Hour 1: Which NY Baseball Team is Better?

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Which NY Baseball Team is Better?

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 1: Which NY Baseball Team is Better?
• Release Date: June 9, 2025
• Description: Hosts discuss New York sports, focusing on baseball, with insights from experienced broadcasters and personalities.

---

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with the trio establishing their presence in New York City's vibrant sports scene. Don La Greca sets the stage by welcoming listeners, mentioning the current overcast day in the city (00:53). The hosts engage in light-hearted banter about varying phrases to describe the weather and the city’s grandeur, emphasizing their deep-rooted connection to New York (01:02).

2. Personal Anecdotes and Family Stories

Don shares a heartfelt story about his children’s experiences with sports, highlighting a memorable game where his son Marco had an impressive performance (06:07). The narrative delves into family dynamics, sibling interactions, and the pressures of living up to a renowned last name. Peter and Alan contribute their own reflections on names and personal identities, fostering a relatable and engaging conversation (03:18, 04:19).

Notable Quote:

Don La Greca (04:35): "So that shows you how important our name was to my family."

3. Main Discussion: NY Baseball Teams – Yankees vs. Mets

a. Current Records and Standings

Don provides an overview of the current standings, noting that the Yankees are leading the American League East with a record of 39-25, while the Mets hold a slightly better record at 42-24 (13:20). Both teams boast impressive leads in their respective divisions, setting the stage for a competitive season.

Notable Quote:

Don La Greca (13:20): "The Yankees are in first place in the American League East. 39 and 25, a four and a half game lead on Tampa and Toronto."

b. Team Strengths and Weaknesses

The hosts analyze the strengths of both teams. Peter argues that the Mets have a superior overall roster with standout players like Mookie Betts and Francisco Lindor (15:17). Don counters by praising the Yankees' key players, particularly Aaron Judge and Alonzo, emphasizing their individual performances and contributions to the team's success (16:02).

Notable Quotes:

Peter Rosenberg (15:17): "The Mets are better."

Don La Greca (16:02): "Alonzo has been amazing."

c. Player Performances

Aaron Judge's exceptional performance is a focal point, with Don and Peter commending his consistency and impact on the field. They discuss his potential to become the Yankees' all-time home run leader (16:13).

Meanwhile, Alonzo is highlighted for his RBIs and overall batting prowess, with Don noting his critical role in the Mets' offensive strategies (16:43). The conversation shifts to other key players like Pete Alonso, whose season has been pivotal for the Mets (17:54).

Notable Quotes:

Peter Rosenberg (16:30): "He’s batting .301 and saved the Mets bacon while they were waiting for Soto to get going."

Don La Greca (16:43): "He leads all Major League Baseball in RBIs."

d. Playoffs Implications

The hosts discuss the potential playoff scenarios, debating whether the Mets and Yankees could meet in the World Series (22:07). Alan suggests that Yankee fans might fear failing to capitalize on their strong regular-season performance (22:42), while Don emphasizes the Mets' resilience and strategic advantages (23:28).

Notable Quote:

Alan Hahn (22:07): "I think if you're a Yankee fan, you are more scared of succeeding in the playoffs at this point than a Mets fan."

e. Rivalry Dynamics

The Mets-Yankees rivalry is explored, with Peter expressing that the Mets currently pose a more significant threat and annoyance to Yankees fans than historical rivalries like Yankees-Red Sox (41:03). The discussion touches on fan sentiments, team dynamics, and the evolving nature of baseball rivalries in New York.

Notable Quotes:

Peter Rosenberg (41:03): "The Mets, Yankees feels like it has a little more juice than Yankees Red Sox."

Don La Greca (41:50): "Every single Met fan is taking it as Michael K. is ripping into us."

4. Audience Interaction

Listeners call in to share their perspectives. Dave, a Yankee fan, expresses skepticism about the Yankees' chances against the Detroit Tigers despite the Mets' tougher road to success (48:04). The hosts engage with his views, reinforcing the depth of analysis and fostering a community-driven dialogue.

Notable Quote:

Listener Dave (48:04): "The Mets have a better baseball team. It's just that their road to get there is 50 times harder."

5. Player Highlights and Season Outlook

The conversation shifts back to individual player performances, with Paul Goldschmidt praising Aaron Judge's consistency and Alonso's clutch hits. The hosts speculate on future milestones, such as Alonso potentially becoming the Mets' all-time home run leader (35:38).

Don underscores the importance of both teams maintaining their momentum, considering the significant number of games left in the season (39:29).

Notable Quotes:

Don La Greca (35:38): "Alonzo is batting .301 and has 17 home runs. He's saved the Mets bacon."

Peter Rosenberg (35:46): "He just shows up every day and plays hard."

6. Conclusion

As the episode winds down, the hosts reiterate the excitement surrounding the ongoing baseball season. They emphasize the competitiveness of the Mets and Yankees, suggesting that their performance could significantly influence the league's standings and playoff outcomes.

Notable Quote:

Don La Greca (42:54): "It's really cool what's happening here with these two teams. And again, the question is, who's better?"

---

Timestamp References:

• 00:53 – Introduction by Don La Greca
• 01:02 – Discussing New York City's description
• 03:18 – Conversation about names
• 04:19 – Don shares family anecdotes
• 06:07 – Story about Marco's baseball game
• 13:20 – Overview of current standings
• 15:17 – Peter's view on Mets' superiority
• 16:02 – Don's praise for Yankees' players
• 16:13 – Discussion on Aaron Judge
• 16:43 – Highlighting Pete Alonso
• 17:54 – Alonso's impact on the Mets
• 22:07 – Playoff fears for Yankee fans
• 23:28 – Don's perspective on Mets' resilience
• 41:03 – Mets-Yankees rivalry compared to Yankees-Red Sox
• 41:50 – Met fan sentiments towards Yankees
• 48:04 – Listener interaction with Dave
• 35:38 – Alonso's potential milestones
• 39:29 – Importance of maintaining team momentum
• 42:54 – Final thoughts on Mets vs. Yankees

Note: Timestamps are provided for reference based on the transcript segments.

Transcript

[Don La Greca]

With a Venmo debit card, you can Venmo more than just your friends. You can Use your balance in so many ways. You can Venmo everything. Need gas? You can Venmo this. How about snacks? You can Venmo that. Your favorite band's merch? You can Venmo this. Or their next show. You can Venmo that. Visit Venmo Me Debit to learn more. The Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp bank and a pursuant to license by MasterCard International, Inc. Card may be used everywhere. MasterCard is accepted. Venmo purchase restrictions apply.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Done.

[Don La Greca]

I'll be licking the towel. Television screen. Look at it like it's ice cream.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Han. Oh, the type of music I listen to would make you cry. And Rosenberg, I expect to be called ball coach.

[Don La Greca]

This isn't North Dakota. This is New York.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is Don, Han and Rosenberg on 8:80, ESPN and the ESPN New York app.

[Don La Greca]

It's 3 o' clock in the biggest city there is in the world, New York City. How's everybody doing on what is an overcast kind of dreary Monday?

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's a new way to say it.

[Don La Greca]

Why not change it up a little bit, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I kind of like the original.

[Don La Greca]

Well, there's always theater.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're the biggest.

[Alan Hahn]

The biggest city that there is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. Like the big.

[Alan Hahn]

I liked it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. Oh, you like that better.

[Alan Hahn]

I flipped it a little bit. How far, though?

[Peter Rosenberg]

See, you guys get on me about greatest city in the greatest city in the world.

[Alan Hahn]

He said you have that drop.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Biggest city there is. Well, we all love that, though. Because Don said it.

[Don La Greca]

Well, no, because it's just a fact. It's not really getting into, you know, the greatness. Hey, I got some people.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm not talking about it.

[Don La Greca]

I'm not going to mention their names.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right.

[Don La Greca]

Not going to mention their names. That they're not thrilled. When I say, welcome to Madison Square Garden, the world's most famous arena, people like, man, how famous is it?

[Alan Hahn]

Who.

[Don La Greca]

Who is this? I'm not saying me. I told you. I'm not going to say fraud Friday.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I already got candidates.

[Don La Greca]

It's because people are like, they get technical. Well, they've all. How many championships have been won in the Garden?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, that doesn't change how famous it is. We say wwe. We say World's Most Famous Arena.

[Don La Greca]

I think it is the world's most famous.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It certainly is.

[Don La Greca]

But it's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Everybody in the world wants to play there.

[Don La Greca]

Or it's subjective, though. Perform there because there's a Championships. Is it. You know how famous it is as far as, like, World Renaissance? I don't know. I don't know. I'm not. I'm not gonna tell. You said it now. I was gonna tell you off the air, but now that you're being that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Way, keep it myself. You better tell.

[Alan Hahn]

I liked what you did.

[Don La Greca]

Thank you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's 12 o' clock in the greatest city in the world. It is, Barton. Yeah. You'd use that one, right?

[Alan Hahn]

Thanks, Jake.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I see whose team you're on today.

[Alan Hahn]

That wasn't a bad one.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, no, that's. The voice cracked. Oh, it was bad.

[Don La Greca]

I don't think that's why he used.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, he definitely used it. Look at him nodding. See, he's.

[Alan Hahn]

I want. I've been meaning to ask you guys this question for a couple of weeks.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Good.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't know if you saw the news. It finally came out. Michelle Obama reacted to her daughter dropping their last name. How would you feel if you were that accomplished in life and your kid was like, ah, I'm good, you know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But you know why, though?

[Alan Hahn]

I get why she wants to be able to, like, find her own way.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

And what she knows when respected. When she knows. When people say, see Malia Obama, they go, oh, well, we got to do it. She's her dad's president.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. Or. Or of course she got that job.

[Alan Hahn]

She's keeping her. Her middle name, I think is becoming her last name. Malia Ann.

[Don La Greca]

I mean, I can understand.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I almost did that.

[Don La Greca]

Would I be in a way about it?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I almost. Way back. Way, way, way back.

[Alan Hahn]

What's your middle name?

[Peter Rosenberg]

William.

[Alan Hahn]

You almost went, alan, William.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Put an S on it, thought about it. Williams thought about it.

[Alan Hahn]

See, then people thinking Alan's black becomes more reasonable.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, for me, it was like. It sounded more like an author name. And I just was all I wanted Alan Williams. Back in the day, right? Alec B. Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

But I like my. I like my last name. My last name works.

[Alan Hahn]

One of the greats.

[Don La Greca]

I always felt like it would. Cause growing up, it'd be like if they fonted me with my batting average, RBIs and all that. And I came up the bat, I was like, that would look nice.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

Don legreco. My father was very adamant, though. See, just my brother's gotta tweak my dad every time. Even up in heaven, he's gotta do it. When I would sometimes just quick, la, capital G, R, E, C, A. Not separate the A and the G. My dad goes, you're spelling my last name. What's the matter with you? You don't know how to spell your last name?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, boy.

[Don La Greca]

Separate the A and the G. Two words. Law, space, capital G, R, E, C, A. Even though, you know, finding stuff at the DMV becomes a problem. My father had to have the separate. Had to. My brother keeps it together. Even today the fame busted open.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Take a look.

[Don La Greca]

Take a look at any time they have on him. Keeps it together.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know what?

[Don La Greca]

Got a tweak. He's keep daddy even up in heaven.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's so crazy. That's wild.

[Alan Hahn]

You're the Greco and you need to be separated.

[Don La Greca]

I know. I don't know what it is, but, like, I can understand. Understand. So that. So that shows you how important our name was to my family. But I guess I would understand if I. Or let's say my dad was just so famous. Kind of like with Kenny and Marv. Like, I appreciate that he kept out Ryan.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right. And Noah.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. Because, you know, be like it just gives the perception off. Like, I'm getting everything I have in this world because of my dad's name. And you're. And you're living off the Obama name. So maybe I can understand it. Not like you're dropping it because you don't like it. You drop it. I can understand. I'd be in a way about it. But I do think I eventually understand.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You don't want it to precede you wherever you go. If you're in some world in business or whatever it is that she's becoming a writer. Well, there you go. I don't want you to have a preconceived notion about me because of the last name. I want you to know me for who I am. I have no problem with that.

[Don La Greca]

That's hard to do.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm good.

[Alan Hahn]

What's Marco's middle?

[Don La Greca]

Harrison.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, that's presidential.

[Alan Hahn]

Marco Harrison. Oh, I dropped legrack.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Are you serious?

[Alan Hahn]

Like, that's pretty good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He should do it now.

[Alan Hahn]

Marco Harris.

[Peter Rosenberg]

When he turns 8, he should choose.

[Alan Hahn]

His baseball team and drop the last.

[Don La Greca]

Name if he decided to get into. If he decided to get in the radio. And he said to me, dad, I want to be able to do this on my own. I don't want people thinking it was nepotism that got me there. Yeah. I'd understand if he went with Marco Harrison. Although everybody would think he was related to Harry. Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'll tell you this, though. With the weekend that he had in the championship game, you talk about what. Right. His stats will look like underneath the name Lagreca Don might not be able to see it, but Marco might one day. Might you want to give a little.

[Don La Greca]

Five for five or four doubles?

[Peter Rosenberg]

This guy's having a soda, like, day.

[Alan Hahn]

Five for five, four doubles.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Four doubles.

[Don La Greca]

But they lost 1612. And he kind of got over it. And he was cool because his cousin came to see him and they were throwing the ball around after the game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

So he was. Okay. It was later on that night, around 7 o' clock. I said, let's go out and play some Wiffle ball. And Jalen decides she wants to play. And Jalen doesn't know anything about sports. She's trying to bat. She's facing the pitcher. Okay. Like, she doesn't know how to hold. She just is not into sports at all. But she wanted to play. She wanted to be with her brother and her dad.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's awesome.

[Don La Greca]

And so I had her play in first base. And Peter, while we were playing, every time Marco would get a hit, Jaylon started running the bases. I'm trying to explain. No, you're my first baseman. I'm gonna throw the ball to you if the ground. And she can't catch and she can't hit. She has no skill.

[Alan Hahn]

That's a lot.

[Don La Greca]

So we're practicing, and finally Marco hits a ground ball. I scoop it up, I throw to first. She catches it.

[Alan Hahn]

Got it.

[Don La Greca]

Boom. Marco's out. Meltdown.

[Alan Hahn]

Ow.

[Don La Greca]

And she leaps into my arms as if she accomplished the greatest thing in her life.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What a moment.

[Don La Greca]

I think Marco twisted his ankle. He's writhing on the ground, kicking and screaming. Her foot wasn't on the back. I'm safe.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Is he twirling his finger?

[Alan Hahn]

We need to reveal.

[Don La Greca]

He's like this. He's grabbing the couple the ears, but that phone's on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That a boy, Marco.

[Don La Greca]

And he's. You can't even console him. And Jalen's excited. And I take him aside. I said, come on, Marco, she's not a sports. Remember all those times we played when you were little and you want to do over and stuff, and then you finally learned the game and now we play it straight. She's not. We're not keeping score. It's just Wiffle ball.

[Alan Hahn]

Just let it go.

[Don La Greca]

And I finally had him calm down. Like, he was really red hot.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Red hot. Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

I said, come on. Jalen needs this. You see how excited. Just be excited for your sister.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right. So he's chill now.

[Don La Greca]

So we get in the house. I tell. He goes to the living room to grab the computer, of course. And I said, go, Jalen. Go tell mommy what you did. She goes into the kitchen, she says, mommy, Mommy. I played for his base, and daddy threw me the ball, and I caught it, and Marco is out. All of a sudden, I see the computer fumble. I. He runs into the kitchen. Her foot wasn't on the bag. I was sick.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, my God.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He'll never let it go.

[Don La Greca]

It's a. It's. It's a stupid don't even keep score.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thing, and he's flipping out. If Jalen's a true sister, years from now, she'll keep bringing it up.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, she should.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Every time he does something successful on a baseball field and he's bragging about it around the family, she always has to go, yeah, but I got you out.

[Alan Hahn]

I did get you out, though, and my foot was definitely on the back.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Keep reminding him. But, yeah, but I got you. The one time we played. I got you out. It'll drive him crazy.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, it's going to drive him tremendous.

[Alan Hahn]

I can't believe this kid's numbers, though. He's already surpassed. I never. I never, like, at any point in my life, played a sport, even as a kid, so.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, five for five, four doubles.

[Alan Hahn]

He didn't get out this year. Did he get out this year?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No. Oh, he has.

[Don La Greca]

He reached base safely every at bat this season.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thousand.

[Alan Hahn]

Don, you didn't do that.

[Don La Greca]

The only time there was a fielder's choice, but he was on base.

[Alan Hahn]

Don, did you ever. Were you ever like that, even as a little.

[Don La Greca]

I mean, when I was. I think my last year, Little League, I might have batted like 560, something.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Not even close. But you remember, not even close to.

[Don La Greca]

No, it's not. Whatever marker's already passed you by nine.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Which is really the goal of every father. I want you better than me.

[Don La Greca]

Absolutely. I want him better than he is, better than me. That's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Wow.

[Don La Greca]

But. And then your daughter had a great weekend.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, we don't talk about.

[Don La Greca]

Okay.

[Peter Rosenberg]

She was.

[Alan Hahn]

She was great, though.

[Peter Rosenberg]

She was great. And then. Then came the meltdown at the end because of the loss. She does not like to lose. So great experience, a lot of fun with a great team and a lot of great kids and parents.

[Alan Hahn]

How's that rising?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Girls from all over the country all playing on one team. They never really have played together that much before. And she. She really played well until this goalie just was standing on her head, sizzling bacon. Just shut him down and, yeah, the ride home was rough. But you know what always fixes everything? Stop at McDonald's ice cream.

[Alan Hahn]

Look at this.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, ice cream works too.

[Alan Hahn]

Commercial.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This was a lunchtime. We had to just hit McDonald's and everything was fine.

[Alan Hahn]

And what'd you. What'd you do? What'd you guys order? I'd like to know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

She gets the, you know, the chicken nugget. Happy Meal.

[Alan Hahn]

Chicken okay.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

How old is she now?

[Peter Rosenberg]

She's 10.

[Alan Hahn]

That's right.

[Don La Greca]

When do you let go of the Happy Meal?

[Alan Hahn]

Soon. Eleven.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Think so?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, maybe. Year or two.

[Don La Greca]

It really depends on what the toy is. They'll let it go at five if the toy.

[Alan Hahn]

What did you get me? That's right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I mean, I had to partake even though it's against my religion.

[Alan Hahn]

That's what I mean. You're breaking. You're breaking.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I went in. I went. McChicken. I decided to stay away from the burger. It was a four hour ride home. You know, fellas, okay, you know, you got to keep it as possible.

[Alan Hahn]

I couldn't do it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What would you have done?

[Alan Hahn]

McDonald's. Stop. I'm probably doing a Quarter Pounder meal.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's not bad.

[Alan Hahn]

And I might. Honey, I feel I might throw a cheeseburger on the side of it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, well, you know what? Studies show two burgers is healthier than the burger and fry.

[Don La Greca]

The fries.

[Alan Hahn]

But what about. What about the fries?

[Don La Greca]

Also, I'm getting the fries, too. What about the milkshake? It does have milk in the title.

[Alan Hahn]

I very rarely do the milkshake, even though it's a delight.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It is milk.

[Don La Greca]

My go to is I get. I get the. I get the Big Mac no cheese, and I'll get maybe 10 nuggets. Whoa. I used to do the 20 back in the day when I was Repug.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, my goodness.

[Alan Hahn]

I can't imagine. Repugn.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I have a 20.20nugget story for you that when I was playing in college. It does not end well, but it's one of those.

[Alan Hahn]

Like you were. You.

[Don La Greca]

Wait.

[Alan Hahn]

You would get a Big Mac meal, don.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And the 20 and the 20.

[Don La Greca]

No, because I don't know. Not the meal.

[Alan Hahn]

Not the meal. So we just tell me the order. Big Mac and welcome to McDonald's. Can I take your order?

[Don La Greca]

Just a Big Mac, no cheese and 20 nuggets. Wow.

[Alan Hahn]

No drink, sir?

[Don La Greca]

No, just like a bottle of fries.

[Alan Hahn]

You like fries with that?

[Don La Greca]

No.

[Alan Hahn]

You just walking out.

[Don La Greca]

I like their fries.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But do you remember the two for two and you get two Big Macs?

[Don La Greca]

I remember two for two, but the. The thing is, as a kid, we didn't have a McDonald's close to us. We had a Burger King. So I was a Burger King.

[Alan Hahn]

So was your BK order.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, two Whoppers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh yeah.

[Don La Greca]

And onion rings.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Don La Greca]

And this is when I was like 12, 13 years old. Rail. Rail thin.

[Alan Hahn]

And you'd had.

[Don La Greca]

There was my bed that my. Actually my parents took me to the doctor one though if I had like a worm I forgot about like they keep feeding him. He's not gaining an ounce. And then the Lord said. And then the Lord said, now when you turn 25, son, and you stop playing ball every two whoppers, you get into radio where you're just sitting there talking into a microphone for hours on end.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're not playing sports all day, running around.

[Don La Greca]

We'll see. You'll see. This is actually the first day we could talk about the NBA Finals last night, but it was a blowout. It's not really a funnel has been amazing and we'll talk about that a little bit later on. But it's like that on the first day where I think it's about baseball. Big baseball weekend. Yankees lose two out of three to the Red Sox. Mets sweep the Rockies. And I know the Rockies stink. Michael brought this up earlier, but it's not the Mets fault. They played him six times, they took care of business, beat them all six times. Yankees had three opportunities to beat him, only beat him twice a couple of weeks ago. Met just came off playing the Dodgers seven times and they won four to three. So I don't think anybody's apologizing for how bad certain layups are on your schedule. And the Red Sox came in limping and they took two out of three from the Yankees. But these are two first place teams. And when we get by all the Sotos Grum or Grim or whatever they call or all that garbage or he's glum I think was the word or that, you know, Soto versus Judge. No, no, it's Mets versus Yankees, man. I know they played a few weeks ago and the Yankees took two out of three, but you don't go by series because listen, nobody's going to say the Red Sox are better than the Yankees despite the fact they took two out of three this weekend. But I thought it might be a pretty interesting conversation, a place to start, like who's better? Yankees are in first place in the American League East. 39 and 25, a four and a half game lead on Tampa and Toronto. The Mets are 42 and 24. So a better record, only one less loss and they've got a four and a half game lead on Philadelphia, who by the way, they've lost eight of their last night.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They got swept by the Pirates. The Pirates, jeez, they're not even trying to.

[Don La Greca]

That's getting a little breathing room. And then they got the Nationals coming up this week, so. So, you know, a chance to get things going. But if you look beyond the record or how many games you are in first place, I mean legitimately looking at these teams now that we played, you know, the quarter poll of the season here.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yep.

[Don La Greca]

What team's better?

[Peter Rosenberg]

The Mets are better.

[Don La Greca]

I feel like they are. Now I know I'm biased because I'm a Met fan, but if you really broke it down, the Mets right now are getting very little production out of third base because Vientos was struggling and hurt and you know, Beatty's Beatty and they brought up Ronnie Mauricio when he had a, you know, big weekend in Colorado, but for the most part he, I think he was retired the first 11 at bats that he went. Then he got called up after not getting called up at all last year. And the Mets outfield has been kind of a mishmash sometimes. It's, you know, Nimmo and left Nimmo in center, Marte in center. You know, even McNeil's played a little to the outfield. But you take a look like the Mets have a better shortstop, they've got a better first baseman.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's close. But yes, I mean, come on.

[Don La Greca]

I mean, honestly right now I don't care how big a Yankee fan you rem of the Goldschmidt family. He's got a hitting for a high average. He is, yeah, about 17 home runs, but like 67 RB. It's, it's sick.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's been great.

[Don La Greca]

Alonso's been amazing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's really like if you think about it, him and Judge, like, like obviously Judge is on another plane, but this was a couple of years ago where it was him and Judge, Right. We were talking about two, two power hitters that are, they're really great at just driving the ball and Judge has just gone to another level. But Alonzo, this, this bounce back season he's having guys, it's going to get real expensive to keep him a Met, but now, I don't know, you have to.

[Don La Greca]

But isn't that crazy that now this is, this is where having Cohen as your owner is, where it kicks in is that if this were the Will Ponds, all you'd be thinking about all year is, oh my God, we're going.

[Peter Rosenberg]

To lose Alonzo Yeah, he's going to go somewhere.

[Don La Greca]

First of all, he wouldn't be here. Right. Alonzo would have been gone, you know, before.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, you would have had Slobotnik playing first, Joe Schlovotnik.

[Don La Greca]

Even though, like if he was having this year in his walk year last year, you know, it would be all right. We're just counting the days until somebody's going to swoop in and out pay it. I don't even worry about that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Nope.

[Don La Greca]

If the Mets want them, they'll keep them. Okay. And I don't see why you wouldn't want them.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But you hear Scott Boris already setting the tone about how, you know, we don't really have any first baseman anymore in our sport. You know, it's hard to find him. He's already letting you know that he is going to make you pay because you still got a discount. He thinks for a guy that is one of the best power hitters in the sport and he's going to be in another what, two weeks he's going to be the Mets all time home run leader.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. He was nine away from Strawberry, which.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Is like amazing because it doesn't feel like Alonzo has been a Met that. I mean he's been a Met but like it feels like he's done this in a short amount of time, doesn't it?

[Don La Greca]

Even though they don't play the same position. I think because of just how they jumped on the scene. Remember, Alonzo hit 50 home runs, is rookie. He broke the rookie record.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

But it gets obscured because there's Judge across and nobody can.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, didn't Lonzo do it the year after Judge did it?

[Don La Greca]

Right. Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Didn't Judge set the 52 and then came along? Right.

[Don La Greca]

But he's, he's not. He's. Judge is better. Okay. Judge judges. It's scary how good he is. We'll get more of that or include this.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And he's clearly a way better right.

[Don La Greca]

Fielder than Alonzo is a first base.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

Although he's gotten better at first base. But he's still.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think he's really good at on the stretch in making sure he kept he like. I think he's great at when you're trying to get a double player trying to get it out. I think he's really good on those. I just think fielding the ball at his position. He's not elite. But judge at center versus Judge it right. Two different players.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. It's of course. And the thing that I guess hurts Alonzo getting the attention is because Again, Judge is the better player. So he kind of owns New York in that sense. But even on his own team, you know, Lindor's year last year, the start to this year, all the eyeballs on the contract that Soto got, right. And here is a really great player. And as far as like, you know, money and you know, accomplishments on the back of the baseball card, he's like the third guy on the team.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And Don, think about it. If you wanted to do the team comparison thing again, the Mets have three legit stars. Yeah, right. Again, you mentioned Lindor. We know Soto and then I think Alonso has proven to be like a high level star level player. The Yankees have Judge. The Yankees have judge.

[Don La Greca]

Well, and if Cole was healthy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, but I'm not talking about pitching. I'm talking about, oh yeah, everyday players every day in your batting order. Right. Goldschmidt is nice, but he's at the end, right. We know that. He's more towards the end, I should say, than he is in his prime. And I don't look at him as a guy that I would put in. Like, if you're going to. We always play this game in the NBA. Like if you're going to choose sides, who you picking first? Right. Who, like they always say who the top four players in this series are. Three of them are on X team. Right. So if you're saying if the Mets and Yankees played each other, give me the top five players in, in that matchup are three of them, three out of five Mets.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, I guess you'd have to say I. So if you're going to go judge judges one and then if just go back to the baseball card, I guess Soto would.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Lindor. Alonzo.

[Don La Greca]

Alonzo.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Then who's your next Yankee? Who's the Yankee that would fill out the top five. No, no pitchers.

[Don La Greca]

You said free work school pitchers. Because Colin Freed would be everyday players. But the everyday players when he's healthy. Yeah, but he's not healthy right now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

When he's right. Goldschmidt, right now he's playing well.

[Alan Hahn]

But this is what we've said about Bellinger is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Come on. Bellinger has been a lot better since I think like mid, mid maybe he got up to a bad start and then he's got, he's gotten right. But like where else did you see the problem is where we don't know who the next best Yankee is. Right. We know the three best.

[Don La Greca]

Well, I, you know, Grisham's showing signs, Jazz is showing signs again. He's good, but probably it's between Bellinger and Goldschmidt now. Goldschmidt has been better and Bellinger is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Probably lately Bellinger a lot better.

[Don La Greca]

No, Bellinger's younger too. So if you want to say Bellinger over Goldschmidt. Goldschmid's gonna be 38 in September, so.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

And he's not, you know, any kind of long term answer. I mean, this is something. These guys are all pretty much young from the Met side.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I mean, I might even argue that Rice might be in. In the conversation.

[Don La Greca]

Like you, you. I think Volpe will get there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

But he's not quite there yet.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Don La Greca]

Still, Wells, Wells should get there. He should be there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Should be there.

[Don La Greca]

Dominguez. These are guys that are all going.

[Peter Rosenberg]

To get to be that we keep.

[Don La Greca]

Hearing about right now. And I just think it's a fun conversation to have because coming off the football season, guys, you know, we had two crappy teams. We're now going to be starting to pay a lot of attention to baseball. The summer's upon us and you got two legit good teams right now. It's really the best team in baseball is right now the Detroit Tigers. Give them credit. But then the Mets have the best record in the National Leagues are right there. I mean, we're talking about two of the top three teams in Major League Baseball are playing in this town and they both have four and a half game leads in their division.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And it's not out of the realm of possibility that they could meet each other in the World Series. This is not a dream because the Mets could beat the Dodgers in an NLCS matchup because they've shown you this season they can beat them. And with the Yankees, it's all about just getting back to the World Series. It's. That's do or die for them. And if you look at the American League, it's only really Detroit that you worry about, especially pitching matchups in a series.

[Alan Hahn]

Let me, let me. And let me throw this out there. I think if you're a Yankee fan, you are more scared of succeeding in the playoffs at this point than a Mets fan. That is a scarier proposition.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Actually delivering more, More concerned about.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

You go into the playoffs thinking, I've seen this before, I know how it goes. Whereas if you're a Mets fan, you're thinking this is a new Mets. Like I don't know what we're gonna. Now we got one.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So if you're a Yankee fan, this is what you're worried about happening, is that you have the season that you know you have. You have your 90 plus wins, whatever it is. You win your division, you get into the playoffs and you can't beat the Tigers.

[Alan Hahn]

Yep.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And then the Mets go to the World Series and you don't get to go there to play them because you couldn't.

[Don La Greca]

But I disagree with what Peter said.

[Alan Hahn]

Go ahead. Why?

[Don La Greca]

Because they went to game six of league championship series last year. Last year was, oh, let's see. Whatever happens now, expectations are going to be. Let's take the next step. Especially now that you've beaten the Dodgers four out of the last seven. But why should I be scared of anybody?

[Alan Hahn]

What you're talking about if you're, if you're the Matt.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. If you're a Matt.

[Alan Hahn]

No, you said. I'm saying.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, no, no, that's what Peter said.

[Alan Hahn]

Yankee fans are more scared of the playoffs, not the Matt.

[Don La Greca]

No, but you were saying. But, but I still think there's an immense amount of pressure to go out there and perform.

[Alan Hahn]

But I think there's a pressure is different.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Greater confidence.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes. I agree with you, Don, on the pressure. A lot of there will be pressure now. It's built in that they're now a, quote, real team. But I don't think the fans will go into it shaking, going, I'm scared my best player won't be able to play.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

That's the Yankee fan right now. Always goes to a playoff going, I don't think my guy's going to hit.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't know what Judge can do in the postseason because I haven't seen him do it.

[Alan Hahn]

That's a scary spot.

[Don La Greca]

You know, it's so funny and I'm not predicting the phone calls, but like we're, we're almost threatening Yankee fans to say, you know, believe in your team. Because if we say the Mets are better, they're going to freak out.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I can't.

[Don La Greca]

But at the same time, they're going to not. Will they have faith in their own team going to the playoffs?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Don, how can I. I don't know. I don't know what this team's going to look like. I don't know what changes they're going to make. They obviously have to be aggressive at both teams do at the trade deadline. And the Yankees still have these, these question marks about them despite how well they've played to start this season. And I kind of feel like the last, you know, the last week and a half have kind of like made you look at some of the things like their biggest issues. Were exposed by the Red Sox this weekend. A long ball.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And having your offense having to keep up with the fact that sometimes when your pitching has gone so well to start the year and now all of a sudden you have a couple of games here, a couple of weeks of games where you're giving up runs and you're not getting enough out of your bullpen. And of course the closer thing remains the biggest concern for me that when we get to October, what do they do at the trade deadline to fix that problem? I know the Mets feel like they.

[Don La Greca]

Have that locked up now. I believe that the New York sports fans are educated. So of course your knee jerk reaction is to just jump at who you who your favorite team is. But answer honestly, who's the best team right now? As we get deeper into the month of June, 1-800-919-3776. It's Don Hahn and Rosenberg. Take you up until 7:00 clock right here on 880, ESPN New York and the ESPN New York.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Alan Hot here to tell you about my friends at Bath Fitter. So they remodeled a bath in my house. My wife's excited about this because we updated this old bath bathtub in this bathroom by our pool. We converted this tub that we never used into a shower. That is glorious. It's beautiful. In fact, I like it better than the one I have upstairs. We can use it for the summer when we have guests over and also when the kids have sleepovers as well. A Bath Fitter consultant took us through this process. It was so easy. A free in home consultation. So we picked out the style and color as well as all the specifics and accessories to update our bath. Customized just the way Stephanie wanted it, Bath Fitter worked fast, delivered the highest quality work. We're talking about two days, no delay at all too. Once we got the deal done, he showed up two days, it's done, completed. Bathfitter is a permanent solution. By the way. It's a one piece seamless wall for a watertight fit. How about this? A lifetime guarantee. You can trust the Bad Fitter team like we did. They've been in business for 40 years with millions of happy customers. Right now, there's no interest, no payments until 2027. Start designing your bath like we did. Visit bathfitter.com for more details. There is only one bath fitter.

[Alan Hahn]

This is an ad by BetterHelp for Mental Health Awareness Month. BetterHelp surveyed 1600 people across 23 countries for its first ever State of Stigma report and found that while 75% of people believe it's wise to seek support, only 27% of Americans are in therapy. When people hesitate to get help, it doesn't just affect them, it impacts families, workplaces and entire communities. Let's encourage everyone to take care of their well being and break the stigma. The world is better when people are healthy and happy. With over 35,000 therapists, BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, having served over 5 million people globally. It's convenient too. You can join a session with the click of a button, helping you fit therapy into your busy life, plus switch therapists at any time. We're all better with help. 72% of BetterHelp members report a reduction in symptoms. Visit betterhelp.com timeout to get 10% off your first month of therapy. That's betterhelp.com timeout.

[D]

If you've shopped online, chances are you've bought from a business powered by Shopify. You know that purple Shop pay button you see at checkout? The one that makes buying so incredibly easy? That's Shopify. And there's a reason so many businesses sell with it. Because Shopify makes it incredibly easy to start and run your business. Shopify is the commerce platform behind 10% of all e commerce in the US from household names like Mattel and Gymshark to brands just getting started. Shopify gives you a leg up with hundreds of beautiful, ready to go templates to express your brand style and forget about the code. Tackle all those important tasks in one place from inventory to payments to analytics and more. Spread your brand's word with built in marketing and email tools to find and keep new customers. And did I mention that iconic purple Shop pay button that's used by millions of businesses around the world? It's why Shopify is the best converting checkout on the planet. Your customers already love it. If you want to see less carts being abandoned, it's time for you to head over to Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today at Shopify. Shopify.com network go to shopify.com network shopify.com network.

[Alan Hahn]

Race the rudders.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Race the sails.

[Don La Greca]

Race the sails.

[Alan Hahn]

Captain, an unidentified ship is approaching.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Over. Roger, Wait. Is that an enterprise sales solution? Reach sales professionals, not professional sailors? With LinkedIn ads, you can target the right people by industry, job title and more. We'll even give you a $100 credit.

[Don La Greca]

On your next campaign.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Get started today at LinkedIn.com results.

[Alan Hahn]

Terms and conditions apply.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Don La Greca]

Who is this? I know the original.

[Alan Hahn]

This would be epmd.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, by the way, Peter got me the book.

[Alan Hahn]

No, no, I didn't get you the book. I'm letting you the book. I'm letting you use the book. Look at it.

[Don La Greca]

Also. There was that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So you want him to spray this when he's done with it, though?

[Alan Hahn]

Are you taking this home? If you're taking it home, you need to take care of it. This kid is. You can bring this to the toilet.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, I didn't get you a new one.

[Don La Greca]

I just make sure this is not available.

[Alan Hahn]

I tried to buy you one. I can't get you one.

[Don La Greca]

I understand and I appreciate you trying to buy me. I am right now reading a book about the Hartford Whalers that is going to be flagged like nobody's business. Okay. All right. This, I'm going to show respect because I know I'm giving this back to you. I did not think you gifted this.

[Alan Hahn]

Okay.

[Don La Greca]

Because you made sure you brought it in. It's the book of rap lists.

[Alan Hahn]

Ego trips, book of rap lists.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, back from 1999. Which even surprised Peter went back.

[Alan Hahn]

I was surprised.

[Don La Greca]

It's just kind of a guide of.

[Alan Hahn]

This is a book of lists that did very well.

[Don La Greca]

That did really, really well. Alan and I are going working on that during the summer and I just wanted to get an idea. But no, I'm gonna treat it like gold.

[Alan Hahn]

I mean, this book, though. Cause. And again, I thought of this because the great Sasha Jenkins just passed away at only 52 years old a couple of weeks ago. And this was one of the great things in his career that he left behind. But like, for example. So, okay, here's a great thing. This is in the old school section of the book. I forget what the name of the oh foundation is the name of the chapter. So it's like foundational hip hop stuff, right? Important firsts. So, like, that's a list of firsts. 19. 19 different firsts. So in this case, the list isn't about the order. It's just giving you a list of firsts. First hip hop DJ Cool Herc. Location of the first party. 1520 Cedric Avenue. First recorded rap song personality Jock King Tim III by Fatback. First recorded rap hit rapper's delight. First hip hop radio show. Mr. Magic's disco showcase. So it's just like a list that Just informational, but then right next to it, Lauryn Hill's greatest musical influences. And they got this from Lauryn Hill. Now, remember, you can utilize in the same way, your Rolodex to get little bonus lists from Wayne Gretzky's top five.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Players who came after him.

[Alan Hahn]

Sure.

[Don La Greca]

Like that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That would be a. Hell.

[Alan Hahn]

Owen Nolan's favorite Canadian snacks, whatever it is.

[Don La Greca]

Now, our book is gonna be top five, so it's gonna be more of a. It's not gonna be like listing things. It's gonna be greatest.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah. Who you taking out and who are.

[Don La Greca]

You taking out kind of thing. But what I do like about the structure of that book is like, the different chapters with the same theme. And I do like the idea of maybe having guest writers.

[Alan Hahn]

A guest one would be for their top five.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Just a handful of them, you know, you sprinkle.

[Don La Greca]

So, like, my objective would be. All right, let's just say for sake of argument, top five hockey players. Wayne Gretzky would obviously be number one. And then get Wayne Gretzky to give a list, like getting whoever finished first to then try to get in touch with that person to be able to get their thoughts on the list.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And we can. We could definitely reach out to Bill.

[Don La Greca]

We know.

[Alan Hahn]

How about this?

[Don La Greca]

How cool is this?

[Alan Hahn]

From a concept. They have another chapter lyrics, and one of the. One of the guest lists. 12 songs Slick Rick wishes he had written. And like, they got Slick Rick to give them the list.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

So if you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Interesting number.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't know. Why? I don't know. Yeah, he just probably went through it. The first note, number one is on his list. Do you want to know a Secret by the Beatles?

[Don La Greca]

Okay.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Really?

[Alan Hahn]

I don't even know that song.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, no, that's a great. Do you want to know a secret? Do you promise not to tell? Oh, closer.

[Don La Greca]

You know now.

[Alan Hahn]

No.

[Don La Greca]

Let me whisper in your ear.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

I mean, it's so rare. Some of the songs I hear. Yeah. Some Frankie Avalon, some Frank Sinatra. He wishes he wrote. Hey, Mr. D.J. by John A. I don't know why.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Great song, but I don't know, like, wait, you can't have the Beatles.

[Alan Hahn]

And he wanted to write both, but hey, that's.

[Don La Greca]

I wish I could flag that book because I think a lot of good reading, you're gonna enjoy this, but I'm not.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Our book is going to be fantastic. Now can I feel it?

[Alan Hahn]

Can I get, like, a forward opportunity or.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think you already offered that up to K, did you?

[Don La Greca]

I haven't. I haven't Spoken to him, but it's out on the air, so I've got to like ask him.

[Alan Hahn]

But there's no.

[Peter Rosenberg]

How about a Rosenberg afterward?

[Alan Hahn]

An after.

[Don La Greca]

There's an afterward. There's a introduction.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There's that too.

[Don La Greca]

You want to do an introduction?

[Alan Hahn]

I could do an introduction.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I mean, he's a dj. He's.

[Alan Hahn]

Or depending how you do, depending where you go, format wise, since we are a radio show, we're together, you could have a little like thing, like add something next to a list that says, you know, Rosenberg says, you know, who you taking out? Rosenberg says, I would take out blah blah blah and put in blah blah. It all depends on how serious your format is. You end up with a very strict format.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That would take a lot of work by you. Because if we're doing how many you think we're going to do? 50.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. At least.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, that's 50 times Rosenberg says, no.

[Alan Hahn]

You don't have to do it all the time. He's going to say Don's, you know, favorite Canadian coaches.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm not going to weigh in them a little illustration. Top five death metal band. Yeah, Rosenberg said, right.

[Don La Greca]

Death metal.

[Alan Hahn]

Death metal. I'm not in.

[Don La Greca]

He's not it. All right, before we get back to the phone calls on 1-800-919-3776, I wanted to play some sound. The Yankees lost two out of three from the Red Sox and the Mets swept Colorado. But you know, Judge and Alonzo continuing to rake. It was kind of weird not to see Alonzo get an rbi, never mind two on Saturday. And then he hits two home runs yesterday. And of course Judge is just having just an unbelievable year. This is Paul Goldschmidt talking about the consistency or constantly being in awe, excuse me, of Judge.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I mean, that's why he's probably the best hitter on the planet right now. And he's been doing it for multiple years too.

[Don La Greca]

It's not just like a one night thing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So, you know, we're all almost in awe of him and he just shows up every day and plays hard and gives us a chance. Even, you know, the last homer he has, you know, it's a six run deficit and still finds a way to, you know, hit a homer and get out there and compete and put us back in the game. So we're lucky to have him.

[Don La Greca]

Now conversely, you've got Alonso and his manager Carlos Mendoza on how Alonso is looking at the play. There's a lot to like about his at bat right now. You know, whether it's, you know, Clutch using the whole field.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I've been saying it poolside, opposite, just dominating pitches in the strike zone. Pretty much. That's who he is, man.

[Don La Greca]

You know, he's a.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We know that the power's always been there, but now we're, we're looking at, you know, a really good hitter there that, you know, is nosy strength and he's taking advantage of a lot of.

[Don La Greca]

Mistakes on the strike zone.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He seems a lot more. Yeah, he seems a lot more at ease this year too, doesn't he? Like, he just seems a lot more comfortable. He doesn't seem to be pressing nearly as much. And maybe that home run last year in the playoffs really just changed everything for him. Who knows? But can I throw one other thing in from the weekend?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, sure, please.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This the Hunter Dobson stuff. Dobbins, I should say, like, you know the quote in the Boston Herald, the people who know the story. He's from Texas, but his father who played in the minors was a grew up a die hard Red Sox fan. So the sun became a Red Sox fan because, you know, that's generally how it goes. And he was quoted because he was making his first start against the Yankees at Yankee Stadium and he talked about how much he hated the Yankees. Was to the point where he said if no other team in baseball other than the Yankees, they were the only team to offer me a contract. I'd say no stock play full of it now. Of course he is, but it made for really good headlines and all that stuff. And first time he meets with Aaron Judge at the plate. Now Eduardo Perez told Judge about it in his interview before Sunday night baseball and Judge was just like, you know, well, okay, he had that to say. It got my attention. And then he absolutely hits a monster shot right off the kid. It gave you a little juice in what I feel like there's no juice anymore in Yankees Red Z. I didn't.

[Don La Greca]

I didn't sense there's nothing. The building was full.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, no, no. The fans still care. Yeah, but you know, like there's nothing there. There's.

[Alan Hahn]

There's no there there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There's no there there with the Yankees and the Red Sox anymore. And I mean on the field, it just doesn't feel like it exists anymore. And was 2018 sort of the last time like anything mattered.

[Don La Greca]

Now it just doesn't feel like it's there. And listen, Mets, Yankees, Astros just kind of falling off too. The Astros are good characters. Are all gone. You know, most of the guys are gone except Altuve, but still Bregman's gone. Basically everybody's gone that you care about there outside of Altuve. But, you know, right now, Mets, Yankees are a thing because of the Soto.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I agree.

[Don La Greca]

And now, and now they play each other six times. This year they'll have another rematch at Citi Field after the Yankees took two out of three at the stadium. And the reason I played those two sound bites was because there's a real possibility, I know it's early, that not only can the Mets and Yankees be two of the best teams in baseball, but having the respective MVPs of their league. The judge is going to win at barring injury. Right. He's just having a phenomenal year. Yeah, it's a little more up for grabs for Alonso, but still, you know, he leads all the Major league baseball and RBIs, has 17 home runs. He's batting.301. He saved the Mets bacon while they were waiting for Soto to get going. I mean, if the Mets end up winning the division, he's gonna be in the conversation.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He'll be in the conversation. But it'd be hard to beat Ohtani.

[Don La Greca]

Now, when you go back to 2000, you know, the Mets were a wild card team and were given no chance to beat the Yankees. If these two teams were to face each other in the World Series, where we're going, it's really just gonna be a lot of fun. I think, like you say, Ohtani might win it. Right. But who knows? I mean, maybe people get just the Ohtani fatigue. Maybe Alonzo just ends up having a monster enough year to get him to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Get a hundred games to go. There's a lot of baseball left.

[Don La Greca]

But it just, it's really cool what's happening here with these two teams. And again, the question is, who's better? And considering the fact that they're both so good, you know, I would not be surprised if, if a Yankee fan would say, you know, right now, I hate the Mets more than I hate any other team in the American League. They may not want to admit that because of the fact that it kind of shows that maybe you're paying attention to what they're doing. But considering that Soto's there and all the talk about the Mets and just hearing how Yankee fans get riled up, see what's going on with Michael. And I'm getting shrapnel because I had Michael on Friday and I'm getting shrapnel for it because Michael called Met fans fleas and moths.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, no, no, no.

[Don La Greca]

He's talking about the guys coming The Met fans coming after him, not Met fans in general, but every single Met fan is taking it as Michael K. Is ripping into us. So that just adds fuel to what right now might be their best respected rivals right now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Didn't I kind of say going into this season that this is building up And I'm with you as a Yankees fan, I will tell you that the Mets, to me, feel like a much bigger threat. Feel like a much bigger annoyance. And that's a positive, by the way. Don't think when I say annoyance, I mean it's like, man, they just keep freaking winning. Like they're taking headlines, like they're taking attention. Like they way more than the Red Sox. I don't care about the Red Sox anymore.

[Don La Greca]

They don't.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're not a threat. They don't bother me. They're just like, you remember if Jeter said they're just the Mets.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm like, they're just the Red.

[Alan Hahn]

So now would you feel, would you feel immediately different if we were to get late in the year and they were competing for the division?

[Don La Greca]

Well, yeah, that's realistic.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's a big if. But.

[Alan Hahn]

No but then.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But, but beyond the real half games out.

[Alan Hahn]

But, but I'm just saying putting out there like beyond the real estate part of it. Don, what did you do? You just need stakes for it to kick back in to Red Sox usually.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But you also need, you know, like.

[Alan Hahn]

You need some hate.

[Don La Greca]

Especially like that was a villain.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Devers is a villain only because he always every Series mark him down for a home run. The guy's got 30 against. You know, like I think what Mario. Manny Ramirez is the only one that's been. That's faster to 30 home runs against the Yankees as a Red Sox.

[Don La Greca]

That's great.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Only Manny Ramirez, which is like only Manny used to kill them.

[Don La Greca]

So.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But yet Devers is a nice. Is a likable guy.

[Alan Hahn]

Like, I know it's not really.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There's nothing about them other than this.

[Don La Greca]

Was a likable guy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This kid running his mouth is the. There's nothing about them that's.

[Don La Greca]

Nobody knows who he is. So you know, that's not Pedro Martinez, you know. But we could end up both being right where there's juice between Mets and Yankees, but not for the reasons you think. Like, it might not have anything to do with. With judge versus. It might be judge versus Alonzo. Like Soto might be a passenger in this whole thing. I get. I think he's going to be great. But from a personality standpoint, from what they mean to the team standpoint. The way Alonzo is playing right now, it might be Judge vs. Mets vs. Yankees, two of the best teams in baseball. Like, forget all, just the fact that they could be two of the best teams in baseball to me is enough.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Remember too, Alonzo a couple of years ago on my old show told us the difference between him and Judge is like, you know, I like to consider myself as a guy that's always available for my team. And that felt like a not so veiled shot at Judge who had missed.

[Don La Greca]

Shot or at the time, that's all he could really say.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, it was also, it's also accurate. But Alonzo is a guy that's always there. So, you know, the two power hitters generally do get a lot of attention. And I'm there. I don't think Yankees, Red Sox has the same juice. It hasn't in years. They're going to try to package it. Baseball's got great ratings. You know why? Because they show us the Dodgers, the Mets, the Yankees and the Red Sox over and over and over again. All we've seen, Yankees, Red Sox still has something nationally. And playing at Fenway like that, you will see next week. Fox will take that.

[Don La Greca]

You'll.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You'll have Fenway and all the old stadium and all that stuff. Yeah, but I'm telling you, it's kind of getting a little withered, a little faded. And the Met thing feels a little fresher. And that's why I would say the Mets, Yankees feels like it has a little more juice than Yankees Red Sox.

[Don La Greca]

I saw that article.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This was boring this weekend that, that.

[Don La Greca]

You know, the ratings are up and baseball's back and all that. When you have the Yankees, Dodgers, Mets, you know, all good. Cubs are good. Tigers have the best record in baseball. Those are massive television markets that certainly.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Are going to drive big. Markets are good for a team, good for a league.

[Alan Hahn]

I see what you did there.

[Don La Greca]

The NHL and the NBA were just saying that.

[E]

This episode is brought to you by State Farm. Knowing you could be saving money for the things you really want is a great feeling. Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the personal price plan. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability, amount of discounts and savings and eligible vary by state. Summer's here and Nordstrom has everything you need for your best dress season ever. From beach days and weddings to weekend getaways in your everyday wardrobe. Discover stylish options under $100 from tons of your favorite brands like Mango Skims, Princess Polly and Madewell. It's easy too, with free shipping and free returns in store. Order pickup and more. Shop today in stores. Purchase [e-mail] or download the Nordstrom app. When you're on the go and it's time to refresh your energy, grab an ice cold Celsius where zero sugar, seven essential vitamins and proven ingredients meet pure refreshment. Unlike traditional energy drinks, each sip of Celsius is a perfect balance of flavor and function. So whether you're hitting the gym, the office or your next adventure, grab a Celsius at your local retailer or visit Celsius.com to learn more.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Don La Greca]

Fanatics Fest is making its return to the city this summer at Kavitz center from Friday, June 20 through Sunday, June 22, a three day celebration where sports culture and collecting converge, bringing fans closer to their favorite athletes and sports leagues than ever before. With the appearances of your favorite athletes, celebrities and entertainers, live podcasts and a full schedule of panels featuring the most recognizable names in sports. You can enter to win a four pack of tickets on the ESPN New York app, find the contest tile and submit your entry. Adult and kids tickets are available now@fanatics fest.com had Michael Rubin in last week. It was fun talking to him, I was told.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Primarily written by John. So there you go. Lennon.

[Don La Greca]

Okay.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

And he. Yeah, he didn't like the bubblegum.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, it wasn't about what year is that record?

[Don La Greca]

Oh, that's, that's.

[Alan Hahn]

That seems like an early one.

[Don La Greca]

No, that's probably 64.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What album's that off of, by the way? It's not one of their main everybody knows it hits kind of thing.

[Alan Hahn]

It's written in 62.

[Don La Greca]

Written. But when did was it released? It was written in 62, but it was originally for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, so that's tremendous. That's right.

[Alan Hahn]

No, they wrote for the sound.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Look at the extra you get. See what you get on the show.

[Alan Hahn]

You know what I didn't know until last week. I assumed always that like I had a 45 within my life on it and because I've collected most of the things I desperately wanted 45 most. And then I spend the rest of my life filling in the gaps and then I looked and I didn't realize it wasn't a single. It's on 1:45. That's essentially, you know the song Bad Man. Yeah, it's on an. It's on a Bad Man EP that they like, put out, you know, because back in the day they put all these weird singles. But as far as In My Life by the Beatles being an actual single, it's not. It did chart in England, but it's not a real single.

[Don La Greca]

Quirky, do you know that I did not know he considered a huge song. Of course.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Alan Hahn]

But it's an album cut. Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

Let's go to the phones at 1-800-919-3776. Dave in Port Chester. You get us started off here on Don Rosenberg.

[F]

Hey, how you guys doing? I'm a Yankee fan, but I'm pretty realistic. I mean, I would be in shock if the Yankees lost to Detroit. It seems like the Mets. To me, the Mets have a better baseball team. It's just that they. Their road to get there is 50 times harder. It's not just the Dodgers. It's all those other teams that are pretty darn good. The American League is like a. It's like a minor league to me right now.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. And you got to see it to believe it with Detroit, right, Dave? I mean, it's.

[F]

Yeah. I mean, I got to see. I mean, it's not like I'm saying it's a guarantee, but I'll be kind of shocked. And I, I didn't think the Yankees are going to win it this year because it's just that you can only keep a good player down so much. I mean, for so long. I mean, a Rod didn't do nothing in the playoffs for so many years. Then all of a sudden, boom, 2009 came and he carried us. I mean, Judge is going to. Judge is going to come through this year in the postseason. I doubt if he has a terrible. It would shock me.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Just.

[Don La Greca]

Would you nail that?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Good.

[F]

You got to come through.

[Don La Greca]

The path, though, is a lot harder for the Mets, but you know, the Phillies, remember, we all thought the Braves are going to be great. Braves are a disaster.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

Phillies just lost eight of their last nine. You know, Giants, Padres, they're nine games over. Nothing great, but they're still good teams. You know, Dodgers are the Dodgers. We get it. But. But it'll be interesting to see how good all these teams end up being at the end of it. That's why I think it's important for the Mets to win the Division, try to get that home field, you know, avoid the whole wild card stuff. And the Yankees, the same thing. Rafi in New Jersey, you're on espn New York.

[F]

How's it going, guys?

[Don La Greca]

Good.

[F]

I just want to say I respect.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All of you guys.

[F]

I think you guys are awesome. I gotta say, though, Han, I think the juice between the Red Sox and the Yankees, I was at the game, I think it was big juice, actually, because it was like back and forth. One home run this way, one home run that way. The game, the first game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, like. Like, Rafa, I don't want to be miss. I hope I didn't say it the wrong way when I say the juice part of it. It still is. You know, you had a Saturday night, you had a Sunday night. That always feels different. And obviously the. The amount of home runs, the back and forth, like you said, you know, there was some fun to some of the games. Until, of course, you realize that you gave up freaking 20 runs in two games. But what I'm saying is, is that they could have been. They could have been anybody. It didn't have, like, you. Come on.

[Don La Greca]

It was a fun series.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, the series, baseball wise, was fun, but it didn't feel like there was anything on the field that had any type of. Of like juice. Like, it wasn't. The only part of the story was when Judge hit the home run off the kid. And you're like, I like that. Right? Like, I like that. Like, he responded and he put the kid in his place. Problem is you didn't win the game. But I just mean there used to feel. They used just felt different when these two teams played each other. You didn't like each other. It's just not there.

[F]

If Alex Bregman was in, you think it would have more juice, right? I mean, I think.

[Don La Greca]

Well, who do you hate the most right now? What team, as a Yankee fan, do you hate the most? Forget about your right now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right?

[F]

I'm not a Yankee.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right, so you felt it. I was there.

[F]

I was there with my Red Sox stuff. My cousin was there. He had his Yankee stuff. My wife's a Yankee fan. I got two boys. One's a Yankee, one's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now, I need to know you're still.

[Alan Hahn]

Just enjoying being better.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now I need to know. Wait, hang on now. I need to know. You got friends? Your wife like, what, What. What happened to you?

[F]

Well, my family's good friends with Manny Ramirez from Heights. I'm from the Heights originally, so I grew up knowing Manny, seeing him play.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And like, you know, you rooted for Manny and he was carried.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, by the way, I just talked about this the other day, and I'll give you that I didn't. I just have a conversation about how a lot of people uptown because of Manny and Poppy.

[Don La Greca]

That's definitely that. That makes sense. But from a Red Sox perspect that had juice because you limped in five games under.500. You took two out of three.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

You know, it wasn't saving your season, but, hey, you were trying to grasp at straws to get back into this thing. Of course there's juice. I don't know if a Yankee fan felt any more juice than if any other team came to town.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Tell me I'm wrong. It's the opposite of Jeter. When he just said, you know, we only looked at the Mets. Like, you know, they're just the Mets. I think right now, you look at the Red Sox. Yeah, it's just the Red Sox. There's nothing there.

[Don La Greca]

Well, not one of the teams. They came in five games under five. I know that's not. I mean, they had a terrible start.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're trying to. They brought. Brought up all their young guys that are getting all the juice. That one kid had himself a series. But that's, That's. That's what they got going right now. And you don't look at them as legit threat. You just see them as a team that used to be. They're. They're an old ghost right now. They're not really, you know, they're not there. They're just not there. So right now, I don't see it as Yankees. Red Sox does not have the same juice that it used to have. I'd love to see it come back. There was nothing more fun with than. Than that stuff, but I don't think it's there. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, but 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.