Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 2 Summary

Episode: Hour 2: Mets Adjustments & The List
Release Date: August 6, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg
Platform: ESPN New York

New York Mets: Struggles and Strategic Adjustments

The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of the New York Mets' recent performance. Ty Butler expresses concern over the Mets’ decline, noting that the team has lost eight of their last nine games, pushing them down into the wild card standings. He emphasizes the frustrating inconsistency, especially from a team boasting star players like Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor.

Key Points:

• Offensive Performance: The Mets' inability to consistently score runs is highlighted as a major issue. Despite having top-tier talent, the offense has been unreliable, with recent games showing combined scores as low as three runs.

  Ty Butler [02:21]: "In my opinion, the biggest reason why they've struggled so much is their inconsistent run-scoring ability."

• Pitching Concerns: Carlos Mendoza discusses the pitching woes, mentioning Gavin Williams' near no-hitter and Juan Soto's decisive home run, which contributed to the Mets' offensive shortcomings.

  Carlos Mendoza [02:21]: "We know we're better than that. We couldn't make any adjustments."

• Future Outlook: With an upcoming series against Milwaukee, Butler stresses the importance of significant progress to avoid jeopardizing playoff hopes.

  Ty Butler [04:30]: "It's not just about making the playoffs; we need to handle our business and make significant progress."

Listener Call: Frustrations with Mets' Hitting

Danny, a caller from Long Island, vents his frustration regarding the Mets' offensive struggles. He criticizes the team's inability to hit effectively, despite having professional players.

Danny [05:14]: "These are professional ball players who are paid to hit the baseball and there's nothing a manager can do if the team is not going to hit."

New York Yankees: The Most Hated Players List

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Ty Butler's "Top Five Most Hated New York Yankees Players," inspired by recent poor performances, specifically Devin Williams' disastrous outing.

Top Five List:

1. Joey Gallo

   • Reason: Poor defensive performance and inconsistency since being traded from the Rangers.

2. Jacoby Ellsbury

   • Reason: Underwhelming batting average and unfulfilled potential after a hefty contract with the Yankees.

3. Aaron Hicks

   • Reason: Low batting average and overall lackluster performance despite high expectations.

4. Carl Pavano

   • Reason: Multiple injuries and failure to deliver as expected, leading to his eventual exit from the team.

5. Kevin Brown

   • Reason: Frustrating behavior and poor performance during critical games, contributing to the 2004 season collapse.

Notable Quotes:

Ty Butler [26:05]: "Joey Gallo, if he walked through the streets of New York City, oh, what do you think would have happened to him?"

Charlie Mendoza [03:05]: "We haven't been able to make adjustments as they make adjustments to us as a team."

Listeners are encouraged to share their opinions and additional names to the list, fostering interactive engagement.

Red Zone Expansion and NFL Discussions

The hosts briefly touch upon the potential expansion of the NFL's Red Zone coverage beyond football, speculating on its application to college football and its impact on viewership.

Peter Rosenberg [11:11]: "Roger Goodell says the red zone could expand beyond NFL after the ESPN deal."

Personal Anecdotes and Banter

The episode features light-hearted interactions among the hosts and callers, including discussions about personal lives, such as Danny’s torn meniscus and Peter’s relationship developments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Peter Rosenberg [48:42]: "Covid is the reason that I linked up with Natalie and that this little human now exists."

Conclusion and Upcoming Segments

As the episode wraps up, the hosts tease upcoming segments, including an interview with WWE personality Paul Heyman and further discussions on sports strategies.

Ty Butler [31:09]: "Devin Williams might end up on the list, but we're still like in the midst of it happening."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ty Butler [02:21]: "In my opinion, the biggest reason why they've struggled so much is their inconsistent run-scoring ability."
• Carlos Mendoza [02:21]: "We know we're better than that. We couldn't make any adjustments."
• Ty Butler [26:05]: "Joey Gallo, if he walked through the streets of New York City, oh, what do you think would have happened to him?"
• Peter Rosenberg [11:11]: "Roger Goodell says the red zone could expand beyond NFL after the ESPN deal."
• Peter Rosenberg [48:42]: "Covid is the reason that I linked up with Natalie and that this little human now exists."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg provides a comprehensive look at the current state of the New York Mets and Yankees, blending sports analysis with engaging listener interactions and personal stories. The hosts offer critical insights into team performances while maintaining a conversational and entertaining tone.

For more detailed discussions and future episodes, tune in live on weekday afternoons at 3 PM on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app, or your smart speakers.