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

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.

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])

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])

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.

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.

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.

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.

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])

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.

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.