problems. So, yeah, there are little things to improve upon here and there, but I don't think this team needs a huge deadline facelift necessarily to go back to the World Series."
Fan Perspectives and Caller Interactions
Listeners call in expressing their frustrations and concerns about the Yankees' management and player performances. One caller, Rodney from the Bronx, criticizes the lack of accountability within the team’s leadership, pointing out the high payroll contrasted with underwhelming performance.
Rodney [30:25]: "Don, shout out to Hawthorne. I'm from Bergen County. Love it. ... Aaron Boone is gonna sit there. Oh, don't even."
Don and the hosts address these concerns, reiterating the need for accountability and questioning whether the current management truly believes in the team's potential.
Don La Greca [33:35]: "Don’t blame Boone for that? Brian Cashman for that? A lot of people to blame, but at the end of the day, to answer the call with accountability. I don't know if the Yankees are sitting in their ivory tower going, things are that bad?"
Closing Remarks and Future Discussions
As the episode wraps up, Don reflects on the conversation with Jeff Passan, expressing admiration for the insights shared and the personal connection established through Jeff's father's legacy in sports journalism. The hosts hint at future discussions addressing team dynamics and potential changes within the Yankees' roster.
Don La Greca [53:10]: "And I love the fact that it is true. Why didn't you break the Devers deal?"
Conclusion
The episode concludes with a consensus that while the Yankees have demonstrated vulnerability in recent series, it may be too early to declare it a bad sign for their season. The hosts agree that ongoing analysis and accountability within the team's management will be crucial in determining their championship aspirations.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Don La Greca [06:48]: "I'm willing to just say, hey, just a bad weekend, just tough weekend."
- Alan Hahn [08:10]: "What's with some of these approaches at bat? What's with the baserunning? What's with the fricking fielding?"
- Jeff Passan [45:00]: "I think once Luke Weaver comes back, their bullpen is going to be problems."
- Rodney [30:25]: "Aaron Boone is gonna sit there. Oh, don't even."
- Don La Greca [33:35]: "Don’t blame Boone for that? Brian Cashman for that?"
This comprehensive discussion provides listeners with an in-depth analysis of the Yankees' current standing, the effectiveness of their management, and the team's potential trajectory for the rest of the season.