Hour 2: More Deals & Thursday Rewrite

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary Episode: Hour 2: More Deals & Thursday Rewrite
Release Date: July 31, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don LaGrecca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the latest developments surrounding the New York Yankees as they approach the Major League Baseball (MLB) trade deadline. The conversation extends into a speculative "Thursday Rewrite" segment, where the hosts explore alternate scenarios that could have reshaped the Yankees' trajectory. The episode culminates with an insightful interview with guest Gabby Gordon, a budding sports broadcaster, who shares her perspectives on the Yankees' current state and the broadcasting industry.

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MLB Trade Deadline and Yankees' Moves

Timestamp: [00:44] – [06:53]

The episode kicks off with a comprehensive analysis of the Yankees' recent moves as the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaches. CC Sabathia provides a critical look at the Yankees' strategies, highlighting trades involving players like Cedric Mullins and Jake Bird. Sabathia remarks:

“If this doesn't encapsulate what it is to be a Yankee and also to be a Yankee fan, all in one tweet. He said me reflecting on an incredible week at the Hall of Fame, Yankees fans, can you pitch tonight? And he said, never change. And that's really what it is.” ([00:44])

He continues to express skepticism about the Yankees' current roster quality and managerial decisions, questioning the long-term viability of their strategies. Sabathia emphasizes the importance of not compromising future success for immediate gains:

“I firmly believe what the Yankees are feeling like is whatever we do should impact positively 2026, because that's when you know Garrett Cole will be back.” ([06:53])

Alan Hahn responds by agreeing with Sabathia's assessment, adding that the Yankees' front office may be prioritizing short-term fixes over sustainable long-term growth. Hahn suggests that Yankees' General Manager Brian Cashman might be focusing on moves that benefit the 2026 season rather than the present:

“I'm going to pick up a closer today in Bednar. But at the same time, it's against a very average Rays team and you're struggling to beat them and you've struggled to beat them in this series.” ([06:53])

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Front Office Criticism and Team Performance

Timestamp: [06:53] – [16:37]

The discussion intensifies as Sabathia critiques the Yankees' handling of player performance and accountability. He points out recurring issues with players making critical mistakes without facing significant consequences:

“And how does he not know that?... Sometimes mistakes aren't made because you're afraid to make them. And unfortunately, in this organization, where you have nothing but apologists publicly for every time you make a mistake.” ([15:03])

Sabathia argues that the lack of accountability is detrimental to the team's performance and long-term success. He further criticizes Baseball America's perception of the Yankees, suggesting that the organization is not making the necessary adjustments to remain competitive:

“They do go through the maddening process of mistakes and low IQ baseball.” ([03:03])

Alan Hahn concurs, reinforcing the idea that the Yankees' current management may not be fully aligned with the team's best interests:

“I think as much as Brian Cashman gets beat up and you are right to be frustrated, I can understand him looking at this team and saying it's too flawed for me to be all in and sacrifice the future.” ([06:53])

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Caller Interaction: Corey Discusses Yankees' Culture

Timestamp: [10:15] – [19:35]

Listener Corey from Old Bridge joins the conversation, shifting the focus slightly to discuss the broader culture within the Yankees organization. Corey expresses enthusiasm for the New Jersey Devils and praises Don LaGrecca's broadcasting, but returns to critique the Yankees:

“I think this team either has the wrong culture or no culture at all. Because it's all analytical. I think it hurts that you spend as much money as you do and you don't get the production that you should be producing.” ([10:42])

Corey argues that the Yankees' over-reliance on analytics has stifled the team's performance, suggesting that the organization's obsession with metrics like launch angle has led to poor on-field decisions:

“Volpe shouldn't be a power hitter. He shouldn't have an extreme uppercut because they're looking at launch angle.” ([11:45])

Sabathia supports Corey's viewpoint, critiquing the Yankees' strategic approach and emphasizing the need for a balance between analytics and fundamental baseball skills:

“But to me, last night you had both because there was also a great Bellinger at bat where he was… put the bat out like it was perfect.” ([12:48])

The conversation highlights a growing sentiment among some fans and analysts that the Yankees may be too focused on data-driven strategies at the expense of traditional gameplay fundamentals.

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Thursday Rewrite: Alternate Yankees Scenarios

Timestamp: [22:36] – [37:07]

In a creative segment titled "Thursday Rewrite," Sabathia and the hosts engage in a speculative discussion envisioning how the Yankees' history might have differed had Sabathia not signed with the team in 2009. Drawing parallels to time-travel narratives like Back to the Future, they explore the ripple effects of pivotal decisions.

Sabathia muses:

“What if we go back in time and let's say maybe CC Sabathia doesn't sign with the Yankees. How does that impact things?” ([23:05])

They consider various scenarios, such as the Yankees potentially acquiring Mike Trout through alternative trades or draft picks. Sabathia reflects on the significance of Sabathia's actual contributions, acknowledging that his presence was instrumental in the Yankees' 2009 World Series win:

“His presence was a big part of it, so we don't want to say that it shouldn't have happened, but what we're trying to say here is a look at those moves.” ([24:14])

The hosts discuss the broader implications for the Yankees' front office, questioning whether Brian Cashman's long tenure would have been affected by such alternate outcomes. They also touch upon the idea that different decisions could have led to sustained success or prolonged droughts for the franchise.

Sabathia adds a humorous tone by referencing iconic figures like "Charlie" and the implications of altered timelines on the team's legacy and management decisions.

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Guest Interview: Gabby Gordon on Sports Broadcasting and Yankees' Culture

Timestamp: [37:07] – [52:35]

The podcast welcomes Gabby Gordon, a 20-year-old sports broadcasting intern from Hofstra University, who brings a fresh perspective to the discussion. Gabby shares her journey into sports broadcasting, highlighting her experiences with WRHU and her aspirations within the industry:

“I've been able to work with the Long Island Ducks a couple of those games. I produced the Hofstra athletics show there called the Locker Room every single Friday.” ([43:23])

When prompted for a "hot take," Gabby boldly states:

“Go Yankees. Are not all in.” ([43:32])

She elaborates on the Yankees' performance, criticizing the team's undisciplined play and highlighting pivotal moments that frustrate fans, such as Freddie Freeman's critical home run:

“I will never forget that Freddie Freeman home run. That will be engraved in me.” ([44:09])

Gabby attributes the Yankees' struggles to a top-down cultural issue, suggesting that accountability starts at the ownership level:

“I think it comes from the top down... I think there's times where... the owner... you need to make accountability.” ([44:50])

Sabathia engages with Gabby, acknowledging the merit in her arguments and discussing the influence of former Yankees' figures like George Steinbrenner on the organization's culture:

“George Steinbrenner would see what Austin Wells did last night, would see Volpe struggling... he would want accountability for this. I want answers.” ([46:16])

Gabby emphasizes the need for the Yankees to evolve beyond merely making playoff appearances to genuinely competing for championships. She underscores the importance of ownership's role in fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.

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Conclusion

The episode concludes with a recap of the discussed topics, reinforcing the critical stance on the Yankees' current management and cultural dynamics. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with the conversation and reflect on the future trajectory of one of baseball's most storied franchises.

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Notable Quotes

• CC Sabathia:
  “If this doesn't encapsulate what it is to be a Yankee and also to be a Yankee fan, all in one tweet.” ([00:44])
  “I firmly believe what the Yankees are feeling like is whatever we do should impact positively 2026.” ([06:53])
  “Sometimes mistakes aren't made because you're afraid to make them.” ([15:03])

• Alan Hahn:
  “I can understand him looking at this team and saying it's too flawed for me to be all in and sacrifice the future.” ([06:53])

• Corey (Caller):
  “I think this team either has the wrong culture or no culture at all. Because it's all analytical.” ([10:42])

• Gabby Gordon (Guest):
  “Go Yankees. Are not all in.” ([43:32])
  “I will never forget that Freddie Freeman home run. That will be engraved in me.” ([44:09])
  “I think it comes from the top down... I think there's times where... the owner... you need to make accountability.” ([44:50])

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Takeaways

• Yankees' Strategic Moves: The hosts and guests critically examine the Yankees' recent trades and managerial decisions, questioning their effectiveness and long-term benefits.

• Cultural Concerns: A recurring theme is the perceived lack of accountability and flawed team culture within the Yankees' organization, attributed to top-down decisions.

• Alternate Histories: The speculative "Thursday Rewrite" segment explores how different decisions could have altered the Yankees' success trajectory, highlighting the impact of key player acquisitions.

• Future of Broadcasting: Through Gabby Gordon's interview, the podcast underscores the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting and the importance of fresh perspectives in critiquing and analyzing sports teams.

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This episode offers a thorough and critical analysis of the New York Yankees' current state, blending expert opinions with listener insights and speculative scenarios to provide a comprehensive look at one of baseball's most influential teams.

Transcript

[Don LaGrecca]

On WhatsApp, no one can see or hear your personal messages. Whether it's a voice call message or sending a password to WhatsApp, it's all just this. So whether you're sharing the streaming password in the family chat or trading those late night voice messages that could basically become a podcast, your personal messages stay between you, your friends and your family. No one else, not even us. WhatsApp message privately with everyone.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8:80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers, 4 o'.

[CC Sabathia]

Clock in the big city, as Don Lagrecco would say. Don Han Rosenberg ESPN New York 800-919-3776 of course, the number we are keeping an eye on the Major League Baseball trade deadline. Two hours away or just shy of two hours away now. And some moves made by both teams, not major stuff, but just pieces that are, you know, Cedric Mullins, I guess that's a good move for the Mets getting that center field that they're looking for, a little upgraded center field. They do that. The Yankees add another arm to the bullpen in Jake Bird. But I, I saw this tweet from CC Sabathia, Donnie and I just, I, I, this is, if this doesn't encapsulate what it is to be a Yankee and also to be a Yankee fan, all in one tweet. He said me reflecting on an incredible week at the hall of Fame, Yankees fans, can you pitch tonight? And he said, never change. And that's really what it is. You see, Cece Sabathi is the first thing somebody say, can you pitch tonight, Cece, we need you. Right? Like that's, that's just how Yankee fans are, the intensity. All New York fans, when you see a former player, somebody that's beloved, you always wish they could go back in the hot tub time machine and give you one more, one more outing, one more inning. But where the Yankees are right now, this, they are not in that place like they were back in 2000, the winter of 2008 when they went for it and they brought in a guy like Cece Sabathia that was a centerpiece of their last championship. I firmly believe what the Yankees are feeling like in is whatever we do should impact positively 2026, because that's when you know Garrett Cole will be back. That's when you know whatever judge is going through for the rest of this season, hopefully he's over it by next year. You want to be at hole this team this year has had enough to me hurdles that it just lets you know injury hurdles and also just how they play. You won last night, but how'd you win? You know, they still go through the maddening process of mistakes and low IQ baseball. Hey Wells. Getting caught off like it's just things that. And you hear Boone, that shouldn't happen. But again you're either coaching it or allowing it to happen. There's something about this team that just isn't right. And it instead of it being fixed off last year, it almost carried over from last year.

[Alan Hahn]

That's why I wanted to bring it up here. And we want you to join the conversation at 1-800-919-3776 is last night encapsules everything about the New York Yankees. The good, the bad, the ugly, all of it. They came up big Volpe. We discussed before the show should they bench him or not get his head right. He makes another error. It was probably a play that if Rice is not the first baseman that if, if they had Goldschmidt at first probably saves him of the era. But Rice couldn't get it out of the dirt and he commits a 16th error. But he also. It's a big home run with one out in the ninth. They need to tie the game at three, allowing them to come back not once but twice to be able to win the game 5, 4 in 11 innings. All right. Got great pitching from Warren. Bullpen did the job until home run. Your closer can't get the job done a lot. That's why you traded for a closer today in Bednar. But at the same time it's against a very average race team and you're struggling to beat them and you've struggled to beat them in this series and that's kind of where it is. And I can look at Brian Cashman saying hey, Major League Baseball allows us to be a playoff team because there's a lot of bad and average teams out there that over 162. We should win the a lot of games to get it. I think the over under for Wins is still like 89 for them for the season. So that tells you that the door is open for them to make the playoffs and maybe they can win the division. Maybe the Blue Jays, this four game losing streak they ended yesterday ends up being kind of a window into what the rest of the season is going to be and maybe they can win the division. But I think at the same time you can look at it and say dude, look, look what Wells did. We're brain dead. Sometimes when we play we're not as good a team as we should be. So, yeah, we can make the playoffs. But don't be blinded by what you could be. You have to be able to scout yourself and to be able to honestly look and say, what are we? I know what the standings tell us, that we're four games out of first place. I know what Vegas thinks. I know what the fans think. Forget that. What do I think? If I'm Brian Cashman, I'm his brain trust. I look at it and I say, what is this team? And what you're seeing is I think it's a team that, that can make a run but not worth sacrificing the future for. So I will make moves that will make us better in 2025, but it's not going to come at the expense of 2026. So I'm going to pick up a McCann who's got another year left on his contract. I'm going to pick up Bird young players, got another year left on his contract. I'm going to pick up a closer that's got another year left on his contract because I want to make sure that these guys stick around, that they can help us next year when I know we're going to be better. All of them have come with an extra year on contract. When we get Cole back, when we have Heel for a full season, when maybe we make the decision to have Jones join this team full time, when Dominguez has another year healthy and we are going to be able to, maybe we're going to go for it, maybe we'll win this year. But if not, I want to make sure it doesn't come at the expense of when. I think we got an excellent chance to do it in 2026. And I think as much as Brian Cashman gets beat up and you are right to be frustrated, I can understand him looking at this team and saying it's too flawed for me to be all in and sacrifice the future. Now is it flawed because of him? Yes. But sometimes in the self evaluation you have to admit, all right, I didn't do a good enough job, but I'm going to make sure I don't make that same mistake in 2026. So I get the frustration, Alan, but at the same time I think you can look at it and say he's doing the right thing. I agree. And all the callers we get keep screaming about how this team isn't any good. The general manager, you want him to exaggerate it and maybe sacrifice the future.

[CC Sabathia]

Don't mortgage the future just to satisfy yourself with moves that make you feel good. Brian Hoch is saying that the Yankees have asked the Marlins about a package that would include, I mean Anthony Bender and Sandy Alcantara. Like that's starting pitching. Like that's interesting. But what would it cost? And again, that's not about one year. That's not about just right now. Meanwhile, want to go back in time. Houston Astros, according to Jeff Passon and bringing back Carlos Correa. The Twins are sending him back to Houston. How about that?

[Alan Hahn]

God, the fact that he could have been a Met.

[CC Sabathia]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

And failed.

[CC Sabathia]

Well, he wasn't. He. He was a Met. No, the Mets failed his like they didn't like the X rays on the ankle.

[Alan Hahn]

But. But maybe they were a little too worried about the future. Now Alcantara's very interesting because he has a history. He led the league in war in 2022.

[CC Sabathia]

He was. Yeah. He hasn't had a good year this.

[Alan Hahn]

Year and he led the league in innings in 2022. But last year not great.414 on average from.228 to.414. Now a.636 with a minus war this year, like so you're kind of hoping that. All right, he's getting a little tired of Miami, the axe worn thin there, trade rumors constantly. They were all over last year. Now this year you look at his contract. He signed through 26. So you have another year.

[CC Sabathia]

That's what I mean.

[Alan Hahn]

Which. But it's good.

[CC Sabathia]

You're not stuck long term. It's just one more year.

[Alan Hahn]

True. But it's also somebody you want to make sure is going to be good for you next year too. Daniel Contra is really an interesting because I could see both sides of him of wanting him, but also saying that maybe he's starting to turn into a pitcher that may not be someone that's good for you right now.

[CC Sabathia]

You've talked about this. When it comes to a playoff series, you need three, right. Three starters. You have freed, you have Rodone and heel is your penciled in third. If you know he can come back from the injury and have no worse for the wear and show you he can pick up where he was last year as a rookie of the year. Right?

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[CC Sabathia]

But if he can't or he can't give you a lot of innings, all you got is Stroman and Warren. So I could see a reason that if you can get a starter without giving up massive high end prospects you try to find one if you can. Right? Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

And Alcantara has pitched a couple of games in the playoffs. That was back in the COVID year 2020. He was 1 and 1 with a 4.26 earn run average. 12 and 2 third innings, 11 hits, 6 runs, all earned, 2 homers, 4 walks, 12 strikeouts. So he did average a strikeout an inning. Now there's something there. And again he's under control through next year. And he's not even 30. He will be 30 in September. So still a young enough player. So. But when you said his name, I'm like, there's something. His name kind of evokes a feel of positivity. Somebody you want. You dive a little deeper into the numbers. Not, not great, but we'll see. For both the Mets and the Yankees. 1-800-9193776. Let's go to Corey in Old Bridge running ESPN New York. What's up, Corey?

[Corey]

Not much, fellas. Happy to be on the show. Thank you for taking my call. First off, not to break the, the flow of the conversation, but I know the news broke a couple weeks ago. Really excited for this upcoming Devil season. Now that you're the play by play guy, Don, you know, I'm always excited for my. I'm always excited about my Devils. Don't really listen to the Rangers on the radio. I caught a game a couple years ago. I thought you, you call a great game. Super excited.

[Alan Hahn]

Thank you, man. I'm really excited. Thank you.

[Corey]

No, absolutely. And for it to be a guy from Jersey, it just, it feels right now, as far as the Yankees, I'm not in the mindset that this team stinks, that they don't have talent. It is the opposite. This team has tons of talent. There's no doubt in that. I think the problem is, and you hear it a lot in sports nowadays, it's the culture. I feel like this team either has the wrong culture or no culture at all. Because it's all analytical. I think it hurts that you spend as much money as you do and you don't get the production that you should be producing. And if you go by the numbers all the time, and it's not even numbers, it's what they want these guys to do. Volpe shouldn't be a power hitter. He shouldn't have an extreme uppercut because they're looking at launch angle. He should be a contact hitter. He should be hitting around 280, maybe even 300 and just focus on good defense. You know, I just think this Team is run the wrong way and it doesn't matter what moves they make for next year. I think this team is doomed to not achieve its ultimate goal as long as they keep doing the same thing over and over.

[CC Sabathia]

And fortunately, that's what they're going to do.

[Alan Hahn]

You know, just to play the role of Hal and Brian. They. They would probably say, well, we respectfully disagree with you. We believe that launch angle and home runs are the way to be good. You put the ball in play, you hit too many double plays, you put the ball on the ground. That means that you're putting baserunners on, you're passing the baton. We want guys to, to be able to launch it over the wall and produce runs with our hits. We don't want to have to build on 4, 5 at bats to get our run. We want a guy to be able to swing the bat and hit the home run. And they'll look at Volpe and say, well, last night, yeah, Volpe could have hit the ball on the ground. Great. We got a runner at first with one out in the ninth inning. Who's the next batter? Wells. He ended up getting a base hit. Okay, now we get runners at first and second. But what happened later on double play got you out of the inning. They don't score, they lose the game. 3, 2, Volpe gets a home run. Guess what? Game's tied at three. They need to put together a rally. That's how they. That's their philosophical way of winning. And. But now you got to change that. My. You disagree.

[CC Sabathia]

To me, last night you had both because there was also a great Bellinger at bat where he was. There was two strikes on him and he just put the bat out like it was perfect. Just put the bat out. I think it was what helped them get the, like I think might have been the first run or the second, whatever it was. No, I think it was Stanton that got the first one. But I remember the at bat well because I said to myself, see, that's just. He's just playing baseball. He slowed up his swing, put bat on ball, put it into a hole, got to first base, and it just kept the rally. It kept it moving. Rather than the constant just swinging for the fences mentality, it was change your approach. Once the, Once the, once the count changes, situation changes. We don't see that from all Yankee. Bellinger is obviously a pros pro, but like jazz won't do that. Two strikes. He's still swinging through. Like there's a lot of that that. I think what Frustrates fans is you don't see enough of that. Where once the. Once the count changes, you. Your approach should change as well, just to keep the rally going instead of killing the rally by just trying to hit a home run.

[Alan Hahn]

Bellinger is a former mvp. He's been in this league a long time. His dad played in major league bas, but he was also developed by another organization. All right, but Volpe was developed by this organization. And this organization develops their players to hit home runs. That's how they do it. Now, you might disagree, but that's how they do it. And they're going to tell you to have the same old tired conversation. How's it working out?

[CC Sabathia]

I know, I know. But you know what, though? Then just make sure you have a team that doesn't play stupid. And this season, more times than not, we have seen the Yankees do things that are stupid. And that is even more maddening. Austin Wells is a really good baseball player. He's a catcher, which tells you that his brain is into the game more than any other.

[Alan Hahn]

That's why they all become managers.

[CC Sabathia]

Not know that there's one out.

[Alan Hahn]

That's why catchers become managers. Right, because they have to know. But how does he not know that?

[CC Sabathia]

That's because. Unacceptable.

[Alan Hahn]

Because that goes. That goes to the conversation of a lack of accountability. Sometimes mistakes aren't made because you're afraid to make them. And unfortunately, in this organization, where you have nothing but apologists publicly for every time you make a mistake. But, Don, where's you end up losing votes?

[CC Sabathia]

Where's your head when your team needs to win games?

[Alan Hahn]

Where's the accountability when the mistakes made? All right. Ooh, boom. Boone said, well, we can't have that. Okay, can't have it. But is he gonna get benched for it?

[CC Sabathia]

No.

[Alan Hahn]

Is he gonna be ripped for it?

[CC Sabathia]

Nope.

[Alan Hahn]

No. So that does. There's gotta be teaching moments. There's gotta be. You just can't allow those that had happened in game seven of the World Series and it cost you the game. Then you can't get up from it. You ended up winning the game anyway. And it's all kumbaya. And everybody's tweeting best win of the year.

[CC Sabathia]

Oh, nobody said that. Please. Nobody said.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, he's. Dude, who said that? Take a look at it.

[CC Sabathia]

Best win of the year.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, yeah.

[CC Sabathia]

God.

[Alan Hahn]

Who's our favorite actor there? Anthony that goes nuts on Twitter about the Yankees that I kind of rip into all the time.

[CC Sabathia]

Oh, him and his brother. It's Nick. Tutorial.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes, that's one of the year.

[CC Sabathia]

Well, that's Nick Tutoro, but. But that's Yankees.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm telling.

[CC Sabathia]

He does. He's a little. He's a little over the top with everything he does.

[Alan Hahn]

I understand, but I think a lot of Yankees. God loves. No, I love him. And I think a lot of it's performative.

[CC Sabathia]

I do, too. Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

But the point is, is that you won the game, but Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone can't just look at the result and say, all's good. You got to look deeper than that.

[CC Sabathia]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

What's it look like? What's the. Yeah, right. What's it look like? And the whole, we shouldn't have been in this situation to begin with. Oh, do we forget the fact that you were shut out until the eighth inning? You know that this is an average baseball team coming into your building and you've been very fortunate to win the two games that you've won, right?

[CC Sabathia]

Yes.

[Alan Hahn]

So let's, let's buckle up here.

[CC Sabathia]

And today we're in a delay right.

[Alan Hahn]

Now waiting and what was it, a 6 nothing game is now a 74 game. So we'll see how that all ends up working out. Let's go to Darren in New Jersey. You're on espn, New York. What's up, Darren?

[Darren]

Hey, guys. How you doing today?

[Alan Hahn]

Good, man.

[Darren]

You okay? Hanging in there. Hey, listen, I'm a big time Yankee fan. I'm 65 years old.

[Alan Hahn]

You sound young, sound 65.

[Darren]

I'm a good 65. I'm okay.

[CC Sabathia]

Okay.

[Darren]

Hey, listen, you know, I hate to say this, but you know that mission statement for the Yankees, you know, like when you hear Jeter talk, I realize this is not 1996 or 98, 2025, but I just think the Yankees got away from the mission statement. They're just happy to win a few games. To me, that's the way I feel.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, actually, speak louder than the words right down. Who. Who has lost their job despite the fact they haven't won a world series since 2009? The only guy that lost their job was Joe Girardi. And that's it.

[Darren]

Was Joe Girardi.

[Alan Hahn]

That's it.

[Darren]

But the thing I'm saying, though, Alan, Don, is that the mission statement to me has just got watered down and watered down and watered down. I understand they went out and got these arms and, you know, they got the guy McMahon, and that's all good. But at some point, you got to stop hugging these prospects. You don't want to deplete the farm system, but you need to go out and get some players that you know, that maybe have a little more cachet, if you know what I mean.

[CC Sabathia]

Yeah, but the problem that you have in the mid season, so if we were talking in December right now, like then, then I would tell you, yeah, like you're just coming off a season that wasn't good enough. You got to change up, whatever. But when you're in the middle, like this is trade deadline. Unless you have a team that is playing like, boy, you know, they look like one piece too. Like the Mets were giving you the last couple of weeks, they were giving you the vibe of, well, you make a couple of tweaks and this team looks like it's about to pop. The Yankees don't look like that. And I'm not. I would rather hang on to a prospect or two, the my high end guys until the off season and if I want to make that kind of move in the off season, I'll do it then. But this team hasn't given me any reason to mortgage my future in the middle of the season when by the way, you're not going to get some of the highest end types anyway. What you're like, we get excited at the trade deadline. The NBA does this too. Like the most average guy suddenly becomes a headline move just because it's a move. And I just feel like we can't get too caught up in what the Yankees should be doing versus what's available for them to do.

[Alan Hahn]

Shay, Shane Bieber, would that have been, would that have been something? Because that's what the Blue Jays, I.

[CC Sabathia]

Know the Blue Jays did that, which is they, it helps them.

[Alan Hahn]

And you know the picture that comes at a price.

[CC Sabathia]

And that's what I mean, it's beyond 26. Like you, you know what cap's coming. You don't want contracts beyond 26.

[Alan Hahn]

And also Allen, he's mentioned cachet. All right, you lost Juan Soto during free agency.

[CC Sabathia]

So what did you do?

[Alan Hahn]

You went and got Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger, that was cachet, former MVPs to play first in the outfield respectively. You went out and got Max Freed, who is the best available free agent pitcher in baseball. That's the cachet that comes in the off season when all it is is money. But when you start having the trade prospects equity to bring in somebody, that's just going to move the needle. Listen, move the needle when you're on the field, okay? Lose the trade deadline hype and then let's fast forward a month or two from now and see what these guys actually do, right? That's what's going to move the needle. And it may not be sexy at the time, but we'll look back and go, hey, that was one hell of a move. ESPN's Fantasy Focus crew is coming to the Big Apple on Thursday, August 7th. Check out the contest tile on ESPN New York's app for your chance to score a pair of tickets to see Field Yates, Liz Loza, Matt Clay and Stefania Bell live at the Gramercy Theatre on 23rd Street. The ESPN fantasy football experts will dive deep into the draft strategies and share their bold NFL predictions. Tickets get you food, exclusive merch and a post game meet and greet. That's Fantasy focus live on August 7th from 6:30 to 9pm at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City, just one stop from Penn Station. Enter on the ESPN New York app to win or lock your spots in now for just $35 at fantasy focus live.com.

[Gabby Gordon]

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[Ryan Reynolds]

Hey guys, it's Ceedee Lamb, wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. I'm partnering with Abercrombie this season to tell you all about their viral denim. All you need to know is denim should fit like this. My jeans need to check a lot of boxes. Fit first, trend second. They need to go with whatever I'm feeling and Abercrombie Denim has it down whether I'm throwing on a tee or putting the whole fit together. Shop Abercrombie Denim in the app, online and store.

[Alan Hahn]

The McDonald's snack wrap is Back.

[CC Sabathia]

You brought it back. Ranch Snack wrap. Spicy snack Wrap. You broke the Internet for a snack?

[Alan Hahn]

Snack Wrap is back.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Peter Rosenberg]

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

[Alan Hahn]

The time continuum has been disrupted, creating an alternate 1985.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is. Hey, Doc, are you telling me you.

[Corey]

Built a time machine?

[Peter Rosenberg]

The Thursday Rewrite.

[CC Sabathia]

All right, Don, so let's stay on the subject of baseball in today's Thursday rewrite. I just read you a tweet from CC Sabathia. Now, CC Sabathia, of course, last weekend was inducted into the hall of Fame. And we were talking yesterday about Brian Cashman, our criticism of him and how that 2009 championship might have saved everything for him, right?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, probably.

[CC Sabathia]

And so we were thinking, what if we go back in time and let's say maybe CC Sabethia doesn't sign with the Yankees. Remember, as he told the story, the Yankees were not really a team he wanted to go to. Not sure he wanted to go to the East Coast. That was an odd off season on several levels. It was a transition for the franchise on many levels. As we all know, in 2008, old Yankee Stadium closed.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[CC Sabathia]

George Steinbrenner also was no longer the principal owner. It became Hal Steinbrenner's team now. And even though George did stay on in a capacity where he was in leadership, this was Hal's time. He was 39 years old and he was now the main guy, the decision maker. They were moving into the new stadium that had just been built, and they wanted to go for it because they had missed the playoffs for the first time since the early 90s in 2008. Think about closing old Yankee Stadium without a playoff game. Sad. But that's what happened back then. So they were in go for it mode. They got rid of a bunch of contracts, they moved off some players, and they were ready to go. That, remember that year brought them Sabathia, AJ Burnett and Mark Teixeira. But I need to point out a couple of things here real quick. One of them that we need to remember is that Teixeira was a late signing. They already had a first baseman, Nick Swisher. One of the first moves of the off season was to trade for Nick Swisher. And it was a good trade and Nick Swisher was a good Yankee. They didn't need a first baseman. But yet Mark Teixeira, who was very close to signing with The Red Sox, the Yankees made him an offer and then rescinded the offer, and they were saying that they'd only reconsider if he was going to be reasonable about it. Now, he ended up taking the Yankees offer, and when that happened, it kind of shook baseball. I want to read you a quote from brewers owner Mark Anitasio at the time, who said, at the rate the Yankees are going, I'm not sure anyone can compete with them. He said, frankly, the sport might need a salary cap.

[Alan Hahn]

Think about that, right?

[CC Sabathia]

So that. That happens, they get Sabathi, they get Burnett, they resign Andy Pettit, they had Jobber Chamberlain, so there they have them. Wong was still there as well, so that he had a great year. He was fantastic in the playoffs. They do go on to win the World Series, obviously, and Sabathi a big part of it. Alex Rodriguez had a big playoff as, remember, in that run as well. But if Sabathia decides, I don't want to go to the East Coast, I don't want to go to the Yankees. Who do they pivot to? Because you're talking about K Rod, Francisco Rodriguez, you're talking about Derek Lowe, you know, you're talking about at the end of his career, John Smoltz, like, where do they go? So if they get any of these guys, are they as formidable? And they beat the Angels, they beat Cleveland, and then obviously they beat the Phillies.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes.

[CC Sabathia]

In the. In the World Series. So if we go back and know Sabathia, could we argue that maybe they don't win that World Series, and if they don't have a World series, they're going 25 years without one.

[Alan Hahn]

Now.

[CC Sabathia]

How much longer does Cashman get without that World Series without convincing Sabathia to do what he really didn't want to do? And they gave him a contract, and for Sabathia, it ends up being the best move of his career. So we don't want to say that it shouldn't have happened, but what we're trying to say here is a look at those moves. They were so random, going after two starters. Sabathi is the obvious one because he was a Cy Young winner. He was great. But everything after that, the to share a move after trading for Nick Swisher really didn't make sense.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, that worked out. If I remember correctly, they made Swisher an outfielder. Cashman didn't want to do it.

[CC Sabathia]

I know.

[Alan Hahn]

And how was like, we've got a. How George was still alive, but Hal was kind of running things and said, we know we need that Extra. So let's.

[CC Sabathia]

Because of the bat and how big that was for them and how important it was. And he was very good early on. And then the injury started kicking in for Teixeira. So all that in mind, let me add one more thing to you because what, what this is based on, Don, is the moves they made were just the typical old Yankee, go for it, blank check, get whoever we can and go for a championship, upsetting other teams by doing it, as I read you the quote, and then it resulting in immediate success, which is what fans are used to. That might have been the last time for a Yankee fan. There was that immediate impact. There was that sort of like, I got what I wanted right out of the gate. Right. And that hasn't been the case since. Cashman clearly wouldn't still survive this. Right.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, it's a great question.

[CC Sabathia]

And where would they be then if that championship never happened? To now I want to add one last thing and then I'll let you go. It is this one. But I, I, A lot of fans forget this. In fact, I did until I saw it and I said, wow, this is amazing. So when the Yankees signed Teixeira, remember, the Angels were his last team. So they gave compensation, draft pick, compensation to the Angels. That draft Pick was the 25th pick in the draft. Do you know who that pick became?

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, this would have been the 2010 draft.

[CC Sabathia]

2009.

[Alan Hahn]

2009 draft. So 25th overall, first round. I don't know.

[CC Sabathia]

Mike Trout.

[Alan Hahn]

Mike Trout. I was going to say, like, Trout would have been the guess. Right.

[CC Sabathia]

So if they, if they say no, Swish is our first baseman. We don't need to get to share. Do they have Mike Trout?

[Alan Hahn]

Wow. I don't know. I don't know how they would have felt about him. This is the 25th overall pick. So obviously it wasn't a slam dunk.

[CC Sabathia]

A guy from New Jersey whose dad loved the Yankees.

[Alan Hahn]

The whole connection was there, you know, it's.

[CC Sabathia]

So anyways, that's the rewrite.

[Alan Hahn]

It's very good.

[CC Sabathia]

If they don't have such a. It's a random off season of just all in, throw money at everything and just go for it. And it all worked. And they opened the new stadium with a championship and everything was great. And Cashman probably has a job for the rest of his life. All off one off season.

[Alan Hahn]

Wow. So I don't know what they would think because CeCe was the ALCS MVP. He was 3 and 1 with a 1.98 ERD run average and 5 starts. In the postseason. So you can make the case they ended up beating Philly in six. And maybe they don't. They go to the playoffs, though, that they don't win. And then obviously 2010, all those things still happen the same way. Even with Ceec there. Couldn't get him over the hump, couldn't get him back to the World Series till after Ceeci was gone. I don't know. Would it have been enough? Or did Brian Cashman already have the job for life with the mission statement of always going to the playoffs and being close still be enough? Because you think about it, 2009, it's a long time ago, and yet Brian Cashman's never been in any fear of losing his job.

[CC Sabathia]

Think about it.

[Alan Hahn]

So is the one championship now make it 25 and 25. But you'd still.

[CC Sabathia]

At what point does Hal Steinbrenner say to himself, we've got to bring in new people?

[Alan Hahn]

I have to believe that at some point, because it's 25 years now that you would have to say, listen, we love you, but like, once it hit 20, this is not us.

[CC Sabathia]

If you take the 091 out. And again, you don't take those championships away. You want them and all that stuff. That's not what the Thursday rewrite's about. The Thursday rewrite is about going back to a point. And all it takes is one decision that can change everything. That's what we learned from Back to the Future is if you change one thing in the space time continuum.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes.

[CC Sabathia]

That you could erase history. So that's what we're saying. And Sabathia revealed he really, he and his wife didn't want to uproot the whole family. It wasn't something they really wanted to do, but it ended up being the best thing that ever happened to them. And that's the great part of the story. But if we go back to that moment and somebody else steps up with a better offer or the same offer, or maybe they just say, maybe it's a little more money to go to New York, but we don't want to move our whole family to New York if he doesn't come. How does that impact things? And then it's. And if they don't get him, do they still go for Teixeira? And if they don't go for Teixeira, do they get Mike Trout? Like, it's so much that could happen. And so does Trout. Save Cashman's jolly. There's so much there.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. Because you could talk. Trout might have Went won this team a few World Series if he had been here. Yeah, if they drafted him now.

[CC Sabathia]

So my, my whole connector in this is Brian Cashman. And would he, would he still be running this franchise and would the franchise still look the way it looks?

[Alan Hahn]

Probably not.

[CC Sabathia]

If not for that time, because when.

[Alan Hahn]

They went to the World Series last year, it was the first time they had gone to a World Series in 15 years, which tied the longest drought of World Series appearances. They would have blown that out of the water if they don't go to the World Series in 2009. Now, the other aspect about the rewrite is don't make it seem like Cece was a slam dunk in the Postseason as a 20 year old. In 2001 with the Indians, Sabathia made a start in the postseason, pitched well, six innings, gave up three runs, won the game, but then after that, didn't go to the postseason until 2007. In 2007 with the Indians, he was 1 and 2 with an 8.80 earning average in three games and 15 and a third innings, 21 hits, 15 runs, all of them earned, 14 strikeouts, 13 walks. So he was awful in 07. Then he goes to Milwaukee. Remember Milwaukee trades for him. His one playoff appearance with the brewers, he got lit up, lasted just three and two thirds innings. So when the Yankees got him in 09, yeah, he was a quality pitcher in the regular season, but was he a money pitcher? Because at least the history showed you he was not a good postseason pitcher. But he was lights out for the Yankees in 09, so ended up being the right. And then when you look in 2010, he was 2. 0, but his earned run average is 5.63, 6.23 in 2011, you know, so. And he was really good in the 2017 postseason, but he, they really caught lightning in a bottle. It was perfect. Oh, no, that was, that was his best postseason. That was. And again, he won the MVP of the American League Championship Series. So it wasn't a no brainer that he was going to be good in the postseason. And he ended up being good.

[CC Sabathia]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

So we could talk about what if they didn't, if he doesn't sign them. But he's got to get credit for doing it right. Because he did it and it got them where they needed to go. I don't think he gets credit for Teixeira because I think he was forced to share. Was kind of forced upon him. Hal opened up the books. They knew you got to go get this guy.

[CC Sabathia]

And Teixeira Ended up being very good key clutch player.

[Alan Hahn]

Listen, all the acquisitions, that's when A Rod finally got a good first year. And Matsui was awesome in that. In those playoffs as well. So there's a lot of the guys that were. That were acquired by Cashmen that did contribute to that, doesn't it? I figured you were leaning towards Trout. I was just trying to get the math right. But it's. Wow, it's pretty interesting. Would they have drafted Trout?

[CC Sabathia]

Yes, of course.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't know. I don't know.

[CC Sabathia]

Oh, of course.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, 24 teams passed on him.

[CC Sabathia]

It's not that. It's the fact of the.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, because I will tell you, they signed to share knowing it was going to cost them a draft pick. The Trout in the draft. The Trout was in. So. Yeah, but they had to think. Yeah, of course now if they love Trout, then maybe they think twice. And Cashman's like, wait a minute. I think that there's a player from New Jersey I think might last to pick 25. I don't want to give up that for Mark to share. I already got a first baseman.

[CC Sabathia]

Come on.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't know. I will. I honestly don't.

[CC Sabathia]

For an 18 year old. No, you're not. You're not. That's not stopping you.

[Alan Hahn]

But.

[CC Sabathia]

No, to your point.

[Alan Hahn]

But I know your point. I don't know if it's a slam dunk. They draft them.

[CC Sabathia]

It's the. It's. I don't know. It's the. What do you guys always say? The, the. The.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, the fallacy of the predetermined outcome.

[CC Sabathia]

Yes.

[Alan Hahn]

You like that?

[CC Sabathia]

Yeah, I do like that.

[Alan Hahn]

That's a great phrase.

[CC Sabathia]

Do you like that one? Is that a good Thursday rewrite?

[Alan Hahn]

Good. That was a very good Thursday.

[CC Sabathia]

Good rewrite. Anthony's idea.

[Alan Hahn]

You're getting a standing ovation from a jam packed control room because all these interns, it's like Jonestown. They're all just gonna drink the koolaid. They're all together, they're holding hands together, they're singing songs. Actually, you know, it's more Manson family than Jonestown.

[CC Sabathia]

Everybody's singing songs out there. Nobody can leave Manson Family. They gonna start murdering people.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't think they have someone to make them do it.

[CC Sabathia]

They have no idea.

[Alan Hahn]

No, there's a bond. I think there's. But there's nobody there to tell them to kill anybody. That's not. It's good karma.

[CC Sabathia]

You want to be Charlie?

[Alan Hahn]

I don't want to be Charlie.

[CC Sabathia]

You don't want to be Charlie.

[Alan Hahn]

No.

[CC Sabathia]

Why?

[Alan Hahn]

I don't want.

[CC Sabathia]

I'll be Charlie. Be fun.

[Alan Hahn]

I want to know. Well, I'm just taking a look at the interns. Who is the more likely to be squeaky from and I think it's Laura. Laura, I think you're squeaky from. And if you don't know who I'm talking about, you do have time. You're not until I think another hour from now. Google squeaky from. Very interesting. And you kind of, there's a, you're, you're a better looking version because let's face it, this was the 70s and they didn't try. Yeah, you know, armpit hair, the whole thing. So have fun with that 1-800-919-3776. We've got more interns coming up. Gabby Gordon is going to be coming up next. We'll talk to her. Hopefully she's got a better intro song than what we were teased earlier. It's Don on in Rosenberg. Take you up until 7:00 clock here on ESPN New York. You want to get the most for your money. That's why more Mazda buyers choose Ramsey Mazda for selection, customer service and savings during the Mazda More to move you sales event. Lisa New 2025 Mazda CX30 all wheel drive only 239 for 33 months. Start shopping now at Ramsey Mazda.com choose wisely. Choose Ramsey Mazda. Call 833-853-29704. Details excludes tax, title, registration 0 Security Deposit fin SM804627 MSRP29040 ends today with.

[Don LaGrecca]

The Venmo debit card. You can Venmo everything your favorite band's merch. You can Venmo this or their next show.

[CC Sabathia]

You can Venmo that.

[Don LaGrecca]

Visit Venmo Me Debit to learn more. The Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp bank and a pursuant to license by Mastercard International Inc. The card may be used everywhere. MasterCard is accepted. Venmo purchase restrictions apply.

[CC Sabathia]

Hey, it's Ryan Reynolds here for Mint Mobile. Now I was looking for fun ways to tell you that Mint's offer of unlimited Premium Wireless for $15 a month is back.

[Alan Hahn]

So I thought it would be fun.

[CC Sabathia]

If we made $15 bills, but it turns out that's very illegal. So there goes my big idea for the commercial.

[Alan Hahn]

Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment.

[Don LaGrecca]

Of $45 for 3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month required new customer offer for first 3 months only. Speed slow after 35 gigabytes of networks busy taxes and fees extra. See mintmobile.com this episode is brought to you by Stay Farm. Knowing you could be saving money for the things you really want to like that dream house or ride is a great feeling. That's why the State Farm personal price plan can help you save when you choose to bundle home and auto bundling. Just another way to save with a personal price plan. Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability, amount of discounts, and savings and eligibility vary by state.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Peter Rosenberg]

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

[CC Sabathia]

Inspiring.

[Alan Hahn]

It's an appropriate song.

[CC Sabathia]

Yes.

[Alan Hahn]

As we continue saying goodbye to our interns after the summer internship National Intern.

[CC Sabathia]

Day, and we're celebrating our intern.

[Alan Hahn]

We didn't know that.

[CC Sabathia]

Oh, I knew it.

[Alan Hahn]

No, you don't give yourself more credit than that. When we came up with this idea, we did not know it was National Intern Day. But it's simpatico, right? It just kind of made sense.

[CC Sabathia]

I saw it today.

[Alan Hahn]

Serendipity in it.

[CC Sabathia]

Yes. Yesterday we made the plan. Today I happened to see that it was National Intern Day, and I said.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, listen, the irony of it all. So Gabby Gordon is up next. Hi, Gabby.

[I]

How are you guys? Thank you so much for having me on.

[Alan Hahn]

Now, Gabby's a player, right? You play softball, right?

[I]

Yeah, I played since about 8U. I actually coached through Long Island Crush. Fast pitch as well, so. But I play for the Hofstra club.

[CC Sabathia]

Softball team too, so that's great.

[I]

Played for a while.

[CC Sabathia]

Local kid.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[CC Sabathia]

Little Hofstra action, Right? We've. Come on. We got Penn State, we've got Indiana, we've got Hofstra.

[Alan Hahn]

Hofstra. Listen, I did not go to Hofstra, but our former program director, Ryan Hurley did. Our current pinhead suit, John Winthrop, went to Hofstra as well. Did very well there. And I'm not talking about.

[CC Sabathia]

Well, we know the.

[Alan Hahn]

And I spent many a day in Hofstra at jets training.

[CC Sabathia]

Of course you did.

[Alan Hahn]

Sweating, driving from Jersey all the way to Hofstra. And sports phone was just down the street from Hofstra. So very well versed in Hofstra. What are they called now? Because they had to change their name, right?

[I]

Yeah. So we were the Flying Dutchman. That was way before me. Now we are the Hofstra. Just the Hofstra Pride.

[CC Sabathia]

Pride.

[I]

They just rebranded they did a new logo and everything again. Yeah, yeah.

[CC Sabathia]

Still yellow and blue.

[I]

Yeah. Same colors, of course. You know, I buy all the merch.

[CC Sabathia]

And then now you gotta get New Merchants.

[I]

It's all different. All different.

[Alan Hahn]

Now you're the Yankee family, Correct.

[I]

Huge Yankee fan. And I'm born and raised in New York and grew up in the sports house, but I also am, you know, Green Bay packers fan, too. So.

[Alan Hahn]

How'd that happen?

[I]

It's a great question. I don't necessarily have any. Any answer. I loved watching Jordy Nelson. He was my guy. Loved Jordan Nelson. Clay Matthews from. I think there's a picture of me in some Halloween, probably 12 years old, dressed up as Aaron Rodgers, had the jersey.

[Alan Hahn]

Really?

[I]

I mean, not literally Aaron Rodgers, but, you know, you know, the jersey on and everything.

[CC Sabathia]

Sure. Okay, so. So. So you became a Packers fan, but I want to know about you, like.

[Alan Hahn]

Guys with long hair. Is that it? Is that. Is that a thing?

[CC Sabathia]

Did Rogers have long hair?

[Alan Hahn]

No. But Clay Matthews.

[CC Sabathia]

Clay Matthews did. Jordy Nelson did.

[I]

I tell you, it wasn't the hair. It wasn't the hair. It was more so the talent. Because Rogers had a weird hair phase going on.

[Alan Hahn]

No, he did. He did. Yeah.

[CC Sabathia]

That's true. Yeah. But you want to. You want to do this, though, right?

[I]

What we're doing right now is like, this is. This is the dream.

[CC Sabathia]

This is the dream. Now at Hofstra now, they have a terrific broadcasting program over there. Are you heavily involved in it?

[I]

Yeah. So WRHU is the radio station, and I joined it. I actually went to Sacred Heart my freshman year of college in Connecticut. Just I wanted to get the going away experience, know what it's like. And I also, you know, just. The campus was beautiful at Sacred Heart, but, you know, I learned it's not necessarily a place that I was going to achieve the goals I had. And sometimes you got to make those decisions. So I decided to transfer back home, and it's been incredible. The experiences through WRHU have been nothing short of awesome. I've been able to work with the Long Island Ducks a couple of those games. I produced the Hofstra athletics show there called the Locker Room every single Friday. So what we do here, it's honestly very similar to what you guys do at ESPN New York, being able to shadow, you know, Anthony and RJ and all that. It's pretty similar, and it's pretty awesome.

[CC Sabathia]

All right, Gabby, perfect.

[Alan Hahn]

You're on New York radio Afternoon drive. Give me a hot take. Give me something that you have an opinion of that you can't wait to tell the world right now.

[I]

Go Yankees. Are not all in.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, not all in.

[CC Sabathia]

You can tell now. Why. And do me a favor. Put the microphone right by your mouth so we can hear you loud and strong. Why?

[I]

Hal Steinbrenner.

[CC Sabathia]

Really?

[I]

And I don't want to make enemies. Listen, I'm trying to get.

[CC Sabathia]

Yes, you do. No, you do.

[I]

But I'm trying to get into the industry.

[CC Sabathia]

And you're not trying to make friends.

[I]

That's true.

[CC Sabathia]

You're not trying to make friends. You're trying to make points. So make a point. You made one. Stay with it.

[I]

I mean, we see it. Yes, they made the World Series last year, but it was terrible, terrible fashion the way it ended. And I will never forget that Freddie Freeman home run. That will. That's engraved in me. I'm only 20 years old. I will remember that forever.

[CC Sabathia]

Trading. This is Cortez before he crosses second base. Right?

[I]

Just. I can't even. I'll never understand that, but I don't. I don't like to live in the past. But they're not all. It's the same thing every single year. And you guys were talking about it before. It's undisciplined baseball, and it's terrible to watch.

[CC Sabathia]

Now, why do you own it?

[I]

I think it comes from the top down. I think, listen, Boone, there's blame to put on Boone, but then again, I think it comes from the top down. I think. I don't want to call him a puppet, but I think there's times where, you know, fans try and wonder who's to blame. I think it's got to fall on the owner. And I think George Steinbrenner would not have allowed this to go on as long.

[CC Sabathia]

That's where your theory does have merit. And while a lot of people roll their eyes at the whole, if George were around, this wouldn't be happening. There is a part to what George was that does. That is clearly missing. And what brings into. Goes back to my argument earlier this week about the standard. And there is something to be said about George Steinbrenner would see what Austin Wells did last night, would see Volpe struggling, would see things that would upset all of us, like that's not smart baseball or that that's bad, that's undisciplined, that's bad fundamentals, all those things. And he would want answers now. He would have the same reaction as a fan. Why do we look like this? The fact that the Dodgers or auctioned off the judge dropped ball from The World Series, like that would set me off. Right. And so George would have that immediate. I want accountability for this. I want answers. And that keeps everybody in the organization on their toes. Now sometimes it can work against you because you can't operate in an environment where everyone just feels like one false move, like this is not a great place to work because you don't know what that guy's going to do. So it did go too far a lot of times with him, but that part is still missing. And that's not something House Timebrenner really was. He was not big on accountability.

[Alan Hahn]

Right. But the only thing that you could really ask Hal to do because he gives over $300 million every year to the payroll he does that, is that you want Hal. Not to put words in your mouth, but it sounds like you want Hal to fire Brian Cash. That's really all that you could do.

[I]

But I.

[Alan Hahn]

Because what else can Hal do? He's giving you the money. Right?

[I]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

He approves every deal. So really the only accountability I should be talking about is I need to make a change to the guy making.

[I]

The decision of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. And, and the Yankee season, I can't call it a failure. Last year they made it to the World Series. That's what every fan dreams of. Besides winning the actual trophy. That's what every fan dreams of. But there's just, there's something missing and I think it's been missing for a long time. Have arguably the best right handed hitter in baseball ever, ever. And Aaron Judge on your team and you can't. He's never going to win a ring. I don't think with the current landscape of what the Yankees look like now.

[Alan Hahn]

Do you believe, as I've contended, that Hal doesn't think there's anything wrong? They go to the playoffs every year, the building is full, making a ton of money. So you're saying I'm not successful. But I could tell you who else has been able to succeed as much as us over the last 30 years. Never had to rebuild, never had to sell, never had an embarrassing season. Giants have, jets have, Rangers have, Islanders have, Knicks have, Nets have. Not us. So do you think it's a question of his incompetency or question of just. He looks at things differently than you do?

[I]

I don't think it's incompetency. I think he knows the Yankees organization is what it is because of years of success. So that just doesn't happen by mistake. And Hal's done a fine job in putting rosters together to make the playoffs and they're consistently doing so. But it's not getting to. There's no, in my eyes, there's no next step being taken. And I think again, that comes from the.

[CC Sabathia]

They're a franchise on a treadmill. Yeah, it's a treadmill that's moving quickly, but they're not going anywhere.

[Alan Hahn]

Treadmill. That's, that's, that's printing money and, and a lot of people are interested in too, just to play devil's advocate. So what's your highlight so far of this experience? Don't count today.

[I]

Besides, if it is, it's most definitely this moment. I can't say it's not, but just like, like, like Jack and Lily said, the, the connections we've been able to make and not even like I've come into this internship knowing what I want to do for the future. And I've been lucky to have that in back of my mind since I was very young. I remember like 8 year old me sitting at, in my desk at my, in my room and filming myself on voice memos. My first iPhone, talking about sports. Had no idea what I was talking about. And if you told that little girl that she was going to be on ESPN radio today, she would tell you you're crazy.

[CC Sabathia]

Did you save any of those?

[I]

I have them. 100%. I have them.

[CC Sabathia]

Don't ever delete that.

[Alan Hahn]

Don't, don't delete that.

[I]

Not that it's going to go in the real one day.

[CC Sabathia]

That's right. Absolutely right. So that's so cool.

[Alan Hahn]

She's 20 years old. So when she was born I was already working here four years.

[I]

Wow.

[Alan Hahn]

Think about that.

[CC Sabathia]

Well, you're old.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh yeah, we've established that.

[CC Sabathia]

You know, but still think about this. She was born after all the 90s stuff and still sees it the way the rest of us see it. There's a standard that's missing with the Yankees that used to be.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, because you don't. You were nine when they won the championship. Do you, you remember that, don't you?

[CC Sabathia]

I remember nine.

[I]

I remember parts of it.

[Alan Hahn]

But no, I was five.

[I]

Yeah. Way younger than nine. So there's parts of it I can remember, but I haven't really experienced the joy since last. I mean last year was the closest I've ever experienced to obviously.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, I'll tell you somebody that did see the Giants win a couple four Super Bowls and I did see some championships with the other teams that I root for. It feels a lot like what you're going through right now. The excitement of being on the afternoon drive show on espn, that's what it's going to feel like. So now you get a little bit of a preview. If the Yankees ever win, it'll feel like this, don't you think?

[CC Sabathia]

I just feel so bad that she has no idea what the late 90s were like as a Yankees fan. It's unreal.

[I]

I mean, I relive it through my dad. He's a huge Yankees fan. My dad and I grew up in a sports house.

[CC Sabathia]

Like, shut up. Shout out your dad. Shout out.

[I]

Shout out. Dave Gordon, Jen Gordon, Matthew Gordon. That's Mom, Dad, 15 year old brother. I'm sure they're all listening right now. It's.

[CC Sabathia]

It.

[I]

The, the support that I get from all angles is insane. It's like, yes, my dreams are huge. I have very, very big visions for what I want to do in the industry. But no one's ever told me from my family side, you can't accomplish that.

[CC Sabathia]

But you know what else on that? No one else should tell you that, of course not even in this business. Because I think what your generation is getting to see now is the fact that 20 years ago it was mostly dominated by men. It's not anymore. Like whatever you want to do in this business as a broadcaster can be done more than ever before because of some people that have done it. They're doing it right now and doing it at a high level. And so you have that. And the best advice I can give you is if you have ever a chance to meet any of them, do it. Talk to them, get to know them, ask them questions because you will learn a lot from them. And they have broken so many barriers for you, especially at espn. Just look at espn. Look at the amount of women broadcasters that we have at ESPN that are doing it at a high level. That is the reason why you can believe that what you want to do and dream about, you can do it.

[I]

It's a great point. We met Michelle Smallman today.

[CC Sabathia]

She's awesome.

[I]

She was in incredible. Seeing someone who I look up to do exactly what I want to do, it's like that. That's an obtainable goal. See it right there.

[CC Sabathia]

No question.

[Alan Hahn]

Gabby, have fun. It was a pleasure meeting.

[CC Sabathia]

Well done.

[I]

Thank you so much for having me on.

[Alan Hahn]

Gabby Gordon.

[I]

You guys hot?

[Alan Hahn]

Takes another one of the insurance.

[CC Sabathia]

She wants Cashman fired. She thinks Hal's gotta grow a pair, right? I believe that's what she said.

[Alan Hahn]

I think it's exactly what you said.

[CC Sabathia]

Yeah, that's what it sounded like waiting.

[Alan Hahn]

For the other drop.

[CC Sabathia]

I think she said something like that. Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Very strong stuff. It is time now for the leaderboard update which is brought to you by Schweppes. I've been waiting for this all day. It's the Wyndham champion over in Greensboro, North Carolina, and Joel Dahlman is your leader. Is nine under par, one stroke ahead of Alex Noren as they play in round number one. That was the leaderboard update presented by Schweppes. Schweppes offers a hole in one refreshment experience and a proud sponsor of PGA of America. Enhance your summer with Schweppes Seltzer or Schweppes Ginger ale.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[CC Sabathia]

I don't want to know how the stuff sausage is made, man. I just want to know it's good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

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.