Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg - Hour 1: Not A Championship Team

Release Date: August 14, 2025

Overview

In the inaugural episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg dive deep into the current state of New York baseball, focusing primarily on the New York Mets. Balancing personal anecdotes with in-depth sports analysis, the trio engages listeners with spirited discussions, expert opinions, and interactive segments with callers.

1. Personal Anecdotes and Show Dynamics

The episode kicks off with a light-hearted personal story from Peter Rosenberg about a failed movie outing. He shares his experience of planning to watch Disney's Tangled with his daughter and the ensuing mishaps that led to an impromptu Mets-watching session instead.

Peter Rosenberg (01:22): "I just had a very interesting moment with Michael as you love, but I don't think he caught it because have you seen Tangled yet with Maya?"

This anecdote sets a relatable and engaging tone for the show, showcasing the hosts' ability to blend personal experiences with their passion for sports.

2. Analyzing the Mets' Performance

A significant portion of the episode centers on a critical analysis of the Mets' recent performances, particularly highlighting their pitching woes.

• Pitching Issues: Peter Rosenberg expresses deep concern over the Mets' inability to maintain leads and the detrimental impact of their starting pitching.

  Peter Rosenberg (05:08): "Forget suggesting Blondies. She'd be too busy just destroying me for being that stupid."

  Peter Rosenberg (04:00): "What happened last night is just inexcusable. That does not happen to good baseball teams."

• Player-Specific Critiques: The discussion delves into individual performances, notably targeting David Peterson and Pete Alonso. Rosenberg criticizes Peterson's recent struggles on the mound and Alonso's defensive plays.

  Peter Rosenberg (16:48): "How can you not score? And to have two guys... I've never seen that before, ever."

  Peter Rosenberg (29:19): "Mets are probably going to keep him [Pete Alonso] because they're the one team that will be willing to slightly overpay."

• Future Implications: The hosts speculate on the Mets' playoff prospects, emphasizing that without significant improvements in pitching, the team's championship ambitions are bleak.

  Peter Rosenberg (19:26): "There's no formula in which you can win games, important games down the stretch."

3. Interactive Caller Segments

The episode features engaging interactions with several callers, each bringing their perspectives and questions to the table.

• Carlos Mendoza's Take: Carlos Mendoza shares his frustration over the Mets' inconsistent performances and the broader implications for the team's future.

  Carlos Mendoza (20:46): "How can you not score? And to have two guys... I've never seen that before, ever."

• Jeremy and Steve's Insights: Other callers like Jeremy and Steve discuss specific game incidents, pitching strategies, and contract considerations for players like Vlad Jr. and Pete Alonso.

  Steve (40:53): "When you turn on the Mets during sometime of the break, during the Yankees and stuff in the fourth inning... highlights are from first, second, and third."

4. Broader MLB Context and Comparisons

Beyond the Mets, the hosts compare the team's struggles to other MLB franchises, drawing parallels and highlighting systemic issues in modern baseball.

Peter Rosenberg (33:30): "But neither of these teams look like they're championship caliber teams."

They also touch upon the expansion of playoff spots across major sports leagues, questioning whether the increased number of wild card entries dilutes the quality of playoff contenders.

5. Concluding Thoughts and Predictions

As the episode wraps up, Rosenberg and his co-hosts reflect on the Mets' season trajectory and share their predictions for the remainder of the season.

Peter Rosenberg (36:43): "But neither of these teams look like they're championship caliber teams. And it's been a long time now that they've looked like they're lost and not that great and very average, but maybe they make a run."

They emphasize the uncertainty surrounding the Mets' ability to rally in the remaining games and the potential challenges they face against formidable opponents like the Cincinnati Reds and the New York Yankees.

Notable Quotes

• Peter Rosenberg (05:42): "This is inexcusable. It's a major problem."
• Peter Rosenberg (19:26): "There's no formula in which you can win games, important games down the stretch."
• Peter Rosenberg (33:30): "But neither of these teams look like they're championship caliber teams."

Conclusion

"Hour 1: Not A Championship Team" sets a compelling foundation for the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast series. Through a blend of personal stories, critical sports analysis, and interactive discussions, the hosts provide listeners with a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the current state of New York baseball. While the episode is candid in its critiques, it also leaves room for optimism, encouraging fans to stay tuned for future episodes as the season progresses.

Tune In

Catch more insightful discussions and lively debates with Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg on weekday afternoons starting at 3 PM on 880 ESPN and the ESPN New York app. Subscribe to the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast on your favorite platform to never miss an episode.