Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast - Hour 2: More Yankees Injuries (Released March 3, 2025)

In this engaging episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the current injury landscape of the New York Yankees. Balancing insightful analysis with their trademark banter, the trio examines the implications of recent player injuries on the team's performance and future prospects. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key discussions, notable quotes, and expert insights from the episode.

1. Yankees Starting Lineup and Name Mispronunciations

The episode kicks off with light-hearted conversation about mispronouncing player names, leading to a humorous yet informative rundown of the Yankees' starting lineup.

• Anthony Pusick: "This is the Yankees starting lineup. It is brought to you by Cedar Pro Painters. Certipro. Certapro is the worst." [00:38]

• Peter Rosenberg provides a detailed lineup, ensuring accurate pronunciation and roles:

  • "Jazz Chisholm leading off and playing second, you have Aaron Judge in right field. No, you have Mr. Bellinger bad in third." [01:51]

• Alan Hahn emphasizes the importance of correct names:

  • "We did that. That's why I said so." [02:54]

The discussion highlights the hosts' camaraderie and attention to detail, setting a lively tone for the episode.

2. Yankees Injury Report: Luis Heel's Lat Strain

Transitioning to the main topic, the hosts analyze the impact of Luis Heel's recent lat strain on the Yankees' pitching rotation.

• Anthony Pusick shares the injury update:

  • "Meredith Morrokovic has this Luis Heel, high grade latch strain. At least a six-week no throw." [05:28]

• Alan Hahn discusses the broader implications:

  • "You can't get up from that. So we're probably looking at at least what, May." [05:58]

• Anthony Pusick further explains the severity:

  • "It's a high-grade lat strain for Luis Heel. So the Yankee pitching rotation, which you know, again this year when you consider their lineup and the lack thereof of the power, the no Soto, obviously Stanton now not available." [06:03]

The injury is portrayed as a significant setback, challenging the Yankees' expected strength in pitching.

3. Comparison with Other Teams and Injury Strategies

The hosts compare the Yankees' injury challenges with strategies employed by other teams, notably the Mets.

• Alan Hahn draws parallels:

  • "It's the same thing with the Mets. The Mets were out of it in June and still found a way to be able to make the playoffs." [13:30]

• Anthony Pusick elaborates on strategic differences:

  • "The pitching was going to be the strength of this team. At least that was the expectation. But now you have freed. You have obviously Cole, but he would have been the fourth." [06:03]

This segment underscores the Yankees' vulnerability compared to teams like the Mets, who have demonstrated resilience despite injuries.

4. Audience Calls: Insights and Fan Perspectives

Engaging with listeners, the hosts field calls that provide additional perspectives on the Yankees' situation.

• Caller Adam expresses initial optimism:

  • "As long as the golden goose is okay, our captain Judge, I want to say they're going to be okay." [09:00]

  Later, Adam shares his concerns post-injury update:

  • "These injuries to the Yankees are much ado about nothing, but that was before the Luis heel news. So now I'm definitely starting to shake a little bit." [09:36]

• Caller Griffin suggests lineup adjustments:

  • "Dominguez should be in center. Bellinger can play left. Judge over right. That simple." [17:08]

These interactions highlight fan engagement and diverse viewpoints on the team's prospects amid injuries.

5. Pitching Rotation and Player Performance Analysis

A critical examination of the Yankees' pitching rotation reveals deeper concerns about player performance and future rotations.

• Alan Hahn discusses rotation depth:

  • "Don't you have to go into every season figuring that at least multiple, I mean at least two, if not three of your pitchers are going to end up on the IL at some point." [13:37]

• Anthony Pusick comments on veteran experience:

  • "But with young players, when they start out with injuries, rarely do you get to August and say, 'Hey, remember that lat injury you had?'" [10:59]

• Alan Hahn analyzes specific players:

  • "It's the fact that you were worried about him hitting, but now you don't have him at all." [16:57]

The discussion emphasizes the delicate balance between managing injuries and maintaining a competitive pitching staff.

6. Position Adjustments and Strategic Recommendations

Addressing positional challenges, the hosts debate potential adjustments to optimize the team's lineup.

• Alan Hahn proposes alternatives:

  • "So go with Peraza. Go with Cabrera. I think that you're better off anyway. Is it a hole? Yeah, it's a hole." [15:24]

• Anthony Pusick analyzes defensive strategies:

  • "Ben Rice is tearing the COVID off the ball. If that actually happens." [21:14]

• Caller Griffin offers lineup suggestions:

  • "Dominguez should be in center. Bellinger can play left." [17:08]

These strategic insights aim to mitigate the impact of injuries and enhance team performance.

7. Final Thoughts: Postseason Implications and Team Resilience

Concluding the episode, the hosts reflect on the Yankees' ability to navigate the injury-ridden season and their postseason aspirations.

• Anthony Pusick maintains cautious optimism:

  • "As long as the golden goose is okay, our captain Judge, I want to say they're going to be okay." [09:00]

• Alan Hahn warns against overreliance on key players:

  • "You are relying a lot on the pitching now. G.J. leMayhue, as we mentioned earlier, also felt a little something in the calf." [06:36]

• Anthony Pusick underscores the uncertainty:

  • "The Yankees, with their injury situation right now, it is definitely alarming." [06:51]

The episode wraps up with a consensus that while injuries pose significant challenges, strategic management and key player performances will determine the Yankees' success this season.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Anthony Pusick: "I love Joe Dirt. Such an underrated movie." [00:27]

• Peter Rosenberg: "You got to get real DJs." [01:09]

• Alan Hahn: "We did that. That's why I said so." [02:54]

• Anthony Pusick: "These injuries to the Yankees are much ado about nothing, but that was before the Luis heel news. So now I'm definitely starting to shake a little bit." [09:36]

• Caller Griffin: "Dominguez should be in center. Bellinger can play left. Judge over right. That simple." [17:08]

• Alan Hahn: "You are relying a lot on the pitching now." [06:36]

• Anthony Pusick: "The Yankees, with their injury situation right now, it is definitely alarming." [06:51]

These quotes encapsulate the hosts' perspectives and the nuanced discussions surrounding the Yankees' current challenges.

Conclusion

In Hour 2: More Yankees Injuries, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg provide a comprehensive analysis of the New York Yankees' injury woes, debating the implications on the team's pitching rotation, lineup adjustments, and overall season prospects. Through expert insights, fan interactions, and strategic discussions, the episode paints a vivid picture of the challenges and potential pathways for the storied franchise. Whether you're a die-hard Yankees fan or a casual follower, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating a tumultuous season marked by injuries and high expectations.