Hour 1: Momentum Swings

Summary

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.

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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)

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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)

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[Don LaGreca]

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Don LaGreca]

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Don LaGreca]

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[Alan Hahn]

Piece of wood. I'll eat it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hahn. Peter. The most used sweat is at a buffet. And Rosenberg. I'll be honest, the one thing I.

[Alan Hahn]

Miss about having an office is the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Taste of Steve Hart's nuts.

[Alan Hahn]

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

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is Don, Han and Rosenberg.

[Alan Hahn]

The best threesome I've ever heard on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

8 80, ESPN and the ESPN New York app.

[Alan Hahn]

Happy holiday, everybody. Fourth of July tomorrow. A lot of people leaving work early, stuck in traffic. We're here for you, man. And the reason we're here for you is because our own Alan Hahn experienced the traffic firsthand. He must have really loved it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's. You called it yesterday. So I. God bless you for coming up with the scheme that we have, which is today. We will work remotely because the commute that everybody's going through right now, I went through. So just so you know. So I did get up and first take this morning. And after first take, I got my car first takes off the air. 12, right? So I'm in the car before 12:30. Okay. I just got home 15 minutes ago. Yeah, but that doesn't. Normally. It's maybe it's an hour right? During the day, an hour, two hours and change is insane. And that's really what it was. So all of you out there that are listening to us, that are sitting in that same traffic, I am on the godforsaken stretch of road called the Long Island Expressway or anywhere else, because I was also in the BQE and that was garbage. Also the Kosciusko Bridge, that was a mess like everything on this side of Manhattan. Now, I don't know what's going on on your side, Donnie, but on my side, it sucks today. And it's a million degrees. So we got to entertain the people today as they're trying to get home for the holiday weekend, Right?

[Alan Hahn]

Because I remember horror stories all the years, most of it pre Covid. But we're starting to get back to where, you know, people are, you know, in their cars a lot more. And even if you Work remotely. Thursday might not be a day that you work remotely and you're kind of stuck. And I remember, you know, having to get to New Jersey, like through Staten island, like everything being backed up and it being just an extravaganza trying to get home and didn't want to have that. So smart. Still kind of experienced it. I had a strange start to my day.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What'd you do?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, I went to kickboxing, and because it wasn't that oppressively hot this morning, I took my bike. And it's three hours there, three. Three miles there, three miles back. So six. Six miles round trip adds to the workout. I enjoy that. And it usually takes me, you know, maybe 14 minutes to do it. And I felt like I made really good time. So as I'm pulling down my street, I'm the third house in from the main drag. So as I'm about to make the left into my driveway, I pick. I take the phone out of my pocket. I look at it, but it twisted the handlebar. I instinctively hit the brake with my free hand. Stopped the bite, and I went ass over tea kettle.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Come on.

[Alan Hahn]

And the good news is I landed on my head. That. That took the brunt of the fall. But I have my helmet, so I really. That was fine. I got a cut on the bridge of my nose from the sunglasses, but I know scrapes, but I have a feeling I'm not gonna be able to get out of bed tomorrow.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, you'll feel it the next day. Yeah, yeah, but Tony, that's. I mean, were you on a. On a street? Were you on a bike path?

[Alan Hahn]

No, I was, I was. I was crossing the main drag. I'm on my street. I'm on my street. So I wasn't going all that fat cuz I'm slowing down to go into my driveway.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But still.

[Alan Hahn]

But I could have just waited the three seconds. Going. Going into my garage to check the phone and the time, but I wanted to get the accurate time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There's your lesson learned.

[Alan Hahn]

But, you know. And the helmet's got a scrape. But that's why you wear a helmet.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, it's a battle scar.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't believe I'm concussed. I mean, I'll have a headache, but.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't believe I'm concussed. We'll find out during the show.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, we'll find out during the show if all of a sudden I'm starting to say ridiculous things like, Jack Schism should be an all star third baseman and get checked on, see if everything's okay.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I might. I might have already done that for the show because so today. Today, on both shows, I made the case for LeBron James finding his way to New York. Now, of course, you can explain it as LeBron make the move to do something if he wants to chase a championship, if he wants to leave the Lakers, the best. Because the question was asked was the best path to a championship? And so I answered it the way I did when we. We've been talking on the show the last couple of days, that the best path for him, if he wants to. To do it, is this is the place he's avoided his whole career and what just turns out to be probably his best way to get to the NBA Finals. And so that's how I did it. Don, the visceral response that these videos are getting, it really, it blows my mind. First of all, people think that I'm saying that I want the knicks to pursue LeBron, which. That's not what I said. I simply answered the question that they ask on these shows is what's the best path to A championship for LeBron? And that's what I said. Simple as that. But, man, like, it is. It's. It's crazy out there. And this. You got an arrogant fan base. I don't want to win a championship that way.

[Caller]

You.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You haven't won in a half century, but if you had a chance to win it, you're going. Not. Not that way. I don't want to win it down. So. Okay. Don't complain when you don't. Well, but it's crazy, Don, like how people. People react to things with such fervor that it really is just a fun conversation, and they turn it into that it's chapter and verse, like life and death kind of response, like it's politics. And all it is is just a fun conversation. So that's how my day started.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, listen, this is not gonna be the jumping off point today.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, no.

[Alan Hahn]

But. But since you brought it up, because I. I did a hit in Toronto today, and I brought it up as a possibility, and they were, like, flabbergasted. Like, really get. Wow. I didn't even think of that. Well, because it's not on a lot of people's radar because they just don't think it's going to happen.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Of course.

[Alan Hahn]

And it's very hard to happen. And. And I believe in my heart that a lot of Nick fans take that opinion. And it's my opinion, too. I mean, not. Not to the point where I don't want it to happen, but the negative byproduct of it happening is that it, you know, it's LeBron James and you don't like LeBron or LeBron's going to put a lot of shade on what could be a championship. But I feel like a lot of Knick fans are responding with the vitriol that you're saying is because they know it's not going to happen. So they don't want to allow themselves to get hurt again because of what happened in 2010. So isn't it better to react, I don't want him. I don't want that bum. He screwed us over in 2010. I don't want him. We go in a championship without him knowing that it's not going to happen. It's just. How would that be their reaction if we announced today that it happened? Would all the calls say, I don't want him, or would it be a celebration?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Which is why there's like a slight part of me that just wants there to be some indication of it, just to see if people would flip, that's all. But, you know, that's neither here nor there. Speaking of vitriol, your list yesterday.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, my God, it just.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So this. The tweet from from DHR on ESPN that had your list of the top five American bands. And specifically now, because it didn't specify in the tweet, it just says bands. Now, you were saying rock. Like that's what we were talking about. That needed to be specified. Right. So we're at almost 50,000 views on this thing.

[Alan Hahn]

Awesome.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And bud, I'm telling 158 replies. And the amount of people, by the way, more replies than likes. What does that tell you? So the amount of people that either didn't get it or are just mad for no reason about bands like you barely have heard of is hilarious.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And then of course, there's always the one guy that's like, oh, so you mean top five white bands. Like. But like, stop it. Like, it's just. People get so mad about the silliest things. But this list has really touched a nerve.

[Alan Hahn]

Music is very subjective, right? Yes, but I thought I left my objectivity out of. Because I told you I'm not the biggest Aerosmith fan. I'm not the biggest Chicago fan.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You don't love Van Halen.

[Alan Hahn]

I just felt like these. I love Van Halen, but I think.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, you don't love. What version don't you like? There was one that you told me.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, I like David Lee Roth more than Sammy Hagar. Because I just don't know what happened to the. To the hard rock of it all. Van Halen was hard rock. Sammy Hagar was hard rock. Sammy Hagar joins Van Halen to become a pop band. David Lee roll solo and goes pop. So something got lost in the chemistry of the whole thing. That's what I was curious about. Okay, but listen, it's very subjective. The only problem I ever have with any of the lists that I have. I want people to get upset. I want people to say that I would. I would rather this because they're passionate about it. Sure. But when there are people it's just like, you know, moron list or obviously you don't have ears. Like come on. Really? Is it honestly or any like. And then people is like Beach Boys. I'm like, well, listen, what can I tell you? It's the Beach Boys. They could. The only argument I think is whether they're one or two. Not on the list at all. But it's subjective. But I just don't understand like people dismissing it or name calling. It's music, man. It's always going to hit a little bit differently. But you're right, they should have put in their rock because it should have.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Said that on the tweet to specify because yeah, there. There are other bands in other style of music that we certainly would have included, but neither here nor there. It was a fun. That's why the list every Wednesday is a must listen now. All Star Game starters revealed.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

One Yankee, one met deserving. You knew judge would be of course. Right. Selected and Lindor. Is there any low like. Like because this is again, this is. This is a popularity thing, right?

[Alan Hahn]

Of course.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No Soto, I don't.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't have a problem with that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Does it surprise you at all?

[Alan Hahn]

It does. Just because when you look at like Acuna.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

Made the Atlanta and he barely. And he saw it had 124 at bats. So obviously they're looking a lot at last year because when you do the All Star and a lot of these ballots are filled before you even get to the halfway point of the season that obviously reputation and what you did at the end of last year is probably going to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Which is what for you. But that's why the Soto thing surprised me.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, I was a little surprised.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right. New York Mets fans like, no, but.

[Alan Hahn]

I really do think. Not that. Not that it should have affected it at all, but they probably really stuffed the ballots for Lindor because how ridiculous is it that Lindor has been here for how long? And he's never went to the All Star Game as a Met, So I think that injustice has been solved. Okay, but a younger version of Don Lagra probably been getting crazy. I don't. It doesn't bother me. It surprised me, but I'm not gonna get crazy about it now. Why would the younger.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm sorry.

[Alan Hahn]

The younger Don Lagreca would go to A and P, and I would go to the box, and I'd grab, like, a thousand of those ballots, and I would start, you know, poking the holes in for who I wanted and ask my mom or dad for a stamp and send it in, and then anxiously wait to see my vote. Because when I'm young, I like, oh, look, you know, Davey Lopes had 2.5 million votes. I'm one of those 2.5 million people. Like, it was like that, my 15 minutes. It's like I influenced something. I mattered. So I probably would have voted for Soto because I would be a Met, so I'd be, you know, poking those holes in. There's a whole young generation, like, what the hell is Don talking about? Why don't he just go to his computer and vote is allotted 13 times?

[Peter Rosenberg]

It didn't work that way.

[Alan Hahn]

Didn't work that way. You had to get a ballot, and it was the. What do they call it? We found out during the 2000. Like, the hanging chad thing. You poked the hole in there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Dangling chad. Yeah, yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

And you got to poke all the way through. All the way through.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Clear. And then you put it. They had a legitimate ballot box, right?

[Alan Hahn]

You would. You could either mail it in, or you would just put it back where you got the ballot.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right?

[Alan Hahn]

You go back to the amp, you put it in. Now, for all I know, that's. That was the store. That was.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't.

[Alan Hahn]

You didn't have a supermarket as a kid. Like, I go to multiple supermarkets. I get stuff on the way home. I go to Stop Shop. Right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

We had King Colon, right?

[Alan Hahn]

Growing up. For me, it was the A and P. That's where we did our grocery shop. If we ever went grocery shopping someplace else, that would be as if we got on a plane and flew to Maine. Right? It would be a completely different experience.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, where do they. Where's dairy? Where do they keep the eggs? Right? You have no idea.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, just like, where are we going, Mom? This is ridiculous. No, but it was always the amp. I don't even know if they're amps anymore anyway. Most of the amps I know Became stop and shops probably got.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, that's. Everybody has stoppage shop now. Yeah. But anyways, I saw that. I thought that was interesting. Only because of the, the absence of Soto, not because of what a great season he's had. He had a great June. In fact, he was named player of the month for the National League in June, which is really fits right into what you were saying at the start of the year, which was, I don't care if he's having a bad season. I only care if the Mets are winning. And it's amazing that when he was not playing well, the Mets were winning. And in their worst month of the season, he gets player of the month.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So is it. It's remarkable. But that's. That's literally what happened is what you talked about.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. And that's. That. No, that's exactly it. Where it's. I want to see him play well to help the team win. He didn't play well, but the team was winning, so I didn't care. And now, now he's named player of the month and I don't care because it's been an awful month and they fell out of first place. So I don't get caught up in all that. And Rick D. Pietro texts and because Peter's not here. It's nothing filthy that let's not forget that the All Star Game's in Atlanta. So that's probably why Acuna, I guess Junior is. Is in the game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But it's just it. Look, it's fair to bring this up only because Soto is as big as he is of a star in New York. And the Mets fan base had that. That's your win from the off season. And I didn't. I was wondering if there'd be some sort of a, you know, like when, you know, a player signs and like the jersey sells out and it becomes like one of the top selling jerseys in the league kind of thing. Like, I wondered if there'd be a bump because he moved to the Mets and met fans for. Again, just, just over the moon for him because he, he chose the Mets and it didn't happen. So I just, you know, just an observation. It was. It's not a criticism, it's just an observation. Guy's a big star now. He'll. Do you think he'll be there as a reserve?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, I'm sure we're going to start to hear and guys are going to get hurt because the game's not till next week and he might find himself to be there in There anyway, that's why I don't get too caught up in it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know.

[Alan Hahn]

And also, I could see whenever somebody signs a big contract, no Yankee fan was voting for him. And I'm sure people around the country were like, oh, another billionaire. I don't want to vote for him. It was probably just Met fans voting for him. And who knows, maybe Met fans were like, this guy's killing us.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Are people really holding that kind of a grudge?

[Alan Hahn]

People?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Alan Hahn]

The answer is yes. I was going to come up with something cute. And no, yes, they hold grudges and it's the same old song and dance every. Every year over something that they hold gripes for. So, yeah, him signing that big contract, Knight signing with their team, like, you know, he had a chance to go any other place besides the Mets or the Yankees, but there was somebody out there. They were booed. If you remember in Baltimore, they booed Mark Teixeira. Every time he went to Baltimore, he got booed. You know why he didn't sign there? But you know what the facts are? Orioles never made him an offer. I don't know about you, Alan, but I'd love to walk into any place and just start working there and not have to. And not have to sign a contract. I'd like that job. I'm just going to go take it. You know, the Orioles never made him an offer, so they, like the Maryland boy, didn't come back to Baltimore to play. So let's boom every time he plays there. But the Orioles never made him an offer, so what's going on? Didn't stop him from booing him. You know, Mariner fans always booed Alex Rodriguez despite the fact that there was no way Seattle was going to match the offer that Texas gave him. So logic goes out the window. But. But the jumping off point, obviously is the baseball.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yep.

[Alan Hahn]

From last night. And it's really a tale of two common themes. Both forget the first game where the Mets lost, but the second game can be a jumping off point for them. The Nimmo grand slam, I think, was. Was huge. And that just shows you how crazy baseball is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

Mets lose the first game of the doubleheader, they're in free fall.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

And now you go in to game two of the doubleheader with an opener, and Rosabond is the opener, and he hasn't been very good as a relief pitcher. And you're wondering, is this guy going to be even able to get out of the first inning? And not only you pitching an opener, Mizarovsky's on the mound for. For Milwaukee. He's three and all. He's one of the phenoms of Major League Baseball. He didn't allow a hit in the first 11 innings of his career. And you're like, how are the Mets gonna win this game? Well, you know what? In the bottom of the second inning, they had five runs. Grand slam from Nimmo, home from Lindor, home run from Lindor to get him going, and the Mets end up winning the game. So maybe that's a jumping off point. And the Yankees were in that position too. Allen, they were down 7 nothing before you even were able to open your first beer, literally.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's exactly it. I just got on the train after our show, right? Like, took the subway, went down, got on the train and I always open my phone the minute I get on the train and I just start to, to watch and I'm like, literally. And I cannot believe it was already. I think at that point it was three nothing. But I'm like, are you already? And then it ended up what, seven? Seven. Just. That was so maddening. Just to just barely sat down as a fan. That's. That's so demoralizing.

[Alan Hahn]

Of course it is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I will say this, and you're going to call BS and you can call BS all you want, but as poppy fans out there that were thinking the same thing for some reason, it was the first inning and I said to myself, I'm not giving up on this game. Like, I. I just wonder if they'll come back. And they did.

[Alan Hahn]

I.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But it wasn't enough. Again, like, that's the frustrating part. All that work to come back. So how are you supposed to feel? Because, you know, you mentioned the nimble home run. Can that get them started? They win the game, they win it easy. Going away. Seven, three. Like, that's the part where you could feel momentum. Baseball so hard to feel momentum. This is one where it's like, how am I supposed to feel after this game? Because should I feel good that the offense finally got on tracked, or should I be frustrated they still couldn't figure out a way to win?

[Alan Hahn]

I think you've got to be frustrated that they lost the game, it's a loss, and now you're sharing first place for the first time. And what is it like 76 days that the Yankees haven't had sole possession of first place? So now it's real. Seven and a half game lead now has become a tie with the Blue Jays. You lose tonight and now you're a Second place team. Mets are a second place team by the way to the weekend series.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And what did I say the last time they played each other? Remember I said when these two teams meet again, will both one or neither be in first place? Remember when I asked you that question?

[Alan Hahn]

And it's a possibility that neither one will be.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Can you imagine like where we were then compared to now is unreal because.

[Alan Hahn]

It'S going to catch up with you if you continue to lose. So what is it, you know, 14 of of 20 for the Yankees? The Mets win yesterday. So what is it for the last 18 that they've won? So they're kind of parallel same problems not being able to hit with runners in scoring position. Sometimes flat out not being able to hit. And then yesterday for the Mets in the first game and then obviously the Yankees last night not being able to get no pitching. The bullpen was fine for the Yankees but you spot them seven runs but they come back, they tie the game at nine. And you're thinking this might be the jumping off point. We're hoping Nimmos grand slam was the jumping off point. This will be a down seven nothing. And I'm with you, seven nothing. That early in the game Yankees do have potential to score. I wasn't ready to throw it away either. Was I surprised it got the 86 the way it did and the 99 and Judge hit a two run home run in a big spot.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It was a fun game. And that by the way, I mean that's of all times to pitch to him. That was the one time you could say now don't pitch to him.

[Alan Hahn]

Weird. Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It just shows you though he can make you pay that. So it made it fun, it made it exciting. And at that point at 99 I'm like they're winning this game. Like I really felt they were in this game. And then the, the. Was that a pass ball? Did they call that a pass ball or was that.

[Alan Hahn]

I saw wild pitch.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't know if they changed it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know and I know that Rice was frustrated. You could see the look on his face too. But that right there, that's that's in a nutshell what they're going through right now. Just when you thought everything starts to turn, something stupid, fundamentally stupid happened. Right?

[Alan Hahn]

Yep.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And that, that's the part that really gets you. I so this run, it's 13 and 19. Okay. They were in first place alone since April 14th on the biggest lead they had was a seven game advantage. Up seven games May 28th and now it's all gone and they're tied for first. I mean, still in first. And tonight, you know, you can still get a win. Even though you don't win the series, you get a win and you can get it back. But it just, this has been, this has been an unbelievable turn of events for them. And, and the bad luck and the bad fundamentals and the frustrated, it all just seems to keep showing itself at the worst time. It's one thing if you tie it nine, nine and then, you know, they get a couple of base knock, whatever it is, some, some lucky bounces, I don't know. But I mean, to have a wild pitch and then, you know, a base hit, like, come on, like that's the part now. So you couldn't even have your closer come in and keep you in it. Just little things like that are the things that I say when I say, does this look like a championship team?

[Alan Hahn]

No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now they've got time to fix it.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But right now this is, you hope last night that's rock bottom, that you can't even take advantage of finally breaking out offensively.

[Alan Hahn]

All right, we got a fun show. We're going to talk to Dave Maloney coming up at 4 o'.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Clock.

[Alan Hahn]

Shoulder check is something that he's very, very passionate about and he always comes on to talk about that. And you know, it's not ridiculous to talk to him because there's been a ton of that have been going on with the Yankee, with the Rangers. So we're going to want to talk to him about that. And we got basketball to talk about too, in the five o' clock hour.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes. Mark J. Spears, one of our terrific ESPN NBA guys who knows everybody, he knows Mike Brown really well and he had a lot of things to say about Mike Brown as he's taking the job with the Knicks. They haven't made it official yet, but I mean, you feel pretty good about it. I thought they might have announced it today, but it didn't get announced today. But, you know, it has been confirmed all over the place that he is getting the job. So Spears has a lot, a lot of insight. For those who are wondering about Mike Brown taking the job and what his, his mindset is and coming into something that feels like the, you know, like the expectations are through the roof. And I can't remember another, another coach who has taken a job with expectations as high as this.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, well, he'll be great. Yeah, we'll discuss that coming up. And I've got a, a little thing we can throw out, too, for the callers. Is July 4th, your favorite of the three spring summer holidays. You've got Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July. If you want to throw a Mother's day and Father's Day in there too, you can. Is this the best? I'll ask Alan. I'll tell you. And throughout the show, just when you call, just give me your thoughts on whether tomorrow is your favorite holiday of the warm weather holidays.

[Don LaGreca]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

1-800-Contacts. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan 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.

[Alan Hahn]

Another good band, America.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Which actually didn't form here, but they did end up here and are American. We got to get technical with that stuff, too. But very, very good band, great song. I've got a stat for you, Alan, and I want to know if this enrages you or this makes you think that maybe. Maybe there's something going on here.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay.

[Alan Hahn]

After the game last night, Katie Sharp tweeted this out. I'm not sure if you saw this since 2017. Aaron Judge now has 22 home runs in 8th inning or later that either tied game or gave the team the lead. That's five more than any other player in that Span.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Wow.

[Alan Hahn]

So that tells you. That's a stat that tells you, hey, he's pretty clutch.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Clutch. Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

So what I'm asking you is, do you see that and go, well, maybe he is clutching, or does it enrage you to say, yeah, but he doesn't do it in October. And the fact that he's able to do it at that kind of clip in the regular season and not in October makes it even worse. Like, if you're not clutch, you're not clutch. But he's clutch. But in the biggest times. Because that's a. That's a pretty impressive stat when you look at it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes. So what you're saying is, is when. When you really need him, clutch, he's not. You know what that is? That's James Harden. And I would never compare the two, but if you think about it, because, you know, again, I'll use my NBA background. James Harden in the regular season is a fantastic player. His numbers tell you that he's gonna be in the hall of Fame just. But just by his stats alone, his numbers. And yet in the playoffs, when it matters most, when you get to game five, game six, game seven, he disappears. Now, I don't know what that's about, and I don't want to parallel him with Aaron Judge when it comes to, I don't know, mental toughness or any of that stuff, but there are players in history that can do it during the regular season and just can't when it matters most. But that stat you gave me, I don't know if it. If it enrages me as much as it just. It does show you, though, that he has it in him when it matters. I just think in the regular season, you're seeing different pitching than you're seeing in the playoffs.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, that's different. That's. That's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I can't believe they pitched to him last night. I. I'm surprised they pitched to him in that situation.

[Alan Hahn]

I mean, if you're really going to break it down. All right, so how many of those hits came against, you know, a busher reliever in a game the Yankees fell behind and then won, you know, or the top relievers in Major League Baseball when you get to the postseason, of course, things are easier in the regular season than in the postseason. But even the most clutch of players in the postseason can't sniff his stats since 2017 in the regular season. So there is something to it. Listen, I think there's always pressure being a Yankee, and there can be a game, an arbitrary game in June or a series in any day where there's going to be more pressure on you than there is pretty much in any other city in Major league baseball. Right. So he probably feels it like, like last night was not your average July 2nd game. You know, first a share of first places on the line. You were down seven nothing. You're down nine seven. It's the eighth inning against your wife on the road.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

And you had a two run home run. I mean that's not nothing. All right, that's not.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And you. But you knew like you add to it all the things you just said and the fact that if you're the captain of the Yankees, your team has been on the struggle bus for the last month. And this was a game where you felt like, I gotta come through for the boys. Right.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And he did. That's a big spot.

[Alan Hahn]

And now they didn't win. It's not his fault they didn't win. I mean they had. It's nine nine. And then, you know, Williams gives it up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

And then they're cooked. And, and then the question becomes, and you can jump on this too at 1-800-9193776. Would you rather have lost that game? 7 Nothing. Go quietly into that good night or be teased the way you were? And I think you got to take the latter because at least it shows you the bats have woken up and maybe that carries over to tonight, the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Last we're going to find out. And that's makes even more important because you always try to find things, even in a loss, you try to find things that you could build off of and that's what the athlete's supposed to do. But let me ask you this since we're talking both Mets and Yankees here and they're going to play each other now, this weekend. Yes. After tonight's games are through, it'll be another Mets, Yankees, you know, back and forth, they are in much different place. The last time they saw each other is now they're at Citi Field. But still these games always matter. They always have a little extra something to them. But I wonder this, they both have similar problems. Both need a third baseman, both struggle with running scoring position, both need more relief pitching. Right. Help, help there. So if I just ask you this, which team between the two of them is just one good trade away from getting back on track? Like, you know, it's just one trade and it could remember last year like they added a glacias, they winker, like that kind of things started to Turn for them if they if. Because does it feel like only one move for the Mets or one move for the Yankees could get him on track? I have my answer. Do you have yours?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, I'm going to tell you, in a perfect world, I would say the Yankees, because maybe the Yankees can get a third baseman that moves Jazz to second.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Agree.

[Alan Hahn]

And I would think that would be it. But listening to Michael today, Michael said they're not going to trade for third baseman. They're going to trade for a second baseman. Jazz is your third baseman and they're going to replace DJ with a second baseman.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh my God.

[Alan Hahn]

So now, now when I.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Is it that year to find a second bait? What was reasoning? Do we have the audio? I'd love to hear it.

[Alan Hahn]

His reasoning, Michael's very smart. I said, is that it's easier to find a second baseman than a third baseman. So I guess they're not in on Aeronauto then. They never were. I guess. So that takes him off the table. And they think it's easier to find a second baseman and they'll put DJ as your utility guy again, coming off the bench and Jazz stays at third. So if that's the fact, then I would say the Mets, because that's the area that I think is the one that could be a game changer for the Yankees. But they don't think they can do it. I think the Mets, you know, have the wherewithal. I would think. I shouldn't say wherewithal. The stomach to part with. With prospects a little bit more than Cashman is. And the Mets are going to get Mania back at some point. Hopefully get Senga back at some point. So. And they get Winker back. Because I think injuries have affected the Mets more than they've affected the Yankees. So if the Mets can get another bat or another starter, that might be enough to make you feel better about them or somebody out of the bullpen, you know, I think that's probably closer. If you're telling me the Yankees aren't going to get a third baseman and that's okay. Sad.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I can't understand it. I wish I could understand the thinking. There has to. Are you telling me that there aren't any third baseman available that's not true or did you crazy like I'm clearly not smart enough to understand this. Jazz Chisholm has told you he's not comfortable there and they're just going to make him play there and he's being a good soldier and I give him all the credit in the world. For being the good soldier. But you really think this is the right idea? This is the.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't think it's the right idea, but they obviously think that they're better off making a deal for a second baseman. Maybe it won't cost as much, but that's, that's where it is. They're starting pitching is what it is. Right. Their bullpen is, is good. Now, there's always room for improvement everywhere. But to answer your question, if that's not the move, then I would still think it would. The answer would be the Mets, if you're telling me they're replacing. They're putting Jazz back at second, getting a third baseman, and that would be the answer. I was surprised when he said it, so I don't know, we can maybe find that sound, but that's what he said. And. Because, like, Volpe's been a problem, right, but they're not moving him. They're not trading for a shortstop. They're not ever going to give up on him.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right, but that's been an issue.

[Alan Hahn]

He's not hitting. The fielding isn't where it needs to be, but they're not going to correct that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, so just that, that, that, that explanation from K. And I don't, I don't doubt him. I just, I doubt, I don't doubt the messenger. I'm doubting the message, or at least I'm. I'm stunned by that. That. That catches me completely.

[Alan Hahn]

But at least what it tells you, though, is that at least they are willing to, I guess, eat it with DJ lemayu and that they will move him back to the bench because where, where are you going to put lemayhue if you find a second baseman? Right, he'll have to bounce around little outfield. He'll spell Jazz at third on occasion. You know, you got to live with that. Yeah, that. But they'd be willing to do that. So I guess there's that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So they're really all about offense, though. Like, they must be. It has to be about offense.

[Alan Hahn]

No, it is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, because, like, is. It isn't like, the Diamondbacks are going nowhere, right?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, they're, they're fading. I mean, nobody's, nobody's completely out of it because of the third wild card, but they are fading.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I thought, like, I thought one of the names I had seen among different reports, like, I read as much as I can, and I thought Suarez, their third baseman, I thought, I thought that was the name, that if there's.

[Alan Hahn]

A third baseman that you get probably Cost too much. I'm sure it's not. Maybe, maybe the phrasing's wrong of there's more second baseman, but maybe more affordable second baseman than third baseman. There may be more third baseman technically with the number, but they're probably going.

[Peter Rosenberg]

To cost you more.

[Alan Hahn]

And that's what I've been saying about Cashman. Cashman holds on to these prospects.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Alan Hahn]

That's why he talks them up. Right. That's why Volpe's in trouble, man, because he was talked up like the way Sanchez was talked up, the way Dominguez is talked up. And it's not really talked up, it's. You won't make a move because you don't want to landlock these guys because they're coming and you want to have them have a place to play when they're ready. So you build them up. And you don't get an all star shortstop because Volpe's coming. You don't get another extra outfielder because Dominguez is coming. So there's a certain expectation on these players when they get here, Allen. And now they don't live up to those expectations and then they get eviscerated by this fan base and by the media.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right, so then if there's not a one move for the Yankees, clearly, because the second base is not really going to solve the problem, then what about the Mets? Is there one move?

[Alan Hahn]

There's. Well, I'd like to see Winker come back, but they're going to have to, in my opinion. If they, if, even if they get Mania back and Senga back, that's not going to solve their problem of length out of the starting rotation.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So you're focused more on pitching.

[Alan Hahn]

So you're not even looking at third.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Base either, Is that what you're saying?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, listen, yeah, they need. I think they do, but I'm looking, I can look at the top of their order and I can see what Lindor can do, what Soto can do, what Alonso can do, what Nimmo can do. You know, if you get Marte going, you get McNeil going, you get Winker back, that should be enough offensively to compete. And then if you're never going to get really any length, if you're always going to have to get nine to 12 outs, no matter how healthy your rotation is, then you're going to need help in that bullpen. You're just going to have to, you're going to have to get better arms than what they have right now because Sanga, remember, he's A guy that they treat with kid gloves. They don't. They don't. He doesn't give you a ton of length. Montas Manaya. These aren't guaranteed guys that are getting outs in the seventh inning. So if I'm going to have to navigate to get 9, 10, 11, 12 outs a night, then I'm going to need better arms in that bullpen.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Would Bregman interest you if the Red Sox wanted to move off him? Remember, he's got an opt out. He can, he can walk. Now, I know he's banged up right now, but. Because you know, you know Bregman is not an option from a third for the Yankees because they're never going to make that trade, right? That's not going to happen.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, they could have had him, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

True. But I'm, I'm trying to look at potentially available third baseman. Both teams need. Because to me, relievers are always what you do at the trade. Dead. Everybody's trying to find them relievers. The third base issue for both teams is, is stark. It's noticeable. And so I'm asking you, just like if I told you the Red Sox reach a point where they're like, we know Bregman's walking. Like, we know he's gonna, he's gonna exercise his player, opt out, and he's gonna walk. So we want to get something for him, and they, they decide to do it. What. What do you do? You say, yeah, go for it.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, I would. Because it's a problem, right? Is Beatty the answer? Is Mauricio the answer?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No.

[Alan Hahn]

Vientos has got one hit since he came off the il. Now, Vientos is interesting, though, because he did hit in the postseason. He did hit last year, you know, but, but let's not forget too, you know, what's going to happen with Pete at the end of the year, you know, so you want to. So is Vientos eventually going to become your first baseman if, If Alonzo ever left? Because if Alonzo ends up having a monster year and decides to opt out, then you might be in the same dilemma you were in last year. Maybe have less of an appetite to give him another contract.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's amazing how, like, think about it. A couple of weeks ago, we thought he was making himself a ton of money, and it's really quieted down now for him. And now, like, look what you just said without even hesitating that May. Oh, they. Maybe they just let Alonzo walk like a month ago, you would have never said that so easily.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, I, I just think it's it's possible they won't, but they still have half a season. I don't know what it's going to look like.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I get it.

[Alan Hahn]

I know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I get it. I'm just saying it's interesting that, you know, we, we've had, we've reached that point. So there's no easy answer here, though. No relievers is what everybody gets at the trade deadline. I I don't think we like getting a reliever or two that you've never, you know, names that if you're a diehard baseball fans, the only only way.

[Alan Hahn]

You know these guys you it's important, but it's never sexy when you make the move. But could turn out to be something that's vitally important by the time you get to the post season.

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[Peter Rosenberg]

You can Venmo this or you can Venmo that.

[Alan Hahn]

You can Venmo this or you can Venmo that.

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[Don LaGreca]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

The Don Han and Rosenberg Podcast.

[Alan 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.

[Alan Hahn]

Dave Baloney will join us coming up at 4 o'. Clock. Mark J. Spears at 5 to talk a little Knicks and LeBron and NBA got ENN coming up at 6 o'. Clock. And let's not forget at 4:30 we've got the Thursday rewrite. So we've got a lot going on here to close out the week off tomorrow, obviously with the Fourth of July, but there's a lot going on in sports and a lot to hear from you. 1-800-919-3776. Let's start it off with Matt in the Bronx. You're on Don Han and Roseberry. What's up Matt?

[Caller]

Hey, how's it go? How's it going guys? Thanks for taking my call.

[Alan Hahn]

Always.

[Caller]

So just had a couple of quick comments regarding the Yankees and to answer Don's question, nine out of ten times, I would just rather lose that game. Seven nothing. But I was happy to see Judge hit the home run and I don't know, just to see the team fight a little. I don't know what happens this time of the year or they always seem to go through these doldrum dog days if you will. But I mean I'm trying to be a sensible fan. Like I know that these things are going to happen. And I just wanted to say as far as the third base discussion, it's interesting because I really don't know who the next player could be. Obviously they didn't go for Bregman. I thought they were going to be making more of a play at Arenado at the time. But you know, maybe it just is what it is at this point with their infield.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, they show no desperation, Matt, because Bregman's good player. Arnotto's a defensive dream. He's older but didn't stop you from getting Goldschmidt who was older. They obviously, whether it's analytics or whatever, Matt, and thank you for the phone call. They, they have a certain type of player they want and I guess at a certain dollar figure or how many prospects they're going to have to give up to get that player. Bregman was about money. Arenado, it's about prospects and money because you're going to have to pay him another three years left on his contract.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

So Allen, the fans have the luxury of saying he fits because of this, that and the other thing where the Yankees look at it beyond what he could do for them on the baseball field, but what does it mean to the luxury tax, what it means to the prospects they'd have to give up. So they look at it differently. And they just didn't think Bregman fit, doesn't think Aaron Otto fits, even though it would be a vast improvement from what they have right now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And it all goes back to the contract they gave the DJ LeMayhue, which at the time you felt like, you know, that was a gun to your head kind of decision because he had been playing so well.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And it just felt like you'll live with it later. And unfortunately now you are living with it later because he's gone through injuries and his production. His ability to hit. The baseball, which once was elite, once was one of the best in the league at doing it, has fallen off a cliff. Like you could live with everything else. You could live with slow feet. You can live with his lack of range, all that stuff defensively if he still was a professional hitter. But as you can see, he's really not that anymore. They're probably trying to give him time, since he's coming back from the injury, to find it. I don't know how much more time you give it, but if Michael K. If what Michael K. Said is true, they're going to replace DJ but not let Jazz get back to where he's most comfortable and most effective. Which again, tells you they do not value defense more than they value offense.

[Alan Hahn]

And that's what Mike in Connecticut's talking about. You're on espn, New York. What's up, Mike?

[Caller]

Hey, guys, thanks for taking the call. Hope you're enjoying your day. One of the things that frustrates me the most about the Yankees, and you guys are still talking about it, is the book on the Yankees is out, and the Dodgers put it out for everybody to see last year in the World Series. The Yankees have no ability to play defense. Not only are they not trying to seem, it seems like to teach it, but they're just not even putting players in positions to succeed. And I think a lot of that plays into when they go on these really bad losing streaks, or not necessarily losing streaks, but where they're not playing well. One of the most fluctuating things in baseball is how hot your offense Gets hot. Offenses can be flaming hot and then go completely cold. Defense is usually pretty consistent. A guy's a good defensive player whether he's over his last 20 for the most part. Sometimes guys take it to the field, but it doesn't go hot and cold like offense does. And sometimes you need that defense to help you win games when you're sputtering like this. And it seems like the Yankees don't see that at all. They want to just hit all the home runs, not care about anything else. And if they don't, they lose.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, and it's Mike.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm telling you, Donnie, both of you listen. What Mike said is something that is a sports adage, but something that clearly the Yankees in their analytics don't really pay much attention to because they don't believe in slumps, they don't believe in hot, they don't believe in cold. Right? But what Mike said is so true. The one thing that you always say about defense is defense never goes into a slump, right? Good defense never slumps. And they don't seem to to value that. They don't look at it that way at all. They want to know if this guy. Well, look, Parasa should be playing third because athletically he's a better third baseman, but he can't hit. It's not a major league hitter. So they look at that as a hole in the lineup. They'd rather not have that to sacrifice off to sacrifice offense for a better defense. They have their room, they have their reasons.

[Alan Hahn]

Yep. That's just how they figure it'll work. But there's times just does not work. Chris in Tom's river. You're on ESPN New York.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hey guys, how you doing?

[Alan Hahn]

Good, man.

[Caller]

So, yeah, I mean, I've had this thought for a while and I've heard Michael K. Say it specifically a lot. On how great Brian Cashman is as a gm. But we constantly, every trade deadline, every year, every playoffs, we talk about how flawed of a roster this is. How we have Jazz playing out of position. Now we have DJ on a big contract and he can't even move anymore at second base. It, it's honestly, it's so insane. We just got to make up our mind, is he a great GM that can handle a 300 million dollar payroll and. Or is he not? And also that that leads to the next point on. Do you trust him to make any adjustments and trades to upgrade this team? Because I certainly don't. I don't know. I certainly don't. I feel like every trade deadline Is.

[Alan Hahn]

The same with this guy, Chris. It's a conundrum because they, they, they pretty much go to the playoffs every year. So you say, well, he has to be a good general manager. Look at the talent they have. Look how good they are during the regular season. But you make a great point. And I used to argue with Michael all the time, too, when you say the roster's flawed, that's a shot at Cashman. Why is the roster always flawed? You've got all the ability to spend more money than most teams. Why do you go years without a left fielder? You're now going into a season without a third baseman. How does that happen? You know, I know injuries take place and Cabrera getting hurt kind of messed things up a little bit. I get it. But every year we seem to talk about a hole in this roster, a hole in this rotation, a hole in this lineup. There shouldn't be any holes. The money should be able to spackle those holes. But he gets stubborn. He wants to hold on to prospects. And then when these prospects come up, Allen, and they don't live up to the expectations, he gets killed then, too.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So I'll ask the question. I'll continue to ask it. It's. And I continue to implore Yankees fans, stop blaming the owner. He writes a check for $300 million. Well, it's one of the, it's one of the biggest checks and owner rights in the sport. And he's an owner, singular. Like some of the other teams, it is a group, especially the Dodgers. So all I'm going to say is simply this. The question that needs to be asked is, is the money being spent wisely? When you have contracts and players who are albatrosses, those are bad decisions or you're not finding a way to get rid of them before they become albatrosses.

[Alan Hahn]

But I can also blame Hal. Not for the money, but for. So Brian Cashman's got a job for life.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, that's, That's.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm spending all this money and we don't have a third baseman and I got a second basement playing third.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The fans get mad that he won't spend more. That's why. That's what I say. Don't. Don't. You cannot get on his case for not spending more. You can get on his case for keeping the same guy in charge year after year. And the same results keep happening. Bad fundamentals, bad defense, an offense that fluctuates too much of an emphasis on analytics and then contracts that force you to have to play players either out of position or play players who really have nothing left to give. And as much as you love Stanton, like Stanton's another guy that look, all he can be is a Dharma and it's for part time. But what he's done in the postseason makes you feel like, well, if he can have one run like he had last year. But this has just been a recurring theme with this team. 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 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.