Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Boone Extended

Release Date: February 20, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Platform: 880 ESPN and ESPN New York app

1. Introduction and Show Kickoff

The episode begins with Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg reuniting to discuss the latest in New York sports and beyond. The hosts set the stage for a lively conversation filled with personal anecdotes and expert insights.

• Alan Hahn welcomes listeners, stating, "Thursday here in New York City, and we got a busy night." [00:53]
• Don La Greca adds, "We finally got some live action again with sports." [00:53]

2. Yankees Manager Aaron Boone's Contract Extension

A significant portion of the episode revolves around the Yankees' decision to extend Aaron Boone's contract by two years, securing him through the 2027 season. The hosts delve into the implications of this extension, analyzing its length, Boone's performance, and its alignment with organizational strategies.

• Don La Greca questions the short duration: "The first reaction you had when you heard that it was a two-year extension was what?" [12:24]
• Peter Rosenberg expresses surprise: "I'm surprised it wasn't three. I knew they were going to extend them two just seemed like an odd number for me." [12:24]
• Alan Hahn speculates on Boone’s compensation: "I think Boone was making a little over three." [17:12]
• Don La Greca comments on the Yankees' commitment: "Aaron Boone has a ton of wins. He has a high win percentage. Seventh, I believe, in Yankee history." [15:11]

Key Insights:

• Boone is praised for his dedication and win record, despite not having secured a World Series title.
• The two-year extension is viewed as a non-committal move, potentially making Boone more expendable.
• Discussion highlights the contrast between Boone's salary and that of NBA coaches, emphasizing a possible undervaluation of managerial roles in MLB.

3. Listener Calls on Boone's Extension

Listeners engage with the hosts, sharing their perspectives on Boone's contract and the Yankees' managerial strategies.

• Hector from Queens remarks, "This is what you've come to expect of the Yankees. There's no accountability." [21:08]
• Alan Hahn echoes the sentiment: "This doesn't feel like a long-term commitment." [18:27]

Key Takeaways:

• Audience skepticism about the Yankees' decision, emphasizing a desire for greater accountability and longer-term planning.
• Concerns about Boone's ability to lead the team to a championship continue to resonate among listeners.

4. Yankees Player Injuries and Season Outlook

The discussion shifts to recent injuries affecting key Yankees players, notably Aaron Judge and Pete Alonso, and their potential impact on the team's performance.

• Don La Greca shares updates: "Aaron Judge is not going to play this weekend. They're going to bring him along slowly." [28:21]
• Peter Rosenberg adds context: "So yeah, I think it was 172 total games, counting regular season and postseason." [29:56]

Key Points:

• Aaron Judge's limited playtime due to previous extensive use is a strategic move to preserve his health.
• Injuries are portrayed as significant yet manageable challenges for the Yankees as they navigate the season.

5. Automated Balls and Strikes in MLB

The hosts engage in a spirited debate over the introduction of automated balls and strikes technology in baseball, weighing its benefits against the traditional human element.

• Peter Rosenberg supports the technology: "I think it's yay. I mean, we're gonna miss the arguing and the complaining, the getting it wrong." [33:19]
• Don La Greca suggests alternatives: "It should not be a challenge if you had the technology to every single pitch and you let the umpire make the call." [34:46]
• Alan Hahn proposes innovative solutions: "How about you don't even tell the umpire. It could get shot directly to the big screen at the stadium." [42:18]

Insights:

• The hosts acknowledge the potential for technology to reduce human error but lament the loss of traditional game dynamics.
• Creative ideas are floated to integrate technology seamlessly without disrupting the game's flow.

6. Upcoming NHL and NBA Games

Brief mentions are made regarding upcoming NHL games with Gary Bettman and the return of the Knicks and Bulls to action, highlighting the interconnectedness of various sports within the New York sports scene.

• Don La Greca mentions: "We've got Gary Bettman who will be watching as well." [07:59]
• Peter Rosenberg notes, "Gary Bettman is the commissioner of the NHL." [07:59]

7. Humorous Banter and Personal Stories

Throughout the episode, the hosts share amusing stories and engage in light-hearted banter, adding personality and depth to the discussion.

• Don La Greca recounts a bizarre injury story: "Dustin May, he tore his esophagus eating a salad." [31:36]
• Alan Hahn jokes about lawsuits: "I'm suing the salad company. You think that's a wild salad?" [31:38]

Highlights:

• These anecdotes provide comic relief and showcase the hosts' chemistry and rapport.
• Personal stories about players and unexpected events keep the conversation engaging and relatable.

8. Closing Remarks and Future Topics

As the episode nears its end, the hosts tease upcoming segments, including an interview with Gary Bettman and further discussions on the Knicks' performance and notable NBA figures like Giannis Antetokounmpo.

• Don La Greca wraps up: "Gary Bettman at five, four nations tonight. Knicks in the NBA back in action and some very interesting stuff coming out of Milwaukee." [25:15]
• Alan Hahn adds anticipation for future discussions: "We'll get back to your calls in a moment here." [25:15]

Conclusion: The episode concludes with a promise of continued in-depth analysis and interactive segments, maintaining listener interest for future episodes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "I gotta divorce my wife and have my kids bleed out because the Giant game's on." – Peter Rosenberg [00:30]
• "Oh, hell yeah." – Don La Greca [02:21]
• "Aaron Boone has a ton of wins. He has a high win percentage." – Don La Greca [15:11]
• "I'm surprised it wasn't three." – Peter Rosenberg [12:24]
• "They know what they think about managers and the level of value that they hold." – Alan Hahn [39:26]
• "Dustin May, he tore his esophagus eating a salad." – Peter Rosenberg [31:36]

Key Takeaways

• Aaron Boone's Extension: A two-year contract extension for Aaron Boone is viewed with mixed feelings, balancing his impressive win record against the desire for longer-term stability and accountability within the Yankees organization.

• Player Health: Managing player injuries remains a critical aspect of the Yankees' strategy, with key players like Aaron Judge being gradually reintroduced to preserve their longevity.

• Technology vs. Tradition: The introduction of automated balls and strikes in MLB presents a controversial shift, with hosts debating the preservation of the game's human elements versus the benefits of technological accuracy.

• Engaging Audience: Listener calls and shared anecdotes enhance the episode's relatability, fostering a sense of community and shared passion for sports.

• Future Discussions: The episode sets the stage for upcoming topics, including interviews with prominent sports figures and analysis of major sporting events.

End of Summary