Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Baseball Parity Release Date: July 14, 2025

Hosts:

• Don Hahn – ESPN New York and New Jersey legend
• Peter Rosenberg – Highly opinionated Hip Hop veteran and WWE personality

Introduction to Baseball Parity

In the inaugural hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg delve into the current landscape of Major League Baseball, focusing on the increasing parity within the league. Released mid-season on July 14, 2025, this episode provides insightful analysis into the shifting dynamics that make the postseason anyone's game.

All-Star Weekend Overview

The discussion kicks off with reflections on the ongoing All-Star Weekend, emphasizing the appeal of the Home Run Derby over other major sports' All-Star events.

Peter Rosenberg (01:24):
"Tonight is the only watchable All Star event that we have of our four major sports."

Don Hahn (02:38):
"It is, but it still doesn't make it ultra watchable."

The hosts critique the lackluster nature of other sports' All-Star games, highlighting the Home Run Derby's relative excitement due to its straightforward showcase of talent.

The Rise of Parity in Baseball

Moving beyond the All-Star festivities, Don and Peter examine how parity is reshaping baseball. They argue that the absence of dominant teams leads to a more unpredictable and competitive environment.

Peter Rosenberg (11:50):
"This is parody. I think it lowers the bar."

Don Hahn (13:12):
"No, but it is funny."

They discuss how parity allows more teams to vie for playoff spots, making the league more engaging but also potentially diluting the competitive edge traditionally seen with powerhouse teams.

Team Analysis: Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, and Tigers

A significant portion of the conversation centers on New York's iconic franchises—the Yankees and the Mets—alongside the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Detroit Tigers.

Yankees: The Yankees are scrutinized for their inconsistencies, particularly their struggles against top-tier pitching.

Peter Rosenberg (04:35):
"As a Yankees fan, I need a break because they have just continued to be that team that I get drawn in on some nights."

Don Hahn (05:57):
"The last three Yankee series wins have come against Baltimore, the A's, and most recently the Mariners. The Mariners are above .500 barely."

Mets: The Mets are portrayed as a team on the rise, bolstered by a strengthening rotation and improved bullpen.

Peter Rosenberg (09:50):
"But I think they're just catching baseball right now. That no shade towards Detroit, but I'll believe it when I see it."

Dodgers: Even the Dodgers, reigning World Series champions, are not immune to scrutiny, particularly regarding their bullpen's reliability.

Don Hahn (14:46):
"There are no team outside of Detroit that's 21 games above .500."

Tigers: The Detroit Tigers emerge as the standout team, leading the league with an impressive 21-game advantage, though recent losses cast a shadow of doubt over their postseason potential.

Don Hahn (31:21):
"And the Tigers are the favorite of +250 at least according to ESPN BET."

Betting Odds and Implications

The hosts explore the betting odds for various divisions and the World Series, using them as a barometer for team confidence and expected performance.

Peter Rosenberg (26:37):
"The Phillies are at minus 140, do not believe in the Mets that much."

Don Hahn (32:24):
"The Phillies are at plus 475 and then the Mets and the Cubs are both plus 550."

They highlight the disparity between public perception and actual team performance, suggesting that many franchises are vying for postseason relevance without clear frontrunners.

Trade Deadline Strategies

A critical segment addresses potential strategies moving towards the trade deadline, particularly focusing on the Yankees' approach to balancing current success with future prospects.

Peter Rosenberg (19:03):
"Am I crazy to say that? I don't want to see them mortgage some of the future for a piece that is a plug and play."

Don Hahn (20:35):
"Remember, you're already going through. When you talk about the future, the Yankees are always gonna be a contender."

The conversation underscores the tension between acquiring veteran talent to secure immediate wins and preserving young prospects for sustained success.

Listener Calls and Perspectives

Midway through the hour, Don and Peter engage with listener calls, offering diverse viewpoints on the season's unpredictability and team performances.

Listener Mike (42:06):
"Baseball is so unpredictable this year because... you never know what Derek School had a bad performance, but never know what is going to happen."

Peter Rosenberg (44:11):
"Some fans are a little too emotional and don't view the growing pains of young players."

These interactions reinforce the theme of a league in flux, where fan expectations often clash with the evolving realities of team dynamics.

Conclusion: Embracing the Unpredictability

As the episode wraps up, Don and Peter reflect on the beauty of baseball's unpredictability, embracing the notion that a more balanced league leads to more exciting and unforeseen outcomes.

Don Hahn (37:09):
"They’re both in the top seven odds of winning the whole damn game."

Peter Rosenberg (37:12):
"This is what everybody wants."

The hosts conclude that while parity presents challenges in identifying clear favorites, it ultimately enriches the sport by leveling the playing field and keeping fans engaged throughout the season.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg (01:24):
  "Tonight is the only watchable All Star event that we have of our four major sports."

• Don Hahn (05:57):
  "The last three Yankee series wins have come against Baltimore, the A's, and most recently the Mariners."

• Peter Rosenberg (11:50):
  "This is parody. I think it lowers the bar."

• Don Hahn (32:24):
  "The Phillies are at plus 475 and then the Mets and the Cubs are both plus 550."

Final Thoughts:

"Hour 1: Baseball Parity" offers a comprehensive analysis of the current state of MLB, highlighting the shift towards a more balanced and unpredictable league. Through expert commentary and engaging discussions, Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the factors driving this transformation, setting the stage for an exciting second half of the baseball season.