Hour 1: Giants Pivot & Yankees Embarassed

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don Hahn & Rosenberg – "Hour 1: Giants Pivot & Yankees Embarrassed"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 1: Giants Pivot & Yankees Embarrassed
• Release Date: February 28, 2025

Overview: In this episode, the trio delves deep into the New York Giants' quarterback strategy, critiques the New York Yankees' recent management decisions, and examines the ongoing pitching challenges in Major League Baseball. Through spirited debates and insightful analysis, Don, Alan, and Peter provide listeners with a comprehensive look at the current state of New York sports.

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I. Giants' Quarterback Conundrum: Aaron Rodgers' Potential Move

Timestamp: [01:11 – 16:09]

The discussion kicks off with the New York Giants' decision to forgo Matt Stafford in favor of exploring Aaron Rodgers as a potential quarterback. The hosts dissect the implications of this move, debating whether Rodgers would serve as a bridge veteran or merely a short-term solution.

• Don Legreca highlights the distinction between Stafford and Rodgers, suggesting Rodgers could be a mentor:

  "I see a difference between Stafford and Rodgers... Rodgers, I look at a guy that would be my bridge or my mentor to the quarterback I'm going to draft."
  ([02:33])

• Alan Hahn questions the feasibility of Rodgers playing a mentorship role, recalling his past behavior:

  "I don't see a world in which Aaron Rodgers comes here and 'mentors' because that, like, hasn't necessarily been his bag in the past."
  ([03:38 – 03:51])

• Peter Rosenberg critiques Rodgers' locker room presence and effectiveness as a cultural fit:

  "Rodgers is like, it's very split on that, how he is in the locker room, how he's received by players..."
  ([06:32 – 07:32])

The hosts further debate the Giants' long-term strategy, expressing skepticism about relying on an aging quarterback versus investing in drafting a young talent. They question whether Rodgers' addition would truly address the Giants' quarterback woes or merely prolong uncertainty.

• Don Legreca emphasizes the lack of long-term vision:

  "You're going to sign Aaron Rodgers and draft a quarterback... that's on board with him being a mentor."
  ([08:02 – 08:18])

• Peter Rosenberg and Alan Hahn discuss the probability of Rodgers effectively mentoring a new quarterback, with doubts about the Giants' ability to execute this plan successfully.

II. Yankees' Controversial Decision: Halting "New York, New York" Post-Loss

Timestamp: [24:18 – 35:21]

Shifting focus, the hosts tackle the New York Yankees' recent decision to stop playing the iconic song "New York, New York" after losses. This move has stirred significant backlash among fans, raising questions about the franchise's leadership and cultural direction.

• Peter Rosenberg lambastes the Yankees for their defensive and reactionary stance:

  "This is now a cowering franchise that blames other teams for overspending... it is embarrassing."
  ([26:50 – 28:54])

• Don Legreca criticizes the Yankees' pattern of making excuses rather than taking accountability:

  "They kept talking about how we should have won, but we didn't. So try to correct it."
  ([29:54 – 33:53])

• Alan Hahn partially concurs, noting the chain reaction of weak responses stemming from repeated losses:

  "They have taken a knee... but everything feels like it's coming from fear."
  ([34:00 – 35:21])

The conversation highlights a perceived decline in the Yankees' organizational integrity, suggesting that minor policy changes like halting a traditional song are symptomatic of deeper issues within the franchise’s management and culture.

III. The Pitching Predicament in Baseball: Health and Depth Concerns

Timestamp: [20:00 – 25:42]

Addressing broader baseball concerns, the hosts explore the ongoing pitching injuries plaguing Major League Baseball teams, particularly focusing on the Mets and Yankees.

• Don Legreca underscores the Mets' strategic emphasis on pitching depth without overspending:

  "I think that's why I like the Mets philosophy. They’re going through it too. You’ve got to have like eight or nine guys that can start."
  ([20:05 – 21:18])

• Peter Rosenberg elaborates on the shift towards bullpen reliance and the challenges it presents:

  "Pitching depth might be the most important thing to do in an organization now."
  ([21:18 – 24:19])

• Alan Hahn discusses the diminishing fan interest due to lackluster pitching performances:

  "There are no superstars in middle relief... it is a drag."
  ([23:06 – 25:42])

The hosts collectively express concern over the modern game's demands on pitchers, leading to increased injuries and a lack of traditional pitching duels, which has arguably dampened fan excitement.

IV. Listener Perspectives: Calls and Fan Sentiment

Timestamp: [43:55 – 62:48]

The episode features insightful listener calls that echo the hosts' sentiments, adding depth to the discussions on Giants and Yankees.

• Jalen Johnson advocates for Aaron Rodgers joining the Giants, believing it would boost the team’s relevance:

  "It would be great for New York... Somebody who, for some reason I don't know, he's not in the rock and roll hall of fame."
  ([57:22 – 59:22])

• Richard (Moose) supports drafting a quarterback over signing Rogers, emphasizing building a competitive roster:

  "I think we should take Shador Sanders at three if he falls to us. If not, trade back."
  ([48:54 – 51:09])

• Peter Rosenberg responds by critiquing the reliance on young talent and expressing the need for accountability:

  "If we suck, it's okay because we can say these are young guys and they're playing and one day they're going to be good."
  ([50:26 – 51:16])

These interactions highlight the passion and diverse opinions within the fanbase, reflecting broader concerns about team strategies and organizational decisions.

V. Insights, Conclusions, and Closing Remarks

Timestamp: [51:08 – End]

Wrapping up, the hosts synthesize their discussions, reinforcing their skeptical stance on the Giants' quarterback strategy and the Yankees' organizational direction.

• Don Legreca emphasizes the necessity for the Giants to prioritize winning:

  "You got to start winning some games... You got to set yourself up to be great."
  ([52:25 – 53:00])

• Peter Rosenberg reiterates the importance of organizational accountability and criticizes the Yankees for their lack of proactive measures:

  "They own you right now... It's embarrassing. They are no longer the Yankees anymore."
  ([54:14 – 55:06])

• Alan Hahn hints at upcoming segments with guest Shawn Michaels, indicating the podcast's dynamic and engaging format.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Legreca:

  "You're in good hands with Allstate."
  ([00:29]) (Note: This is from an advertisement segment and may not be relevant to the main discussions.)

• Peter Rosenberg:

  "It's the Giants' interest in Rodgers... they are looking veteran."
  ([04:34])

• Alan Hahn:

  "If you have a coach ready, you could have a better chance."
  ([45:23])

Conclusion: The episode presents a critical examination of New York sports franchises, with a particular focus on strategic decisions that may hinder long-term success. The hosts advocate for accountability, strategic drafting, and strengthening team dynamics over short-term fixes. Their passionate discourse offers listeners a thought-provoking perspective on the challenges facing beloved New York teams.

Recommendations for Non-listeners: For those who haven't tuned into this episode, Don Hahn & Rosenberg provide an insightful and no-holds-barred analysis of current sports dynamics in New York. Their discussions are enriched with expert opinions, listener interactions, and candid critiques, making the podcast a must-listen for any sports enthusiast seeking depth and honesty in sports commentary.

Transcript

[Don Legreca]

Some people just know they could save hundreds on car insurance by checking Allstate First. Like, you know to check the Jumbotron first before attempting to eat a stack of Supreme Nachos in one bite. Now, you're just a meme that everyone shares on game day. Checking first is smart. So check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate. Savings vary, subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois. Don, there's no tush push if you're not pushing the tush.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Don, I want you protecting my blind side and Rosenberg.

[Alan Hahn]

When I was seven, I was riding shotgun and smoking cigarettes. This isn't North Dakota.

[Don Legreca]

This is New York.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is Don Hahn and Rosenberg.

[Jalen Johnson]

The best threesome I've ever heard on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

880 ESPN and the ESPN New York app.

[Alan Hahn]

There you have it. Mets baseball is complete. And you have Don Hahn and Rosenberg on a Friday afternoon. I am Peter Rosenberg coming to you from my lovely estate on the Upper west side of Manhattan. Joining us from Madison Square Garden is Donald Marco legreca. Hey, Donald.

[Don Legreca]

Hello.

[Alan Hahn]

And joining us from an undisclosed location in Memphis, Tennessee, is Dr. Alan Hahn.

[Don Legreca]

Hey.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It is not. I think the location's been disclosed, right? Like, it's not undisclosed.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, I don't know. I don't know where you're physically at at this moment. You're somewhere in Memphis.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, I mean, that's disclosed.

[Alan Hahn]

Somewhere in Memphis, Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think that's so.

[Alan Hahn]

That's right. It won a lot of Grammys, by the way. The Mark cone vehicle.

[Don Legreca]

Yes.

[Alan Hahn]

Guys, we have quite a program today. A lot happening in the world of New York sports. We know for a fact now, guys, that Matt Stafford is not going to be a New York Giant, which I don't think any of us think is a major surprise. Maybe the more interesting piece, guys, is the. The fantasy conversation we had, or I mean, some people might see it as a nightmare about Aaron Rodgers talking to the New York Giants. That now appears to be a conversation that is happening. We're going to get into some Yankees news in a bit that was reported by our buddy Bob Clappish. We'll get to that in a moment. But out of the gate, Don, I'll start with you. Any thoughts on the. A, lack of Stafford coming to New York. I don't think that's a huge shock. And B, the Giants now potentially talking to Aaron Rodgers.

[Don Legreca]

Yeah, I don't think it's a huge shock, but I see A difference between Stafford and Rogers, don't you? I mean, I look at Stafford as a guy that could be here for the next three years. Younger can maybe in the window of the three years, get the Giants in the playoffs and maybe do some damage there. Rogers, I look as a guy that would be my bridge or my mentor to the quarterback I'm going to draft. So it's really two different, I think, distinct things. Or is it, like, is it. Is Rogers going to be brought here if they do bring him here as just a one and done mentor? My young quarterback going to draft third overall and then adios at some point during the season a la Kurt Warner? Or is he being brought here to make the Giants more interesting in 2025? Maybe get them to the cusp of the playoffs, Maybe convince Rogers to come back a second here and then figure out the quarterback later on? I don't know the answer to. I'd be on board with him being a mentor to the young quarterback. I'm not sure that this is my answer to their problems if this is the only quarterback.

[Alan Hahn]

But Allen, you said the other day, you specifically said you don't see a world in which Aaron Rodgers comes here and quote mentors because that, like, hasn't necessarily been his bag in the past.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. And I just think Giants interest in Rogers is. You can look at it in many different ways. And the first thing is the obvious one, which is, if I'm a gm I'm kicking every. Every tire. You know, I'm checking every option because you can't not do that. So that's why you look into Stafford, and if you like it, you make an offer and see if you can get them to come here. And let's, by the way, not overlook the fact that the Giants are so putrid that Stafford's like, I'd rather stay in L. A for less money. They think about that for a minute. Right. And they're getting rid of everybody in L. A. So. So for. For. The Giants were not attractive. The jets two years ago were attractive to Aaron Rodgers, that he had other options. The Giants were not attractive to Matthew Stafford. It's just let that sink in. So there's that.

[Don Legreca]

Well, how they. How could.

[Peter Rosenberg]

How could who be.

[Don Legreca]

How could Stafford be attracted immediately to the Giants, even the Rams? And I don't think the Rams are gonna be a rebound. I think they could still be a playoff team in the next couple of years.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, they are moving on from a lot of key pieces on that offense. But the point is, is just it shows you where the Giants are, right? I just think they're checking every option. I think it also could be a sign that they know the quarterback they might want to get in the draft they're not gonna be able to get or it too much to move up and get that quarterback if that's what they're hoping to do. Even at three, if they love Cam Ward and they're getting an indication that he's not going to be there at 3. And maybe this is their way of saying Rogers gives us the opportunity to kick the can down the road one year at very least. And by the way, get back into the conversation about adding another Manning to the quarterback. History of the franchise. So that's all you got. Like, these are your options, but they're not great.

[Don Legreca]

And that's why I want to get in line with the thinking, because if I'm the general manager of the Giants, my thinking is I'm going to take one of these quarterbacks and I want somebody to be the stabilizing veteran force. Why not Aaron Rodgers? Because I might complete completely off on this. I think he'll be. He'll mind his P's and Q's. He's not the future hall of Fame quarterback that he was when he came to the Jets. He's got his hat in his hand. He doesn't have a lot of options a la coming to the Giants in the first place. I think he just gets to stay in the league. His motivation is to play well, keep the kid on the bench and, and just do the right thing if he's not playing well, and let the kid, whoever it ends up being, take over Allah. You know, Kurt Warner, like I said, I don't think he's going to be a problem. I don't think he's going to be interested.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You think he's. You think he's that guy, though? Like, it's. Again, he's never really shown you to be that guy that has ever been comfortable standing on a sideline, holding the clipboard, being, you know, the guy who gives you advice. He's used to playing all the time, right? That's what he's about.

[Don Legreca]

But is that a reality anymore at the age of 40, Allen, I mean, listen, this is a guy coming off an Achilles and a very, very pedestrian year after that, you know, so how could he strut around like, oh, sign me and I'll take you to the super bowl? Like a couple of years ago that, that Vince Lombardi Trophy is looking awful lonely. Had Jet fans fantasizing this guy's going to take it to the Super Bowl. Anybody that signs Aaron Rodgers, now the super bowl is not on the table. It's just, hey, you're a veteran quarterback that maybe I can catch some lightning in a bottle, play well, make my team relevant. Because I do think Aaron Rodger does mean games on Monday Night Football does mean a couple of nationally televised games does create a buzz. But the idea that this guy's going to lead me to a championship, that ship has sailed. So for him to act like he's the man, I don't think that'd be the case anymore. And if he comes here with the understanding that you are also going to be sharing the quarterback room with the third overall pick in the draft, then we're going to expect you to be, if any, at least show the guy the ropes. And if you want to play, play well and we won't bench you unless you start playing poorly. And I think that John Mara probably would love to stick it to the jets and have Rogers do what he couldn't do with the jets. And if it falls down and he ends up being awful, well, then the Giants get a really good pick in 2026 to help out the good young quarterback they get. This makes zero sense to me. If you draft a weapon at three and then have Aaron Rodgers be the quarterback, but if Garon Rodgers is the mentor to my young quarterback that I drafted three, I'm willing to do that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now I'm going the opposite way. I think if you get Rogers, you're using that three pick to either get more picks or to get skill. And then if you have to worry about a quarterback, you'll worry about that quarterback in 2025. I mean, 2026 is draft and you don't worry about it here.

[Alan Hahn]

That's what I tend to be with you, Alan. I feel like keep stacking talent. I think that if they make the move to Rogers, Don, it's because they decided they're not in love with using the pick on it. That to me is the pivot to Rodgers. And then maybe you trade back, get more picks, do other things and kick the can on finding the quarterback. But if you're in love with the quarterback, I don't think you bother with Rogers. I think you have another veteran there to work with him and you just move forward. But.

[Don Legreca]

But you're only really. What's the likelihood? When the jets got Rogers, the thought was we might get two years out of this guy. And then when he got hurt in that first year, we still might be able to get two years out of him. Can the Giants really think anything beyond 2025?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No.

[Don Legreca]

So your quarterbacks are going to be Aaron Rodgers, who is going to be 41 in December, and Tommy DeVito, that's not really an NFL quarterback.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what you have. No, you'll get another one. You'll get. You'll get a guy that can be, you know, a capable backup because they don't take Tommy DeVito seriously. You can tell, right? So you'll get somebody else. Maybe they'll draft somebody in the third round, you know, maybe, you know, whether it's dart or yours or somebody along in that ilk and you just have them. But you can always then say to yourself, look, the worst case scenario is it bombs, they're bad again, and they have a high draft pick. But that just puts you in a position to. Okay, now we can try the quarterback thing again, right? It's the worst thing. But, but at least with Brian Dabel, you've got a guy that's a good play caller that you, you have somebody that's. At least the offense is stable. You know that with him at the helm, he's calling plays.

[Don Legreca]

But what's the negative with Aaron Rodgers being my veteran quarterback if I'm going to go out and get another veteran anyway? Well, why, why would Aaron Rodgers not just be my veteran and draft the quarterback?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because you want to use the. So you're telling me that if you can't get Cam Ward, you should just take Shador Sanders anyway, even if you don't love them?

[Don Legreca]

Well, no, no, I'm not saying that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right, so. So if Cambord's there at 3, then Cam Ward becomes the guy you have to play and Rogers becomes the guy that. I guess what you're saying is you feel like if he, If Ward's not ready, you can start the season with Rogers. I don't know how Rogers is going to feel about that.

[Don Legreca]

Well, I don't know. What other options does Rogers have? I mean, Rogers. Rogers is asking to come and play here. It sounds like he's got his hat in his hand.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah.

[Don Legreca]

All right, so you have to do.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Want to lose it.

[Don Legreca]

So what, what if you tell him, yeah, well, we're going to draft a quarterback, Aaron. And Rodgers goes. I'll compete with that quarterback. I'll win the job. Then why, why wouldn't you then sign. Why wouldn't you do it?

[Alan Hahn]

Isn't it possible? Guys, there's some nuance here and it's sort of like. It's Exactly. I know. 20, 25. I don't know if you're paying attention to the world. Not a ton of nuance going on, but what if it's like, hey, Rogers wants to play. The Giants say, let's assume. We're going to assume for a moment they do, like, one of the quarterbacks. Either. Either, you know, Warder, Sanders, or even someone else further back. Jackson, Dart. Whoever the person is, sure. They say to Rogers, you're our guy for next year. Because he's. He may say, I don't want to do a deal where I'm after seven games, I'm getting pulled because you're moving on. I want a year of football. And they go, okay, we're down to give you that year if you're down to help teach this kid. And they kind of agree to be like, we're going to have a traditional thing where we have a kid back you up. You don't have to feel it's some intense competition. You have the job, but it's for this year.

[Don Legreca]

But let's not forget, the Giants may not have that luxury. For all we know, both of These quarterbacks go 1, 2. And the Giants don't draft the quarterback. They're. They're gonna. If they're gonna sign Aaron Rodgers, they're gonna sign him before the draft. Agreed?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, they can. Technically, I mean.

[Don Legreca]

But technically, I mean, June 1st.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So you're gonna agree, I guess, right?

[Don Legreca]

Yeah, that's what I'm. That's what I'm saying. You're gonna know going into the draft whether you have Aaron Rodgers or not. So what if Ward goes one and. And Sanders goes to. Then, then. All right, well, then I've got Aaron Rodgers, my starting quarterback in 2025. Well, then maybe I draft him a weapon. And then we try to see what we can do in 2025 and we'll kind of draft a quarterback later on, whether it's Dar Rogers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what you're basically saying, Safety net. We bring him in and we have them, and the worst things they were. And if we get a quarterback and he's a young quarterback and we love him, we get the guy we want. It may be, you know, like Rogers just has that understanding of, okay, well, you know what this is about. He also knows he's not buying green bananas as an NFL quarterback. So it ends up where you can play. And if you're still playing well, you know, and the team's winning, there's no reason to go to the young guy yet.

[Don Legreca]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And so it's just pressure on him.

[Don Legreca]

It's all the understanding as they talk to him is that, you know, if you're interested in playing here, we may draft the quarterback, we may not, you know, but we're not really looking beyond 2025 with you. And I can't imagine he's thinking beyond 2025.

[Jalen Johnson]

Anyway.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now, what we're doing here, of course, is assuming that.

[Don Legreca]

Hey, this is Jalen Johnson.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, hey, Jalen.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hey, Jalen. So what we're assuming is this, this coaching staff and front office is going to be here beyond this year. That, that everything works out so perfectly that it buys them more time, because as we all know, we don't know this and there could be a massive turnover. We have no idea. So there's a lot of things at play here about whether it. If you're a fan, like, what's your confidence in this type of a plan? Rogers as a bridge, stop, gap, just have a guy and that's amazing. Aaron Rodgers has become, hey, let's just have a guy at quarterback. Just think about where his career is going. Like, why would he even want to play at this point? This is what you are.

[Alan Hahn]

And real quick, Don, before you respond to that, I do want to say you are listening to 880 ESPN, WHSQ and WCBS FM, a good karma Brands radio station. Yeah, guys, that's a legal id, because we're going to take this thing all the way up to 425. You see what I'm saying?

[Don Legreca]

Like, you dream about what confidence level could you possibly have in that? No matter what you decide to. If they draft. If they draft Sanders or Ward and say he's our opening day starter, I don't know if you've got a ton of confidence that they made the right pick. If this coaching staff is going to be able to do anything with them if they decide to go veteran and not draft a quarterback, would you have faith in that? Would you have faith in getting a veteran and. And drafting a quarterback? I don't know how any Giant fan right now can have any confidence in this ownership, general manager and head coach. How could you?

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's right.

[Don Legreca]

You know, so. So forget about making a move that's going to make me go, oh, that feels great. I'm not going to feel great about anything until I see them execute whatever plan they decide. But I don't know what their thinking is on the quarterback. I'm just trying to read the tea leaves, guys. Their interest in Stafford Told me that they're not interested in the quarterback because you would figure you're not drafting a quarterback and have Stafford possibly be 50 million years. Right.

[Alan Hahn]

Rogers.

[Don Legreca]

Rogers makes me think, is it a pivot to win now, or is it now a pivot to, we are going to draft a quarterback, and if we do, we want to have a veteran. Why not Aaron Rodgers be that veteran?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, it's. It's. We've assessed these quarterbacks so far, and we don't believe we can draft one of them and make them a starter right away. So we need somebody. And so Stafford would have said, we don't have to draft the quarterback. Rogers tells you, okay, we can draft one of these guys without having to feel the pressure of starting them right away, and maybe we can develop them into something over time. Right. Because that's just. If you're picking a quarterback in the top three, sometimes even in the top 10, the pressure is that you got to play them right away, that you got to start him and give him time. Like, that's always the way it goes, but sometimes that fails miserably. But if you don't feel the guy's ready, then you need somebody that can start first. And that's kind of why it feels like they're looking veteran. Either they don't have confidence in this class, or they at least don't have confidence that whoever you take in this class can. Can start right away. That quarterback might need time.

[Don Legreca]

Now, what veteran would you get as an alternative to Carr? Kirk Cousins.

[Alan Hahn]

We've already said Cousins ain't happening. Car ain't happening.

[Don Legreca]

No. So I honestly, I just don't think Rogers is that bad an option as a veteran.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's the other. I think it's probably the other stuff, though, Don. That's. That's, you know, again, Rogers is not. He's not equal to other quarterbacks, not only because, like, you can say, his talents no longer otherworldly. Right. We know that, but he's still capable, but he's not, like, otherworldly. He's not a force multiplier, but he's also not a guy. Like, when you could bring in somebody like a Kurt Warner or, you know, a K. McNown or any of these guys that have been elite forever, you always felt like, all right, we have a guy that's really good in the quarterback room. He's good in the locker room. Like, we know he's good for our culture. Rodgers, it's like, it's very split on that, how he is in the locker room, how he's received by players, how he affects the locker room, how much he commands the media and attention. And is that really what you want this point? Because he doesn't bring you. At least if he's a force multiplier, you'll live with all the other stuff.

[Alan Hahn]

It's going to be interesting though, if this were to happen. First of all, I just want to say I don't know if you guys, you know, Alan, I know, I know you guys are both Catholic. I don't know what level of religious you are. I don't know if we want to do a group prayer for this.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What happened?

[Alan Hahn]

No, because this Rodgers possibility, let's be honest, by hook or by crook, the football is going to suck here come the fall no matter what. Okay. That, that we have learned is a rule, Don, practically since I've gotten here, the football is going to be bad. If we could get another year of Aaron Rodgers in this market. Oh, talk radio, you kidding me? So I we can hold hands and pray for it. It would be so fun. And also the storyline of Rodgers kind of unceremoniously dismissed from the other team in the stadium saying I don't have any pride about playing in the same place. I'm fine, I'm going to come back and wear blue. It's such a fun, fascinating story. And is this crazy to say though that if they have a healthier offensive line and let's assume Don's right? Because you're right, Don. If they were seriously flirting with the Stafford possibility, that means in all likelihood they don't want a kid and they see Rogers as maybe a two year option. Like we're going to actually go for it here. And is there a world in which they. To Allen your point, they do add another weapon. You have Malik Neighbors, you have Tyrone Tracy, you've learned as a legitimate running back and like the offense could be decent if we're giving Rogers the benefit of the doubt that he did sort of improve every week that he got further removed from the Achilles.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Peter, I'm telling you that there are a lot of options for Joe Shane to consider and one of them that is also on the table is using the three pick knowing there's desperation even with the jets ironically or is it coincidentally? I don't think it's ironic. I think it's more coincidental. But the jets wanting to get Shador Sanders, let's say and so they'd want to move up and give up a pick or something future for you as the GM now You're getting a couple of more draft picks out of it. Draft capital. And I can still get a high end offensive tackle to put on the other side of Andrew Thomas or I can get a tight end to add to my offense like, or I can get a much needed corner or shape. You know what I mean? Like you could do things in the draft that you're not picking third anymore, but you're getting more draft capital because you can say I don't need a quarterback at 3, I can do more with that draft pick because I just bought myself some time with a veteran quarterback.

[Alan Hahn]

Couple bits of news real quick before we move on and do more of this. Get to your phone calls at 1-800-919-3776. Sham Sharania, our very own has tweeted Philadelphia's Joel Embiid has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Cop out. I hate it. Oh, I gotta take on this. I gotta take on this. Go ahead, one more. What else we got?

[Alan Hahn]

Okay, Eric Boland posting Aaron Boone said that Luis Heel pulled himself from his bullpen earlier after just a few pitches. Quote felt tight in his upper arm, slash shoulder area and wasn't able to let it go. Will get an mri. Boone says quote Feels like it's going to cost us some time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So it's, it's, it's the last day of February, boys.

[Alan Hahn]

We are off to quite a start for the pitchers in this market so far.

[Don Legreca]

Baseball's got, you know, Buster only was on one of the ESPN shows when in the studio yesterday and I didn't get a chance to hear the interview. But the font for Buster was does baseball have a pitching problem? And clearly they do. These guys just flat out do not stay healthy. And I don't know what you do about it. The one thing I don't do is throw tons of money at these pitchers anymore. And I think that's why I like the Mets philosophy. But the Mets are going through it too. That guys are getting hurt and you've got to have like, you might have to go into a season guys with like maybe eight or nine guys that can start for you because you don't know if these guys are going to be able to stay upright through the entire season.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Pitching depth might be the most important thing to do in an organization now, right? It always has been. I guess pitching depth has always been something that people have talked about, but that's mostly bullpen depth. But because pitchers, starters don't go really more than five innings now, it used to be I need a guy that can give you seven. I need, you know, now you just need a pitcher that can give you one time through the rotation or two. And so you've got to have quality depth and guys that, you know, you can do either as an opener or can at least get you one or two times through the rotation. And that is that. That puts a lot of pressure on you as a GM to find talented arms that aren't starters but have start. Like, at least have two pitches to give you some quality.

[Don Legreca]

Yeah. Now. Now I think it's just to the point, how am I going to get 27 outs?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, my God. And.

[Don Legreca]

And maybe my starter gives. Gets me six of those outs or.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, you have outs. Well, remember, you have a closer. So it's not 27. Right. When you have a closer that you know can get you out, you know you're already down to 24. Right?

[Richard]

Right.

[Don Legreca]

You're down to 24.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So at least you're there.

[Don Legreca]

Like.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like they have a closer. That's a thing. That was a given last year. The Yankees didn't have a closer. At least they thought they did, but they didn't. We know that. At least they have one this year. But for the Mets, you can at least feel like, I got a guy that can give me three to four outs when I need.

[Don Legreca]

Diaz is healthy, I need to get 24 outs. If I don't love my starting pitcher going three times through the order, you know, so that, that, that means I'm probably only looking to get maybe 15 outs from the starter.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Don Legreca]

So now I just need to figure out how to get the other nine and whether that's two or three guys in the bullpen. Like, if I'm going to invest my money, guys, give me some arms in the bullpen that can give me some innings that can spot start. Like, that's how I'm building it.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Don Legreca]

I'm going to have my five guys in my rotation, then I'm going to have two or three guys in the bullpen that can start, but I'm also going to ask them to be long relievers and bridge to the closer so that I can mix and match when guys get hurt, because they are going to get hurt. So the idea to give $35 million to a pitcher and then skimp on everybody else, I don't know how that makes any sense anymore. These guys just continue to get hurt. It's.

[Alan Hahn]

It's. I know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's this time of year, too, isn't it? It really is. Because I Think the problem is the start of the year. There's always. I don't think this is new to baseball. I think this has been going on for the better part of the last 20 years when pitchers started to lift and work out and get tighter. Because back in the day, I mean, you ever see the physique of most pitchers, they had loose arms, noodle arms. They were not. They were not guys that were built like they are today. So you're seeing those kind of injuries now. But that's what makes. Like, what do they have, Don? I mean, is it like guys like McGill, guys like Garrett, guys like Stanek, like, these are the guys that they really are going to rely on this year, just like they did last year?

[Don Legreca]

Yeah. They got to be on the guys.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That can get you, you know, a buto was giving them innings at the end of the season. Like, this is where they are right now.

[Alan Hahn]

It's such a.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And that's fine.

[Alan Hahn]

It's such a brutal. But from a viewership standpoint, from a fan standpoint, where the pitching game is right now is such a drag. Like, as a game, it's interesting to me because you have a game that's trying to modernize, right. And. And. And be of the time. But at the same time, to me, when you remove the sort of, you know, the kind of pitchers, the kind of starters that can go eight or nine innings and you can really see a duel between pitchers, a collection of middle relief. Don, let me. There aren't a lot of superstars in middle relief. So it's a guarantee that the guy who touches the ball in innings, 5, 6, and 7 is kind of a nobody. Like, there are also there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. And that guy. We've learned that random. Like I always joke that middle relievers are like the villains in movies where they don't even get their names in the credits. They don't have a character name. Villain number two. Like, that's all you get. These guys come in and you don't realize how Val. How important. The one guy who comes in, your starter could be lights out through four innings. The next guy comes in, closes out the fifth inning. Okay, sixth inning, we bring in a guy, and he just doesn't have it today. Kaboom. Game over.

[Alan Hahn]

Right. It's a totally critical role, but.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And nobody knows who he is. He's just a guy.

[Alan Hahn]

And the fact that nobody knows the guys, to me, is what makes it, from a fan standpoint, so whack. Now, this is not the. That may not be the biggest story today. Though, if you're. If you're a Yankee fan. I mean, at least. At least. And listen, we can argue about how big the story I'm about to mention is, but all three of us agree that it's the kind of thing that certainly draws emotion out of Yankee fans. And that is, there's an article that came out by Bob Clappish today that essentially clears up what happened with the decision to move on From New York, NY by Frank Sinatra playing after Yankee losses. And basically what Clappish says, guys, is that the final straw was the Dodgers essentially turning their World Series celebration into a karaoke rendition of New York, New York. And once that moment happened, the Yankees were kind of like, okay, we have to move on from that. Now I got Lord Alan Hahn, resident Yankee fanatic, on the show. What are your initial thoughts? We already discussed the song changing, but what does this make you feel?

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is the softest thing. And it only just continues to emphasize the point that we have made here on this show for the last couple of months, which is this is no longer the Yankees that we used to think they were. This is no longer a proud franchise that stands tall in the face of adversity and also believes we are still the best. This is now a cowering franchise that blames other teams for overspending, that thinks it's bad for the league when you once were the team that started it all. And then because another team wins on your field, they mock you for it. And then they sing the song because you're playing it on. First of all, it's the World Series. This, the series ended game ops. Why are you playing that song? Why are you playing it? It's the World Series. The series is over. The season's over. I know that's what you do after every Yankee lost, but not that one. Like, you don't need to hit. You don't hit play. Don't hit anything. You know what it should sound like in the stadium? It should be deathly quiet. That's what it should be. The season's over. It's done. You should not play that song. That made no sense to hit play. So let's just. But we all know the person who hit play there is probably part time. So I don't want to get them called out and they should be fired for it. But whoever. Whoever had the meeting and said, well, this is ridiculous. They were mocking us, so we can't play that song anymore because they'll mock us some more. What is wrong with you? Where is your Sack I can please. Now, we're going to play it louder next time. And when we beat them, we're going to have the whole building singing it's so loud to be ringing in their freaking ears when they're getting on the bus to leave town. They're never going to forget when we beat them because that's the song we've been playing for years. That's part of our tradition. Not like you just basically gave them even more power. Now, not only did they mock, you know, they made fun of you for the plays you didn't make in the field. And the fans that tried to steal the glove from Mookie Betts and you, you know, they. They're appalled by that. I'm sorry. It's New York. St happens, okay? Were they morons to do it? Yes, but it's New York. That's what happens. And then to. For them to take that song away from you. They own you right now. Hal Steinbrenner is no longer the principal owner of the Yankees. The Dodgers are. Because they own you for everything that you have done since losing the World Series, everything you've done has been reactionary. It's embarrassing. It is not Yankee like. And it is frustrating for me as a fan to see it happen. The Yankees are no longer the Yankees anymore. Moves like this are small in scale. Yes, it's not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. I understand. But it also is another example of how instead of digging in, you have instead taken a knee.

[Alan Hahn]

I actually don't agree with a word Alan said. I don't think it's the biggest deal in the world, but I do think Don and I want to hear what you think, but I do think that it's a collection of small, reactionary decisions that do feel weak. Now, listen, I was always on the side of, why do you play New York, New York after a loss? I think after every loss, it should be silent. Play the damn. You guys have it over there. Play our favorite rain delay music when the game ends. Give me Muzak. Like, you don't need to play any Frank Sinatra in your lose. I'm all for getting rid of that, but remember.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But, Peter, it used to be the Liza Minnelli melancholy version of New York, New York. It was slower. It was kind of like. I'm not saying sad, but it was more just kind of wistful. Right. It was just quieter, but it still was. All right, we lost, but we still New York, right?

[Alan Hahn]

We're still. But once.

[Don Legreca]

I don't.

[Alan Hahn]

I Don't like, decided to do the same thing. That was a stupid choice. But to Alan's point, too, don't. Even if every game you normally do that. Are you telling me this whole thing could have been avoided if someone upstairs had just said after Game 5, hey, don't play the music. Let it be silent.

[Peter Rosenberg]

If we lose, don't play it.

[Alan Hahn]

That's it. One person makes the decision to not hit play. And they.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But, Don, what's the like? And I'll lay out, Don, I know I've been dominating this one, but this really bothers me because it's just piling up now, the beard thing. And you know how complaining about the Dodgers spending, like, it just keeps piling up. And so all I'm going to say is, like, doesn't it feel like it's a weak response of, oh, they were making fun of us. Like, that's just weak.

[Don Legreca]

Guys, this has been going on longer than you probably even recognize. All right, you go back to when they lost to the Astros. Oh, well, they cheated. Now, the Astros did cheat, but instead of just being red hot, we're going to beat you. It's Cashman still talking about they cheated. And then you lose to the Astros in 19. And it's all, we were banged up. We were hurt. That's why we got swept. Because I never saw a team. Usually organizations never blame injuries, but, boy, they kept talking about how everybody was hurt. We couldn't play with them because we were banged up. Injuries, using that as an excuse. Injuries for going 82 and 80. We were banged up. That's why we didn't make the playoffs. Then you lose to the Dodgers and you have, you know, Cortez saying, we were the better team. Why you lost in five. Instead of think what you want, you still lost in five. Get better, try to improve yourself. Instead of talking about how we should have won. Yeah, you should have won, but you didn't. So try to correct it. But again, looking at excuses and then complaining about them singing the end, singing the song, complaining about how much money that they spend. Just like a lot of just complaining and excuse making. And that's what the Yankees are not supposed to be about. It's supposed to be about, hey, we're now we're going to beat you. Now you've gotten us mad now. Now we're going to. Now we're going to just go about our business and you better make sure that you don't face us again, because if you do, we're going to beat you instead of Talking about injuries and cheating and that you spend more money than we do and you disrespected us in our building. They celebrated a championship in your building because you weren't good enough to beat them. Address it. That's what you do as an organization. You don't complain, you don't make excuses. You get better and try to win the next time. You dust yourself off and then you go and you win. That's what you do. Don't point fingers, don't make excuses. You go out there and you win. That's what makes an organization classy. That's what makes the Yankees the Yankees. I've heard a lot of complaining and excuse making over the last few years. And I'm not saying that they didn't have injuries and I'm not saying that the Astros didn't cheat. But guys, at some point you look in the mirror and say, we need to be better as an organization. We need to hold our managers and general managers accountable for where we stand as an organization. Let's blame ourselves for where we are instead of pointing fingers at everybody else. That's how you get things done in sports.

[Alan Hahn]

And that's the part so disappointing that they didn't just say, alan, oh, we don't have to worry about this because we're never going to let it happen again.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thank you. And by the way, wasn't Judge kind of suggesting that about the standard when the stupid beard thing happened? And he said, well, the way I look at it is I like to keep all of our standards. So that's why when he talked to them about it, he said, all right, you want to do that, fine, but let's not start cutting back other standards. Let's make sure we still have our standards because that's who we are at the Yankees. And if you, if you didn't want to come here because of some silly beard policy, then you really, you didn't belong here anyway because you're not about what we're about. And that's exactly why did it take him to say that? That should be coming from the very freaking top, but instead they are operating scared. That's the problem that's going on here. They're losing and they're losing the brand and they can't figure out why. And maybe it's because the same people are in charge for the last 20 years or more. Maybe that's part of the problem.

[Don Legreca]

At least the beard policy does address maybe trying to be better as a team and maybe not wanting to lose out on free Agents. How does not playing the Sinatra New York New York after losses make this team better?

[Peter Rosenberg]

So they don't.

[Don Legreca]

How does that help them beat the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Dodgers so they don't make fun of us? Don. Oh, no, they made fun of us. We don't want them making fun of us anymore. We can't give them ammunition anymore. That was embarrassing. No, what was embarrassing is your team lost. That was embarrassing because you got to the World Series and they lost.

[Don Legreca]

And the funny thing about this whole thing with the Dodgers, you may never face them again in a meaningful spot. At least if it was the Red Sox, you know, you're facing them every year. You're battling for the same real estate. You can only really, truly get your revenge if you face him in the World Series again. That may never happen again. It might be 50 years before that happens again. Nobody's going to care if you beat him in the regular season. You think as a Yankee fan, you got to take any pride if you swept them in the regular season this year, Don.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Why are the Yankees so afraid of negative publicity? Why are they so afraid of anything that might. Like there's. They've become so uber corporate right now that even their responses to things are corporate. Everything is so sanitized and carefully worded and careful. It is embarrassing. Everything is to appeal to everybody instead of just boldly saying, this is who we are, this is what we represent. We don't apologize for it. This is who we are. And like you just said before, and you said it perfectly, the proper response to them when I said I was. I can't wait to see how the Yankees respond. I can't wait to see what judge says about it. And all the things this offseason when they were getting mocked and Boone kind of lightly had some strong words, but they were light, you know, we'll be. We'll handle it with more clash when we see them next time. Okay, that's a good, that's a good line. But I really was hoping to see a bigger response of, okay, you, you woke the sleeping giant. Oh, you got our attention now. You know, like, we're, we're all showing up and we're going to be in our, in the best shape of our lives and we're going to be drum tight as a defense, and we're going to be fundamentally sound and we're going to be locked in because we got embarrassed.

[Alan Hahn]

And you know what I hate?

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're just backing off, and I hate it.

[Alan Hahn]

And here's another thing to hate. We got to take a Break. We'll continue this. But if you really look at like not just what we just spoke about but other little things that have happened and these are the residual things that come from losing. Unfortunately the Yankees have been on the wrong end of these rivals where it's like listen, we know the Astros cheated, we know it was trash.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But like the Red Sox, but the.

[Alan Hahn]

Yankees bringing up and listen let's be real cashmen bringing up on a semi regular basis. We were robbed. It feels so weak now. Now their bitterness with the Dodgers because the Dodgers they didn't take care of their wall problem in right field that led to judges injury. Listen, don't get me wrong, I get it. But all of it feels weak and rings hollow when the bottom line is you keep losing. All of these things are sort of residual from losing. And that ultimately is truly what people don't consider to be the Yankee way. All right, I've just been informed guys on the show at 5:10, the legend, the hall of Famer, the great Shawn Michaels. HBK is going to be joining us on the show. He has, he has an announcement that he wants to make on our program. So we're going to talk to HBK, the icon, the showstopper, Mr. WrestleMania. That's at 5:10 phone lines completely jammed with your calls. We got to talk Rogers, we got to talk this Yankee story. And of course we'll talk some Knicks as well as they're in Memphis tonight. That's where Alan Hahn is. So much to do on a Friday. It is Don Hahn and Rosenberg on 880 New York.

[Don Legreca]

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Don Legreca]

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

The AI companion that does the heavy lifting.

[Alan Hahn]

So you can do. You get [e-mail] compatible with select apps.

[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Don Legreca]

Get the angel re special at McDonald's.

[Alan Hahn]

Now let's break it down.

[Don Legreca]

My favorite barbecue sauce, American cheese, crispy.

[Alan Hahn]

Bacon, pickles, onions and a sesame seed bun, of course.

[Don Legreca]

And don't forget the fries and the drinks.

[Alan Hahn]

Sound good? I participate in restaurants for a limited time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don Legreca]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Catch this show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Alan Hahn]

Classic James Brown, of course. Famous, maybe most famously sampled by Nas, but by many. Jacob, what's the purpose today?

[Don Legreca]

Oh, no purpose, no rhyme or reason. I just, you know, I'm feeling like this is a Friday feel good. So why not feel like the boss on a Friday with James Brown?

[Alan Hahn]

I love what you're doing. I love what you're doing. I respect what you're doing as a man. Welcome back. Don Hahn in Rosenberg. Don is in the Garden. By the way, I've just been told Dave Rothenberg's gonna be at the Garden tonight. Wonder if you hear from.

[Don Legreca]

Oh, he didn't let go.

[Alan Hahn]

He said he's. Listen, I don't know if it's for public consumption, but hockey.

[Don Legreca]

He's taking a game out there with.

[Alan Hahn]

A friend but I put it out there.

[Don Legreca]

Dan Grassa is going to be handling the pre for me so I can at least get something to eat because I've got pregame and post along with the play by play. Thanks. So I would love Dave, if Dave is on his way to the Garden, I open invitation second intermission to come on and let's talk some hockey during the game.

[Alan Hahn]

Dave, how, how, how much time do you know you have between periods?

[Don Legreca]

Well, it's 18 minutes is the time they put on the clock and we got to be back with like two minutes on the clock.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Two, three minutes to get somewhere in two, three minutes to get back so you're.

[Alan Hahn]

You got ten bucks?

[Don Legreca]

There's no. No, the reason. The reason I'm not doing the pr. I. I would. I. I would never have more than two minutes to run to the bathroom. Those are the breaks. So that's not a lot of. You know what the bathroom is here. So unless I'm peeing in a bottle in the booth, I will appreciate the diapers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Don. Diapers.

[Don Legreca]

No, not to that point. Someday, but not in a sense not. Have to do a game. But no. Dave's out there. I'd love to get them on in the first or second intermission.

[Alan Hahn]

Let me know now. Real quick, guys, it is game time. Brought to you by Tullamore. Do Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time, it's challenge. I just had the drop was fine enough itself. You guys didn't hear that. Listen to the drop. There you go. A busy night on our airwaves. You got the Knicks and the Grizz in Memphis with coverage immediately following us. Right here on 880 at 7 on 1050. I'm on the call.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You want to throw that out there?

[Alan Hahn]

Sorry, that wasn't written in here. That's just dead wrong.

[Don Legreca]

There's so many things wrong with it. I'm an idiot. 7:30 is the pregame. Dan Grass actually has a 7 to 7:30 show pregame. 7:30.

[Alan Hahn]

What are you doing today?

[Don Legreca]

I don't know. You're lucky that we're on the air.

[Alan Hahn]

Alan Hahn is on the call on 880 at 7:30. Then on 10:50 you got the Rangers and the Maple Leafs coverage starting at 6:30 there. That will be Don Legreca on the call. Also. The Nets have the Blazers at 7. Who cares? And that is game time. Brought to you by Tullimore Dew. The original triple distilled, triple blended, triple cask matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew. Honey, during today's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly. And with that, let's get started on the phones. They've been jammed up since we started. Let's start with Jimmy in Connecticut. What's going on, Jimbo?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hey, guys.

[Richard]

What's going on? So listen, this. Regarding this Rodgers thing, let's put the shenanigans aside because as you said, maybe he behaves himself. But if the assumption is that Rogers will get the Giants, maybe to be a fringe playoff team, maybe get them relevant again, which is, I guess, what we want, what makes us think that because the Jets, I would say last year had way more talent around Rogers than the Giants have now and he got him to five wins. Now maybe he stays healthy. Let's just, let's maybe assume for that he does get him there. We've talked about how not being an embarrassment anymore has value as well. But the only argument I have against that is and maybe just going after the best draft pick next year if we like the class better next year and not being good. The Giants have had a couple of pop up season, 16 and 22 where they have gotten out of the basement, but they followed up with embarrassments. As soon as that those have ended. So what makes us think that becoming relevant again is going to mean they're going to follow it up again with another good season? Because we haven't seen it yet. I mean, I understand the, the argument not being an embarrassment, but it's just, I don't know, I'd rather just set myself up for to be great and not just good, if that makes sense.

[Don Legreca]

I don't know. You set yourself up to be great just having draft picks. First of all, let's go back to the jets for a second. As much as I'm not a fan of Dable, I would have let him go. If Brian Dable is the head coach of the New York jets last year they make the playoffs. They did not make the playoffs last year because they didn't have any coaching. Salah wasn't great then they went, just completely went without a coach the rest of the year. No offense to Albrecht, but he was.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No. Yes, you're right.

[Don Legreca]

Right. So that's what, that's what did them in.

[Alan Hahn]

No offense. You weren't a professional coach. Go ahead.

[Don Legreca]

No, he wasn't ready for that role. It was. Woody Johnson killed the season. If Salah had stayed, they win probably three more games than they won, which gets them to eight, which means they would have been playing meaningful games in December. He robbed them of that by firing Salah and I didn't even think Salah was that good. So if you, if you had competent coaching, you're probably a fringe playoff team. So that, that's the difference right there. The other thing is, yeah, the pop up season is 16 and 22. Well, 16 was at the tail end of Eli's career and they kept Eli too long. That's why everything bottomed out. Love Eli. God love him. But you know what? They, they were starting to fall apart. They also didn't have the right general manager in Place. Now 22, you know they had a pop up season but they kept Daniel Jones. Daniel Jones didn't work out. Whether it's injury or ineffectiveness or whatever, the idea is to try to get back to being relevant and then hopefully the right decisions will follow so you can kind of build off it. Not going to get into the whole tanking conversation, but again, another miserable season is probably going to cost your coach and general manager their job and then you're starting from scratch all over again. So I think that's why I do think it's important to try to put the best team you can together. Now whether that means drafting a quarterback or getting Aaron Rodgers, I guess we'll wait and see. But the idea that you don't want to win games in 2025, guys, I think you got to start winning some games. You got to prop yourself back up again. And I think in Aaron Rodgers, a well behaved Aaron Rodgers, which I think he will be because remember, he only went off the rails.

[Alan Hahn]

Peter.

[Don Legreca]

If you remember when he got hurt and then he started going on McAfee and then it all started happening. He minded his P's and Q's right up to opening day. Then he got hurt and then everything started to kind of fall apart. Now he's two years removed from being a relevant quarterback. I don't think he'd be an issue and I think he might play well enough with Thomas coming back and solidifying that offensive line with free agents that they did last year by having another year with neighbors finding a running back that they found in the draft. I think this can be a functioning offense and I think it could be a pretty decent football team.

[Alan Hahn]

Let's go to our guy Moose in Jamaica. What up Moose?

[Richard]

What's good fellas?

[Peter Rosenberg]

How are we?

[Richard]

Good afternoon.

[Alan Hahn]

What's up man?

[Richard]

Kill it. So yeah, I want to talk about and Don, you can you can, we can, we can go back and forth on this I, I, the Aaron Rodgers thing and possibly draftsman colback quarterback now that Stafford is not in the equation is I don't know if it's a myriad of options or damned if you do, damned if you don't. Sort of scenario where you take Aaron Rodgers and then you draft the quarterback maybe in the second round and draft a weapon or something on the defensive side. Whether Carter or Hunter, if the first two quarterbacks are taken like that may be a scenario where it can buy us a 5 to 7, 8 win season. But what are we going to take? Jackson Dart or maybe a quarterback next year. I don't know if that's necessarily the way to go. My opinion is I think we should at least keep the third pick, not sign Aaron Rodgers because with his lack of mobility at his advanced age, I don't think he can escape from the pressure of the NFL and the schedule we're going to face with the pass rushes we're going to face next year. I think we should take Shador Sanders at three if he falls to us. If not, trade back. If we can't get quarterback, either Camel or him. Because we need to inject new life into this organization and have a vision forward.

[Don Legreca]

Well, why, why can't you do both? Why can't you do get Rogers and also draft a quarterback?

[Richard]

Because I don't think the Giants sort of set up with the lack of talent on offense and defense even with the cap space we're still developing as a franchise to be competitive. I don't think we have a competitive roster right now to make any noise with the schedule we're going to face. I think it's almost.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Can I say something?

[Richard]

To assume.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Can I say something? So let me just say something here because, like, Moose is echoing what a lot of fans do when their franchises are in limbo, which is where the Giants are right now, and that is the easy, safest place to go, is the excuse of being young. So you don't want a veteran who might help you, but you're not sure if they can because you don't have enough talent. And that all is true. Moose is right. But this is what fans do, Don and Peter is they go with, well, if we're young and we're getting our ass kicked, I can just say, well, we're young, but if I have veterans and we're getting our ass kicked, I'm embarrassed and I don't want to be embarrassed anymore. As a fan, that's literally why fans do this. This is why fans want to lose. Now. It's the crutch. It's the easy excuse. Well, we're not trying to win. We don't want to win. That's what's going on right now. And a lot of Giants fans are falling into this place. That's why we don't hear from them anymore, because they don't. They don't want to talk about their team. They're embarrassed.

[Don Legreca]

Yeah. And the thing is, is that if they're that bereft of talent, which I'm not 100% sure they are.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, they're not.

[Don Legreca]

They're clearly not. They're not some talent. They. There's some talent there is that Drafting Hunter is going to, it's going to change. No, you got to draft well in the second and the third and the fourth.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But it makes you feel better because he's a young guy. As I'm with you. But again it's, it's all. But we have young guys and we can. If we suck, it's okay because we can say these are young guys and they're playing and one day they're going to be good.

[Don Legreca]

I don't, I don't.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is the process all over again.

[Don Legreca]

Yeah. There is something to what you're saying, is that if you intentionally try to win it takes the pressure off of feeling bad when you do.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There you go.

[Don Legreca]

But I think at some point you got to try to. You gotta, you gotta. I use this word but I think it's the best word to use. You gotta function as an organization.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don Legreca]

Veterans in the right place. And I'm telling you, these quote unquote kids in this modern day of the NFL and sports in general, you think Malik Neighbors who has been a really good kid here, you think he's going to sit there and be part of a three, four years of being completely irrelevant or is he going to want to try to get out of Dodge so it becomes a vicious psych era.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don Legreca]

You bring in young kids and then you lose and lose and then those young kids all want to get out and you replace them with other young kids.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh no, no. Cycle and Don better than that. They lose and lose and then you get stuck in a position where you have to decide if you're signing them to another contract. Nothing could happen while they're there. And now it's either pay them a grip or lose them. But are they really enough to turn this thing around? Like you end up in an impossible.

[Don Legreca]

Saquon ish cycle and you want to start winning games and listen, everybody wants to win a championship. But again, where did Philadelphia get all those players? Did they get all those players with the first overall pick they drafted? Well, that's why I'm worried. Shane, Shane drafts well. No matter where he drafts, he will begin to build talent again. Nobody thought anything of Tracy with the pick and then he turned out to be a thousand yard back. All right, so let's see, let's see where they go. But you got us. You got to start winning football games. People just have to.

[Alan Hahn]

All right. We have many more phone calls. Get many, many phone calls. 1-800-919-3776 Talking some Yankees as well. Whether or not fans are upset about the decision to get rid of New York New York after losses, essentially being because they were mortified by what the Dodgers did to them at Yankee Stadium to end the World Series and much more to get to as well, including the legend Shawn Michaels, the heartbreak Kid at 5:10 enn a 6:00 vehicle. Allen like it's meant to be exciting. Like you dream.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like it's meant to be, like you dream about.

[Alan Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

For listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Don Legreca]

Pantera is coming to Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on July 26 and PNC Bank Art center on July 31, 2025. ESPN New York has your chance to score tickets to the venue of your choice on ESPN New York App. Just scroll down the contest and submit your entry brought to you by Live Nation. Tickets are on sale [e-mail] how big.

[Alan Hahn]

Was the song Iron man by Black Sabbath?

[Don Legreca]

Huge.

[Alan Hahn]

Gigantic.

[Don Legreca]

Well, I mean, as gigantic as a metal song could be. You know Casey Kasem wasn't putting in his top 40. But no, I'm here to talk to.

[Alan Hahn]

You about Black Sabbath 34.

[Don Legreca]

I talked to Ozzy Osborne the other day. I talked to Ozzy Osborne the other day and he said that he built the head off a bat. He's so excited about this song. Here is Iron man song for them.

[Alan Hahn]

And it was a big deal when it became the song for the Road Warriors. It was, it was the Road warriors official like entrance music, which at the time, no one was paying for the music like a big artist. So it was, it was a thing. It's Peter. And Don Allen stepped away for a moment to make his way to the building in Memphis. You'll be happy to hear this, Don.

[Don Legreca]

What's up?

[Alan Hahn]

Ryan Reeves will be in the Leafs lineup for the first time in 24 days. And according to the Leafs coach, it's because Rempe's over there. He's an effective player. So people making full lineup decisions around the Remster.

[Don Legreca]

Well, he's been really good on that fourth line or at least was in that, you know, last win against the Islanders. And Greg Baruby, he knows what having somebody can at least go up against rampe can mean. And unless the Reeves hasn't played in 24 days, but you did have 14 of those days, the Four Nations. He was a healthy scratch for five games. But if you're not going to address Reeves in a game that Matt Rempe's in, then why do you have him on your team? This is when you're going to dust off Reeves. So if they get into it, man, that would be quite the bout. I will tell you. Because Reeves hardly fought when he was here because nobody wanted to fight him. So we'll see.

[Alan Hahn]

Do you think that if the Chicago Black Sox had had the fourth line that the Rangers had, they wouldn't have had to cheat?

[Don Legreca]

That's so risk Richard of you. Yeah, they wouldn't have had to. Yeah, yeah, they wouldn't. Eddie C. Cott wouldn't have had to throw that game.

[Alan Hahn]

Speaking of Richard, how about this? How about this on a Friday?

[Jalen Johnson]

Hi, Don. Hi, Peter. Fellas, two weeks ago, the jets severed ties with Aaron Rodgers. And I called you guys up and I said, fellas, the two most talked about sports icons on your radio station in the last year were Aaron Rodgers and Juan Soto. Do you remember this conversation?

[Alan Hahn]

I do.

[Don Legreca]

Yes, I do. I remember all of you.

[Jalen Johnson]

And I said, juan Soto ended up going from the Yankees to the Mets. Wouldn't it be outrageous and fantastic if Aaron Rodgers left the jets and signed with the Giants? You guys dismissed me. Now, that's all you're talking about. All the sports reporters are talking.

[Don Legreca]

I never remember.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Jalen Johnson]

It would be great for New York.

[Don Legreca]

It didn't seem like it was feasible. Now it is. But you're. You're a soothsayer, man.

[Jalen Johnson]

I give you guys better reports than all your newspaper guys, your insiders and all. I come from a different perspective because I don't have to do it for a living. So I can think of things that you guys may not think of. So that's why, you know, fellas, you know, you guys are always talking about music and this guy's impact act. Let me tell you guys, somebody who, for some reason I don't know, he's not in the rock and roll hall of fame, okay? I think it's the biggest injustice that I've ever seen. Now, in 1961, 1962, this guy came out with the twist. Chubby checker. Not only was it the best song, it was a dance craze. People could not stop doing it. It was that Richard.

[Alan Hahn]

Isn't he up for it this year?

[Don Legreca]

Yeah, I think he's up for a.

[Jalen Johnson]

Year, and he's pleading to get in. I don't understand what the reason he's not in. Fellas, If I told you how big this was. I mean, this was around the time when sputnik, when the Soviet Union went up, and there was a lot of. And Vietnam was just starting. But this took over the country way before Watergate, and all that stuff took over the country. And for a period of two years, not only the song, but the dance. You couldn't listen to the music without doing the dance. It was that impact, fellas, how this guy is not in the hall of fame. Always a pleasure, guys. Thank you.

[Alan Hahn]

Thank you. Thank you, Richard. You know what? Let's give credits where credit's due. Richard. One of Richard's wacky ideas, because he's obsessed. I don't know if anyone's paid attention to what Richard's been saying over the last month. I know most people, the answer is no, of course not. But. But some of you have. Richard has been obsessed with the idea of these players who left going on to great success. He was incredibly tickled by Saquon winning a Super bowl. He's desperate for Juan Soto to win a world series.

[Don Legreca]

Right?

[Alan Hahn]

And so, you know, I got to give him credit. He. He did throw out there. What if Rogers went to the Giants and we. Not many people spoke about it in this market until this week, truthfully.

[Don Legreca]

And he wants Hartenstein to win An NBA title.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, yeah. And he treats Hartenstein like he's on the level of the players we just mentioned. But.

[Don Legreca]

In his defense, I mean, he did get that right. But at the time, we're like, why would that ever happen? I think we're all kind of taken aback on why the Giants are so aggressively going after a veteran quarterback. But give him credit. I don't think he saw it for the reasons that it's happening. I think he just wants that symmetry. But he might get his wish.

[Alan Hahn]

It would be but so good.

[Jalen Johnson]

Oh, yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

I can't believe you think Richard. You think Richard feels himself even more than Bob Washuza. Because we know how he feels about.

[Don Legreca]

Bob for a different reason. I don't think, I don't think Richard gets excited like that anymore.

[Alan Hahn]

I, I took some, I saw some comments on the post that I put up the other day about Richard with, with Allen's response to him calling and Don, there were a lot of comments from people who said they really do wait to hear from Richard every listen.

[Don Legreca]

Not all calls are great, but there's still greatness in the potential of greatness in everyone.

[Alan Hahn]

I. What, Anthony, can you think of a good way to run it up the poll? Like, how can we verbalize it? It's. It's not like it's kind of like, do you look forward to hearing what Richard's going to ask on a given day or do you, you know, or do you dread that phone click? I'm curious to know where people land on this. Maybe we'll run that up the poll. We have calls on hold. We'll get to you guys. Got a line open at 1-800-919-3776. Allen will be back with us soon from the stadium down there in Memphis from the arena. We'll talk to him. We'll also talk to Shawn Michaels. Don the Heartbreak Kid WWE reached out to me and they said HBK wants to come on your show and has something to say. So we're going to talk to Shawn Michaels in about 15 minutes. But we're also going to talk Yankees and Jets and Giants all next right here. But first, Don, talk to me about cars.

[Don Legreca]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

For listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, but I just want to know it's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter Weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.

[Don Legreca]

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