Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary Episode: Hour 1: Clay Holmes & St. John's
Release Date: March 21, 2025

1. Clay Holmes & the Mets' Pitching Strategy

Overview: In this segment, Alan Hahn and Don LaGreca delve deep into the New York Mets' recent acquisition, Clay Holmes, and the team's innovative approach to pitching strategy. They explore Holmes' transition from a closer with the Yankees to a potential starting pitcher for the Mets, highlighting his impressive spring training performance and the broader implications for the Mets' pitching roster.

Key Discussions:

• Clay Holmes' Transition:

  • Alan Hahn emphasizes the significance of Holmes' role change, stating, "He was converted from a closer into a starter, and his spring performance is intriguing" (02:49).
  • Don LaGreca adds, "Clay Holmes has good stuff, but as a closer, he never had the presence. Transitioning him to a starter could be a game-changer for the Mets" (04:03).

• Spring Training Performance:

  • Alan Hahn highlights Holmes' statistics, noting, "He's got a 0.93 ERA this spring with eight strikeouts" (02:49).
  • Don LaGreca comments on Holmes' ability, saying, "He's not a closer anymore; he's adapting well to the starting role" (04:03).

• Mets' Pitching Strategy:

  • Alan Hahn discusses the Mets' cautious investment in starting pitchers: "They try to get guys on one-year contracts, avoiding long-term financial commitments while assessing their performance" (06:03).
  • Don LaGreca compares the Mets' approach to that of the Rays, suggesting flexibility and adaptability are key: "It's almost like treating starters as interchangeable parts" (07:32).

• Comparisons to Other Players:

  • Don LaGreca brings up Seth Lugo as an example of successful position transitions: "Lugo was a reliever turned starter and became an All-Star. Holmes could follow a similar path" (07:32).

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn: "When you look at Holmes' ERA and strikeouts, he's acclimating to the starter role. If he continues like this, it could significantly bolster our rotation" (02:49).

• Don LaGreca: "Closing in New York has a certain prestige. Converting Holmes to a starter not only changes his role but also adds depth to our pitching staff" (04:03).

2. Tournament Update: St. John's March Madness Journey

Overview: The hosts provide an exciting update on St. John's performance in the NCAA tournament. They discuss the team's first-round victory, their prospects in the upcoming match against Arkansas, and analyze the coaching strategies of John Calipari and Rick Pitino.

Key Discussions:

• St. John's Victory and Upcoming Match:

  • Don LaGreca announces, "St. John's secured their first tournament win in over two decades and will face Arkansas in the round of 32" (11:18).
  • Alan Hahn adds context to their seeding and expectations: "As a two seed ranked sixth nationally, St. John's is poised for a deep tournament run" (12:58).

• Team Performance and Key Players:

  • Don LaGreca praises the team's defensive intensity and shooting accuracy: "They hit threes like lights out and play hard on defense. RJ Lewis is a standout" (15:32).
  • Alan Hahn underscores Cooper Flag's readiness despite previous injuries: "Cooper Flag's ankle is fine, and he's set to contribute positively" (12:58).

• Coaching Matchup: Calipari vs. Pitino:

  • Don LaGreca highlights the mutual respect between coaches: "Patino respects Calipari's legacy at Kentucky and Louisville. It's a rivalry rooted in professional admiration" (17:05).
  • Alan Hahn discusses the strategic implications: "Both coaches are legends, and this matchup could define St. John's tournament run" (16:32).

• Team Dynamics and Future Prospects:

  • Don LaGreca reflects on the team's rapid improvement: "From early season struggles to a 31-4 record, St. John's has exceeded expectations" (13:35).
  • Alan Hahn emphasizes the team's preparedness: "Patino ensures the team is ready every game, eliminating complacency" (16:32).

Notable Quotes:

• Don LaGreca: "St. John's has transformed into a formidable team this season. Their aggressive playstyle and defensive prowess make them a serious contender" (15:32).

• Alan Hahn: "As a two seed, St. John's should aim for at least the Sweet 16. Their coaching and player performance position them well for a deep tournament run" (14:16).

This summary captures the essence of the first hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, focusing on the Mets' pitching strategy with Clay Holmes and the exciting developments in St. John's March Madness journey. For in-depth discussions and more insights, tuning into the full episode is recommended.