Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Momentum Swings (July 3, 2025)

In the inaugural hour of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg, and guest Don LaGreca dive deep into the current state of New York sports, analyzing pivotal moments, team performances, and fan sentiments. Titled "Momentum Swings," the episode navigates through personal anecdotes, critical sports discussions, and engaging listener interactions.

1. Holiday Greetings and Commuting Challenges (00:30 - 03:00)

As the episode kicks off, the hosts exchange light-hearted banter, reflecting on the upcoming Fourth of July festivities and the notorious holiday traffic.

• Alan Hahn humorously remarks on the dense traffic:
  "Fourth of July tomorrow. A lot of people leaving work early, stuck in traffic. We're here for you, man." (00:54)

• Peter Rosenberg shares his firsthand experience:
  "I did get up and first take this morning... I went through the Long Island Expressway... it sucks today." (01:07)

2. Alan Hahn’s Biking Accident (02:45 - 04:25)

The conversation takes a personal turn when Alan Hahn recounts an unfortunate biking accident.

• Alan Hahn describes the incident:
  "I was about to make the left into my driveway, I take the phone out of my pocket... I went ass over tea kettle." (02:45)

• Reflecting on safety measures, he adds:
  "The good news is I landed on my head... I have my helmet, so that was fine." (03:29)

3. LeBron James and the Knicks Speculation (04:25 - 07:00)

A significant segment of the discussion revolves around LeBron James potentially joining the New York Knicks, stirring intense reactions both online and among fans.

• Peter Rosenberg explains his stance:
  "I made the case for LeBron James finding his way to New York... the best path for him, if he wants to, is this is the place he's avoided his whole career." (04:35)

• Addressing the backlash, he notes:
  "The visceral response that these videos are getting, it really blows my mind... it's crazy out there." (05:00)

• Alan Hahn adds perspective on fan resistance:
  "A lot of Knick fans are responding with the vitriol... they don't want to allow themselves to get hurt again because of what happened in 2010." (06:10)

4. All-Star Game Selections and Surprises (07:00 - 11:35)

The hosts transition to discussing the All-Star Game starters, highlighting surprising selections and debating their implications.

• Alan Hahn expresses surprise over Soto's inclusion:
  "I was a little surprised... he was named player of the month for the National League in June." (08:50)

• Peter Rosenberg analyzes the impact:
  "It's remarkable. He didn't play well, but the team was winning, so I didn't care." (09:00)

5. New York Yankees and Mets Performance Analysis (11:35 - 23:00)

A substantial portion of the episode delves into the current performances of the New York Yankees and the New York Mets, evaluating their standings, player performances, and managerial decisions.

• Alan Hahn critiques the Yankees' third baseman situation:
  "They show no desperation... they didn't think Bregman fit, doesn't think Aaron Otto fits, even though it would be a vast improvement." (44:51)

• Peter Rosenberg discusses Aaron Judge's clutch performance:
  "He has 22 home runs in 8th inning or later... that's five more than any other player in that span." (26:56)

• Alan Hahn questions the Yankees' defensive strategies:
  "The Yankees have no ability to play defense... they're not even putting players in positions to succeed." (47:03)

6. Listener Callers’ Feedback and Criticism (23:00 - 42:00)

Engaging with their audience, the hosts feature calls from listeners expressing their frustrations and insights regarding the Yankees' management and defensive shortcomings.

• Caller Matt from the Bronx shares his discontent:
  "The book on the Yankees is out... they have no ability to play defense." (42:53)

• Caller Mike from Connecticut criticizes GM Brian Cashman:
  "We've constantly talked about how flawed this roster is... every trade deadline is the same." (47:58)

7. Trade Needs and Future Outlook (34:05 - 39:55)

The discussion shifts to potential trades and team needs for both the Yankees and Mets, exploring viable solutions to their current challenges.

• Alan Hahn suggests the Yankees could benefit from a third baseman:
  "In a perfect world, I would say the Yankees... can get a third baseman that moves Jazz to second." (31:59)

• Peter Rosenberg debates the feasibility of trading for key players:
  "I wish I could understand the thinking... Jazz Chisholm has told you he's not comfortable there." (33:35)

8. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Segments (39:55 - End)

Wrapping up the first hour, the hosts tease upcoming guests and segments, maintaining listener anticipation for future discussions.

• Alan Hahn previewed future conversations:
  "We're going to talk to Dave Maloney coming up at 4 o'. Clock... Mark J. Spears... ESPN NBA guys." (23:23)

• They encourage listeners to engage with the show:
  "Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts." (42:11)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Alan Hahn on Biking Accident:
  "I went ass over tea kettle." (02:45)

• Peter Rosenberg on LeBron’s Potential Move:
  "It's crazy out there." (05:00)

• Alan Hahn on Yankees' Defensive Issues:
  "The Yankees have no ability to play defense." (47:03)

• Peter Rosenberg on Aaron Judge's Clutch Stats:
  "He has 22 home runs in 8th inning or later... that's five more than any other player in that span." (26:56)

Key Insights and Conclusions

• Team Performance Pressure: Both the Yankees and Mets are under immense scrutiny due to recent performances, with fans demanding better defensive strategies and more effective player trades.

• Management Decisions: Criticism is directed towards Yankees' GM Brian Cashman for perceived inaction in addressing roster flaws, particularly in defense and third baseman positions.

• Player Performance vs. Team Success: Standout performances like Aaron Judge's clutch hitting are acknowledged, but questions remain about their impact on the overall team success, especially in critical moments.

• Fan Engagement and Sentiment: The podcast highlights a passionate and sometimes contentious relationship between fans and team management, emphasizing the high expectations placed on New York sports teams.

• Future Prospects: Upcoming episodes promise deeper dives into specific managerial decisions, player trades, and broader sports topics, maintaining a focus on momentum shifts within New York's sports landscape.

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg effectively captures the dynamic and often tumultuous nature of New York sports, providing listeners with a comprehensive analysis intertwined with personal experiences and community feedback.