Hour 1: Lost Season?

Summary

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.

Transcript

[Venmo Advertiser]

With the Venmo debit card, you can Venmo everything. Your favorite band's merch. You can Venmo this or their next show. You can Venmo that. Visit Venmo Me debit to learn more. The Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp bank in a pursuant to license by Mastercard International, Inc. The card may be used everywhere. MasterCard is accepted. Venmo purchase restrictions apply.

[Don Hahn]

Todd, where do we stand on sus Han?

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's lame. It needs Viagra. And Rosenberg.

[Don Hahn]

I'm gonna lift my shirt up, take my pants down and shake it all around. This isn't North Dakota.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is New York. This is Don Hahn and Rosenber on 880 ESPN and the ESPN New York.

[Don Hahn]

App 301 of the big city. Don Hahn and Rosenberg. I gotta tell you, I enjoyed working with Jordan Ronan. I enjoyed working with Pat o'. Keefe.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, I did. Don't be a. Don't be going on the air, lying bad guy.

[Don Hahn]

These are salt of the earth people. I enjoyed working with them. They bring a unique skill set that I enjoyed adjusting to. But it's not. It's not the show. This is it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is the show.

[Don Hahn]

Don and Allen. Allen and Don. Don and Allen. Allen and Don. Bing, Bing, Bing, Bing, Bing. Having Alan back is like an appendage.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Grew back.

[Don Hahn]

Really. You can make it work. I was Jim Abbott and Jim Abbott didn't work. He pitched no hitter.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I mean, yeah, he pitched the no hitter.

[Don Hahn]

He was a major league ball player.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's a major award.

[Don Hahn]

But Allen comes back and now I'm whole again.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And that meeting was just like. Right? Riding a bike.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, this is great.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Get right to it.

[Don Hahn]

It really was good. Great job. You are in. Get up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I hosted. You go.

[Don Hahn]

I know you hosted.

[Peter Rosenberg]

How about that?

[Don Hahn]

And I was, Listen, they asked me.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Last minute, like last minute, you know, can you. Can you just jump in? And I'm like, what did a.

[Don Hahn]

The tea time open up for Greenie?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Listen, I don't. I don't want to speculate, but I was like, yeah, you know, what the hell, right? No, you never be afraid to suck at something new.

[Allen]

Never afraid.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And so I've actually hosted it before.

[Don Hahn]

You go back a couple of years?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, no, I've hosted it before, but I haven't in about a year. And it was last second. Like, think about it. You take a week off and what I did, this was not a vacation. I told you. This was a home project. I was covered in sawdust and grit. It was awesome. And So I really like, other than paying attention to our show and then just staying up on things. I had to get is my head right to do this. But I had. Listen, listen to the crew.

[Don Hahn]

I had.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I had Jeff Darlington, okay. Who's just one of the best people ever.

[Don Hahn]

Good time of the year for that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I had Mike Tenebaum, who's just got a million great guy again, tons of information. And then you ready, Bart Scott, hot to it. I mean, honestly, I saw you'd have to be serious. You would have to be an absolute amateur to not be able to do a show with those three guys talking football for the majority of time. And we had a guest appearance by Ochocinko. It wrote itself. So it was a great experience. It was fun. But this is what I woke up excited about is sitting down here with you here at our beautiful downtown studios. Yes. To dive into what the Yankees have become. And all. You got to tell me, Don, which is what you said in our group chat, but our group chat is only about six people, not the millions that listen to our show. Right. Please tell everybody what you told me in the group about my feelings about the Yankees that I had expressed about a month ago.

[Don Hahn]

No, listen, I have to take the l. I really feel bad that I pushed back as much as I did. You nailed it. All your concerns ended up being true. They were. But I was also coming from a place. Don't worry, you're gonna be fine. You're gonna make the playoffs. You're gonna win this division. Well, I can't say that anymore. I can't say you win in this division. You're five and a half back. Blue Jays have the tiebreaker. So in essence it's like six and a half back. Blue Jays finally lost the game against Detroit, but they just don't seem to lose series in the game. They won a game too, you know, and so. No, you're right. You're right. There's a lot to be concerned about with this team. To the point.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And the Red Sox are a game back.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. And obviously Seattle made some moves and even though you took care of business, a couple on one against them, they're still lurking. They're still going to make a move. And you know, I was listening to Kay drive it in and he sounds as concerned as you are about it because let's face it, guys, there is a legitimate conversation and I want you to join that conversation at 1-800-919-3776 that the Yankees might get to a point here between now And Friday, where they assess what they're going to do and say, we're not all in. I think we're going to make the playoffs. But I don't know if I want to double, triple, quadruple down here on a team that just might not be good enough. Judge is a problem, guys. I know everybody breathed a sigh of relief or he doesn't need Tommy John, but he's not hitting with this. We've seen guys hit with this. Oh, Tommy hit with this. He's not hitting with it. According to Michael, when he talked to Boone before the game yesterday, It's. It's a grip issue. This injury that Judge has hurts the grip. That's why they put him on the il. But he should be able to bat moving forward. But is he gonna be able to play the field? And if he's not gonna be able to play the field, that means Stan's almost not on the team anymore.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's a pinch hitter.

[Don Hahn]

He's a pinch hitter, which he was never great at in his career. All right, because you've taken the DH position away from him, which means Stan will only play on days off for Judge, which will probably be few and far between if all he's doing, especially.

[Peter Rosenberg]

If you're playing the field, right.

[Don Hahn]

And now if you decide to put Stan in the field, God bless you, then it comes at the expense of who you're not taking belligerent out of the lineup. So you're going to take. You're going to take Doug Grisham out of the lineup or you're going to take Dominguez out of the lineup. So it's all interconnected to where even if Judge comes back but doesn't play the field, it still affects you overall. Not to mention the fact that it's your defense because Judge is an A plus defender out there with a big arm that now can't be utilized if he's going to be at DH the rest of the year. Not saying he will be, but all of the earmarks tell you that they're not going to take any chances with this guy because they don't want to lose him for a long period of time if he does have to get Tommy John. So the chances of him just being a DH the rest of the year, pretty good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

When do you come to the realization that this is just one of those lost seasons now? A lost season in Yankees in Yankee land, when it comes to the last three decades, is not making the playoffs, not a losing record. Right. The lost season is when you don't make the playoffs. Think about how it all started. It started with losing Soto.

[Don Hahn]

Right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right. Him choosing someone else. And then you lose Garrett Cole.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Then you lose Clark Schmidt. And now you have judge in this situation.

[Don Hahn]

I remember you knew you weren't going to have heel for.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And he'll who we kept thinking, oh, he'll be back in May. Now it's almost August and he's still kind of climbing his way back. But just think about that for a moment. Some seasons just build up in a certain way that make you say, this is not the year. Even though they made the World Series last year and you wanted them to respond and come back and get back there and win at this time, you got to feel like number one. Before all the bad things happened, they were still the same damn Yankees. Yeah, they were still doing the same things in the field. They were still playing the same way. They learned nothing from last year. In fact, they doubled down. They continue to say, this is the way we're going to play, and I'll get on. I'll get to that in a moment. But this is starting to become more and more a frustrating thing to watch. But when the injuries start to pile up, so do the excuses, so do the reasons why. You can say, well, the season just didn't go our way. But they're always going to put up a fight. They're always going to push. Now, a couple of years ago, the Atlanta Braves were in the same place. They had a million injuries. Right. They were reaching the middle of the season, and there was this thought that you're just going to, you know, they're probably going to just shut it down.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They didn't. They doubled down, they went out, they were aggressive, they brought in some pieces, and they won the World Series. So that's kind of like, where's Brian Cashman right now? Is he looking at it as, we are not giving up on this season, we're going all in? Or is the McMahon move the conservative play that suggests that they don't want to mortgage the future and give up assets for a season that feels already like it's heading in the wrong direction? Again, not a losing year. I'm not saying that. They could still obviously be a playoff team with a wild card. All that stuff's on the table. But 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. So that's all I'm saying. In Yankee, and I know you hate this, but in Yankee standard, this feels more like a lost season.

[Don Hahn]

But just knowing how the Yankees operate going back to. What was that, 20, 23 when they finished 82, 80, it was like, well, look how banged up we were. Like, you've already got it. Like if they end up being a wild card team, get done in the first round, you know what the conversation will be? Well, we played all season without Cole, over half the season without Heel, you know, Judge had to be at DH the rest of the season from July on. Like they have the built in excuses where, hey, we were in this thing. But unfortunately the injuries piled up on us, which continues to be a problem going back to Joe Girardi's era. But if you look at the McMahon deal, all right, if they're all in this year, they probably go after Suarez, right? You would think now it hurts them defensively, but looking at the history of the Yankees, they don't seem to care about that. Another big bat. Third in major league in home runs.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But he's not going to embarrass you defensively.

[Don Hahn]

But, but he's not, he's not improving your def. McMahon's a better defender and he's going to hit. Yeah, all right, but he's also a free agent at the end of the year. It's going to cost you a little more.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's right.

[Don Hahn]

You give up a little less for McMahon, who's under contract through 27.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What does that do?

[Don Hahn]

What does that do is that he may be. And looking at the way he played the last couple of days, especially yesterday, he was good guy, can glove and he had the big hit in the second inning. They gave them the lead, remember, down the first base line. He's not going to mash the ball. Strikes out a ton, leads the National League in strikeouts. But he's. And he's $16 million a year over the next two. Right. That's not a lot. Not a lot. But he's under contract through 27, so he's controlled. So he's likely going to be your third baseman. Well, what happens to Lombard Jr. When he's ready to play? If I'm paying, he's 19. He's 19, but he almost made the team this year.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They said he's closer than most 19 year olds would be.

[Don Hahn]

All right, but then he's 20, then he's 21. While McMahon could still be your third baseman, this puts a little pressure on Volpe because remember, Lombard Jr. Is originally a shortstop, moving to third because Volpe was the can't miss this now. Could be looked upon as, hey, it improves us this year, but it's a move that can help us in the future. Are the Yankees all in this year or is every move you're going to see now? Rosario looks like it's more about this year, but it didn't cost you a bunch.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, he's the righty bat you need, right? Because McMahon is a lefty bat, the lefty lefty.

[Don Hahn]

But you might see moves where guys are under contract that can help them in 26, 27 and all that, where it's not going to be all in on trying to make something happen this year because they might read the tea leaves and go, why am I going to give up prospects for a bogus run if they really believe in their heart that I don't know if there's anybody out there that's going to put us over the top, we're five and a half back at Toronto. You look how good the Astros are playing. You know, maybe, yeah, we'll make the playoffs, but if we don't see a run in us, is Cashman going to be, hey, then we're going to do everything we can to make the playoffs this year, but not have it come the expense of the future. He might be sitting there right now and really depends on what happens in this four game series with Tampa to ultimately determine exactly what they might do on the 31st.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, he's not going to say it. They're never going to say it, right? No. Very rarely does a general manager come out and say, you know, we're punting on the season. Right. They're never going to say that we don't think we can win a championship. Actions over words, my good friend Brian Windhorse says all the time, and I love using it because it's true. When you watch a front office operate, don't listen to what they're saying, watch what they're doing, and the moves will tell you their mood or their attitude towards the team in that season. And that's why, you know, the next couple of days are going to be very interesting because it's the action over words. And this first action does. Doesn't reek of a team going for it, but instead a team that's trying to like tighten it up. Because the two games before that trade, they were just getting worse. What was it, five games, 10 errors? Yeah, and it wasn't all at third base, but it almost feels like it gets connected in some weird way that yesterday was the cleanest game the Yankees have played in a long time. And he, like you mentioned, McMahon made a couple of really nice plays at third that were helpful. So that's what I'm curious about. But as a fan, as I said, I think I said this a couple of weeks ago. Unless I feel like this looks like a team, that's the man. They got it. Like, they got it. And I want to invest. Like Toronto, they got it. And if I'm them, I want to invest. But I don't think the Yankees look like a championship team this season. And with Judge now compromised and we don't know for how long.

[Don Hahn]

That's the thing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is now when you just kind of say, no, no, no, no, we're locking the fridge and we're not snacking, like, whatever we need just to get to finish the season and be competitive because you're the Yankees, that's what you want and see what happens. But there's no way in hell you invest in this season. I'd rather wait till the off season and then see where you are at that point. I don't think this is the season to invest in after everything we've seen starting with Sota leaving and Gary Cole having Tommy John right out of the gate.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. And to answer your question, they may admit that after it's over, why didn't you go for it? Go for it because we didn't think we were good enough. And look at beginning of the season with Cole and heel and Schmidt hurt and then what happened with Judge just didn't make a lot of sense on the other end of it to bring them into the conversation, too. It's all how it looks going into the deadline. All of a sudden The Mets, now 17 straight, now they're almost showing. Hey, now we're showing you. Maybe we don't. They still need help out of that bullpen. But it's all how it looks, right? As you said, over the last couple of weeks, it's looked worse and worse and worse for the Yankees, for the Mets. I didn't think they played well against the Angels, but they swept the series. Then they go out west, bang. Win three straight against San Francisco.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The bottom of the order was really awful, Mauricio. No, but they've been. They've been bad, but they.

[Don Hahn]

But they were the reason they won yesterday.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what I'm saying. Like the bottom of the order. Now it's not just yesterday, the bottom of the order in recent games, not, maybe not consistently enough, but you've Gotten good again. Mauricio going 4 for 4.

[Don Hahn]

That was a big deal. And Alvarez being back, too.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Alvarez. What they did with Alvarez, when you look at it, wasn't giving up on the kid. It was quieting the noise. Just go to the Miners and get right. Did the Yankees need to do that with Volpe? Another time we'll talk about that. But that worked out, and now he's there. That's the patience sometimes you need. And then it all starts to click. And that's why, if you're the Mets, it's a totally different approach. The Mets should look at this like, we can win this thing. Like, all in, win this thing. Do you agree?

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. Well, the way they're starting to play right now, with the bottom of the order hitting, you, getting your starting pitchers back. I'd like to improve the bullpen. We'll see. It can't just be Soto. There's got to be more to add to the bullpen.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Who scares you in the National League? Honestly?

[Don Hahn]

Well, I mean, I.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Brewers are hot.

[Don Hahn]

Now, listen, the brewers are like the Blue Jays, but in the National League.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Show me.

[Don Hahn]

Like, show me in the postseason. You can do it. Okay, but still, they have to be respected, right? Because of what they've done in the regular season. And the Cubs are a scary team, too. Dodgers are the defending champions.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Dodgers are such a mess.

[Don Hahn]

You know, I look at San Francisco, I look at San Diego, I look at St. Louis, I see San Diego now. Yeah, we see them. I just think the Mets are better. I mean, right now. And the Mets played well against the Dodgers, but you got to respect the Dodgers. They're the defending champions. And to coin what Peter says, they might be just playing with their food, right? Because they know they're the best team. They don't have to prove anything to anybody. Everybody else is trying to prove it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They've been going through some sloppy.

[Don Hahn]

And the Phillies, Listen, you got to see the Phillies firsthand. They don't have a great bullpen.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're top heavy.

[Don Hahn]

They're top heavy. But you know what? And the Mets have only a game and a half lead on them, so it's still very, very fluid. But you worry about Philadelphia because that's the team in your division. You got to win that division. That's important. I agree. And certainly the Dodgers. But I think the Mets are starting to prove to you now that now that they're healthy, they brought up Alvarez, they got their starting pitching in the order that they want to, and still the ability to improve that bullpen and they could be the second best team in this league.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, absolutely. And Senga wasn't great. He wasn't great yesterday.

[Don Hahn]

No, no, he wasn't great. He was great his last start either. But, you know, he's still someone that, you know, you think he's got.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's the thing is, you know, he's going to get right or at least get better. I just feel like once they got the starting pitching healthy and, you know, you're not getting length out of your guy, it's just not going to happen. So you just get over it.

[Allen]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, you need the bullpen, which is why, of course, if. If you're Stearns, you know, that's obviously what you need to do. A couple of. Not one. Couple of bullpen pieces just to fortify that bullpen and make sure you have the protection for your starters to get you to Diaz. And if they do that and I don't know, I mean, do you. Are you. Are you satisfied with Vientos and Mauricio, or do you think you can find somebody else?

[Don Hahn]

I don't know. I mean, listen, Mauricio is so frustrating to watch because there's sometimes, like yesterday, he's amazing. He's got some sizzle, and other times he swinging the. He looks completely lost. And he's guessing up there. Beatty, the same things. Be consistent is a career. I think Acuna Junior's got a great future. He's got versatility, too. He can play a bunch of different positions. I might, unless it's something that blows me away, like maybe Arizona's just hot to get rid of Suarez and you don't have to give up a ton. Maybe you think about something like that, but otherwise, I might ride. Ride or die with what I have and focus on the bullpen. Now. Raley came back from his injury. He's a lefty. He can be good. They go get Soto, He's a lefty, 30 years old, some experience in the postseason.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's all or nothing, man.

[Don Hahn]

He's gonna be, you know, you live in. I would like, you know, maybe the focus for the. I know everybody's hot to get a center fielder, but if they're going to get Alvarez back hitting, if Mauricio can hit, I can. I can live with that hole in center offensively because I think there's still enough pop there with Lindor and Soto and Alonzo and Nimmo when they're on that the focus really should be more arms and options in that bullpen. Reed Garrett's good. Rayleigh's good. Soto can be good. Buto is a guy that's not going to pinch a ton. But when he does pitch, he's been okay. A lot of walks. Rasabon, like there's a lot of names out there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Your issue with your bullpen is walks.

[Don Hahn]

Oh yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The biggest issue is simply that is you have too many guys that are high balls.

[Don Hahn]

That's Danik's problem.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And so you know you need to find one or two guys that aren't going to be putting guys on basis simply as just walking them. You know that. Look, I know I didn't just break new ground here, but that's when you look at the weakness of the Mets right now. That's the weakness of the Mets is you can get a start like or appearances like you did over the weekend where all the names you mentioned all give you a good inning. But you also know that Brazabon will walk two guys or hit somebody. We all know that. Soto, while it's a, it's a, it's a good pickup. There are games where Soto will come in and walk the bases loaded and then he can get like two strikeouts. Right? Like all the same. Like this is the stuff.

[Don Hahn]

You're gonna be a high wire act a lot but you know you got a good closer and if you get a couple of different. And also don't forget come playoff time, you're going to get Holmes coming out of the bullpen because your fifth starter isn't going to make starts in the postseason. So that's a guy with bullpen experience.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Becomes your eighth, eighth inning guy. Seventh.

[Don Hahn]

Eighth. Yeah, yeah, could be. Or because he's stretched out maybe a little bit more. Maybe there's times where you bring him in in middle release because he can give you three, four innings.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Who was the guy in 2015 when they went to the World Series? It wasn't Lugo, was it? Who was it that was like not middle relief but more like he'd give you get you seven, eight.

[Don Hahn]

Well there was the three. God. Going back ten years now but the linko was there was like three guys that were a part of that. That all seemed to. They were bullpen guys. I mean they were starting pitchers during.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The regular season but they're so reliable in that run.

[Don Hahn]

And then they gave you a ton. I put you on the postseason. No, but no Lugo and Luke. How about Lugo locking up the Kansas.

[Peter Rosenberg]

City wasn't going to move.

[Don Hahn]

Couple of guys coming off boards. Class A because of the gambling investigation. Major Lugo now. So A couple of arms that are not involved in that. But yeah, when I'm just looking at. There was a few guys that they were able to go to that came that were like starting pitchers, and then they got a chance to relieve and really lengthen that bullpen. There was also a move they made. I'm just, look, trying to remember the. All the different pitchers that they brought in. But you're right. Lugo was a guy that was big for them then. And, God, I'm just trying to rack my brain. I'll punch it up here and get there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But you're right. I set you up for.

[Don Hahn]

You need a bunch of guys that can give you. Give you options. Don't you think Holmes can be that guy?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes. Yeah, we know. Look, he's filled a closer role, and while I didn't think he had closer mentality, as far as the kind of mentality you have to have as a closer, he had closer stuff. He was good, but, you know, he melted down a lot under pressure and stuff like that. But that's a guy that, you know, can. He's already done it. He can. He can work out of a bullpen, and I think that's important. And because of how they've pitched in this season, he can give you length. He's not somebody that's going to give you four outs and he's shot, you know.

[Don Hahn]

You know, it was a guy that they got at the deadline. I think it was in 2050. He was on the 2015 team. I think they got at the deadline was Addison Reed.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yep.

[Don Hahn]

And he had a couple of big moments for them, but that's what they're going to have to hope. You know, Dylan G. Was a guy that was able to start games and then come out of the bullpen because you're. Because Your rotation in 15 was Cologne, deGrom, Harvey, Nice. And Syndergaard. And then you had a bunch of different people that were getting a chance to play. Tyler Clippard was big for them coming out of the bullpen, but you need just. You just need arms. You need options, and I think they'll have that opportunity this year to just get those.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, the Mets are set up, but Don, coming up. Can I. Can I explain to everybody something that I saw while watching the Yankees and the Blue Jays, that the more I. As I continued to watch the Yankees through this past series with the Phillies, I came to a realization.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That I'm wondering if other Yankee fans are feeling this way, too, because I went from hating something to suddenly having such a respect for it. I'm almost jealous now.

[Don Hahn]

All right, Mets and Yankees Both on the table. 1-800-919-3776. It's Monday so 4:30. We've got the NFL binge at 6:00'. Clock. Anthony Pusick is back in the saddle in the studio to do enn. And because the Mets are later on tonight with a 9:30 pre in San Diego, full frontal till 7. Don Ana Rosenberg on ESPN New York. You want to get the most money. That's why more Mazda buyers choose Ramsey Mazda made for selection, customer service and savings during the Mazda More to move you sales event, lease a new 2025 Mazda CX90 preferred plug in Hybrid for only 159 for 24 months. Start shopping now at RamseyMazda.com, choose wisely. Choose Ramsey Mazda for 833-853-2970 for details. Excludes tax title registration 0 security deposit bin S1235648 MSRP 50200870 and 73125.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This.

[BetterHelp Advertiser]

Is an ad by BetterHelp. Workplace stress is now one of the top causes of declining mental health, with 61% of the global workforce experiencing higher than normal levels of stress. To battle stress, most of us can't wave goodbye to work, but we can start small with a focus on wellness. With over 30,000 therapists, BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, having served over 5 million people globally. And it works with an App store rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on over 1.7 million client reviews. It's convenient too. You can join a session with a therapist at the click of a button, helping you fit therapy into your busy life. Plus switch therapists at any time. As largest online therapy provider in the world, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a diverse variety of expertise. Unwind from work with BetterHelp, our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com timeout. That's betterhelp.com timeout.

[Don Hahn]

Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile.

[Allen]

With the price of just about everything.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Going up, we thought we'd bring our prices down. So to help us, we brought in.

[Don Hahn]

A reverse auctioneer, which is apparently a.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thing Mint Mobile Unlimited Premium wireless everybody get 3030 better get 30. Everybody get 202020 better to get 2020 every 1515 just 15 bucks a month sold.

[Don Hahn]

Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment.

[Venmo Advertiser]

Of $45 for a three month plan equivalent to $15 per month required. New customer offer for first three months only. Speed slow after 35 gigabytes of network spizzy. Taxes and fees extra.

[Don Hahn]

See mintmobile.com Gatorade is the number one proven electrolyte blend designed to hydrate better than water.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So you can lose more.

[Don Hahn]

Sweat and raise your gain.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Gatorade is it in you? Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don 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 Hahn]

Interesting choice, Jacob. If there's one thing in my life that's missing, is the time that I spend alone. He knew I would love this song. Because you can't play the Little River Band and get it by me. You know this right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Cool change.

[Don Hahn]

Cool change. Kiss me from Australia. Little River Band. But I need to know from Jacob, what was the inspiration? Was it. Was it the lunch that we spent with Mike Brownshirt? It was definitely the lunch for Mike Brownshirt. We get very yacht rocky when we were Brownshirt.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Funny. I walk in and it's all Ozzy.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, we could. No. Jacob will tell you the stuff that we played because the countdown. The 80s countdown on 80s on 8 on Sirius XM.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

Right. My wheelhouse was July 26th, 1980.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh.

[Don Hahn]

So there was some real gems.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, my God.

[Don Hahn]

Real gems.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because that's still. It's still 70s feel.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But it's like there was a little bit of synthesized music, but not a lot.

[Don Hahn]

Not a lot. But a lot of yacht rock. Like Sailing from.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sure.

[Don Hahn]

From Christopher Cross. But you also had a little disco left over with what I mean by.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The 70s still influence. Because 80s, you probably still had some Saturday Night Fever in there, right? No, no, we were.

[Don Hahn]

This is already the summer of 80. Saturday night fever was more 77 green 78. Really?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't know why.

[Don Hahn]

So Funky Town was really the only disco song from Lips Incorporated. How do you come up with two.

[Peter Rosenberg]

P's by the way, in Lips? Yes. Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

Good job.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Very important.

[Don Hahn]

Very, very.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now you had to spell it right.

[Don Hahn]

But then you get a little Eddie Rabbit, a lot of crossover country rock. Because Urban Cowboy was out.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what I was thinking. I knew Travolta had something to do with that was a big deal.

[Don Hahn]

I was talking about that with Brownshirt. Next thing you know, we're throwing out, you know, all kinds of room.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what you love about Brown Shirt. Because he's quick to pull out the phone and just.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, because he's got Spotify on his phone. He starts firing it off.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Fantastic.

[Don Hahn]

All right, your thoughts on the mets and Yankees. 1-800-9193776. Camps fully open. We've got Jackson Dart sound. We've got Aaron Glenn sound. We've got lots to get into today. It's gonna be a big, big day. Bryce Harper opened his big mouth. We gotta talk about that. Oh, a lot of fun, but let's dive right into it with the phone calls. Let's start it all off with Dave in Westchester Yarn, espn New York. What's up, Dave?

[Allen]

Hey, how you guys doing?

[Don Hahn]

Good.

[Allen]

Even if Judge didn't get hurt. I miss Judge. This whole thing, I thought the Yankees were gonna, you know, fly right into the, to the World Series. I didn't think they'd win it, but I think they'd get there. But I didn't, you know, think the Blue Jays was going to come around. The Red Sox are going to come around. The Astros are going to come around. Detroit's going to come around. So now, now with this thing with Judge, I think you have to be really, really, you know, you have to take it easy. One little thing happens and it goes to ucl. He misses next season, next year. You got Freedom and you got Cole. You have two aces and judges a healthy player. I'm not saying can the season, I'm not saying can it, but I'm not giving away anybody.

[Don Hahn]

No, I don't think they're going to take a knee, Dave. But let's face it, Dave, they're not a team that's usually all about the now anyway. Right? Brian Cashbin. We're about championships, not championships. So they're not really into the rentals as much. Their biggest, I think Hail Mary was the Soto deal. Knowing that he was a free agent at the end of 24.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yep.

[Don Hahn]

Was kind of a risk they were willing to take because they knew they were going to have him all season. But they don't give up high prospects. They don't usually aren't in on rentals. So we're not asking them to really do anything different than they usually do. But it does feel like you've got some built in excuses now because of the injuries. And you see the Blue Jays, you see the Astros. I don't believe in the Tigers, but I guess they're still there. I don't think they got pitching. I don't think we're good enough. Are they wrong? Because that's the thing. You know what's interesting, Alan, with this Topic of conversation. We really shouldn't get any pushback from our callers. They've been saying this all year. So I think they would be pretty accepting of not giving up. Not selling.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No.

[Don Hahn]

But not doing anything stupid.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're not tanking, right. You're not tanking. But I think there's a realization, and it's why I said what I said a month ago after that, that. That June, mid June weekend in at Fenway when they were playing the Red Sox and they just didn't look right.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I said, this is not a champ. This doesn't look like a championship team. There's something not right about a team that should be on a mission, coming off a World Series. A mission. And instead. But you're watching. You just named them. The way the Blue Jays play, how the Red Sox with Devers was a bit of a distraction initially. Move him out. They get some of their young guys to come up. They get themselves right. And now, you know, they're. They're playing good baseball. The Tigers, Astros always figure it out over time, and they did it again. And, you know, the Tigers have been a good story, and it always starts with their pitching. But I look at the Yankees and I just keep saying, it just looks the same. It just keeps looking the same. And for the most part, it does win. But the question I want to ask Yankee fans is if you agree with me on something, I'm watching for the second time. The Blue Jays smack the crap out of the Yankees. And all they did was put the ball. Everything the Dodgers said to do, put the ball in play and embarrass them. They will give you runs. You don't have to out homer them. You don't have to outpower them. You don't even have to out pitch them. All you have to do is outplay them. And that freaking George Springer. It's like every time there was a rally, he was in the middle of it. He was the guy either hitting the ball or he was the guy rounding third and hustling home to make that play, the extra play to force a throw that he knows he's not making that throw. And the more angry I got at that, that punchable face that George Springer has, the more I started saying freaking love this.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because he just plays hard. They all play hard. And then I came to this conclusion. The Blue Jays play the way I wish the Yankees play. And I like. It's not to say I like the Blue. Like, that's not it. It's the style is something that I'm saying I like a team that plays like that versus the all or nothing team. Because what the all or nothing team does is you have one option, and if that option isn't working, you got nothing.

[Don Hahn]

And that's what's gotta be frustrating for you, is that this is by design. They frustrate you. They are not the Blue Jays by design. This is the team they chose. This is the team that Brian Cash decided to begin. Even the McMahon deal, which I like, still is for a guy that was leading the National League in strikeout because.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They'Re not afraid of strikeouts.

[Don Hahn]

They're not afraid of strikeouts and a.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Lefty bat, short porch. Oh, maybe.

[Don Hahn]

It'S all about the home run. And they live with the strikeouts. And they, this is, this is. They believe this is the best path to a championship. And that's what's got to be frustrating. This isn't, this isn't playing because they've got no choice to play this way. They choose to play this way.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Can I read you? Bill Madden in his column this weekend had a quote from a J scout. And this is, this tells again, this tells the story what the rest of the league thinks of the Yankees and how they play. Is it the biggest difference between the two teams, meaning the Yankees and the Blue Jays? The Jays have a bunch of players who put the ball in play. They can beat you 10 different ways, whereas the Yankees can beat you just one way. And the Yankee defenders are not adept at dealing with a team that constantly puts the ball in play. They have below average defenders at 2, 3 positions at any given time. And so when I see that from scouts and you, you watch it with your own eyes and say, I don't like the way this looks. And you see the World Series and the Dodgers laughing and mocking them after the World Series, there does get this sense as a fan of disillusionment. And I know, Don, there's nothing going to change this. We can, we can scream and yell, we can rally against it. We can hold protests outside the stadium. And all that stuff is not changing until Cashman is gone. Right? But it doesn't mean I have to like it.

[Don Hahn]

No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And so the more angry I got about the freaking Blue Jays team, man, they're a thorn in your side, the more I started saying, but you know what? That's the way the Yankees used to play.

[Don Hahn]

They used to play. They work.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's the team I liked. Why don't they. So I know it's about wins and losses and I know the Yankees haven't had a losing season in three decades. But it's also about entertainment. It's also about your fans. It's also about your product. Right. Are fans fed up with the style of play that is now reaching levels of frustration? Because the style of play is leading to a team that, as that scout said, can only win one way, whereas a lot of teams, the game is starting to change again to playing and winning in more than one way.

[Don Hahn]

I just sound like a broken record. But, you know, when's it going to change? Not going to change.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know it's not going to change, but it's feeling.

[Don Hahn]

They still believe. They still look at it and say how we.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We don't. I get it.

[Don Hahn]

We haven't had that hundred loss season. We haven't been irrelevant. Our building is still packed with people. Although there were a ton of Philly.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Fans and that held that building all weekend. They did such a weekend.

[Don Hahn]

But it's also, you know, they're not, they're not drawing 20,000 people. They're not missing the playoffs year after year after year like a lot of other franchises. They can look around and say, hey, never mind the rest of baseball. Look at the rest of New York. All right, the Knicks are good now. Well, not long ago, they were losing. They were losing 60 games a game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And guess what? They also were filling the building.

[Don Hahn]

All right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I mean, the Knicks were filling the building even though they were losing.

[Don Hahn]

They were. So were the Rangers. But they can look at it and go, you know, the Rangers. Yeah, they went to New York. They went to the conference files a couple of times. But look, they missed the playoffs last year. That doesn't happen to us.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But it's New York. You're going to put. People are going to buy tickets and go to these places because that's, it's what New York. Right. But I just want to know, and I don't know if Don, you really have. Can have an opinion on this because I don't know if you can see it the way I see it. I don't like the way they play.

[Don Hahn]

No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And as a fan, it's hard for me when they win. I'm happy, but I'm not. Like, I don't get this sense of, man, this team's good. Like, I could really get behind this. It wasn't until Jalen Brunson started doing what he was doing and Tibbs had the team playing a certain way where I was like, this team can win something. It took me years to believe it.

[Don Hahn]

No, I can, I can See what you're saying?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Make me buy into them.

[Don Hahn]

But I could see Hal and Brian and all the bigwigs at Yankee Stadium listening to this show on the radio. Lean back. Oh, Allen's jealous of the Blue Jays.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What have they ever done?

[Don Hahn]

What are the Blue Jays ever done? They might not even win it this year. Who knows?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay. How did the Astros play?

[Don Hahn]

Well, now. Now you're. Now you're. The Tigers play. Oh, but they cheated. The Astros cheated. Tigers. We'll see. We've had. Since 1984. Like, they'll have an answer for everything. All the Astros. But they cheated all the Blue Jays. They never win anything. Oh. What about the Tigers? Well, what was the last time they won? It's been. It's over 40 years ago. Like, they'll have an answer for everything because they chose to do this. They looked at all the numbers. They saw your way, they saw that way. They saw the other way, and they saw their way. And time and time again, they double and triple down on this way. So they're convinced that this works. The problem is your work and their work are two different things.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Don Hahn]

All right. That's why I tell you, wipe your behind with the World Series or bust garbage, because it doesn't exist. It's a fallacy. It's a character on Seinfeld. George Steinberg is not here anymore. This is success to them. Yeah. They lead the. They're the back page of the paper every day. They're the lead on every sports talk show. They're by far the most popular team in New York.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know.

[Don Hahn]

Buildings. Always. People are watching.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Still one of the highest in op. Understand it.

[Don Hahn]

So that's it. They chose this. They weren't forced into this. This wasn't a turn they were forced to make. But this isn't a style of play.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That'S fun to watch.

[Don Hahn]

Well, they don't care.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's not fun.

[Don Hahn]

They disagree.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Entertaining.

[Don Hahn]

How's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Don Hahn]

His ratings. How is it? Like you're. You're saying all the brand sells.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's like the Dallas Cowboys. It's like Jerry saying, I'm the most valuable franchise in North America. How am I doing? You haven't won in 30 years. But Jerry Jones just has to look at the bottom line and tell you it's working.

[Don Hahn]

It's funny you hit on that, though, because these are the things that they're looking at. Everybody's looking at a different spreadsheet. The fans are looking at the standings. The Yankees are looking at a spreadsheet that tells them they can't get out of their own way. They're so successful. And that's the dilemma. You don't think they're successful. They're laughing at us going, really? Really? What, are the franchises as good as us? What are the franchise. Show me. Show me the franchise that's as good as us. Where in football? What the Kansas City? Where was Kansas City before this run? Where are they going to be after Mahomes and Reed are gone? Right. The Patriots were that. Belichick's gone. Look where the Patriots are, Popovich and the Spurs. Look where they are right now. Like they all. There's ebbs and flows for every franchise except them. Steady success. Not the success that you want, but that. But to them, they're winning every year.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know what they are?

[Don Hahn]

There's a canyon heroes every year in black ink and green cash that they can. That they can bathe themselves in. And they laugh at us.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is that evergreen conversation we always have about what would you rather do? Would you rather have a team that for a decade never loses but doesn't win a championship, or would you rather have a team that wins a championship but has losing seasons, like the Giants, when the Giants won a Super bowl and they weren't good and they won a Super bowl, they weren't good. You know what I mean? Like, which is better?

[Don Hahn]

What do they all choose? What did Scott Layton choose that day 20 years ago when he was in studio with me? Take the 10 years of consistently good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They'll all take that because an executive doesn't get fired.

[Don Hahn]

Well, isn't that interesting? Speaking of never getting fired, who gets fired with the Yankees?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Why they come back hitting coach and.

[Don Hahn]

The assistant pitching, it's chum. It's chum for the fans so they can feel like something, you know? But otherwise, I want to know if.

[Peter Rosenberg]

People agree with me or not.

[Don Hahn]

Well. 1-800-919-3776. Close your eyes.

[Allen]

Exhale. Feel your body relax and let go.

[Don Hahn]

Of whatever you're carrying today.

[Venmo Advertiser]

Well, I'm letting of the worry that I wouldn't get my new contacts in time for this class. I got them delivered free from 1, 800 contacts. Oh, my gosh, they're so fast.

[Don Hahn]

And breathe.

[Venmo Advertiser]

Oh, sorry. I almost couldn't breathe when I saw the discount they gave me on my first order. Oh, sorry. Namaste. Visit 1-800-contacts.com today to save on your first order.

[Peter Rosenberg]

1-800-Contacts.

[Venmo Advertiser]

This episode is brought to you by Stay Farm. Knowing you could be saving money for the things you really want like that dream house or ride is a great feeling. That's why the State Farm Personal Price plan can help you save when you choose to bundle home and auto bundling. Just another way to save with a personal price plan. Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability, amount of discounts and savings and eligibility vary by state.

[Don Hahn]

Pro Savings days are back at Lowe's right now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Get a four piece GE kitchen suite.

[Don Hahn]

For under $2,000 plus get a free Dewalt 20 volt max XR8amp more battery.

[Peter Rosenberg]

When you buy a select Dewalt tool. Save big with deals that work as hard as you do. Shop Pro Savings days in store or online. Today Lowe's we help you Save valid through 8.

[Don Hahn]

One selection varies by location while supplies.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Last discount taking a time of purchase. C Sales Associate for details thanks for listening to the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don Hahn]

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. It's one of the best intros to any song ever.

[Don Hahn]

You're the cat.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Al Stell Stewart. Listen. Such a good. And it's such a great intro.

[Don Hahn]

Told you. I took the kids to see him and Don McLean down the shore a.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Couple, which is tremendous.

[Don Hahn]

And it was. Yeah, I just.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Your kids get to see a lot of great shows, by the way.

[Don Hahn]

Listen, they didn't know it at the time then when they got to see Ringo. I think. I think they're old enough that they can remember seeing Ringo and Ringo making eye contact with him, which is even better. That's stuff you're going to be able to tell your kid. Now listen, no offense to Al Stewart, but there's going to be a time. We might be living in that time right now where nobody knows who the hell he is. Everybody knows Ringo.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

A thousand years from now people are going to say the Beatles and the four Beatles. Are you. Are you excited? I guess they're coming out with four movies.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't know this.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. Each one about the. Each member of the Beatles. So there'll be a separate movie for each Beatle member.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Really? I haven't had a chance to sit down and just see the. The Billy Joel.

[Don Hahn]

I haven't either. And I didn't get of the Live Aid on cnn. I've got it on dvr. I got to check that out.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But by the way, that song. There's one last thing on that song, right? On a morning like a Bogart Movie in a country that they turn back time. Like again, the intro and then the first two lines.

[Don Hahn]

That's awesome.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Phenomenal.

[Don Hahn]

Let's go to a Steve in Middle Village. You're on ESPN New York.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What's up, Steve?

[Allen]

Wow. Thank you for taking the call. Appreciate it.

[Don Hahn]

No problem.

[Allen]

I wanted. I'm an old Yankees fan, but I have one quick point to make. Bryce Harper is now my favorite baseball player. That's all I'll say.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Why?

[Don Hahn]

Why?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, just challenge. Challenging the commissioner.

[Allen]

I don't like the commissioner.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, I cannot like the commissioner.

[Don Hahn]

I can't stand them. But what is Harper? I just want to know from. And for people who don't know, Steve's talking about Bryce Harper like almost throughout.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They went face to face.

[Don Hahn]

They got into it and he told.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Them, if you're going to talk about a salary cap, get the hell out of here.

[Don Hahn]

Right. And I know it sounds great and the bravado and all that, but is it the smartest thing in the world, Steve, when every other sport has it but baseball? Why?

[Allen]

Don, you're completely illogical. And my. It was just my gut reaction. But that's not the.

[Don Hahn]

Listen, from a personal stand. I am no fan of the commissioner either, but I just don't want to see a lockout. And it feels. These are the things that we look back on when there's no baseball next year because the players are locked out, because they won't agree to a salary cap in 27, that this isn't going to look all that funny anymore. But continue.

[Allen]

And like the strike from 30 years ago, it'll hurt the players, it'll hurt the fans, but it will hurt a lot of the people who work at the stadium who will not make a million dollar contract.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's right.

[Allen]

So it was just a gut reaction. But here's my main point I want to call up and it's about the Yankees. I watched the hall of Fame ceremonies for the first time in a long time, all the way through. I love Derek Jeter now, all the speeches were great. They were tremendous. I love Derek Jeter. But there was one thing he said, you know, I just cringe when he said it. He was talking about how great cece was when they won the World Series. And he said, you know, that's when you really prove yourself. Because if you do anything in the regular season, it doesn't mean anything. You know, you really got to do it for the New York fans and the playoffs. And it's true, but it's still what you guys were Saying before the break, the marketing plan of the Yankees is to always. They always say, you know, you win a world championship and that's the whole thing that takes kind of a lot of the fun out of baseball. You want to see the ups and downs, the way the Yankees are managed. That line by Jeter is kind of like the marketing plan of the Yankees under Cashmere. And follow me on this, I would rather they are. Alan, to your point, the Yankees are boring. I don't care about the home runs and forget about them not being that good lately the last couple of months, they are boring. It's like watching a bunch of accountants play. They don't play with any aggression. And I'll just summarize it and I'll shut up after this. The Yankees are now like a boxer who only can win fights by. By knocking somebody out. If they fight somebody who can counter punch, who can jab, they flight.

[Peter Rosenberg]

If they fight Floyd Mayweather. Yeah, like a guy technically sound.

[Allen]

And that's what the Blue Jays are. I don't think there's been a Yankee team that I felt in my gut as an old Yankee fan that really was, you know, was really great. Except the last time they won even that team. And follow me on this, I wasn't too sure about that team.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah, no, no, they were flawed. They were definitely flawed. They weren't expecting.

[Don Hahn]

Here's the thing there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What Steve's saying though is again, it's interesting because it is true and they've always been corporate, but they are like, they are, you know, Brett Gardner, who was fiery competitor and all that stuff. Like you don't have that. Which is of course, the connection that goes back to other guys who were fiery type players. And that's, you know, obviously, you know, Paul o', Neill, everybody loves him. Right. The warrior. But you, you do lose that sense a little bit. But what I'm saying is what Jeter's telling you without saying it is exactly why he's not going to Old Timers Day. I don't believe in this, what the Yankees are doing. I don't think he believes in it. Now, we all know that he and Cashman, you know, have their issues. But I do think there's a part of him that probably looks at the Yankees going, all you care about is the bottom line and finishing in the black. And it's not about winning championships anymore.

[Don Hahn]

But Jeter is also kind of part of the problem in the sense.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Why is that?

[Don Hahn]

Because he's talking about how what happens in the regular season doesn't matter. It's all just about winning championship.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He said New York. But if you had to show them in the postseason what you're about. But it could be considered shade at Aaron Jones.

[Don Hahn]

It could be. But it also is easy for Jeter to say because he played for the New York Yankees and went to the playoffs every year and he was a hell of a playoff. He wouldn't have that opinion if he was a Royal and never went to the playoffs.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Or a Pirate, of course. But he's an authority on it, so he can say it.

[Don Hahn]

Right? He's an authority.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And Sabathia did it. And that's what he's saying. Sabathia did it when it mattered most. And that is what being a Yankee is about. Right? Not, hey, we have had 30 winning seasons. How we doing all this stuff you were saying.

[Don Hahn]

But the actions speak louder than words. Right? So that's all that really matters to anybody. But you know, it's, it's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I just don't like the way design though.

[Don Hahn]

Again, they believe they're doing it the right way. So it's not. It's not. There's a. You, you think there's a flaw. They obviously don't because this is how they want to do it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I think Jeter also sees the same thing I'm seeing, which is that's not what, quote, unquote, we're about.

[Don Hahn]

Right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right. It's really not what we're about, but it's become what we're about because it's.

[Don Hahn]

A lot harder to win. It's just that the way they go about it, they think is the right way and everybody else thinks of the wrong way. And that's why. It's not because of money. It's not because of lack of money or, you know, circumstances. They designed the team to be poor defensively and to strike out too much and rely way more on the home runs. That's how they want it to be.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Maddening.

[Don Hahn]

And again, it's maddening, but at the same time, how's it working out in their mind? 1-800-9193776 we got lots to do coming up at 4:30, we got an NFL binge and Anthony Pusick letting it end at 6. Don Han and Rosenberg till 7. And then it's going to be, I want to be able to give Jake Assman the promotion. He's going to be filling in for dan Grasse at 7:00 clock on ESPN. New York. You want to get the most for your money. That's why more Mazda buyers choose Ramsey Mazda Made for selection, customer service and savings during the Mazda More to Move you Sales event. Lisa A new 25 Mazda CX50 for 239 for 33 months. Start shopping now at ram ramseymazda.com choose wisely. Choose Ramsey Mazda. Call 833-853-2970 for details. Excludes tax title, registration 0 Security Deposit Bin SN 356011 MSRP 32280 and 73125.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks 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 88 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.