Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Boring Baseball
Release Date: July 29, 2025

In the inaugural episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the current state of Major League Baseball, with a particular focus on the New York Yankees. The episode, titled "Boring Baseball," offers a candid and critical analysis of the Yankees' recent performances, management decisions, and player injuries, all woven with personal anecdotes and engaging banter among the hosts.

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode begins with a light-hearted exchange about the discomfort Alan Hahn experiences due to sweating in the studio, setting a casual and relatable tone for the discussion. This segment, while brief, establishes the hosts' chemistry and readiness to tackle more serious topics.

Notable Quote:
Alan Hahn (00:47): "How you feeling? Because I'll tell you how I'm feeling. I have right now what you would call a wet bottom. And it's not comfortable."

2. The Current State of the Yankees

The primary focus of the episode centers on the New York Yankees' disappointing performance over the recent months. Alan Hahn expresses his frustration with the team's record, highlighting their struggles both offensively and defensively.

Key Points:

• The Yankees have posted a record of 15 wins and 24 losses, placing them nine games under .500.
• Pitching woes are identified as a major issue, with the starting rotation boasting a 4.22 ERA, ranking 15th in the league, and the bullpen not performing much better with a 5.06 ERA.
• Questions are raised about the front office's strategy, especially regarding the management's reluctance to make aggressive moves to bolster the team for the remainder of the season.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn (05:01): "The Yankees are 15 and 24. They're nine games under .500. Remember this whole thing about the Yankees never play to a losing season? This is a long stretch of losing baseball."
• Alan Hahn (10:22): "The Yankees pitching has been a major problem. It is 15th in the league."

3. Front Office Decisions and Future Outlook

Delving into management decisions, the hosts debate whether the Yankees should continue to invest in the current season or pivot focus towards rebuilding for future success.

Key Points:

• Alan Hahn suggests that the front office should prioritize fixing the team's issues now rather than trading away high-level prospects, emphasizing the need for controlled, long-term planning.
• Peter Rosenberg counters by arguing that the organization may be perpetuating a narrative that the postseason is a "crapshoot," thereby not committing to immediate changes needed to make a championship run this year.
• The discussion touches upon Aaron Judge's injury and its impact on the team's dynamics, with concerns about how his absence affects the Yankees' chances.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn (11:21): "I'm saying they should not sell high-level prospects to fix a low-level team. And they should make any move for 2026."
• Peter Rosenberg (11:48): "Because basically what you are asking them to do is to punt on the rest of this season, which I don't think that an organization."

4. Comparing Yankees to Other Teams

The hosts draw comparisons between the Yankees and other MLB teams to contextualize their performance and potential strategies.

Key Points:

• Reference to the White Sox and Rockies, highlighting that the Yankees have fewer wins compared to these traditionally struggling teams.
• Discussion about how successful teams like the Dodgers, Cubs, and Mets have historically performed in playoffs, contrasting with the Yankees' current trajectory.
• Alan Hahn emphasizes the lack of a cohesive team vibe, which he believes is essential for success, unlike teams that appear grinding and motivated.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn (09:37): "So you're playing worst in the league baseball over that stretch of time, well over a month now of baseball, you have been one of the worst teams in the sport."
• Peter Rosenberg (13:25): "If we go out and agreed with you, it would be inconsistent with what they've been telling us the last decade."

5. The Impact of Key Player Injuries

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the injuries of key players, notably Aaron Judge, and how these affect the team's performance and future prospects.

Key Points:

• Aaron Judge's Injury: Judge's injury is portrayed as a critical blow to the Yankees, with discussions about the uncertainty of his return and the potential long-term effects on his performance.
• The hosts speculate on management's handling of Judge's injury and its implications for the team's strategy moving forward.
• Concerns are raised about the bullpen's reliability, especially with closer Klase underperforming and being investigated, further destabilizing the team's late-game efforts.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg (19:37): "But you can't do it to Aaron Judge."
• Alan Hahn (20:03): "He was the best closer in the sport, couldn’t get anybody out at the most important time."

6. Fan Reactions and Expectations

The episode touches on the sentiments of Yankees fans, reflecting frustration over unmet expectations despite significant investments in the team.

Key Points:

• A caller, Kadeem, likens Aaron Judge to Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys, emphasizing how Judge's individual brilliance may overshadow the team's underlying issues.
• Discussion about the erosion of fan trust, with long-time supporters feeling neglected by the organization's lack of decisive action.
• Ty Butler reinforces the sentiment that the Yankees' struggle is not due to high expectations being spoiled by past championships but rather the long-term underperformance despite hefty payrolls.

Notable Quotes:

• Kadeem (28:34): "You have been so on point and so correct... We are turning into the team that both of us hate. The Dallas Cowboys."
• Alan Hahn (30:48): "I can't think of another player in New York history, maybe not that great... but this would be Judge..."

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts reflect on the broader implications of the Yankees' performance and management's future decisions.

Key Points:

• Alan Hahn criticizes the front office's inability to recognize and address the team's deficiencies, calling out general manager Hal Steinbrenner for how he allocates the Yankees' substantial financial resources.
• Peter Rosenberg emphasizes that the Yankees' identity is at stake, comparing their potential decline to historic teams that failed to live up to their reputations despite having star players.
• The hosts conclude by underscoring the necessity for the Yankees to make pivotal changes to restore their standing as a championship-contending team.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn (43:35): "It's not about the owner. It's not Hal Steinbrenner's cheap. He spends $200 million. How is it being spent? That is my biggest problem."
• Peter Rosenberg (44:35): "We're doing the playbook of excuses might have been the worst thing to happen to them."

8. Interaction with Callers

The latter part of the episode includes interactions with listeners, adding diverse perspectives to the discussion.

Key Points:

• Kadeem, a caller, likens the Yankees’ over-reliance on Aaron Judge to how the Dallas Cowboys rely on Jerry Jones, suggesting that individual brilliance is not enough without a solid team foundation.
• Joe voices frustration with the team's performance, comparing it to long-suffering franchises and expressing skepticism about the front office's strategies.
• Richard Rosenberg engages in playful banter with callers, maintaining the episode's lively and engaging atmosphere.

Notable Quotes:

• Kadeem (28:34): "Aaron Judge is Jerry Jones. They'll give you some flash... but we got to do something."
• Joe (35:07): "You gotta stay with me. The Yankees have many problems. There's nothing to hold on to."

9. Final Remarks and Advertisements

The episode wraps up with the hosts acknowledging their listeners, promoting upcoming shows, and participating in light-hearted conversations about music and personal anecdotes. Advertisements interspersed throughout the episode are omitted from this summary to focus on the main content.

Conclusion:

"Hour 1: Boring Baseball" serves as a passionate and insightful critique of the New York Yankees' current predicament. Through informed analysis, personal anecdotes, and lively discussions, Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg offer listeners a comprehensive look at the challenges facing one of baseball's most storied franchises. The episode effectively combines expertise with relatable commentary, making it a must-listen for fans seeking a deeper understanding of the game's intricacies and the dynamics of team management.