Hour 1: Baseball Frustration & Fauxnatics Fest

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 1 – Baseball Frustration & Fauxnatics Fest

Release Date: June 25, 2025

In the inaugural episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," hosts Don La Greca, Peter Rosenberg, and Michael Kay delve deep into the tumultuous current state of Major League Baseball, focusing primarily on the New York Mets and Yankees. Additionally, they introduce the exciting upcoming event, Fauxnatics Fest 2025. The episode is packed with insightful analysis, heated debates, and engaging banter, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the latest happenings in the baseball world.

---

1. Fauxnatics Fest 2025 Unveiled

The episode kicks off with a surprising announcement about Fauxnatics Fest 2025, a major event poised to rival established gatherings like Fanatics Fest. Michael Kay shares his enthusiasm for the festival, highlighting its star-studded lineup and exclusive VIP packages.

• Michael Kay (02:22): "Fanatics Fest 2025 is here. Who needs people like Tom Brady and LeBron James when we got Brock Ward."

Peter Rosenberg adds humorously to the announcement, emphasizing the uniqueness of the event's lineup.

• Peter Rosenberg (02:40): "Michael Rubin, Don Han and Rosenberg have the real Rolodex."

Don La Greca further elaborates on the impressive roster, mentioning notable personalities and expressing excitement about the festival's potential.

• Don La Greca (03:17): "Phonatics Fest 2025... It was worth the wait. I'm very excited now."

The hosts also touch upon the unfortunate passing of Sidney Partier, dedicating a moment to honor his legacy.

• Don La Greca (03:19): "Don, did you tweet rest in peace to Sidney Partier?"

2. Mets and Yankees: A Tale of Two Struggles

The core of the episode revolves around the current struggles of the New York Mets and Yankees, with the hosts dissecting various factors contributing to their underperformance.

a. Mets’ Struggles Against the Braves

Don La Greca expresses frustration over the Mets’ inability to secure a winning record against the Atlanta Braves, a division rival with a dominant history.

• Don La Greca (08:45): "Since 2000, the Mets have a .435 win percentage against the Braves. The last time the Mets won a season series against the Braves was back in 2017."

He predicts an ongoing trend of losses, highlighting the Mets' diminishing chances of overtaking the Braves in the division.

b. Yankees’ Bullpen Woes and Hitting Challenges

The Yankees are under scrutiny for their bullpen's inefficiency and the hitters' inability to perform in critical situations. Don criticizes the reliance on the bullpen due to pitcher fatigue and overuse.

• Don La Greca (07:32): "We're so concerned about making sure our pitchers don't get hurt, which they get hurt anyway. And then we go to the bullpen and we don't seem to care how much we have to go to the bullpen."

He points out the Yankees' poor performance in extra innings, attributing their losses to ineffective hitting with runners in scoring positions.

• Don La Greca (05:58): "They are the worst team in Major League Baseball in extra innings, 2 for 36 or something."

Michael Kay probes deeper into whether these issues are mental or structural.

• Michael Kay (07:35): "How much now is about all of the issues you're speaking about? ... What percentage is mental now?"

Don responds by emphasizing the structural flaws over mental setbacks.

• Don La Greca (07:58): "I don't think it's mental for the Yankees because this is kind of who the Yankees are."

3. Pitching Fatigue and Managerial Decisions

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the overuse of pitchers, leading to fatigue and ineffective performances. The hosts debate the management's handling of pitchers like Carlos Rodón, who was forced out of a game due to exhaustion.

• Don La Greca (12:35): "But the bullpen has got to be able to come through and protect the lead at home... You can't constantly rely on your bullpen to get the job done every single night."

Michael Kay questions the adherence to pitch limits and managerial flexibility.

• Michael Kay (15:08): "Where do you draw the line of quality start, Don?"

Don argues for more realistic expectations regarding pitch counts.

• Don La Greca (15:12): "The quality start is supposed to be three runs or less over six innings... Now it seems like just give me a hard five and we're good."

4. Umpire Controversies: Jazz’s Ejection

The episode touches upon the controversial ejection of Yankees player Jazz Chisholm, sparked by disputed calls from umpire Wagner.

• Don La Greca (15:35): "When you see the pitch chart of that at bat, it's disgusting... Jazz can't allow himself to get thrown out of the game in that situation."

He critiques both the umpire's consistency and Chisholm's reaction to the contentious call.

• Michael Kay (16:15): "If it's a mental cost, you're getting tossed."

The discussion underscores the impact of umpire decisions on game outcomes and player behavior.

5. Fan Reactions and Team Expectations

Don and Michael reflect on the heightened expectations for the Mets and Yankees, given their storied histories and championship aspirations. They express disappointment over the teams' inability to meet these expectations midway through the season.

• Don La Greca (22:47): "The Mets were ripped by people, including myself, last year because they were coming off a season in which they were finished under .500 and didn't make the playoffs."

Michael Kay shares a fan's exasperated sentiment, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction.

• Michael Kay (21:26): "I spoke to someone yesterday, huge Mets fan. And when I wrote, I texted him and said, this is unbelievable. His quote was, bleep them. I've moved on."

Don emphasizes the lack of historical success to grant the teams the benefit of doubt, reinforcing legitimate frustration.

• Don La Greca (23:16): "I'm allowed to be concerned because what have the Mets done in their brief history together with this team to say that they're going to be okay."

6. Brief Segment on NBA Draft and Other Sports Updates

Before transitioning to lighter topics, the hosts briefly mention upcoming NBA Draft coverage and recent trades affecting the Eastern Conference.

• Don La Greca (24:07): "We've got Enn at 6. We're going to check in with Alan Hahn at 4. About the draft, there was a big trade, the NBA again last night further devaluing your team."

7. Light-Hearted Banter and Personal Anecdotes

The latter part of the episode features casual conversations about weather, unique food experiences, and personal stories, adding a relatable and entertaining dimension to the show.

a. Watermelon Variety Debate

Don and Michael discuss the surprising discovery of yellow watermelons, sharing their reactions and emphasizing the novelty.

• Michael Kay (44:19): "I have to tell you, I enjoyed it."

• Don La Greca (45:21): "But it did feel like there was a slight difference. I can't put my finger on it."

b. Dubai Chocolate Shake Experience

Michael introduces his experience with the Dubai Chocolate Shake at Shake Shack, prompting a playful discussion about its taste and calorie content.

• Michael Kay (46:24): "The Dubai chocolate bar is known for its unique combination of Belgian milk chocolate... and a filling of pistachio cream and kunafa."

• Don La Greca (48:14): "If it was a wonderful experience, then it was worth every calorie."

8. Audience Engagement through Callers

Throughout the episode, listeners engage via calls, sharing their frustrations and seeking insights. Topics range from pitcher performance to team management decisions, reflecting the audience's investment in the teams' fortunes.

• Caller (29:21): "Is Stant Stanton still locked up?"

• Don La Greca (30:00): "What's locked up for what's. Who's locked up for the next couple of years?"

These interactions provide real-time perspectives, enriching the hosts' discussions and offering diverse viewpoints.

---

Conclusion

"Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 1 – Baseball Frustration & Fauxnatics Fest" offers a compelling blend of in-depth baseball analysis and vibrant discussions about upcoming events. The hosts' passionate insights into the Mets and Yankees' struggles, coupled with engaging listener interactions and light-hearted segments, create a well-rounded and informative episode. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or someone looking to stay updated on the latest sports news, this episode provides valuable perspectives and entertainment.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Kay (07:35): "How much now is about all of the issues you're speaking about? ... What percentage is mental now?"

• Don La Greca (15:12): "The quality start is supposed to be three runs or less over six innings... Now it seems like just give me a hard five and we're good."

• Don La Greca (22:47): "The Mets were ripped by people, including myself, last year because they were coming off a season in which they were finished under .500 and didn't make the playoffs."

• Michael Kay (46:24): "The Dubai chocolate bar is known for its unique combination of Belgian milk chocolate... and a filling of pistachio cream and kunafa."

---

Timestamp Highlights:

• 02:22: Introduction of Fauxnatics Fest 2025
• 05:58: Discussion on Yankees' performance in extra innings
• 07:35: Inquiry into the mental aspect of team struggles
• 15:12: Redefining the concept of a quality start in pitching
• 22:47: Reflection on historical performance impacting current expectations
• 44:19: Discovery of yellow watermelons
• 46:24: Experience with Dubai Chocolate Shake at Shake Shack

---

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and highlights from the first hour of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," ensuring listeners are well-informed about the episode's content without having listened to it.

Transcript

[Venmo Advertiser]

With a Venmo debit card, you can Venmo more than just your friends. You can use your balance in so many ways. You can Venmo everything. Need gas? You can Venmo this. How about snacks? You can Venmo that. Your favorite band's merch? You can Venmo this. Or their next show. You can Venmo that. Visit Venmo Me Debit to learn more. The Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp bank and a pursuant to license by MasterCard International, Inc. Card may be used everywhere. MasterCard is accepted. Venmo purchase restrictions apply.

[Don La Greca]

Todd, where do we sit? Down on Sus Han.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's lame.

[Alan Hahn]

It needs Viagra.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And Rosenberg.

[Michael Kay]

I'm gonna lift my shirt up, take my pants down, and shake it all around.

[Don La Greca]

This isn't North Dakota. This is New York.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is Don, Han and Rosenberg on 880, ESPN and the ESPN New York app.

[Don La Greca]

We're Hanless today. So it's basically just the show, right? Can't be the Alan Hahn show today. There's no ha.

[Michael Kay]

No, listen, we have to kill this joke and nip it right in the bud right now. Well, before it becomes something that you really come to resent.

[Don La Greca]

Well, it's. It's bordering. It's the wolf pack to begin with. Yeah. The return of the wolf pack. With Allen off today and tomorrow because of the draft, which you could be hearing tonight on 1050 while you know, the Mets are probably blowing a lead to the Braves, you can enjoy the draft a little bit later on.

[Alan Hahn]

Tell you.

[Don La Greca]

Other than that, how are you, Peter? Uh, let's see.

[Michael Kay]

I. You know what?

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Michael Kay]

Wolfpack, baby. No, I'm good. I'm good. I feel really good. I have an exciting. I have an exciting thing I want to premiere today to share with the audience. Don.

[Don La Greca]

What?

[Michael Kay]

Matter of fact. Well, I'm not going to do something stupid. I'm going to just play it right now. I'm not going to tease it all day long. Well, why do I have to do that?

[Don La Greca]

I don't know what you're saying.

[Michael Kay]

This is big news. The station's announcing a major event. Are you ready to hear it?

[Don La Greca]

I'm ready. This is a big deal.

[Michael Kay]

I hope everyone's paying attention.

[Don La Greca]

Okay, you guys paying attention? The other side of the car.

[Michael Kay]

Everyone listening.

[Don La Greca]

This is a big. John is the other Patreon.

[Michael Kay]

He may not even know about this, but it's. I. We worked hard and very excited to bring this to the radio station. With everything that happened with Fanatics Fest, it was a really big deal. We thought we here can capitalize and do something similar, if not better.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Fanatics. Fest 2025 is here. Who needs people like Tom Brady and LeBron James when we got Brock Ward.

[Don La Greca]

Taye Diggs, Stefan Diggs, Ian Marty Lyons, Ed Hospedar, Bob Manfred, Tom Thibaut, Dia, step aside.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Michael Rubin, Don Han and Rosenberg have the real Rolodex.

[Don La Greca]

You familiar with the work of David Blow?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Stars like John Frenchy, Fuqua Uteki.

[Michael Kay]

Is that his name?

[Don La Greca]

Udoko. And I know Zack Zarba, he was the crew chief. He's a Brooklyn guy. Ben Judicus was on. He's a little nervous.

[Michael Kay]

Jadakiss.

[Don La Greca]

Jadakiss.

[Michael Kay]

I'm sorry.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Plus, it's your opportunity to rub shoulders with the true near greats like Mr.

[Don La Greca]

Unlimited. Dave Brigetti wasn't that hot. I'd love to sit down and talk to Owen Nolan.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Don't miss our special VIP package where you can spend time with some of the legends who've left us too soon.

[Don La Greca]

Ed Crane.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Ball.

[Michael Kay]

Don, did you tweet rest in peace to Sidney Partier?

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, 92. He passed away.

[Michael Kay]

It's his birthday today.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, no, no. Oh. Turns 92. Dear God.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Phonatics Fest 2025.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, yeah.

[Michael Kay]

Are you excited for this event?

[Don La Greca]

It was worth the wait. I'm very excited now. Can you imagine how much is Ed Hospital charging for a photograph?

[Michael Kay]

Well, it's hard for the VIP package, those in the afterworld. It's going to be an extra 250.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. I would think you'd want to spend a lot of money to be able to go to the afterword.

[Michael Kay]

But, you know, big shout out to Mike Brownshirt, Anthony Pusick, who are pulling together Phon Addicts Fest.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, yeah.

[Michael Kay]

Phone addict. It's going to be really big, the opportunity to meet some of these people. Mr.

[Don La Greca]

Unlimited, that was terrific. I wasn't expecting that. I wanted. I think our audience deserved a smile because they're probably not smiling after last night.

[Michael Kay]

How could they?

[Don La Greca]

So why not give them a little something? Because it's going to be one of those wacky shows. Right? Right. Where I think it's not usually something that happens where Met fans and Yankee fans kind of feel the same about their teams right now. I mean, the mets have dropped 9 of their last 10. Can't beat the Braves on a bet. On a bet. We were actually having a conversation. Well, if they take five of the seven games from the Braves, they could put the Braves to sleep.

[Michael Kay]

And it's.

[Don La Greca]

Instead they use that needle, like in Pulp Fiction, and, like, threw it right into their heart. And the Braves kind of just jumped up. Whoa, I'm alive. I'm alive. Because they've won the first five games, they'll probably take the next two as well. The numbers are just ridiculous. And even when the Mets have a lead. All right, three nothing. They should be fine. Montas looks great. And now this bullpen, it has become an Achilles heel for this team. Rears its ugly head again. Oh, Lovelady's gone. Just before you're, you know, getting used to a little dicky, he's out the door.

[Michael Kay]

Oh, man, that's it.

[Don La Greca]

All that noise for nothing.

[Michael Kay]

No, no little dicky for us. He's. That was it.

[Caller]

Oh, great.

[Don La Greca]

And then you get the Yankees. It's the Cincinnati Reds. This is not the big red machine we talked about yesterday. No, these are the nice couple of games above.500, Cincinnati Reds. And the Yankees have dropped the first two games of the series. They can't situationally hit. And now when they got extra innings on the road, Peter, it's an automatic loss. They've got the worst record in Major League Baseball on the road with the Manford man. I just can't get it done. The. The.

[Michael Kay]

The Yankees, what are they like? It's an incredible statistic how bad they are. No extra base hits with the man for demand.

[Don La Greca]

Just not getting it done. That's just all.

[Michael Kay]

That's insane.

[Don La Greca]

They are the worst team in Major League Baseball in extra innings, 2 for 36 or something. Now, they're also the best team at home, because at home you get the last licks, right? So have your bullpen, which the Yankees bullpen is pretty good. Keep them to no run or just one run, and then the Yankees can hit a home run. Like, that's usually how they score their runs and win the game. But you got a situationally hit. You got to move runners from base to base, have productive outs, and the Yankees don't do that. And so when they get into a situation where their lead is only one after two innings, they score one run in two opportunities with the extra base runner in the 10th and 11th inning. And they just get the one run on the wild pitch, by the way, they. They can't get a hit to save their lives in a big spot unless it's a home run. And then the Reds are able to get the job done because lighter suck and win. Because getting back to my conversation from last week, Peter, with holding all of these pitchers down, not letting them throw more than A hundred pitches. Oh, we'll just go to the bullpen. Well, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth. We'll just, we'll get, we'll get 12 outs out of the bullpen every single night. Well, guess What? When it's 100 degrees and you get lighter, who threw a bunch of pitches the day before has to do it again? He's not going to have anything left. We're so concerned about making sure our pitchers don't get hurt, which they get hurt anyway. And then we go to the bullpen and we don't seem to care how much we have to go to the bullpen. And then the bullpen ends up spitting a bit and you end up losing the game. You can't constantly rely on your bullpen to get the job done every single night.

[Michael Kay]

Can I ask you a question?

[Don La Greca]

Yes.

[Michael Kay]

How much now is about all of the issues you're speaking about? Not talking about both teams, right. But I guess particularly the Mets, but both teams. And what percentage is mental now? Like, we have a lead late. We don't think we're going to hold it anymore. I mean, at this point, as a fan, you certainly have it right. You're waiting for it to go bad. That has to be in the player's head at this point, too.

[Don La Greca]

I don't think it's mental for the Yankees because this is kind of who the Yankees are. Let's be honest. I don't want to play the role of Alan Hahn today, but this has been a problem. Hitting with runners in scoring position, finding ways to manufacture runs. So when the home runs go away, you're not scoring any runs. And that's what's killed them in the postseason the last, you know, decade and a half. And it's been a problem for most of this year. So is it a mental situation when there's a runner in scoring position, they can't get a hit, Peter. Or is it just, hey, I'm doing what I don't care that there's a runner in scoring position. I'm trying to hit a home run like I always do. Which is fine for Aaron Judge, because Judge is a home run hitter. But do I, do I need Jazz to think that he's Dave Kingman all of a sudden, and we'll get to him in just a second?

[Michael Kay]

Yes.

[Don La Greca]

So I don't think it's a mental situation. I just think that that's just how the Yankees are built. They're not built about situation baseball. They're built about launch angle, hitting 500 foot home runs and bashing the brains out of, you know, the underbelly of somebody's bullpen. And when they need situational stuff like extra innings with the man for man, they can't do it. The Mets cannot beat the Braves. Peter can't do it. I looked this up. Since 2000, the Mets have a.435 win percentage against the Braves. 192 and 249. The Atlanta Braves in their division, the team they most likely most years have to be. Do you realize? And it's going to happen again this year. The last time the Mets won a season series against the Braves, you got to go back to 2017. That's seven straight years of not having a winning record against the Atlanta Braves. And it's probably going to be eight because you've lost the first five games.

[Michael Kay]

Well, it's going to get ready.

[Don La Greca]

You only have 13 games with them. So when's it going to turn around? And then you get the lead and you. And you can't tack on runs. The bullpen completely implodes on you. I can't get on the montage situation because he was great, but, you know, he's limited because he's come off of injury. He hadn't pitched all year. So I'm not going to get on the Mets for, for taking. Taking him out. But the bullpen has got to be able to come through and protect the lead at home. They got lucky that the Phillies lost, so the Mets didn't lose any ground as far as in the race for the National League east is concerned. But they missed an opportunity to gain ground on a Philadelphia team that got shut out last night. But they've lost nine of their last 10 games and it looked putrid. Again, the bottom of the order is not doing anything. Now back to the Yankees because I want to, I want, I want both teams to hear it today. The jazz chisholm stuff. I understand it was a ball two. Oh, would have been three, zero. It was, it was an awful call. But, dude, you got to let it go, all right? You have your tantrum. You're yelling, you're screaming, umpire, let him go. But then it carries into the next inning. And Michael brought this up. Paul o' Neill never defends the umpires, always defends. The hitters even said, dude, you got to calm down here. He gets thrown out of the game and compromises the Yankees as they don't have one of their better hitters who was 2 for 4 in the game in the extra innings. You got to put your backup catcher at third. Now, he does have experience at third in the minor leagues, but still not ideal in a game you want to win. The. That, by the way, you had a three nothing lead going to the seventh inning. You know what the record, the Reds record was when trailing going into the seventh inning this year? No, in 30. Now they're one in 30. I mean, come on, man, this is ridiculous. Now, I do think the Yankees have a little bit of a margin for error, although that, that, that, that margin's beginning to shrink now. Their leads down to one. But God, it's like these teams are trying to one up each other as far as not being fundamentally sound, not being able to hit with runners in scoring position. You know, the bullpen not being able to get the job done. And I can't blame the managers. I know everybody wants to kill Boone. I saw social media. Why is he still the manager? Fire him. Yesterday was the day Rodon asked out of the game. What's Boone supposed to do? Make him go out there.

[Michael Kay]

That's one thing. If your pitcher tells you, what was it? 88. Whatever the number is. If your pitcher says it's enough, Boone's not supposed to go, hey, buddy, dig deep. You know what happens if he does that and either gets clocked or gets hurt? That's not how it works, man.

[Don La Greca]

But, but you know what? I think Rodon's got to try to go out there and help out.

[Michael Kay]

Separate conversation.

[Don La Greca]

15 consecutive games without a day off. 16 will be tonight, when they're finally off tomorrow. You know, the bullpen suck and win. You're the second best starter on the team.

[Michael Kay]

And by the way, do you think it was just an issue of being hot? Like it was hot?

[Don La Greca]

But you know what? It's hot for the bullpen too. Luiza. Good. Didn't have it. And listen, I know the argument's gonna be done. So what do you want him out there do? You get his head bashed in. All right, but I. You gotta try to give me innings, man. You can't. You gotta give me more than six, man. I'm paying you all this money. You got 88 pitches through six. You cannot go to your manager, say, I'm cooked. You can't be cooked, all right? If you're hurting, if your elbow's hurting, it's a different story. I don't want you to go on the il. But it's too hot. You're cooked already. We're not even in July yet, people. I mean, this bullpen has been overworked and I need My starters to give me length. I'm already by this, you know, this stupid fugazi, over a hundred pitches, your head blows up. And boy, I, it's so interesting now in the new 21st century of sports radio, it's all after the fact, right? So they put up the social media post when I was kind of just ripping in the major League baseball, treating the pitchers the way they're treating them. And, and, and fans all ripped me after the fact because they look at it and go, well, Don, you can't. He was cooked. He was 103 pitches. What do you want? Because you guys are all conditioned to believe that for some reason this arbitrary 100 pitch number is the end all be all. And it's ridiculous. And you all think, oh, we'll just have these guys come out of the bullpen and they throw 95 filthy sliders and we'll just continue. We'll get one pitcher in the six, next pitcher in the seven, next pitcher in the eight. Bring our closer in every single night. Your bullpen, if it's sucking wind before you get to July, how you win in a championship, at least there's got to be some occasions where a pitcher gives you seven, eight innings. And I don't have to go five deep into my bullpen every single night. Because now with this wacky schedule where you have to play everybody, you know, you're not getting the days off you used to because now you got to bounce around the country to fit all these games in in the limited amount of time that you have. And the Yankees are right now riding 15 consecutive days without having any days off. They're going to make it 16 tonight. So Peter, if my inning, if I, if I'm going five, six innings with my starting pitcher and I got to get 912 outs every single night for my bullpen, then you see what happened at the end of the game last night. Leiter doesn't have it. He threw a season high amount of pitches the night before and then he's got to do it again the next day. So yes, I'm sorry. We're paying all this money to pitchers, Peter, and they end up getting hurt anyway and they're not getting the job done. I'm sorry. Six inning. This quote unquote quality start isn't doing it for me.

[Michael Kay]

I get it, man. I get it. It's, it's. Yeah. Where do you draw the line of quality start, Don? I get?

[Don La Greca]

Well, the quality start is supposed to be three runs or less over six innings. That was always the Quality start. But now. Now it seems like. Just give me. Just give me a hard five and we're good.

[Michael Kay]

Excuse me.

[Don La Greca]

You know, nothing like a perfectly placed. Excuse me. That is completely. Change the tenor.

[Michael Kay]

I did not think that's where you were going to go. Can I just say this, too, in defense of Yaz. Yazzyism. That. That was a horrifying pitch, though. But Peter. No, no, it doesn't make it right. But I'm just saying, can they do better? Can umpires do better?

[Don La Greca]

Electronics strikes coming.

[Michael Kay]

It needs to, because when you see the. When you see the pitch chart of that at bat, it's disgusting. What they're. Just do a bad job. Just do your job. Okay. I called better balls and strikes.

[Don La Greca]

I don't do.

[Michael Kay]

When I was an umpire for youth baseball and I was too scared to get behind home plate and I didn't feel like wearing the equipment, and I don. I would insist on calling balls and strikes from behind the pitcher. Oh, I was calling better balls and strikes than these guys are.

[Don La Greca]

You remember that you're short an umpire, so you'd have the. The umpire would be behind the pitcher. Always got that one, by the way.

[Michael Kay]

That was my demand. I did not want to go behind the catcher.

[Don La Greca]

Well, if you didn't have the proper equipment.

[Michael Kay]

Can't do it.

[Don La Greca]

Why would you end up getting yourself hurt?

[Michael Kay]

I could see pretty well from behind the pitcher. I'm good, but, you know, I might see better.

[Don La Greca]

But you know that you're not allowed to argue balls and strikes. You're automatically ejected from the game. You know that. And if I want to complain, fine, but you gotta at some point let it go, Peter.

[Michael Kay]

Well, if it's at a cost, you're getting tossed.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, Wagner's been. He's the crew chief. He's been around for 30 years. Okay. He obviously missed one. And I would think that the reason why he let jazz go as long as he did is he probably knew he missed the call. But when it carries over to after, then it's a problem. He's complaining. He said he was yelling at himself. But the umpire is no better than that. And then he said the umpire threw him out because. Why are you looking at me? That was the last straw, Jaz. You were going crazy. You almost had to be helped off the field the inning before. At what point do you just let it go? That was the trick. Somebody one time told me when I pitched in high school and I got thrown out of a game and I had to go sit on the bus because. Where do you get when you get thrown out of a high school game. There was no clubhouse to go to. I had to go sit on the bus. It was a road game. I sat on the bus to the end of the game, and my manager said to me, listen, if you ever feel like you're not getting the call and you want to let out your frustration, do it, but look at somebody else. Don't look at the umpire. Okay?

[Michael Kay]

Makes sense.

[Don La Greca]

So I did okay. I didn't like a call next time. It wasn't the next time I pitched, but later on this season, I pitch. Don't like the call. I turned to my shortstop and started, like, berating the shortstop, and he still threw me out because the umpire realized that I'm not screaming at my shortstop. I'm really screaming at him. It didn't like. So Wegner knows that.

[Michael Kay]

That's still trash to throw you out, though.

[Don La Greca]

But in defense of Wegner from last night is that Jazz is now screaming into the night at third base. He knows he's really screaming at him even though he's not looking at him. And the historics that you saw when he struck out the inning before. So at what point is the line crossed when you're not allowed to argue balls and strikes. So there's two different things. You're right, it was an awful call. But Jazz can't allow himself to get thrown out of the game in that situation. I'm sorry. It's selfish. It's wrong. So both could be right. Where the calls poor, but Jazz can't get thrown out of the game. Awful. Just can't do it. So both the Mets and the Yankees are. It's, It's. I'm tired of hearing it's early. I know it's early, but I'm not. I'm not going to put them on the shelf and just start talking about, you know, Jason Kidd being the next Nick coach and talk about the draft and start previewing the football season. I'm sorry. I like baseball. I enjoy baseball. And if I can pump my fist when the Mets win a game or a Yankee fan can get excited when the Yankees win a game. Aren't we allowed to be ticked off when our Mets have inexcusable losses? When the Yankees have inexcusable losses. You lost the game 3 nothing if you're the New York Yankees to the Reds because you can't hit in big spots. Lost to him the day before for the same reason Mets can't beat the Braves on a bet. I'm Sorry. I don't want to hear it's early. Look what happened last year, Don. You were tasking them to trade everybody in June. Look what happened. I get it. I was wrong. I overreacted. I don't think I'm overreacting right now. These two teams are held to a different standard. The New York Mets were ripped by people, including myself, last year because they were coming off a season in which they were finished under.500 and didn't make the playoffs. Sorry. The Mets don't have the lineage, the legacy for me to give them the benefit of the doubt. So I'm allowed to be frustrated about what I'm seeing and be worried and concerned about it because the Mets don't rattle off a bunch of championships. They're not the Braves, who won 14 consecutive division titles. They're not the Yankees to go to the playoffs every year. Now, from the Yankees perspective, you're allowed to be upset because you've got bigger fish to fry. You think you're going to win a championship, and the Mets do, too. They came within two wins of going to the World Series last year. So this isn't no Little Engine that could. It's, hey, there's certain expectations here and in late June, this is not the way you should be playing. Is there time, Peter, to turn it around? Of course there's time. Well, that goes without saying, but in the. In the moment, you can't be concerned about it.

[Michael Kay]

Well, remember I was asking yesterday or a few days ago, where's the line where everyone agrees you can be concerned? We'd all agree. We've passed that line now.

[Don La Greca]

Well, we always want to assess where we are in Memorial Day, and both teams were in great shape. But since then, over the last month, these teams have not been very good.

[Michael Kay]

I spoke to someone yesterday, huge Mets fan. And when I wrote, I texted him and said, this is unbelievable. His quote was, bleep them. I've moved on.

[Don La Greca]

Okay, well, I think that's right.

[Michael Kay]

People are going to feel that way.

[Don La Greca]

People are going to feel that way, and then they'll be sucked back in.

[Michael Kay]

They'll get sucked back in.

[Don La Greca]

I believe the Yankees are winning this division, and I believe the Mets are making the playoffs. I can't say the Mets are going to win the division because I don't feel that right now. I think they'll make the playoffs. But when you're two baseball teams that think they have a chance to win a championship. The Mets came within two wins of going to the World Series and went out and Got the best player in baseball. You know, the New York Yankees went to the World Series last year, came back with pretty much the same team other than Soto. But everybody was thrilled when they got Goldschmidt and Bellinger and Freed to replace Soto and they both got off to great starts and now it's definitely come back down to earth. But I'm allowed to be concerned because what have the Mets done in their brief history together with this team to say that they're going to be okay, they're going to be fine. And from the Yankees perspective, Peter, not hitting with runners in scoring position has gone on forever. Injury problems have gone on going back to the Joe Girardi era. So it's kind of the same old thing. So.

[Michael Kay]

And also being just kind of being quiet and disappearing in big spots has been a thing.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. You know, it's kind of interesting that it's gone from Judge doesn't hit in big moments to where it's like really Judge is the only guy that seems to do it lately. Everybody else has really been a problem. I understand it's June and not October and it helps.

[Michael Kay]

It helps you look good when nobody can hit.

[Don La Greca]

Right now this whole team feels like Judge in October.

[Michael Kay]

Right.

[Don La Greca]

And I don't think it'll cost them. But all of a sudden that lead the Yankees had has shrunk down to one. The Mets big five, game four and a half game lead over Philadelphia has completely evaporated to now they're a second place team and you know they're only three games away from dropping out of the playoffs completely. There's a lot to be a little at least concerned about. Worried about how you feeling about it. 1-800-919-3776 we got a big show. We got a list coming up at 4:30. We've got Enn at 6. We're going to check in with Alan Hahn at 4. About the draft, there was a big trade, the NBA again last night further devaluing your team. The Boston Celtics as poor Zingis is now gone. But strengthening another team in the Eastern conference of the Atlanta Hawks. The Nets got themselves some picks as well. What five first round picks. The Nets, none of them have any Huge.

[Michael Kay]

No, but they're picks.

[Don La Greca]

But they're picks, right? You and me, you know, so that's something we're going to talk about with Alan Han. And the reason Alan's not here is because he's doing the draft which you can hear on 1050 tonight with coverage beginning at 7 o' clock. We've got the Mets here at 6:30. So we got a lot going on. It's going to be a lot of fun. And it's all happening here on Don Hahn and Rosenberg on ESPN New York.

[Alan Hahn]

Alan Hahn here everybody. To tell you about my friends at Bath Fitter. They remodeled a bath in my house. My wife Stephanie is absolutely thrilled by it because we had to update this old bathroom that we really didn't use much by a new pool that we put in. And we converted this tub that was disgusting into a gorgeous shower so now we can use it for the summer guests when they use the pool. Wash off that chlorine. And when the kids have sleepovers, it's a perfect area for them to sleep and just have a bathroom to themselves. A Bath Fitter consultant took us through the process with their free in home consultation to pick style and color and all the specifics and accessories to update the bath customized just the way Stephanie wanted it. She really does love it by the way. Loves it so much. Guess what I get to do this summer vacation? I get to renovate the rest of the bathroom. Bath Fitter worked fast, delivered the highest quality work without delay. It shook the two days. That's all it took. Bath Fitter is a permanent solution, by the way. A one piece seamless wall for a watertight fit and a lifetime guarantee. You can trust the Bath Fitter team like we did. They've been in business for 40 years with millions of happy customers. Right now you can no payments until 2027. So start designing your bath like we did. Visit bathfitter.com for more details. There is only one bath F.

[Michael Kay]

This is an ad by BetterHelp. It's okay to struggle. Real strength comes from opening up about what you're carrying and doing something about it so you can be at your best for yourself and everyone in your life. June is Mental health Awareness month. And men today face immense pressure to perform, to provide, to keep it all together. So it's no wonder that 6 million men in the US suffer from depression every year. And it's often undiagnosed. With over 35,000 therapists, BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, having served over 5 million people globally. And it works with an App store rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on over 1.7 million client reviews. As the largest online provider in the world, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a diverse variety of expertise. Talk it out with BetterHelp, our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com timeout that's betterhelp.com timeout.

[Don La Greca]

Summer's here, and Nordstrom has everything you need for your best dress season ever. From beach days and weddings to weekend getaways in your everyday wardrobe. Discover stylish options under $100 from tons of your favorite brands like Mango Skims, Princess Polly and Madewell. It's easy too, with free shipping and free returns in store order, pickup and more. Shop today in stores [e-mail] or download the Nordstrom app. Savor every last drop of summer with Starbucks. From bold refreshers to rich cold brews, the sunniest season only gets better with a handcrafted ice beverage in your hand.

[Venmo Advertiser]

Available for a limited time, your summer.

[Don La Greca]

Favorites are ready at Starbucks.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Michael Kay]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Catch this show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Don La Greca]

Game time is brought to you by Tell them or do Irish Whiskey because when it's game time, it's tolly time. Coverage of the Mets Braves immediately Following us on 880 at 630 and coverage of the NBA Draft with Alan Hahn host can be heard on 1050 at 7 30. The Yankees finish up their series with the Reds at 7:10. The Red Bulls are up north facing Toronto FC at 7:30 and the Liberty are taking on the Valkyrie. And you're going to need your coffee for that one. That's going to begin at 10. I like that name. The Valkyrie. That's the Bay Area team, right?

[Michael Kay]

The Valkyrie. I don't know what that means. I don't. Isn't Valkyrie a thing?

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, I think it is Valkyrie. Is it Valkyrie or Valkyrie?

[Michael Kay]

Okay, my guess would be Valkyrie.

[Don La Greca]

Valkyrie sounds more cooler, I think.

[Michael Kay]

Well, I just don't know if it's a word.

[Don La Greca]

I don't know. It is. It isn't Telemore. Do the original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast matured Iris whiskey. Be sure to grab a Telemore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew. Honey, during today's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly. It is an A. So Valkyrie? I guess. So are they the Golden State? I never understood that. Yeah, the Devils aren't the Garden State Devils, they're the New Jersey Devils.

[Michael Kay]

A Valkyrie is a mythical being of a warrior woman.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, okay. Well that makes sense. I like it. I got to check out their logo because if the logo doesn't work, then.

[Michael Kay]

That's a big piece, what you're saying. Valkyrie.

[Don La Greca]

Jimmy in Connecticut, you get us started off here on Donald. Jimbo, what's up? Hello.

[Caller]

I. Yes, I. I am not panicking about the Yankees. I think, you know, I do think they are going to have to make some moves at the deadline. And that leads me to my point. Is that or my question? So Ben Rice is going to have a hard time getting at bats with standing back in the lab regularly. I mean, he'll be in and out of the lab. We've seen this log jam that's been created with the way this team is constructed. Could you. And I hope it doesn't happen. Could you see them dealing Ben Rice just because he deserves to play every day and stand is still locked up for another couple of years.

[Don La Greca]

And who's locked up for what's. Who's locked up for the next couple of years? Guy, I didn't hear you.

[Caller]

So Stant Stanton is still locked up.

[Don La Greca]

I understand that from the DH standpoint, but here they're loathe to trade kids. Okay. What? Who's your first baseman after next year? You bring in Goldschmidt back, who's going to be third 39 next September. So first base should open for. For Rice. I don't see him being a full time catcher. You're right. You can't make him as a DH because Stanton's going to be there for the next few years. But why would you trade a player away and now you're looking for a first baseman after next year. If you decide. I don't want to.

[Caller]

I don't want to.

[Don La Greca]

I don't. I don't. I don't want to, but I don't think they want to either. Listen, Ben Rice is a nice player and he's a versatile player. He can dh, you can play. Play first, he'll play catcher.

[Michael Kay]

Sure.

[Don La Greca]

But he's only landlocked this year, it seems, unless Goldschmidt gets another contract. But Goldschmidt's going to be 38 in September. He's already in a slump now, so.

[Michael Kay]

But in all fairness, the whole team is so.

[Don La Greca]

Right. But you think they're going to bring him back at 38, 39 years old, you don't want to trade Rice away and now you're not, you know, you're looking for a first baseman. So they didn't think he was ready to be the full time first baseman. Can he be that next year? I don't. Brian Cashman doesn't seem like the guy that Likes to trade prospects away, so I don't think I'd worry about it right now. Tom in Brooklyn. You're on espn New York.

[Caller]

Gentlemen, how are we doing today?

[Don La Greca]

Terrific, man.

[Caller]

So. So listen, I'm just. I'm. Be honest. I love baseball. I've been playing since I was a kid. I'm just exhausted watching this Yankee team. It's been the same exact Yankee scene team since 2017, just different players, all analytics. It's like. It's like the kid in Angels in the outfield asking Brian Cashman. It'll happen. When's it gonna happen? In the playoffs, man. It's not happening. You don't have a third baseman. Volpe should be in Triple A. Austin Wells stinks. You have no idea what birds gonna be at first base. You pretty much need a whole new infield. Okay? And Rodin asking to come out, bro. You're soft, man. This is why people are turned off from baseball. That is soft. That's weak. People are out here working in 100 degree weather. We'd all love to go home early, but we got to work and provide for our families. That just comes off as terrible. Terrible.

[Don La Greca]

I don't. I don't.

[Michael Kay]

It's not a terrible argument.

[Don La Greca]

You know, I. I know the other argument. Tom's going to be, well, then if he goes out there, pitches the seventh inning, gets rocked, and then tells everybody I didn't have it, but Boone made me go out there. Everybody be killing Boone, saying, what are you doing? You didn't have it. You didn't have anything left. So it's not my argument. If he was being honest, I'm done. My problem is, why are you done at 88 pitches? All right, it's 100 degrees. So what? You know, you got to be able to fight through things sometimes, but if you don't have it, you don't have it. You got no choice. Boone's got no choice but to take him out. But my question is, why don't you have it? You're a multimillion dollar pitcher. You threw 88 pitches in. There's no sun out. It's late. I know it's hot. I know it's humid in Cincinnati, but you can't give me an extra inning when you know your bullpen is cooked. That's going to reflect poorly on you, man. It just is. You got to give me a little bit more now if you want to take it to the extreme. Like the caller didn't say, hey, we're all working out in the hot sun. Listen, I understand sports is fantasy land, right? The real world, it's a little bit different, and people are graded a little differently. But when you're making that much money and the team needs you, it's going to reflect poorly on you that you weren't there. So it make you a bad guy. Does it make me want to trade you or cut you? No. But makes me wonder, does he have the stomach for this in a big spot? Is he going to be able to give me that extra that I'm going to need to help our team win when our bullpen is struggling? We're going to need three more outs from you. Doesn't sound like you're going to be that guy, so I can understand fans being a little ticked off about that. Do you realize?

[Michael Kay]

Go ahead.

[Don La Greca]

First pitch. Temperature at Citi Field last night was 97. That was the hottest first pitch for a met game since 2001. And it was a night game.

[Michael Kay]

And it's June. It's just hit summer.

[Don La Greca]

And the game that broke the record. That it broke the record was. Was played in August. Like, two seconds ago, we were complaining. Why is it 60 out?

[Michael Kay]

Well, I don't know if you're aware.

[Don La Greca]

It's 100.

[Michael Kay]

Well, I don't know if you're aware there's something wrong with the world. This is going to keep happening and getting worse. Well, I'm sorry. It's crazy. You can't make sense of it.

[Don La Greca]

It doesn't make a lot of sense.

[Michael Kay]

I'm hearing news stories about, like, roads buckling because the streets are melting. Like, it's not great. And then, by the way, when we get to the beach bash on Friday, it's going to be beautiful. Don's going to be singing. A drop of sweat won't run down his brow.

[Don La Greca]

Maybe some rain.

[Michael Kay]

Don't say that.

[Don La Greca]

Well, I'm just trying to. I'm trying to just paint the picture of what we're looking at here.

[Michael Kay]

I don't think it will rain.

[Don La Greca]

Interesting.

[Michael Kay]

I think the rain's going to hold. I think we're going to have a great temperature. It might be. It might be cool enough. You can wear long sleeves. It may not be warm at all, but isn't that going to feel welcome?

[Don La Greca]

You would rather have that than what we've been looking at the last few days? You wouldn't want to be at the Beach Bag.

[Michael Kay]

Absolutely.

[Don La Greca]

Yesterday, because you're melting. And some people love it. My dad loved the heat. My back. My dad today would be out in the front lawn with his Chair and a beverage, just watching the cars go by.

[Michael Kay]

Can I tell you, I'm trying to decide, does that even go with the rest of your dad's personality?

[Don La Greca]

What do you mean?

[Michael Kay]

Like your dad. Your dad's a man of very strong takes. I guess I'm a little surprised that he enjoyed like temperatures that hot.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, loved it.

[Michael Kay]

I thought he think it was like communist or something, you know what I mean? Like, this is for the birds.

[Don La Greca]

I'm not really able to see where it equates where you lean politically and what you're a fan of, temperature wise.

[Michael Kay]

I hear what you're saying, I just.

[Don La Greca]

You know what, I'm gonna tell you why. I'm gonna tell you why. Cuz the perception is that the sun belt swings, right? So you're thinking, well, you know that you're looking at temperature. But then that would probably swing. That you would believe. My dad would love the hot weather.

[Michael Kay]

Exactly. But that's. No, it's more just like, I don't know, going outside in the heat. I'm just surprised he wouldn't think it's for the birds. What do you think about pools?

[Don La Greca]

He was a big pool guy. Hated the ocean.

[Michael Kay]

Hated the ocean. Fan of the pool.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Michael Kay]

The picture's getting painted.

[Don La Greca]

And he wanted to move to Florida, but then he got sick and they couldn't go. They had put money down on a place to move down to Florida.

[Michael Kay]

Really?

[Don La Greca]

My father literally looked. What is the most humid and hot place in Florida? That's where he wanted to purchase. He loved the heat. Loved it. My mom, not so much loves it. Loves the snow.

[Michael Kay]

Wait, are there, I mean, are there a lot of people who love the heat to the point of like, they want it like disgustingly hot? Is that a thing?

[Don La Greca]

I guess for my dad it was. Now do I think he's an outlier?

[Michael Kay]

Yeah, I think it's outlier. Right.

[Don La Greca]

But that's how he was. And my mom, cold weather person. But this was also an era where your wife's opinion was a decent enough suggestion, but nothing to move the needle.

[Michael Kay]

Right. He heard the words. They were said.

[Don La Greca]

Words were said. He knew she was disappointed, but they were still gonna go where he wanted to go. But it never, it never transpired, unfortunately. So the weather for Friday, scattered cloudy skies with a few showers later in the day. So that's good. Chance of rain 40%, not too bad. And then the chance of rain still 40%, but it looks like there's a better chance that it might be raining in the evening. But high of 69. That's not bad. It's going to feel a lot different than today, but we'll be able to make it work. It should be fine. 1-800-919-3776. Always a pleasure to talk to Griffin in Connecticut. How are you, sir? Griff. The Griff.

[Caller]

Hey, guys, how are you? Yep, I'm here.

[Michael Kay]

Hi, Griff.

[Caller]

That caller before, I think he's a little bit upset and frustrated, like all of us are, because it's a little bit dramatic that Volpe should be in Triple A, that Rice socks that well, socks, because Wells actually was good. Volpe's been good, was doing good before they'd been in slumps. I think he's a little frustrated, like all of us, because some of those things were a little bit dramatic.

[Don La Greca]

Well, what, what he said about, hey, we're all sweating at 100 degrees. I get it. But you know what? You're supposed to be one of the aces of the staff. I mean, obviously, Freed is. I don't think there's anything wrong that you might want to see a little bit more out of Rod Don to give you another inning. Didn't have it. All right? And I guess it's honorable for him to say, truthfully, I don't have it, but I'd like to know why you don't have it. It's June, all right? It's hot. I get it. But 88 pitches on a night where your bullpen is sucking wind. I want to know why you don't have it.

[Caller]

Yeah, that, that, that I, that I understand. I don't know why he couldn't come out for another inning. I just don't. I just don't agree with the whole bullpen. Be should be in Triple A that, well, sucks. That Rice sucks. I don't agree with all that, but I agree with what he's saying when he said that. That. Why couldn't Carlos Rodan come out for another inning? Because I question the same thing. Why couldn't.

[Don La Greca]

He was.

[Caller]

He was only at 88 pitches. But my point is, I want to talk about the umpires. This is why the umpires drive people crazy. I think Paul and your says it perfectly on these games. The consistency isn't there with umpires. One inning, one inning. That eighth inning, the same pitch to Della Cruz was the ball this time. The pitch to Jazz is a strike. So we're never consistent. So you never know what the strike zone is. So that box that they have on the screen, it drives me crazy. Just take it off the screen because it doesn't really work because it could be right down the middle of the screen and the umpire could call it a strike or could call it a ball.

[Michael Kay]

Well, the boxes, because the Empire has.

[Caller]

This imaginary box in its head.

[Michael Kay]

Well, the purpose of the box is for you to see where the ball actually goes. Unfortunately, the problem is the umpire still has to decide in their mind's eye where it goes.

[Don La Greca]

That's why I can't get crazy when it's a little bit on the line and you don't get the call. But that was, that was pretty far out of the box. That low pitch on that two zero. The Jazz, he was right. But we're getting closer and closer to an electronic strike zone, which I'm sure a lot of fans will then complain about too. But it's been going on for centuries. Jazz was right to complain. He just went too far and put himself and his frustrations ahead of the team. And he hurt the team because he would have had the last at bat to be able to keep it alive. Instead, it was D.J. lemayhue. That's the problem. You just can't put yourself ahead of the team. Believe me, if you listen to this show and shows that I've been on, I can lose my cool, I can blow my top. But at some point, you've got to put the show or the team or the situation above how you feel about it. 1-800-919-3776. Allen Hahn will join us at 4. Talk a little NBA. We've got a list at 4:30 that you dream about and then we've got enn at 6. Take you up to Mets baseball at 6:30 right here on Don Hun and Rosenberg on ESPN New York. You want to get the most for your money. That's why more Mazda buyers choose Ramsey Mazda. Lease a new 2025 CX90 preferred plug in hybrid for 299 for 24 months or buy with 1.9% financing up to 36 months. Start shopping now at Ramsey Mazda.com choose wisely. Choose Ramsey Mazda. Call 833-853-2970 for details. Excludes tax, title and registration. Zero security deposit VIN S 1194,329 MSRP 50 1,825 and 630 25. This episode is brought to you by State Farm.

[Michael Kay]

Sports are all about teamwork and so is insurance. Whether you need an in person or digital assist, State Farm is there to.

[Don La Greca]

Help you choose the right coverage for.

[Michael Kay]

Your home, car and more. Get a game plan that helps fit your your life. And talk to State Farm today. State Farm with the assist. Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability and eligibility vary by state.

[Venmo Advertiser]

Hey there, travelers. Kaley Cuoco here. Sorry to interrupt your music. Great artist, btw. But wouldn't you rather be there to hear it live? With Priceline, you can get out of your dreams and into your dream concert. They've got millions of travel deals to get you to that festival, gig, rave, sound bath, or sonic experience you've been dreaming of. Download the Priceline app today and you can save up to 60% off hotels and up to 50% off flights. So don't just dream about that trip. Book it with Priceline.

[Don La Greca]

Go to your happy price, Priceline.

[Michael Kay]

Have you ever spotted McDonald's hot crispy.

[Don La Greca]

Fries right as they're being scooped into the carton?

[Michael Kay]

And time just stands still.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don, Han and Rosenberg podcast.

[Michael Kay]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Michael Kay]

Was reasonable doubt today. I'm good for 29 years.

[Don La Greca]

I think it's 29 years that that came out.

[Michael Kay]

Yeah. Jay Z's seminal Reasonable dad album.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. But now you dip it into the 90s and you're going to get Anthony upset because I.

[Michael Kay]

Because I didn't. Well, but I didn't say, can you believe it's been that long? Although I will say, Jason, 30 years. That's something else.

[Don La Greca]

It is something else. And still going.

[Michael Kay]

By the way, Don and I experienced. Had a new fruit experience today.

[Don La Greca]

I didn't know this existed.

[Michael Kay]

I was today years old today, years old.

[Don La Greca]

When I found out Ebony, who's been working for us for a long, long time, decided to take some time during the lunch hour, tail end of the lunch hour, to just start carving out a watermelon. And I. Like a watermelon.

[Michael Kay]

Sure. Well, I have a question. Are you human?

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. So I peek over and I'm thinking, she's not cutting this watermelon just for herself. I mean, I think this is gonna be community melon. And I'm all. I'm all for that.

[Michael Kay]

You love community melon.

[Don La Greca]

But I was taken aback. I don't know if Jacob, Anthony was with us. I don't know if Jacob was there to see. I think he saw go down, but it wasn't red, it was yellow. So instantaneously, Anthony goes online and starts showing me pictures that there are watermelon that are yellow. I've never seen that.

[Michael Kay]

You need A picture online. We just ate. There's one right here. We ate it. No, but I put it in your mouth.

[Don La Greca]

No, but after the fact. But when I'm looking at that, am I not seeing that correctly? Is there something wrong with that? Watermelon? Is that not a watermelon? Something on the outside? Looks like it.

[Michael Kay]

I had never in all my days until today known of or seen a yellow watermelon. I have to tell you, I enjoyed it.

[Don La Greca]

It was good. But it did feel like there was a slight difference. I can't put my finger on it.

[Michael Kay]

No, it was something different.

[Don La Greca]

It was something different, but still good.

[Michael Kay]

Jacob, were you familiar?

[Don La Greca]

He was not. I've never seen any yellow watermelon until today.

[Michael Kay]

Anthony. Was Anthony ever familiar?

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, I know about it.

[Michael Kay]

You did?

[Don La Greca]

Yes.

[Michael Kay]

But you think you're better than me.

[Don La Greca]

Not really be suggesting it, though, the way you said yes.

[Michael Kay]

Now, I was telling Don something earlier, before the program started.

[Don La Greca]

Right.

[Michael Kay]

About the Dubai chocolate shake from Shake Shack.

[Don La Greca]

Yes.

[Michael Kay]

I had it yesterday. And Don, it was life changing. I know there's a lot of hype around Dubai Chocolate which I didn't know. Which you're not familiar with. Do you want me to give you the official definition of Dubai chocolate? Because it is a specific thing.

[Don La Greca]

Okay, go ahead. Is it? Don't believe the hype. It's a sequel.

[Michael Kay]

Well, it is kind of like that. It is giving some avocado. What is special about Dubai Chocolate pops up here on. On your Googles. The Dubai chocolate bar is known for its unique combination of Belgian milk chocolate. Off to a good start because you don't like dark chocolate, right? Belgian milk chocolate and a filling of pistachio cream and kunafa, a crispy shredded filo pastry.

[Don La Greca]

This sounds wonderful.

[Michael Kay]

So it's the combo, Don, of the chocolate, the pistachio and the crispy shredded all in the shake. So as you're sucking down this delightful cold creamy ice cream, you get the bites of crunchy pistachio. I felt like one of those baby videos when you see a child taste food for the first time. They're like, oh, I was. I. If anyone out there has had it, call right now. 1-800-919-3776. Is it me? Because I thought the experience was, I mean, a delight beyond words. I'm tempted to bring one in for you tomorrow. Although if I do that, that means I'm going to get another one. I certainly shouldn't have a second one this week, but. Oh, yeah.

[Don La Greca]

How many calories do you think?

[Michael Kay]

Oh, I don't even want to know how many calories in the Shake Shack. It has to be 1500.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, dear God. But you know what if it was a wonderful experience?

[Michael Kay]

Well, we live once. You know what I mean?

[Don La Greca]

That is true.

[Michael Kay]

Here we go. Let's see if it comes up. Oh. The Dubai Chocolate Shake at shake shack contains 1080 calories.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, wow. So that's not as bad as 1500, but it's high.

[Michael Kay]

89 grams of sugar, 60 grams of fat kids. It's those sugars, though, that get you. But, man, it was good.

[Don La Greca]

All right, well, listen, then it was worth every calorie, so.

[Michael Kay]

Good.

[Don La Greca]

Let's go to Dave in the car. You're on. Don Hanna, Rosenberg. Hey, Dave.

[I]

Hey, what's up, guys? I just wanted to chime in on two things. Get your opinion, and very quickly, with the pitching situation where the guy was exhausted. Rodan, I'm sorry, man. This is just. I know Bart said earlier, fatigue can make cowards out of everyone. There's just too many supplements, too many work regimens. These guys get paid far too much money. To have something like that happen, I think is actually a bad, big deal. I know I'm beating a dead horse here. It's not the example you want as a parent, and you're, you know, like, I look at some of these guys, I'm like, did I work harder when I played football in high school? Like, how much more cushy can it freaking be? I just. I think it's just an awful look for him. So that's my comment there, and that's for the Knicks. Can you explain to me why. Why. Why is that organization so against not putting a big star next to Brunson? What is the downside to that? Because I tell you, if Jay Moran comes to the Eastern Conference, no matter where he goes, and the Knicks have to face him, it's just gonna piss. I'm just saying we need another player that's better than Cat.

[Don La Greca]

But wait a minute. They want to get Giannis. I don't know if they're going to have the tools to get. And we're going to talk to Alan Hahn coming up in a bit about that, as if it's something going to happen. It might happen during the draft here over the next couple of days, but I don't know. Cat kind of fell in that category, didn't he? At least when they got him. And so I don't. I don't think they're against it, Peter. It's just. It's. It's hard to bring in these, these players. Now listen, they gave Bridges. Bridges. It was a five first round picks to get Bridges. And now Bridges might have to get max money to stay. So he might get dealt. And that's a distinct possibility. Frank Isola is reporting that. So do you think they're against having another star with Brunson or just. It's hard to get a star, I think. Oh, I don't think Cat's a star. No.

[Michael Kay]

Well, first of all, Cat is definitively a star.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Michael Kay]

He could be your favorite or not. He's definitively a star. John Morant doesn't fit here. What do you mean? It's going to get you upset if they get John Morant. You want John Morant and Jalen Brunson. That, that's not. That doesn't even make sense.

[Don La Greca]

No.

[Michael Kay]

So I don't know. I don't think they're opposed to anything. I think it's about what makes sense and what they can get.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know it's good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.