Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary

Episode: Hour 1: Baseball is Back
Release Date: July 18, 2025
Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Platform: ESPN New York and ESPN New Jersey

1. Season Kickoff and Current Standings

Timestamp: [00:37]

The episode begins with Don LaGreca announcing the extended broadcast hours due to the return of baseball. He highlights the ongoing MLB season featuring pivotal matchups such as the Mets vs. Reds at Citi Field and the Yankees’ trip to Atlanta to face the Braves. Don emphasizes the significance of this period, stating, “From here on in the rest of this calendar year. This is the rest of the sports year right here. There's no more lulls, there's no more breaking the action.”

2. The New York Sports Drought

Timestamp: [02:04]

Alan Hahn introduces the discussion on New York's prolonged championship drought across major leagues. Don provides a historical perspective, noting that New York hasn't secured a championship since the Giants won the Super Bowl in 2011. He remarks, “When I say market, I include the Devils and Islanders. It's unreal because the Yankees won championships through the '20s and '30s... Now we've hit a lull.”

3. MLB Standings and Playoff Implications

Timestamp: [03:53]

The conversation shifts to the current MLB standings, with Don expressing optimism if both the Mets and Yankees make the playoffs. Alan contrasts his analytical approach with Don’s more engaged stance: “How much are you scoreboard watching?” Don responds affirmatively, highlighting the importance of every game in the playoff race. He points out, “Every night there’s going to be something. And then the new leagues begin.”

4. Trade Deadline Strategies

Timestamp: [07:18]

As the trade deadline approaches, Don discusses the strategic evaluations both the Yankees and Mets need to undertake. He mentions the Yankees' bullpen issues and the Mets' potential need for bullpen reinforcements. “If the Mets and the Yankees aren't both in the playoffs. Question is, is it wild card? Is it division?” he questions, underscoring the critical decisions looming on the horizon.

5. Listener Calls: Fan Perspectives and Concerns

Timestamp: [12:22]

The hosts engage with listeners, starting with Moose from Jamaica, who humorously comments on the return of baseball. Peter Rosenberg humorously deflects personal stories, keeping the focus on baseball discourse.

6. Yankees' Roster and Pitching Concerns

Timestamp: [13:02]

Alan and Peter delve into the Yankees' pitching roster, debating the necessity of acquiring an ace. Don argues that the Yankees’ current rotation, featuring maddux and Rodon, might suffice but acknowledges potential pitfalls: “They're probably not getting an ace because they've got Freed and Rodon.”

7. Defensive vs. Offensive Priorities

Timestamp: [17:07]

The discussion shifts to the balance between defense and offense for the Yankees. Don emphasizes the importance of solid defense, even when offensive production is lacking. He asserts, “Defense is important, man. ... What makes the trade deadline from a GM's perspective like this is it.”

8. Prospects and Future Investments

Timestamp: [21:11]

Listener Tessa from West Caldwell expresses concerns over the Yankees' reliance on aging players and the need to integrate prospects. Don and Alan discuss the potential of prospects like Ben Hess and Bryce Cunningham, debating their readiness and impact: “Your customer files, bank accounts, everything is compromised... And you won’t know until the million dollar ransom demand hits your email.”

9. Comparing New York and Philadelphia Sports Radio

Timestamp: [31:07]

The hosts engage in a light-hearted debate comparing New York and Philadelphia sports radio. Peter Rosenberg advocates for the Yankees' strategic focus on pitching, while Don emphasizes the genuine passion and anxiety of being a fan: “Once you get there and they kick the ball around way too much for me to start thinking that it's not important for them.”

10. Final Analysis and Future Outlook

Timestamp: [38:56]

In the concluding segments, Alan and Don reflect on the Yankees' continued emphasis on starting pitching over offensive enhancements. Alan states, “They put a premium on starting pitching and they'll continue to do that.” Don adds, “Nothing's guaranteed. You're nervous, you're rocking back and forth... There's not a perfect team out.”

Notable Quotes:

• Don LaGreca:
  “From here on in the rest of this calendar year. This is the rest of the sports year right here. There's no more lulls, there's no more breaking the action.” [00:37]

• Alan Hahn:
  “How much are you scoreboard watching?” [03:53]

• Don LaGreca:
  “When I say market, I include the Devils and Islanders. It's unreal because the Yankees won championships through the '20s and '30s... Now we've hit a lull.” [02:04]

• Peter Rosenberg:
  “We do not hit in the playoffs. We need solid ball players. There's a glaring hole at third base and we need both.” [44:30]

• Don LaGreca:
  “Defense is important, man. ... What makes the trade deadline from a GM's perspective like this is it.” [17:07]

Conclusion

In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, the hosts provide an in-depth analysis of the MLB season's pivotal moments, focusing on the New York Yankees and Mets. They explore the strategic implications of the upcoming trade deadline, the historical context of New York's championship drought, and the balance between pitching and offensive strategies. Listener interactions add diverse perspectives, highlighting the community's engagement with the team's performance. The episode underscores the high stakes as the season progresses, with every game now carrying significant weight towards playoff aspirations.

For those who haven't listened to the episode, this summary encapsulates the core discussions and insights, offering a comprehensive overview of the current state of New York baseball and the strategic considerations for the remainder of the season.