Hour 1: Not The Old Yankees

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary
Episode: Hour 1: Not The Old Yankees
Release Date: January 29, 2025

In the inaugural episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast titled "Not The Old Yankees," hosts Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the current state of the New York Yankees, examining ownership decisions, team performance, and the broader implications for Major League Baseball (MLB).

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1. Introduction and Context

The episode kicks off with the hosts sharing their recent experiences at Madison Square Garden, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion about the Yankees' recent performance and ownership strategies.

Notable Quote:

• Alan Hahn [00:52]: "Don and I had a little excursion last night here at Madison Square Garden."

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2. Hal Steinbrenner’s Comments on the Dodgers

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Hal Steinbrenner's remarks regarding the Los Angeles Dodgers. Steinbrenner criticized the Dodgers' spending habits, suggesting that their success is heavily reliant on their financial muscle.

Key Points:

• Steinbrenner's Critique: Steinbrenner labeled the Dodgers as the "new evil empire" in MLB, attributing their dominance to substantial payrolls and questioning the Yankees' ability to compete without matching their spending.

• Hosts’ Reaction: Alan Hahn and Don LaGreca express frustration with Steinbrenner’s response, viewing it as disingenuous and a weak strategy. They argue that the Yankees, with one of the highest payrolls in the American League, should not lament the Dodgers' spending when they themselves are financially robust.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn [07:50]: "This was fun. I think I really want to do this baseball season because then when none of us are working right..."

• Don LaGreca [11:20]: "But what bothers me, how disingenuous it is because he can spend like the Dodgers..."

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3. Analysis of the Yankees’ Current State

The hosts dissect the Yankees' organizational strategies, emphasizing a shift from the "old Yankee way" to a more corporate and less passionate approach. They critique the lack of accountability within the organization and the perceived decline in team performance despite significant financial investments.

Key Points:

• Spending vs. Performance: Despite a hefty payroll, the Yankees have not secured a championship in decades. The hosts question the effectiveness of the team's financial allocations, suggesting mismanagement rather than insufficient funds.

• Cultural Issues: There's a growing sentiment that the Yankees have lost the fiery spirit that once defined them. The hosts lament the absence of legendary figures like George Steinbrenner, Reggie Jackson, and Billy Martin, who embodied the team’s competitive edge.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn [08:08]: "But this is your response. This is how you respond. Instead of firing back now, he does add a little thing at the end there about, you know, we'll see if it works."

• Don LaGreca [32:15]: "And also the lack of accountability... they are blaming the players."

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4. Caller Interactions and Diverse Perspectives

Throughout the episode, callers contribute varying viewpoints, reinforcing the hosts' criticisms and adding depth to the discussion.

Key Contributions:

• Caller on Spending Efficiency: A caller emphasizes that the Yankees’ issue isn't the amount spent but the allocation of funds, pointing out that other teams have achieved success with lower payrolls.

• Caller on Organizational Culture: Another caller highlights a "culture problem," suggesting that key figures like Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone are hindering the team's success due to poor management and a lack of strategic vision.

Notable Quotes:

• Caller [35:23]: "It's a culture problem... Until David Oppenheimer, Kevin Reese, and Brian Cashman are out of that building, they will not win anything."

• Alan Hahn [36:04]: "But you know what? The six of the next seven times it will work according to my math."

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5. Broader MLB Implications

The discussion extends beyond the Yankees, touching upon the larger MLB landscape, including the impact of luxury taxes, salary caps, and the dominance of big-market teams like the Dodgers.

Key Points:

• Luxury Tax and Salary Cap: The hosts debate the effectiveness of MLB's luxury tax in curbing excessive spending, with arguments that it fails to level the playing field, allowing wealthy teams to maintain their dominance.

• Comparison with Other Sports: Analogies are drawn to other professional sports, questioning why MLB lacks the competitive balance seen in leagues like the NFL or NBA, where salary caps help ensure parity.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn [10:46]: "But you want a baseball expert to chime in?"

• Jeff Passan [22:31]: "If the penalties are so tough, then why are the Dodgers and Mets... These are the New York freaking Yankees."

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6. Conclusion and Host Reflections

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the current identity of the Yankees, debating whether the team should embrace their historical brand or evolve to match modern sports dynamics. They express concern that the Yankees are moving away from being a championship contender to becoming a corporate brand reliant on financial muscle.

Key Takeaways:

• Evolving Brand: The Yankees are perceived as shifting from a passionate, competitive team to a financially driven franchise.

• Fan Sentiment: There's a clear disconnect between the organization's strategies and fan expectations, leading to frustration and calls for accountability.

Notable Quotes:

• Don LaGreca [46:37]: "It's a lot of bro... what's the Cowboy brand? Where? The Dallas Cowboys. What does that mean anymore?"

• Alan Hahn [47:25]: "Business model is still great. The product is not what it used to be."

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Final Thoughts

"Not The Old Yankees" serves as a critical examination of the New York Yankees' current trajectory, questioning whether financial investments can compensate for strategic missteps and cultural dilution. Through engaging discussions and caller interactions, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg provide a comprehensive analysis that resonates with both die-hard fans and casual listeners seeking clarity on one of MLB's most storied franchises.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Don LaGreca [02:33]: "Always good to see Kenny. Right, Alan?"

• Alan Hahn [07:50]: "Hal Steinbrenner siding with all the other most of us owners have just such a hard time dealing with the free spending LA Dodgers..."

• Don LaGreca [32:15]: "And also the lack of accountability... The players didn't do a good job."

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This episode effectively sets the tone for the podcast series, blending sports analysis with insightful commentary on team dynamics and organizational behavior. Listeners can anticipate similar in-depth discussions in future episodes as Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg continue to explore the intersection of New York sports culture, team performance, and broader societal themes.

Transcript

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[Don LaGreca]

Don, one day you're not gonna play football anymore. And if there's a God up above, it'll be soon.

[Alan Hahn]

Han, huge. No, but big.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And Rosenberg.

[Unknown Caller]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don LaGreca]

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

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is Don, Han, and Rosenberg on 880, ESPN and the ESPN New York app.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, here we go. On a Wednesday in New York City with Don Lagreca and Peter Rosenberg. I'm Alan Hahn, 880, ESPN. And you know the number 800 now at 93776, be part of the conversation. Don and I had a little excursion last night here at Madison Square Garden.

[Don LaGreca]

Peter, it's nice.

[Alan Hahn]

It was nice.

[Unknown Caller]

Yeah. I mean, I gotta tell you, the.

[Alan Hahn]

Disdain in your voice about this. Well, you were invited. You were a little busy.

[Unknown Caller]

Yeah, just a little jealous. It just seemed like one of those early show moments, you know? So. So far, the only thing. The only thing we did once was grab a quick drink together, the three of us. And then, of course, life. And we could definitely do that again.

[Alan Hahn]

Then.

[Unknown Caller]

Then life happened and we've been separated. I'm just a little jealous. You guys seem to be on quite the mandate. I didn't. They included an intermission report. I mean, there's a lot going on.

[Don LaGreca]

It was the thing to do to have Alan on. But it was great. We went to the suite, got to sit with Vinnie, talk a little shop. Oh, they, like. They.

[Unknown Caller]

They. They let you sit in a seat?

[Don LaGreca]

No, no, no.

[Unknown Caller]

Oh, I thought you meant.

[Alan Hahn]

Actually, what seat? Is there a seat?

[Unknown Caller]

No, no, no. Like, let me. Alan, I don't know if you have this experience because you're. You're often working the Knick games. So, like, yeah, when you pop into a Nick game in the playoffs, for example, you're just saying hello, waving, grabbing a. Grabbing a wing and walking out.

[Alan Hahn]

Don't really sit down much. Right.

[Unknown Caller]

But there are often times where we. The afternoon drive show will basically be told, don't go Near a seat. Hover like animals, don't you? You do not. You are not seat worthy. So my question was maybe now that it's Don Hahn and Rosenberg, I thought, oh, are we seat worthy?

[Don LaGreca]

But it sounds like you guys just know the got.

[Alan Hahn]

Okay, hang on a second. Hang on a second. Who tells you can't sit in a seat?

[Unknown Caller]

Listen, I don't.

[Alan Hahn]

It's.

[Unknown Caller]

It's. Sometimes it's a. Don. You'd call it a directive.

[Don LaGreca]

Right, it's a directive.

[Alan Hahn]

But.

[Don LaGreca]

But, but to support our pinhead suits.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes.

[Don LaGreca]

That sale. Those are. Those are ticketed seats. Those are people that have a ticket in the suite, and we.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, you're talking about like the. The. The. The. The seats in the very front of the.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, right.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. Those are like, technically, those are for the. Right.

[Don LaGreca]

So we're just. We're forbidden to sit there. And rightly so. Because it's forbidden is strong. Because a ticket. Well, no, believe me, they made it very clear that we were not allowed to sit there.

[Unknown Caller]

Forbidden is strong, and so is rightly so.

[Don LaGreca]

But we were on that island where some food is, and we were watching off the monitor, and I had to, you know, keep my notes or whatever, and we ate. And then about halfway through the first, we went up to the bridge level and sat and watched hockey. Talked hockey. He was my first intermission guest and killed it.

[Unknown Caller]

Look at you.

[Don LaGreca]

And then we watched what I thought was a spirited and very entertaining second period, although it didn't go the Rangers way. And then Allen had to go pick up his daughter, and I did the post game and. But it was nice to just kind of be together and press the flesh. And a very nice hockey conversation that I overheard between Dave and Alan as I was preparing for the first half of the intermission report. And always good to see Kenny. Right, Alan?

[Alan Hahn]

Yes. Kenny Albert. Another one of my favorite people. These are my people. Like, I come in this building and I see people that I don't normally get to see on a regular basis because when I'm here, they're not. And so it was. It was great. It was great to see them all. The one regret I have, Don, is I'd never got to see Sam Rosen.

[Unknown Caller]

Oh, no.

[Alan Hahn]

Right next door. Right. Right next door.

[Don LaGreca]

Should have put in say goodbye work.

[Alan Hahn]

You made me work during the first intermission.

[Don LaGreca]

Is that what it was?

[Alan Hahn]

You know, if, like, if. If. If I was going to now let you go, I could have gone out there would have been Sam. I could have caught up with Sam Rosen.

[Don LaGreca]

It's not it's that it's. And that's a bad thing because there's only 32 games left and not all of them will be on MSG. So he's probably down to less than 30. And right now, you don't know. It doesn't feel good about making the playoffs. So you might have missed your one last opportunity. But we're going to do this more often. So we're going to do this more often.

[Alan Hahn]

But, yes, it was. This was fun. I think I really want to do this baseball season because then when none of us are working right, like, that's the thing is you had to work. You had to pay attention. We couldn't really, like, yuck it up and get, you know, belligerent. Like, I know I got shushed once because you got. There are a lot of. Yeah, I got shushed. There was a lot of great scoring chances, and I forgot I was in sort of a press box area where, you know, in the media there's no really reacting. But, you know, there are a couple of opportunities that the Rangers had to score a goal, and it was pretty exciting. It was a back and forth, up and down kind of game. And there was one rush in particular that got me out of my seat and I had off ice. Officials were sitting near us, right, Don?

[Don LaGreca]

Yes, right next to us.

[Alan Hahn]

One. One glared at me and the other one shushed me.

[Don LaGreca]

I did not catch that.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, yeah. Well, you were busy, focused. I was. I caught it and I was just like, okay, this is how it's gonna be. All right.

[Don LaGreca]

I mean, he was also very opinionated. He was also very opinionated about the Rangers during the course of the game, sitting dangerously close to the Rangers pr. So we may not get a guess, Peter. We may not get a.

[Unknown Caller]

Well, listen, he's a fan. He's telling you the truth.

[Don LaGreca]

It's like, what? Miller, what are you doing?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, Yeah, I had. I had a hard time with Miller. Yeah, I had a hard time with him, and I had a hard time with Trojek. But more on that, we'll get into.

[Don LaGreca]

That later because you mentioned going to Yankee games and maybe we need to go to Staten island to watch the Yankees. All of a sudden they're a small market team.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, my God. This. So. So here's where it begins for me when it comes to this team is I now have to go through this, which I don't want to, but I have to go through this frustration of a team that was not just embarrassed on the field, but they were after the world Series was over. You never see. Guys, when do you ever see this? Two teams meet in the championship, and when the championship's over, the winning team mocks the losing team. What sport do you ever see that? Like, do you think when the Chiefs win, do you think Patrick Mahomes and Kelsey are gonna mock Jalen hurt like Saquon Barkley? We knew where he was going. We knew which way they were running. Oh, we, we all, we knew their blood. Did you see? They, they couldn't even catch a pat. Like, they would never do that. Nobody ever in professional sports does this. But the Dodgers did. And the ecky response from their owner was, in a word, whining. Listen, this is Hal Steinbender. I know many people have probably heard this already, but just for your edification, this is Hal Steinbender on the S Network talking about, of course, the now the new evil empire in Major League Baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers, who kick ass and take names and then make fun of you for it and then sign everybody you want to sign. And so Hal Steinbenter has had enough, and this is how he reacted.

[Hal Steinbrenner]

Well, it's. Look, it's difficult for most of us owners to be able to do the kind of things that they're doing now. We'll see if it pays off. They still have to have a season relatively injury free for it to work out for them. And it's a long season, as you know, and once you get to the postseason, anything can happen. We've seen that time and time again. So we'll see who's there at the end and if they're the ones.

[Alan Hahn]

Most of us owners, most of us. Do you think, do you think the owners in Tampa and Miami and Kansas City are all like, like, like putting their arm around Hal going, that's right, buddy. You know our plight. You know this, like that, that to me, right there is the weakest possible response. This was a franchise that mocked you. They mocked you. And now your response is going to be, well, we'll see if it works. Like, so. I, I just. Right now I'm in this place where I understand. I will. I will never say House Diemrender doesn't want to win. I will never say that. House Steinbrenner refuses to spend. He spends $300 million. He has the highest payroll in the American League. I have always said, you can't criticize the man. He will write the check. He will. But this is your response. This is that. This is how you respond. Instead of firing back now, he does add a little thing at the end there about, you know, we'll see if it works. You know, guys, teams get hurt, injuries happen, but that's so soft. And I want everybody who is a fellow Yankee fan of mine to understand something because we are all from this generation, there's at least two generations of us who still are hanging on to what the Yankees once were. We always feel like it's going to come back one day, we know it will. Where you have the bombastic owner who is a take no prisoners personality, who's not going to take any crap, who's going to. Who's going to give it back to the media when he gets criticized and he's going to call out other teams when he wants to. You're never going to have George Steinmetter, you're never going to have Reggie Jackson and you're never going to have Billy Martin. Get over it, everybody. It's done. That old Yankee way, what the Yankees used to be is gone. It's dead, it's buried. This is the new Yankees. The new Yankees have kind, gentle managers. They have stars who are vanilla who are never going to say the wrong thing and never going to say anything too much and never going to get. Never going to do anything that's going to make a headline. This is who they are. They are no longer that franchise you grew up with. And you have to get over it. You love them because of the Yankees. They're your team. But don't ever expect you're going to see a group of guys and a team, especially at the very top, who is ever going to take out the lumber and then start swinging at the opponent. It's never happening. And it starts at the top. We got to get over it. They were embarrassed on their own damn field in the World Series and the team that beat them mocked them and their response is, it's so unfair. They spend so much money.

[Unknown Caller]

Hopefully they don't have any injuries.

[Don LaGreca]

It's so what we see you are.

[Alan Hahn]

He's not. It's over.

[Don LaGreca]

He's not his dad. And there's some positives to him not being his dad.

[Alan Hahn]

So.

[Don LaGreca]

Because his dad sometimes is overreactionary and all that. Well, listen, you are what you are and how's not his dad and that's not his fault. He's a different human being and he doesn't feel like that. That's just not in his ballywick to just go out there and start, you know, ripping into players and ripping into other teams. He doesn't play that game all Right. That's just. That's. That's.

[Alan Hahn]

But don't say this.

[Don LaGreca]

But, but don't.

[Alan Hahn]

Like, like, fine, but don't say that.

[Don LaGreca]

But what bothers me, how disingenuous it is because he can spend like the Dodgers. They can spend like the Dodgers. So don't make it seem like, oh, she's. Oh, we can dead. Can't do it. You can do it.

[Unknown Caller]

You.

[Don LaGreca]

You choose not to. So that, to me, that's a big difference, Alan. You can't sit there and you can't envy the person's house next door and go, boy, they're lucky that they have a house. Like, isn't that nice to have all that money to have that house. And you have just as much, if not more money than they do, but you choose not to have that house. But you're letting the world know that's there's something going on next door. Look at the, look at how, how much money they have and how nice their mansion is while I have to be in a shack next door. You choose to be where you are. You choose not to overspend. That's fine, if that's the way you want to go about business. But don't cry poverty. You can't. I mean, don't act like you're the Tampa Rays. The owner of the Tampa Rays could say, there's a problem here. I can't do that. It's unfair. But the Yankees can't say that because they can do that. They choose not to do that. That's their strategy, Alan. They don't believe you should have a $300 million payroll to win. That's the answer. That's what you say, good for the Dodgers. They decide to spend all that money. We're going to do it our way and we're going to still beat you.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Don LaGreca]

But instead make it seem like, oh, there's something wrong here. We should be looking into that. No. Yeah, that's a small market mentality, Peter.

[Alan Hahn]

I want to make it clear that that's my point. That was my point. My point is, it's the response. It's not. It's not the strategy. Because I agree with him. Because you know what the first thing you say is? Well, I think we've proven in the past that you can't buy your way to a championship. We. We've tried that in the past. It didn't work right. Like you. Like, we've been beaten by teams that have half the payroll we did. So we've learned that that's not the way it goes. Like you could, if you wanted to say something, say something along those lines. But to start, I just feel like he comes off sounding like he's whining about it. The fact that the Dodgers, everybody wants to sign with the Dodgers because you're in New York and you don't have the LA weather and you don't have their ability to just spend as much as they want. They don't care how much luxury tax they're going to spend. They don't care. Like, so that's the problem. But you sound like you're whining about it. You are the freaking New York Yankees, man. You are the brand, one of the biggest in the world. People are wearing your logo all over the planet. And actually, I bet you if they send out a satellite somewhere far into the galaxy, there'll be a interlocking NY somewhere, because that's how ubiquitous this brand is in the world. And this is what we're gonna do. We're gonna just, we're gonna, we're gonna cringe and say, this is so, so difficult. You know, us and the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland. It's so hard on us. Give me a break.

[Unknown Caller]

I mean, can't fans be mad at both? Isn't there room to be mad about that being the philosophy and the way that he's discussing it? I mean, let's not act as if this team really is closer to Tampa than they are to la. That's disingenuous. This isn't a broke franchise. They just like to make money. They're like every other business, big corporate entity in America. Every year they say they're down, they're not down. They didn't make more money than they wanted to initially make. They're always making money. They choose to prioritize. And we've said this for years, they are down to be a pretty good team as long as they're always making lots of money. So not only is it disingenuous in the approach of being like, oh, poor us. And let's. Let's just hope. I mean, the Dodgers still have a lot of baseball to be played. Not only is that frustrating. Don't. But I think it's also, you don't have to accept as a Yankee fan that we're going to be the Frugal Yankees. Why is that the philosophy that you're signed up for?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, because now frugal $300 million.

[Unknown Caller]

But, but, I mean, no, but that's.

[Alan Hahn]

Basically what they're saying about what they're Doing well.

[Unknown Caller]

But there's relative. They're saying, woe is us. We can't keep up with the Dodgers.

[Alan Hahn]

Right? That's.

[Unknown Caller]

They don't want to. They don't want to keep up with the Dodgers.

[Don LaGreca]

And you, of course you can. And so. So the only answer on yes yesterday is we choose not to because we don't believe we have to because we are better at baseball than they are. At least challenge and say, because I've always believed this, Alan, I don't know how you believe it. Peter's heard me say it. Michael always said no. But I really believe in my heart this is true, that Brian Cashman secretly would love to be able to win with less money, because I think he wants to show everybody how much he knows, and he doesn't want to ever be accused of buying his championships. So I really think Brian is behind this. Like, boss, we don't need to spend all that money. I'm really good at what I do, and I'll find way. I'll find bargains. You won't have to spend as much money. I'll be able to do it. All right. But when you end up getting beat out by somebody that did spend more money than you and you have the ability to keep up with the Joneses, you either A, keep up with them, B, say, I don't care, or C, complain about it. And he decided to complain about it. And that just comes across as disingenuous and weak. Don't complain about it. Say, good for them.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm telling you, if I was. If I'm. If I was in PR and I'm sitting there in that studio while that interview's going on, it's. The first thing I do is go, we're cutting that out. We're not running that. First thing I'm saying, we're not running that. You can't run that. Like, how do you not recognize that that is, like, the weakest kind of response? Because I'll say this with Meredith, he had a couple other things that I thought were the right things to say. And, you know, like, here's one. For instance, the chip on your shoulder, you get to all the way to the World Series, you finally break through and get to that st. And you lose. So you've got to have that chip on your shoulder. Like, to me, this is the season when you get that far and you lose. Like, you talk about how much. Oh, wait a minute. We got that close. No, no, no, let's go. Push it all the way. Let's Throttle down and get this thing now next year. Especially after all the crap that you had to hear from la. So chip on your shoulder going through.

[Hal Steinbrenner]

Yes, because I know we're way better than we showed in that last series and we're going to be better defensively this time around if we make it. You know, I believe if we make it, we'll get the job done. But we've got to play our best game. When you're playing a team like the Dodgers, it's like playing the Kansas City Chiefs. I mean, you can't make mistakes. You know, you can't give them outs, you can't give them runs. You got to play your best game. And we didn't do that. And I think that makes us even more hungry to get there again this year.

[Alan Hahn]

Boys, boys. The Chiefs. There's the other one. I'd say no, cut that as well. The Chiefs. The Dodgers won a summer camp World Series a couple of years ago and they just won this one. I'm sorry, what was this? The dynasty that the Dodgers have gone through. They were almost out in the first round, right? Divisional round. Weren't they down in that series to the Padres?

[Don LaGreca]

No, they were down. They were facing.

[Alan Hahn]

I remember. I know my memory is bad, but if I remember right, that they were this close to not even getting to the nlcs, but now they're the Chiefs. No, like that's. Anyways, and the last thing is how did last season.

[Hal Steinbrenner]

Taylor, Two different seasons, right? Two years ago we didn't make the playoffs, had a lot of injuries. I mean, it was just a bad year, less injuries. This year, played better, made it to the world. For me it hurts worse than two years ago when we didn't make the playoffs at all. Not everybody's like that. But I think you're alluding to the fact that when you get that close and you don't make it, particularly when you have some sloppy play, not good defense and things like that. And Dodgers were not better than us. They played better than us.

[Alan Hahn]

See, there's the first time he sounded pissed off, guys. That's the first time I heard him sound pissed off. That's the guy I needed to hear more often.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, the other thing, and I didn't get a chance to hear all of Michael's show and I'd love if he's listening to call in or if anybody, you know from that knows baseball would think that my theory has holds any water. We always talk about Wellington Mara, that back in the day he saved football because even though he was the big market owner, he cared about the small market guys and really believed they needed to share revenue. And that's why his name's on the football, because he could have played it like Jerry Jones and said I'm going to make all the money, but he wanted to share it. And that's why football is what it is today. Is that what Howe's trying to do at the end of next year is the end of the cba? And the Dodgers have become a real problem where they are, it feels like circumventing the luxury tax by the deferred money. They seem to have an inside track on the international players. They spend more money than anybody in the sport. It's a real problem. And in order for those small market teams to feel like they have a leg to stand on to try to push a salary cap, wouldn't it help to have a guy like Hal Steinbrenner in the biggest market in the country supporting them? Is this the long play by Hal in Major League Baseball to try to change the system? So is Hal just playing good cop for mlb? Because if the Yankees are in favor of making changes to the Dodgers, doesn't that help the Padres and the brewers and the Royals rather than the Yankees align with the Dodgers? Is that how's play? Is Hal trying to be Wellington Mara? That's interesting because I honestly think Howells.

[Alan Hahn]

Is trying to smart.

[Don LaGreca]

And listen. I don't think Hal's his dad, but he's not an ignorant person. So I'm just wondering when I hear the team that basically had a higher payroll technically than the Dodgers last year and a team that's right there every year in the top five in payroll, sitting there complaining about the Dodgers when you won four championships in five years, when you had all the money in the world and were able to spend all the money in the world more than anybody else in baseball. I'm not saying that's the reason they won, but it didn't hurt when anytime they needed a free agent they were able to get it every time they needed something. Any salary dump from a small market team they were able to add on because there was no system in place and the Yankees took advantage of it. They played by the rules and they won. And now the Dodgers are playing by the rules and you're complaining about it when you were the evil empire back in the day. So is there an ulterior motive, guys? Is this the long play for hey, we need changes and it's better for me to align them with the rest of major League baseball than align myself with the big bad Dodgers who really, let's be honest, guys, this could do damage to the sport. They're the only professional sports league in North America without a salary cap. And now you're seeing teams, either big market teams or teams with dying billionaires throwing tons of money at players and being successful at it. And we give golf. Applause. Peter. To the, to the Rays of the world that find ways to just sneak into the playoffs.

[Unknown Caller]

Oh, and by the way, the. The country that is either second or third when it comes to exporting great baseball players seems to have a great affinity. All the best players for going to this team also. So there's a lot that makes the dodge.

[Alan Hahn]

Location, location.

[Unknown Caller]

Exactly. There's a lot that makes this hard.

[Alan Hahn]

No, of course.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

But you want to, you want a baseball expert to chime in?

[Don LaGreca]

Yes.

[Alan Hahn]

All right. Jeff Passon, who was on with Michael K yesterday, you know, he took issue with the Yankees.

[Jeff Passan]

If the penalties are so tough, then why are the Dodgers and Mets, right?

[Unknown Caller]

Well, the Mets aren't over yet.

[Alan Hahn]

They might.

[Jeff Passan]

Yeah, but they have been. They have been the last two years. They have, they have shown a willingness to go there. And at the end of the day, like, these are the New York freaking Yankees. If a luxury tax threshold is impeding them, that says more about where they are than it does the luxury tax itself. What, have the Yankees ever played third fiddle in baseball? That's where they are right now when it comes to spending.

[Alan Hahn]

That's a strong statement. And one more here about the Yankees and sponsors.

[Jeff Passan]

By and large, this is a team that has been constructed with guys wanting to come there because they believe they have a better chance to win a championship. So if you are the New York Yankees and you're consistent every year in being in the alcs, in making the World Series, you're not going to have to overpay for guys at that point. I think you can make save money on the back end by spending more on the front end.

[Alan Hahn]

And that's where I also think things have fallen off again. My thing, my issue is not with Hal Steinbrenner personally. I have defended him about spending and the 300 million, all that stuff. My issue is really, I think with my own fan base and letting them understand, like, let go of what you think the Yankees are because as you just heard Jeff Passon say, they are not that anymore. No, just heard Don talk about it. This is not who we grew up with. They are not the evil empire that we all embraced and loved. I loved when that came out when the Red Sox, we call them the Evil Empire. And that became a thing. It was almost like a badge of honor. Like, yeah, they hate us because they ain't us. And now all of a sudden that just feels like the brand has lost that kind of. It's not a tangible value because the value obviously is still there, but it just feels like it's not what it used to be. To a point where Jeff just said it was always that players would come here because they had a chance to win a championship. They knew every year this team's in it to win it. And I don't know if everybody believes that anymore. That's my biggest concern. And then hearing Hal say that, where he's aligning himself with other market, smaller market teams because there's a team that's just spending too much and it's tough on us, most of us owners. That's an alarming thing to hear.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah. For it to go to the Evil Empire to feel bad for us, that's quite the drop.

[Alan Hahn]

It is quite the drop. This team has gotten soft. 800 now we're 93776. We got calls to get to. We're going to get to you because I want to hear from this. I'm sure we all do, guys. The Yankee fans who have a lot to say about their team and they love to stick their chest out and all that stuff, there's a reality going on right now that we have to accept. Are you ready to accept it? We'll get to your calls. Coming up. Plenty more, of course, throughout the show. But first, John, you got a little Mazda for me?

[Don LaGreca]

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[Unknown Caller]

What's the best time of day to get a deal? All day with Jack in the box's all day.

[Don LaGreca]

Big deal meal. You get to choose from four entrees.

[Unknown Caller]

Like the supreme croissant and five tasty.

[Don LaGreca]

Sides, plus a drink starting at $5. So hurry in or take your time.

[Unknown Caller]

You've got all day at Jack.

[Don LaGreca]

Every bite's a big deal.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Unknown Caller]

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]

I hate when I can't name the tune. Like, when you know the first couple of notes, you just know what it is. That one's. That one got me. But that's good. See, Jake is also showing his range, which I am very impressed with.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, he's.

[Alan Hahn]

You know, Peter, I didn't get. I didn't get much reaction out of you to the fact that Don was dropping lyrics. Iced tea lyrics, which I was very impressed with. It just shows your range on.

[Don LaGreca]

He's known that about me. One of the first shows we did together was a roast of Michael K at the Yogi Berra Museum, and we were doing the show from there. And then after the show, we roasted Michael. So maybe a couple of months into the show, right? And I just. Out of. Out of nowhere, I just said, M E T H O D man hey, you get off my cloud. You don't know me, you don't know my style.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes.

[Don LaGreca]

And. And I thought he was going to pass out. He just didn't know. He had no idea.

[Alan Hahn]

Don't judge the book by its cover. Never. Right? Never do that. I'm now going to test you even more.

[Don LaGreca]

Do it.

[Alan Hahn]

So to. On this date in 2021, I think we lost one of the great voices in R B. I think Jacob knows who I'm talking about. James Ingram. Do you have any recollection of anything that. James.

[Don LaGreca]

Of course.

[Alan Hahn]

What do you got?

[Don LaGreca]

One of my favorite songs of all time from the movie Last American Virgin.

[Alan Hahn]

Nice.

[Don LaGreca]

Do you know what songs are just once?

[Alan Hahn]

Yes. Well, that's one of his best hits. Oh, yeah.

[Don LaGreca]

You know what's happening here? There's a very slow, slight delay in. But it's making for good music because you're coming into the second off, so it's almost like it's on purpose.

[Alan Hahn]

It's the echo. Well, I. Jake, we're gonna need some James Ingram today. Like, you know, baby Come To Me is a good one but Just Once is like an unbelievable song. Come to me, to me. Yep. I'm telling you, one of the great voices that I don't think was appreciated enough in his time. So I, I, the fact that Don even was able to name one song out of the gate and then could sing a second one. This is what I'm talking about. 800 now at 93776. Hal Steinbrenner siding with all the other. Most of us owners have just such a hard time dealing with the free spending LA Dodgers and it just feels like that is not really a Yankee thing to say. How do the fans feel? Jonathan out in LA is going to start off with us. Hey, Jonathan.

[Unknown Caller]

Hi guys. Hi.

Hi Jonathan.

[Jeff Passan]

Hi guys.

[Unknown Caller]

Oh, Peter, Congratulations man. And I'm do my wife is doing me any day now, man. So we're gonna be in the same boat too, bro.

My man.

You have a beautiful daughter, man. Beautiful, beautiful. I seen the pictures. Beautiful.

Thank you bro. And good luck by the way.

Thank you. Thank you, Alan. So there's two types of Yankee fans, Yankee fans that are like they understand what kind of move the Yankees make and there's other Yankees like everything what how and Cash say or do they just go after it? I think how and Cashman has done a great job. It's not our fault that Juan Soto doesn't want to sign with the Yankees or Sasaki want to sign with the Yankees. All right, how they got one of the best closers in baseball. They got a great number two. I mean what else you want us to how to do?

[Alan Hahn]

Who's playing third base? I mean who's playing third base?

[Unknown Caller]

Okay, all right, so listen to me this. You want, you want now to give a seven year 235 million to Bregman and two years from now we're gonna be crazy to Joe. We're gonna be crazy. Get rid of the guy. No.

[Alan Hahn]

Did anybody give him, did anybody give him that money?

[Unknown Caller]

Smart.

[Alan Hahn]

Jonathan. Nobody gave Bregman that. Nobody gave him that money.

[Unknown Caller]

Okay, but, but that's what he's waiting for. And then what? We're going to give him a three or even a four year deal and by next year we're going to want him out just like Strowman. Look at what happened to Strowman. You got to spend your money wisely.

[Alan Hahn]

And I really but Jonathan, it goes beyond the money. See again I, I, that's why I kept saying it over and over again. For me for what, what, what. What House said was less about the money and more about like. Like Don said, it's sort of aligning yourself where you're supposed to be one of the evil empires. You're supposed. Supposed to be the team that everybody knows they can't compete with. That's the problem I have. And you know what, the thing that bothers me most that we are even talked about is again, I'll go back to the World Series. It's the fact that they played so poorly on the biggest stage and it almost exposed a lot that we, we knew from watching them on a regular basis. They were always, all season long a sloppy team. They had bad at bats, they had guys who took bad at bats. They had those types of players. Now Clay Bertores is gone, so I don't have to watch him in the field sometimes look like he's picking dandelions and forgets that there's somebody's throwing a baseball. Right. Like I don't have to worry about that or, or some, you know, Verdugo is not there. So you get some of those undisciplined at bats that would drive you crazy. He's gone too. Great. So as Hal said, is this team better? Maybe they are. Maybe they'll be better defensively. But still, it does question preparation. And what are you coaching these guys? And, and by the way, when's the last guy who developed that you beside? All right, I'll give you Volpe, but it's like how many other these guys we've heard of? Estevan Florio, we heard about him for eight years, never turned into anything like, those are the things that I think you're looking at with this organization.

[Don LaGreca]

And also the lack of accountability. All right, so listen to the words that Hal says. Hal said the better team didn't win, just the team that played better. So what he's telling you is my money was well spent.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Unknown Caller]

You know, we have the dumbest quote.

[Don LaGreca]

I've ever heard, Peter, but listen to it. It's, hey, I put the team on the field. I spent the money wisely. They just didn't do it. They didn't get it done. But what ticks fans off is, is anybody going to be held accountable for it? Is Aaron Boone going to lose his job? No, it seems like he's got a job for life. Just got a contract extension. Is Brian Cashman going to be blamed for anything? No, Brian Cashman's got a job for life. So it just comes down to, hey, we put the players on the field. Cashman's doing a good job. Boone's doing a good job. So I guess what he's saying is the players didn't do a good job, so why should I spend extra money when I think I've paid for what should be what it should have been, a championship team. So listen to what he says, guys. What he's doing is he's blaming the players.

[Unknown Caller]

But you know that. You know, that's like. It's like, what's. My man Alan, who's on ESPN every night? The former GM of the Warriors, Bob Myers.

[Alan Hahn]

It's like.

[Unknown Caller]

It's like. It's like Bob Myers, the year Toronto won, being like, hey, man, I did what I had to do. No, no, Messiah. Jerry did what he had to do. That's why they won the championship. You can't say, well, yeah, but we have Steph Clay. It doesn't matter. Whoever ended up performing best in the championship games is who had the best.

[Alan Hahn]

Team that he brought in blew out his Achilles in that finals. Let's not. And then his other star blew out his ACL in that series. So Bob Myers put together a team that should have won that championship. But. But, by the way.

[Unknown Caller]

But hasn't there been a ton of that for the Yankees, too? It should have been this. If not for blank injury, if not, not for this, if not for that. I mean, this is what life is.

[Alan Hahn]

I know, but you know what?

[Don LaGreca]

Too many excuses, too. Like, it's always the injuries or this happened or that fifth inning didn't happen. Yeah, but the fifth inning happened. And to Allen's point, that fifth inning encompassed what the problem was with the Yankees. They kicked the ball around, they made poor decisions, and that's why they lost the game.

[Alan Hahn]

Okay? That's the team we knew they were all year. And it exposed at the worst possible time.

[Don LaGreca]

See, Hal uses the chief analogy, right? Which bothered Allen, and I get it. So how's a sports fan? He's a big Minnesota Viking fan. All right. Do you really. On, and I'm a Giant fan, do you really think the Giants were the better team than the New England Patriots? Do you really think they were better? They were better that day, and that's all that mattered. All right, but you know what? Better that series. That's all that matters.

[Alan Hahn]

Before we get back to calls, I want to say one thing, though, about this. When you mention the Chiefs, if the Chiefs lose, they still have three, right? Like. Like, it's. It's the. The. The warriors lost to the Raptors. Okay, fine. But the warriors already had three championships. You know what I mean? They already had that. The Yankees haven't won in forever. They finally get there, and the one time they. And they finally get there, and then all the worst of them, it gets exposed. You can't just. I was just happened to be one day where we just were not good. No. It's been 15 years. You have not been good.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Let's go to.

[Don LaGreca]

You're right.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don LaGreca]

No, you're right, Dan.

[Alan Hahn]

And in Kenilworth. Dan.

[Unknown Caller]

Guys, what's going on?

[Don LaGreca]

What's up?

[Alan Hahn]

What's happening? Dan?

[Unknown Caller]

Okay, first of all, Peter, congratulations. Second, love the show. Love the show. So far, it's like music and it's like getting music, concert and sports talk all in one. But, but no, no, for real, guys, they spend enough money. I'm sorry, 280 million. I'm sitting here with slow track in front of me right now. $280 million right now should be plenty enough to win a championship. I'm sorry, it's the allocation of funds. This is a. Brian casting down. You've said it for years and I've agreed with you for years. The Yankees, low key, have a culture problem. And I've said this, too. Until David Oppenheimer, Kevin Reese and Brian Cashman are out of that building, they will not win anything. It's not happening. They.

[Alan Hahn]

The thing I've said is the problem. I've said this in defense of Hal Steinbrenner many times over the last couple of years. Hal Starmer writes the check. He willingly does. He's the one that stepped in and said, no, we can't lose. Aaron, judge up the money. I've always said, and I've always wanted to ask Hal this. Yes, you spend the money, but is it being spent wisely?

[Unknown Caller]

It's not.

[Alan Hahn]

That's the. That's what I'm asking here.

[Unknown Caller]

That's the problem. That's the root of the issue, guys. $280 million is plenty enough to win a championship. We've seen the Astros do it with 75, 80 million dollars less. Peter, your Nationals, they're. Or I'm not sure what baseball team you are now, but they did it when they were seven, 30s in payroll. And you know, the Rangers, two years ago, they were. They were seventh and pit guys. It's plenty enough. It's the allocation of funds. We gotta start pointing the finger at Cashman, Oppenheimer and Reese. And Player Development is pissed. Poor guys. That's the real root of the issues here with the Yankees.

[Don LaGreca]

They have a culture problem. None of those standard is gone. Their job. The only people lose their job.

[Alan Hahn]

Great call, Daniel. Great. I'm sorry, I thought he was done.

[Don LaGreca]

The strength and conditioning coach will lose his job because there are a bunch of injuries. But. But Cashman, Boone, these guys have jobs for. I'm. I'm not saying they deserve to be fired, but like, at some point, I think the fans just have to figure if you're not living up to your mission statement, then there has to be changes that are made and they're not made. Which leaves me to assume that you're happy with where you are. And, and, and didn't it also sound like the whole analytic. Well, the playoffs are a crapshoot. Like, hey, you know, the, the. The better. You know, the better team didn't win. Just a team that played better that day. That sounds like something an analytic person says when their analytics were wrong. It didn't work today, boss. But you know what? The six of the next seven times it will work according to my math.

[Alan Hahn]

That's a great point.

[Unknown Caller]

Saying that it wasn't the better team, it was the team who played better or walking right up against Bill Clinton's. It depends on what your definition of is is. Okay?

[Don LaGreca]

I mean, yeah, it's.

[Unknown Caller]

It's really nothing is what it is.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, what it is right now is Superbox Bonanza 6, your chance to get your box for the big game. With a prize pool of $2,000, all qualifiers will get an ESPN prize pack and a chance at one of 10 Superbox prizes. Listen daily like you always do through February 6th to DPIETRO and Rothenberg, Barton Carlin, the Michael K. Show, and of course, our show. This year's big game. Payouts, everybody. $250 in the first and third quarters, 500 at halftime, and a final score payout of $1,000. All brought to you by Tyler More Dew, Irish Whiskey, and Sloman Security. For full contest details, go to superbox bonanza.com your first chance to qualify is coming up momentarily. More your calls as well at 800-919-3776. But first, Peter, you got a little FanDuel for me?

[Don LaGreca]

Oh, sure.

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[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast.

[Unknown Caller]

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 podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

See, we're taking up too much time because we got to get to James's voice here.

[Unknown Caller]

I understand.

[Alan Hahn]

We're missing James's voice, though. I mean, we're gonna get. We're gonna get. What do we get? Sued. Fine. What, all of it?

[Don LaGreca]

Yep.

[Unknown Caller]

Ever. Yeah. This whole station goes down.

[Alan Hahn]

We just. That's it. It's over. No show. All right. You're gonna have to bring back.

[Unknown Caller]

Yeah, well, they stopped it now. They could bring it right back up later. I don't think any would happen.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, yeah, we'll have to, because you got it. When he comes in. It's just ridiculous. I don't.

[Unknown Caller]

I don't think I. I don't think I'm aware based on our age difference of, like, how big James Ingram was. It missed.

[Alan Hahn]

Amazing voice.

[Unknown Caller]

I'm not. I'm not denying that at all. I'm saying, like, I only know a couple songs by him. Like that song I didn't recognize till the hook.

[Alan Hahn]

He was, you know, the. What was the Fievel. What was that. That Disney movie? He. They did the theme for that. He did the theme in that one, too, was Somewhere out There.

[Unknown Caller]

Oh, yeah, that's a big. That's a big one.

[Alan Hahn]

So that was a big. Somewhere out there. Was that, like, movie. Yes, that's the one. That's the vehicle. Yeah.

[Unknown Caller]

That's the original American Tail. Sure.

[Alan Hahn]

American Tail.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

I just remember the character's name. But anyways.

[Unknown Caller]

And the great sequel. And the great sequel. Fievel Goes west, of course.

[Alan Hahn]

Did that have a shark in the Sequel.

[Hal Steinbrenner]

I don't know.

[Unknown Caller]

I just remember.

[Alan Hahn]

Let's just. Let's take this rat and throw him out west now. Let's make it a Western. I mean, they did that. I mean, Back to the Future three doing that, right? Oh, my God. Just.

[Unknown Caller]

By the way, I'm gonna tell you this right now. Back to the Future three aged incredibly well.

[Don LaGreca]

Is that true?

[Unknown Caller]

Yes. If you go back and watch three. Because at the time it came out so close to two, and it. They shot him at the same time, and it just dropped immediately that you're like, all right. It was just a. Kind of too much given a gap. If you go back and watch three on its own, it's. It's a fun Back to the Future movie. It's not bad.

[Alan Hahn]

It's not as good as Fox say. What would Michael J. Fox say about that movie?

[Unknown Caller]

Yeah, you know, listen, you try to. Want to put a quarter. My back. So I go, hey, Doc, that's right. There I am. I'm here for your pleasure. Here for your pleasure.

[Alan Hahn]

Dance for me. It's Superbox Bonanza 6, everybody. Each qualifier will take home an ESPN prize pack, have a chance at one of 10 Superbox prizes, including a ninja air fryer, solo stove, Ray Ban meta wayfarers, and more. Pick a number, boys.

[Unknown Caller]

11.

[Alan Hahn]

Okay, call number 11 right now.

[Unknown Caller]

Really?

[Alan Hahn]

At eight. At eight?

[Unknown Caller]

Yeah, really, Sims.

[Alan Hahn]

I like that guy. Call 11 right now at 800-8987-ESPN. 889987, ESPN. You select the box for the big game with a chance to win 250 in the first and third quarters, 500 at halftime, and a final score payout of $1,000. It's all brought to you by Tullamore Due Irish whiskey and Slowman's Security. Let's take Eddie in Newark. Eddie.

[Unknown Caller]

Hey, Don. Peter Allen. How you guys doing?

Hey, man.

[Alan Hahn]

Good.

[Unknown Caller]

Well, a couple. A little while ago, you. You talked to a caller, and the caller said that they had gotten Max Freed and Devin Williams, and that should be more than enough to make up for we lost with Juan Soto. And then you, Alan, you asked him a serious question. Who's playing third base?

[Alan Hahn]

Right?

[Unknown Caller]

And all I'm saying to you is, who's not playing third base? Base. He's playing first base.

[Alan Hahn]

Who's playing first?

[Unknown Caller]

Oh, boy. You felt you walked.

[Don LaGreca]

What's on second? I don't know. Who's on third?

[Unknown Caller]

Oh, boy.

Sorry.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't know. Who's third.

[Unknown Caller]

Why did. Why are we doing this? Why are we doing this?

[Don LaGreca]

Oh, my. Really? It's One thing to do it. It's one thing if Peter and I jumped him, like, in the moment, but to sit on hold for it.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. How long did you wait for that one?

[Unknown Caller]

Yeah. By the way, like, listen, I know I just became a dad, so. So dad jokes. Welcome. Great. Granddad jokes. That's a different element.

[Alan Hahn]

That is one. That is one, Eddie. But thank you for calling in, though. I did walk into that one.

[Unknown Caller]

You really did. You didn't know How. You didn't know. How could you know?

[Alan Hahn]

Like, I'm in the moment, right? I'm, like, too fired up. Because I really want to know who the hell is playing third? Lemayu. So you know the answer. You know what, though, Don? The right answer is I don't know. That is the right answer.

[Unknown Caller]

Exactly.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, my God. Brian is in Milburn. Brian, any dad jokes today?

[Unknown Caller]

How y'all doing? I'm enjoying your show. I have the same thoughts as you, Alan. I feel some type of way about what he said because you acting like you're a smart. Oh, you know, other owners can't do what they do. What are you talking about? You're the New York Yankees. You're the original evil vampire. Are you serious, bro? There's no accountability in that organization at all. And like you said, we played third base. It's like two weeks. He's, like, too comfortable with the people around them, man. You don't want to make change. And that's the problem.

Well, the thing is, you know, we talked about this a lot back on the Case show. Don and I used to speak about this. I came up with my theory, you know, that Brian Cashman needed to stop being thought of as the GM for this team and be thought of as the consigliere for this family. And I think that's now abundantly clear. When you hear the way Steinbrenner talks, just to be clear, George is gone. Hal is the guy. His nature is to be low key, responsible, not over the top. And the guy that he likes, who sees his vision and will help him execute is Brian Cashman. This is their style, guys. That whole idea of going back to a thing, it doesn't exist. This is who Al is as a guy.

[Don LaGreca]

But what I. What I like to ask that caller or any other caller, that's where the New York Yankees, Jeff Passon, said, they're the New York Yankees. What does that mean?

[Alan Hahn]

What? You said something Don. Don, you never had to ask. That's my point. You never had to ask that. You're asking that now because you don't know?

[Don LaGreca]

No, because what I'm just saying is, is that like, we. We love to, like, oh, we're the Montreal Canadiens. What does that mean? You haven't won a championship since 1993. Like, so eventually that goes away. Even the Boston Celtics. Peter, no offense, but we're the Boston Celtics in the now. They're the. They're. They're a really good team. But are they Bird? Are they. Mikhail, like that. That ship sailed a long time ago, man. Like, it's a different world. There's parody now.

[Alan Hahn]

Like, it's the brand. It's the brand, man. It's the brand.

[Unknown Caller]

It's a lot of bro.

[Don LaGreca]

What's the Cowboy brand? Where? The Dallas Cowboys. What does that mean anymore?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, I mean, that doesn't make it right. The Cowboys are in the same place as the Yankees. I've always said this. The Yankees are becoming the Cowboys of maple.

[Don LaGreca]

Listen, you're the. Hey, listen. If you want to win the championship for the fans that have the most caps in the wild, if you want to win the championship for having the most ratings, if you want to win the championship for having the best regional sports network, then you've won. Then you are the New York Yankees. But on the field, what does that matter? We're the New York Yankees. Align one championship in the last 25 years.

[Alan Hahn]

Don, you're talking about a business model versus a product, right? That's what you're talking about. So, yes, you've had. This is a company, General Electric, ge. It's been around for a million years, Right. It's a light bulb. It's done really well.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

And then they decided to venture into other things electric. And that's done pretty well as well. But are they what they used to be compared to some other electronic brands? No, but the point is that they still are a venerable brand. You know what you're getting, and you expect quality. They still have that brand.

[Don LaGreca]

Wait a minute. What Hal would tell you. Let me play the role of how for a second.

[Alan Hahn]

Business model is still great. The product is not what it used to be.

[Don LaGreca]

But I'm going to play the role of Hal when we come up with this, when we come back. Let's role play, all right? And you interview me.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't know if I'm ready for that in our relationship.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, listen, I don't know why you.

[Alan Hahn]

Got to knock it out last night. I'm willing to give it a try, though.

[Don LaGreca]

No, but that I'll be Hal and you and you get all fired up and I'll have an answer. I will answer all of your questions as Hal Steinbrenner when we come back.

[Alan Hahn]

As long as Peter talks like Michael J. Fox. For the rest.

[Don LaGreca]

Hey, Doc.

[Unknown Caller]

And I'll referee as Michael J. Fox. Perfect.

[Alan Hahn]

Did you guys see my book?

[Don LaGreca]

I did. I quote.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, it was long.

[Don LaGreca]

Click.

[Alan Hahn]

I thought I threw it to break.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't want to know how this sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

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.