Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast: Hour 2 – Soto's Demeanor & NFL Binge

Release Date: May 19, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of the “Don, Hahn & Rosenberg” podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into the aftermath of the recent Subway Series between the New York Mets and Yankees. The discussion primarily centers around Juan Soto's performance and demeanor, the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, and transitions into an engaging NFL segment. The hosts also interact with listener calls, adding diverse perspectives to the conversation.

Subway Series Recap

Don Hahn opens the discussion by reflecting on the Subway Series, expressing disappointment over the lack of memorable moments:
"Judge versus Soto, they combined have four hits in the series. Didn't have any kind of signature moments. It really was about the players that replaced Soto..." ([00:39])

The conversation highlights key performances, noting Peter Rosenberg's praise for Goldschmidt and Freed:
"Goldschmidt was very good and then Freed was unreal." ([01:04])

Don Hahn contrasts the Yankees' superior bullpen with the Mets' current struggles:
"Freed was great through six and it just gave you battle of the bullpens and the Yankees bullpen is better. Mets aren't hitting right now." ([01:08])

Juan Soto’s Performance and Demeanor

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing Juan Soto's underperformance and the resulting backlash. Don Hahn questions the intense dislike Soto faces despite the Mets benefiting from his departure:
"Why you hate him so much. When you've somewhat, at least on the surface, benefited from him being gone." ([03:20])

Peter Rosenberg discusses Soto's apparent frustration and discomfort during the series:
"He was rattled... he couldn't wait to get the hell out of there." ([04:42])

The hosts explore Soto's struggle to meet high expectations, especially given his massive contract, with Michael Kay adding:
"It's not like being unhappy when you have a $765 million contract... but money is not a guarantee that you're going to be comfortable." ([11:10])

Team Dynamics: Yankees vs. Mets

Don Hahn assesses the Yankees' strong position in their division, noting their lack of significant competition:
"The Yankees obviously have very little concerns because again, it doesn't look like there's any resistance in their own division right now." ([01:24])

Conversely, he points out issues within the Central Division, mentioning the Minnesota Twins' recent performance:
"The Minnesota Twins just came off a 13 game winning streak and they're in fourth place in the Central Division again." ([01:44])

The hosts speculate on the future performance of both teams, emphasizing that the Yankees are likely to maintain their standing:
"I think the Yankees are going to be fine." ([02:05])

Fan and Media Reactions

The discussion delves into the polarizing reactions from fans and the media towards Soto. Don Hahn expresses confusion over the animosity, considering Soto’s contribution to the team:
"Mets are going to be fine. Yankees are going to be fine... he was here for a year, and he made no question that he was going to test free agency." ([07:10])

Michael Kay comments on Soto's mental state amidst criticism:
"The man already been making more money than any of us can understand since he was 19. So that really, to me is irrelevant." ([11:37])

Don Hahn draws parallels with other athletes who initially struggled but eventually thrived:
"Keith Hernandez cried when he got traded to the Mets, ended up Becoming a Forever Met. Remember Harry Carson begged to get traded from the Giants, Ended up sticking around, winning a Super Bowl." ([07:43])

NFL Binge Segment

Transitioning from baseball, the hosts pivot to NFL discussions, touching on player contracts, team strategies, and notable transactions.

Michael Kay critiques the hefty contracts for quarterbacks, using Brock Purdy as an example:
"You can almost picture... [Purdy's] average salary of $53 million which is crazy." ([28:06])

They also discuss front-office movements, highlighting Joe Douglas's return to Philadelphia:
"Good news, everyone. Guess who is around in Philadelphia. Joe Douglas is going back to Philadelphia." ([30:14])

The conversation includes humorous takes on team decisions and player dynamics, maintaining an engaging and lighthearted tone.

Listener Calls

Several listener interactions provide additional insights and opinions:

• Caller Jose from Connecticut emphasizes the Mets' steady performance despite Soto's struggles:
  "Mets fans aren't tripping about this... most of us would be. He's gonna be fine." ([15:14]-[16:32])

• Another Caller compares Soto’s situation to other Mets stars like Lindor and Bellinger, expressing optimism for his future:
  "If he’s going to have a tough time now, it'll be fine in the long run." ([44:27]-[45:32])

Traffic Talk

In a lighter segment, the hosts humorously debate driving maneuvers and traffic frustrations in New York:

Michael Kay shares his experience of navigating through heavy traffic, leading to a playful exchange about road etiquette and patience:
"I saw a gap, and I jumped... comedians on how to handle traffic." ([46:05]-[49:39])

Conclusion

The podcast wraps up with a blend of insightful analysis and entertaining banter. The hosts reaffirm their perspectives on Juan Soto's challenges, the dynamic between the Yankees and Mets, and transition smoothly into ongoing NFL conversations, leaving listeners with a comprehensive overview of current sports topics.

Notable Quotes

• Don Hahn on the lack of excitement in the Subway Series:
  "Judge versus Soto, they combined have four hits in the series. Didn't have any kind of signature moments." ([00:39])

• Peter Rosenberg praising Goldschmidt and Freed:
  "Goldschmidt was very good and then Freed was unreal." ([01:04])

• Don Hahn questioning fan animosity towards Soto:
  "Why you hate him so much. When you've somewhat benefited from him being gone." ([03:20])

• Michael Kay on Soto's mental state despite his contract:
  "It's not like being unhappy when you have a $765 million contract... but money is not a guarantee that you're going to be comfortable." ([11:10])

• Don Hahn on Soto’s future with the Mets:
  "The Mets are in first place... eventually he's going to get comfortable." ([07:43])

• Peter Rosenberg on Soto's determination:
  "He takes his at bats personal and... he's wrong. He's not on right now." ([43:38])

Overall, this episode provides a thorough analysis of Juan Soto's current struggles and their implications for both the Mets and the Yankees. The engaging dialogue is enriched by listener interactions and a smooth transition into NFL topics, making it a comprehensive and entertaining listen for sports enthusiasts.