← Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
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- [00:01]
Alan Hahn
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- [00:29]
Peter Rosenberg
This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
- [00:33]
Alan Hahn
That sounds like heaven to me.
- [00:35]
Peter Rosenberg
Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8:80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers. Big 5:00 hour. We go here on Friday here in New York City. Don and Han today Peter off. He's got Wrestlemania all weekend. He'll join us again of course next week. But you're feeling it today. Had a beautiful spring day in New York City and it was that feeling, Don, when we opened the show about how this is, this is, this is what the playoffs feel like, right? This is that playoff weather when it comes to our winter teams where you're out and you just know, okay, it is time. And game one is tomorrow. Six o'clock, Madison Square Garden. The first round, the Knicks take on the Detroit Pistons. They haven't played them since I think was it 92. The Knicks had a five game series with them. That was the end of the bad boys era. That was Isaiah still that, that whole group of that they won those back to back championships. The Knicks won that series in five. Ewing had a phenomenal game five and that kind of was the end of that group, that they weren't the same. That Pistons group was never the same again. But this feels like it now because we've had some cold weather, some waning rainy weather, but this now feels like it. You can start to really get into it.
- [01:45]
Alan Hahn
It just kicked in where you now we're consistently in the 60s, 70s, Saturday it's supposed to get into the 80s.
- [01:51]
Peter Rosenberg
Let's go.
- [01:52]
Alan Hahn
So. So you're really starting to feel like all right now it's time for a run and it should be, should be pretty glorious that first round. I think it's a good matchup for them. You heard it from Tyler that the more he does the work and when you do play by play in a series, man, you do the work. Alan, you've been doing it too. So that's two people that are paid to do the work who just, you know, see it as being a good matchup. And I And I heard the Isaiah promo because he was on with Carlin and Bart about the, you know, the DNA. I get that. But we're still in the infancy of this Detroit thing. And you could say the same for the Knicks, but I just think the Knicks were better. I understand the four matchups, three of them went to Detroit, but I just don't think that's a fair comparison to what we're going to see here in the playoffs that will start tomorrow.
- [02:37]
Peter Rosenberg
You know what I think will come at the end of this series? Appreciation. I think the Knicks probably need a series like this if they're gonna do anything, if they're gonna get themselves ready. A series like this could get them to where they. It kind of steal, you know, the. The iron sharpens iron kind of thing. You kind of need a punchy young team to come in and wake you up a little bit and give you that challenge, give you that, oh, no, no, kids, you're not doing this here in our building. And get them to raise their level. This might be one of those. You know what? That series was good for us. We needed to be physically challenged like that to see where we could go.
- [03:14]
Alan Hahn
Do you know what the problem is, Allen? The more I think about it is when you look at the regular season, when did the Knicks ever surprise you? They lost all the games to Boston, all the games to Cleveland, all the games to okc.
- [03:29]
Peter Rosenberg
Right.
- [03:29]
Alan Hahn
You know, when did they surprise you?
- [03:32]
Peter Rosenberg
Yep.
- [03:32]
Alan Hahn
You know, and now maybe some Knick fans will be surprised with a win of the Pistons. They're so nervous that maybe finally they'll say, hey, the Knicks did something that we didn't expect them to do.
- [03:41]
Peter Rosenberg
Well, the Knicks are going to host a block party and viewing party outside MSG tomorrow night for game one of the playoff series against the Pistons. It's free and open to the public. It's offer offering everybody who goes the opportunity to participate in Knicks themed activities. Prior to the game. At Fan Plaza, you've got a watch party presented by Spectrum with live viewing of the game, a big outdoor screen. Don told you the weather's gonna be great. Where you can watch with fans activations at Fan Plaza presented by Duncan will include alumni appearances and interviews, photo opportunities, vertical jump games, giveaways, live host, DJ dunk competitions, all this stuff. The Knicks crosstown express bus, all of it presented by DoorDash. So if you can't get in the building, this is the next best way to do it. Speaking of alumni, this is. This is. We're talking about royalty. One of My favorite people to talk to about basketball and everything else. The great Bernard King, the Hall of Famer joining us right now. How are you doing, sir? It's always good to talk to.
- [04:39]
Bernard King
I am doing fantastic. Was that, was that applause for me or what?
- [04:43]
Peter Rosenberg
Yes, always.
- [04:45]
Bernard King
Always. It's pleasure to speak to you, Alan and Don.
- [04:49]
Peter Rosenberg
So you have watched this team closely. See, you had a lot of Nick games, you've watched this team and it's a lot different team from last year. What is your sense of this team going into the postseason?
- [05:01]
Bernard King
Well, you have to look at the changes that were made in terms of the roster this season. You know, obviously Karl Anthony Towns is really key. Best shooting big man in the game, ability to stretch the floor with his three point shooting and which really allows Jalen Brunson to get into the paint and execute his offensive moves. So I think that's the key, at least for the Knicks on the offensive side of the ball. Going into this series against what's going to be a very tough Detroit team with Cade Cunningham, those guys are really playing outstanding basketball. But I believe in my team, the.
- [05:41]
Alan Hahn
Knicks, and do I get concerned or not worry about the fact that the Pistons took three of the four meetings in the regular season?
- [05:52]
Bernard King
Well, you know, we have to throw that out of the window. You know, that's typically said, but that is a fact because the playoffs are played at a different intensity level from the defensive standpoint. And so that really doesn't matter. What does matter, I believe is Detroit is a very young team. They lack playoff experience. They won 14 games last year and obviously they played outstanding basketball this year. But. But they don't have the experience that the Knicks have. And I think you're going to see that come to bear in the first two games here at the Garden. But it's going to be a very intriguing series. And you know, you have a great coach on the sidelines in Thibodeau.
- [06:37]
Peter Rosenberg
Playoff physicality, I don't think, like we know the game has changed from obviously days that you played through the 90s to now? We know the game's different, but something that doesn't seem to change is when the playoffs come around, the physicality ramps up. Do you see that still today compared to when you played? And what is that like when you play in a playoff game versus what was a regular season game against the same opponent?
- [07:03]
Bernard King
Well, if you look at the playing games in the first round, you saw the basketball was very physical. And with this team, in terms of the Pistons physicality, you know, the first person you're going to take a look at is, you know, player up front, Isaiah Stewart, who is a very physical player. And I think really what's going to be very key for, you know, for the Knicks is to handle that physicality so it doesn't offset what they're trying to do offensively in the paint. And what's really also important is that Karl Anthony Towns does not get into any early foul trouble, and Mitchell Robson coming in off the bench. I think you may see the two of them play up front at some point in the series.
- [07:49]
Alan Hahn
How much can you scout the officials to know what you can get away with going into a game in a playoff?
- [07:56]
Bernard King
Well, in the playoffs, the officials are going to allow each team to become more physical. That's playoff basketball. And so it's not scouting the officials, from my perspective at least, that's going to change the game. The officials want the players to decide the game, but what they will do in the playoffs is control the game so that the game physically does not get out of hand. And that's very important, particularly when you talk about a player like Jalen Brunson, who really likes to get into the paint and go against the front line, and he's a very physical player himself, and so the officials really have to control and contain that. But it's going to be really exciting. I'm looking forward to watching. I'll be there tomorrow, and it's going to really be a very exciting and interesting series.
- [08:48]
Peter Rosenberg
You mentioned Brunson, and I've been trying to tell people who there's been some people in the media that keep saying that, well, Cade Cunningham's the best player in this series, and I have to look at the numbers to make sure I'm right. Jalen Brunson, in 24 playoff games with the Knicks, is averaging 30 points a game. The there's only one other human being in the history of the Knicks to average more points per game in the playoffs. That, of course, would be you. At 31 points a game in 18 playoff games, you were somebody. And I'll never forget the day we were talking one time and you started showing me how you would warm up for a game. You made a grid. You're all about your footwork and your spots on the floor. And I remember saying to you that day, where were you 10 years ago when I was still playing and I needed to learn things like this? But you pro of anyone watching, do you appreciate Brunson and his footwork and ability to get to his spots at his Size, because that's similar, although you're a much bigger player, but very similar to how you were with your footwork and getting to spots.
- [09:50]
Bernard King
I had an opportunity to speak to Jalene at a Nick event just a couple of months ago and I enjoyed the conversation with him. And one of the things I pointed out to him, I said, I love watching you play my favorite player. And I'll tell you why. Because you control the defense and as an offensive player, when you control the defense, then you're going to be able to get to any spot you want on the court to take your shots effectively. And that's how I played the game. So I enjoy watching that. And that's the analytical perspective of playing the game of basketball. Jalen is not the most athletic player that you see, but he has the ability to get any shot that he wants because he knows how to control the defense to get to the spot that he wants, whether it's a three point shot or a shot in the paint, creating spacing on the fade when he controls the defense. And that's chess, basketball, I love that. So I enjoy watching him play and that's, that's how I played the game in terms of that level.
- [10:58]
Alan Hahn
And he's somebody that'll take a charge and he's somebody that seems to take things personally on the court. You know how easy it is to rally around a guy like that.
- [11:06]
Bernard King
Well, the fans here in New York love him and that's part of why they love him. Because he plays with grit beyond his basketball like heel. He plays the game in a hard nosed way. He doesn't back down from anyone. And New York fans, they love that in a player when they see that. And consequently his leadership skills, his leadership skills are way above most leadership skills of players in the league. And so his teammates, they rally around all of that. But then again, you know, OG is going to be very important. McBride is going to be important. This team is going to have to get off to a very good start in game one to demonstrate that we are going to control this series and that's going to be very important from the very outset.
- [11:56]
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, that Game one, obviously when you're the high seed, is just so important. We learned this a bunch of years ago when Atlanta came in and stole that Game one and that felt like it flipped the whole series. We're talking with the great Bernard King, the Hall of Famer joining us right now. And if we're talking Knicks, Pistons, there's the memory. And I've told you this before, this Series, this run in 84, that. That's what made me a Knicks fan. Like, like watching you. And so Don, I. I don't know if you know this. I don't know people remember this. I gave you already the stat of Bernard King averaging over 31 points a game in the playoffs with the Knicks in 18 games. In a five game series with those Pistons that year where the Knicks were the lower seed, Bernard King averaged 42.6 points per game. I'm going to give you the game by game, 36 points in game one. You know, he had an off night. 46, 46, 41 and 44. And by the way, he also had 10 rebounds in one game and 12 rebounds in another. Bernard, what do you remember most from that series that you came out of that series in? One of the most incredible offensive performances we've ever seen in a playoff series.
- [13:05]
Bernard King
Well, one of the things I certainly do remember was playing with two dislocated figures. And every time I caught the ball, I was in pain. So it was important to take my game to another level for the team. And if it was the regular season, Allen, I would not have played with those dislocated fingers. But we're in the playoffs, and when your teammates count on you, you have to deliver. And I was excited about being in the playoffs. I was excited about representing the city, representing the franchise. And we had a Hall of Fame coach on the sidelines. And that first game, for example, I went out and scored the first 23 points of the game for our ball club without any of my teammates scoring. And we won that game because of Darrell Walker getting three steals down the line. And then I was effectively made a few shots. But that was a very competitive series. We weren't expected to win the series. And each game was a close game. There were no blowout games. And you had the great Isaiah Thomas obviously playing in that series as well. And we were able to take it to a game five. And the Silver Dome, which was their home court, was being used for another event. They never expected the Pistons to be in the playoffs and consequently they moved the game to St. Louis Arena. And guys, there was no air condition. It was 110 degrees in that building. I had the flu and as I stated, playing with dislocated fingers. And we rallied. But I want to say something else to you, if I May. In that fifth game, the game is on the line. There's about 12 seconds left and we're in the huddle. Hubie Brown is executing a play for Billy Cartwright, guys. Now, Billy Cartwright's an outstanding player, But I'm averaging 42 points a game, right? O. And I have never, I never ever in my basketball life. Guys, question the coach. You let the coach coach and I play. That's it. But in that situation, with the season on the line, the game on the line, I want the damn ball. And so I spoke up in huddle and I said, hughie, they have the right to take the ball myself. And he's still executing the play. And he ignored me and I yelled, hubie don't have the right to take the ball myself. I'm telling him I'm breaking the play. And finally he looks up and he says, yeah, we inbound the ball. I waved Billy Cartwright out. You asked about my memories of that series. I waved Billy Cartwright out. Earl Curtin, God bless his soul, he's defending. And in the heat of that moment, you know what he said to me in the heat of that moment, Guys, what do you think?
- [15:58]
Peter Rosenberg
Shoot it.
- [16:00]
Bernard King
He said, come on and bring it. And so I took the ball, drove right, put it between the legs, which I normally don't do, drove two dribbles to the left, faded nothing but net. That's my memories.
- [16:15]
Peter Rosenberg
That's a great. You know what that is? That's Jimmy Chitwood from Hoosiers, right? Yeah, right. He was throwing up a play and Jimmy Chitwood was the decoy. And everybody looked like, no, coach, no, no, give him the ball. That's.
- [16:27]
Bernard King
Let me tell you something really interesting. We're staying at a hotel. I'm staying here at a hotel. In. In the mix were kind enough to fly me in and I went downstairs to the restaurant. When I arrived at about 3:00 to get something to eat and I look up and on the television screen is the deteriorate Piston series being played today?
- [16:51]
Alan Hahn
No, because everybody's getting you ready, I'm sure probably NBA TV or ESPN Classics or somebody's taking advantage of that for sure. I got a two prong question for you real quick because. Yeah, sure, you know, you just said that that was a tough series. Five game series, every game was close. You alternated wins right to the end. And next up was Boston. They took made short work of Washington. Their series ended three days before yours did. Did you feel you were at a disadvantage of how hard that first round series was going up against Boston? And the second part is that something Knicks should think about. Try to make short work of the Pistons. Give yourself the best chance to beat Boston in the second round.
- [17:29]
Bernard King
Well, you know, we did not think of it as being a disadvantage mentally, but it was because that series, the fifth game went to double overtime. We're exhausted. We're going to play two days later, essentially, and we travel the very next day and then have to play the next game against Boston, as you pointed out. And so Boston was rested, they came out fired up and they were ready their championship team and they were well prepared. And so we struggled the first two games in Boston and then we had the three hour team meeting when we returned to New York and we came in, in that third game, we won. But a lot of people Forget we won were 33 in the regular season and we were 3, 3 finally in the playoffs. And until that seventh game, and had we had that home court advantage, we would have been in the NBA championship. But you know, obviously you had a great bird, you know, in that series and he played outstanding. But I think on defense and Rory Sparrow controlling the point, distributing the ball, and Billy Cartwright playing so well in the low blocks, as well as Truck Robson. We were a team collectively and we did a great job in that series, but we came up just a little short.
- [18:55]
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, that series, the whole series.
- [18:58]
Bernard King
In terms of the Knicks preparation for this, they rested Brunson, you know, he was out for a month. He's healthy now. Mitchell Robinson is healthy. And they have to jump on this team early because young teams, you can take away their confidence regardless of their record. Forget the record in regular season, you can take away their confidence by jumping on them early and dominating them.
- [19:27]
Peter Rosenberg
Put that doubt in their, in their minds just a little bit. Bernard, I always love talk. I could talk to you for an hour, you know that. But I don't want to hold you up, but I do, I do. Would be remiss if I didn't ask you about Carmelo Anthony, because he idolized you. He always talked about you and your influence on him. You are a Hall of Famer. He was just now also named to the hall of Fame. What does that mean for you?
- [19:52]
Bernard King
Well, you know, I saw Carmelo, I see him all the time at the Garden. We sit next to each other occasionally. And in fact, when he was nominated for the hall of Fame, I said, you're in the career that you've had, Melo. You are in the hall of Fame. And I just want to say congratulations to you. And I'm going to tell you something else, Melo. I'm going to be there to see you inducted. And I look forward to being there when he is inducted and he was such a great player. He's had a great career, and he exemplified what you want a superstar to be in the NBA. And he's diversified himself off the court, and I'm delighted for him. And as you indicated, he watched my game tapes and he incorporated some of my moves into his game, but he took it to a whole nother level.
- [20:46]
Peter Rosenberg
Well, it's still. It's special just to see that. That connection. And then obviously, now he gets to join you in the hall of Fame. I look forward to seeing you Saturday night, sir. Thanks so much for giving us a few minutes.
- [20:56]
Bernard King
Absolutely. Enjoyed talking to you guys, Alan and Don. And let's go, Nick. All the way.
- [21:02]
Peter Rosenberg
All right. The great Bernard King joining us here. It's again, for me, I. If I sound like a little kid, I can't help it like this, Don. I. I don't know what was your sort of gateway to hockey, the thing that drew you in? I've told you about the Chris Chambliss thing. Watching that highlight on the news, just seeing him fighting through and all that was like, suddenly just drawn into the Yankees, that, that Detroit series, that Bernard King season. But that series was because I was more of a hockey kid. I grew up playing street hockey. I was an Islanders fan. You know, that was my whole thing, baseball and hockey that drew me into basketball. That was it right there. Watching him play and dominate. And that Celtic series that went seven games against that great Celtics team in 84, like that, that was it for me. So he's. He's somebody that, as much as I've gotten to know him over the years, every time I talk to him, I still sit there going like, oh, my God, it's been on King.
- [21:54]
Alan Hahn
And we're talking about a series that, you know, 40 years ago, more than 40 years ago, and just the memory of it, just to see the line scores. And he's right, man. They got belted pretty good in Game 1 against Boston. Lost by 18, lost by 16 in Game 2, but they won every game at the Garden. They just couldn't figure out a way to win at the Boston Garden and lose. But, you know, that's part of analyzing this series. I think it's important to try to get through the Pistons as quickly as possible. You want to give yourself the best chance to be able to beat Boston. And I. I didn't know how injured he was going into that. And. And to have to play five games in a best of five and double overtime in the second game. And I. I had forgotten about those games in St. Louis.
- [22:35]
Peter Rosenberg
No, no, Joe Lewis. He mentioned Joe Lewis.
- [22:37]
Alan Hahn
Excuse me, Joe Lewis. Joe Lewis. I said.
- [22:41]
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, no, no, I say Joe Lewis. Yeah, right. He said he meant Joe Louis Arena. But I, that's the one thing I remember that crazy story about how the Silver Dome was not available because the Pistons were bad for many years. Like that was the very beginning. Isaiah Thomas was, you know, dragging that team and they were getting better and better and they made the playoffs that year and they, they had already rented it out to whoever else wanted it. So they had to play Joe Lewis, they had to play with the Red Wings.
- [23:07]
Alan Hahn
And it's weird, like in that it was only like four or five years old, the building, but going to Joe Louis arena always felt like it was, it was built like a hundred years ago. It was, it was crazy. And, and it was always hot. It just. Yeah. So it's pretty crazy that the, and listen, the Silver Dome was no prize either to have to go and play.
- [23:27]
Peter Rosenberg
No cavernous, huge. But it was loud. It was one thing that was eventually to their advantage. The Knicks playoff journey begins at the Garden Saturday evening. You can tune into MSG Network's coverage at 5:30, starting with the pregame show. Myself, Bill Pedo, Wally, Monica, you know, the whole family. Then stay for MSG Network's award winning coverage of the team for tip off at 6pm MSG Networks has you covered for Games 1 through 3 of this series and it starts tomorrow night at 5:30pm GNC knows that you're not always.
- [24:00]
Alan Hahn
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- [25:29]
Peter Rosenberg
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
- [25:32]
Alan Hahn
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
- [25:34]
Peter Rosenberg
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. Now, this used to mean that the Yankees lost the game because Liza's singing, not Frank.
- [25:50]
Alan Hahn
Right?
- [25:51]
Peter Rosenberg
We don't play that song anymore, but there is some a couple of losses with the Yankees that we'll discuss and so Don, why don't we do a Yankee starting lineup brought to you by CertaPro Painters for tonight's game against the Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field down in Tampa, which is still weird. Okay, leading off, Ben Rice, the dh. More on him in a moment because he is just en fuego. Aaron Judge batting second in right field, Cody Bellinger batting third in left, Paul Goldschmidt is your first baseman. He's in the cleanup spot. Jazz Chisel more on him later as well. Batting fifth at second base for now, JC Ascara is your catcher batting six. Batting seventh, Anthony Volpe, the shortstop. Batting eighth, Trent Grisham, the center fielder. He's also been hitting the ball very well. And Oswaldo Cabrera rounds it out batting ninth at third base. On the mound, Carlos Rodon. And thankfully it's not on Prime. We get a yes Network vehicle tonight, which is also wonderful. That was the Yankee starting lineup brought to you by certapro Painters. When choosing a painting professional for your home or business, the choice is simple. Choose happy. Choose certapro Painters. So we are seeing that Jazz Chisholm has been suspended one game by Major League Baseball for the ejection last night throwing his helmet towards was it John Bacon was the home plate umpire who called that brutal strike, which was obviously low. Then he tweeted during the game from the clubhouse after being ejected, which is a no no as well. So he's going to appeal the suspension. He's also being fined, of course, which is probably why he's in the lineup tonight. But you can't imagine he's going to win that appeal. No, it's a very bizarre situation last night, though, and Jazz just lost control.
- [27:39]
Alan Hahn
Let me just tell you, as somebody that's been around New York sports my entire life, this is not the Yankee way. I think we can agree on that. Right. Jazz is kind of a little different. And I'm not saying it's bad. He's just a little different.
- [27:53]
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah.
- [27:53]
Alan Hahn
And not kind of the player the Yankees are used to having. And he's kind of having a strange season. He's hit six home runs, but he's hitting under.200. So. But I guess hitting home runs is obviously what the Yankees want. And he's been. He did well coming over at the trade deadline last year. These things aren't going to fly if he's not going to play well. You know, just ask Clint Frazier how it went.
- [28:17]
Peter Rosenberg
So good one.
- [28:18]
Alan Hahn
I think you have to kind of fall in line just a little bit because this is not the Yankee way. I think they'll tolerate it for a point or to a point, but as long as he's playing well, as long as the team's winning, but just kind of keep an eye on it, he's going to have to make adjustments. Because I understand the pitch was way out, way out of the strike zone. I thought it was a makeup call for the previous pitch. That. That doesn't excuse it, but you just can't condone that kind of behavior. And the tweet, that's just not. That's not what you want. He took it down. But still, that you don't want that, that's just not what you do. You know, that's not something the Yankees are going to tolerate.
- [28:53]
Peter Rosenberg
Is this something. Is this a Cashman Boone thing with is it that or is it more Aaron Judge kind of thing? Pull him aside?
- [29:06]
Alan Hahn
I think both could work. But I do think that when you're talking about the Yankee way, it comes from both, I think probably hits a little different coming from Judge than it would from Boone or Cashman. But ultimately, at some point, it's got to come from above because you don't want to have any kind of issues between players. Judge says something to him, and if it continues, then it has to come from Boone, and if it continues, it's got to come from Cashman. And the way it comes from Cashman is that he's not here anymore. Right. I mean, I don't think Brian Cashman's going to have a talk with him. If Judge and Boone can't get through to him, then I think then that's it. You're gone.
- [29:44]
Peter Rosenberg
But don't you tolerate this? Because, number one, he, he, he's, he's swinging a good bat, especially showing power, but he's, he's very good. Second, but like, he's played well. You mentioned Clint Frazier, but Clint Frazier, he wasn't doing anything like he did.
- [30:00]
Alan Hahn
For a while, and he didn't. But, but you also got to be careful, too, that you don't want to set the. And listen, the Yankees are the Yankees, right? And I think a lot of fans enjoy that. They're that way. All right. I know there's like the no fun police and all that, but there's just certain things. They're a little bit more buttoned up as an organization, just the way that it is.
- [30:18]
Peter Rosenberg
Not anymore. And they free beards now.
- [30:20]
Alan Hahn
Well, they freed that up. But, you know, let's not make out that. Oh, that you're allowed to have beards, that you can just do whatever you want. I'm sorry that, that didn't seem like something the Yankees ever tolerate. And you take the cue from your leaders, right?
- [30:34]
Peter Rosenberg
Yep.
- [30:35]
Alan Hahn
I mean, doesn't it tell you that the last two leaders are basically identical as far as personality is concerned in Judge and Jeter?
- [30:42]
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah.
- [30:43]
Alan Hahn
You know, I mean, that, that tells you what the organization wants from its players, and they'll allow a little freedom here and there, but it's going to come with the way that you play. And when they got him, the feeling was, ah, that doesn't seem like a guy the Yankees would go out and get, but they needed him and he played well. And, you know, so far he's, he's done the job, although the batting average isn't there, but he's got six home runs and they're winning, so it's not an issue. But I'm just telling you that the first 0 for 25, these are things they're gonna kind of creep up. So I am not in the, in the business of telling people to change their ways, but there are certain things that are tolerated, some certain things that aren't. So he's gonna appeal. So he gets a chance to play. Everybody appeals. It's not gonna be held up. And I'm sure he is gonna get a talking to. And probably the first one, if it hasn't happened already, is Judge.
- [31:30]
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, actually should be. And I'd be surprised if it didn't happen already. Just again these little subtle conversations. And you know, Michael, Michael K. Was saying something on his show today about how what he noticed with talks about you when you talk about the influence thing Ben Rice from one year to another when it comes to interviews and with the media, because again, you come in, especially the young players, you're just wide eyed and excited just to be there. You're in the show. And not only in the show, I'm wearing Yankee pinstripes. Like, this is amazing. And so you, you have a little bit of giddiness to you. You're almost willing to say anything. And this year he's having great success. He's got a little more like pro about him, like I belong here kind of vibe. And he said it's probably that influence of, you know, Stanton and Judge, kind of letting them know, like, hey kid, look, if you're going to be here, this is how we do things around here. And the smart ones, you want to, you want to make sure that we're all kind of doing the same thing in lockstep, if you believe in standard. And I don't want to say that and sound like again, the Yankee thing is better than everybody else. I don't mean it like that, but there is, it's a real thing. You said it. There is a standard about the Yankees, a way we do things, kind of, kind of vibe. And Rice is clearly bought into it. So maybe they've just got to get Jazz on that page where it's not going to squelch his personality. Because we know he's got a personality. He does, he's kind of fun. But he probably has to understand that even I have to dial it back a little bit in that moment. Not necessarily arguing balls and strikes because everybody gets mad. It's going in the clubhouse and doing that, throwing a helmet. Those are the things that let's, let's make sure that doesn't happen. Because Paul O'Neill used to, used to beat the crap out of the bat rack. Like he lost his mind a lot of times too. But do that there, not on the field.
- [33:15]
Alan Hahn
Yeah, that's the thing. And the difference between Ben Rice and Jazz is that Ben Rice grew up in this organization. And the one good thing about any good team, any good well run organization is, is that no matter where you are in the organization, whether it's single A, double A, triple A, it's all done the same way. So I'm sure when Ben Rice was with the Somerset Patriots, that's the way they did things. Because it's not just being a Yankee, it's being in the Yankee organization. So you grow up with that from the second you're drafted, you know, the way that you're supposed to conduct yourself. Jazz came over here from Miami. I don't know what their rules were. It's not the Yankee way, you know, and so maybe you had a little bit more freedom. And I guess that's why the one negative about the beard thing is, is that you didn't have to explain that things were different because that's pretty jarring. It's the only team that had a beard policy in major league baseball, right? So right away you knew you were in a different place, but now you're letting your hair down a little bit. Doesn't mean that there isn't still a way. So when you come from another organization, there's going to be an adjustment. And there was probably no adjustment last year because you're thrown right to a pennant race right into the postseason. But now, his first full season here, he's going to learn. And if this happens again, then I think you have a bit of a problem.
- [34:29]
Peter Rosenberg
Now let me get your take on something that a lot of Yankees fans are now been kicking around over the last couple of days, but really got loud last night when Rice had that he had another phenomenal game. Big hit late, 4 for 4 just yet. He's just giving you every reason to believe this is real. It's not made up. I mean, he's third in the majors in hard hit percentage, fifth and exit Velo six in ops. Like he's off to a tremendous start. And I always laugh because it just. This is baseball, but it's all sports. Well, what happens when Stanton comes back? How are you going to play him? Who's going to play? Who's going to sit? You know, Michael talked about it a little bit today as well. Don, how are you just from. Again, you're looking from the outside. Isn't this a good problem to have? And if my take is this, I'm not worried about playing Stanton in June or July. I need him in October. I need him healthy. So why would I care about overplaying him now when I'll worry about that in September when I need to get him ramped up because postseason right now for a guy who I know in Stanton, who you love in October, but sometimes it's hard to get him there physically.
- [35:38]
Alan Hahn
Right.
- [35:39]
Peter Rosenberg
I can't worry about. Well, he's got to get his at bats. He's got to get every day at bats. I don't know, maybe the right idea is to kind of limit his at bats platoon a little bit and ease him through the long baseball season whenever he does finally return.
- [35:51]
Alan Hahn
Well, it's the rest and rust thing. Right. Like, yeah, you want to be able to rest them, but at the same time you want him to get into a bit of a groove because you're going to need him in the postseason and he's going to need a bats to get there. But at the same time, he's. He's always good for a couple of IL appearances.
- [36:05]
Peter Rosenberg
Yep.
- [36:06]
Alan Hahn
That was the thing about him being injured. Now it's like, well, he's going to come back and when he comes back and he starts playing, something else is going to go. So it's going to carve even more into his at bats. So that's the thing that's scary is that you want to get him back and almost get that IL appearance out of the way because you know it's coming and you don't want it to have it happen in the last week of the season and then he's not available. So it's going to be a juggling act. Michael always used to talk about that. That's a good problem. There's no such thing as a good problem. To have a problem's a problem. But it is good that, you know, Ben Rice is making it a difficult decision, but they're going to have some tough ones to have to make. But he's. Alan, he's going to have to get his appearance, he's going to have to play. Just can't all of a sudden ramp it up, you know, out of nowhere he's going to get his 200 at bats, whatever it's going to be to get ready.
- [36:51]
Peter Rosenberg
But what do you do, especially come playoff time? Let's. Let's live in a world where this Ben Rice is. This is what he is supposed to be because in the minors he showed you that's what he was there. This is not like an aberration. He's a high exit velo guy, he's a contact hitter and he's. He strengthened himself, worked on his weaknesses and came into the season ready. And I know he's young, but still this is a real thing you're seeing. And he's a catcher that they converted to first base because they didn't need him at catcher, but they needed his bat. Right now he's, you know, obviously he's DH and he's done a really good job doing that as well. If his bat is what it is, you need him in the playoffs. So what do you do? How do you figure this out? Because it's an embarrassment of riches, I guess. But you still gotta play him?
- [37:41]
Alan Hahn
No. Then it just becomes there's gotta be some other place or somebody else that's going to have to suffer at bat now.
- [37:49]
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah.
- [37:50]
Alan Hahn
Stanton's not going to play the field, I wouldn't think, unless, you know, there's no other choice at certain moments. But the idea is a dh, and that was always the issue because you landlock people because you want Judge to be able to dh, right. You want. You want certain guys to be able to. To get arrest but still have his bat in the lineup.
- [38:09]
Peter Rosenberg
And Goldschmidt's an everyday first baseman. That's his whole career. That's what he's been.
- [38:12]
Alan Hahn
But he's gonna be 38 in September, so he's somebody that's probably gonna deserve some rest. Right. So that's somebody that you thought would dh, but maybe he's gonna have to sit if he's. If he's an over 12. And then Stanton gets his moments there. It's probably going to have to be the Russ Roulette thing again that you're going to. Stan's going to have to get his at bats because somebody's played 12 in a row. Somebody they don't want playing a day game after a night game. Let's get Judge off the turf in Toronto kind of deal where just finding little places where you can have Stanton get his at bats, his dh, something.
- [38:46]
Peter Rosenberg
Certainly to keep an eye on. But I look at these as good problems because I'd rather have that than, you know, worrying about there's not enough offense or there's certain guys that aren't playing up to their level. I worry about this when it all happens, but I do look at them as good problems because you can solve these a lot easier than you can solve the ones of I got nobody hitting right now in the bottom of my order and we've got to find somebody that can.
- [39:11]
Alan Hahn
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Peter Rosenberg
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Alan Hahn
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- [39:34]
Bernard King
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Alan Hahn
More terms and restrictions apply.
- [39:36]
Peter Rosenberg
Programs subject to terms and conditions. Details@lowe's.com Terms subject to change.
- [39:41]
Alan Hahn
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- [40:03]
Peter Rosenberg
Selection varies by location while supplies last.
- [40:05]
Alan Hahn
Discount taken at time of purchase. Actual plant size and selection varies by location. Excludes Alaska and Hawaii. Hey there travelers. Kaley Cuoco here. Sorry to interrupt your music great artist BT Dubs, but wouldn't you rather be there to hear it live? With Priceline you can get out of your dreams and into your dream concert. They've got millions of travel deals to get you to that festival, gig, rave, sound bath or sonic experience you've been dreaming of. Download the Priceline app today and you can save up to 60% off hotels and up to 5050 off flights. So don't just dream about that trip, book it with Priceline.
- [40:37]
Bernard King
Go to your happy price Priceline.
- [40:41]
Peter Rosenberg
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
- [40:45]
Alan Hahn
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
- [40:46]
Peter Rosenberg
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. All right, it's game time. Brought to you by Telemardu Irish Whiskey because Don the Greco when it's game time.
- [41:00]
Alan Hahn
Yes.
- [41:03]
Peter Rosenberg
That'S right. Mets Cardinals coverage follows us right here on 880 at 6:30pm that's right, we are done after ENN Yankees. They continue their series with the Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field down in Tampa. That's at 7:05. And of course over the weekend, man, we got some. We got a lot going on. Including of course The Knicks game one on Saturday, 5:00 5:30 is your pregame on 10:50am for a 6:00 tip off at Madison Square Garden. Telemardu the original triple distilled, triple blended, triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Telemore Dew or try the new Telemurdu. Honey, during today's action, glasses up to enjoying Telemore Dew responsibly. Let's get some calls in here. Robert in Manhattan wants to talk a little Stanley cup playoffs with you, Donnie.
- [41:51]
Alan Hahn
Well, actually, before I do, I don't know if you consider this a fraud.
- [41:56]
Peter Rosenberg
My Bruins got bounced out. They're not in it, but I'm rooting.
- [41:59]
Alan Hahn
For Ovechkin in the Capitals. I think it would be a great story. He breaks Gretzky's records and he takes Washington to a suit to a Stanley Cup. Great story for him, the team and the city okay, Don, I want you to analyze and I'm going to hang up and listen.
- [42:17]
Peter Rosenberg
First of all, when are the four.
- [42:19]
Alan Hahn
They seem to be all over the map of time.
- [42:22]
Peter Rosenberg
When are the four Eastern series going to begin? Which ones do you like and which ones do you see?
- [42:28]
Alan Hahn
Possible upsets. I'm going to hang up and listen. Well, my possible upset kind of goes against what you're rooting for. I believe Montreal is going to beat Washington because Montreal has been red hot, exceptionally well coached. They were able to add some players down the stretch, young, good, young players too. You know, Washington hasn't had anything to play for. They've been focused on Ovechkin breaking the record and now, you know, have to hit the ground running here against the team that's basically been in the playoffs for the last month. As far as the schedule is concerned. I have it here.
- [43:02]
Peter Rosenberg
You.
- [43:02]
Alan Hahn
Because you sent it to me, Anthony. So I'm trying to punch it up here as far as that. So I can probably get that to you right now. I was able to find it. Believe. Look at that. Eastern Conference. Ottawa, Toronto starts on Sunday at 7:00 while Florida, Tampa starts their series, doesn't start until Tuesday at 8:30. And then Montreal, Washington, Monday at 7:00. And the Devils and Carolina will start Sunday at 3:00. And my Stanley cup final pick. Are you ready for this, Alan?
- [43:35]
Peter Rosenberg
Oh, now we're going to do it.
- [43:37]
Alan Hahn
Why not? Playoff start. I want to get on board my Stanley cup final pick. I don't know if TNT is going to be happy, but I'd be.
- [43:46]
Peter Rosenberg
What is it?
- [43:47]
Alan Hahn
The Toronto Maple Leafs versus the Winnipeg Jets.
- [43:49]
Peter Rosenberg
What? So we're guaranteed to get a Canadian Stanley cup champion for the first time since 1993.
- [43:56]
Alan Hahn
That's right. And it would be. And I think I have Toronto winning it all for the first time since 67.
- [44:00]
Peter Rosenberg
Oh my goodness.
- [44:01]
Alan Hahn
And I've got, and maybe it's my head, a conference final of Montreal, Toronto.
- [44:07]
Peter Rosenberg
Oh my. Could you imagine?
- [44:09]
Alan Hahn
Because I don't love. I got Carolina beating New Jersey. Right. So you could check all this out. You listen to the podcast if you want all the details. But Carolina always gets bounced in the second round. Montreal is going to be hot after beating Washington and they're going to beat Carolina. They'll lose to Toronto.
- [44:23]
Peter Rosenberg
Wow.
- [44:24]
Alan Hahn
I've got. I've got Tampa beating Florida. It finally. The rain finally ends. And then. But that's going to. But that's going to be an absolute blood between those two teams which advantage Toronto, because I've got Toronto beating Ottawa.
- [44:40]
Peter Rosenberg
That's going to be a bloodbath too.
- [44:42]
Alan Hahn
No, but not to the extent of Florida, Tampa, really? No, I don't believe so. I mean, Ottawa's never been in the postseason, Brady Kachuk's never been in the postseason and Toronto Stolars is playing tremendous. So I think that'll give Toronto the advantage to get to the conference final and I think they'll beat up on Montreal and Winnipeg. I'm telling you, this is the best team in the NHL up and down, terrific goaltending. Connor Hullabuck. They will face Vegas in the conference final and advance. So I don't know if TNT would love it, but I'd love it. I think you'd love it too, wouldn't you?
- [45:12]
Peter Rosenberg
Oh my goodness, I would. Because again, the emotion, the energy, all that stuff behind it, it would be great theater. We're late, but I'm just curious about Dave in the car and this point Dave wants to make. Dave, as quick as you can, please make your point.
- [45:28]
Bernard King
Here's my point. Thanks for getting me in here.
- [45:31]
Alan Hahn
I just think right now with the talent that the Knicks have, I think the urgency is there.
- [45:37]
Peter Rosenberg
I think when the apron deal was.
- [45:39]
Alan Hahn
Taken by Brunson and when Bridges said he's not going to sign a contract, I think the window on the Knicks is actually closed. But guess what? It's going to close for a lot of teams.
- [45:49]
Peter Rosenberg
So the urgency of people pushing for.
- [45:52]
Alan Hahn
Tibbs to turn up his game and for the players to turn up right now, I think it's valid. And as for. As for Towns in this hand finger thing, you heard what Bernard King said, his fingers were killing them. He was dropping 40. He's got to step up and dominate, man, if they gonna win.
- [46:10]
Peter Rosenberg
That's what I have to say. He's not wrong.
- [46:12]
Alan Hahn
That's good.
- [46:12]
Peter Rosenberg
He has to play great, you know, and that's the main thing. But the thing about the window closing is when he's talking about the apron. For those who don't understand in 15 seconds, I'll tell you, it's. It's a new thing in the cba. It is basically like a hard cap. It is a punitive penalties for anybody that goes over this second apron they call it. It's a. It's a barrier basically. If you go over this number when it comes to revenue luxury tax it you now it not only cost you money, it costs you the ability to make transactions. It locks up your roster. It's essentially working like a hard cap. And there are a lot of teams that are right up against it. The Knicks are one of them. You're trying to get under it or stay under it. And so there's going to be teams with big decisions to make this offseason. That's why some big names, Kevin Durant, maybe even Giannis. You know, there's going to be names that might end up being moved around and teams have to make tough decisions, and the Knicks are certainly going to be one of them.
- [47:06]
Alan Hahn
And quickly, before you run, I was just talking about my bracket bracket challenge. Go to espn.com and our group is game misconduct. So join my podcast and the bracket challenge. I know you've done it with your son already. I saw you were already signed up.
- [47:22]
Peter Rosenberg
Yes sir.
- [47:22]
Alan Hahn
I'm in. Anthony's in. Ton of other people, so do it espn.com Right Anthony Yes.
- [47:28]
Bernard King
Oh yeah.
- [47:28]
Peter Rosenberg
I'm very excited. Fired up. Donnie, take us home.
- [47:33]
Alan Hahn
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- [48:05]
Peter Rosenberg
Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know. 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.