Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Dirt Basements & Honus Wagner

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Host/Authors: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 3: Dirt Basements & Honus Wagner
• Release Date: June 20, 2025
• Description: The first voice of ESPN New York and New Jersey legend Don La Greca, long-time sportswriter and New York Knicks broadcaster Alan Hahn, and highly opinionated Hip Hop veteran and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg discuss New York sports and beyond.

MLB Update: Mets' Losing Streak and Yankees' Resurgence

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the current state of Major League Baseball, focusing on the New York Mets' troubling six-game losing streak and the recent turnaround of the New York Yankees.

• Mets’ Struggles: The hosts discuss the Mets being tied with Philadelphia for first place in the division despite their consecutive losses. Don Hahn remarks, “Mets have lost six in a row” (00:19), highlighting concerns over their pitching and batting performance.

• Yankees’ Turnaround: Contrasting the Mets, the Yankees have snapped their six-game losing streak with a 7-3 victory over the Angels. Alan Hahn opines that “the Yankees are destined to be in pretty good shape to at least win this series” (00:34). However, he cautions that continued struggles could revert this positive trend.

Notable Quote:

Alan Hahn ([00:34]): "The Yankees have more of a margin for error. They're in a weaker league where the Mets have lost their margin for error."

Analysis of Mets' Pitching Issues

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Mets' pitching woes, exacerbated by injuries and strategic decisions.

• Injuries Impacting Rotation: Peter Rosenberg points out that the Mets’ rotation has been crippled by injuries, with key pitchers like Montas, Manaya, Senga, and McGill sidelined (02:39). This has forced the team to rely on less experienced starters, undermining their competitive edge.

• Strategic Decisions: Mike delves into the Mets' reliance on their batting lineup over pitching depth, stating, “The Mets spent money on offense, not pitching” (07:20). He critiques the decision to not invest in high-end starters, thereby making the bullpen a critical point of vulnerability.

Notable Quote:

Peter Rosenberg ([05:28]): “It's not about the pitching. It's about the bats in your lineup.”

Discussion on Team Strategy and Injuries

The hosts explore the broader implications of the Mets' strategy and how it affects their performance.

• Bullpen Dependence: Alan Hahn emphasizes the Mets’ dependence on their bullpen, noting that “if you allow two or three runs and you lose the game, that can’t be tolerated” (07:06). This reliance has been detrimental, especially in high-stakes games against formidable teams like the Braves and Phillies.

• Future Prospects: The conversation shifts to the potential return of pitchers Montas and Manaya, anticipated to start against Atlanta in early July (07:20). The hosts express cautious optimism that the return of these pitchers could stabilize the rotation and improve the Mets' chances moving forward.

Notable Quote:

Mike ([42:23]): “The whole idea is to get into a rhythm, if you can, with Manaya, Montas, and Senga.”

NBA Finals Preview: Pacers vs. Thunder Game 7

Shifting gears, the discussion transitions to the NBA Finals, specifically the upcoming Game 7 between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

• Series Recap: The hosts reflect on the Pacers’ journey to Game 7, noting that the series has been less competitive compared to previous years but holds potential for a thrilling finale (23:42).

• Game 7 Predictions: Mike Puma predicts a decisive victory for the Thunder, citing their resilience and experience in high-pressure games: “I think this series is going to end in a very ho hum fashion. Thunder win by, you know, 15 or 20” (27:18). Peter Rosenberg offers a counterpoint, suggesting the Thunder might not be as dominant as previously thought, potentially leading to a comfortable win (27:25).

Notable Quote:

Mike Puma ([27:18]): “I think the series is going to end in a very ho hum fashion. Thunder win by, you know, 15 or 20.”

Listener Interaction and Banter: Safes, Basements, and Honus Wagner

In a lighter segment, the hosts engage in a humorous and nostalgic discussion about safes in old dirt basements and the legendary baseball figure Honus Wagner.

• Dirt Basement Stories: Peter Rosenberg shares a personal anecdote about discovering a chest in a dirt-basement house, sparking a playful conversation about the mysteries that such old safes might hold (12:03).

• Honus Wagner Jokes: The trio humorously conflates the names Honus, Harness, and Hornus Wagner, creating fictional backstories and roles (e.g., Honus as a bench coach and Hornus involved in creating the porn industry) (16:09). This segment is filled with witty exchanges and lighthearted banter, showcasing the hosts' chemistry.

Notable Quote:

Peter Rosenberg ([12:04]): “Well, I don't know if it was like the way that it was buried there and it was locked up, like whether it was just too expensive to excavate.”

Playoff Rankings and Sports Preferences

The conversation naturally flows into a debate about the best sports playoffs among the four major American sports, with the hosts sharing their personal rankings.

• Hockey Reigns Supreme: Mike Puma advocates for the NHL playoffs, highlighting their physicality and the compelling journey to the Stanley Cup (34:01).

• Hockey, Football, Baseball, Basketball: Peter Rosenberg and Alan Hahn discuss the intriguing aspects and flaws of each sport's playoff structure, ultimately ranking them in the order of Hockey, Football, Baseball, and Basketball (35:30).

• Exclusion of NCAA Tournament: The hosts tentatively exclude the NCAA Tournament from their rankings due to its distinct structure and unpredictable nature (36:10).

Notable Quote:

Mike Puma ([34:01]): “There's nothing like it. The NHL playoffs are so difficult, so hard, so physical… it's more compelling than anything else.”

Francisco Lindor’s Fashion Choices

Adding a dash of humor, the hosts comment on Francisco Lindor’s recent appearance in yoga pants, blending sports talk with personal amusement.

• Lindor’s Yoga Pants: Peter Rosenberg brings up Lindor showing up in his wife’s yoga pants, leading to jokes and playful teasing about player fashion and their off-field personas (37:55).

Notable Quote:

Alan Hahn ([39:30]): “Oh, he did. They're like jeans, but bell bottoms.”

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts reflecting on the ongoing sports seasons, player performances, and upcoming events. They maintain a balance between in-depth sports analysis and entertaining, relatable conversations, ensuring listeners are both informed and entertained.

Timestamp Reference:

• [00:00] - [23:42]: Opening remarks, MLB updates, and Mets/Yankees analysis.
• [23:42] - [32:43]: NBA Finals preview and discussion.
• [32:43] - [45:05]: Listener interaction about safes and Honus Wagner.
• [45:05] - [49:00]: Playoff rankings and Francisco Lindor’s fashion.

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offers a comprehensive blend of sports analysis, personal anecdotes, and humorous banter, making it a must-listen for fans seeking both depth and entertainment in their sports podcasts.