Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Baseball Disappointment

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn (referred to as Chris Carlin in the transcript), Peter Rosenberg, and Michael Kay
• Episode: Hour 3: Baseball Disappointment
• Release Date: August 11, 2025
• Description: Hosts from ESPN New York and New Jersey discuss sports, particularly focusing on New York baseball teams, offering insights, critiques, and engaging conversations.

1. Introduction to Baseball Disappointments

The episode delves into the ongoing frustrations surrounding New York's baseball teams, primarily the Yankees and the Mets. Hosts Michael Kay and Chris Carlin express their disappointment with the lackluster performance of these franchises despite high expectations set during the offseason.

2. Analysis of the Yankees and Mets' Performance

Michael Kay opens the discussion by highlighting the unmet expectations for both the Yankees and the Mets. He remarks:

"These teams are grossly under .500 over the last 50 games, which is pretty much the entire summer."
[02:54]

Chris Carlin concurs, emphasizing the volatility in the teams' performances:

"Forget the records. You're looking at two very average baseball teams that are capable of going on runs, have gone on runs, but also remind you that they could very easily fall off the face of the earth."
[03:00]

3. Management Decisions and Sustainability

The conversation shifts to the management strategies employed by both teams. Michael criticizes the lack of long-term planning and sustainability:

"The Mets have only made the playoffs back-to-back years twice in franchise history... If they do make the playoffs, it might be as the third wild card team and out early."
[03:00]

He further discusses the Yankees' sustainability issues:

"They've got the long sustainability, but haven't in the last 25 years seen the fruit of their labor."
[03:00]

4. Playoff Chances and Expectations

Both hosts express skepticism about the playoff prospects of the Yankees and Mets. Michael summarizes:

"They're going to be able to make the playoffs, but they'll meander through the rest of the summer. There'll be highs and lows, but at the end of the day they're going to both be wild card teams."
[10:32]

Chris adds a layer of realism regarding playoff performance:

"What if that happens for one of these teams and then they, anyone, anything can happen in the playoffs and they actually make something happen in the playoffs and go on a run?"
[10:32]

5. Comparisons with Other Teams

The hosts compare the Yankees and Mets to other franchises like the Dodgers, highlighting issues of sustainability and management:

"The Dodgers have kind of been not doing that well. They're five and five over their last 10... they've seen their lead in the west shrink down to 2."
[06:32]

Michael further critiques the Yankees' financial strategies:

"Locking yourself into a decade contract for a guy that if you're lucky is going to go six innings probably sometime during the contract, he's going to get hurt."
[51:15]

6. Callers' Input and Perspectives

Listeners contribute their frustrations and questions:

• Caller (Steve in Middle Village):
  Expresses disappointment with Yankees' management and questions why Derek Jeter missed Old Timers Day.

  "I'd like to make two more points... I'd like to hear from you guys... but I don't buy it. He said he doesn't want to go. That's probably the reason he doesn't want to go."
  [18:47 – 23:54]

• Caller (Derek in Brooklyn):
  Inquires about the Mets' pitching strategies and management's decisions regarding starting pitchers.

  "What's the mindset of, of a Brian Casher compared to a David Stern, why he wouldn't attempt to acquire a player of Dylan Cease's caliber?"
  [48:03 – 51:15]

Michael Kay responds by critiquing the high costs associated with acquiring and retaining top-tier pitchers, emphasizing the risks involved:

"I'm not sinking a bunch of money and years into starting pitching... I'm going to save the big money for the guys that play every day."
[51:15]

7. Concluding Thoughts on Baseball's Current State

The hosts wrap up by reiterating their disappointment with the current season's trajectory, emphasizing a sense of unfulfilled potential and ongoing frustrations among fans.

"They're just a big tease. They're never going to be bad enough where they're going to scorched earth or completely miss the playoffs... But they're not going to be near good enough for you to feel comfortable."
[10:32]

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Kay:
  "These teams are grossly under .500 over the last 50 games, which is pretty much the entire summer."
  [02:54]

• Chris Carlin:
  "Forget the records. You're looking at two very average baseball teams that are capable of going on runs, have gone on runs, but also remind you that they could very easily fall off the face of the earth."
  [03:00]

• Michael Kay:
  "If you want an exact number? The Yankees are. The Yankees have played 118 games."
  [05:07]

• Michael Kay:
  "I wouldn't doubt both of them. I would."
  [04:37]

• Michael Kay:
  "They're going to be able to make the playoffs, but they'll meander through the rest of the summer."
  [10:32]

Key Insights and Conclusions:

1. Lack of Sustainability: Both the Yankees and Mets struggle with consistent performance and long-term sustainability, despite substantial investments and talent on their rosters.

2. Management Strategies: High payrolls and questionable management decisions, especially regarding pitching acquisitions and contracts, are central to the current disappointments.

3. Playoff Outlook: While both teams have playoff potential, their chances are marred by inconsistency, making their postseason outcomes uncertain and potentially dissatisfying for fans.

4. Fan Frustration: There is a palpable sense of frustration among fans due to repeated underperformance and unmet expectations, leading to a lack of trust in management decisions.

5. Comparative Analysis: When compared to other franchises like the Dodgers, the Yankees and Mets appear to falter in maintaining their competitive edge, raising questions about their future directions.

This episode provides a critical examination of the current state of New York's baseball teams, reflecting broader concerns about team management, financial strategies, and the overall direction of the franchises. Through passionate discussions and listener interactions, the hosts encapsulate the widespread sense of disappointment and the yearning for a resurgence in performance and success.