Hour 3: Cashman's Comments

Summary

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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[Al]

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[Don Hahn]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. That sounds like heaven to me.

[Al]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3.

[Don Hahn]

On 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Can I make a request there, Jacob?

[Don Hahn]

Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Even though it's the rejoiner, can you just play us the show intro at 5:00 instead?

[Don Hahn]

From today, from now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I just know just the one from today. I enjoyed it. That was just a lovely way to start. Welcome guys to the big five o'clock hour. Don Hahn and Rosenberg. Don, most people got the old three day weekend this weekend.

[Don Hahn]

That's right. We do not dream. We'll be with you on Monday. But the kids.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know I. For the record, for the record, I'm off the morning show because it's a civilized radio station, just so you know. But we don't, we don't believe in three day weekend somehow in this.

[Gilbert]

What do you mean?

[Peter Rosenberg]

What do you mean what do I mean?

[Don Hahn]

It's just this is not one of the days that we have as a holiday.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what I'm saying. That's uncivilized.

[Don Hahn]

Okay?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Everyone gets off.

[Don Hahn]

This is, this is a day.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This isn't a small one. Don. President's weekends, that's a biggie. I mean, I guess I think ESPN only recognizes Memorial Labor Day. I know the only three days that they consider like a full on holiday for talent.

[Don Hahn]

Well, let me tell you something. Everybody else is off. I mean, listen, I get holiday pay, but that's not the point. I'll tell you what, you won't have to worry about it. Two years from now, you will be working. The day after President's Day you will be working President's Day. I'm saying that is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, well we would anyway because this place doesn't believe in it. But the point that Anthony is making is that in 2027, because of the way the calendar works out, because of the way Labor Day falls and because of the way President's Weekend falls, we will get the super bowl on Sunday, February 14th. It will be Valentine's Day, it will be Super Bowl Sunday and it will be the Sunday of President's Day weekend. So that is the path of water. And the interesting thing to me, Don, is what will happen after that? Like, are they going to like it and want to continue with that or is it going to go bad and they potentially take a small hit because it becomes a holiday weekend.

[Don Hahn]

Well, everybody wishes that they had the day off after the super bowl because the game starts at 6:30 so it ends a little later for people who have to get up early in the morning and there's usually partying and drinking and everybody just wants to take the next day off. But because you're going to have this superstorm, if you will, of Valentine's on a Sunday, the day off the next day, that that could be where people decide to go away. Let's go skiing, let's go on a cruise. And will that affect the number of the super bowl if people are going to go away? I don't necessarily think so. Some believe it might affect it because remember the NFL stopped playing on Labor Day for their home for their opener because they felt it affected the ratings because people were away. Now this is the Super Bowl. Nothing seems to affect it. You had a game that was effectively over at the half and still got a monster number. 126 million people watched it. So I don't think Valentine's Day matters. I think when Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday, most people will treat that Saturday night as the night to go out. But with it being a day off the next day. Peter, will that affect the number?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't think it'll affect it negatively.

[Don Hahn]

I don't think so.

[Peter Rosenberg]

My prediction is, Don, it's awesome. And it's what we end up getting moving forward. And they tell the NBA All Star game, hey guys, good news. You get to be our bye week entertainment. No one cares about the Pro bowl anyway. All Star Game moves to the bye week. Super bowl moves to President's Weekend 2027. It will be the first of forever. What do you, what do you think about that?

[Don Hahn]

I think that's where you're going. I think that's exactly. And now could it affect them? I. Nothing seems to affect that. You would have thought this year would affected it. The, the Chiefs fatigue. The game was a blowout and yet it was the highest number. Every year it ends up being the highest number ever. And if we're talking about a few million people, when you're talking about that big A rating, I And can we all agree that there's more than 126 million people watching the Super Bowl. I mean, unless I don't know how it works, which is possible. All Nielsen can account for is the number of people in the household. If I have 50 people in my house for a party, they don't have the technology yet to count the number of people in my house. So when they. When. If. If Nielsen sees that my TV's on, they're the Super bowl, and I've got four people in my house, it'll count as four, right? They can't possibly count. So for all the different parties, we can all agree there's more than 126 million people. So if you're on a cruise, I guarantee the cruise package will have a Super bowl package where everybody will be able to watch the game. Or if you're at a ski lodge, they're gonna have the game on. People are not gonna not watch the super bowl because they're away. Peter, would you stop? If you didn't do this for a living, would you not go on vacation because it's super bowl weekend?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No.

[Don Hahn]

But you would watch at your vacation?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Of course. By the way, I might even enjoy that. I could even enjoy that if my team was playing in the Super Bowl. I could enjoy being on vacation and watching the Super Bowl.

[Don Hahn]

Well, all I know is, in 2000, what was the. I guess it was 2006, so technically, it was probably February. 07. Colts, Bears, Super Bowl.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, I remember it well.

[Don Hahn]

Our station said, you know what? We can send anybody to the Super Bowl. Every station's doing that. Let our contest be. We're gonna take you to. Where do we go again? Why am I. Why am I blanking home?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah, I've heard the story about this. Like Turks and Caicos.

[Don Hahn]

No, no, no. It wasn't Turks and Caicos. It was more island. Yeah, but it was, like, really far. Barbados. That's right. We went to Barbados and we watched the super bowl on the beach in Barbados. It was amazing. So, believe me, you could be in Barbados, which is actually closer to Europe than it is to the United States. They're still going to make sure you can have the super bowl on. So I don't know how much it's going to affect it. I think people would enjoy. Should be a national holiday. We cannot get anybody in this country to care about one thing more than we care about the Super Bowl. When the president speaks, God forbid, a crisis, Olympics, last show of mash, whatever you want to bring up in this day and age. Peter, there's not a show, there's not an event, there's not a speech, there's not a happening that will get more eyeballs on it than the Super Bowl. It's incredible. So I think it's ratings proof it will do a number no matter what. They could play it at 3 o'clock in the morning on a Wednesday. 100 million people would watch it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right, let's. Let's get into something important. Donna, you.

[Don Hahn]

Why not? Everything I do is important. I believe. I feel the thanks.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, I feel. Thank you.

[Don Hahn]

Is that better?

[Peter Rosenberg]

That.

[Don Hahn]

Which one's the better? Thank you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The better ones. Thank you.

[Don Hahn]

I like. Thanks a lot.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You like. Hold on. Jacob, pull up. Thank you, please.

[Don Hahn]

Thank you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Scott, as always, we thank you for.

[Al]

Coming out with us.

[Don Hahn]

Thank you. Now, the reason that's better. Thank you is because that wasn't. That wasn't me trying to be that guy. That's how my thank you came out. I was trying to be that guy. To Henry. Thanks. That. That, that thanks reeked of every bit of sarcasm I needed it to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

In that sense, they're completely reverse thank yous.

[Don Hahn]

Yes. Thank you. That, that thank you. Is it just genuine? It just for some reason came out that way.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let's let. And we'll see which when we. When I play you these Cashmen clips, I want you to tell me which thank you is deserved.

[Don Hahn]

Okay.

[Peter Rosenberg]

How about that?

[Don Hahn]

So we'll do it in the order in which they happen. So the thank you is one, and then the other one be two. Okay. So that, that's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. Whether it's a sincere thank you or thanks for nothing. Thank you, Brian Cashman.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Do you have any regrets about signing Marcus Stroman?

[Brian Cashman]

No. He helped us last year. One of the reasons why Eve was one of our better starters in the first half, you know, we had a significant injury with Garrett Cole early on, and I think not at this time, but not too shortly thereafter. A couple weeks, maybe three weeks from this time, you know, we were in a very perilous situation where we weren't sure how we were going to navigate things. And Stroh, along with Luis Hill, helped us navigate that and fill in some blanks and step up. And with the rest of the rotation, Carlos Renan and Clark Schmidt was hurt at the time, if I remember right, and wasn't very do back till the second half. So Stroh is one of the real reasons why we got out of the gate strong and propelled ourselves in a position that ultimately to American League Championship. And so, no, I don't have any regrets.

[Don Hahn]

But that's the damage control that you have to deal with.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Which, Don. Which. Thank you. The.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Yeah, I. Because I. I'm with Cashmere on this. Because you don't know if you're going to be able to trade him. You don't know. He might ball out during the spring and win a job in the rotation. He is a Yankee, so why wouldn't you support him? That's why I feel Stroman should be a little bit more supportive of the situation. He's a Yankee right now. Instead of it getting contentious, they can't trade him. Nobody wants him right now. But. So Cashman said, yeah, I don't regret it because he doesn't want to have to double down now on what Stroman said. So you got to play it as if there's a possibility he's going to be on your opening day roster, which I think is a distinct possibility.

[Peter Rosenberg]

By the way. Interesting pronunciation of Luis Heal.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. Hill.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I mean, listen, there's. There's being white and then there's Brian Cashman.

[Don Hahn]

But. But then say Gill.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He might as well go gill. It's a good Brian Cashman. Listen, John. John Winthrop is a white guy. I mean, like, he's like Lego man. Like, Gunley. Brian Cashman is like, you have a white piece of paper. You're eating a slice of white bread. You put down a piece of white paper, and then someone walks over and knocks over your whiteout onto the white paper. That is Brian Cashman. I mean, he makes John Winthrop look like Quincy Jones when it comes down in soul. My God.

[Don Hahn]

Wesley Snipes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Louise Hill.

[Gilbert]

This is Gilbert.

[Don Hahn]

I just.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's Louise.

[Gilbert]

Heel, heel.

[Don Hahn]

Or if you wanted to just get confused and pronounce it the way it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Looks, is say Gill, or just this is Gil. Okay.

[Don Hahn]

It's. I think he just. I don't know what happens. Thank you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right. Do you Cashmen, do you need to reduce the payroll before adding players?

[Brian Cashman]

We would talk about payroll stuff, and we were fully committed to, on a year in, a year out basis through the Steinbrenner family of building a contender. And that'll never change. And I think this winter's efforts, whether it was to retain Juan Soto or the players we ultimately pursued and secured via trade or free agency, showed that, you know, it cost money to get some of those guys imported in here. And on a year in and year out basis, we reaffirm our commitment to a strong payroll and trying to have Real quality team that our fans can be proud of and believe in.

[Don Hahn]

The. Thank you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thank you.

[Don Hahn]

I gotta tell you, that is not gonna age well for him or the Yankees after what Cohen did this offseason. Which part of it taking so just even having conversations about payroll, cutting payroll, worried about payroll. Can we add payroll?

[Al]

Really?

[Don Hahn]

You're the Yankees now. I get that there's gotta be some fiscal responsibility. But now you get a new sheriff across town that just went and took Soto from you because that they paid more and you could, you could doctor it up all you want about. Well, we weren't going to pay that and we think we're a better team, which we'll get to from Cashman in a second. But you already got a fan base that thinks you're cheap, which is probably unfair. But you're coming off the comments from Hal about suggesting that something needs to be done about the Dodgers and all the money they're spending. Do you really want to play poor Peter? Does that play well in the grand specter of Major League Baseball that the Yankees are, you know, crying about budget and money? Do you want to really play that game when you're one of the two or three teams that can afford to have this payroll that you have?

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's not going to fly with that public opinion here. Here's what Don just alluded to this is Cashman being asked, is the roster better this year?

[Brian Cashman]

I can't say one way or the other. It's a different roster. It's different in the fact that, you know, we're on paper, maybe more improved defensively, more athletic, maybe more balanced on the offensive side, more strikeouts on paper, coming into the pen than it was previous year, deeper starting rotation than it was. All those things are positives. Negative is we lost to generational talent in Juan Soto. And how do you overcome that? So the pivot, which is the word people have used so far, is certainly an effort in doing so. But last year's roster was the American League champions. And that is a hard thing to do to get yourself into a World Series to beat all comers in that sprint of a postseason to get past Kansas City, then Cleveland, as well as navigating all our opponents, the American League east, to represent our league in the World Series, something we're really proud about. So how this roster stacks up compared to all competition here in the American League, first and foremost remains to be seen. And certainly losing Juan Soto was a generational talent hurts, but we look forward to figuring this thing out because that's the Challenge and the job of our players, our coaching staff, our manager, and our front office and our scouts and everybody that goes along with it.

[Don Hahn]

This is amazing, Peter. There was so much that was said.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What's. What's wrong?

[Don Hahn]

Oh, my God. First of all, all right, all those people that said, oh, no, no, the Yankees are better off without Soto, that this was strategic. They think they better. Well, you couldn't even get your general manager to admit they are better. We lost Soto. He said we lost Soto. He didn't say we didn't re sign, so we lost Soto. He came across like a guy that lost the bidding war. They weren't willing to go there, not because they thought they could do better, because if they thought they could do better, then he would have said, I think we're better. He didn't say that. And then he said, we lost Soto. If you read between the lines that we. They wanted Soto. They couldn't afford him. And this is the pivot. Now, the pivot may turn out to be better and like he said, but we don't know on paper. Yeah, maybe, but we'll see. So to me, all the people that thought that this was strategic, that they chose not to re sign Soto didn't sound like that in that cut, did it? No. And here's the other thing, too. It's really hard to get to the World Series. Also. Now, we said we're so. We're lowering the bar.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We're lowering the bar, but isn't that what you wanted?

[Don Hahn]

The fray? Yes, but the franchise that told you mission statement is first. Second place is first loser. It's all about winning a championship. And now you've got your general manager that wants to take bows for going to the World Series, and I think there's something to that. You're right. So how much more evidence do you need that this organization views what they did as a success? Every Yankee fan believes they failed last year. The Yankees look at it as, hey, we went to the World Series. Brian Cashman's telling you everything you need to know. He's spilling the beans, guys. You just got to pay attention.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So can we now say, is this cut enough for us to acknowledge that the bar has been set? It's. It's. This is it. They're not championship or bust.

[Don Hahn]

But when do you hear it? Has anybody ever said, is that. Did George say that? Did Aaron Judge say that after they lost, it's always, hey, it's all about winning championships here. Well, he just told you. It's really hard to get to the World Series. So it sounded to me like we're supposed to. He was expecting applause after it, which I get because it is hard to get to the World Series. But can we finally through that cut?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, and can we now say, like, let's acknowledge what he's saying. It is hard to get to the World Series.

[Don Hahn]

It.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It is something worth being happy about. I do commend him for at least being honest. He. That was a lot of information for Brian Cashman. For a guy who usually gives no information, I'm happy with the information we got there. He gave us a mouthful. There was a lot there. But now, does that mean we can change the way we talk about things?

[Don Hahn]

Well, it should because he really clearly.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Laid it out.

[Don Hahn]

That if it's mission statement, championship with a New York Yankees. Well, your general manager just said it's hard to get to the World Series. And we lost Soto again, didn't resign him, didn't chose not to bring him back or, you know, he made his decision. We lost Juan Soto. This is our pivot. Hopefully it works. That's what I heard. And that's fine because you're gonna have to work with a budget. They decide to work with a budget. So stop with the whole, we're the Yankees, we should have a 500 million dollar payroll. Brian Cashman said no. Hal has said that numerous times. He's complained about the Dodgers. So can we get off that horse and now get off the horse of. Well, we pivoted to Juan Soto because this is the. Our team's better. Well, then say that. He didn't say that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, by the way, you don't pivot to get better. You pivot because you're forced to pivot.

[Don Hahn]

Right. What I'm saying is, yeah, you're right. That's the right vernacular. It wasn't like, well, strategic, like we chose to go in a different direction. We think we're a better team.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It was a pivot.

[Don Hahn]

It was. He lost Juan Soto. This was our plan B.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He literally used the word pivot, which is an acknowledgment of not what our plan was. He also said whether we'll see how Yankee fans feel about this. The Yankees are working on an Aaron Boone extension. Here's Cashman on the extension.

[Brian Cashman]

I'm never really in a position to say that I want only somebody for only 10 years, but I have just to reframe that. I've been openly saying I've had, you know, Joe tory for over 10 and I've had, you know, JoJo already over 10 and obviously infancy stage of boonie. I certainly hope I can get to at least 10, if not more. You know, you always want to have the guy for as long as you can have, as long as it's warranted and makes enough sense. And they control the room and obviously do a great job. And I think he controls the room and does a great job and picked up his option last year. But that's not our intent. Our intent is to find an extension, you know, so certainly I've been working through that and halsteinbrenner has been working through that. Aaron Boone. And we're hopeful at some point, sooner than later, that we'll be able to officially, you know, cement something, you know, but obviously it hasn't gotten there yet. But just give us time. You know, our main focus has been this whole winter has been on roster construction and some of this other stuff, you know, we're just getting to. But again, our intent is to make sure Aaron Boone is going to continue with the Yankees past the 2025 season.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, listen, I like Aaron Boone. I am not of the persuasion to blame the Yankees coming up short. Aaron Boone did not drop the ball. Aaron Boone did not, you know, let that inning extend. Aaron Boone, frankly, to me, has been very good for this team. But I wonder, Don, the state of the Yankee fan today, to hear a, yeah, we had to pivot on Juan Soto. We're not sure yet if we're better than we were last year. And also we're very happy in trying to extend Aaron Boone. There are some people, Don, who are apoplectic hearing this.

[Don Hahn]

Well, the thing about the Yankees is they obviously, in the analytic world, it's the way that works is they. They're not in the business of paying their managers through the roof. I think at last glance, Boone was the tenth highest paid manager at 3.3 million. The highest paid managers, Craig Counsel making 8. Tory Lovello making 5. Bruce Bochy, four and a half million. Ron Washington, four. You know, so I would think Aaron Boone's like, listen, I'm as, I'm everybody as good as Ron Washington? Or maybe I'm not Bruce Bochy with all the rings, but I've won a ton in the regular season. What, Tory Lovell went to a World Series, so did I. Why is he making five? So I'm sure Boone wants to get paid in the stratosphere of the Councils and the Lavellos, who he feels I've done more than. But doesn't sound like the Yankees want to do that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But it does sound like they want him around, so no, they will.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. So it's just a matter of, okay, where are you getting what we're going to offer you? And the answer is he might see if the Yankees are going to play hardball and say, we're going to give you $4 million. Does Boone say, I'm good and then test free agency next year and think he can get more? And I think he could.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think you might, too. I think there's some teams that would see Boone as a real coup 1-800-919-3776 but every line is jammed right now. We'll talk about this All Star Weekend and much, much more. March is almost here, and college basketball is reaching its most exciting stretch of the season right now. New customers on FanDuel get $150 in bonus bets when your first $5 bet wins. That's 150 bucks to bet on everything from conference clashes to tournament upsets and even who's cutting down the nets. My Maryland Terps have been surprising. Right now, they may be a team you want to look at, but of course you've got your favorites. And if you've been waiting to join FanDuel, there's no better time. The app's easy to use, and when you win, you get paid instantly. So visit FanDuel.com Peter and get in on the college hoops action before March takes over. 21 and over in physically present New York. First online real money wager only $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as non withdrawable bonus bets which expire seven days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See [e-mail] for help with a gambling problem, call 877-8-OpenY or text OPENY at 467369.

[Al]

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[Don Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

No, this is just how I talk.

[Don Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Al]

Welcome to Autozone. What are you working on today?

[Peter Rosenberg]

My check engine lights on.

[Al]

That could hurt your gas mileage. The AutoZone Free Fix Finder service can help find the fix for free.

[Don Hahn]

This whole report for free.

[Al]

That's right. Printed and on your phone for free.

[Don Hahn]

But what if the fix is too tough?

[Al]

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[Don Hahn]

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[Al]

AutoZone restrictions apply.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

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

[Peter Rosenberg]

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone. Hope you make a little time. I feel like I should talk in more of a smooth that R B voice right now.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, Barry White.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. Which is funny because this is Tevin Campbell, who's a far cry from Barry White, but still the vibe, you know what I mean?

[Don Hahn]

Oh, yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Been playing a lot of nice 80s and 90s R B for. For Maya. She's into it. I haven't, you know, I'm yet to really start getting into hip hop with her. I mean, Natalie's been playing some hip hop around her. My default has been more like R B. More like 70s, 80s sort of R B soul vibes, a little bit of Paul Simon, some Cat Stevens. It's kind of the zone I've been living in. But we did put her to sleep once to Tribe Called Quest. We just let Tribe Called Quest Midnight Marauders played. She liked it. You never know what this weekend will bring. 1-800-919-3776. We promise to get to your calls here. A lot on the table and we were just talking Yankees. Let's start with Dennis real quick in center reach. Hey, Dennis.

[Al]

Hey.

[Don Hahn]

Happy Friday, guys.

[Gilbert]

Hope you're doing well. Listen, I know you guys always get these anti cashmen Boone and Steinbrenner calls, but I'm just so. It's so pathetic. They are the most pathetic Franchise in sports. Do you guys know any GM or owner in any of the big sports that constantly make excuses, constantly make complaints? They always blame the injuries. They always blame outside sources. This is a poorly run team. They have no salary cap. And guess what, guys? They just signed Marcus Stroman a year ago. They're already looking to get off him. It's a mismanagement of funds, what they're doing. I mean, it's pathetic. DJ Lynn Mayhew, It's. It's a horrible contract. Peter, I got a question for you. You're a Celtics fan, right? They are the Yankees of the. They're the Yankees of the NBA, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's right.

[Gilbert]

They're the most.

[Matt]

Yeah.

[Gilbert]

So have you ever heard Danny Ainge, Brad Stevens, their owner? Did they ever say, oh, you know, Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward got hurt, too bad we couldn't win the championship? You know what the Celtics have done over the last 10 years? They fired coaches. They made GM changes. They made big player changes. They've committed to improving their franchise. The issue with the Yankees is they'll make moves. They're poor moves. But the core is always the same. It's judge. It's. It sees high home runs, high strikeout guys, and every time they lose in the postseason. Postseason, it's always for the same thing. Yet Cashman and Steinbrenner refuse to admit what their issue is. They just make excuses, and it's sickening.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I gotta tell you, Don. I know. Thank you, Dennis. There are a lot of people who would think that that call was harsh. And I could see a world in which. In our previous show that Don and I were on the Great Michael K. Show, I could see Michael K. Potentially ripping that guy. Don, I don't disagree with the word he said, I'm sorry. They talk a lot. This team is very quick to talk about. If this had just broken that way, then, you know, we got to be healthy at the right time. But when push comes to shove, they haven't made hard decisions. Don, you know, I was sick to my stomach to see Marcus Smart get traded. They want a championship the next year. This team doesn't, Don. They don't seem to take big swings. They seem to be pretty comfortable hovering in the same area with the same thing and trotting it back out with some slight tweaks, hoping it leads to a championship. And so far, it hasn't.

[Don Hahn]

I don't hate the caller's take, but I think the problem I have with the call is that it just goes too far. And that's where you lose me. The most pathetic franchise. You just played in the World Series so you could be disappointed they're not living up to your expectations. Then in a non cap sport, they seem to cap themselves. They're not as aggressive as you would like. You want to see a pathetic franchise? Take a look at the Giants. Take a look at the Jets. Those are pathetic franchises that can't get out of their own way. And the Giants set a standard they haven't lived up to and now are one of the most embarrassing franchises. They just came off a three win season and they ran it back. They've got an owner right now doesn't seem to know what he's doing. So that's where you lose me. With the most pathetic franchise. You just played in a World series. Your team is.500 every single year. But I do understand that they're not living up to your expectations. But what have we been saying for the better part of two years, Peter, Maybe you got to run those expectations back a little bit. Don't hold them to a standard that existed 30 years ago that apparently does not exist anymore.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And by the way, read between the lines, because if you listen to the cut we just played, Cashman kind of clearly said that's not really the standard anymore. We feel pretty good about making the World Series last year.

[Don Hahn]

Now that should bother you because they do seem to have the resources and nobody ever seems to be held accountable. Looks like Boone's got a job for life. Cashman's got a job for life. So I'm not telling you not to be frustrated about those aspects, but don't turn that frustration into something that doesn't exist. They're not the most pathetic franchise. You should be happy you have a team that actually is in the running every single year. That's hard to do. So they're not living up to their mission statement. And I understand your frustration, believe me. But they're not the Giants, they're not the jets, they're not even the Mets. I mean, the Mets right now are in a better place because they've got an owner that spends money. But they're still not winning at the clip. The Yankees have won in recent vintage.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Don, you absolutely 100% nailed it. He went too far. All of the points that he made were true. But most pathetic franchise? Of course they're not. They're not even in the conversation for most pathetic franchise. But they are. They are in a frustrating spot. And I totally get that.

[Don Hahn]

And, and this, and this is the rub Is that what you consider success? Is not what they consider success? Because listening to Cashmen, listening to the way they conduct themselves, the lack of accountability, they're happy where they are. They'd like to win the championship.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No question.

[Don Hahn]

Everybody wants to win. But they're not killing themselves that they went to the World Series. They're not killing themselves that they're in the running every single year. You are, because you want a championship every year. But I just don't think that's realistic anymore. So I get your frustration, but it's not like some franchise around sports or even a couple here in New York.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, that's that. I think we really struck the proper tone here. Let's go to Jason and Woodmere. Let's go back to the NBA All Star Game. What do you got, Jason?

[Brian Cashman]

Yeah, my idea to bring interest back.

[Don Hahn]

To the All Star Game and maybe.

[Gilbert]

The in season tournament is to play.

[Don Hahn]

It without the three point line. I think people got tired of chucking up three pointers all the time and they'd like to see this and I think people would love it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Do you think, Don, that's. Thank you for your call, man. I appreciate that. Having a different thought there, Jason. I don't know if you're right. I don't know if I believe that that's right, but it isn't. It is a thought. It would be something different to tool things a bit and see what you get.

[Don Hahn]

But it's so weird. It's such a part of the game. And it's also a major reason why some of the players are in the All Star Game. And to take it away and have them play a different brand of basketball, does that necessarily make it better? I wish the game would go back to the way it was when I was growing up, but if you force it on a bunch of guys that don't play it that way, would it be entertaining?

[Brian Cashman]

Also, it wouldn't eliminate the chance of a jump shot.

[Don Hahn]

I mean, you could take the line away, but people still pull up and.

[Brian Cashman]

Hit jumpers rather than drop to the basket.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right, right. That's a, that's a good point too. But it is, it is, it is an interesting and unique thought. I'm not sure if it would actually do anything, but that. That is a thought. Let's go to, let's go to Len in Ron Konkoma. Hey, Len.

[Len]

Hey, what's going on there, guys? Hey, listen, forget about Cashman. He might be the model for corporate America where transparency is not the answer. You know, sometimes he could just Be quiet. But, Don, listen, this is. This is why I love you. And this is. This why you my boy. This why I sent you my book. Because I gotta. You know, you like that. That friend that. I gotta just make sure he's always on the 2.0. Peter's like the brother that, you know. He's gonna come along, he's gonna get there. But, Don, when you said the super bowl on the cruise ship. Listen, this is what I'm waiting for, brother. I. I want to be on the deck with the big tv, sitting poolside. Wait, watching the Super Bowl. If that happens, you better believe the NFL is going to push that agenda, and they're going to be in a package deal with the cruise lines. Because I'm waiting for it, brother. I love you. Talk to you soon.

[Don Hahn]

Just be careful, because I. You've been on a cruise, Peter, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I never have.

[Don Hahn]

The reception can be a tad dicey at times. So I. You don't want to be in a Super bowl, and all of a sudden, they kind of lose it. It depends on where you go. My cruise was down to. We left Miami and went to Bermuda, St. Thomas and St. Martin. And there were times the TV was a little dicey, but he didn't care because I wasn't on the cruise to sit there and watch television. But, like, late at night, Nancy's getting ready. I throw on the tv, and all of a sudden I'm getting, like, squiggly lines. It's not coming through. So they'd have to figure out that technology. But, yeah, if there's a way for the NFL to capitalize it, they'll find a way.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And like I said, just. You guys know, there are people. I bet. I bet there are people listening right now who watch the super bowl every year on a cruise. I did the super bowl once on vacation.

[Don Hahn]

The.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The Aaron Rodgers Packers super bowl that they won. I watched that one from Puerto Rico on a resort.

[Don Hahn]

A lot of fun.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And sittingquistador. It was not El Conquistador. It was actually. It was actually. This sounds crazy, but it's actually quite nice. In San Juan, it was the Courtyard Marriott. And they have a lovely Courtyard Marriott in San Juan. And they had a seating area outside. They had a buffet. They set up the TV on the beach. I'm telling you, early February is a fantastic time to hit a little Caribbean vacation. Now, Don, like I said earlier, I would do that for my own team in the Super Bowl. To me, it would be nice. I get to watch it in sort of an isolated place. That I don't have any contact with, like, other fans from my world. Now, Dave would probably scream and say, a real fan couldn't watch on vacation. You have to be miserable in order to watch the game. But I think that would be a lovely holiday to take. And that way, even if you lose the next day, you can drink away your sorrow and swim up to a pool bar. Have yourself a nice time. Let's go to Dave in the car. What's up, Dave?

[Dave]

Hey, what's up, guys? I just wanted to chime in on baseball and the NBA very quickly. I grew up behind Yankee Stadium. I just think that we're in a place right now with the Yankees where unless they really plan to overspend, like you guys have been saying, we're going to have to kind of deal with the situation the way it is. Hopefully Judge becomes more clutch and they stay healthy and maybe we'll have a shot. But even the Mets are on the same hot seat right now. They got Soto. They got a billionaire owner. Guess what? You don't get two World Series out of that deal. It's an. In my opinion, it's an abject failure in my NBA point, and then I'll let you guys go for it. Draymond Green made a very good point the other day. He said, you don't realize the apron situation in the NBA, how it really hasn't kicked in yet. Luke is the first of many big dominoes to fall. That was pretty much what he was saying. He said, there's going to be a lot more moves like that because you have to make decisions on whether you want to spend three or four hundred million dollars on a guy. And I think it makes a lot of sense. Let me know your thoughts and have a good weekend.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, because they're not sure that he's going to age well considering that he's been out of shape now. I think if there's a guy you know, you've got a really talented player, you'll make a way. You'll find a way to make it work. But those borderline players, we'd have no choice, Peter, to give him the contract because you don't want to lose them in situations like that. You're like, I don't know if I can afford to pay a guy. Like, if he can't stay in shape at 27, how's he going to be at 31? So I don't know if it's going to be a lot of times, but there will be a few markets and a few players that might experience that.

[Al]

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[Don Hahn]

I can say to my new Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, hey, find a keto friendly restaurant nearby and text it to Beth and Steve. And it does without me lifting a finger so I can get in more squats anywhere I can. 1, 2, 3. Will that be cash or credit? Credit. 4 Galaxy S25 Ultra the AI companion.

[Al]

That does the heavy lifting.

[Don Hahn]

So you can do. You get [e-mail] compatible with select apps. Requires Google Gemini account. Results may vary based on input. Check responses for accuracy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What's the best time of day to get a deal? All day with Jack in the Box's.

[Don Hahn]

All day big deal meal. You get to choose from four entrees.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like the supreme croissant and five tasty.

[Don Hahn]

Sides, plus a drink starting at $5. So hurry in or take your time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You've got all day at Jack.

[Don Hahn]

Every bite's a big deal. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

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]

What's the name of the song again?

[Don Hahn]

They long to be Close to you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

By who?

[Don Hahn]

The Carpenters. The marketers. It's Karen Carpenter to you and me.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What movie am I thinking about it from? What comedy?

[Don Hahn]

Parenthood.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Is it Parenthood?

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. With Rick Moranis singing to his wife in the school, in the classroom.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I feel like that's not what I'm thinking of.

[Al]

Really?

[Don Hahn]

That's the only One I think of.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think, I'm thinking, like it was something even more comedian.

[Don Hahn]

All the girls and all the girls in town Follow you, follow you all are all around.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let's go to Matt in New Jersey. Hey, Matt.

[Matt]

Hey, thanks for taking the call. Real quick, Peter. Real quick, Peter. You're thinking of Happy Gilmore. Chubbs in heaven.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thank you.

[Matt]

Playing a song on the piano.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thank you.

[Matt]

And he says to shoot him at Gavin. The way I've seen it, we've only just begun.

[Don Hahn]

Okay, there you go.

[Matt]

Also, let me check in. Super bowl on a cruise.

[Don Hahn]

You.

[Matt]

You look up these newest ships. Oasis of the seas, Symphonies of the seas. They have like a stadium seating in the back, two giant screens. They're showing it on. And they. All these new ships have starlink. There's not an interruption at all. It's crystal clear hd. I didn't see the super bowl, but I actually watched the World cup that way. And it was awesome. And people cheering, you think you're in a stadium.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We're getting multiple calls about this. Like, half of the calls on the line right now, Don, are about Super Bowls on cruises.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, it's because, again, Also, that was 20 years ago. I went my cruise. So I'm sure technology is a lot better than it was then.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, it's a thing now. All right. What do you got on the Yankees, Matt?

[Matt]

So, you know, I've noticed this pattern for years and, you know, I can't even blame Cashman anymore. He recognizes that you need pitching to win, and he spends big on pitching. The one thing is this team does not want to get saddled with five, six, seven year deals. And I remember him saying about Matt Holiday when he was a free agent coming off his contract with the Rockies. Well, we think we have the wins on the field. We don't need to sign him to a seven year deal. And then he.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because he doesn't.

[Matt]

He didn't want the end of that contract. And then he got him after that deal. Said the same thing about Donaldson. We don't want that contract for six years. And then he signed them for the fifth and sixth year. We traded for him for the fifth and sixth year with the most expensive years of that deal. It's like Lon and Randy at the top have this edict that the Yankees need to be in the business or you need to have fans think they're in the business of winning, but they also need one and two year deals because they don't want a million or they don't want a billion dollars in deferred. Salary. That's going to bring down the potential long term value of the team if they decide.

[Don Hahn]

But if you think about him, if fans don't want to hear that, but doesn't it kind of make sense that the only way to prove that you're all in on winning is to make less money? Like it is a business after all.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right?

[Don Hahn]

I mean, so I can understand them trying to figure out a way, let's see if we can win without having to spend a hundred million dollars than everybody else. Now, the Dodgers have obviously been the exception winning last year. But when you look at when the Giants won their three championships, when the Royals won their championship, I mean, they didn't have $300 million payrolls to do it. I mean, Brian Cashman's right, Hal's right. You don't need to spend $300 million to win a championship. So you hear what I'm saying, Peter? Like the fans are like, no, pay anything. Pay a billion dollars. I just want a championship. But there has to be some fiscal responsibility. Doesn't. They're like, why does everybody else. To get to make money. And the only reason I can win is if I have to spend it. Outspend everybody. They should be able to figure out a way to be able to do this without having to give up all that cash. So if you want to be mad, yeah, be mad that teams like the Rays have been able to figure out how to win with a payroll that's like a quarter of what the Yankees payroll is. But, you know, but to sit there and kill them and call them cheap or to say they don't want to win. Isn't there something wrong with a system, Peter, that the only way that you could win is if you outspend everybody? And doesn't that kind of take the fun out of it?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Absolutely it does. But the bottom line is the Yankees spent a lot of time showing people and telling people we are the ones willing to do that. Now they're like, we kind of like the bargain bin.

[Don Hahn]

All right, but you know what?

[Peter Rosenberg]

That.

[Don Hahn]

But as a fan, you choose to continue to remember all the times they said it. Listen to Cashman today. Listen to Hal over the last couple of times that we've interviewed him or he spoke publicly, is that really the mission statement anymore? You know, George has been gone now 15 years. So we. So it's kind of on you, man. You've held them up to a standard that just flat out doesn't exist anymore. It doesn't exist anymore because that's not the way Hal does business. It's not the way that baseball does business outside of Los Angeles with the Dodgers, and we'll see if that ends up working. At the end of the day, it helped them win a championship. We'll see if they win another one. And also the game has changed where it's not as easy to go out there and win a bunch of championships and outspend everybody. You've got smaller market teams that billionaire owners are also spending a ton. And by the way, with all the money that the owner in San Diego paid, did he win? Has as Cohen won yet. So I respect the fact that they're trying to find a way to do it without having to spend money. But can people be held accountable when it fails? Peter that's the thing that frustrates me. So you're trying to do it in a budget. You still haven't done it yet, but yet Brian Cashman has a job for life. Looks like Aaron Boone's got a job for life. So that's where. That's where I think you're okay to criticize them now. Sometimes I think the fans go a little too far. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I just want to know it's good.

[Al]

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