Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Second Guessing

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Host/Authors: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 1: Second Guessing
• Release Date: July 10, 2025
• Description: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg discuss New York sports, particularly focusing on the Mets in this episode.

1. Introduction and Context

The episode kicks off with a lively banter between Don Hahn and Alan Rosenberg, briefly touching on the upcoming Mets game scheduled for 5 PM. They set the stage by discussing the fluidity of the ESPN app and the necessity to switch stations due to the doubleheader.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [00:00]: "Licking the television screen. Licking it like it's ice cream."
• Alan Rosenberg [00:03]: "Hahn. Oh, the type of music I listen to would make you cry."

2. Analyzing the Mets' Recent Loss

Don Hahn expresses frustration over the Mets' recent 3-1 loss, highlighting the team's consistent inability to hit with runners in scoring position and the reliance on the bullpen. He criticizes Manager Carlos Mendoza's decision to pull starting pitcher Carlos Mendoza after seven innings and limit him to 90 pitches.

Key Points:

• Mets had a 1-0 lead going into the eighth inning but lost 3-1.
• Don criticizes the bullpen's inability to secure wins in close games.
• The offense's underperformance in producing runs with runners in scoring positions.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [01:30]: "Why am I so hot to get to Stanek? Why can’t I just get another 10 pitches out of Peterson?"
• Alan Rosenberg [03:26]: "For the most part, he's been a problem."

3. Bullpen Issues and Managerial Decisions

The discussion delves deeper into bullpen performance, emphasizing the struggles of relievers like Stanek, who has a 4.5 ERA. Don Hahn questions the rationale behind Mendoza's bullpen usage, especially when starters like Peterson have been reliable yet are prematurely removed from games.

Key Points:

• Carlos Mendoza's bullpen has been inconsistent throughout the season.
• Reliance on pitchers with higher ERAs undermines game stability.
• Mendoza's management decisions are second-guessed due to bullpen failures.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [05:39]: "I can’t get on the manager for that. But the game is 1-0. Your pitcher is humming through seven innings."
• Alan Rosenberg [09:56]: "They have to get better or they have no chance."

4. Carlos Mendoza’s Response and Fan Reactions

Listeners' opinions and fan sentiments are introduced, focusing on Mendoza's handling of the game and his post-game comments blaming the offense. Don Hahn expresses disappointment with Mendoza's lack of accountability and his reliance on bullpen despite their shortcomings.

Key Points:

• Mendoza attributes the loss to offensive shortcomings rather than bullpen issues.
• Don Hahn feels Mendoza should take responsibility for bullpen failures.
• Discussion on whether Mendoza's decisions align with modern baseball analytics or traditional pitcher management.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [07:33]: "So, no, he's bailing out his pitcher by saying we didn't hit. Which is the right answer."
• Don Hahn [10:28]: "I just didn’t like the first answer. Well, he did his job, won seven innings, pitched 90 pitches."

5. Historical Context and Pitcher Health Concerns

The hosts compare current bullpen management to historical practices, arguing that despite modern pitching limits, injuries persist. They debate whether pitch count rules truly protect pitchers or if underlying issues remain unaddressed.

Key Points:

• Historical pitchers also dealt with injuries but were managed differently.
• Current pitch count limits (e.g., 90 pitches) may not be sufficient to prevent injuries.
• The need for strategic bullpen management remains critical despite statistical guidelines.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [36:33]: "They just fought through it."
• Alan Rosenberg [37:17]: "But you take him out early, you baby him, you put him on innings limits."

6. Fan Calls and Community Feedback

The episode features listener calls providing additional perspectives on the game's pitching decisions. Fans discuss the effectiveness of bullpen strategies and offer support for Mendoza while reiterating concerns about bullpen reliability.

Key Points:

• Listeners agree that bullpen performance is a critical issue for the Mets.
• Support for Mendoza is tempered with calls for bullpen improvement.
• Recognition of the tough decisions managers face in high-pressure situations.

Notable Quotes:

• Fan [45:21]: "I've been following baseball since 1968, and I don't remember pitchers getting more hurt than they are now."
• Alan Rosenberg [48:18]: "Wrecker really sounds outstanding."

7. Closing Remarks and Promotions

The hosts wrap up the episode by promoting upcoming events like the ESPN New York Teed Up Golf Challenge and acknowledging sponsor advertisements. They emphasize the importance of bullpen issues while expressing hope for postseason improvements.

Key Points:

• Promotion of the ESPN New York Teed Up Golf Challenge benefiting the Garden of Dreams Foundation.
• Encouragement for listeners to engage with the ESPN app and participate in community events.
• Final thoughts reiterate the central concern of bullpen reliability impacting the Mets' season.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [35:47]: "The thing I'm concerned about the most is the bullpen."
• Alan Rosenberg [47:24]: "But relief pitching for this Mets team… this is the way they're going to do it."

Conclusion

In "Second Guessing," Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg provide a thorough analysis of the Mets' recent struggles, focusing on bullpen management and managerial decisions. They express concern over the team's inability to perform in critical moments, emphasizing the need for bullpen improvements to secure postseason success. The episode combines expert insights with passionate fan perspectives, offering a comprehensive look at the challenges facing the Mets.

Overall Takeaway: The Mets' bullpen remains a significant obstacle to their success, with managerial decisions under scrutiny. For the team to advance and compete effectively, addressing bullpen inconsistencies is paramount.

Connect with the Hosts:

• Call-In: 1-800-919-3776
• ESPN New York App: Available on smartphones and smart speakers
• Upcoming Events: ESPN New York Teed Up Golf Challenge on July 21 at Colonial Springs Golf Club

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