Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Mets Struggles
Podcast Information:
- Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
- Host/Authors: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
- Episode: Hour 1: Mets Struggles
- Release Date: June 30, 2025
- Description: Featuring ESPN New York and New Jersey legend Don LaGreca, sportswriter Alan Hahn, and Hip Hop vet Peter Rosenberg, the podcast delves into New York sports and beyond.
1. Introduction and Weekend Recap (00:24 – 03:28)
The episode kicks off with Alan Hahn discussing his recent activities, including attending the Beach Bash event with friends. The hosts share anecdotes about their weekend gatherings, highlighting camaraderie and missed guests such as Bart, Rick, and Dave. Alan mentions the Mets hoping to regain their footing after being swept by the Braves, setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of the team's current struggles.
Notable Quote:
Alan Hahn [02:00]: "There’s a place, there’s a sports bar in Neptune, New Jersey... it was nice, it was fun to get together. And that’s the way the weekend started."
2. Mets Struggles: Performance Analysis (03:28 – 07:14)
Alan Hahn dives into the Mets' disappointing performance, highlighting their sweep by the Braves where they were outscored 30 to 4—a record differential for a three-game series in Mets history. He contextualizes this by referencing the Mets' historical lows, such as the 1962 expansion team’s poor start.
Notable Quotes:
Alan Hahn [05:15]: "30 to 4, that's bad."
Peter Rosenberg [05:25]: "26 run differential in their history."
3. Pitching Issues and Injuries (07:14 – 14:19)
The discussion shifts to the Mets' pitching woes, exacerbated by injuries and overuse of pitchers like Blackburn. Alan expresses frustration over the bullpen's inability to maintain performance, emphasizing that the team has only won three of their last 16 games. They analyze individual performances, noting Lindor and Alonso's struggles at the plate.
Notable Quotes:
Alan Hahn [07:14]: "Our injured pitchers will come back over the next few weeks."
Peter Rosenberg [13:54]: "You can't be a one-man band in Major League Baseball. It's ridiculous."
4. Ownership and Payroll Dynamics (14:19 – 29:53)
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Mets’ owner Steve Cohen and his financial strategies. Alan Hahn discusses the implications of Cohen’s willingness to invest heavily in the team, questioning the ethics and sustainability of such spending without a salary cap in baseball. They compare this to other sports, debating whether spending money guarantees success or if strategic team-building is more effective.
Notable Quotes:
Alan Hahn [25:20]: "$200 million over four years."
Peter Rosenberg [27:13]: "Can't beat him. Join them."
Alan Hahn [28:25]: "I didn't listen to anything you just said."
5. Comparisons to Other Teams and Sports (29:53 – 36:24)
The hosts compare the Mets’ situation to other MLB organizations like the Astros and Dodgers, discussing tanking strategies and player development. They also touch upon dynamics in the NBA and NHL, emphasizing how different leagues handle team building and success.
Notable Quotes:
Alan Hahn [29:09]: "The Dodgers, because I think I know where Pete's getting. Are the Dodgers well run, or do they just spend more money than everybody else?"
Peter Rosenberg [34:12]: "They legally did something and, but it just feels like you're just kind of taking advantage of a situation."
6. Listener Calls and Audience Feedback (36:34 – 40:32)
Engaging with listeners, Alan and Peter address concerns about specific player performances, such as Vientos and catcher positions. They discuss potential trade moves and managerial decisions, reflecting on how roster structure impacts the Mets' performance.
Notable Quotes:
Listener Keith [38:40]: "If I see Vientos at DH instead of Martell, I’m going to go to New York. I’m going to be in disguise and..."
Alan Hahn [39:26]: "You got the deadline coming up at the end of July... something's going to have to happen sooner than later."
7. Closing Thoughts and Music Discussion (41:31 – 48:37)
As the podcast winds down, the hosts engage in a light-hearted discussion about music, specifically Whitney Houston's songs and the national anthem. This segment provides a personal touch, showcasing the hosts' personalities beyond sports commentary.
Notable Quotes:
Alan Hahn [44:14]: "Would you put the national anthem in a mix and listen to it? Just because of the performance."
Peter Rosenberg [46:25]: "I agree. What's wrong with that? That's a great song."
8. Community and Upcoming Events (43:11 – 44:01)
Alan and Peter promote upcoming community events, such as the ESPN New York Tee It Up Golf Challenge, highlighting their involvement in local philanthropic activities. This segment underscores their commitment to the community and offers listeners ways to engage beyond sports discussions.
Notable Quote:
Peter Rosenberg [43:11]: "It's all happening Monday, July 21st... the proceeds support the Garden of Dreams foundation."
Conclusion
In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, the hosts provide a comprehensive analysis of the New York Mets' current struggles, delving into performance issues, pitching problems, and ownership dynamics. They engage with listener feedback, compare MLB strategies with other sports, and maintain a personable tone through light-hearted discussions and community highlights. The episode offers valuable insights for Mets fans and sports enthusiasts, capturing the complexities of team management and the emotional investment of the fanbase.
Total Duration Covered: Approximately 48 minutes
Notable Timestamped Quotes:
- Alan Hahn [05:15]: "30 to 4, that's bad."
- Peter Rosenberg [13:54]: "You can't be a one-man band in Major League Baseball. It's ridiculous."
- Alan Hahn [25:20]: "$200 million over four years."
- Peter Rosenberg [27:13]: "Can't beat him. Join them."
- Alan Hahn [29:09]: "The Dodgers, because I think I know where Pete's getting. Are the Dodgers well run, or do they just spend more money than everybody else?"
- Peter Rosenberg [34:12]: "They legally did something and, but it just feels like you're just kind of taking advantage of a situation."
- Alan Hahn [44:14]: "Would you put the national anthem in a mix and listen to it? Just because of the performance."
- Alan Hahn [05:15]: "30 to 4, that's bad."
Note: Advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the informative and engaging discussions pertinent to the Mets' performance and related sports topics.