Hour 1: Mets Out on Alonso? - Don, Hahn & Rosenberg

Transcript

Don LaGreca (0:00)

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Peter Rosenberg (0:35)

Han, huge no, but big, yeah. And Rosenberg, I didn't listen to anything you just said.

Don LaGreca (0:40)

This isn't North Dakota. This is New York.

Peter Rosenberg (0:43)

This is Don, Han, and Rosenberg on 880 ESPN and the ESPN New York app.

Don LaGreca (0:52)

It's 3:00 in the big city. It's Don Hahn in rosenberg here on 880 ESPN. And it is a pleasure to welcome back Alan. Han, I know you went through a really very difficult time, and our condolences go out to you and your family for the loss of your sister. But it's really happy to have you back. So hope you're feeling better. And again, the family's thinking about you. We've been thinking about you for a long time. So welcome back, sir.

Peter Rosenberg (1:17)

Thank you. First thing I want to do is thank everybody who has reached out just for the messages of support and love and everything through what has been a very difficult time for my family and for myself personally, but mostly for my mother and my sister, who did all the work in doing all they could to keep my oldest sister, you know, as comfortable as she possibly could. So, again, I just want to thank everybody. It means the world. It definitely shows just how much people do care, whether we agree or disagree on sports takes or anything else that goes on in the world. We all know when someone's hurting, the first thing you want to do is reach out to them. So I got all your messages. I wish I could respond to every single one. I have tried to at least hit like, when I can, but I've tried to stay off social media. So thank you, everybody. It's good to be back. It's time to now start celebrating life.

Don LaGreca (2:08)

Yeah. And on that note, we celebrate a new life in the world. And that, of course, is Peter Rosenberg's new daughter, who was born a little bit after 5:00 last night. And we got wind of it. And heard about it after the show had already been over. Peter will be on tomorrow to give us all of the details because that's really up to him with the name and all the thing and the story that I'm sure is behind what was a obnoxiously long labor. I think she kind of went into labor sometime in the middle of the afternoon on Tuesday, right? Was it Tuesday or Wednesday? Yeah, it was Wednesday. And then born late Thursday.

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Mets Out on Alonso?

Podcast Information:

Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Episode: Hour 1: Mets Out on Alonso?
Release Date: January 16, 2025

1. Host Updates and Personal News

The episode opens with heartfelt updates from the hosts. Don LaGreca welcomes back Alan Hahn after a challenging period marked by the loss of his sister, expressing deep condolences and support.

Peter Rosenberg shares joyous news about the birth of his daughter:

[02:08] Peter Rosenberg: "I just want to thank everybody... it's time to now start celebrating life."

Don LaGreca congratulates Peter:

[02:50] Don LaGreca: "Congratulations to Natalie and Peter, and we'll get the official announcement from Peter himself tomorrow."

The hosts reflect on the significance of becoming fathers and the emotional impact it has on their lives and perspectives.

2. Main Discussion: Pete Alonso and the Mets' Future Plans

The central focus of the episode revolves around Pete Alonso and his potential departure from the New York Mets. Peter Rosenberg introduces the topic with recent reports indicating that the Mets may not re-sign Alonso, citing Andy Martino's analysis:

[06:16] Peter Rosenberg: "The Pete Alonso era with the Mets is over."

Don LaGreca delves into the Mets' handling of Alonso's contract negotiations:

[07:23] Don LaGreca: "I can't say that I'm overly surprised that this is happening because you didn't see the Mets falling over themselves to bring Alonzo back."

They discuss the Mets' strategy, emphasizing David Stearns' (Mets' General Manager) cold-blooded decision-making:

[08:07] Don LaGreca: "Stearns can be cold-blooded because that's a good general manager is supposed to do."

The hosts compare Alonso's situation to other Mets players' departures, highlighting a pattern of not retaining "Forever" players:

[10:38] Peter Rosenberg: "And the other one, David Wright." [10:57] Don LaGreca: "David Wright's career ended in the worst way possible..."

3. Comparison with Other "Forever" Players

Don LaGreca laments the Mets' inability to cultivate long-term franchise players, contrasting with legends like Tom Seaver and David Wright:

[12:10] Don LaGreca: "But what gets you through is the day in day out of falling in love with players and what happens in the regular season."

Peter Rosenberg and Don discuss the importance of players being "Forever Mets," staying with the team throughout their careers:

[20:05] Don LaGreca: "All you did was. No, you're right." [20:33] Peter Rosenberg: "It doesn't count."

4. Listener Call-ins and Opinions

Throughout the episode, listeners share their perspectives on Alonso's potential departure:

Jay from Queens supports the Mets' decision:

[23:25] Jay: "Listen, thanks, Pete, but it's time to turn the page."
Brian from Long Island echoes similar sentiments, questioning the Mets' ability to retain beloved players:

[25:03] Brian: "Do you really want Pete Alonso to clog up first base?"
Mike from Manasquan emphasizes the business side, highlighting the Mets' budget constraints:

[42:00] Mike: "Do you really want Pete Alonso to clog up first base?"

These interactions underscore the tension between fan loyalty and organizational strategy.

5. Concluding Thoughts

In their final discussion, Don LaGreca and Peter Rosenberg weigh the future of the Mets without Alonso, considering potential replacements like Vladimir Guerrero Jr.:

[36:28] Peter Rosenberg: "There you go."

Don LaGreca remains hopeful yet realistic about the Mets' plans:

[39:57] Don LaGreca: "I think Stearns knows what he's doing."

The episode wraps up with light-hearted banter about classic rock bands and upcoming promotions, maintaining the engaging and personable dynamic of the hosts.

Notable Quotes

Peter Rosenberg on personal gratitude:

[01:17] "I just want to thank everybody... it means the world."
Don LaGreca on general management:

[27:03] "Where does it stop? And who do you decide to stop with?"
Listener Brian on team decisions:

[25:03] "Is it really that much of a crime to be able to just a guy that we love... so I just want to give credit to them."

Conclusion

In Hour 1: Mets Out on Alonso?, Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg navigate the emotional and strategic complexities surrounding the New York Mets' potential release of Pete Alonso. Balancing personal anecdotes with in-depth sports analysis, the hosts and listeners explore the implications for the team's future, the concept of "Forever" players, and the broader challenges of managing a beloved sports franchise. The episode provides a nuanced perspective for both Mets fans and baseball enthusiasts, offering insight into the intersection of passion and pragmatism in professional sports.