Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Mets Swept
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Hosts:
- Don La Greca: ESPN New York and New Jersey legend
- Alan Hahn: Long-time sportswriter and New York Knicks broadcaster
- Peter Rosenberg: Opinionated Hip Hop veteran and WWE personality
1. Introduction and Weather Segment
The episode kicks off with the trio engaging in their signature banter, setting a lively tone for the discussion. Alan Hahn notes the incorporation of weather reports into the show’s opening, a nod to classic broadcasting styles.
Notable Quote:
- Don La Greca [00:44]: “Donnie's kind of done it. And I think at this time of year, it's always good because you never know the weather changes within the hour or two.”
2. Mets Sweep by the Atlanta Braves
The primary focus of this episode is the New York Mets being swept in a crucial series by the Atlanta Braves. Peter Rosenberg delves into the specifics of the games, highlighting the Mets' struggles with pitching and bullpen performance.
Key Points:
- Pitching Issues: Blackburn's emergency start resulted in ineffective pitching against Sale, leading to critical errors such as walking the bases loaded.
- Bullpen Collapse: The bullpen's inability to hold leads turned close games into blowouts.
- Losing Streak: The Mets are currently on a six-game losing streak, significantly impacting their standings and morale.
Notable Quotes:
- Peter Rosenberg [04:24]: “The Mets got swept by the Atlanta Braves in the defining series. They’ve had a six-game losing streak and are now tied with the Phillies for first place.”
- Don La Greca [04:37]: “This could ruin whatever you do against Philly.”
3. Comparative Analysis: Mets vs. Yankees
The hosts compare the Mets’ predicament with the Yankees’, exploring the differences in their respective standings and playoff aspirations.
Key Points:
- Yankees’ Position: Despite similar struggles, the Yankees have a larger margin for error and are perceived to have a clearer path to the playoffs.
- Mets’ Vulnerability: The Mets lack the same cushion, making their playoff chances more precarious if they continue to lose games.
- Future Series Impact: Upcoming games against the Phillies are critical for the Mets to regain momentum and secure their position.
Notable Quotes:
- Alan Hahn [05:20]: “The Yankees have more margin for error. They can afford to lose a few games and still make the playoffs.”
- Peter Rosenberg [17:04]: “The Mets could play great baseball this weekend. There’s no shame in losing two out of three in Philadelphia against a really good team.”
4. Strategic Insights and Team Performance
The discussion shifts to strategic elements affecting the Mets’ performance, particularly their offensive strategies and how they handle runners in scoring positions.
Key Points:
- Runners in Scoring Position: The Mets rank 22nd in MLB with a batting average for runners in scoring position, trailing only the White Sox.
- Offensive Strategy: Alan Hahn emphasizes the importance of a strong offense to compensate for pitching shortcomings, highlighting players like Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor.
- Injury Impact: Injuries to key pitchers like Montas and Mania have forced the Mets to use openers, exacerbating their pitching woes.
Notable Quotes:
- Alan Hahn [30:16]: “Where do you think the Mets rank right now in Major League Baseball with batting average runners in scoring position? 22nd. Second to last.”
- Peter Rosenberg [21:29]: “Hitting with runners in scoring position has been a problem all year. It can really cost you in the postseason because that’s what it’s all about—getting that big two-out hit.”
5. Upcoming Series Against the Phillies
The hosts analyze the importance of the forthcoming series against the Phillies, emphasizing it as a pivotal moment for the Mets to either regain their standing or risk further decline.
Key Points:
- Series Outcome: Winning the majority of the upcoming games is essential for the Mets to break their losing streak and climb back to first place.
- Pressure and Motivation: The pressure to perform is immense, given that both teams are closely matched in the standings.
- Fan Engagement: The Mets' passionate fan base adds an extra layer of urgency and expectation for the team to deliver positive results.
Notable Quotes:
- Peter Rosenberg [24:10]: “The Phillies are a perennial winner. They’re a rival, and this series is all about giving the Mets a chance to prove themselves.”
- Alan Hahn [25:11]: “First moment of truth of the season, you're facing it right now against a rival, a division opponent and on the road as well.”
6. Statistical Breakdown: Runners in Scoring Position
A detailed statistical analysis is provided, highlighting the Mets' poor performance with runners in scoring positions, which is a critical factor in their recent losses.
Key Statistics:
- Mets' Batting Average (RISP): .216, the lowest in the National League.
- Sacrifice Hits: Only one sacrifice hit with runners in scoring position, tying them with the Yankees and Dodgers as the worst teams in this category.
- Grounded into Double Plays: Batting .211 with runners in scoring positions, second to last.
Notable Quotes:
- Alan Hahn [30:19]: “The Mets have only had one sacrifice hit with runners in scoring position this season.”
- Peter Rosenberg [31:49]: “Just get runs or go. I don’t care how you do it. When you’re struggling, just figure out whatever you can do.”
7. Listener Interactions and Perspectives
The episode features callers who share their viewpoints, reinforcing the hosts' analysis and providing additional fan perspectives on the Mets' struggles.
Caller Highlights:
- Dave from Westchester: Acknowledges the Yankees' stable path to the playoffs versus the Mets' challenging journey.
- Moose from Jamaica: Discusses the importance of June performance for the Yankees' season success and critiques MLB's broadcasting changes affecting local fan engagement.
Notable Quotes:
- Dave [34:48]: “The Mets have to go through a billion great teams. It’s ridiculous.”
- Moose [37:00]: “When you have a good June, it really sends them off to like a hundred win season. When they don't, they'll be in the low 90s or 80s.”
8. Issues with MLB Broadcasting
A significant portion of the conversation addresses frustrations with Major League Baseball's evolving broadcasting strategies, emphasizing the impact on local fans and regional sports networks.
Key Points:
- Broadcast Rights: MLB's deals with multiple broadcasters are limiting local announcers' roles, causing dissatisfaction among regional fans.
- Flex Scheduling: The hosts criticize the lack of flexibility in broadcasting less popular teams, leading to repetitive national broadcasts featuring the same few teams.
- Fan Disengagement: Concerns that fans are forced to choose between supporting their local team’s broadcast and accessing broader MLB coverage.
Notable Quotes:
- Alan Hahn [43:32]: “Major League Baseball just froze it on all these other things. ESPN, Fox, Apple TV, YouTube, TV Room 2. It’s just ridiculous.”
- Peter Rosenberg [47:01]: “Major League Baseball's made a ton of money being a regional sport. Embrace what you are. You're never going to be football, and you're never going to be basketball.”
9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The episode wraps up with the hosts reiterating their key concerns about the Mets' performance and the broader implications of MLB's broadcasting changes. They emphasize the need for the Mets to address their offensive shortcomings and stabilize their pitching to remain competitive.
Notable Quotes:
- Don La Greca [49:29]: “The only way Alan's to not pay for it. They need to show that no one's watching it. If half the crowd or more caves and they see the streaming numbers. Sorry, not happening.”
- Alan Hahn [50:08]: “More of Don, Hahn, and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.”
Key Takeaways:
- The Mets are currently facing significant challenges with their pitching and offensive performance, leading to a critical losing streak.
- Comparisons with the Yankees highlight the Mets' precarious position in the playoff race.
- The upcoming series against the Phillies is pivotal for the Mets to regain momentum.
- Statistical weaknesses, especially with runners in scoring positions, are a major concern for the Mets' chances moving forward.
- Frustrations with MLB's broadcasting strategies are affecting local fan engagement and the overall viewing experience.
Overall, this episode provides an in-depth analysis of the Mets' struggles, the immediate impact on their season, and broader concerns within Major League Baseball's evolving media landscape.