Hour 1: The Great Unknown

Summary

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Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: "The Great Unknown"

Air Date: August 4, 2026
Hosts: Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg (Don La Greca not present this hour)

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EPISODE OVERVIEW

Main Theme:
This episode centers on the Yankees' underwhelming MLB trade deadline moves, what it signals about the state of the franchise, and the anxiety among fans regarding both the team’s future and the health of star Aaron Judge. The core discussion unpacks Yankees GM Brian Cashman’s explanation for the team’s relative inaction, especially his refusal to trade top prospect George Lombard Jr., the implications for the Yankees' direction, and the mounting frustration among the fanbase.

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KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. Setting the Stage: The "Wedding" Analogy for NFL QBs

• The hour kicks off (02:01) with a playful analogy, likening NFL quarterbacks' status to wedding table assignments—who gets the best seats and who’s stuck at the back.
• This theme quickly pivots to the realities facing baseball GMs during trade season.

2. Yankees Trade Deadline Inaction and Fan Frustration

Timestamps: 04:02–14:48

• The deadline passed with “really nothing” significant happening for the Yankees.
• Last night's game briefly provided hope with a home run from new acquisition Garcia but dissolved into frustration after a bullpen collapse.

Alan Hahn:

"All this talk about getting a catcher and you didn’t get the righty catcher. All this talk about the needs of this team...and you said things like, was out of our range, so there’s some things we couldn't compete." (05:04)

• The Red Sox are now only one game back in the loss column, stoking fears the Yankees could end up third in the division.

• Hahn invokes Brian Windhorst’s idea: “Action over words”—a warning to judge the franchise by what it does, not what it says.

"But it’s what they do that matters most. Pay attention to what they’re doing, their actions." (05:28)

3. The Prospect Untouchable: George Lombard Jr.

Timestamps: 06:49–14:14

• George Lombard Jr., a top Yankees prospect, was reportedly the sticking point in failed talks.
• Cashman is painted as using Lombard’s call-up to distract from deadline disappointment.

Brian Cashman (clip):

"They set a high price. And to be honest, that was not something we were unable to get them off of... a very specific ask and certain players we weren't willing to play with on that arena…” (07:27)

Hahn:

"The only prospect we had worth a damn is the one guy we cannot give up because this guy's our future." (14:49)

• The hosts note the irony and pressure in calling up Lombard: fans will judge the decision immediately, especially if he struggles early.

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4. “We Weren’t Able to Compete at That Level” and What It Means

Timestamps: 10:14–14:49

• Big debate over Cashman’s remark:

"We weren’t able to compete at that level." (10:11, repeated throughout)

• Hahn and Rosenberg clarify: The issue is not money, but a lack of elite, desirable prospects beyond Lombard Jr.

Rosenberg:

"George is rolling over, buddy." (14:48)

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5. Rosenberg & Hahn on the Diminished Yankees Pipeline and Future

Timestamps: 16:47–21:22

• The hosts highlight how former top prospects Volpe and Dominguez have lost value—no longer attractive as trade chips.
• Discuss the cycle of prospect hype, disappointment, and the risks in “prospect hugging”—holding onto prospects who rarely become stars.

Hahn:

"How many would he refuse to give up on in big trades that might have put the Yankees over the top... Not many of them hit. This one better hit." (23:26)

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6. Aaron Judge’s Injury: The “Great Unknown”

Timestamps: 18:50–21:22; 34:12–36:11; 48:01–48:37

• Judge is still sidelined; Cashman’s updates sound hedged and noncommittal.

Cashman (clip):

"It’s always possible that things don’t go the way you want, but we’re currently still very optimistic that he’s going to return... But I can’t rule out any of it, you know... always a moving target." (18:50)

Rosenberg:

"That was troubling. This was the most troubling stuff. Yeah, a lot of hedging in that conversation..." (19:30)

• Listeners and hosts worry the Yankees’ lack of moves is because of little confidence Judge will return in time or return to form.

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7. Fan Calls: Frustration, Analysis, and Questions

Timestamps: 29:56–46:56

• Rich in Sayreville: would Hahn have traded Lombard Jr. for anyone available?
  Hahn: "No."
• Bobby in Bellmore: worries about positional logjams if Judge and Stanton return.
• Emily in LA: emotional about Judge's potential to never win a title in NY; says building around one superstar is dangerous.

  "The idea that he may not win a World Series in New York is heartbreaking. It's criminal." (34:33)

• Justin in Tom's River: criticizes not even adding bullpen help, calls Garcia "redundancy," senses the window is closing.
• Tony in Tampa: vents about Cashman's “prospect hugging”; wants the Yankees to "win now" even if it means trading Lombard Jr.

  "Let these prospects fly...if there was a big enough game out there and oh, we can’t get rid of Lombard – I think that’s bewilderment." (43:41)

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MEMORABLE QUOTES

• Alan Hahn: "I've always said this: to make a trade, it's got to hurt. Something significant. It's got to hurt." (09:01)
• Peter Rosenberg: "Cashman is a Steinbrenner. He is Tom Hagen. He is in the family. There's no getting rid of him." (24:35)
• Emily in LA (Caller): "The idea that [Judge] may not win a World Series in New York is heartbreaking. It's criminal." (34:33)
• Alan Hahn: "We weren't able to compete at that level...tells you that the Yankee prospects that they hold so precious are not viewed the same around baseball." (10:14)
• Peter Rosenberg: "The kid is now going to unwittingly face all of the wrath of the fan base if he doesn't show you something immediately." (21:32)
• Brian Cashman (clip): "It's always possible that things don't go the way you want, but we...are still very optimistic that he's going to return." (18:50)

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TIMESTAMPS FOR KEY SEGMENTS

• 03:56 – First mention of Yankees' lack of trade moves; set-up for rest of hour’s discussion.
• 06:49 – Introduction of George Lombard Jr. as the prospect Cashman refused to move.
• 07:27 – Brian Cashman audio explaining failed trade negotiations.
• 10:11/14:49 – Dissection of “we weren't able to compete at that level.”
• 18:50 – Cashman hedges on Judge’s return.
• 23:26 – Hahn: "This one [Lombard] better hit"—the pressure on the new prospect.
• 29:56 – Fan calls begin; constant theme: deadline disappointment and Judge worries.
• 34:33 – Emily in LA’s passionate Judge/NYC legacy take.
• 43:41 – Tony in Tampa calls for “win now” trading philosophy.

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TONE AND STYLE

• Banter is lively but often exasperated; repeated references to frustration, heartbreak, and “the great unknown.”
• Rosenberg is especially pointed (“Cashman is in the family. Stop talking about it.”), Hahn is thoughtful but firm, frequently referencing inside baseball wisdom.
• Callers are well-informed, articulate, and emotionally invested, echoing the hosts’ anxieties and hopes.

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SUMMARY

Hour 1 of "The Great Unknown" zeroes in on the Yankees' identity crisis post-trade deadline—with the organization unwilling to mortgage its only blue-chip prospect (Lombard Jr.) for proven help, lacking depth to make other significant deals, and fielding a fan base losing faith. The uncertain timeline for Aaron Judge’s return from injury overlays the entire conversation with anxiety and doubt.

The hosts dissect Cashman’s language and decisions, concluding that the actions (or lack thereof) reveal a farm system barren of top prospects and a front office that, out of necessity, is introverted and risk-averse. The pressure now mounts not just on Lombard Jr., but on the Yankees' entire approach after years of falling short—leaving fans stuck, as Rosenberg puts it, with the "great unknown."

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For listeners (and Yankee fans), this hour offers both catharsis and a sharp diagnosis of a franchise at a critical crossroads—where hope, skepticism, and the burden of history all collide.

Transcript

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[Peter Rosenberg]

Todd, cross your legs, honey, let's get out of this. In it.

[Alan Hahn]

Han, I didn't know you were a screamer. And Rosenberg, happy New Jewish New Year.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Not Newish Jew Year. This isn't North Dakota. This is New York.

[Alan Hahn]

This is Don, Han, and Rosenberg.

[Caller]

The best threesome I've ever heard on

[Alan Hahn]

ESPN New York and streaming live on YouTube. Oh, yeah. 3:00 clock in the big city with Peter Rosenberg. I. I'm Alan Hahn, and man, do we have stuff for you today.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'll let you dream. And I mean it. That's not my generic pretend. Well, that's real.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, today's a big day because we brought it up. I think we brought up yesterday, but the fact that we have the tables. Oh, yeah, they are set up. Oh, yeah, there's tables in the. In the ballroom.

[Peter Rosenberg]

In the ballroom. The wedding is planned.

[Alan Hahn]

Yep.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And this is. This isn't Travis and Taylor. This is bigger.

[Alan Hahn]

No, this is. This is a big wedding.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is the biggest.

[Alan Hahn]

And every quarterback in the NFL is invited. Problem is who's at table one? Who's a table six?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

Because that we know, like, there's a true etiquette about weddings.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

When you know what table you're at is how, you know how they feel about you. How close.

[Peter Rosenberg]

How close are we really?

[Alan Hahn]

How close are we really? And especially if you're in that table that's right by the back doors. You're like, if you didn't come, nobody'd care.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

They wouldn't even notice. Yeah, we're here. And at least you're at a table.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And not only that, I do want to warn you about something. I.

[Alan Hahn]

Besides the fact my let's phone is still dirty.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, my. Let's talk about it.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I would wait till Thursday if I could, but I can't.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, let's talk about it Tuesday.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right. But you know how talk about it can be. That guy.

[Alan Hahn]

That guy. Oh, you're.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what I'm talking about.

[Alan Hahn]

You're putting it together.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So I just want. I want to warn you early because I Do know you have some fondness. And also you're a company man. I want you to be careful. I'm going to do dirty things to Aaron Rodgers at 4:30 Things violations are going to happen.

[Alan Hahn]

You're going to violate the man.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The man's going to be violated. Well, he decided to violate a lot of people.

[Alan Hahn]

I might be a job later. I might. You might be proud of me.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, he.

[Alan Hahn]

Because in the notes that I put together for today's show, as you know, I.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're a note guy.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm a note guy. An extensive accidentally killed Marv. Yeah, well, Marv Levy is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sorry, Marv.

[Alan Hahn]

Did we check he's still alive? Yes, but in my extensive notes that I took today, I actually have an Aaron Rodgers note.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right.

[Alan Hahn]

That I was going to bring up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay.

[Alan Hahn]

And I said, you know, this might be a little bit iffy. Well. But I think I'll set the table

[Peter Rosenberg]

for you and you and.

[Alan Hahn]

No, I'm gonna let you do it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'll go and then we'll see where you fit in.

[Alan Hahn]

And then if there's anything left, whatever's left of the carcass.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Cuz there are. I'll scrape it off. Cuz there are.

[Alan Hahn]

Scrape it off the highway.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And people think I'm gonna be going one way and I'm not. I'm actually going a different way. Oh, I'm not going the way you did. I'm not even really gonna touch the Fauci thing. It's not even about the politics.

[Alan Hahn]

No coward talk at all.

[Caller]

Huh?

[Peter Rosenberg]

The word coward will come up just because he chose to use that word a lot.

[Alan Hahn]

Interesting.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Interesting. But I'm not, because I don't want it to even be divisive. There's so many.

[Alan Hahn]

So we got a lot to this. And by the way, we don't have a lot of time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We're off.

[Alan Hahn]

At six o' clock, the Mets are in Cleveland. And that game's a 6:40 first pitch. Which means there's no ENN today.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, no ENN at 5:45. We're doing an abbreviated 5:40.

[Alan Hahn]

Abbreviated, yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We're going to do it quick.

[Alan Hahn]

Look, there ain't no enn like a full 6 o'. Clock.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's right, because a 6 o' clock in. And don't stop, don't stop until 6:30.

[Alan Hahn]

Right. But you know what else isn't stopping? The frustration from Yankee land. So let's just get into this because we ended the show obviously with the trade deadline ending yesterday at 6 o'. Clock. And when the Dust settled. There was really nothing. And then, man, last night's game happened, and for a second you had. You had that, like the home run, the lead, and it felt like, okay, the offense woke up. There were some things to feel optimistic about until, of course, another mismanaged bullpen game and it's disaster and they end up losing a terrible loss. And the Red Sox, by the way, what did I tell you? They are now one game back in the loss column.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay?

[Alan Hahn]

They are creeping on you now. It is. It is a real thing is happening that you could be. We could get to the weekend and the Yankees could be in third place in the division. Very possible. All right, so this is. This is the reality of where you are and the question marks about, that's it. That's it, Brian. This is all you're going to do. All this talk about getting a catcher and you didn't get the righty catcher. All this talk about the needs of this team, the possibility of landing Big Fish, and you said things like, was out of our. Out of our range, so there's some things that we couldn't compete. Yeah. Now, I know a lot of this stuff is kind of old at this point, but because it sets up our conversation, I just want you to listen to Brian. Brian Cashman's out of place right now. I'm telling you, he knows it. You can hear it in his voice. I told you yesterday what was happening there because it was. They were screaming it. There's a phrase that my good friend Brian Windhorse likes to use, and I love using it in moments like this. The phrase is action over words. So a lot of times, there's a lot of things that general managers or coaches or organizations say, but it's what they do that matters most. Pay attention to what they're doing, their actions. And so Tark school ball was there. They talked. Yankees didn't get him. Okay. Rushman was there. You could have had him talked. They didn't get him. Those are two major pieces. The Yankees were not in on either one in the end. And the reason why is who's in the LineUp tonight? Batting eighth and playing shortstop, the 21 year old, the new phenom, the new hope of the future, Baby Yoda, whatever you want to call him, this is what he is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I haven't heard Baby Yoda yet.

[Alan Hahn]

George Lombard Jr. Yeah. And the question now is, is this Brian's way of sort of distracting a frustrated fan base by saying, don't pay. Don't. Don't pay no mind to what I didn't do. Look what I'm giving you, this shiny toy for you to look at and watch. And you can now see why I wouldn't trade this kid. Again, this is about Skubal and this is Cashman explaining why that they tried for him but couldn't get him. Remember, it's action over words.

[Brian Cashman]

They set a high price. And be honest, that was not something we were unable to get them off of. What they said might work, but at the same time they were communicating that it also might not even win the day. And then they kind of went silent. You know, I think after they got what they were looking for and ultimately I think was wrestling whether they're going to make the decision to move it or not.

[Caller]

And they.

[Brian Cashman]

And then they made that decision. So we just feel like we didn't really match up in the end. We weren't able to compete at that level. But they did have some asks our way that we were unwilling to do. But it was a very specific ask and a certain player and players we weren't willing to play with on that arena. And Tarek Skull, despite how great a pitcher he is, you know, it's, you know, another two months to go, plus the postseason. And that made it more difficult for us to be comfortable giving up the ask that was going to go their way, despite how great he was. And clearly pitching is a strength of ours, you know, and our needs were in different categories. But because of how great he is, we definitely made our phone calls and I talked to Scott Harris several times about it.

[Alan Hahn]

Okay, so understand what you heard him say there. Tells you what. What was Detroit asking for and would not again set a high price?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Things we weren't.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. They wouldn't get off of asking us things that we weren't willing to do. And they wouldn't give up the ask. What do you think that involved?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I would imagine George Lombard Jr. The exact prospect we're talking literally.

[Alan Hahn]

Right. Who is their prized prospect, but not necessarily one of the biggest prospects in the game. Right, Right. He's the Yankees prized prospect. And everyone knew that Brian Cashman was desperate. Everyone knew. And so. Okay, let's start with him. You want a two time Cy Young award winner? I'm sorry, I'm have to get your best prospect. And don't get Legron Hay and some of these other names. No, no, no, dude, no. I'm giving you a two time Cy Young guy. I need to get your best. You're going to have to. I've always said this to make a Trade. It's got to hurt. Something significant. It's got to hurt. And so they were asking for him, clearly. And Brian made it clear we were not trading this kid. No. And so Adlie Rushman comes up. If you're the Orioles, who the hell do you think you're asking for?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Same thing.

[Alan Hahn]

Same thing. And you can't tell me? Well, the Dodgers didn't give up something that big. The Red Sox didn't give. Doesn't matter when you know already in the Yankee prospect pool, they don't have a lot. Volpe, that's a. That's damaged goods. Dominguez, not what he used to be. You think they. Those guys have value? This is the value they have. They just got sent down because nobody wanted them.

[Brian Cashman]

We weren't able to compete at that level.

[Alan Hahn]

Think about that, boy. We weren't able to compete at that level. Tells you that the Yankee prospects that they hold so precious are not viewed the same around baseball to a point where they couldn't compete. Because the one guy that everybody wanted, if you want to make a deal, that guy's got to be in it because he's really the only prospect you have that we give a rip about. And Brian's like, I cannot trade this guy. And I don't blame him. That part I'll say. I wouldn't have done it either, because this kid's supposed to be really special. He. He's got something about him. We're all going to find out over at least the next month. But you see what he's telling you. He's telling you that we were trying to offer other things and they wouldn't even listen. No. Has to start with Lombard. Nope. Has to start with him. They couldn't make, by the way, the

[Peter Rosenberg]

Red Sox did give up a lot.

[Alan Hahn]

Just to be clear, right? They're two, three and five. Three and five. Two, four and five.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's a lot.

[Alan Hahn]

It is a lot.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's a lot. So it's not like they didn't get a lot.

[Alan Hahn]

No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

For Rushman, they did.

[Alan Hahn]

Right now, the Dodgers gave up three prospects as well. And a lot of people think, like, it was an underpay, but I'm telling you, I'm like, I know this. The Yankees were not willing to part with this kid. And then the answer after this is, here's why we're going to bring him up. We're playing them right now. You know what pressure is on this kid right now, Ton.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is the brutal thing to do.

[Alan Hahn]

Think about it. This. And I'm going to let you know something too. The Yankees know this about him. This kid whose father's coaching in the league, his father played in the league, he's made up of all the right stuff. He is a. He's a high character kid, hardworking, get all the good things you want and he's talented, especially defensively. But every time he's been called up. He struggles in the beginning, then he figures it out and then he. And he rakes. That's why he keeps moving up. But the struggle in the beginning happens every time. Single A, Double A, now Triple A. And then he figures it out. It takes him a little a minute, then he figures it out. And that's what they love about him. They think that he's like a student of the game. It doesn't take him long, but it does take time. This call up could do the same thing. And the next two weeks could be a disaster. He could be 0 for 4 every game with a magic glove but he still, he could struggle at the plate. And what do you think Yankee fans are going to do if he's struggling at the plate? Volpe did the same stuff, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, they have now.

[Alan Hahn]

This guy's a zero.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now the kid is getting thrown into the history that's existed over the last

[Alan Hahn]

couple of years and now the price tag that came with it, which is they wouldn't give him up for a catcher they desperately needed. Although he could be a fading asset, Rushman could be a fading asset. That's all stuff that's gonna prove itself out. But right now is all anybody cares about. And in the right now for Yankee fans, they're staring at, that's it. This is all you did. That's not enough. Look what the Cubs did. Look what the Dodgers did. Look what the Red Sox did. And this is all we're doing. That's right now the frustration. That's why last night was hilarious. Because think about last night. Think about what you had happen last night. The guy you traded for comes up with a monster home run. Think about that, right? I was, I was sending texts to, to Anthony. I was saying, Louie, Louie, you know, I was getting all fired up. He hits the two run home run. They take the lead for the first time. They were down six, nothing. A rare bad game by Schlitler, but the comeback happens. He hits a bomb in his first game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

A moment.

[Alan Hahn]

And it's a moment. Ruko, by the way, phenomenal call. You guys hear it?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I haven't heard it yet.

[Alan Hahn]

Phenomenal Ruko call. He was really good on that. And yet they still end up losing the game because bullpen stuff, which happens. So you had a chance to have good feelings, and instead the frustration was not even the good feelings. Lasted for about three or four minutes. And the next inning, boom, all gone. Six runs, three home runs, it's over. And so now you're getting the grumbling back and the frustration back. And I totally get it. And I understand. But what Brian Cashman is, he's telling you with his actions, not with his words. His words are saying high price, too much for us. And people keep saying, how can the Yankees say it was a high price? How can the Yankees say that? We can't compete at that level.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's so un.

[Alan Hahn]

Why would you use those phrases? We couldn't compete at that level.

[Peter Rosenberg]

George is rolling over, buddy.

[Alan Hahn]

And you're getting that, and you're getting that now, understand, he's saying that not because they're cheap. He's saying that because he's admitting the only prospect we had worth a damn is the one guy we cannot give up because this guy's our future. So when you look at it through that lens, what else could they have done? It does tell you, though, that they really don't have high value prospects that could have gotten high value players that could have made the Yankees feel like they were part of everything. 800 now. 193776 get the calls on this. I know the frustration is bubbling over with, with Yankee fans and I'm with you. But now that I painted the picture that way, how do you look at it now? This kid now is going to play. It starts tonight. And he has been slow at the plate when he makes these adjustments, when he takes that step to the next level. But there's a lot of people who think his glove will be elite already. And that's something that you certainly love because we have seen Volpe at short and we know that the bat has been a problem. And then in the field, he's actually not been very good either. So you want to shore that up. This kid will do that. But if he struggles at the plate his first couple of games, you got to give him time. I'm telling you, you got to give him time. But this is Cashman saying, I'm going to give you now something to look at, something to watch to distract you from what I couldn't get for this team. And what he's banking on is that at some point this month the kid will start to figure it out and he'll Be a key piece, an important piece of. In their lineup when the playoffs come around. Now, the other part of this, Peter, I heard today, which kind of backs up what I was suggesting yesterday, more actions over words.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right?

[Alan Hahn]

Why not be all in? Why not chase down other catches? There were other catches to be had and still it felt like Cashman was modest with his moves and not aggressive with his moves. And you bring in, again, Garcia, you bring in a bat. Not necessarily a need anywhere on the field, but just a bat. You bring in another fielder as well, who's a bat, not a fielder.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Although I do maintain they need bats, but.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes, but I'm saying they needed offense, but they didn't do anything. Like Ramos, not a great defensive outfielder whatsoever. But he can hit. One can hit lefties, one can hit righties. And why would they, why would they try to beef up a lineup? Because the variable is Aaron Judge. They have no idea if he's going to be back and if he's going to be himself. They have no clue. And so to be all in on this season with this team like the Red Sox were, because, you know, you go 26 and three, you've earned it. You've earned the ability. You've earned that franchise. Saying, you guys are playing so well, we're going for it because we can, we think we can do this, we can win the American League, we can get to the World Series, and let's see what we can do against the Dodgers. They earned it, but what have the Yankees done to have earned it this year? They're all hurt. Stanton, what was the phrasing yesterday about Stanton in the batting. Batting practice? Nice to see him outside and running. Outside and running. This is, like I said, actions over words. Outside and running doesn't tell you anything. But if you really think about it, he didn't do anything. And Judge, again, there's no update on Judge. Even Cashman couldn't give you anything on Judge. And oh, by the way, listen to how he's very careful with his wording when it comes to Judge. He was asked a very obvious question and the right question to ask. You worried that maybe Judge won't come back.

[Brian Cashman]

It's always possible that things don't go the way you want, but we currently are still very optimistic that he's going to return. You know, but there's challenges with all that too. While he's returning, you know, whenever that time frame is and ramping him up, getting his timing, sounds like hedging, etc. Etc. Etc. So I can't rule out any of it, you know, but I, but I know that I can only follow the guidelines so far that the timeline and the time frame, the pretty high likelihood and optimism him that, yeah, he fits that timeline time, that time frame for him to get back and join us. And, and that's what I'm hoping and holding on to. And I know that that's what he believes, and I know that's what the doctors believe. Always a moving target.

[Alan Hahn]

Hoping and holding on to Peter.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, that was troubling. This was the most troubling stuff. Yeah, a lot of hedging in that

[Alan Hahn]

conversation because you, you do, you don't. It's the great unknown.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He is optimistic that he could.

[Alan Hahn]

He wants to do it. He wants to, he wants to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But with that, there's complications, you know, you never know.

[Alan Hahn]

Anything can. So that's exactly why, if you're a Yankees fan, and you are yesterday, you're. You're apoplectic. We had a couple of callers late in the show. You heard the frustration and you're right to feel that way. But just understand again, what are the actions of the team telling you? They're not getting imaging on Judge anytime soon. They're letting it heal because it takes time to heal. They can't keep getting imaging on it like every week. How about now? How about now? How about now? You can't. It takes weeks, guys. Actually, it's taking months now. And so if you don't know what version of judge you're going to get, how could you possibly say to yourself, we're gonna put all our chips in the middle of the table and we're going for it this year. You can't. Especially if it involves your prized prospect, who a lot of scouts believe has that special it factor, that in time will make him a longtime Yankee. That's what they feel about Lombard Jr. They think he's got. Might take time offensively. That's the part that's going to look bad if he struggles early, which he tends to do when he's called up from level to level. Fans cannot get on this kid. But that's what Cashman has put in front of him as almost like a shield. This is the kid I wouldn't trade. This is the kid everybody wanted. And I wouldn't give him up for Scubal or even for Rushman.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now, do you really think that's the reason he's doing it or it's. You're saying it's just bad, that it's overall a bad look but is it the reason he's doing it?

[Alan Hahn]

Kid's hitting right now, which is good. So he's hot. Second of all, they know on the other side of the deadline, we've got to do something with this lineup. Something's got to happen. Volpe was given more than enough time to figure it out. You talk about also Mayor Culpa for Cashman. There's a guy that he stood up for, fought literally with the media about right and he was wrong. Dominguez mistake last night. They're just kind of done giving him opportunities and they send him down because Spencer Jones has actually been pretty good. He's a way better fielder. So Jones has kind of earned it. A guy we've heard a lot about as well. So it's just the next guys up, it's their turn because we've given you enough rope, we've given you enough time, you've done nothing. Let's give somebody else a chance. But the problem I'm having is, is this 21 year old kid who's got great potential, who you wouldn't give up for blockbuster trades, is now going to unwittingly face all of the wrath of the fan base if he doesn't show you something immediately. Because they're a frustrated, angry fan base and they have every right to be. They've been given every reason to be frustrated and angry because this is once again year after year of the same guy saying the same things and the same results happen. And it's rinse, repeat all over again. And that makes us. That brings us to another thing. If we got your calls coming in here at 800 now and 9377 is going to get to them next. But I'm gonna leave you with this, Peter, something that Anthony mentioned as we were talking about the show.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Anthony Volpezig.

[Alan Hahn]

This is Puzig. I don't think Volpe would have said,

[Peter Rosenberg]

all right, go ahead.

[Alan Hahn]

He might though. Is that with so much change coming after the new collective bargaining is agreed upon, a new system is agreed upon. It might be a cap system for all we know. Wouldn't this be the perfect time? The house dime manager say we got to start anew, start fresh. We've been saying it over and over again and over and over again and over and over again. And I know one of Michael's strongest takes is that Brian would have a job seconds after he would be fired. I don't know if that's true in a new world with a salary cap because one thing we've learned with the many prospects we've been sold and told about over the years. How many of them hit? Not many. How many would he refuse to give up on in big trades that might have put the Yankees over the top since 2009? A lot. And not many of them had hit. This one better hit.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, I'll just say this. My take, I believe, is stronger than Michael's. Michael has the take of he'd get a job in five minutes.

[Sponsor/Announcer]

Okay.

[Peter Rosenberg]

My take, famously, was it's an irrelevant thing because Cashman is a Steinbrenner. He is Tom Hagen. He is in the family. There's no getting rid of him. It's a waste of time. Stop talking about it. You would sooner find how will get fired. When Brian gets fired, he's in the family.

[Alan Hahn]

There was a point where Tom Hagen was told the Godfather passed. What happened in the end, he was not. His services were not needed.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They were eventually not needed.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, then I don't like the reference point as much, but you get what I'm saying. I think he's fully in the family. I don't think that's a. I don't think they. I think this is. I think he is doing the job as he's directed to do it. If you're hoping for a change, it would be, hey, we're gonna decide to do things differently. I don't think it's him.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, but I think in a new

[Peter Rosenberg]

system, give him a cop out.

[Alan Hahn]

I got you. But in a new system, it's just something to think about. There could be a lot of change with this organization, but he took a stand yesterday and everybody got frustrated about it. He doesn't say the words, he doesn't name the name. But the kid that's batting 8th tonight is the reason why he wasn't able to pull off these moves. And instead of leaving him in aaa, instead of keeping him developing, he brought him in. And you're going to. Now, see, this is why I refused to give this guy up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

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by this episode is brought to you by Welch's Fruit Snacks. Back to school season can be tough on parents, but choosing a snack you and your kids can both get behind doesn't have to be. Stock up on Welch's Fruit Snacks, made with whole fruit and now made with no artificial dyes. It's a snack kids already love and one you can feel good about giving them. Go back to school with Welch's Fruit Snacks, now made with no artificial dyes.

[Alan Hahn]

This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome? That's new. It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50 page restoration block. Or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks. Gemini and Chrome is here for it, ready to make anything online make sense. There's no place like Chrome. Check responses set up required Compatibility and availability Various 18+ thanks for listening to the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Alan Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcast. All right, so let's hear from you at 800-919-3776. There's a lot of again, the frustration among Yankee fans after hearing Brian Cashman last night with the explanation that he made about why they weren't able to make bigger deals, why they couldn't bring in the catcher that he, he himself said was important for them to get. And he used a phrase like this.

[Brian Cashman]

We weren't able to compete at that

[Alan Hahn]

level, to compete at that level with the Red Sox and the Dodgers. And that sounds financial, but what I just told you in the previous segment was it had nothing to do with money and more to do with what everybody was asking for. Because while the Yankees do look at their prospect pool and feel like, man, we've got some real big potential talents coming up through the system, the rest of baseball sees one guy, and so any deal that was going to be made for an All Star, Cy Young caliber player was going to involve that guy. And that guy was George Lombard junior Teams were going to be asking for him. The Tigers asked for him. Cashman told you they wouldn't get off of it, but he didn't name the name. But all you had to do was read between the lines to know exactly what he was saying. And so now you're going to see the kid's up 21 years old and the future is now, and you're going to see exactly why he was hanging on to him with dear life, even if it meant all the. He knew he was going to get eviscerated. He knew it. But he said, I can't give this kid up. That's exactly what happened here. It doesn't make it right and it certainly doesn't make it better because what it tells you is there were no other prospects worth a damn, that Volpe and Dominguez already have lost all the luster they might have had on them. And as once top prospects. Both guys were top 50 prospects at one time, Major League Baseball. And both guys now have not enough value to get a player like Rushman, who again, is a bit of a risk there, or a player like Scuba, who you're going to have to sign. Neither one of them was worth anything to those teams. 800 now, but 93776, Rich and Sayreville is going to start us off today. Hey, Richard.

[Caller]

Yeah. How's it going, guys? My call. I appreciate it.

[Alan Hahn]

Yep.

[Caller]

I just want to ask you, if you guys were the GM of the Yankees, is there any player who got moved at the deadline that you would have included George Lumber Jr. In a package to deal for that player?

[Alan Hahn]

Any player traded at the deadline. No.

[Caller]

Yeah. Who got moved that you would include it George Lumber Jr. For to make the deal happen?

[Alan Hahn]

No. No. I look again. He's 21. Everything the scouts say about him is he's going to be. He's special. That it's going to take time, though. It's not going to be the impact kind of thing, but he's what you need. And at that position at shortstop, you know, that's a. Look, we know that's a premium position, especially in Yankee. Yes. In Yankee history. So you would like. You'd really have to give me a name. Like, I couldn't even begin to even think about it. But that's. That's how much they value him. So. But it's not about that they wouldn't give the kid up. It's that why they couldn't get done what they wanted to get done. And he wouldn't go for a lesser value catcher. I guess he decided, like, I'm not doing this. And he was out on everything else. So. Rich. No. But the answer is no. Anybody that was traded at the deadline. And if you want to argue with me now, we could say two years from now that that was a huge mistake. The kid could be a total bust. But no one is anticipating that happening. Bobby and Bellmore. Bobby, you're up next.

[Caller]

Well, they say the same thing. About Volpe, you know, that he was, you know, can't miss. So who knows? And I talked to Don about this on Friday, you know, in 2019, Judge broke his same ribbon punch, partially punctured his lung. And that was the worst injury in this one. He's out longer for this one.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, he said this. I mentioned this yesterday and you're right.

[Caller]

Right.

But I have to add something to that. Now that they've got Garcia and Judge somehow comes back, which I don't know, maybe that's what he did just to begin with. Where is Garcia gonna play? I mean, forgetting Stanton and Goldsmith. I don't even throw them in.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Caller]

He said to Garcia second, but he's a terrible defensive player and, and you know, and lebar play a new short step. So what are they going to do with Garcia then?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Caller]

If Judge does come back in September, I mean, I know it's a big hit that we. That's why the Yankees got Garcia to begin with.

[Alan Hahn]

Exactly.

[Caller]

Judge not going to come back and

[Alan Hahn]

I can't imagine he's going to. And I can't imagine Judge is going to do more than DH in the very beginning as well, Bobby. So there's a lot of questions to ask. But that's what makes this whole thing so awkward. It's like, all right, you had a bad. But it's an awkward fit. It became like they didn't. It didn't fill a need in the lineup other than the fact that here's a guy that has been red hot and he showed it last night. He's already 2 for 4 with a home run to RBI.

[Caller]

That was a miss. Yeah. And you know, if Stanton comes back, you know, you're gonna have five players for two positions. I mean, how are they gonna do that? I mean, Stanton, you know, this guy gets hurt, he's like, he has to Joe and beat him of the major leagues. I mean, walking, you know, but, you know, I, I mean, it's conceivable that this could happen. And then I wonder if Scared and Judge come back, who are they going to send down after that? They're going to send that. You're going to have to send out Embellisher. Don't they have to send three more players down for the minus?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. You still have a couple of guys that you could move. Yeah. And Jones is certainly one of them. He's. He earned the ability to stay.

[Caller]

So what happens if he plays well and then when he goes. When he's playing well.

[Alan Hahn]

I'll say that part, though. Bobby, that's a good problem to have if everybody's healthy. It's a good problem to have because you could have some guys just not play. He could just. That's all you have to do. Stanton. Stanton have to play. He could be a pinch hitter, but he doesn't have to play. He doesn't have to be an everyday dh. But by the time the postseason anyway, that's all that matters.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Things would have to go. Oh, you'd be till the postseason.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But you need.

[Alan Hahn]

But again, that's the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's a big.

[Alan Hahn]

Are you kidding me? What if everybody's healthy? That'd be great. I don't expect it. Emily in la. Emily.

[Caller]

Oh, what's up, everybody?

Oh, boy.

A couple things. I, I just feel like this feels like Judge, there is a big chance that he's not coming back. And I also feel like what's not being talked about a lot too is, you know, we're saying when he does come back, he may not be the same. It's going to take a while. So he hasn't been cleared for like any baseball activities this entire time.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Caller]

He has not swung a bat. That is a huge concern and I hope, like, I love Aaron Judge and I wish Dom was there today because he always bags on Yankee fans being brass and being spoiled. But like, I want to remind him. Don, if you're listening, I want to remind him that, like, I think in the past few years, Yankee fans have just been so obnoxious about the World Series. I mean, yes, we lost one. It's because of Aaron Judge, because the more years that go by, this thought of this guy who has just carried this team emotionally, physically, vibes wise, he is New York City. The idea that he may not win a World Series in New York is heartbreaking. It's criminal. And, and, and I don't like. Do you think that this organization is taking a step back and going maybe building this whole thing around one person is just not that great of an idea. Like, it's not that great of an idea in any sport really. But the fact that him being absent, I mean there, yes. There are a lot of injuries. Him being absent has just demolished this team. And also like the narrative all year has been, well, the AL is so bad that we're just going to walk out of this thing. I think guess the al, these teams are not playing bad anymore. So the Yankees, like, are a team that I don't think they're great at like overcoming their circumstances. Yeah, that is a real concern. These the best.

[Alan Hahn]

The best. You know, what you just said sounds like judges era. It sounds like this whole time since 2017.

[Caller]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

They cannot overcome their circumstances. They have struggled with that in every, every way you can imagine. And thank you for the call. You can hear the frustration. I don't know if that's what the. I think this year in a vacuum is. The injuries all came at once and the Judge injury is a variable and there. And Lombard is somebody that we see as part of our future. And so with that in mind, there's no real all in you could have done at this deadline. And here's the other thing. Everybody else knew it. Everybody else that they were dealing with knew it, which is always why you pay the Yankee tax. That's a real thing. Justin and Tom's River. Justin.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Justin.

[Caller]

Hey, guys. Thank you as always. Take my phone call. You know, like a lot of Yankee fans, I was very frustrated with yesterday. You guys brought up a lot of great points. You know, I had some time to sit back on it. I think it more has to do with, I think Judge is up on the air and coming back this year. But you can't tell me it's about the Yankee prospects. I'm sorry. The Yankees didn't even add a bullpen arm, you know, to play to the team strengths for this year. You have an elite starting pitching staff and to not get a bullpen arm. And Garcia Jr. Has written all over just redundancy. You have Ben Rice at first base.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Caller]

Again, cogging up that DH spot. The simple fact that they didn't even get creative. The simple fact that, you know, they didn't trade, you know, somebody to San Diego and take on money to get a player back. It just screams that Judge isn't coming back this year. Or is the simple fact again that Cashman, you know, overvalues his.

[Alan Hahn]

Or he overvalues.

[Caller]

Overvalued. Exactly.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Caller]

It just was really disappointing. And again, is Lombard even going to help Judge? You don't even know if there's a season next year. And judge, again, 34 years old, that they don't play next year. He's 35, going to be 36. The window is shrinking. And for the Yankees not to go all in, I think screens at Judge isn't coming back. And just there was a very disappointing deadline for the Yankees and with this championship window closing by the day, like everybody else is saying earlier.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Caller]

Extremely frustrating.

[Brian Cashman]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Thank you, Justin. It's again, the only thing that changes it is if they actually get healthy. If that happens you'll forget all about this and they'll tell you, we like the team that we had. We just had to get healthy. And the bullpen, well, once we get healthy, you think about it, Clark, Schmidt, you put him in the bullpen, he can give you, you know, innings out of the bullpen when he returns. And you know, Ryan Weathers will go to the bullpen as well once Rodon comes back or will Warren, one or the other. So they're looking at it that way. We're going to get relief in the bullpen just by getting healthy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Even though ironically, of course, last night they lost away. They don't normally lose.

[Alan Hahn]

Bullpen was tagged, getting completely taking Yarborough out was a mistake, but that just

[Peter Rosenberg]

has not been the way that this team has lost. So it's funny that the kid Garcia hits a home run. Yeah, they get to seven runs, which for this team you think is a win.

[Alan Hahn]

That was, that was, it was all home runs, of course, but still they,

[Peter Rosenberg]

this year they don't really get there. And then bullpen blows up.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, well, the kid hasn't given up any runs in this since May. And then he just, he's throwing BP out there and because there was nobody left, he had to leave him in. So the whole thing was it. It's amazing when you, they kept showing Boone and you could just see it on Boone's face. He's like, of course. Yeah, of course. Today's the day the kid finally gives up some runs.

[Sponsor/Announcer]

This episode is brought to you by Welch's Fruit Snacks. Back to school season can be tough on parents, but choosing a snack you and your kids can both get behind doesn't have to be. Stock up on Welch's Fruit Snacks. Made with whole fruit and now made with no artificial dyes. It's a snack kids already love and one you can feel good about giving them. Go back to school with Welch's Fruit Snacks now made with no no artificial dyes.

[Alan Hahn]

This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome, that's new. It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50 page restoration block. Or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks. Gemini and Chrome is here for it, ready to make anything online make sense. There's no place like Chrome. Check responses set up required Compatibility and availability Various 18 this message is brought to you by Apple Card. Shave ice by the beach, a trip to the state fair, and a throwback flick at the local drive in. They're more than just items to check off the summer bucket list. They're also opportunities to earn 2% daily cash back when you use your Apple Card with Apple Pay. Apply for Apple Card now and use in minutes with Apple Pay. Subject to credit approval. Apple Card is issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch terms and more at applecard.com thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Alan Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. All right, we have calls. 800-919-3776. On of course, the Yankee frustration, but also anticipation because tonight the prospect you've been hearing all about, the prospect that Brian Cashman wouldn't give up in some of these major deals he was trying to swing yesterday. He's in the lineup tonight. George Lombard Jr. At shortstop no more. Anthony Volpe. He has been sent down. Also, Jason Dominguez, the Martian, he's been sent down. That means Spencer Jones. Now it's his time to see what he can do with opportunity while the Yankees wait to get healthy. Last night was a frustrating game, there's no question about it. Frustrating day for the Yankees, but something to watch tonight for sure. But there's a lot of venting that needs to be done and Tony in Tampa wants to vent about Brian Cashman. Tony, the floor is yours.

[Caller]

Boys, boys, I hope you guys are doing well. I really do. But I'm here to vent and let it out. I called a few months back in regards to my boy Brian Cashman prospect hugging, if you guys remember. Yep. And it only continues and I'm starting to lose it. I need to be talked off the ledge. My rear end is chapped. I'm on the opposite side. I'm. I've been listening to Jake Asmod and I'm lockstep with him. Let these prospects fly. They are prospects. I understand some of them are, you know, hey, this guy, is this that they're. Well, Cam Schwitler, Ben Rice weren't on anybody's radar. Nobody was talked about like Volpe was or, and do Hart or Frazier or Sanchez. Right. But they come up and they start balling out and you find diamonds in the rough. Well, I don't know if in a perfect, in a, in a perfect world where let's say San Diego Padres were like, hey, Cat Piece wants out and I want La Grande, I want Lombard, you let him go, we're winning. Now. What did the Knicks Do. They traded four first round picks for Mikhail Bridges for prospects. Essentially they wanted to win. Now they built the team to win. Now I don't know if you guys agree with me or not, but if there was a big enough game out there and oh, we can't get rid of Lombard, I think that's bewilderment. That's bewilderment. Let them go get, get a mass hall of guys. You know who will win.

Now

[Alan Hahn]

are you though of the belief that they needed Tarek School knowing what they have in their starting rotation? Was that would you give up your prize prospect for like you said, Tatis? That's a whole different level.

[Caller]

Yeah, I'm thinking of a bat. I'm thinking of a bat.

All right.

[Alan Hahn]

I know.

[Caller]

Right, right.

[Alan Hahn]

All right. So the other need was catcher. And Adley Rushman was that guy. And the Orioles, of course. Nope. We want him in the deal and he wasn't going to do that. See, it's not like they were trading for Juan Soto or they were trade. You know what I mean? Like you're, you're not trading.

[Caller]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

For a guy under 30, under control and one of the top players in the sport. Like that's not who they were going for. They were going for a two time young guy who's over 30, who's going to need to get paid or an all star catcher who has been hurt a lot and some people think his, his skill set might be already fading. That's what, that's what you were doing there, right, Tony? So while I'm with you because in the past the prospect hugging, I'm with you because you named all the name, you played all the hits. Clint Frazier, anduhar Floral. All these guys that he wouldn't let go of. Right.

[Brian Cashman]

All of them.

[Alan Hahn]

And so that's why, I mean it drives. Yes. So it makes you crazy. But in this case, I don't know if I'm saying let Lombard go for what they were trying to get. You know what I mean?

[Caller]

Let me ask you this, Alan. I hear you and maybe school, maybe not. Is it like I give it? Paul Ski, different story strength of the team. Right. That's the strength.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Caller]

But you don't think they need bats, especially a right handed bat. So you don't think they were shopping around and you don't think a name got brought up and they, you know, I'm sure a name got brought up and he. Cashman probably said Legrand a Lombard. No, we're gonna, we're just gonna ride them out. We're gonna pull up Lombard and give it a shot, but I think you gotta. We weren't able to compete some things up and win now.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, we weren't able to compete at that level. That's what he said. I hate that phrasing because I'd rather him just say they wanted a prospect of ours that we were not giving up. Tony, hang in there. Always have an opportunity to vent. Now, let's continue with Matt and the Poconos. Matt, how's the Poconos today?

[Caller]

Sunny and bright, Alan. That's what we're trying to be. We're trying to be positive here. We're looking at this all wrong. What if we didn't want to upset our pitching staff by. The only thing we have going for us is pitching. You bring in a new catcher, and then what do we have?

[Alan Hahn]

I know.

[Caller]

Am I crazy?

[Alan Hahn]

No. I see what you're doing. Because one thing you say about Austin Wells is that the catchers, do they like him. That he. The framing and all that stuff. Like he's. He at least has that. But I don't think that that was a. I don't think that was the top three reason. Why not? I don't think it was Johnny Bench.

[Caller]

There was no. There was no Mike Piazza in his prime available. Why would you give up on. We don't have a short style. Why would we give up on Lombards?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, first of all, Jeffers wasn't. Suddenly wasn't available. I think they were banking on Jefferson. All of a sudden, the Twins decided because they won two games, we're not going to sell. And I think that caught them off guard. I think they thought that was their fallback. I think Adlie Rushman became like, wait, this guy's available and you're willing to talk to division opponents? All right, let's get in on this. And if they had felt that way, we don't want to mess with our pitching. They wouldn't have made the offers they made. They wouldn't have called. So. Matt, I get it and I like that you're trying to find the silver lining. And maybe Wells snaps out of it. He did have a home run last night. Maybe he feels a little less pressure now. I'd like him to shave the mustache. Maybe that'll do something. I don't know. Something. But maybe past the deadline, he's. He can relax. I don't know. But I'm not sure that we don't want to mess with our pitching staff. Was a reason why they didn't make any Deals. Thank you, Matt. I mean that's, it's a good theory. I don't know if I'm buying it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think you already said earlier what this was. We all know what it is and that is they just don't know what the steam is that Aaron Judge. And if you can't make any decision on Aaron Judge, he was last looked at when the All Star break ended.

[Alan Hahn]

Yep.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And we were told we're going to look again in a couple of weeks. It's now been going on a month and we're hearing, oh well, yeah, they have no clue when he's coming back. And they lean towards. It's not looking good. That's how I, that's what I took from Cashman yesterday. Absolutely leaning towards maybe not at all.

[Alan Hahn]

It's the possibility of it. It might not go our way. But we know he wants to play great and it's like wow.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

And using words like hope.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And even when he tried to go far and say we're all hopeful, blah, blah, blah. But yeah, but even with that, you know, I mean the hedging, it was nonstop.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. He had to be careful. It does tell you again, actions over words. Hey guys, I want to tell you about Ring's End. By the way, I showed Peter the finished product at the house.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Gorgeous, by the way.

[Alan Hahn]

I mean the whole thing. And the centerpiece of it all, of course was this French door that we put in. And my contractor, Michael Weldon, he worked with Ring's End for the perfect door for this project. And if you have a project at your home, you know, everybody likes to do home improvement updates, upgrades of your house. You know, you have to get your contractor to work with the best companies that have the best product lines that contractors like my guy Michael rely on. So Ringsend is that place. Now, Rings End is local. They are family owned and operated since 1902. They're a Northeast company. They have eight full service lumber yards in Connecticut and Westchester county and they have 12 freestanding paint centers as well. This is a place you can go to get not just doors like I did, but windows, kitchens, all the stuff that you need to make your house just a little bit better. And this is home improvement season, everybody. This is the time to go. And if you can't make it to any of their locations, you can always shop [e-mail] that's ringsend.com I'm happy with them. Very happy with the finished product. I trust them. You can trust them too. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know it's good. 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. You know when you're locked in, focused and fearless.

[Caller]

Welcome to the wnba.

[Alan Hahn]

Your vision narrows.

[Caller]

You can't look away.

[Sponsor/Announcer]

Every assist, every stop, every logo, three

[Caller]

from beyond the logo, every.

[Alan Hahn]

Did you see that moment?

[Caller]

You bet.

[Sponsor/Announcer]

What records are going to be broken this season?

[Peter Rosenberg]

All of it.

[Brian Cashman]

Right here.

[Alan Hahn]

Lock in.

[Sponsor/Announcer]

It's the WNBA on ESPN all season long.