Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Cashman's Comments

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 3: Cashman's Comments
• Release Date: February 14, 2025
• Description: The first voice of ESPN New York and New Jersey legend Don La Greca, long-time sportswriter and broadcaster Alan Hahn, and highly opinionated Hip Hop veteran and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg delve into New York sports and beyond.

1. Introduction and Super Bowl Scheduling Discussion

[01:08] Don Hahn:
Don opens the show by addressing the recent three-day weekend, highlighting that it isn’t recognized as a holiday by the station. This segues into a broader discussion initiated by Peter Rosenberg about the NFL's decision to schedule the Super Bowl on President's Day weekend in 2027, coinciding with Valentine's Day.

[01:56] Don Hahn:
Don speculates on the potential impact of this scheduling, noting that while Super Bowl viewership remains robust (citing 126 million viewers [06:16] Don Hahn), he doubts that the new holiday weekend will significantly detract from the event's popularity. He emphasizes the NFL's adaptability, referencing how even major changes, like the removal of Labor Day games, have not historically hurt Super Bowl ratings.

Notable Quote:

Don Hahn [06:16]: "Unless I don't know how it works, which is possible. All Nielsen can account for is the number of people in the household... So for all the different parties, we can all agree there's more than 126 million people."

2. Analysis of Brian Cashman's Interview

The core of the episode revolves around Brian Cashman's recent comments regarding the New York Yankees' roster decisions, particularly the signing (and potential trading) of Marcus Stroman.

[08:43] Peter Rosenberg:
Peter introduces a segment where they play clips from Brian Cashman's interview, focusing on Cashman's stance on signing Stroman and the broader implications for the Yankees' roster strategy.

[09:04] Brian Cashman (Clip):
Cashman expresses no regrets about signing Marcus Stroman, highlighting Stroman's contribution to the team's success in overcoming injuries and positioning the Yankees as American League champions.

[09:50] Peter Rosenberg:
Peter notes that Cashman's comments indicate a pivot due to losing Soto, rather than a strategic choice. This leads to a discussion on whether Cashman's approach reflects accountability or a reluctance to adapt.

[16:03] Peter Rosenberg:
Peter questions whether the Yankees are lowering their standards, suggesting that Cashman's acknowledgment of the challenges in reaching the World Series indicates a shift away from the "win-at-all-costs" mentality traditionally associated with the franchise.

[16:56] Don Hahn:
Don challenges the caller's harsh criticism of the Yankees, arguing that while the franchise may not meet fan expectations, it still remains competitive and far from being the "most pathetic franchise." He compares the Yankees favorably against other struggling teams like the Giants and Jets.

Notable Quotes:

Don Hahn [16:03]: "We're lowering the bar, but isn't that what you wanted?"

Peter Rosenberg [30:34]: "He went too far. All of the points that he made were true. But most pathetic franchise? Of course they're not."

3. Listener Calls and Feedback

Throughout the episode, listeners called in to express their frustrations and opinions about the Yankees' management and performance.

Caller Gilbert [26:11]:
Gilbert labels the Yankees as "the most pathetic Franchise in sports," criticizing Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner for constant excuses and poor management decisions, particularly regarding player contracts and trades like Marcus Stroman.

Don Hahn [28:25]:
Don responds by defending the Yankees, emphasizing their consistent competitiveness and contrasting them with other less successful franchises. He argues that while fans may be frustrated, the Yankees are still a top-tier team in the league.

Notable Quotes:

Gilbert [26:11]: "They are the most pathetic Franchise in sports."

Don Hahn [28:25]: "You should be happy you have a team that actually is in the running every single year."

4. Broader Sports Discussions

The hosts expand their conversation beyond the Yankees, touching on various sports topics:

• NBA All-Star Game: Don and Peter discuss the proposal to modify the All-Star format by removing the three-point line, considering whether such changes would enhance or detract from the game's appeal.

• College Basketball: Brief mentions of FanDuel promotions and the excitement surrounding the college basketball season.

• Super Bowl on Cruises: Multiple listeners call in to discuss the feasibility and potential popularity of watching the Super Bowl while on cruise ships, with Don and Peter sharing personal anecdotes and technological considerations.

Notable Quotes:

Peter Rosenberg [34:32]: "I did the super bowl once on vacation."

Don Hahn [40:35]: "You didn't see the super bowl, but you actually watched the World Cup that way. And it was awesome."

5. Concluding Remarks and Final Thoughts

In the latter part of the episode, Don and Peter reflect on the Yankees' current state, Cashman's leadership, and the broader implications for the franchise's future. They acknowledge the challenges of maintaining a competitive team within budget constraints and the evolving landscape of Major League Baseball.

[44:05] Don Hahn:
Don criticizes the idealistic expectations fans hold, suggesting that the business realities prevent the Yankees from consistently outspending every competitor. He encourages fans to appreciate the team's sustained competitiveness rather than holding onto outdated standards.

[45:37] Al:
The episode concludes with final advertisements and well-wishes from the hosts, emphasizing the dynamic and engaging nature of the show.

Notable Quote:

Peter Rosenberg [45:37]: "I just want to know it's good."

Key Takeaways:

• Super Bowl Scheduling: The NFL's decision to align the Super Bowl with President's Day weekend in 2027 is unlikely to significantly impact viewership, given the event's massive and dedicated audience.

• Yankees Management Critique: The hosts and listeners engage in a heated debate over Brian Cashman's recent comments, questioning the Yankees' strategic decisions regarding player contracts and roster management.

• Fan Frustration vs. Franchise Performance: While some fans express deep frustration with the Yankees' perceived lack of accountability and strategic missteps, the hosts argue that the team remains competitive and should be commended for consistent performance.

• Broader Sports Topics: Discussions range from potential changes to the NBA All-Star Game format to the innovative ways fans might engage with major sporting events, such as watching the Super Bowl on cruises.

• Financial Responsibility in Sports: A recurring theme is the balance between maintaining a competitive payroll and exercising fiscal responsibility, with a nod to teams like the Dodgers and Rays who manage success within budget constraints.

Conclusion:

In this episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," the hosts delve deep into Brian Cashman's remarks about the Yankees' roster strategy, sparking a broader conversation about team management, fan expectations, and the evolving dynamics of professional sports. Through lively debates and listener interactions, the episode offers a comprehensive look at the current state of the Yankees and raises pertinent questions about the future of sports franchises operating within financial limitations.