Hour 2: Alonso & The List

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: Alonso & The List

Release Date: January 15, 2025

In this engaging episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don Hahn, Peter Rosenberg, and guest Andy Martino dive deep into the latest developments surrounding Pete Alonso and the New York Mets, analyze strategic elements of the NFL’s running game with a focus on the Jets, and culminate with a lively discussion on celebrity fans of New York’s major sports teams. The episode is structured into three main segments, each offering insightful commentary, expert opinions, and entertaining banter.

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1. Pete Alonso and the Mets’ Future

The episode opens with a heated discussion about Pete Alonso's future with the New York Mets. Rosenberg initiates the conversation by highlighting rumors of Alonso potentially moving to San Francisco, emphasizing that Alonso remains unsigned as the January contract deadline approaches.

Key Points:

• Mets’ Confidence: The hosts explore whether the Mets are confident that Alonso’s market value is primarily anchored to New York, suggesting that other teams may not offer competitive contracts. Don Hahn asserts, “I think they want to bring him back, but they want to bring him back on their terms” (00:34).

• Contract Negotiations: Don Hahn references Alonso’s previous contract negotiations, noting Alonso turned down a substantial offer in 2023 because he believed he could secure a better deal. This historical context underscores the Mets' current strategy of waiting for the right offer.

• Market Dynamics: Rosenberg raises pertinent questions about whether the Mets are merely holding onto Alonso due to fan loyalty or if they genuinely believe he adds undeniable value to the team. He muses, “The only team that might see value in Pete are the Mets” (04:06).

• Comparison to J.D. Martinez: The conversation draws parallels between Alonso’s situation and the Mets’ signing of J.D. Martinez the previous year. Rosenberg speculates that waiting for the right moment could allow the Mets to obtain Alonso at a reduced cost, similar to how Martinez was acquired affordably and became a valuable asset (05:22).

• Future Prospects: Don Hahn discusses the Mets' potential to pivot to other players if Alonso does not return, mentioning pitchers like Vlad Guerrero Jr. and infielders such as Mauricio Acuna. He emphasizes that the Mets have financial flexibility under owner Steve Cohen, allowing them to navigate Alonso’s situation without jeopardizing the franchise (07:17).

Notable Quote: Peter Rosenberg encapsulates the Mets' position stating, “This just seems to be the place for him” (07:11).

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2. NFL Running Game and Jets’ Offensive Strategy

Transitioning to football, the hosts address listener questions about the importance of a strong running game in the NFL, particularly concerning the New York Jets.

Key Points:

• Listener Insights: A caller named Jonathan raises concerns about the Jets’ lack of a robust running game and its impact on their playoff chances. He posits that teams with established running games are more consistently successful, implicitly critiquing the Jets’ offensive strategy (11:53).

• Running Backs’ Value: The discussion highlights the significance of players like Breece Hall and Saquon Barkley, arguing that a strong running game can stabilize an offense and provide better overall performance. Rosenberg notes, “You can always find on the cheap” emphasizing that effective running backs don’t necessarily require high draft picks (18:23).

• Jets’ Offensive Challenges: Don Hahn critiques the Jets’ coaching decisions and offensive line performance, suggesting that poor utilization of running backs like Breece Hall has hindered their effectiveness. He remarks, “Breeze Hall was either like number two or three in most people's drafts” (21:03), underscoring Hall's high value in fantasy leagues and his underutilization in actual gameplay.

• Potential Solutions: The hosts explore potential strategies for the Jets, including better integration of running backs and improved coaching tactics. Rosenberg suggests that with a competent head coach, the Jets could transform their running game into a playoff-contending force (21:25).

Notable Quote: Don Hahn comments on the Jets' offensive issues, saying, “Breeze Hall, I mean, he can’t go over the sidelines and strangle the play caller” (20:00).

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3. Celebrity Fans of New York’s Sports Teams

In the final segment, the hosts embark on a fun and spirited discussion about the most prominent celebrity fans of New York’s major sports teams. Rosenberg initiates the segment by listing his top picks, which Don Hahn helps validate and expand upon.

Key Points:

• Yankees – Billy Crystal: Rosenberg crowns Billy Crystal as the biggest celebrity Yankee fan, citing his genuine fandom and high profile.

• Mets – Jerry Seinfeld: Jerry Seinfeld is identified as a prominent Mets supporter, with both hosts agreeing on his passionate fandom.

• Jets – Adam Sandler: The duo select Adam Sandler for the Jets, acknowledging his frequent appearances at Jets games.

• Knicks – Spike Lee: Spike Lee is highlighted as the top Knicks fan, recognized for his consistent attendance and vocal support.

• Brooklyn Nets – Ethan Hawke: Despite some skepticism, Rosenberg includes Ethan Hawke as the top Nets celebrity fan, based on accounts from their network (#24:36–28:53).

• Giants – Tracy Morgan: Tracy Morgan is chosen for the Giants, praised for his genuine support and involvement with the team.

• Rangers – Larry David: Larry David is spotlighted as a Rangers fan, noted for his dual support of New York’s hockey teams.

• Devils – Kevin Smith: Kevin Smith is named the top Devils celebrity fan, acknowledged for his enthusiastic support and inclusion in team-related media.

• Islanders – Ralph Macchio: Ralph Macchio rounds out the list as the top Islanders fan, recognized for his consistent attendance and public support.

List Recap:

1. Yankees: Billy Crystal
2. Mets: Jerry Seinfeld
3. Jets: Adam Sandler
4. Knicks: Spike Lee
5. Nets: Ethan Hawke
6. Giants: Tracy Morgan
7. Rangers: Larry David
8. Devils: Kevin Smith
9. Islanders: Ralph Macchio

Notable Interaction: Rosenberg humorously contemplates the legitimacy of some fans, prompting Don Hahn to confirm Larry David’s long-time support: “He goes to Garden sporting events all the time and has for years” (26:20).

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Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offer a blend of sharp analysis and light-hearted discussion, making complex sports negotiations and strategies accessible and entertaining. The segment on celebrity fans adds a playful twist, showcasing the hosts' ability to engage listeners beyond pure sports analysis. By weaving together detailed insights with memorable quotes and personable interactions, this episode serves both devoted fans and casual listeners alike.

Highlighted Quote: Peter Rosenberg reflects on Pete Alonso’s legacy with the Mets: “We had David Wright... it's just a guy that spends 15 years here, breaks all the records, hopefully wins a couple of championships” (08:50).

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For more in-depth discussions and expert sports commentary, tune into the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast available on the ESPN New York app and your favorite smart speakers.

Transcript

[Don Hahn]

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[Rosenberg]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Don Hahn]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New.

[Andy Martino]

York app, and your smart speakers.

[Rosenberg]

So the jets are on the table. We got a list coming up. We got E N coming up. But I wanted to throw this out there. You know, rumblings about, you know, Pete Alonso possibly to San Francisco now. You know, know he's still unsigned as we get deeper and deeper into January, not a big deal. We're still pretty far away from pitchers and catchers and all that stuff. And we've certainly seen Boris Client sign in the 11th hour and even into spring training. And I would not be surprised if this kind of drags on a little bit. Andy Martino was on with Michael K earlier today, and here's what he said is the latest on Pete Alonso and the Mets.

[Michael K]

Oh, and as far as anybody knows that I've talked to Mets are really the only concrete option for Alonzo right now. Now, May Scott Boris is listening and would like to call you or me with a counterpoint to that, but certainly no evidence has been uncovered yet that a robust market has developed there. So the Mets can afford to wait and hold the line, which they're doing. I don't have the exact number for you. I don't think anybody does. But I know that they've established what they think is their value and their length and they're happy to have Alonzo back at that level. And I don't want to say they're happy to proceed without him. They like him. They really, truly like him and they really, truly wouldn't have him back. But they are comfortable pivoting to other things. I guess that'd probably be the fairest way to put it.

[Rosenberg]

So here's the big question, Dan. When it comes to Pete Alonso, are the Mets just confident no one else is going to give him big money and the only place that he really is valuable is to the Mets because the fan base wants him Back. I don't think any other fan base cares. Like from an analytics standpoint, I don't think a lot of general managers are in love with Pete Alonso. So the only team that might see value in Pete are the Mets. And Cohen's got the money to make it work. And because there's no suitors, they could just wait and see them, have the price come down or, or are they really just not interested? Like they don't want to kill the franchise, they don't want to kill the fan base and say we don't want them. But are they kind of just hoping that somebody swoops in because deep down inside they really don't want to bring them back?

[Don Hahn]

I think they want to bring him back, but I think they want to bring him back on their terms. And that's why this whole thing was laughable, like going back even a couple of years. Remember he turned down, what was it in 2023, he turned down a deal for what, like 150 something? Yeah, and remember that was before David Stearns got here and everything. That was still. Billy Epler was the gm, but he turned it down because he thought he could do better. And I don't even think Scott Boris was his agent back then, if I'm not mistaken. But, and I was skeptical at the time just because we talked about the first base market and how guys are now being portrayed around Major League Baseball and what the thinking is, you know, like the Freemans and the Matt Olson's and even Goldschmidt when he signed that deal with the Cardinals, like they weren't getting $200 million, so Pete wasn't gonna get it. And it's funny because our pal Jim Duquette had that report last week that Pete Alonso and Scott Boris went to the Mets with a three year proposal with opt outs after the first two years. Well, he only went to the Mets with that deal, Don, because probably they realized that there were no other takers outside of New York, you know what I'm saying? So it's like, oh, we want to come back to the Mets. Well, in a perfect world, I think he wants to come back to the Mets. He wants to get paid adequately, but there's just not that interest around Major League Baseball. All those other seats in the musical chair scheme are filled at first base.

[Rosenberg]

And when I say they want there, there's. I don't think there's ever a situation when you have a player of the quality of Pete Alonso where there are general managers that don't want him. Right well, you say I wouldn't take him. I wouldn't want him on my team for nothing. No, no, you want Pete Alonso. But when I say do the Mets really want or not at whatever price, I need to know the price. Like, do you want Pete Alonso? Yeah, I'd like Pete Alonso, but how much is it going to cost me? And do I want Pete Alonzo at $50 million a year? Absolutely not. Do I want Pete Alonso at 40 million? No. Would I take Pete Alonso at 25 million? Absolutely. Like, so I think that's where the Mets are. And the Mets, I think realize, hey, it's very similar to what Cashman did with Jeter. Go get it. Go. If you want your bag, go get it. And if you don't get it, you're more than welcome to come back here because we'll give you something. I and I think that's kind of where Cohen and Stearns are at that. Go, you and Boris, go around a Major League Baseball, see if there's anybody that's going to give you big money. And just by that indication from the Duquette Report that this Mets only 3 year thing, it tells you that they realize it just this is really the only destination for him and they got to work it out. And the longer the Mets wait on it, the more the price is probably going to come down.

[Don Hahn]

And that's where it's at.

[Rosenberg]

And it's really, it's a lot like what happened with J.D. martinez last year. They could have had J.D. martinez early, but it would have probably been a little bit more expensive. So wait till spring training and get him for what do they sign him for like 10 million a year? Like. Yeah. Or 10 million for the. Yeah. So they got him at a discount and he ended up being a useful player for them. It won't go to that point because I think Alonzo at this stage of his career is a way more significant player. But at some point Alonzo is going to get itchy and probably going to want to get something done. And the Mets will be there for him, but the price will come down if they wait a little while. And January 15th is certainly not the time for the Mets to bite.

[Don Hahn]

Pete's 30 years old already, okay? And I don't. His game and his skill sets are not going to age well because he's not somebody that you say is super athletic. He's not exactly a gold Glover at first base. Yes, I know you have the dh, but you know what, you want to have that flexibility for other guys to potentially slide into that spot over the course of a long season. Mets would love to have him for the next couple of years, but they don't want to get into anything long term with him. I think that's evident. But they could also pivot to other things. You know, they have a situation where if, okay, if Alonzo's not here, you can move Vientos over to first base and then tap into some of your other young infielders that you want to get a look at, whether it's Beatty, Mauricio Acuna, and, oh, by the way, don't. There's a guy up in Toronto who's a free agent after this season, next season, whatever you want to say in Vlad Jr. And he's 27 years of age, who's to say you don't pick up the phone and even work out something if Toronto's not confident they can resign him? He could trade for him, for example, before the season's over. Or you could just wait it out and then sign him as a free agent next year. The other thing with Pete Alonso, too, which, aside from the things that we talked about, remember, he was a guy that had the qualifying offer slapped to him, which scares a lot of people away. And so if he comes back to the Mets, Mets don't have to worry about that. Of course.

[Rosenberg]

Right, Exactly. No. So I think he's coming back. This. This just seems to be the place for him.

[Don Hahn]

I still wouldn't rule out the possibility of them making a big splash, whether it's now or after the season. And Vlad Jr. Being a Met, I could easily see that.

[Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

And then Pete Alonso could be your freaking dh and you put Vlad at first base because he's, again, the guy that I don't think is going to age very well at the position.

[Rosenberg]

Probably not.

[Don Hahn]

And then you got almost like, you know, your own version of murder. Is Roe in that batting order.

[Rosenberg]

And remember, because of Cohen, any deal you get in that doesn't age well, you can get out of it the way you got out of Orlando and Scherzer, just eat some money and get rid of them. Like, so they're not in, like, some of these markets where having an aging veteran who's making way, much, way more money than they deserve killing your franchise. That's not supposed to be the case with Cohen. So if you have a Vlad Guerrero that doesn't age well, or even if Soto doesn't age well, or which is way, way down the road, or Alonzo doesn't age well, it doesn't kill you. Like it can kill other franchises or how would it kill the Mets if Wilpon was still here? So they have that going because that to me is more. Cohen's money is more valuable in the way that the Scherzer Verlander thing was handled than the actual free agency itself. Because, yeah, you got money for free agency, but these contracts aren't going to kill you if they go south. Because he can, he can eat the money other teams couldn't eat. And that ended up working out very well. That's how they were able to stockpile the minor league system, by getting rid of those guys and eating the salary, making more attractive for teams to be able to bring those guys on. So you can always do that. So 1-800-919-3776 wanted to throw it out there because that's kind of something that's going to be hovering through the entire winter. But I like Pete. I think that home run really kind of solidified him in history. And I don't want to go through the whole Ed Cream pool rant again, but there's something about a Forever Met that they've never really had. We had David Wright on last week and he talked about how important it was for him to end his career with the meds. It's just, it's sad the way it ended because they probably had a lot more to give if that back didn't get hurt. But to just have a guy that spends 15 years here, breaks all the records, hopefully wins a couple of championships, and that's what I think the Met fans see out of Pete Alonso.

[Don Hahn]

Well, and the other thing too is, and we didn't bring him up, you mentioned third base. I mean, if Pete's not an option and Vientos gets moved, well, then Bregman maybe is back in play.

[Rosenberg]

Still there, right?

[Don Hahn]

He's still there. You have the money. And the fact of the matter too is I know the baseball still, you know, a month away from pitchers and catchers. But Don, let's face it, Mets are far from a finished puzzle right now. Like, I think if, if the season started today, I don't think they're any better than the third best team in the National League East. I think Philly and Atlanta are still better than they are.

[Rosenberg]

Well, listen, you, that's the way you felt going into last year. Like you didn't know if any of the pitchers they got last year were going to work out. And certainly the season didn't start out very well. And then the next thing you know, they're playing in the league championship series. So I, I think that sometimes can be a little dicey to always hope that your rotation could be based off of guys that are, you know, trying to get a contract or trying to save their careers like Severino was trying to do last year. But I, I think. And they're, they're always going to be equipped to add, but I don't. They're not a finished product by any stretch. And, and I don't know if they're. What you see on opening day 2025 is necessarily what you're going to see by the time you get deep into the summer and the fall with this team. That's what happened last year. They didn't start, you know, obviously they were a completely different team by the time they went to the playoffs as opposed to opening day.

[Don Hahn]

And they got, I mean like, they got work to do, man. Like the bullpen is far from complete right now in the bullpen market, like around baseball like you saw last week, like people really haven't given out big reliever contracts. Jeff Hoffman was the first one left. Philly, the Blue, Blue Jays finally got somebody. Like the Blue Jays weren't on like every big name but, but they got nobody. They got Jeff Hoffman, he got a for I think like 30 something million to pitch out of that pen. You got a guy like Tanner Scott who's still there now, that would be a hell of a pickup if you, if you're the Mets and you bring him in and he's like your setup guy for Edwin Diaz, a nice lefty, hard thrower out of the pen. But Tanner Scott apparently wants like three, four years potentially. And you know, the teams, especially a guy like David Stearns do not want to go that far into a contract on a relief pitcher who, those guys are very wishy washy from one season to the next.

[Rosenberg]

1-800-919-3776 let's go to, let's say Jonathan, Toronto slash LA. So we know which Jonathan is. You're on ESPN New York. What's up, buddy? Hello, Jonathan, can you hear me? Oh, what's up, John?

[Don Hahn]

Are you more Toronto or la?

[Jonathan]

I used to live, I used to live in Toronto. You know what, let's call it Jonathan from Queens. Because I grew up in Queens. Like I'm from Queens. That's from, you know, that's why I'm a Jazz fan. I'm a Yankee fan, unfortunately. But you know, I think we're gonna have to go with that so we can differentiate.

[Rosenberg]

Sounds good. Yeah.

[Jonathan]

Guys first PK73. That's crazy. I'm 34. I wish I looked like.

[Rosenberg]

He's definitely young. 73.

[Jonathan]

Absolutely. Guys, I'm a filmmaker. I'm an actor. I wrote this movie, and there's a quote that I live by, which I wrote. And I say it's complaining as a privilege. Guys, for all those people that called yesterday complaining about Mike Tomlin, like, I'll take my. As a Jets fan, I'm 34. I haven't seen anything. This team has. Has, like, gotten me depressed, have kids. I've had problems with my wife because of the jets and what they do. Like, it's incredible. I'll take my time and any day of the week. And I have a. I have a hypothetical for you guys, if available. Who would you give up more for Mike Tomlin or Justin Herbert?

[Rosenberg]

Tomlin.

[Don Hahn]

Tomlin.

[Rosenberg]

Yeah. Because I don't know about Justin, man.

[Don Hahn]

You have. You know why? Because Justin Herbert, in my opinion, has one of those preeminent coaches that's supposed to instill a culture, which he did with the Chargers this year. And it's supposed. I mean, think about what Jim harbor did for Alex. Alex Smith, when he got to San Francisco all those years ago. You know what I'm saying?

[Rosenberg]

You're right.

[Don Hahn]

You know, made Michigan a national champion for the first time in forever. What you saw on Saturday was not supposed to happen with Jim Harbo as the head coach, and it did. Tomlin's the guy.

[Rosenberg]

I agree. And Justin Herbert, listen, the skills are there, but, you know, you gotta. You gotta give me more than that in the postseason. Man, you got a couple of tough losses in the postseason. Like I said, he's got the coach now. Let's see what I. Listen, it's close. I still think there's talent there. Believe me, as a Giant fan, I wish he was my quarterback compared to what they've had. But I have a lot of respect.

[Don Hahn]

Against the team that was supposed, like, you know, resoundly thought to be, if not, you know, number 14, you know, 13 or 14 in this whole playoff derby. Like, the Texans were, like, right to be picked off.

[Rosenberg]

They were. And what a matchup for Kansas City.

[Don Hahn]

Not to.

[Rosenberg]

But I still. I still wouldn't be surprised they didn't cover, because that's kind of what. I wouldn't be surprised if that's a game in the fourth quarter, but they're not losing to Houston, you know, playing in the championship game.

[Don Hahn]

Like, something came across the other day. I can't remember where I saw it. Just back to what Jonathan was talking about. Like, you know, he's 34. You know, he says as a Jeff fan, he hasn't seen anything. Do you realize going all the way back to the Shea Stadium days, like, you know, the inception of the franchise. So how many years we're talking. We're talking, you know, going back to the Titans more than almost 65 years. Right.

[Rosenberg]

They came in, you know, if you count AFL 1960.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. So it'll be 65 years.

[Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

Do you realize they have had, you know, many home playoff games they have had in the history of the franchise?

[Rosenberg]

Well, in my mind, I can. They obviously didn't have any in the runs with Rex. You'd have to go back. All right, Jacksonville was. And then they had Indianapolis. That's two that I can think of. What year was that in Indianapolis? 2002.

[Don Hahn]

Yes.

[Rosenberg]

And was there one after that now?

[Don Hahn]

There was one. There was one more at the Meadowlands before both of those.

[Rosenberg]

Before 98. Oh, well, they were home. The 86. Kansas City.

[Don Hahn]

Correct.

[Rosenberg]

Is that it?

[Don Hahn]

Those are the only ones they've had in New Jersey. And there were two at Shea Stadium.

[Rosenberg]

All right, so that's it. All right, so they, they, they moved into Giant Stadium in 84.

[Don Hahn]

Correct.

[Rosenberg]

So that's, you know, that's 40 seasons. Three. Three home playoff games in 40 years.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Rosenberg]

And then they moved into Shake as they were in, they were obviously in the Polo Grounds when they first started as the Titans. Were they at Shea from 64? Did they move in the Shay when the Mets did?

[Don Hahn]

I don't remember what year, but I mean, if you want to go back to the mid-60s, like since Namath got there with Shea Stadium.

[Rosenberg]

So. So say 60 years.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, 65.

[Rosenberg]

Five home playoff games.

[Don Hahn]

The AFL championship game in 68 against the Raiders. Right. And they won that one. And then the game that Buttle had two interceptions that they lost to the Buffalo Bills in 81. 81.

[Rosenberg]

81. So that would be the only one that they lost.

[Don Hahn]

Correct.

[Rosenberg]

Because they beat Kansas City in 86. They obviously beat Jacksonville in 98 and Indianapolis in oh, two. So actually, nice home record in the playoffs.

[Don Hahn]

Six. Let's make it six. I forgot because then I forgot the following year in 69, they lost at home to the Chiefs. The Chiefs, correct.

[Rosenberg]

Oh, it's sad. It's sad. Honestly, it's very, very sad. Let's see who else we can jump into here. How about Dave in the car? You're on espn New York. What's up, Dave?

[Andy Martino]

Hey, what's Up. Guys, I just want to ask a question. I'm looking at the top rushing teams in the NFL. All of them are still in the playoffs, with the exception of Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay's ranked fourth, Even Green and Green Bay. Green Bay just got eliminated. Do you think there's been a. Not a, but a huge miscalculation on the importance of establishing the run in the NFL? The Vikings. The Vikings have Henry. The Vikings have Saquon. They dust off the Rams like there are so many teams in the NFL right now. If they had an established running game, they would either be in the playoffs or be vying for a championship and allow quarterbacks that.

[Don Hahn]

I mean, the Vikings had Aaron Jones. He was eighth in the NFL this year in yards from scrimmage. They just didn't utilize him properly. They fell behind early. So that gets you away from your game, but you're right.

[Rosenberg]

But I don't have to draft high to do it.

[Don Hahn]

No.

[Rosenberg]

Derrick Henry's taken in the second round. Philadelphia got Saquon Barkley in free agency. So I think you're starting to see the running game get incorporated more into offenses now. But it's still something that you can find on the cheap. If you've got the quarterback, you got the offensive line, you've got the offensive mind as your offensive coordinator utilized the running game. But I still don't have to draft it high, if that makes sense.

[Andy Martino]

Okay, let me just ask one more question.

[Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Andy Martino]

Let's just say the jets keep their team the way it is. They bring back Aaron Rodgers. Okay. I think with a really good running game, which we're supposed to get from Breeze hall. And I think. I think there's a little overrating him, even though the coaching's been atrocious. I think with a really outstanding running back and Aaron Rodgers kind of fallen in line, they will be a much improve offensive unit because it'll take pressure off their line to be like an All Pro line. What are your thoughts on that? Thanks.

[Don Hahn]

I don't think hall is overrated in any way. I think he is a fantastic player. He's a home run hitter. Do I think that he was used properly this year? No. Do I think that some of that was out of his control? Yes. And we'll leave it at that. By the way, before you chime in, I'm going to take the hit on this one and shout out to our boy, John Winthrop. They had another home playoff game too, and lost at the Meadowlands. 185. Yeah.

[Rosenberg]

Yeah. New England.

[Don Hahn]

Bad job by me. Hey, listen, the eventual super bowl representative, the Patriots.

[Rosenberg]

Right. So you can make the case if they win that game, they could have had the bludgeoned by the Bears, but at least you'd have been in a Super Bowl. Right?

[Don Hahn]

Well, they'd have to go to Miami.

[Rosenberg]

Oh, New England did it. You had a home playoff game. God. To talk about teams, that's not going to be my list. But I got a different list coming up at 5, 4, 4, 45. But a really good list would be teams that really should not have been in the Super Bowl.

[Don Hahn]

No, that's very good. We could do a show on that one day. No, but back to what Dave was saying though. The jets, if you go back and look, and I understand that the jets were behind in a lot of these games early and the kind of. They got away from what they want to do, but the jets were dead last this year, Don, in rushing attempts. Dead last. Not, not like yards or like rushing attempts.

[Rosenberg]

That's going to, that's going to obviously skew how you feel about the running game.

[Don Hahn]

Right. So Breeze Hall, I mean, he can't go over the sidelines and strangle the play caller and say call some plays for me. He can only execute what's being called or maybe what's being checked out of at the line of scrimmage.

[Rosenberg]

Only wide receivers do that, so.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Rosenberg]

Running backs don't do that. Yeah, I don't think he's over it. I think he's fine. You know what the jets were missing? You know what the jets were missing in 2024, coach?

[Don Hahn]

I mean, Don, I mean, you and I aren't fantasy guys, but I know enough to know that before the season started and everybody did their fantasy draft, Breeze hall was either like number two or three in most people's drafts.

[Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah, no, absolutely. The talents there. That's why I say they missed a coach. They went from being poorly coached with Salah to not coached at all the rest of the season. I mean, Robert Sala won seven games with Venus de Milo as his quarterback. So if I had a really decent head coach with that talent. I'm not saying you win in a championship, but you're in the playoffs, you're winning double digit games. It just, it was a mess. It was an absolute mess.

[Don Hahn]

I was just thinking like if Pat Summer I'll ever call the game where Venus de Milo was the quarterback. Wilson from the Milo.

[Rosenberg]

No, it'd be like the way he did. The way he did Murder She Wrote, it would be Venus de Milo.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for Listening to the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast.

[Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said. Catch the show on demand whenever you want.

[Don Hahn]

Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Andy Martino]

This is the list with Don, Han and Rosenberg.

[Rosenberg]

All right, here's the list. What I'm gonna do is I'm gonna give you where I believe is the biggest celebrity of that team.

[Don Hahn]

Okay?

[Rosenberg]

So the top celebrities of each local team. Nine teams, no offense to the Liberty, the Red Bull, or the nycf.

[Don Hahn]

I was gonna say give me. Give me a Metro star celebrity fan.

[Rosenberg]

I. I don't. I don't know. So then I'll rank them.

[Don Hahn]

Wow.

[Rosenberg]

How about that? So we'll start with the Yankees. I think the biggest celebrity Yankee fan is Billy Crystal. You have a problem with that? Now, there's a lot of guys, Chaz Palminteri, they got tons and tons and tons of fans that are celebrities. But I say Billy Crystal is the biggest fan. You know, he's a legit fan, and he's a huge name because I'm also factoring in how legit a fan are they and how big a celebrity are they? So Billy Crystal's my Yankee. You cool with that?

[Don Hahn]

I'm. I'm okay with that.

[Rosenberg]

You're okay with that? For the Mets, I've got Jerry Seinfeld. Yes, legit fan, huge name. For the Jets, a lot of different options, but I want Adam Sandler. He's put in a bunch of movies. Legit fan. It's been seen on the sidelines. You cool with that, or you think of somebody else that's bigger than.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, I. I think that's a. That's a good, solid.

[Rosenberg]

That's good choice.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Rosenberg]

All right. For the Knicks, it's Spike Lee. You know, he's a legit fan. Huge name. Now, there's a bunch of people to choose from. Ben Stiller's right up there. But I think Spike Lee is the biggest name and the biggest fan.

[Don Hahn]

He's been going to game. He goes to road games, for crying out loud. He's. Yeah, he's every. He's been doing it for years now.

[Rosenberg]

I gotta thank Joe Leo for this one, because I just could not think of any celebrity net fans. Jay Z didn't count. He owned the team, but he wasn't a fan.

[Don Hahn]

Bruce Willis was a Bandwagon Nets fan during their second trip to the finals in 2003.

[Rosenberg]

Bandwagon doesn't really describe a legit fan when you throw a bandwagon, so. So Joe Leo is a big Net fan. Of course. He's a producer slash board up at this radio station. And he told me Ethan Hawke is a big net fan. So I got Ethan Hawke for the Brooklyn Nets.

[Don Hahn]

How did one even know that?

[Rosenberg]

Because he's a big fan. So he says he's been told that he has seen him at games. So I'm gonna go with that.

[Don Hahn]

Does he live in Brooklyn? Is that why?

[Rosenberg]

Because it's like, hey, maybe, maybe for the Giants. There's a tough one now. We talked a little bit about Jon Bon Jovi, but some people want to discredit him because his relationship with Robert Kraft. I'm gonna go, Tracy Morgan. I mean, he's. He's a legit fan, and he's a pretty big name. Now. There's other guys. You know, apparently Hugh Jackman is a Giant fan. Apparently Lady Gaga is a Giant fan. Hilfiger. I. I think Tracy Morgan's legit. He might not be the biggest name of the people I just mentioned, but I think he's more of a legit fan. Who did you say?

[Don Hahn]

Jay Horowitz.

[Rosenberg]

He is a big Giant fan.

[Don Hahn]

But wasn't Andy Rooney a big Giant fan?

[Rosenberg]

Andy Rooney was and everything. Richard Nixon has been seen at Giant games before he passed.

[Don Hahn]

Richard Nixon was a big Met fan. Yeah. I just think he's all the time.

[Rosenberg]

For the Rangers now. I was thinking of Susan Sarandon. She's at a bunch of games. She's a huge fan. But you know what? I want to tie it to the show. And I'm gonna go, Larry David. He's like, wait a minute. Larry David's a big Yankee fan. Larry David's a big. Jeff. I know, but Larry David's the one that on the K show, if you remember, complained to me they didn't use Cocko enough in the Flame game. So much so that the, like, David Quinn told me that the Rangers actually played it during a meeting. They were so excited. Guys watching flame games out in California because. And commenting about capo. Kako, you're a big fan. I'm going, Larry David, Rangers.

[Don Hahn]

Can I. Can I throw one in there?

[Rosenberg]

Sure.

[Don Hahn]

Because he goes to garden sporting events all the time and has for years.

[Rosenberg]

I know.

[Don Hahn]

So I think he's a fan of both Garden teams.

[Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Don Hahn]

And if you want to go his native country of Canada, where hockey is. Do you know who I'm thinking?

[Rosenberg]

What are you thinking about? Michael J. Fox.

[Don Hahn]

That's what I'm thinking.

[Rosenberg]

I don't know how legit a fan he is.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, he. I mean, he he was going to Ranger games sitting there when Ron Greshner was on the ice, for crying out loud.

[Rosenberg]

But. But also when they had the whole 1991, 75th anniversary, like celebrity captains of each team. He was the celebrity captain of the Bruins. So I, I don't know what's going.

[Don Hahn]

On there, but he has no ties to New England. He's.

[Rosenberg]

He's a Vancouver guy. He's like, listen, he's. He lives in New York. He's a hockey fan. He goes to Ranger games. I don't know if he's a Die Hard Ranger fan. I'm going Larry David.

[Don Hahn]

Wow.

[Rosenberg]

So obviously you have a problem with that, but what are you gonna do? Liam Neeson's out a bunch of games, but I don't know how big a fan he actually is. The team. Steve Sharipa is there, but he's kind of like an MSG mascot. He goes to Nick games.

[Don Hahn]

They give him tickets.

[Rosenberg]

He goes, and for the Devils, I've got Kevin Smith, big name and, you know, he's a legit fan. Put him all. Put the Devils in his movies. Patrick, you know, apparently Patrick Eliash is his favorite player. Can you think of a better Devil one?

[Don Hahn]

I'm trying. I don't think I could come up with one.

[Rosenberg]

Okay. And Livy Dunn.

[Don Hahn]

Good. Livy Dunn, she's been to like three games. And of course, she's Paul Skeen's girlfriend. Said, good for her.

[Rosenberg]

And he was the. He was the team celebrity mascot in 91. And it still stands. I've got Ralph Macchio with the Islanders.

[Don Hahn]

There you go.

[Rosenberg]

So if I were to rank them, I've got Ethan Hawke at 9. I've got Ralph Macchio at 8. I have Kevin.

[Don Hahn]

What is this ranking based on, by the way? Don me like, what's the criteria?

[Rosenberg]

I would say that the same criteria that got them the nod for the.

[Don Hahn]

Team example we learned yesterday, Ethan Hawk.

[Rosenberg]

Is a fan of the Nets.

[Don Hahn]

Nine.

[Rosenberg]

Nine. Exactly. Like, like, like. How Die Hard are you and your name?

[Don Hahn]

Fandom. My God. Okay.

[Rosenberg]

All right. But also, how big a name are you? So I got. No offense to Ethan Hawke. I can't think of thing one he's been in. In 20 years. The matter of fact, the only thing I can think of that he was in, that I enjoyed, was alive. And that was in 93. So I made people. Yes.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Rosenberg]

Ethan Hawke, 9. Ralph Macchio, 8, Kevin Smith, 7. Tracy Morgan, 6. Larry David, 5. Adam Sandler 4, Spike Lee, 3, Jerry Seinfeld, 2. And Billy Crystal number one. So if you can think of anybody else that I missed. Have at it.

[Don Hahn]

You just made the list. I think it's a good list.

[Rosenberg]

I, I, I think it's fine. I listen, I struggle with the nets, I'll be honest with you. But thanks to Joe Leo for bailing me out. But for all I know, Ethan Hawke watches six games. I have no idea. But you know what? That's what I'm going with. So if I missed anybody, social media@don legreca. Hashtag the list and we'll go over it. So hope you enjoyed it. You were the first time we've done a list and it's with Dan, no Peter, no Allen.

[Don Hahn]

They didn't want any part of the list, apparently.

[Andy Martino]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don Hahn]

I don't want to know how the.

[Rosenberg]

Sausage is made, but I just want to know. It's good.

[Andy Martino]

Hear more of Don Allen and Peter.

[Don Hahn]

Weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.