Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Soto Hustle

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Host/Authors: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Description: Featuring ESPN New York and New Jersey legend Don La Greca, long-time sportswriter and New York Knick broadcaster Alan Hahn, and the highly opinionated Hip Hop veteran and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg, the podcast delves into New York sports and beyond.
• Episode: Hour 1: Soto Hustle
• Release Date: May 20, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicks off shortly after [00:42], bypassing initial advertisements. Hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg dive directly into today's primary topic: the performance and controversies surrounding Mets' superstar, Juan Soto.

2. Juan Soto's Performance and Rental Issues

Discussion Highlights:

• Juan Soto's Struggles: The trio examines Soto’s underwhelming performance, highlighting his batting slump and lack of hustle on the bases.
• Key Play Analysis: A specific play is dissected where Soto hit a single that could have been a double if he had hustled to first base, leading to media scrutiny post-game.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn [04:42]: "And the minute a common man sees a guy who's making $700 million over the next 15 years isn't doing it, of course, it's gonna tick people off."
• Don La Greca [06:28]: "Juan Soto was asked about not hustling on that play after being seen not hustling on another play against the Yankees on Sunday."

3. Management and Player Accountability

Discussion Highlights:

• Manager's Frustration: Don criticizes Mets' manager Carlos Mendoza for publicly addressing Soto's lack of hustle, drawing parallels with past managerial confrontations.
• Contract Expectations: Emphasis on how high-profile contracts, like Soto’s 15-year deal, amplify expectations for player performance and accountability.

Notable Quotes:

• Don La Greca [07:04]: "How do you win that face-off if you're Mendoza? You don't have a bunch of rings jingling and jangling. You haven't been around forever."
• Alan Hahn [11:00]: "Remember, he blew off the media after Sunday night's game. They didn't talk to anybody."

4. Fan and Media Reactions

Discussion Highlights:

• Media Scrutiny: The hosts discuss how New York's intense media environment exacerbates player scrutiny, especially for someone under such a lucrative contract.
• Fan Backlash: Potential for growing fan dissatisfaction if Soto's performance doesn't improve, with references to historical fan reactions to underperforming stars.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg [16:10]: "Who wants that?"
• Don La Greca [19:05]: "Mets are starting to pay attention to this. We're gonna get a bunch of phone calls of people just not liking guys that can't bust it down the first baseline."

5. Family Influence on Contract Decisions

Discussion Highlights:

• Soto’s Contract Signing: Exploration of rumors suggesting that Soto’s decision to sign with the Mets was heavily influenced by his family's preferences, potentially hindering his autonomy and performance.
• Cultural Considerations: Discussion on how cultural backgrounds, particularly Latino families, may impact athletes' personal and professional decisions.

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan Reynolds [39:07]: "I'm half Dominican, half Puerto Rican. We see money and we tend to get a little hood rich right at the end of the day."
• Don La Greca [30:26]: "If the family has a say, then there's always gonna be a face-off. The team wants me to do this, but my family wants me to do that."

6. Comparisons to Other Athletes and Historical Context

Discussion Highlights:

• Historical Parallels: The hosts draw comparisons between Soto’s situation and other athletes like Robinson Cano, David Wright, and Chris Tucker's meme about contracts, illustrating recurring themes of player performance under contract pressure.
• Legacy and Performance: Speculation on how Soto can either cement a positive legacy with the Mets or be remembered poorly if struggles persist.

Notable Quotes:

• Don La Greca [37:01]: "Anybody with a brain would bet that this is going to age way better than it started."
• Alan Hahn [33:05]: "He's struggling, and that's the main reason why he's not himself."

7. Listener Calls and Interactive Segment

Discussion Highlights:

• Ryan Reynolds' Call [19:56]: A listener shares his perspective as a diehard Yankees fan, expressing understanding of Soto’s family influences but emphasizing the importance of performance.
• Community Sentiment: Other listeners, including Ricardo from Cliffside Park, weigh in on Soto’s potential and the broader implications for the Mets and Yankees fanbases.

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan Reynolds [40:36]: "If he was hitting, there'd be no problems. It's funny though. I agree with that statement."
• Don La Greca [44:58]: "New York's New York man fan bases aren't that much different."

8. Concluding Insights and Future Outlook

Discussion Highlights:

• Potential Turnaround: Optimism that Soto can regain his form and align with team expectations, potentially turning the narrative around for the Mets.
• Long-Term Implications: Consideration of how early-season struggles might affect the Mets' standings and Soto’s relationship with fans and management.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg [46:25]: "Baseball's a long season. Got to have a storyline. This whole thing could be a moot thing in three days that doesn't even exist."
• Don La Greca [47:10]: "If they get swept at Fenway, he continues to not hit. The Mets continue to not hit... All of a sudden you're out of the playoffs."

9. Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with a reflection on the complexities of high-profile athlete contracts, the influence of personal relationships on professional decisions, and the unforgiving nature of New York sports media and fanbases. Hosts encourage Mets fans to remain supportive while holding players accountable, emphasizing the delicate balance between loyalty and performance expectations.

Conclusion: In this engaging episode, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg provide an in-depth analysis of Juan Soto's current struggles with the Mets, exploring the multifaceted issues of performance under pressure, management-player dynamics, and the cultural influences that may be impacting Soto's game. Through thoughtful discussion and listener interactions, the hosts shed light on the broader implications for the team and its fanbase, offering a comprehensive overview for both dedicated listeners and casual fans alike.