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Don Hahn
McDonald's meets the Minecraft universe with one.
Peter Rosenberg
Of six collectibles and your choice of a Big Mac or 10 piece McNuggets with spicy nether flame sauce.
Don Hahn
Now available with a Minecraft movie meal.
Alan Hahn
At participating McDonald's for a limited time. A Minecraft movie only in theaters. This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Don Hahn
That sounds like heaven to me.
Alan Hahn
Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers. 800-919-3776. So the Yankees are going to start a series with the Pirates this weekend and in fact, the first pitch is coming up in a few minutes. But they did at least salvage a game. This is embarrassing to say salvaged a game in their series Yesterday. Last night winning 97 against the Diamondbacks. And Aaron Judge, you know, talked about the importance of avoiding this early season sweep. Yeah, definitely.
Don Hahn
Especially after coming off opening day and that first series, going out there and going all the runs, people are talking about bats, talking about this and that. Just a lot of distractions. So I think guys can't get caught up in distraction. The media is saying you got to go out there and keep playing. So I think we all kind of locked it in. Big G said a couple words before the game, just about this is our home turf and we got to go out there and we don't get swept at home. So, you know, guys took that to heart and we were able to, you know, salvage that last one.
Alan Hahn
Wow. First of all, shot at the media, all the stuff you guys are creating around us, and then gives credit to John Carlos Stanton for giving a little locker room speech, you know, like, like an old ball coach getting in front of the team saying nobody, and I mean nobody comes into our field and sweeps us, pushes us around. Isn't that what Judge is supposed to be doing?
Don Hahn
Well, no, it's okay if Judge is telling you that it happened.
Alan Hahn
He gave credit.
Don Hahn
He likes to see, likes to get everybody involved. I honestly, I think it's so, it's so it's so wrong to like poke at his leadership qualities because they haven't won with him here. He's like, he's, he's like Jeter, where maybe it's not rah rah speech, but he to note to, to include everybody. Like the guy that they called up. There's a backup catcher, got his first hit last night. So he mentioned that in the postgame press conference mentioning, you know, the Big G spoke to like he, that's what captains do, include everybody, make everybody feel like, they're important, that they're contributing. That's part of being a leader, too.
Alan Hahn
Okay.
Don Hahn
And Rockne speeches all the time.
Alan Hahn
No, but. But the fact that Stanton has to make that speech.
Don Hahn
Oh, wow. This is. Wow.
Alan Hahn
It's weird.
Don Hahn
It's from the Yankee guy, but it's weird.
Alan Hahn
You don't find this weird. But where's the chip on the shoulder thing that we were supposed to hear about?
Don Hahn
Because he's also humble. He's also humble.
Alan Hahn
Not him.
Don Hahn
You're not used to this because you've been covering the NBA too much, where they love telling you how great they are. Baseball's a little different. And Judge is a lot different. Where if Judge gave that speech, and maybe he did, he's not gonna tell you. I gave him a speech saying we don't get swept in our house. He'd be the type of guy to say, you know what? Stanton gave the speech. I'm not saying Stanton didn't give the speech, but, you know, they both could have said it. But he's gonna give. He is gonna give the shine over to. To other players, include everybody.
Alan Hahn
That's what I think.
Don Hahn
That's what leaders do.
Alan Hahn
You misunderstood me. What I'm saying is, is like, this, the chip on the shoulder thing, like, you know, that's important. I think especially off of last year. And that's what I'm looking for, is that kind of stuff. And then Stanton's got a. Hey, we don't get swept in our bill. Like, that's cool and all, but shouldn't that already be, like, understood?
Peter Rosenberg
I mean, but listen, maybe that's. Maybe that.
Alan Hahn
How about guys, how about we hit the ball this time? Because we missed it a lot yesterday. Let's get it today.
Peter Rosenberg
Maybe that's just Big G's role. That's what he does.
Alan Hahn
I like it.
Don Hahn
Or also, it might not have been, like, I don't think anybody was in a panic about the Yankees possibly getting swept by the Diamondbacks. Diamondbacks are a really good team. Like, it wasn't like a team meeting, oh, my God, we're in trouble. It was just. He was probably there saying, oh, by.
Alan Hahn
The way, guys, little speech.
Don Hahn
Don't get swept in our house. You know, like, so I just think it was kind of off the cuff trying to include people. The one thing Judge loves to do is talk about other people because he hates talking about himself.
Alan Hahn
All leaders are like that. Anytime I interview Brunson, I know, don't ask Brunson about himself. He'll never talk about himself. Ask him about other people and he'll talk for days.
Don Hahn
Yeah. And I think that's part of being a leader is to deflect the negative attention away from players and also to make sure you deflect positive energy on the other players. That he's, he's big in stature and he's also big in where he is in the lexicon of New York sports, where there's always going to be attention on Derek Jeter. I mean, excuse me, just. I had the Freudian slip on Aaron Judge.
Alan Hahn
Right.
Don Hahn
So that's why it's, that's why it sickens me sometimes when these players talk about themselves so much. Like, really, do you have to. You let your stats do the talking. Why are you so insecure that you got to talk about how great you are? We know how great you are.
Alan Hahn
Right. And when, and when, you know, talking about yourself fails, just do like hand gestures. You know, that works in the NBA too. A story we'll get to.
Peter Rosenberg
I see what you're getting at.
Alan Hahn
800-919-3776 Jake in South Brunswick. Jake, what's happened?
Jake
Hey, what's going on, boys? Peter, congratulations. My buddies to my buddies just had babies and I see what they're going through, so I can only imagine what you're going through, man.
Peter Rosenberg
Thanks, dude. I appreciate it, man.
Jake
Alan, I had a question for you. You see everything that's going on with the, the Padres and everything with locking up these younger guys. How opposed are you to.
Alan Hahn
Interesting.
Jake
I love jazz. Chisholm. How opposed are you to giving him this contract where it's a seven year. He's 27 years old, seven year, 150, 160 million dollar contract. I mean, he seems like he's the heart and soul of this team. I know judges, don't get me wrong, he's the captain, but the way he plays, his energy, everything he brings to this team is just so different. I love this guy. What are you thinking? Have a great day, guys.
Don Hahn
Thanks.
Alan Hahn
Thanks, Jake. I, you know, it is interesting, right, to try to get early, get in early on it instead of like having to deal with free agency. They made the trade for a reason, right? They. They did. When they traded for him last year, they made it clear that this was not just for now. This was for, you know, a position that they wanted to solidify. They knew they were moving on from Glaber. They had to get a second baseman. He brings some pop, but he also does bring boys. How different is he from Gleyber Torres, by the way? Right? Does Jazz Chisholm ever seem like he's in a bad mood? No, like it's. It's a guy that definitely has an impact on the, the clubhouse. I remember seeing Bellinger. There was a thing from Bellinger where Chisholm walks by and Bellinger just says, like, I love that guy. Like, there's certain guys you can bring in the room and they just lift the room up with, you know, he's. He's a guy that always seems happy. So if you, if you like what he's about, you think that him in your. Rot in your lineup especially, you need some pop, you got to figure out who you're putting on, who you're putting up after Judge. And he plays a smooth second base. He and Volpe already have a little bit of chem, which is important in the double play. Maybe, maybe that is something you got to think about during the years. Can we get him at a better number now and just, just lock up that position for the years to come? Because if you were going to keep Glabor, you're probably going to give him a, like, you know, a sort of deal like that anyway. So it is, it is something to watch during the season.
Don Hahn
Yeah, I just. They haven't had a tremendous amount of success doing that. Right. We saw with Hicks.
Alan Hahn
It was Hicks. Right.
Don Hahn
And with Severino. So maybe you want to wait a little while. I mean, it's really a bad deal.
Alan Hahn
It wasn't a terrible deal with Severino deal. Right. That wasn't. They didn't overpay. I'm just.
Don Hahn
Oh, no, no. I think he just, he got hurt right away. But I just think you just. Like I said, you don't. You don't pay players until you feel like you have to have them. A lot of those smaller market teams do it because they know once they hit free agency and they're not going to be able to compete with what the number is. But you're talking about very small sample size, what, since the trade deadline last year. So it's, you know, maybe you want to wait a while. But it does seem like he fits in. Plus, the first thing I thought of, like watching him, he's probably one of the reasons why you changed the policy for the hair. Not that. Not that that's something. He takes advantage, but you can see he's kind of not anti Yankees. He bucks the trend of the typical Yankee. Right.
Alan Hahn
So he's showy.
Don Hahn
Yeah, he's showy, but he loves being wrong with that.
Alan Hahn
But he loves being a Yankee.
Don Hahn
Well, that's what. That's what I do appreciate that part of getting rid of the beard and the long hair policy was try not to be stuffy, let players show their personality. And he's taking advantage of that, like, in a different way where the atmosphere is different and guys can have a little bit more fun. And, you know, they're very corporate, which is great. And I think a lot of people like that. But you can have a few players as long as they play well, right? They kind of buck that trend a little bit. And he seems like he's that kind of guy.
Alan Hahn
Danny in North Carolina. What's up, Danny?
Jake
Hey, guys.
Mike Tannenbaum
How's it going?
Jake
First time, long time. Thanks for having me.
Alan Hahn
What's happening?
Jake
Not much, Alan. I just wanted to. To get after you a little bit. I'm a athletic trainer. I've been at the professional level, at the high school level also, NCAA Division 1, 2, 3, whatever. But I can't stress enough what a good move that was by judge letting Stanton give the speech, talk to the team. Because when the guys, you know, when they're hurt, they feel left out. You know, they feel like they're not part of the team. You know, they don't feel like there is included. It weighs down on them mentally. And I think that it was a great job by judge, great job of leadership to have him included.
Alan Hahn
I completely understand that. I can. I can actually relate to that. So I know exactly what you're talking about, Danny. I don't know like it was to me. I was just kind of laughing at the idea of having to have a speech this early in the season about not getting swept. Part of me as a fan just sort of was like, really, like already. And even Don said nobody was worried about them getting swept. Nobody was even talking about how, you know, off it would be if this was August and the dog days were hitting. And, you know, there for sure somebody's got to come in and say something to the group. But I thought you were coming into the season with a chip on your shoulder. Things like that don't need to be said. But it's great that Stan has that. Like, Stan is sort of a guy in that clubhouse that is revered and respected, and you knew that. You saw that already. So that's nothing new. It's cool. I was more just wondering, like, did we need a speech? I didn't know we needed a speech this early.
Peter Rosenberg
I look at it as the opposite. I like it. I like that something a series that early, that's not that big a Deal Stanton thought was worthy of that conversation. Like, to me, I see it more. Don.
Alan Hahn
That means he saw something he didn't like.
Peter Rosenberg
And they're speak up.
Alan Hahn
It's usually because you don't like. Like, I don't like our mood or I don't like where we are right now.
Peter Rosenberg
Well, and. And like, it doesn't matter that it's early April. We care right now.
Don Hahn
We're not.
Peter Rosenberg
We're not. We're not losing Sierra. We're not getting swept. I kind of like it.
Alan Hahn
Yeah.
Don Hahn
And if you've listened to judge before, he reveres Stan.
Alan Hahn
Yep.
Don Hahn
He looks up to Stan. So for a captain and being the best player on the team, you still. There's still room for just having a ton of respect for a guy and wanting to shout him out for something that he said because that is somebody he. That can not control judge, but definitely have make judge pay attention because he has a ton of respect for him.
Alan Hahn
800 now and 9, 3, 7, 7, 6. So again, the baseball team's now underway, so we'll keep an eye on the scores and keep you updated on everything. But how about this? So today in football is the pro day for the Colorado players that are going into the draft.
Peter Rosenberg
Sure it is.
Alan Hahn
And, you know, Dion is certainly making this thing an extravaganza. I think. I think actually, it's not called a pro day there. Do you guys want to know what they're actually calling it?
Don Hahn
I heard this. It's corny.
Alan Hahn
We ain't hard to find showcase. And there's a letter to. Not. Not the. Not written out to.
Peter Rosenberg
Well, Dion still running with the too legit to quit vibes from 1991. And Dion. I hate to do this. I hate to do this, but when that. When that reached its peak, I don't know if you guys remember this. Hammer decided to come to the NFC championship game to support Deion Sanders. You guys remember how that turned out?
Alan Hahn
Not good.
Peter Rosenberg
Oh, no. It was a red blowout leading to the Super bowl in 91. So just. Just a reminder.
Alan Hahn
Yeah.
Peter Rosenberg
But yeah, Deion does. Like, for a guy who is. For a guy, though, who is like. Or at least was kind of like just the pinnacle of cool. He does try extremely hard to still be cool like that.
Don Hahn
It's just.
Alan Hahn
He's got. He still has some swag.
Mike Tannenbaum
Oh, no.
Alan Hahn
But, yeah, the bigger story, though, is not. Not Deion Sanders. And it's fun. I was talking to Mike Tannenbaum over at the Seaport studio. Come on. He's there. And Mike t. Is going to join us by him.
Don Hahn
Throw it out anyway.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah.
Alan Hahn
You want to do it anyway?
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah. Give it to him anyway. Anytime.
Alan Hahn
Hit me with it.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah.
Alan Hahn
Again, you know, first of all, side note, I was told when I got into this business on the broadcast side that like many people said to me, use as reference to people you talk to because it lends credibility. The listener hears that you were some.
Peter Rosenberg
Of the people who told you that.
Alan Hahn
To people of significance. Let's see. Mike Greenberg always hit it. Al Trotwig used to tell me this all the time. Many other people in the business said it as well.
Don Hahn
Get it?
Alan Hahn
Okay. In the meantime, anyways, at this we ain't hard to find showcase in Colorado. The Giants have a ton of people there. You have Brian Dable, who originally the. I thought I saw a report that said he wasn't going, but now he. He did go. Joe Shane, of course, you've got everybody. The assistant general manager, the director, pro personnel, offense, quarter defense coordinator, quarterbacks coach, D backs coach, wide receiver coach, assistant quarterback coach, the area scout. Oh, and by the way, Peter Schrager tells us Jesse Armstead. So there. Everybody's there at this thing. Are they there to watch the door Sanders? Are they there to sort of let Travis Hunter know we're all in on you at number three. We want it to be fully represented. So you see how much we care about you. Because apparently, other than a handful of routes that he ran for Shador as Shador showing off his arm, there really wasn't much for Travis Hunter to do. And all that's left to be decided is what role. Like he'll be a cornerback in the draft. But how much would the Giants want to see him as a wide receiver as well? This does feel like less about Shador Sanders for the Giants and more about Travis Hunter, who they are. It seems to be keying on at the number three pick.
Don Hahn
Well, we talked yesterday about the possibility of trading back into the first round. How far is Sanders going to fall? So you want to keep an eye on him. You want to do your due diligence there, and you want to take a look at Hunter. And watching Hard Knocks, it seemed like they really just have everybody involved in everything. So the fact that they sent that kind of a contingent there isn't all that surprising. And it also sends up great smoke screens, too. Like, what are the Giants going to do at 3? Were they there or they see Sanders? Were they there to see Hunter? You know, but I just think it's them doing their due diligence. And it probably was more about Hunter than Sanders. But it leaves a seat of doubt. Right. You never know. I'm sure they paid attention to what both players were doing.
Alan Hahn
I think you gotta, you gotta show up. Right. It's very important. That's why if Dable didn't go, that would have been a bad look.
Peter Rosenberg
Right.
Alan Hahn
Because like I said, I can't remember who, who initially reported it, but I saw a report that said that Dable initially wasn't planning on going, but now he is and he's there.
Peter Rosenberg
They would be interested in Hunter to play corner?
Alan Hahn
Oh yeah. No, he'd be in the draft as a cornerback. Again, my town, when Mike T comes on, he has such a great breakdown of him. It's going to be really interesting.
Peter Rosenberg
What I love about it for them is, is that you get a potentially all world corner, you get your shutdown guy, which would be amazing potentially. And then you trot him out in random packages occasionally with Malik neighbors and terrify people. That's, it's fun.
Don Hahn
Well, what I heard in your last mike about it and I don't know if he told you this, we can save it for the interview that the idea is that yeah, start him out as a corner and then ease him into maybe being a wide receiver later on.
Alan Hahn
Like part time.
Don Hahn
Yeah. Because it's a lot. It's a, it's, it's a lot for a young kid to have to do.
Alan Hahn
Both roles, but especially when you're a corner. Yeah, but I looked it up. I don't know if either you recall, but I did google it and tried to find the information and I think I'm correct. But if the Giants take him at three and he's considered a cornerback, he would be the highest drafted quarterback in NFL draft history, if I'm not mistaken. Please correct me if I'm wrong because I believe the highest previous to that was like the 4 pick. There's been, there's been maybe a handful of top five cornerbacks and usually they're all at five. But like Charles Woodson was a five.
Don Hahn
Pick, but I wonder if he was just strictly a corner, would, would there be interest in taking him at 3? Is the whole unicorn thing why he's going to go as high as he's going to go.
Alan Hahn
Like the Ohtani of the NFL. Right. Because he pitches every five or every five starts. So he's not, he's not a, you know, like the pitching aspect is something you feel not every game, but the hitting he brings every game. And that's, that's what he's going to be as a, as a cornerback and then using him as a wide receiver. It is, it is extremely interesting. But the Shador Sanders part of this, as you guys know, I have been beating this drum forever and I, I get it. At this point I have given up on the idea of the Giants doing that at three. It seems like Hunter makes the most sense for them because you're getting the best player available in an area of need and we can, you know, make that point too. A corner is certainly an area of need for the Giants. But even Field Yates, our, our draft expert who's done tons of work on this draft, he said the same thing that I've been saying. The Giants should take a chance on Shador. Listen to this.
Don Hahn
I'm not declaring the Giants are definitely taking a quarter number three overall. I put every ounce of stock that I have and whatever Adam Schefter says. That being said, I don't think it is a total no brainer that they should pass on Shador Sanders and take a non quarterback because if Shador Sanders gives you even a 25% chance to become a great quarterback, that's a lot higher chance to have sustained winning that any non quarterback has in this year's class. And you guys know how Mel and I feel about both Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter.
Alan Hahn
So there you go. Like it's still a debate. At least it's one that I think should continue on before the draft. And that's why probably the Giants are have everybody there because they have to be sure that they don't, they don't want to do that at three and they just want to go with Hunter.
Don Hahn
I didn't love the analogy just because everybody, every pick is a crapshoot. Yeah. Certainly quarterback just because of the position is going to have way more of an impact if you hit a home run on it, of course than a corner. I mean the jets hit a home run with Revis, but he was the.
Alan Hahn
14Th pick in the draft, not the third.
Don Hahn
Right. But I'm saying. But it was. But at the position, if he ends up being Darrell Revis, I don't think anybody's going to kill the Giants for taking him third if he ended up being Darrell Revis, but that we don't know if he's going to be that. And also do you have that kind of an impact if, if the Darrell Rivas of quarterbacks is sure there Sanders, then you're going to win championships when quarterbacks are that good. But everybody is a crapshoot it's a matter of if you believe in Sanders, you pick him, but if you don't, you're not. And nobody knows how they feel about this guy. So it's not a debate. Do I take a quarterback? If you're going to strictly go by need from our conversation yesterday, then you have to take a quarterback, right? But if you don't believe in the quarterback, then you don't take them at three.
Alan Hahn
You just don't. And there's the argument that if you are lame duck, you know, executives, if you are a lame duck GM and a lame duck coach as an owner, you don't want them doing that because the reset button is a lot harder when you have a young quarterback that now has to deal with a whole new set of circumstances and you say, I'd rather wait, just, just keep building out the roster, someone else is going to make that choice, not you. And that that very much could be in play here too. Because we do know the one thing we've known about the Giants and over the years, John Mara is very much involved in this process. We know that for sure he's in the he. We know that he is in the draft room. We know that he's part of these conversations. And I wonder if that's part of it too.
Danny
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Mike Tannenbaum
I was never really a runner. The way I see running is a.
Don Hahn
Gift, especially when you have stage four cancer.
Alan Hahn
I'm Ann.
Mike Tannenbaum
I'm running the Boston Marathon, presented by bank of America.
Don Hahn
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Alan Hahn
To thrive in life, even with cancer.
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Join bank of America in helping Ann's cause. Give if you can, @b of a.com support, support. Ann, what would you like the power to do? References to charitable organizations is not an endorsement by bank of America Corporation. Copyright 2025.
Alan Hahn
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Don Hahn
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
Alan Hahn
Catch this show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. All right, Don Han Rosenberg 880 ESPN the ESPN New York app. Let's, let's continue this conversation now as the draft's getting closer and you know, we're going through what the Giants are doing at three and you know, been kicking this around. I had a just a great little conversation with Mike Tannenbaum. I love picking his brain because, you know, he, first of all, when it comes to the draft, he's doing tons of research on it. Not because he's just a GM at heart, but also because he's part of our draft coverage at espn. So I said to can you come on and talk to us about this because I need education. So kind enough to give us a few minutes today. Mike Tanenbaum joining us right now. How you doing, Mike?
Don Hahn
Hey, Mike.
Mike Tannenbaum
Good to be with you. Price in one day, Alan.
Alan Hahn
That's right. You can't get rid of me. So you and I had this conversation and it's interesting thing that you said to me when I asked you about Shador Sanders and he they're having the pro day today. The Giants are their full contingent. Now, of course, Travis Hunter's there as well. But I just you said something about if his name wasn't Sanders. Finish that sentence for me because that, that stuck with me with how you finished that sentence.
Mike Tannenbaum
Yeah, like my point was like, look, if this guy wasn't the son of an icon, Yoki may be viewed differently in the draft process. I still think he's going to be a very good ethical quarterback. And again, you know, the draft process, when you're drafted, that's the beginning of your career, not the end of it. But there's so many more eyeballs on him that he's being judged, you know, just differently given, you know, his status as a son of an icon.
Don Hahn
Now, is that positive or negative? Meaning? Is he being overhyped because he Dion's son, or is he being maybe devalued because he's Dion's son?
Mike Tannenbaum
Yeah, no, Don, that's a very fair question. I think there's just so much more scrutiny and attention to him. You know, like, to me, he's a guy that ultimately will be drafted. You know, call it like 10 to 25. Like, and that's really where his, you know, talent is. Like, quarterbacks are going to get overdrafted. But, you know, you look at some of these guys that are drafted higher, that have, you know, more ability, they don't always turn out, like, certainly, like you look at, you know, Trevor Lawrence or certainly Anthony Richardson, jamarcus Russell, like, over the last couple of years, like, these guys have, like, a lot more ability, but they don't always turn out to be better quarterbacks. I think he's going to be a better quarterback than maybe his tools are, and that's why I don't think he goes in the top 10.
Alan Hahn
So. All right, so not in the top 10. But if you're going to give me a range for Sanders when it comes to draft range, like, if you were running a team and he was in this range and you were picking and you need, you know, you were interested in having a quarterback, where would that pick be that you would feel comfortable? This is where he should be.
Jake
Yeah.
Mike Tannenbaum
I think, again, like, 15 to 25 is probably somewhere. You know, that's where we took Chad Payton. I've heard some people comp Shador to him. You know, I think he has really good accuracy, can get the ball down the field. He's extraordinarily tough guys. He's been sacked 94 times over two years and only missed one game. He led the nation in completion percentage. Now, the argument against that is a lot of his passes were short. I see a lot of Kirk Cousins in his game. And if someone drafts Shador Sanders and he turns out to be Kirk Cousins, that's great because Kirk Cousins has won a lot of games for a long.
Alan Hahn
Time, and that's made a lot of money. So if you're Shador Sanders, you'd love that, too. Right?
Don Hahn
But not a player.
Mike Tannenbaum
Could be a talk show host in New York, too. I mean, you know, another location that Makes a lot more.
Alan Hahn
I don't know about that, but maybe.
Don Hahn
Some of them not still necessarily this show but. But, but. So it sounds like not something the Giants should select at 3.
Mike Tannenbaum
Well, I think there's a way to maximize opportunities where if you could get Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter, come back and get a quarterback, you know, I think that's certainly, you know, something that I'm sure they're considering. I think when it's all said and done, we'll see four quarterbacks in the first round with Jackson Dart and Tyler Sug from Louisville being the other two. We're not going to see six in the top 12 like we did last year. And all six by all accounts look like they have a very good chance of being the quarterbacks.
Alan Hahn
Mike, let's talk about Travis Hunter because it would seem like in everybody projecting that that's where the Giants will. That's the best player available for the Giants at three. If we're believing all the reporting that we're seeing right now, if Abdul Carter's gone at 2 to the Browns, if we know the Cam Ward is going to be going at one to Tennessee, it seems the most likely thing for the Giants to do is to take him. Another thing I talked to you about, which is a cornerback at 3, 3, if I'm not mistaken, that would be the highest drafted cornerback in, in draft history because we've had some top fives, but I don't. I think we've had fours. We've had fives, We've never had a three. Why is he somebody that you wouldn't hesitate to take at three, despite the fact that it's a position you don't normally see drafted that high?
Mike Tannenbaum
I think he'd be the best core in the NFL. I mean this guy has a chance to be truly generational. He averages 114.7 plays per game. You know, in this day and age of load management, less, less of this, less of that. You're talking about somebody that's an all world competitor, incredibly smart to be able to play, you know, and no, no assignments on both sides of the ball. And then you sprinkle on top of that 20 plays a game where he could maybe be a point scorer for you. I think that's a rare opportunity. Guys.
Alan Hahn
Is he somebody that you, as a, as a general manager would draft him, as you said, like he could, you know, he, he could do a little Shohei Ohtani here. Would you want that out of the gate? Would you be, would you hesitate to. How would you use him as a wide receiver. Let's say again, from the Giants perspective, as we know they have neighbors. They certainly need more skill on that side of the ball. Would you say like, like we're going to. Is he a part time wide receiver? Is he full time? How do you do this in the NFL?
Mike Tannenbaum
Yeah, I think what you do is you give them a small package to begin with. Like here's 20 plays, you know, third down, red zone. You don't know these five route concepts. You can flip the formation, you put them in motion, you know, so you can vary up the looks a little bit. But I think there's a way to do it where you don't overload them. And again, this is year one. So maybe, you know, the package expands once again, you know, next offseason.
Don Hahn
Now, if Carter and Hunter are Both there at 3, what would you do?
Mike Tannenbaum
I'm taking Travis Hunter. I just think what he's doing, you know, I don't know if we've ever talked about this before where a player at this level of college football played this high level on both sides of the ball. And when you're talking about, you know, roster management and inactives and getting guys to the game and it's a premium position like corner or, you know, you look at what these receivers are getting out, $40 million a year, like, gosh, I would be hard pressed not taking nothing away from Abdul Carter and you know what he'll be as well. But I just think Travis Hunter is just an extremely rare opportunity.
Don Hahn
Take us just inside the mind of Shane and Dable if you can. There seems to be a feeling, and John Maris said at the end of the season, I don't want to be sitting here in the same place next year where you're drafting and you're putting together a roster to win as many games you can to save your job. And you can't afford to think about the future because you might not be here for it, but isn't part of doing your job as a general manager to have a stable future as well? So how would you handle it, Mike, if you're the general manager of a team where you might have to win six or seven games to keep your job?
Mike Tannenbaum
Yeah, you look, Darren, like, as you know, I've dealt with, you know, that pressure, you know, for a while in this market and you know, I always felt the same thing, like day one or the last day of the job, always do what's in the long term, best interest of the franchise. And you know, if you're running A CEO of a company, you should be doing the same thing. You know, be opportunistic when it's appropriate. And I think over time that's going to be, you know, you're going to. The organization will be well served. And to me, like, knowing John Mara, I don't think he's going to be dogmatic that they have to win X amount of games or Y amount of games, but, you know, is this team meaningfully better in 2025 than they were in 2024? You know, is the pendulum going the right direction? So to be take the best player you can at the appropriate time, get this team better and then, you know, when you do that, like you get a chance to stick around and sometimes the ball has to bounce your way. I mean, you know, we were 8 and 7 in, you know, 2009, ball bounced our way. You know, a couple of weeks later we're in the championship game. But you know, we got incrementally better and that's what you need to do. Like you have to get better. And I think the frustration about the Giants is over the last couple of years, be it offensive line, quarterback, you're just not seeing that incremental progress.
Peter Rosenberg
Do you think though, like just take us in that spot which you've been in before, like do Shane and Dable have honest conversations where they're sitting there sort of breaking down what may be more advantageous for the moment and for them versus the long term? Because that, that seems like a tough dichotomy there, Mike. Like how do you do that when you know the right decision for the future might not be the right decision for you? Having a job in nine months.
Mike Tannenbaum
Yep. No, it's totally fair. You know, the, the most important conversation really you want to be having to be candid is to have the honest autopsy. Like how did we get here? You know, like there was three quarterbacks that we didn't draft last year and again it's soon. Certainly J.J. mcCarthy got hurt. But like, how do we get here? What was it about our decision making progress process? Like, are there people around us that could tell us the truth about what we want to hear? Like that's really the most fundamental thing is like, are we being honest about, you know, how we got here and are we making our decisions better so we get a better result? You know, Nick Saban always says that famously, right? If you don't like the result, look at your process. So that's, that's really job one. And then from there like, hey, we had to Send the Jets in. God we Trust for everyone else, we need data, and, you know, if we had a lot more tape. We need another visit. We got to call another agent. Whatever we need to do, let's get the best information we can to make the right decision for us.
Alan Hahn
I love that saying. That's perfect. Speaking of the jets, from all reports I've seen, they are not represented at this workout, which means if Shador Sanders falls to seven, they're clearly not interested. So what. What is the jets plan? And is Justin Fields on a tryout here, or do they believe that he could be their quarterback of the future?
Mike Tannenbaum
Yeah, look, I don't know what they're doing, but I'm super intrigued by Justin Fields. You know, I've said it on air, you know, like, that was four and two as a starter, and look, I know it hasn't been perfect, but, you know, if we look at Sam Darnold, Geno Smith, Baker Mayfield, like, those were guys who, you know, their development was certainly not in a straight line. Guys. So I. Look, I think he has a chance to be good, and I think, you know, Aaron Glenn and what he wants to do and how he wants the team to be built and played. You know, I'm not surprised that they signed him. You know, again, like, working with defensive coaches most of my career. Coach Belichick, Coach Parcells, Rex Ryan, Eric Mangini, they hated when the opposing quarterback was as mobile as what Justin Fields is. So I'm sure, you know, Aaron Glenn's thinking the same thing. Hey, like, this guy's gonna be hard to defend, you know, and let's get him better. And I think it's gonna be interesting to see his development this year.
Don Hahn
I'm sure you've already said this on get up or someplace else, but I. I did not hear. Were you on board with them letting go of Aaron Rodgers?
Mike Tannenbaum
You would have to go watch together for me to answer that question.
Don Hahn
Okay, that's fair. Just give me the. Text me the date so I can.
Alan Hahn
Go back and check it out.
Mike Tannenbaum
What I said was, you know, very similar to, you know, my. It was, you know, actually kind of eerie to be candid. You know, Rex and I got together and we had Brett Favre. Brett wanted a fresh start, and in a perfect world, you're sitting there as a GM saying, like, gosh, you know, if we could reset this thing and get a head coach and a quarterback, like, that's the way to go. Because, you know, Brett was obviously very, very close, you know, to the end, and Obviously, you know, that's where Aaron Rodgers is. So, look, I wouldn't be surprised if, you know, Aaron Rodgers had one more productive year. But I think, you know, what you hope in a perfect world is you reset things and you reset things once and hopefully it works for a long time.
Alan Hahn
It's fantastic, Mike. Making sure people are tuning in to get up to get his best takes.
Don Hahn
See, that's good.
Peter Rosenberg
Come on.
Alan Hahn
That's. That's how you. That's how you do it. Mike, thanks so much. I know it's been a long day, but I greatly appreciate the time. I just see in the insight on this because especially with the Giants part of this, it is, it is something we all have to figure out because, as you know, if you have the number three pick in the draft, that's pretty significant. And if you get it wrong, it can set a franchise back. So that's why we got to get all the, all the right information. You're the man for it. Appreciate you. Have a great weekend.
Don Hahn
Thanks, man.
Mike Tannenbaum
All right, thanks so much, guys. Thank you.
Alan Hahn
All right, so should I now just give up on the Shador Sanders thing, or do I feel like maybe, just maybe, this is something that'll end up proving right? Because if he's like, like Mike said, Kirk Cousins, who was it that said Chad Pennington? We've seen all these different. Yeah, Mel said, we've seen all these different takes about what Sanders can be, and in the end, it's going to be about like, well, what kind of career do you have? Because there are so many. There's so many guys that come in with the measurables and the impressive arm and all those things and they just turn it to nothing. But if he goes to the right situation, guys, he could be capable, good quarterback for a long time in the, in the sport. And sometimes if you just have a capable, good quarterback who doesn't turn the ball over, you have a great chance to win. So I'm really curious to see where he's going to end up. Clearly, it's not going to be with.
Don Hahn
The Giants, but you know, in a, in a cap sport, Allen, and how much quarterbacks are paid, you know, part of the process has to be, listen, do I want to pay a guy third overall pick money, you know, and have to deal with a guy that I maybe I don't think deserves to be in the first round and now have to deal with his fifth year option and all that, like back in the day, I guess it wouldn't matter. Listen, I'll take her cousins. I'll take Chad Pennington's career as opposed to him becoming jamarcus Russell.
Alan Hahn
Right, Exactly.
Don Hahn
But I got to pay to find out. And what you're talking about is a guy that might take a little while to develop. So after his third year, I got to decide whether to give him his fifth year option and he's maybe not there yet. What do I pay him? You know, what if he's a late bloomer like Baker Mayfield was? So these are all things that you're drafting, dilemmas that you're drafting yourself into.
Alan Hahn
And right now with the 3 pick, you just got to get it right. Especially with where these guys are. You got to do what's best for the organization, not just try to save your job. And the one thing I will say that Joe Shane has been adamant about this and consistent with it is he said that I'm making moves for the best interest of the franchise, not myself. Spring Fest and Ego days are here at Lowe's right now. Get a free select EGO 56 volt battery with purchase of a select trimmer, blower or mower kit. Plus, shop today for new and exclusive items you need for your lawn. So get ready for spring with the latest in innovation from Ego, the number one rated brand in cordless outdoor power. Only at Lowe's we help you Save offer valid through 4:2. Selection varies by location while supplies last.
Don Hahn
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Alan Hahn
Yep.
Don Hahn
I am here to help help you with everything from selecting the perfect window treatments to. Well, I've got a complicated project. Oh, not a problem. I can even schedule a professional measure and install. We can also send you samples fast and free. I just might have to do more. Oh, okay.
Alan Hahn
So the first room we're looking at is for guests.
Don Hahn
Shop blinds.com now and save up to 45 site wide. Blinds.com rules and restrictions may apply.
Alan Hahn
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Don Hahn
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
Alan Hahn
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. All right, it's game time. Brought to you by telling our Dew Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time, it's Tully time. The Yankees and the Pirates are in the bottom of the second inning. It's two nothing Yankees. Cabrera with a single, but an error turned it into two runs. So the Yankees have a two nothing lead. The Mets have a two nothing lead as well in a game that's flying by the home Opener for the Mets in Citi Field today against the Blue Jays. Through five. Let's see, let's. Middle of the six, we'll call it going into the bottom of six, right, two, nothing. But I'd love to be able to watch it, but I can't because for some reason you can't watch streams in New York. But I got the Yankees on the Gotham app, baby. That's working for me, which is nice. Alonzo with a, a two run home run, but a little quiet so far from Juan Soto, 0 for 2 in his first first couple at bats. Judge struck out, by the way, with two on in the previous inning. These are the kind of things that I, I got. Maybe it's for me, maybe it's just the fact that like when you're watching the winter sports, especially basketball, there's always instant gratification. Star players are making shots, right? Like it's just something you're so used to seeing. So it's, it's just kind of jarring to see somebody who's considered one of the best players in the sport fail three times a game. It's just weird to me. So I have to, I have to just get myself out of the at bat, by at bat. Frustration sometimes because it's two on and one out and it's just swinging a miss, swinging a miss, swinging a miss, walk back to the dugout.
Peter Rosenberg
It's literally base. It's baseball, Susan. That's what that is.
Alan Hahn
I get it. But it doesn't make it easy.
Peter Rosenberg
No, it's, it's honestly what makes the game annoying in a lot of ways.
Alan Hahn
But by July, I'm fine with it. By the, by July I'm, I'm half asleep, you know, with popcorn on my chest, you know, just on the couch. Done. And it doesn't bother me, but right now it does.
Don Hahn
Garrett got out of a, it was a first and first and second, two outs and then he had threw a wild pitch and had to get out of second and third. So he was a hit away from tying the game and he was able to get a big strikeout. So McGill, five and a third. Two hits, no runs, three walks, four strikeouts. And then Gary had the two Ks to get out of the, of the top of the sixth inning. But you're right, I mean, I don't know how it is in other markets. I did a spot in Toronto and I know that's a big multi sport market this morning of just having to jump from sport to sport and having all these sports going on simultaneously. So you're like you're judging a basketball player, you know, that's going to look a lot different than a, than a football player, than a baseball player, than a hockey player. Like it's, it's different, you know, and then the games mean different. Like, like tomorrow's Ranger Devil game is absolutely gargantuan for the Rangers. That, that is a monster, monster game. Montreal one last night against Boston. So they're two points back and so they got to get this game against the Devils. But you know, Yankees, Yankees, Pirates, Mets, Blue Jays. I'm sorry, it's not that big of a deal.
Alan Hahn
Right.
Don Hahn
Then is the Nick game. That's much bigger than the baseball games but also kind of in that we're kind of just seeing where we are deal. We're kind of locked into three like so you've got all these different levels of games all happening at the same time. Literally some of them happening at the same time.
Alan Hahn
Yeah. And it's all different speeds. Right. All the different tempos and speeds of these games. So also speaking of hockey, the Islanders are hosting the Wild tonight and that's at 7:32. And that they continue to be important, although for the Islanders less and less, unfortunately, that's game time. Brought to you about Telemardu, the original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Telemardu or try the new Telemore Dew. Honey, during today's action, glasses up to enjoying Telemore Dew responsibly. That Ranger game tomorrow is that evening vehicle.
Don Hahn
No, that is a 1230. Oh ABC vehicle.
Alan Hahn
Ah, there it is.
Don Hahn
The game will be on 1050 because the Knicks are at 3 tomorrow.
Alan Hahn
Right.
Don Hahn
Whatever reason. Yeah, for some reason I will be calling Rangers Devils. So I'm looking forward to that.
Alan Hahn
On the call, Don. The on the call.
Peter Rosenberg
I love it. This is like you dream about.
Alan Hahn
I know what I'll have on the radio driving into the city to to handle the studio aspect of the Knicks Hawks afternoon tilt in Atlanta.
Peter Rosenberg
Hockey.
Alan Hahn
I'll have that game on for sure. But it's busy weekend though. Like think about Final four, right? You got the women's tonight, you got the men tomorrow night and then the Rangers. Nick's all like now down the stretch. Knicks trying to secure third. Rangers trying to secure a playoff spot again. The baseball teams now getting into, no pun intended, full swing. Mets at home, see if they get to get their games in tomorrow night. Right. So tomorrow's game's an evening game, but they're Getting today's in, which is a good. Which is. Yeah, that was key.
Don Hahn
So I looked at it because it's. It's Marco's opening day for baseball tomorrow, so they got a ceremony in the morning.
Alan Hahn
Yeah.
Don Hahn
And I looked. It's. It looks like one of those days where it's going to kind of be raining all day, but it's kind of be off and on where it's like hovering around like 50% rain pretty much all day. So they might be able to get the games in. That's kind of what the whole weekend is going to be, unfortunately.
Peter Rosenberg
I mean, baseball, this, this baseball stuff is just.
Alan Hahn
What's that? Don't like it.
Peter Rosenberg
Just the weather in April is just such garbage. Like I listen props to today. Turned out nice, Right. So shout out to the Mets home opener like the highlights. I saw the Alonzo homer. The crowd looked absolutely electric at city. And it's nice. It's a beautiful Friday. But man, some of these weekends you just like if you bought tickets early in the year to sit around. It's 45 degrees, 60 today.
Don Hahn
Major League Baseball. Listen, I know they try hard and scheduling, I don't even know. I guess they have a computer spit it out and it's hard. But. All right, now that everybody's got to play everybody once, right? So the Mets have to play the Blue Jays and this year it's at Citi Field. So it's not. If it's in Toronto, it doesn't matter. They got a dome. But with the gaming at Citi Field, make sure you schedule that later in the year, not in April, because now this is the only time Toronto's coming in. So try to get those teams that are playing in the northeast and only coming in once if you can control it. I know it's hard to do, but you're trying to make sure it's like a little later in the year. Like if it like Mets. If it's Mets, Marlins today, no big deal. Marlins are coming back. He could play a double header, whatever. But it's. And I know then they got to find mutual off days.
Alan Hahn
And the scheduling is easy to complain about, but harder to actually do. I've actually talked to people who do scheduling in, in the various leagues and it, it mo. Most of it is now done by, you know, by computer, by, by, you know, all you put all the information in, you try to figure it all out. But it is not an easy thing. But you're right. But we, every year we always talk about this because of the weather here. In the Northeast. But you got to have your home open at some point. And so, you know, we'll see how this weekend goes. But tons and tons of sports to talk about, including, as I mentioned, the Knicks who played tomorrow. And here's the question, will Jalen Brunson be back in the lineup? He practiced today. I'll tell you how he looked and what the prospects are going forward of him getting out there on the court and this Knicks squad finally being a fully operational Death Star. So that's coming up in the 5 o'clock hour. Your calls at 800 now. 193776 RBI double, three nothing. Hey Soo, there he is. He showed up. That's what you paid him for. Alan Hahn here to tell you about my friends at Bath Fitter. By the way, they're going to remodel the bath in my house. And by the way, my wife, Stephanie, she's excited. She's in charge. That's what she told me. I'm in charge. I've got this. So we're updating the bath that we have in our walkout in the basement. It's by the pool that we put in last year. And we know, we learned last year everybody's using this bathroom. Now they're using the shower and everything. And this thing was from like the 90s. It was kind of gross. So we thought we got to upgrade this thing so we have guests, we have kids having sleepovers and everything else. So we had Bath Fitter come in a Bath Fitter consultants taking us through the process with their free in home consultation. Stephanie was thrilled by this whole process. She loved it. It was very easy. You pick the style, the color, all the specifics, specifics, accessories, update the bath and customize it the way that she wants it. The way I want it. No, she already told me she's in charge. So I'll find out what this looks like when it's done. Bath Fitter works fast, delivers the highest quality work without delay. Bath Fitter is, by the way, a permanent solution. Everyone. It's a one piece seamless wall for a watertight fit and a lifetime guarantee. You can trust the Bath Fitter team like we are, as they've been in business for over 40 years with millions of happy customers. And right now you could save up to $500 and start designing your bath like we are. Visit bathfitter.com for more details. There's only one bath fitter. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.
Episode: Hour 2: Mike Tannenbaum joins the show
Release Date: April 4, 2025
The episode kicks off with Don Hahn and Alan Hahn discussing the New York Yankees' recent game against the Diamondbacks, where the Yankees narrowly salvaged a victory with a score of 97- against an unspecified opponent. Aaron Judge’s leadership is a focal point, emphasizing the importance of avoiding an early season sweep.
Don Hahn [00:53]: "Especially after coming off opening day and that first series, going out there and going all the runs...so I think guys can't get caught up in distraction."
Alan Hahn [01:16]: Highlights Judge’s role in leading by including all players, mentioning backup catcher’s first hit as an example of inclusive leadership.
Alan Hahn critiques the necessity of John Carlos Stanton delivering a motivational speech to the team, questioning whether it was essential at such an early stage in the season. The conversation reveals differing perspectives on leadership styles within the team.
Don Hahn [02:22]: Defends Judge's leadership by comparing him to Derek Jeter, emphasizing inclusivity and teamwork.
Alan Hahn [02:23]: "It's weird...shouldn't that already be, like, understood?"
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the New York Giants’ potential draft pick at number three. The debate focuses on whether the Giants should select Travis Hunter, a versatile cornerback, or Shador Sanders, a quarterback with high expectations due to his lineage.
Alan Hahn [05:25]: Questions the Giants' strategy, considering their need for a stable quarterback.
Don Hahn [07:20]: Expresses skepticism about the Giants locking in a long-term player early, citing past unsuccessful contracts like Hicks and Severino.
Alan Hahn [11:05]: Introduces the concern over the Giants' possible choices, discussing Shador Sanders' potential and comparing his draft range.
Mike Tannenbaum joins the show to provide expert insights on the Giants’ draft choices. He discusses the complexities of drafting a quarterback like Shador Sanders versus opting for a defensive asset like Travis Hunter.
Mike Tannenbaum [24:23]: "If this guy wasn't the son of an icon, Yogi may be viewed differently in the draft process."
Alan Hahn [26:01]: Asks Tannenbaum for his take on Sanders' draft range.
Mike Tannenbaum [28:13]: Advocates for drafting Travis Hunter, citing his versatility and potential to impact both defense and offense.
The conversation delves deeper into the strategic implications of the Giants’ potential draft choices, discussing the balance between immediate team needs and long-term franchise stability.
Don Hahn [18:56]: Highlights the importance of Sanders as a quarterback and the impact he could have if he performs at a high level.
Alan Hahn [37:28]: Emphasizes the necessity for the Giants to prioritize organizational benefit over short-term gains, reflecting on John Mara’s commitment to the franchise’s long-term success.
The hosts briefly touch upon other ongoing sports events, including baseball games, hockey matches, and the NBA's Knicks season. They discuss the challenges of scheduling in the Northeast and the concurrent nature of multiple sports events.
Alan Hahn [44:16]: Mentions upcoming sports events like the Final Four, Rangers vs. Devils, and Knicks' performance.
Don Hahn [45:12]: Talks about the Yankees' game conditions and the difficulties of scheduling in April due to unpredictable weather.
Don Hahn [00:53]: "So I think guys can't get caught up in distraction."
Alan Hahn [01:16]: "That's part of being a leader, too."
Mike Tannenbaum [24:23]: "If this guy wasn't the son of an icon, Yogi may be viewed differently in the draft process."
Alan Hahn [26:01]: "Have you a range for Sanders when it comes to draft range?"
Mike Tannenbaum [28:13]: "I think Travis Hunter is just an extremely rare opportunity."
The episode provides an in-depth analysis of the Yankees' current performance and leadership dynamics, followed by a comprehensive debate on the New York Giants' draft strategy. With Mike Tannenbaum's expert insights, the hosts navigate the complexities of balancing immediate team needs with long-term franchise goals, offering listeners a nuanced perspective on crucial sports decisions.
Note: This summary excludes advertisement segments and focuses solely on the substantive discussions within the podcast.