Hour 2: Yankees Pitching & That Guy Thursday

Summary

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

Date: April 2, 2026

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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.

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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).

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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)

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“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).

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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).

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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)

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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

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[Alan Hahn]

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[Don Hahn]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Don Hahn]

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

[Peter Rosenberg]

Weird again, people don't seem to get it. Alright. Nate sends a tweet about the Wizards thing on April Fool's Day.

[Michael Kay]

All right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He says they didn't nail it, fellas. When we thought it was real. The thing that upset people was that the gift that they offered was horrible. Last Wizards autographed jersey worth anything was Jordan. Courtside tickets are only two to $300. We didn't know it was a skit. No big deal though. Laugh out loud that no, they nailed it. The fact that you bought into any of it and got upset and tweeted that means that it worked. It was perfect. And then they could have flipped it

[Alan Hahn]

and said, april Fools aren't supposed to be obvious. They're not supposed to be obvious. They're not supposed to come with a disclaimer of hey, this is a joke coming. Get ready.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, they 100% nailed it because they suckered you into thinking that it was real and got you upset. The fact that they apologize is where they screwed up. All they had to do is send out a release and say no harm, no foul, guys. April Fools. The guy was in on it. He works for us. It was a bit. You bought it. Ha. April Fools. But then you apologize and then we just become weak sauce again. Surprised they're not gonna ban April Fools now.

[Michael Kay]

I know, right? Why not? Why have. April Fools are gonna be hurt.

[Alan Hahn]

Fools just cancel it.

[Michael Kay]

Sad. I liked what they did. Good for the Wizards. Thought they caught a dub.

[Peter Rosenberg]

A rare dub, as you know. But they're Wizards so when they win, they lose.

[Michael Kay]

That's the thing. That part was very Wizards like.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now I do want to mention to you.

[Alan Hahn]

No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That game time is brought to you by Tullamore du Irish.

[Michael Kay]

I see what you do.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because when it's game time, Coverage of the Rangers Canadians begins on 10:50 at 6:30. And we will join the Lakers Thunder in progress after that.

[Alan Hahn]

That's a big game.

[Michael Kay]

That's a nice game right there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Mets are in San Francisco to face the Giants with coverage on 880 following Ty Butler at 9. Now the reason Ty Butler's on because apparently Rick doesn't work anymore. Dan Grasso Is in this morning. A lot of chemistry. I'm just telling you, a lot of chemistry between the two.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh boy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're feeling it.

[Alan Hahn]

Why would you do that?

[Peter Rosenberg]

The devil's host to Capitals on ESPN plus. That's why I'm here today. And that game will be at 7:30 telemar do the original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast matured iris whiskey. Be sure to grab a telemore due to try the new Tullamore do. Honey, during today's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore do responsibly. On the other side you got the Yankees 5 and 1. Not tearing the COVID off the ball but getting the job done. But the pitching, Allen, no. Rendon, no Cole, no problem. It's insane. I know it's only two teams but you know Seattle, Seattle almost went to the World Series last year. Okay.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. That's an offense, you know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And so you don't feel bad about that now. San Francisco, I don't know how good San Francisco is. They did take two out of three from San Diego after getting swept by the Yankees. But I don't care who it is. Sweet sisters of the poor that they're just. They're getting the job done and are only going to get better.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, that's what you're hoping for. Only get better. Right. Like you're, you're seeing like the ERA is what one. Max Freedom has been lights out. Like he even talked about it during spring training. Max Freed, remember they bring him in and it took him a while to feel comfortable as a Yankee and dealing with everything that comes with being in New York. But he said coming into spring training this year that he, he felt like all right, I'm a Yankee. Like it, it felt more authentic for him. So there's a comfort to him. I thought he had a little bit of a bulldog attitude about him in the last start. Like just you could see it. Like he was a very aggressive. It's not typical of him either. Now you know all this matters in October. Yes, we'll keep saying that. But for, but still good to see him right out of the gate looking dominant as an ace. And then Schlitler, it goes beyond to me, you know, how, how well he's pitched as well. I mean hasn't allowed a run or a walk in 11 plus innings. Are you kidding me? Right out of the gate. Excellent. Weathers was the pickup in the off season. He's also, you know, he looked good so. But I think it's the first two names that I'm mentioning to you. And then the bullpen on top of it. Let's add that to it as well. That's. That's what gets you excited. Because for the Yankees, it's always been about the pitching. Can they ever figure it out? Can they ever get a strong rotation and can they ever get the bullpen? Right? Because when the Yankees are at their best, it's usually because of pitching and bullpen. And it's very early in the season, but early returns are. It's a good look. And on top of it, how do we feel about what Schlitler said when it comes to being a Yankee? What do you think of him saying, you know, everybody hates us because we're the Yankees and he likes it that way. He welcomes it. Remember, it's a Massachusetts kid, right? Red Sox fans all around him. Before he made his first start against them, he was getting all the threats and all the stuff, and he said, that only motivated me. It didn't intimidate me. It actually turned it up even more. Now I really want to beat this team. The Yankees under with Aaron Judge as the leader in the face of the franchise. They have been. I don't want to say boring, but you know what I mean. They've been very, like, very corporate and they brought in jazz to give them a little bit of personality because they

[Michael Kay]

needed it, but Emphasis on a little bit.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, it's just a little.

[Michael Kay]

It's a little.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But he.

[Alan Hahn]

But he came in and, you know, he definitely is giving you a little flamboyance, but Schlitler is giving you another part of it which is more of that attitude. Snarl. I think it's something that should be just embraced, welcomed. You'll love it. Now the kid's got to hold up his end of the bargain. He's already doing some barking. That's good. But I think it's a. Is breath of fresh air the right

[Michael Kay]

way to put it?

[Alan Hahn]

Guys, there's just something that it is added to the Yankee clubhouse, to the Yankee team that goes beyond Aaron Judge, who is basically stoic and all shucks and humble, which is great. But every now and then. Come on, you're the Yankees. Swing it a little. This kid's doing it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's something that Peter and I used to tell Michael all the time. Michael, just own. Just own being Yankee boy because you're not going to win the Met fan over. They're going to think of Yankee boy no matter what you do. And you might take off a few Yankee fans that you're not Yankee boy. And it's kind of the same thing with the Yankee players. Don't try to win over non Yankee fans. They're going to hate you. Whether it's jealousy or whatever, they're not going to like you. You put on a Yankee uniform, they're not going to like you. The Yankee fan is going to love you. So own it. Be honest now. I think, you know, Jazz goes, maybe a little extra, but whatever. That's his personality. What's wrong with that? Yankee fans are going to love it as long as he hits. They're going to love Cam as long as he pitches. All right? That's all the Yankee fans are going to care about is the result.

[Alan Hahn]

Exactly.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But to sit there and go, well, let's be corporate. Let's not try to rock the boat too much. We don't want to tick off everybody else. Why they. They hate you anyway.

[Alan Hahn]

Yep.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're not gonna win them over because. And again, I can only speak for myself, my hatred of the Yankees. And I still not. Not as much as I did when I was a kid, because now, you know, with the business, you grow up, it's a different story. Yeah, but I'm not. I'm no Yankee fan. And most of it's based on the jealousy of them winning all the time. Didn't have as much of hatred for him when, you know, Stump. Stump Merrill was the manager. And they're, you know, they're losing, you know, 90 games every day.

[Alan Hahn]

I hate the Yankees in the late

[Peter Rosenberg]

80s, but, you know, 33 consecutive winning seasons, you know, people are going to get a little ticked off, and it's going to come from jealousy, but whatever

[Alan Hahn]

it is, they hate you because they ain't you. Is it definitely the attitude that you have to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Or Red Sox fans, you know what, you're in their division. Blue Jays not winning them over. All right.

[Alan Hahn]

No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Are you a Yankee fan? Are you not a Yankee fan? Very few people are sitting on the fence, so if you got something to say, say it. I know it's not their way. And as long as you're not, you know, breaking something that you're not trying to be something that you're not.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You got something to say, say it. Show some personality.

[Michael Kay]

I love it.

[Alan Hahn]

You don't need a guy that's talking and it's like, hey, bud, like you're. You're a middle reliever. You give me a. You know, you give me a third of an inning every now and then. Like, you need to dial it down. Like, what you want, though, is a young phenom starter, which by the way, again, help me out here because I'm really bad at history. But I'm trying to think of these homegrown pitchers that we've heard about over the years. Right. Can you help me, like with the names. When was the last time Phil Hughes, like, who was the last Hughes? Batantis, Benuelos, Ian Kennedy. Yeah, but come on, like I'm just, you know, who's at this level though? Who came in with this? Jabba. Yeah. And again, what. Where did that go? Jabba didn't even. Jabba had some people excited early, but it. He ended up being another guy that ended up in the Bowl.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, if you're talking about a homegrown Yankee that came in and made an impact, you go. It begins and ends to me with Andy Pettit in recent vintage, it's been a problem.

[Alan Hahn]

You know, that's what I'm trying to think of is who can. Phil Hughes, though, did have a good start.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He did.

[Alan Hahn]

The beginning was good for him.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Alan Hahn]

That's the last I can remember. But even Phil Hughes, he was, he didn't have fire about him. Right. He didn't have something about him. Some stuff about him made you feel like he's got the making and other people have said that. I was reading a story about him. I remember a couple of, couple of weeks ago during spring training when it was clear that he showed up and whatever you saw at the end of last season, he picked up where he left off. The stuff is still there. And you know him talking about how much he likes the confrontation of fans and all, he loves that stuff. So the thinking was he has the stuff to be an ace, but he also has the personality to be that as well. A guy that is what cece Sabathia was, what Roger Clemens was, that not only am I going to strike you out and let you hear about it, I'm going to intimidate you with my attitude. There's a big kid, so he's not backing down from anybody. And it's something. I feel like that the Yankees have lacked this. They really haven't had this. And so if, if I'm rooting for anything this season, I'm rooting for this to. To not be a short lived thing. I'm rooting for this to become. This is who he really is. And he's going to prove that this season when he pitches the entire year, that they need this just as much as they need, you know, Ben Rice to be for real, too. Because he's off to a pretty store.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Listen, they ran it back for a reason, all right? Offensively, they're a good team. Now, what happens in the playoffs? It's the playoffs. They've had better offensive teams struggle in the postseason, like. But you've got to get through the 162, score the most runs last year. You run it back. Even if Grisham turns out to not be what he was last year, you still have stain, you still have Judge, still have Bellinger. Caballero, I'm telling you, is going to take Volpe's job. Rice, Wells, Grisham, you're great offensively. And the bullpen has always been stellar under Brian Cashman. Brian Cashman's blind spot has always been developing. Starting pitching, we see names come up and then they fizzle out and they disappear.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And what do they got to do? Well, we got to give Max Freed money. We got to give Cole money. Got to go out and pay Rodin like that. That's. And even going back to when the dynasty times. Go get Clemens, go get Wells, go get Jimmy Key, go get CC Sabathia. Outside of Andy Pettit, they never really brought a guy up that was dominant and stayed dominant. This has a chance to be something really special. Where you're looking at Schlitler, Freed, Cole, Rodin, and then what, Warren. Yep. And Warren goes to the bullpen come postseason and you're looking at, you know, four studs.

[Alan Hahn]

No, no, that's what I mean. Think about it at. And Schlitler being the young one, so he's never really been a number one. But Freed, Cole, Radon, they've all kind of had that role in their careers that. When was the last time the Yankees had a pitching staff like this again, God willing, staying healthy. When was the last time they went into a playoff series where you would look at each pitching matchup and have to feel like we're at least even every night.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. And most nights you're going to have the better lineup offensively.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. So

[Peter Rosenberg]

this can make this Yankee team special.

[Alan Hahn]

Now, this could be a special.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It has been the offense in the postseason where it gets shut down, but a lot of that game, that's why they got Cole. It's like, hey, it's the postseason. It's not so much that our offense struggles, it's that now you're going up against better pitching and the games are more low scoring strategy. So we've got to go out and get studs to pitch so that we can win those 21 games.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because we're not going to be able to go out and hit five home runs and score 10, 12 runs, and then it won't matter. But now I think you have that. And now finally, somebody that's homegrown that could be pretty special. Again, it's only six games. It's very early. And then how you navigate through the injuries. But for them to have the, like, literally the best pitching staff in baseball through the first week, and two of their studs haven't even thrown a pitch yet.

[Michael Kay]

And imagine if this, if this keeps up for a couple of months, the level of expectation. Oh, it's going to be fun to watch from the outside.

[Alan Hahn]

You know what's coming.

[Michael Kay]

If they actually stay healthy for a while, get Garrett called back. It is going to be. I mean, you better sweep the World Series. People won't even want to see games.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, no, no. I. I think sometime in July, we'll start deciding which day the parade is going to be.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Michael Kay]

There'll be no conversation about.

[Alan Hahn]

And what do we do and say to get back at the Dodgers for everything they did couple, you know, two years ago? Oh, this will. Yeah, no, I'm ready for all of it. You know what? I want it all. Hey, well, listen, I want all of it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, you want. And then. And there's no problem with that. It's just. I also hope there are Yankee fans that can appreciate the ride instead of just, you know, collectively yawning, going, okay, you know, we're going to win 110 games. Okay. Best pitching staff in the history of baseball. Okay, Judge it winning the postseason. All right, have that conversation the day off before the playoffs start, but at least through 162. Enjoy it, man. Have fun. And I know most Yankee fans are like that, but the callers and the social media, like, wake me up in October, dude, you're going to miss. You're going to miss a lot of fun.

[Alan Hahn]

Now, the only thing I think that'll be prevailing throughout the year, less about, you know, all that matters is October. I. I think it'll be more. It'll be more about Judge because again, he had another over four in the last game. Like, Judge. Judge is the one guy that really, of course, he still has hit a couple home runs, but Judge is the guy that everybody will be watching because when it matters most, does he come through? So the first Red Sox series, is. Is he, you know, does he step up? The first blue, especially first Blue Jay Series, does he step up? Does he show you Something. To me, that's what makes the regular season interesting. When you have a guy like Judge and there's that sort of Damocles hanging over his head about whether or not we can trust him in the. In the. In clutch. And that's where I feel like that's. Those are the games when the regular season really does mean something, when they face those teams and you put him in a crucible. I don't care if it's May, I don't care if it's July. In these moments, you need to see him come up big so that it sets up for. Okay, it's looking like he's having a clutch year. That's. That bodes well for the post. Adds to the anticipation of them having a chance to win.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think he was pretty clutch in the regular season, but let's see what happens in the postseason.

[Alan Hahn]

You're right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But enjoy what could be a lot of fun here. I know it's still early and you've needed these wins because Toronto's off to a 4 and 2 start. So despite being 5 and 1, you still only have one game lead on a team that you need to be better than during the course of the regular season. Griffin.

[Alan Hahn]

Amazing. Before you do that, Don, I don't know if I said this on the air or during the meeting, but the amazing stat, Anthony, I think I. You and I did. I sent it to you, is the fact that five and one for the Yankees is like, every time they've started that way, it's either been a World Series or a pennant, which is pretty amazing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. Because. So it's probably just a coinky dink. I mean, I think so. I. Yeah, because it's.

[Alan Hahn]

It's not like three times, though. It's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's. I know, but. But it's still just five and one. You had a one. I think it's kind of like whenever Kentucky won the national Championship, the Yankees went to the World. So I think it's kind of like that because I don't think 5 and 1 really suggests anything. Are the Marlins going to the World Series this year? They're 5 and 1. You know, Milwaukee's 5 and 1. Are they going to the World Series? Maybe, but it is kind of.

[Alan Hahn]

They don't have the same history.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, you're right.

[Alan Hahn]

It's just kind of fun. It's one of those fun things, so.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right, Griffin, Connecticut, you're on espn. New York. What's up, Griff?

[Griffin]

Hey, guys. This is incredible. Start with pitching wise and just in general and he is going to get called up, too. So don't forget about Luis Heel. They're going to call him up eventually. And that's another thing is you got. You're going to get called back. You're going to get Rod on back. You're going to get Luis Heal called up. You're going to. Some of these guys are going to either be moved to the bullpen or be down AAA or traded. And if it. Or traded, they could be.

[Alan Hahn]

They could be valuable trade pieces if you realize you don't need them going forward. And you know how pitching Griff, when we get to July, you know there's teams desperate for starting pitching.

[Griffin]

Yep.

[Alan Hahn]

And that gives you.

[Griffin]

It could help you with an Mike, another piece that you might need.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Griffin]

You can end up trading this and

[Alan Hahn]

Cashmere can't cling on to these guys like he does. Especially the younger, you know, a guy like Will Warren or even Heel like, I'm sorry. If you can get a valuable piece to help you win right now and you feel pretty good about everybody's healthy at the starting point. No, no, no, you do it. You do it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Pitching is a little different when you

[Griffin]

think of this rotation that it can be. Your number four starter is Carlos Rodan. How weird, right? To just say that in general, how many teams have a number four starter? That's Carlos Rodan.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. No, not many teams.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No. But. But the one thing I will say, and I do think that Cashman does like to hoard prospects and not trade away pieces. You got to be careful with pitching. These guys get hurt all the time.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, I agree.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, so don't just give away like, oh, we're set. You know, you're sitting there, Cole comes back, Rodon comes back, heels starting to get better, and you're like, all right, it's July. Let's trade a couple of guys and get some bats and some bench. And next thing you know, all of a sudden up. Cole felt a twinge. You know, Cam, who's never pitched this many innings now is he's got a tired shoulder. You need six, sometimes seven guys in a rotation to 162 games to get through. No. Then once you get to the postseason or the off season, then it becomes an issue where eventually you're gonna have to pull the trigger on some deals.

[Alan Hahn]

But, like, who's another team? Like, the Dodgers have what they have. Otani, Yamamoto, Glass. Now, I don't know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're loaded, but look how many injuries they had. If you go back when they won the World Series, like how many guys were hurt for them.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And what a problem that ended up being that they ended up needing all those extra guys.

[Alan Hahn]

Those three names I just threw at you, though, like that. That's a hell of a rotation.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, that, that's, that, that, that's not nothing. And who did you. You know, they've. Now they're Sasaki, so. No, they're, they're, they're, they're loaded. But again, guys get hurt all the time. All the time. So. And mark my words, there's going to be somebody who's going to miss a start. You know, we, and we don't know exactly when Cole's going to come back and how long is it going to take him to get ramped up and will he ever, you know, get back to where he was this year? Right. Let's say he comes back late May, June.

[Michael Kay]

All right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

By the time you get towards the end of the season, he should be back to full strength, but he may not be pitching as well as the other guys.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So you talk about Rodan being your fourth star, could be Cole and you know, so it's, it's an embarrassment of riches right now. But I'm telling you, you gotta, like, you gotta put these guys in bubble wrap.

[Michael Kay]

Well, and also just remember, and this is gonna, this is kind of my theory with the, the Mets season too. It's, it's so early, guys. It's just the stuff that we can be talking about and the plans we can make and oh my God, can you imagine? We can literally in, in six weeks time not even remember that this time existed. Well, I'm not trying to be Debbie Downer. This is just being realistic.

[Alan Hahn]

You know, it's, it's also think about it. Every season like that in the NFL, you have seen teams that get off to a good start and a quarterback who just looks like, oh, wow, this is the next great quarterback. And, and then by the middle of the season, because he's banged up and maybe their offensive line took a hit, now all of a sudden he looks, he's terrible. He's trash. Like that does happen. So you're right. But that's the beauty of following a season, is that you want to see the ebbs and flows, the ups and downs, the development of something that you saw early that just gets better versus something that disappears and how they adjust. Injuries that we know are the great equalizer a lot of times when it comes to great teams and mediocre teams. So that, that's to me the beauty of a season is to see how it evolves. What has been the constant, what's the. The. The what's the through line of a season versus the things that, hey, remember early on when this was going on? Now that's not, you know, that's not who we are anymore. Yeah, there's a lot of that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The Mets are cautionary tale too. And you like y', all, deGrom and Harvey and Syndica, they're all on the same team all into the World Series.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, and there was no championship and Harvey gets hurt.

[Alan Hahn]

And one thing about them, you didn't really have a track record with them. What the Yankees have, you know, other than, of course Cam, is they've. They've got potentially three guys that again, Rodon doesn't have pressure on him. He's a better pitcher, so he's not an ace. He's not need to be a stopper. Cole, you know, is a maniacal, you know, aggressive pitcher. And Freed looks comfortable this year in comparison to last year.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm just saying that I remember once upon a time when the Mets were looking at DeGrom and Harvey and Syndergaard and Mats. Oh, we're set for the next decade. Generation K 2.0, you know, and Generation K never materialized.

[Alan Hahn]

I know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Who is it? Wilson? Isringhausen?

[Alan Hahn]

Pulsifer.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Pulsifer. Pulsifer was the local kid, right? He was the Long island kid. Yeah. Giuseppe Demelfi, there was a place in.

[Alan Hahn]

And Matz was the local kid with the other guy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Matt's the second time around. Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I was at his first game and his grandfather was there and he actually had a big two run double in that game.

[Alan Hahn]

That's right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There was a. I can't remember the town. What's really out like in Suffolk County. Baldwin in Suffolk County?

[Alan Hahn]

No, it's Nassau.

[Michael Kay]

No, that's good old.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's something with a bait. I used to go out there.

[Alan Hahn]

Babylon?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. My buddy Bill McNulty, I told you, played for Seton Hall. Bounced at a place that had 10 cent wings. And I love me some wings back in the.

[Alan Hahn]

Babylon's a great little town.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I worked at Sportsphone. On my day off from Jersey, I drive out to Babylon for the 10 cent wings. And the bar we were at, sometimes we would say Pulsifer. So was he out there likes.

[Alan Hahn]

He likes 10 cent wings too.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Who doesn't like 10 cent wings?

[Alan Hahn]

Honestly, like, did you ever. I don't know if I brought this up. Did you ever go to a bar that had to beat the clock. Night.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, poor Jeff, man. JK's unreal because like once it gets down to like a quarter for a pint, you're going, it, it's, it's a night and then it works its way back up. Then you're out of there, then you're gone. But it's tremendous.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Not that 10 cent wings and wings.

[Alan Hahn]

Another one like where you just, you're not leaving, you're posting up, you get there early so you get your spot. Don't move.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What's better, 10 cent wings or 10 cent drafts?

[Alan Hahn]

Wow.

[Michael Kay]

I mean, from a deal standpoint, it feels like the draft is the better deal because one wing is never as expensive.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The wing is a wing, but the eye of the beholder. I'm a little more confident my beer is going to come out good rather

[Alan Hahn]

than my 10 cent wing.

[Michael Kay]

It's a great point, but I enjoy

[Alan Hahn]

one way or another, you're going to spend on the other because if you're having all these beers, you got to have some food with it, I guess.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I'm just saying that the draft is in the eye of the beholder. 12 ounces of rumor. When they're giving you for 10 cents, all of a sudden they're bringing out Dixie cups and Pabst Blue Ribbon or Milwaukee's Best.

[Alan Hahn]

Milwaukee's Best.

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[Don Hahn]

thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.

[Michael Kay]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. We all have that one friend I'm

[Michael Kay]

talking about the yo yos who set

[Peter Rosenberg]

themselves on fire and bathe in pork and beans.

[Don Hahn]

Or know that one person I'm here with my family who can't help but

[Michael Kay]

be he's not cool. His voice is weird. He's kind of a dork. His brother's a tool. His girlfriend's annoying.

[Don Hahn]

That guy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't know it was banner night. We won't be out for that.

[Don Hahn]

It's time for that that Guy Thursday.

[Alan Hahn]

Hey guys, anyone want to play some

[Don Hahn]

ball with Don Han and Rosenberg?

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's just being that guy.

[Michael Kay]

There's so many that guys at any given time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sure.

[Michael Kay]

And the amazing thing is, based on the comments I see about myself on social media, I'm obviously that guy. To many people.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I could see that. They're I think, how dare you have an opinion.

[Michael Kay]

I think I know. You know what I have to be honest with myself about? There's something about the way I comport myself online that just rubs people the wrong way. I have to accept that. You know who's like that. Also, Don, I think you agree. Michael. Like something about the way we drop our opinions on stuff makes people hate our guts. Or maybe we both occupy a space where we're just apt to be disliked. Like, why is that person I'm referring to right now? And this is that guy Thursday I mentioned a little bit earlier, but it's true. I just saw another comment from someone who I thought was a friend of mine, or at least someone I was friendly with because I read the article. I read one of the articles. Here's the headline. Pro wrestlers don't seem interested in Peter Rosenberg's pro wrestling advice. And my original comment that maybe you'd say this is why I'm that guy and let me, let me put myself in it guys. I'll give myself and I'm open to your guys opinion. The way that I describe the way that I talk in this, I'm a little bit that guy. I think there's a little bit of look at me. I work for wwe. I wrote this is why I reposted Don that scary video that you saw. Right. This is why I tell whoever I can at evolve and even on the main roster, don't bother with these dives. They are all risk, no reward. If you successfully hit a suicide dive in 2026, no one cares. But if you mess it up, you could truly harm yourself. Don't do it. So maybe am I giving a little that guy myself there? Maybe by saying I tell whoever I can at evolving on the main roster. Like I'm making it sound like I'm a guy of import in some way,

[Peter Rosenberg]

but alright, yeah, I guess to some people. But you're also trying to add context. Like I'm not just throwing it out there. You're showing evidence that I've spoken to wrestlers about this.

[Michael Kay]

Correct.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's been something that's not on my mind for a while. Not hey, look at me. Look who I'm in contact with. That should be a given to people you have contact with wrestlers. I think adding context to your tweet does not make you that guy. But I could see people thinking that because a lot of people just don't like you.

[Michael Kay]

That's. Now you're getting to it. So as we said, Bailey Wright. Shut it, Peter. She may have been joking. My Brody King, a friend. Don't tell me what to do. Peter.

[Alan Hahn]

That sounded sarcastic.

[Michael Kay]

That one's totally sarcastic. Yes, and I respond that one I read is sarcastic. And I responded you especially you big sob. Because he's like 6, 7 and by the way, he does them. He does them and it scares me a bit. But like Chris Hero, who I thought was I was friends with wrote, this is why I tell whoever I can at ROH and even at aew, don't bother with these bumps. They're all risk, no reward. If you successfully take a bump in 2026, no one cares. But if you mess it up, you could truly harm yourself. Don't do it like you're just being an a blank I almost said it, but I didn't.

[Alan Hahn]

You were close.

[Michael Kay]

Like you're someone I know who a could have reached out to me and been like, dude, what are you talking about? If you wanted to. But rather than engage in a conversation, Chris hero, you just completely mocked what I said, Copied it line for line. Took the cadence to mock me cuz I'm a complete idiot.

[Don Hahn]

Who can.

[Michael Kay]

And guys, this isn't different than like, you know, in sports. Yes. Sometimes people go, you never played the game?

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, never. You never hear that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, I know.

[Michael Kay]

And athletes love to do that, but they don't always do it in wrestling. And I understand it because in wrestling you truly put your body on the line every day. So I, I really do understand it. It's an incredibly dangerous craft that I don't know if this would maybe be a surprise to people. I kind of respect this craft as it's become, you know, a huge part of my life since going on 20 years that I've been a part of the industry in some way. But does that mean because I haven't taken the bodily risks myself, I literally cannot even assess something. I'm at ringside when these people in evolve jump through the ring, jump through the ropes to do a dive. They land in front of me. Like, why, at what point does someone have the right to an opinion without you saying you didn't do it? You shouldn't talk like, I'm sorry, that, that's that guy.

[Alan Hahn]

Can I, can I just step in here? Because.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Wow. Of course.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, what I'm saying is you didn't play the game. I, I've covered the NBA for 25 years and I've been an analyst on television and radio for the last, my God, 15 and I didn't play in the NBA and I, I've been on get up for five years now doing this stuff and it's just what people do. It is the. Who's that? Who are you? You didn't play. How do you know?

[Michael Kay]

Like, well, that's gonna be my new thing when athletes talk. Then when athletes get on a microphone and think they're really entertaining, I'm gonna go, hey, did you go to school for broadcasting? Did you put in the 10,000 hours to talk?

[Alan Hahn]

But you're not going to do that. No, I'm not a yoga human being. This right, you're not a Yo, yo. You've got to understand that what you're seeing on social media and responses like that, that's again, that's. What was the name that you guys had earlier.

[Michael Kay]

Gibroni Pumpledge.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, that's who that is. But you're giving them, you give them prestige because you're seeing their, their comments and they're affecting you. When you don't realize that an average, intelligent human that a generally doesn't go, I'm going to reply to that. Most people don't. But it's those that do that and you're giving them energy. It doesn't make sense for you to do that. Instead you just know. You know it's coming because there's people like, I just. I was that guy today because today I was asked a question on get up directly if the Celtics are playing like this and if you watched them last night, they were an absolute video game. Can anyone in the east beat them? And I said no. Not playing like that. Not with Tatum dropping a triple double and Brown putting up 43 and them shooting 21 threes. And the way they're playing like they, they, they have a chip on their shoulder. They want to prove something. There's something magical happening there and you can't. You must notice it. You have to recognize it. And I'm now the. I am public enemy number one on Nick's Twitter because I guess I'm a traitor and things like that. Oh yeah, that came my way and that comes my way and I see it. And, and instead of getting mad and want to respond and explain myself, I was asked if they play like that. No, you just laugh and move on because it's like you can't give it energy.

[Michael Kay]

Well, but the problem is the only issue is it's not simply the yo yos. The fact that it's the mix of the athletes doing it and an avalanche of comments from others. And this is the part that annoyed me with the wrestlers who did it. Even if you're joking and I'm friendly with you, these people take you so seriously again. And I. No, no.

[Alan Hahn]

You're saying.

[Michael Kay]

But I have to work incredibly hard to be a part of this business and gain any credibility. And with you putting up a thoughtless joke next to my name, you are personally damaging what little credibility I'm able to get in the public space where I make money and do my job. I just wish people put a little

[Alan Hahn]

thought into think people that hire you are worried about what. What's the name again?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Giovanni.

[Michael Kay]

Pumpled up.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, I don't think they're worried about what they're saying. They just. They worry about what you say and does. Do they think whatever you say makes sense? And hits.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

And you know what else draws attention and reaction.

[Michael Kay]

That's fair.

[Alan Hahn]

Look at Stephen A. You ever look at Stephen A's comments and the replies to him? How's it working out for him? Pretty good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That just works.

[Alan Hahn]

Don't let it. Don't let it bother you. You can't.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, because I'm not sure in all the years that I've been doing this, and even though it's my first year on the Devil's tv, I work, you know, doing Ranger games forever. What do the fans actually want?

[Alan Hahn]

Winning?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, I'm just saying from their announcers. Oh, do they want, you know, a down the middle, not a homer call where you're honest and assess things like Allen did, saying, hey, if the Celtics are play like that, nobody's got a chance, including the Knicks. That's kind of how I want to be. Right. Like, listen, I. I call Devil games, but if I don't like what I see, I'll be fair. But hey, teams, team's not playing well.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You got to say, I'm not going to sit here and go on the air Saturday and start doing the math on the making the playoffs. Like, no, they're. They're. They're all but mathematically eliminated. You got to be honest. But then you'll get people to go, look at Don, you know, just, I thought he was supposed to be a fan and he's given up on the team.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But then if I play the game of, hey, guys, you never know, still a chance, it'll be, oh, he's just shilling for the Devils, you know, he's just doing what they like. I sometimes just don't know. And you're right. At the end of the day, I answer to my boss, I answer to myself. I do the job I believe is right, and I can't worry about what other people think of me or how they want the broadcast to be. But it was just like a simple question. Like, Michael's completely sold on. He wants to be neutral, Right. He doesn't want to be Yankee boy. And I think. I don't think he's playing to the room because I think they want Yankee boy, but I don't know for a fact.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, again, you know, how's it working out for him?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, it's working out. He continues to sign contract after contract, so it is working.

[Alan Hahn]

So whatever he's doing, it's working.

[Michael Kay]

Yeah, but. No, it's working for him professionally. But to Don's point, it doesn't work for him. It doesn't always work for Michael, personally, being close to him.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'll tell you, we've seen it and it's coming for his mental health. I love the SNY broadcast. Love Gary and Cohen. Listen, Keith and Ron, amazing. But I really do believe the fact that that gets so much more love than the yes booth is because everybody knows Gary Cohn grew up a Met fan and you know the two guys in the booth won World Series with the Mets. Like they feel their booth is all in.

[Michael Kay]

I also think the Mets booth, I know this sounds like hate and it's not because I, like I said, I prefer the Mets as a team, but the Mets haven't had other things to grab onto like winning. And so I do think they grab onto their booth. I really, I do. I'm sorry, I do. I think the Yankee booth does not matter as much because what matters is all those championships. I think for the Mets, they go, hey, we don't win. But I like hanging out with my friends Gary, Ron and Keith every night. And I think that's a real thing.

[Alan Hahn]

We could keep going if you want. In the next segment about this because I do have a theory about the difference between the two broadcasts. There is a major difference between the two and it all depends on your taste.

[Michael Kay]

But anyways, that, that. Thank you guys. I needed. That was a, that was like a. That guy talk about it.

[Alan Hahn]

That guy talk about it.

[Michael Kay]

That guy first.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And it led to more conversation.

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[Peter Rosenberg]

They're calling this a battle for the fans. What do you say to that, Rumi? It's not a battle. So glad the Saja boys could take breakfast and give our meal the rest of the day.

[Michael Kay]

It is an honor to share.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, it's our honor.

[Michael Kay]

It is our larger honor.

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[Michael Kay]

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[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.

[Michael Kay]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

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

[Peter Rosenberg]

The NFL Draft is coming up on Thursday. April 23rd in New York is on the clock. The jets pick second and 16th. The Giants pick fifth. And Rick D. Pietro and Dave Rothenberg are breaking it all down live. Do we know that Dave will. Rick will be there. Is Dan Grassley going to fill in? I believe Rick will be there, yes. Join ESPN New York's Couchcast, your second screen for the NFL draft. Real time reaction, instant takes, and everything New York fans care about. Watch along, react with us, and don't miss a single moment. ESPN New York's couch cast on draft night, April 23 at 8pm presented by Calandra's Bakery, or Calandras.

[Michael Kay]

Excuse me? That's right.

[Alan Hahn]

Colandra potato.

[Michael Kay]

No, I think they care. It gets. It's Calandra, like Sandra.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sandra from the Cosby Show.

[Michael Kay]

It's not Calandra like Sandra from Greece. There you go. See what we did here?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Look at me. I'm Sandra D. Right?

[Alan Hahn]

It's not Sandra D. That's right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But.

[Michael Kay]

No, but it is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's.

[Michael Kay]

It's. In this case, it's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

In this case, it is.

[Griffin]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now, how did Allen rile up Nick fans this morning? How?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, looking like that. No one's beating them in the East. And again, it's the fact that you're expecting Tatum to sell out, to get better, to progress, which he has already accelerated his return far faster than anybody expected. Maybe even he expected. That's the good part. Also, to me, there's a little bit of revenge factor in this team. Not only were they defiant about, oh, no, no, we're not taking a gap year. That's not what we do here in Boston. Not only were they doing that all year. And Jaylen Brown said, I'm just going to play like an MVP this year and make sure my team stays in the hunt. They didn't just stay in the hunt. They won 50 games. They're going to get the 2 seed in the East. But you add this player and then you think of the memory of last year and you know that that was a bitter ending for the Boston Celtics in the playoffs. And maybe, just maybe, all of this is giving them a little extra, I don't know, eye of the tiger maybe. They are starting to feel like the Celtic dynasty is not dead. And if they can win the East a third finals appearance in five years, that'd be pretty impressive. Where's the lie?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, there's no lie.

[Michael Kay]

Lie. No lie.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let me.

[Michael Kay]

How would that be a lie?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let me be that guy on that guy Thursday.

[Alan Hahn]

Go ahead.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Or I'll play the role of the Nick fan that's upset. I should say. Alan sounded a little too excited about how good the Celtics are, man. I thought he was a Nick guy. Listen to him, man. You could have said, well, nobody's beating the Celtics, unfortunately, way they're playing. And there was one line that I think go there.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, good, good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Was that. You know, we don't do that in Boston. Like, oh, let's see. Talking like he's a Celtic fan now. I don't believe any of this, Alan, but I think that's how the fans look at it. That's our guy on national television, you know, giving a back massage to the Boston Celtics. Oh, yeah. And when I say back massage, you know what I'm saying?

[Michael Kay]

Laying on his back.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Second base.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, my second base.

[Michael Kay]

Don, second base. No one else.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But don't listen.

[Michael Kay]

A Hawthorne second base.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's a Hawthorne double. Nobody came up to me.

[Michael Kay]

That's what we call a Hawthorne double.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Laughed out loud. I do. Nobody came up to me at the Garden.

[Alan Hahn]

That's great.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The first person. You know what? You're not wrong.

[Michael Kay]

No, a Hawthorne double is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, it's, it was one of the, it was one of the perks of 80s Jersey, New Jersey race. It was our doubles hit different.

[Michael Kay]

Our doubles, Our doubles hit like triples.

[Alan Hahn]

All right. They do. No, I, I, I get what you're saying. That if I wanted to be performative, I could have done the pained, you know, I, I could have turned into the character where it's like the do the. Oh, the agony. Right. Oh, my God, they're gonna go to a third finals. I can't take it, oh my God. That. Sorry, guys, that's not me. Like, I gotta be who I am right now. Greenyou, he, he did make sure to throw in that, you know, for somebody like me, him talking about himself where I grew up, meaning New York, you know, to have, to have any type of rooting interest in the Celtics is, is off limits. But even he's like. But there's something about their story this year that is really intriguing. That could be one of the stories of the playoffs. That's. We're both looking at it from that perspective as, as broadcasters, as people on a national show trying to talk to a country rather than a region. And that's. Anytime I walk in that studio, I'm trying to explain to people that I don't represent the Knicks that way. But it doesn't mean that when there's nicks to talk about that I don't talk about them. With, of course, a little more extra bravado because I feel a little closer to it. But you can't expect me to root. That's not good for my business. And I don't think the players expect me to do that stuff either. I'm going to be honest, but when I'm on msg, of course I'm going to be a little more direct and, and, and deeper in the weeds about the Knicks because that's what the broadcast serving Knicks fans. These are two different people that I have to be in these situations. So I was just being honest. And by the way, as I keep saying, I'd rather the Knicks have the underdog mentality anyway. I'd rather the Knicks be the underdog in this situation anyway. And if you're going to pump the tires of anybody in the east right now, it should be Boston. Put all the expectation on them and see if they can follow through while they become the hunted.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It is just so odd because let's say the majority of people that I shouldn't say majority, but I think more than around half the guys that work national sports for hockey, basketball, football, baseball have some affiliation with the team. Right. You take a look at. Not so much. I think, yes, it's very interesting. None of the ESPN play by play guys for hockey do play by play for a team.

[Alan Hahn]

Have a team Right on tnt.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Everyone does. So that must have been some philosophy that I think the two networks had. Like, you know, Kenny Albert does national games, he does Rangers.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now Forsland does Seattle. Burke does the Islanders.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, think about it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right on down the line.

[Alan Hahn]

How about this? Berkey's calling a Ranger game and he. He says score with enthusiasm. Are Islander fans now calling him out? You sound a little too excited about that.

[Michael Kay]

I will.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You say collectively that people all love Doc Emmerich.

[Michael Kay]

Yes, I think he's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But there are Ranger fans. I don't know if Anthony's old enough that did not like Doc because he was the devil guy. So when he did nationally televised games, whether it was NBC, Oln, back in the day, Fox, he's the devil guy. And there was a time Rangers, Devils, that was an even bigger rivalry than Rangers, Islanders at the time. And it's like they just couldn't. Some people just can't turn it off.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, I mean, Mike just can't do it. Mike Breen called the championship for the Celtics and had, you know, he used bang. He had inflection and energy in his voice when they won the championship because you've already got.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You've already got it in your head that there's a botch. You don't think I went in probably with the same bias. Like, I think Troy Aikman's one of the best at what he does. But it was an adjustment for Giant fans to watch, you know, a Giant cowboy game. And there's Troy Aikman breaking it down.

[Alan Hahn]

I get it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So every time he said something positive about Cowboys, all course he said that, ignoring the 15 great things he said about Eli Manning.

[Alan Hahn]

But. But that's different. That's the other side of it. That's somebody that you don't like. This is different.

[Michael Kay]

They like you. So they like it.

[Alan Hahn]

Most of the time I'm supposed to carry the water everywhere I go. And it's like I am supposed to be honest. And if I felt like the Knicks were the better team, I would say that. But I mean, come on, we're all watching this. You're watching the Celtics. You're telling me that they, they like, they look like that team. And this kid, this dude comes back from an Achilles and he looks, he has triple double and he's only getting better. And that team plays defense, they play hard and they have a head coach's maniacal. And you're going to tell me that you don't see them as the team to beat in the East? You're lying to yourself if you don't. And I'm not going to lie to myself nor the country when I'm asked a question like that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I don't think people that are fans a can put the fandom aside and be really kind of understand how the business works.

[Alan Hahn]

I get it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're just looking. Oh, there's Alan Han. Oh, Alan Han's on. Get up. They must be talking Knicks. Alan Hans on. Did you hear what he said about the. He's talking about the Celtics. I thought they had him on to talk about the Knicks. He's a Knick guy.

[Michael Kay]

What's the Celtics for? I don't like the voice.

[Alan Hahn]

I've done this.

[Michael Kay]

The Don's frantic voice is freaking me out.

[Alan Hahn]

No, I love this thing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, my God. It's Alan Hahn, everybody.

[Michael Kay]

Alan Han's gonna be.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're gonna be talking to.

[Michael Kay]

It's Alan.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hannah.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, my God. It's five o' clock and we gotta take a break.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't want to know how the sausage to know.

[Don Hahn]

It's good. 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 from 30 for 30 podcasts.

[Griffin]

Did you say someone got shot?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Brian Pata, senior defensive lineman from Miami. Gun down.

[Alan Hahn]

The key to this case. It's Brian. An hour before he died, he was on the phone arguing with somebody.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This might be a hit.

[Alan Hahn]

You want the truth? They just want a conviction.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Being placed under arrest. We had a killer amongst us.

[Michael Kay]

Murder at the U. Listen now.