Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Where Will Alonso Go?
Release Date: January 31, 2025
Introduction
In the inaugural episode titled "Where Will Alonso Go?", hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into the intricate world of sports fandom, player loyalty, and the looming contract decisions of MLB star Pete Alonso. The conversation seamlessly intertwines personal anecdotes with in-depth analysis of Alonso's career trajectory and his relationship with the New York Mets.
Fan Allegiances and Parenting Sports Loyalty
Timestamp: 00:00 – 04:50
The episode opens with a lighthearted discussion about parenting and shaping a child's sports allegiances. Don La Greca shares his experience raising his son, Marco, who is currently juggling his loyalty between the New York Mets and the Yankees. Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg contribute humorous takes on ensuring their children remain devoted to their preferred teams.
- Don La Greca (00:00): "Don, one day you're not gonna play football anymore. And if there's a God up above, it'll be soon."
- Alan Hahn (00:05): "Han, Huge. No, but big."
- Don La Greca (02:55): "He's going to make a decision on what team he is going to back and whatever team it is, I'll be fine."
The trio reflects on their own experiences, emphasizing the importance of allowing children to choose their favorite teams while maintaining parental influence. The conversation highlights the delicate balance between nurturing a child's interests and respecting their autonomy.
Listener Calls: Sam's Allegiance Shift
Timestamp: 11:30 – 15:13
Listener Sam from Brooklyn calls in to share his experience of switching his allegiance from the Yankees to the Mets, triggered by the arrival of Keith Hernandez. His passionate recounting of smacking a Yankees hat off his daughter's head after she wore it illustrates the deep-seated emotions tied to team loyalties.
- Sam (11:30): "I'm a big Mets fan. And we were at Dick's Sporting Goods... I smacked the hat off her head and told her to take a bath because I don't want that thing on her head."
- Alan Hahn (14:45): "So he just went from Chris Chamblis, Reggie Jackson... to Mets."
- Don La Greca (15:09): "Becoming a cop, right, like that's just a weird... he went from a Yankee fan to such a Met fan that he's knocking the Yankees hat off his three-year-old daughter."
Sam's story underscores the intense rivalry between the Mets and Yankees and how it can influence even the youngest fans.
Main Topic: Pete Alonso's Contract Dilemma
Timestamp: 15:13 – 28:56
The conversation pivots to the primary focus of the episode: Pete Alonso's impending free agency and his uncertain future with the Mets. Hosts dissect Alonso's performance, agent Scott Boras' role, and the Mets' strategic options.
- Alan Hahn (16:56): "All Star first baseman Pete Alonso... must decide whether he's going to swallow his pride and take the Mets' three-year offer of about $70 million."
- Don La Greca (17:15): "What's more important, the money or where you want to be?"
- Joel Sherman (20:23): "There's very limited places for him to go... it's all about agents' attitudes."
The hosts discuss Alonso's potential moves, the Mets' reluctance to overcommit financially, and the broader implications for the team. They consider scenarios where Alonso either stays with the Mets for a reduced contract or explores opportunities with other teams like the Blue Jays or Giants.
Possible Solutions for the Mets
Timestamp: 27:49 – 29:34
Alan Hahn proposes strategic approaches the Mets could take to retain Alonso without hindering their ability to acquire new talent like Vlad Guerrero.
- Alan Hahn (27:49): "You take like a two-year, maybe three with an option for the team."
- Don La Greca (28:17): "He can still hit. That's not a question."
The discussion includes the possibility of converting Alonso to a designated hitter (DH) role to free up first base for future signings. This would allow the Mets flexibility in their roster management while keeping Alonso's contributions intact.
Toronto Blue Jays and Front Office Dynamics
Timestamp: 29:00 – 33:20
The hosts evaluate the Toronto Blue Jays' market position and their pursuit of players like Vlad Guerrero. They critique agent Scott Boras' effectiveness and the changing landscape of player management influenced by modern analytics.
- Don La Greca (29:00): "These front offices who very much work in lockstep, see the world differently now."
- Alan Hahn (32:04): "Their team, Support their team."
The conversation highlights the complexities of multi-team negotiations and how player preferences are shaping team strategies, especially in markets like Toronto, which face unique challenges in attracting and retaining talent.
Listener Call: Felicia’s Hockey Fandom and Personal Story
Timestamp: 33:54 – 38:00
Felicia from Mississippi shares her journey as a hockey fan, influenced by her parents and overcoming personal health challenges. Her story adds a heartfelt dimension to the episode, showcasing the personal impact of sports fandom.
- Felicia (34:06): "I'm a big Islanders fan because of my dad... I went through cancer treatment a few years ago."
- Don La Greca (36:15): "Awesome."
Felicia's resilience and passion for hockey inspire the hosts and underscore the unifying power of sports.
Closing Remarks and Upcoming Topics
Timestamp: 38:00 – 44:37
As the episode nears its end, the hosts tease future discussions, including breaking news about the Jets' offensive coordinator hire, and briefly touch upon cultural references in music. They maintain their trademark humor and camaraderie, ensuring listeners are eager for upcoming episodes.
- Alan Hahn (44:31): "Hear more of Don, Hahn, and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN..."
Conclusion
"Where Will Alonso Go?" successfully blends personal stories with professional analysis, offering listeners both relatability and insight into the high-stakes decisions facing one of MLB's prominent figures. Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg create an engaging narrative that not only addresses the contractual complexities of Pete Alonso but also celebrates the enduring passion that sports ignite in fans of all ages.
Notable Quotes:
- Sam (11:30): "I smacked the hat off her head and told her to take a bath because I don't want that thing on her head."
- Don La Greca (17:15): "What's more important, the money or where you want to be?"
- Alan Hahn (27:49): "You take like a two-year, maybe three with an option for the team."
For more insights and discussions on New York sports and beyond, tune into future episodes of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg on 880 ESPN and the ESPN New York app.