Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: "Lost Season?"

Podcast Information

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Host/Authors: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Description: The first voice of ESPN New York and New Jersey legend Don La Greca, long-time sportswriter and New York Knick broadcaster Alan Hahn, and highly opinionated Hip Hop vet and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg discuss New York sports and more.
• Episode: Hour 1: Lost Season?
• Release Date: July 28, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicks off with Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg diving straight into a critical analysis of the New York Yankees' current season, aptly titled "Lost Season?" They bypassed the advertisements and intros to engage listeners with their candid discussions about the team's performance, management decisions, and future prospects.

Yankees' Struggles and Management Decisions (00:15 – 09:55)

The hosts commence by addressing the Yankees' underwhelming performance this season. Don Hahn initiates the conversation with questions about the team's standing, to which Peter Rosenberg responds with a mix of frustration and humor:

• Peter Rosenberg (00:18): "It's lame. It needs Viagra. And Rosenberg."
• Don Hahn (01:10): "Really. You can make it work."

They discuss the return of Alan Hahn and the dynamics it brings to the show, reminiscing about former colleagues like Jordan Ronan and Pat O'Keefe. The conversation quickly pivots to the Yankees' recent setbacks:

• Don Hahn (03:33): "They [the Yankees] were five and a half back. Blue Jays have the tiebreaker. So in essence, it's like six and a half back."

The focus shifts to key injuries affecting the team's performance, particularly Aaron Judge's ongoing struggles:

• Don Hahn (04:16): "Judge is a problem, guys. I've seen guys hit with this. Oh, Tommy hit with this. He's not hitting with it."
• Peter Rosenberg (06:16): "When do you come to the realization that this is just one of those lost seasons now?"

They critically examine the Yankees' strategic choices under General Manager Brian Cashman, debating whether the team is "all in" for the current season or playing conservatively to preserve future assets:

• Peter Rosenberg (08:57): "In Yankee land, that's not necessarily a successful season. That's just like there's years they have barely made the playoffs and they don't look at it as success."

Comparisons with Other Teams (09:55 – 17:24)

Don and Peter compare the Yankees' approach to other MLB teams like the Atlanta Braves, highlighting how different strategies can lead to success:

• Peter Rosenberg (06:41): "Some seasons just build up in a certain way that make you say, this is not the year."

They delve into the bullpen issues the Yankees are facing, discussing specific players and potential trades:

• Don Hahn (17:24): "Mauricio is so frustrating to watch because there's sometimes, like yesterday, he's amazing."

The discussion extends to the importance of versatile pitchers and bullpen depth, with both hosts emphasizing the need for reliable relief options:

• Peter Rosenberg (20:22): "Becomes your eighth, eighth inning guy."

Listener Call-In Segment: Fan Perspectives (28:33 – 49:19)

The episode features insightful listener calls that further the discussion on the Yankees' current state:

1. Dave from Westchester Yarn (28:33 – 30:39): Expresses skepticism about the Yankees' championship viability due to ongoing injuries and strategic missteps.

   • Peter Rosenberg (30:19): "Unless I feel like this looks like a team, that's the man. They got it."

2. Steve from Middle Village (43:25 – 49:19): Critiques the Yankees' playing style, favoring the Blue Jays' versatile approach over the Yankees' reliance on home runs and high strikeouts.

   • Steve (43:26): "Bryce Harper is now my favorite baseball player."
   • Peter Rosenberg (32:12): "The Blue Jays play the way I wish the Yankees play."
   • Don Hahn (38:10): "They chose this. This is the team they chose."

   Steve further elaborates on his frustration with the Yankees' single-option strategy, contrasting it with the Blue Jays' multifaceted gameplay:

   • Peter Rosenberg (35:25): "But I think Jeter also sees the same thing I'm seeing, which is that's not what, quote, unquote, we're about."

Musical Interlude and Advertisements (26:10 – 42:56)

Interspersed between discussions are segments where the hosts share their appreciation for classic music, reminiscing about concerts and favorite songs. These moments add a personal touch, showcasing their personalities beyond sports commentary.

Final Thoughts and Conclusion (49:20 – End)

Wrapping up the episode, Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg reflect on the Yankees' consistent approach under Cashman, debating whether it serves the team's long-term success or hinders it. They express a sense of resignation that the Yankees will likely continue with their established strategies, regardless of external criticisms:

• Peter Rosenberg (49:01): "But I think Jeter also sees the same thing I'm seeing, which is that's not what, quote, unquote, we're about."

The episode concludes with advertisements and light-hearted banter, maintaining the show's signature blend of in-depth analysis and engaging conversation.

Key Takeaways

• Yankees' Performance: The team is struggling due to key injuries, strategic missteps, and a reliance on outdated playing styles focused on home runs and strikeouts.
• Management Strategy: Debate over whether GM Brian Cashman is committing fully to the current season or preserving assets for the future.
• Bullpen Concerns: The Yankees' bullpen is inconsistent, highlighting the need for reliable relief pitchers.
• Listener Feedback: Fans express frustration with the Yankees' single-minded approach, yearning for a more versatile and dynamic playing style akin to the Blue Jays.
• Comparative Analysis: The hosts reference other teams like the Braves and Blue Jays to underscore different management and playing philosophies.

Notable Quotes

• Peter Rosenberg (00:18): "It's lame. It needs Viagra. And Rosenberg."
• Don Hahn (04:16): "Judge is a problem, guys. I've seen guys hit with this. Oh, Tommy hit with this. He's not hitting with it."
• Peter Rosenberg (06:16): "When do you come to the realization that this is just one of those lost seasons now?"
• Steve (43:26): "Bryce Harper is now my favorite baseball player."
• Peter Rosenberg (32:12): "The Blue Jays play the way I wish the Yankees play."
• Peter Rosenberg (35:25): "But I think Jeter also sees the same thing I'm seeing, which is that's not what, quote, unquote, we're about."

Conclusion "Hour 1: Lost Season?" offers a comprehensive and critical examination of the New York Yankees' current MLB season. Through passionate discussions and listener insights, Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg dissect the team's challenges, management decisions, and the broader implications for future success. The episode serves as a must-listen for fans seeking an in-depth analysis of one of New York's most iconic sports franchises.