Don, Hahn & Rosenberg — Hour 2: Yankees Pitching & That Guy Thursday

Date: April 2, 2026

Episode Overview

In this lively hour, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg, and Michael Kay dive deep into the New York Yankees’ explosive start to the 2026 season, spotlighting their dominant pitching despite marquee injuries. The group debates the team’s new attitude, the perennial challenge of developing homegrown aces, and rising postseason expectations. The hosts also examine fan and media dynamics with a candid “That Guy Thursday” segment, pondering sports talk personalities, fans’ reactions, and the pitfalls of online criticism. The episode blends sharp analysis, New York sports banter, and thoughtfully irreverent takes on the Yankees, broadcast commentary, and sports media culture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Yankees Off to a Hot Start: Pitching Dominance

• Pitching Overcomes Major Injuries

  • The Yankees are 5-1, thriving without two aces (Rendon, Cole) thanks to outstanding pitching depth.
  • Max Fried looks “lights out,” showing newfound comfort and assertiveness in pinstripes (03:35).
  • Cam Schlitler, a homegrown phenomenon, hasn’t allowed a run or walk in 11+ innings (04:50).
  • Offseason pickup Weathers is also impressing; the bullpen is “nails” (04:40).

• Team Attitude & Identity

  • Schlitler embraces Yankee villainy:

    “Everybody hates us because we’re the Yankees and he likes it that way. He welcomes it.” — Alan Hahn (05:40)

  • The Yankees, long perceived as buttoned up and corporate, now show flashes of personality via Schlitler’s snarl and Jazz’s flair (06:08).
  • “A breath of fresh air” having vocal, swaggering young talent, but as Hahn adds, Schlitler “has got to hold up his end of the bargain” (06:35).

• Ownership of Identity

  • The crew argues the Yankees should lean into their polarizing identity:

    “Don’t try to win over non-Yankee fans. They’re going to hate you…Own it.” — Peter Rosenberg (07:00)

• Historical Context: Homegrown Pitching

  • It’s rare for the Yankees to produce and keep a top starter; past hyped arms (Jabba, Hughes, Betances, Benuelos) fizzled or became relievers (09:00).
  • The last great success: Andy Pettitte. The hope is that Schlitler breaks the cycle (09:47).

• Rotation Depth & Playoff Outlook

  • The Yankees finally boast a staff with multiple proven “number ones” (Freed, Cole, Rodon, plus Schlitler and Warren).

    “When was the last time the Yankees had a pitching staff like this?” — Alan Hahn (13:00)

  • Emphasis on pitching being the differentiator for postseason success, not just offense.
  • Panel urges fans to savor the season, not just fixate on October (15:07).

Roster Flexibility, Trades & Prospect Depth

• Callers Chime In: Luis Gil & Trade Chips

  • Griffin from Connecticut notes that Luis Gil will be called up, further deepening the staff (18:35).
  • Discussion on the Yankees’ “embarrassment of riches” and whether some arms (e.g., Warren, Heel) should be traded for playoff upgrades if all stay healthy.

    “No, no, no, you do it.” — Alan Hahn on trading if the rotation is healthy (19:27)

  • Caution flagged: pitching depth can evaporate quickly due to injuries (20:15).

• Cautionary Tale: The Mets

  • Reference to the 2015 Mets’ once-feared staff (deGrom, Harvey, Syndergaard) that failed to yield a title due to injury (23:30).

    “We can literally in six weeks’ time not even remember that this time existed. …This is just being realistic.” — Michael Kay (22:12)

• Enjoying the Ride vs. Waiting for October

  • Rosenberg urges fans not to succumb to “wake me up in October” cynicism:

    “Dude, you’re gonna miss a lot of fun.” (15:07)

“That Guy Thursday”: Media, Fans, and the ‘That Guy’ Phenomenon

• Social Media & Sports Opinions

  • Peter Rosenberg laments being “that guy” in wrestling discussions—as a broadcaster giving safety advice, he gets roasted for lack of in-ring experience (30:37).

    “There’s something about the way I comport myself online that just rubs people the wrong way…I have to accept that.” — Michael Kay (29:43)

  • Hahn and Rosenberg discuss being dismissed for “not playing the game”—an old sports talk trope (34:01).

    “Who’s that? Who are you? You didn’t play. How do you know?” — Alan Hahn (34:05)

• Athlete & Fan Pushback

  • Athletes and fans alike can be dismissive, claiming outsiders lack credibility—a parallel in all sports.
  • Hahn advises not to feed the trolls, but acknowledges the difficulty of brushing off waves of criticism, especially when “athletes do it” (35:00).

• Announcer/Media Ethics

  • Can you be both honest and “the voice of the fans”? Panel explores announcing impartiality, rooting interests, and public backlash when being perceived as biased or too honest (38:04).

    “What do the fans actually want from their announcers?” — Peter Rosenberg (38:04)

  • Michael Kay notes the Mets booth’s popularity partly stems from their authentic fandom, giving fans something to love even when the team doesn’t win (40:13).

Alan Hahn and Celtics Discourse: Fandom vs. Honesty

• Hahn’s Celtics Comments Stir Knicks Twitter
  • Hahn details being targeted by Knicks fans online for praising Celtics on national TV:

    “I am public enemy number one on Knicks Twitter because…I guess I’m a traitor.” (36:27)

  • Panel discusses the need for honesty versus performing fandom, and the challenge of dual roles as local and national personalities.

    “You can’t expect me to root. That’s not good for my business.” — Alan Hahn (47:45)

  • Peter Rosenberg role-plays a Knicks fan resentful at Hahn’s Celtics praise, highlighting how hometown expectation colors perception (45:14).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Yankees' Attitude:

  “This kid’s doing it. …Every now and then, come on, you’re the Yankees. Swing it a little.” — Alan Hahn (06:36)

• On Criticism:

  “You know it’s coming because there’s people like…I was that guy today.” — Alan Hahn (35:00)

• On enjoying the season:

  “Enjoy what could be a lot of fun…you’re gonna miss a lot of fun.” — Peter Rosenberg (15:07)

• On the ‘That Guy’ in Sports Media:

  “There’s something about the way I comport myself online that just rubs people the wrong way. I have to accept that.” — Michael Kay (29:43)

• On Announcers’ National/Local Divide:

  “These are two different people that I have to be in these situations. …But you can’t expect me to root.” — Alan Hahn (47:45)

Important Timestamps

• Yankees Pitching Depth & Schlitler’s Attitude: 03:16–08:58
• Homegrown Aces & Yankee History: 08:58–11:08
• Expectations for the 2026 Season: 13:00–15:45
• Trade & Depth Discussion with Caller Griffin: 18:35–22:12
• Mets Pitching Collapse as Warning: 23:30–25:45
• That Guy Thursday/Main Theme Introduction: 29:29–31:36
• Wrestling, Social Media, & ‘That Guy’ Status: 31:36–36:32
• Announcer Neutrality, Fan Expectations: 38:04–40:52
• Alan Hahn Celtics Backlash/Knicks Twitter: 45:07–48:38

Flow, Style, and Tone

The conversation is candid, fast-paced, and marked by classic New York sports radio energy. Each host leans into humor and self-deprecation; the dialogue is loaded with banter, sharp cultural references, and insider jokes (“You hate us ‘cause you ain’t us,” “be Yankee boy,” “That Guy Thursday”). While deeply knowledgeable, the hosts are never sanctimonious, inviting the audience to laugh at the absurdities of sports fandom and media life.

Conclusion

This episode blends high-level Yankees analysis with reflections on what makes fans, athletes, and broadcasters “that guy.” It’s a celebration of pitching prowess and evolving clubhouse culture, a reality check on baseball hype, and a knowing wink at the social dynamics of sports talk. Those seeking X’s and O’s, broadcast psychology, or just a dose of classic New York personality will find this hour both insightful and thoroughly entertaining.