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).

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."

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..."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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.

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."

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.