Hour 3: FA Moves

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: FA Moves

Release Date: June 30, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Description: Hosted by ESPN New York’s Don La Greca, sportswriter Alan Hahn, and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg, the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast delves into New York sports and beyond with insightful discussions and lively debates.

---

1. Yankees’ Performance and MVP Race

The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of the New York Yankees' recent performance. Peter Rosenberg critiques their offensive shortcomings despite maintaining a leading position in their league.

Peter Rosenberg [01:01]:
"The Yankees are kind of like the Mets in the sense that there's issues. But the Yankees are in first place. They did allow the Blue Jays and the Rays to kind of get back in it. But I still think the Yankees are going to be okay."

Don La Greca explores the potential of Aaron Judge securing the AL MVP title, highlighting his defensive prowess and recent home run surge.

Don La Greca [02:02]:
"Is he your ALMVP at the break at the halfway point?"

Peter Rosenberg [02:07]:
"I guess there'll be a lot of votes for Raleigh because he's got two more home runs. He's a catcher."

2. Comparing the Yankees and Mets

The hosts draw comparisons between the Yankees and the Mets, particularly focusing on their offensive capabilities and pitching strengths. While the Yankees benefit from a robust bullpen and reliable starting pitchers like Freddy Freed, the Mets struggle offensively and with pitching consistency.

Peter Rosenberg [04:58]:
"Rodin's been better this year than he's been, you know, certainly last year. And Freed is just, he's on his way to a Cy Young Award."

Don La Greca [05:08]:
"I think he's going to be in the Cy Young conversation. Sure."

3. Free Agency Moves: Nolan Arenado and Potential Trades

A significant portion of the discussion centers around potential free-agent moves, particularly Nolan Arenado. The hosts debate the feasibility of the Yankees or Mets acquiring Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals, considering his performance decline and hefty contract.

Peter Rosenberg [12:45]:
"I think they would. Yeah. I think if they can move the salary. They would, because they were trying to do it."

Don La Greca [17:08]:
"Just pay him more. Like because again in baseball you can just pay him 13%."

The conversation delves into the complexities of salary negotiations, tax implications for teams based in high-tax states like New York and California, and the strategic decisions teams must make in balancing payroll with performance.

4. Tax Implications on Sports Contracts

The hosts examine how differing state tax rates impact team budgets and player salaries. They argue for adjustments in salary caps to account for higher taxes in states like New York, ensuring fair competition across regions.

Peter Rosenberg [16:38]:
"But it seems like an easier thing to figure out, but. Because nobody will cry about it as well. Why would we want to help the Rangers out, you know?"

Don La Greca [16:45]:
"Makes me so mad."

5. NHL Trades and Player Movements

Transitioning to hockey, the conversation touches on the potential trade of Mitch Marner from Toronto to Vegas, amidst allegations of tampering. The hosts discuss the implications for both teams and the broader NHL landscape.

Peter Rosenberg [08:14]:
"Vegas. He's out of Toronto now the Vegas has to sign."

Don La Greca [08:29]:
"Do you have the sound of Mitch Marner?"

6. Knicks Coaching and Front Office Decisions

The episode shifts focus to the New York Knicks, exploring the recent coaching changes and the challenges of integrating a potential female head coach in a high-pressure environment.

Peter Rosenberg [31:58]:
"Can play for her."

Don La Greca [32:08]:
"Imagine what would be for and do it in New York."

7. Audience Engagement and Personal Stories

Throughout the episode, the hosts interact with callers, sharing personal anecdotes and engaging in light-hearted banter. They discuss recent events like the Beach Bash concert, their experiences with live performances, and fan interactions.

Don La Greca [25:36]:
"I love you guys for that. So I had a great time."

Peter Rosenberg [27:03]:
"We got the best fans. I really mean that because you guys have been through a lot recently with all the changes."

8. Concluding Thoughts and Future Planning

In their closing remarks, the hosts express gratitude towards their listeners and discuss plans for future episodes, including potential musical performances and deeper dives into sports strategies.

Don La Greca [28:05]:
"Let's do it."

Peter Rosenberg [36:00]:
"It won’t do like that."

---

Key Takeaways:

• Yankees vs. Mets: While both teams face offensive challenges, the Yankees maintain a stronger position due to their pitching staff and bullpen.

• MVP Contenders: Aaron Judge stands as a frontrunner for the AL MVP, bolstered by his defensive skills and home run performance.

• Free Agency Dynamics: The acquisition of players like Nolan Arenado is fraught with financial and strategic complexities, especially concerning team budgets and player performance.

• Tax Considerations: High state tax rates significantly impact team payroll decisions, prompting discussions on adjusting salary caps for fairness.

• Hockey Trades: Potential moves in the NHL, such as Mitch Marner’s trade, could reshape team dynamics and league standings.

• Knicks’ Future: The Knicks face coaching uncertainties, with considerations towards innovative hires like female head coaches amid high expectations.

• Community Engagement: Strong listener support and engagement remain pivotal for the hosts, fostering a loyal and interactive fan base.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg [01:01]:
  "The Yankees are kind of like the Mets in the sense that there's issues."

• Don La Greca [02:02]:
  "Is he your ALMVP at the break at the halfway point?"

• Peter Rosenberg [16:38]:
  "But it seems like an easier thing to figure out."

This episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" offers a comprehensive look into the current state of New York sports, free agency movements, and the intricate balance teams must maintain between performance and financial constraints. With engaging discussions and expert insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the strategic decisions shaping their favorite teams.

Transcript

[Don La Greca]

The Hoover Dam wasn't built in a day and the GMC Sierra lineup wasn't built overnight. Like every American achievement, building the Sierra 1500 heavy duty and EV was the result of dedication. A dedication to mastering the art of engineering. That's what this country has done for 250 years and what GMC has done.

[Peter Rosenberg]

For over a hundred. We are professional grade.

[Don La Greca]

Visit gmc.com to learn more.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Assembled in Flint and Hamtranch, Michigan in Fort Wayne, Indiana of US and globally.

[Don La Greca]

Sourced parts, this is the John Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Don La Greca]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Game time brought to you by Total Bordeaux Irish Whiskey because when it's game time.

[Don La Greca]

I like when he holds it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's telling time. Only one local in action tonight. The Yankees are up north taking on the Blue Jays at 7:07. Mets are off before coming home to take on the brewers on Tuesday. Tullamore due the original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast matured Irish Whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew. Honey during today's action. Glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly. Yankees did what they had to do, winning two out of three. It wasn't overly impressive. Three runs in the first two games. You know, got shut out Saturday, got three hits on Saturday. Like where did that come from? But then they had the barrage judge. Two more home runs now is 30. Listen, the Yankees right now are kind of like the Mets in the sense that there's issues. But the Yankees are in first place. They did allow the Blue Jays and the Rays to kind of get back in it. But I still think the Yankees are going to be okay. I think the Mets are going to be okay too. But the Yankees just aren't a great offensive team. Judge is a great historic forever player and Jazz will get into it and Bellinger and they've got talent. They're just not a great offensive team right now.

[Don La Greca]

Is he your ALMVP at the break at the halfway point.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I guess there'll be a lot of votes for Raleigh because he's got two more home runs. He's a catcher.

[Don La Greca]

Two more home runs. Yes. It's the fact that he right legit defense I guess you could say. Right. He's very much involved. But the other.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There's other categories judges for higher average. He's got a a better ops.

[Don La Greca]

So he's the mvp I would think.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Unless if, if we're talking about a catcher hitting 50 plus home runs and Seattle makes the playoffs, I could see him getting a lot of votes just because of maybe the judge fatigue thing. But I wouldn't say it's a slam dunk. But I, I probably would bet Judge, but I wouldn't say it's a slam dunk. But here's the difference between the Yankees and the Mets.

[Don La Greca]

We're on our way to four now, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

That should have been five. Right. Because it was.

[Don La Greca]

Well, how many, how many he's won so many. Off track.

[Peter Rosenberg]

At least three.

[Don La Greca]

So like.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because he should have won in 17. But they gave it to Altuve. Right?

[Don La Greca]

Of course they did. But the, like, it just shows you when you're talking about how historic and all great and his law. Like, that's what I mean. He's halfway through this season coming off an MVP season.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Two. Mvp.

[Don La Greca]

Two. Right. So he's. All right, this is three. He should have been four. But he's, he's, he's on his way there to three.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Don La Greca]

And like we're halfway through the season of. On his way off of a year like last year. Like, this is not falling off, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, he has been.

[Don La Greca]

And the whole thing about him and you know, staying in the lineup and all that stuff, like he has been night in and night out their best player and are there games where he struggles? You know, like he'll have swing and miss. He'll. He'll go through that where the hole in his, in his swing. They'll find it. The pitching is just right that night. They know how to pitch to him. Yeah, it happens. But what I worry about is when those nights happen, you know, what happens to their offense?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Nothing.

[Don La Greca]

Nothing. I think that's the part that worries me more than anything. Like I've stopped worrying about Judge and will this, you know, will it all just finally fall off the table and that doesn't exist anymore. Now it's. Does he really have to be. Be all. End all for this team? It seems like the answer is yes. When he isn't producing. Like you said it about Soto. The Mets were winning, Soto wasn't doing a damn thing and you were fine with it. Now Soto is producing, The Mets aren't.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Winning, Mets aren't winning.

[Don La Greca]

When Judge doesn't have a good night, the Yankees lose.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, most likely. You can't have that because they're not really outside a judge, not a great offensive team. The difference between the Yankees and the Mets, Yankees can pitch. They're pitching for the Most part has stayed healthy outside of Cole, but we didn't have him all year and didn't have Heel all year. But as far as the guys have been asked to pitch, they've pitched well. Schmidt didn't pitch well on Saturday, but he's. Overall, he's been great. Rodin's been better this year than he's been, you know, certainly last year. And Freed is just, he's on his way to a Cy Young Award.

[Don La Greca]

He'll be in the Cy Young conversation. Sure.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And their bullpen's really good. So the Yankees can pitch. So they're, they're winning a lot of these games that the Mets would lose because, you know, the Mets aren't hitting and they're also not getting any pitching. They're getting length. Their bullpen's getting beat up, although the Yankees bullpen is feeling it too. But at least every five days, Freed will give you seven plus maybe, and you get a little bit of a break. But the Mets, three wins in their last 16, just got swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates, I don't know if it's still the case now, but going into that series, Allen, they were on pace to lose 100 games. So not a good team. I don't care where the game is. I'm always watching the games this weekend. You know, there's a bunch of Met fans in the building. Certainly that's not a place that's difficult to play. Pirates are not a good team. Not great pitching.

[Don La Greca]

And one of the best places to watch a game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, amazing, amazing.

[Don La Greca]

Like the gorgeous view to the outfield.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, it's really outstanding. One of the best buildings in the league. Yeah, they got outscored 30 to 4. That a plus 16 they lost by, which is 26. Excuse me. Which is the worst in the history of the franchise for a three game series. The history of a franchise that the expansion Mets lost 120 games in 1962 never had a series that bad. I mean, give me a break. And Terry Collins will tell you, hey, they had a bad June back in 2015 and we went to the World Series. And last year they were awful at the beginning of the year. And baseball's got parody. And the Mets are still only a game and a half out of first place. They're still the first wild card. So even the season ended today, they still would get three home games and a chance to do what they did last year and make a run. But when are they going to turn it around and what are they going to do about it? Now, Steve Cohen had the tweet said he's, you know, upset about the way things are going, but he thinks the pitchers are going to be back healthy, which I don't know where he's coming up with that. Montas is already back. Senga, I don't think is close mania is not going to pitch in the series against the brewers. Now. I think he'll be back within the next couple of weeks, but we'll see how he pitches. Kalings is out for the rest of the year. I mean, I, I and he says that they'll, he's not worried that they're going to continue to struggle with runners in scoring position, although they've done it all year, but they're getting nothing from the bottom of their order. And I think of all the things that they need, rather than a stud starting pitcher, which I think is on the list, they've got to get some help. They got to get a bat. If Vientos isn't going to hit. And you heard Stearns, you brought it up when we played his sound last week about he's going to be evaluating, he's going to be paying attention. Vientos came back this weekend, I understand, coming off the IL 1 for 13 played DH in two of the three games played. Third, I think was on Saturday. If he doesn't hit within the next few weeks, at what point are you saying I got to go out and get a third baseman?

[Don La Greca]

Well, you're thinking that now, Don.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, do I need a second baseman? Do I need a catcher? I just sent Alvarez down to the minor leagues.

[Don La Greca]

That, to me, is the one that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Really, Terenza is not going to be a catcher on a championship team. You wouldn't think that they got to get a couple of bats here.

[Don La Greca]

You're not finding catchers. I mean, people don't give up good catchers. That doesn't happen now. They'll add payroll because we have an NHL trade.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We have an NHL trade. Ladies, do we have a. Ladies and gentlemen, did you see this? Anybody? Do we have the sound of Mitch Marner?

[Don La Greca]

Mitch Marner's on his way. This is Emily Kaplan reporting. Going to Vegas.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Vegas. He's out of Toronto now the Vegas has to sign.

[Don La Greca]

I'm not assuming they're going to play Emily Kaplan, but still, the modern thing, like, that's one of what, like a lot of teams watching, you know, especially Islanders and, you know, like, could they try to get a guy like that? Like, that's a guy that changes everything for you. Golden Nice. Just.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But you know what, there's a lot of talk that there was tampering. And if there was, and there's been reports that the league may make an example of Vegas for tampering. If that were the case and they were to find that there was tampering, they could lose draft picks, they could get fined a ton of money. And so Martyr's good. Maybe that's the perfect place for him to play. It's out of the spotlight of Toronto.

[Don La Greca]

Had to get him out.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's a hell of a player. So, because the NHL's free agent signing period is coming up midnight, right? Midnight. So that's why you saw this trade and that's why they signed him, because they've got the exclusivity so he doesn't test free agency by getting to the deadline. So Vegas gets a little richer and Toronto wasn't going to bring him back anyway. So it's not a big deal. But back to the Mets. Heyman was on the Michael K. Show and was asked the question, would Cohen be willing to add more to the payroll at the deadline? Yes, I do.

[Don La Greca]

I mean, he is willing to lose money.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I believe he lost $200 million for a couple years in a row there.

[Don La Greca]

Maybe not last year.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And he, he is willing to lose money.

[Don La Greca]

So that is a great thing for.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The fan base that they will have that payroll go up now.

[Don La Greca]

Is he going to go crazy?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I mean, look, Nolan Arenado, I mean, I don't think St. Louis is selling at this moment anyway.

[Don La Greca]

They're actually playing very well.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But Nolan Arenado not having a great year, making 20something million a year. I don't know that he would do that, but I do think for the right pieces he would add. And it's really going to be pitching, starting pitching and relief. I don't think they're going to add a catcher. They're going to hope for Alvarez to come back and be good. Don't think they're going to add at center field. They're going to go on the defense with Tyrone Taylor. I think they'll expect that one of these third basemen between Vientos, Beatty, whomever, Mauricio will perform. But those are possibilities as well.

[Don La Greca]

But they will add. I don't think they're going to get.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Somebody having an average year making $20 million.

[Don La Greca]

But I think if the right deal.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Comes along, they are very willing to add. So a couple of interesting things there.

[Don La Greca]

Good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, lost over $200 million with the Mets because of how much he had the seat, the salaries of Verlander and Scherzer. And let's face it, the Mets also had an awful year in 2023, so. And he's willing to lose even more to be able to get that elusive championship. But the money thing for me in the quote is the fact that it'll probably be a pitcher, not a bat, because I think it's easier. Plus there's their landlocked. Like, are you going to give up on Vientos? Like you don't want to have to be. The DH comes to the expense of Marte. He is your third baseman. He helped you make a run in the playoffs last year to the league championship series. You know, it's there, but it's been a bad year. He's been injured when he's been healthy, he hasn't hit. Came off the IL and one for 13 this week. So are you just going to ride out the kids help. Maybe Mauricio finds it. Mauricio finds it. Maybe Beatty finds it, although I don't think he's ever going to find it. And the name that gets brought up, and the Yankees can share in this too, is Nolan Arenado. Many people thought the Yankees should go after him during the off season because they needed a third baseman until they moved Jazz there and the Mets. Jazz isn't great there and they wanted to make a big deal. Now you're talking about a guy that is under contract through 2027, so he makes a lot of money and he can landlock Vientos because if Aaronada were to come here, he'd be a third baseman this year, next year, and presumably for the next three years. He is 34 years old, so he's still, you know, relatively young, not having a great year. Although the Cardinals are back in the playoff race. He's got 10 home runs, 41 RBIs, not having a great season. What's his batting average here? Not that anybody cares about that stuff anymore, but he's batting.249. I think he's an A plus defender, or at least he was in Colorado, still is, so. But are you willing to take on that kind of a salary at a guy that clearly is on the back nine? But maybe he feels rejuvenated now. It doesn't matter anyway because the Cardinals are playing well and they're in the playoff race. I don't think they're going to take a knee, but if somebody's willing to take that salary, they might be interested in it.

[Don La Greca]

I think they would. Yeah. I think if they can move the salary. They would, because they were trying to do it. But see, remember, during spring training, I think the Yankees were in conversations with the Cardinals.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

Then the Yankees said, okay, we're all set. And the Cardinals kept insisting, I have a friend of mine that covers that team. The Cardinals kept insisting that the Yankees are still engaged when the Yankees were not. And a lot of it had to do with the fact that the Yankees were willing to take Arenado if it was similar to what the Marlins did with Stanton, which is, you got to eat some of this money, like, we're not going to pay his full freight. And the Cardinals were not interested in doing that. So that ended the conversation, because if you're the Yankees, why would. And so if you're the Mets, it's the same story. You're going to have the same deal with the Cardinals. And you'll say to them, we'd love to have them, but not at his cost. Pay, you know, pay a percentage of it. So it saves us a little bit of payroll, because we all know he's a diminished. He's not playing to the value of his contract. And what's it worth to you, right, to Pay, you know, 10% of his salary just to have him not there so you don't have to pay the whole thing. And at that point in spring training, the Cardinals were not interested in doing anything like that. They were, if we're moving them, you're paying the whole thing. That's how it was going down. And the Yankees at that time said, we're all set, and they walked away. Now, with the Mets have the same situation he is, his bat is nowhere near where it used to be. His glove, like you said, still very much elite. All right, so how much is that value? Well, for the Yankees defense at third base, if you watch Jazz, he's okay. But you could tell he struggles at third, especially when you know the hot corner when it's coming at you fast, he struggles with that. His bat's good, but not great. He's a better second baseman, but right now they need him a third.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But the two things the Yankees are not going to be really looking to do is give up prospects and pay more money and pay more money. But the Mets, the Mets, I think, might be willing to at least do one of those two things, and that's add them up.

[Don La Greca]

So that's why there's no competition for Arnotto. Right. That's why you would say, I would.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Think that's one of them. I think they get Them.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, well I'm. Let me just see if he's still available.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Also, Elliot Friedman's reporting that Brad Marchand is close to re signing with Florida. Six years, 32 million.

[Don La Greca]

What a. I mean just tremendous.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now that is doing. That's still a little over $4 million a year. Tell me the tax doesn't help a place like Florida. Oh, because he, he takes the telescope, takes the discount. Yeah, because he wants to win another ring in Florida. But that four plus million dollars, no tax. That's why you can pay a little less. Yeah, you can pay a little less if you're the Panthers because you've won, you know, back to back cups. But also that $4 million is going to go a lot farther in places like Florida and Dallas. And what bothered me about Gary is when he was asked about it during the Stanley cup final, he like pooh poohed and said it's ridiculous. How is it ridiculous that you know, you're paying. What's the tax rate in New York? 13. What is it in California? Like 10.

[Don La Greca]

And in Florida it does make a difference.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And in Florida and Texas are the two places where there's nothing. And what's it like in Nevada? Like so there's certain places. So it does help these teams. I'm sorry, I really wish that these, these cap driven sports would adjust for the tax rate and say when you have no tax, I'm gonna factor in that 13%. Allow New York to pay 13% more against other places that have. Like if you're going up against Florida or Dallas, why you're at a 13% disadvantage. California's at a 10% disadvantage.

[Don La Greca]

If it's true parity, that's what you do. You should include that in the rate, shouldn't you?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I would think it should be included.

[Don La Greca]

In the rate that we can spend 13% more, whatever percent more than that. And for some reason, I don't know, it's weird, Don, that the major markets can never ever get some type of break like that. Like a small.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know, see, but see, you just hit on why it would never happen. Oh, look at that. So you want to give a break to the Dodgers or I guess not that they don't have a cap, you.

[Don La Greca]

Just pay him more. Like because again in baseball you can just pay him 13%.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right, you just pay him more.

[Don La Greca]

But in other sports that have a cap and a hard cap, but you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Have a cap to make it equal. But it's not equal if you're talking about two states that have zero and then there's states that have 13, 10. If it's 6, 5, whatever it is, well, then you're not playing equal.

[Don La Greca]

Makes me so mad.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And it seems like an easier thing to figure out, but. Because nobody will cry about it as well. Why would we want to help the Rangers out, you know? Yeah, but you'd be helping the Islanders out. Islanders are in New York. You don't think it hurts the Islanders that somebody plays for the Islanders and have to pay a 13% tax where they sign with Dallas or Tampa or Florida, that they have to pay zero?

[Don La Greca]

Now, one. One thing getting back to the Arenado conversation is that. Just got a little intel from St. Louis.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Don La Greca]

The Cardinals are kind of rethinking moving him right now because of their. Their situation. Yes, but he has a no trade, and the Mets were not on his list.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay, but the Yankees were.

[Don La Greca]

Yes, He. He would. He would wave for the Yankees. He wouldn't. Because, remember, he and Lemahu, I believe. Right. They have a connection. Aren't they friends?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, they played.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. Apparently the Astros wanted to acquire him. He said no. So he sounds like he uses no trade against them. So the Arnado situation for the Mets would be one where they'd have to convince him to waive it. And right now, as it stands, they're not a team that was on his list of teams that he would waive the no trade for. Well, you have that change, of course, but still.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And you also have the Cardinals are playing well and they're in the playoffs.

[Don La Greca]

And the Cardinals might not want to move.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, they might not want to do it at this particular point, but things can change over the next month. The Mets were saying just two weeks ago, let's go to Larry and West Orange. You're on. Don Hannah Rosenberg. Yeah, Don, your argument, that has to go up by 13%, it actually has to go up by higher because you'd pay tax on that increased amount anyway. Okay. So if you. If you took it to a million one, three, you'd end up really have to go like the million two almost to cover that tax. So how would you balance it out then? I think I agree with you that you. You have to make adjustments for places where there's higher taxes because it's really unfair to these, like, New York and California teams. Yeah. The advantage they have is that you can make more money outside of your team than you can. Yeah, but I really mean, that might be more of a basketball argument. Larry. I hear what you're saying, but like, in hockey, I don't think. Think a player for the New York Rangers is going to make up 13% tax, like doing commercials, you know, like, so that. That's where it hurts. Like in a sport like hockey. Yeah. There's probably a few more opportunities to make some extra bucks playing in New York. But when you're talking about 13%, so what does it mean in real time? All right, well, the Panthers and the Rangers both want a player, and they both offer the same amount of money. Let's say it's even max money, the highest you can give somebody in a cap.

[Don La Greca]

Great point.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, you know what? I'm going to go sign with Florida because Basically I'm getting 13% more.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, and so I do think, and I just was surprised by Gary, we were just talking him up earlier in the show, that he would just say it's ridiculous. Well, how is it ridiculous? I mean, I'm not a mathematician, I'm certainly not a millionaire, but I can tell you the difference between 13% tax and zero. And there's already benefits to playing in Florida. You know, the warm weather. Dave always had the line whenever we're down to, like, Florida or Tampa, it's like you can play hockey with palm trees out, too. You know, doesn't have to be 3ft of snow outside. You know, they can play hockey down here. And apparently they can play it very well.

[Don La Greca]

And Canadians, the Canadians, they. They love Florida.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, my.

[Don La Greca]

Canadians all over Florida.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's the thing.

[Don La Greca]

It's New Yorkers and Canadians that makes up the majority of the state of Florida.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, it's true.

[Don La Greca]

It is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The snowbirds come down from. From Canada, and maybe not so much anymore with the Lightning and the Panthers being good. But I remember doing, you know, going that game I told you about when the Lightning were playing the Canadians when I was down there for the Super Bowl. And the place, half the place is.

[Don La Greca]

Filled with Canadian fans now, and that was Phil Esposito. Not to get off track. Phil Esposito, his whole belief in the Tampa Bay Lightning when they made the expansion team, and he sold the idea that, like, all, like, Canadians retire. They retire to Florida. And he felt like there's a fan base here. There's a. There's Canadians are coming down here. They live down here. They love their hockey. And New Yorkers, who also love their hockey, they'll go to games. And he was right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. And now they're good. Now they're going to games just because they get to see some really good hockey. This is an ad by betterhelp it's okay to struggle. Real strength comes from opening up about what you're carrying and doing something about it so you can be at your best for yourself and everyone in your life. June is Mental Health Awareness month, and men today face immense pressure to perform, to provide, to keep it all together. So it's no wonder that 6 million men in the US suffer from depression every year, and it's often undiagnosed. With over 35,000 therapists, BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, having served over 5 million people globally. And it works with an App store rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on over 1.7 million client reviews. As the largest online provider in the world, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a diverse variety of expertise. Talk it out with better help our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com timeout that's better. H E L p.com Summer's here, and Nordstrom has everything you need for your best dress season ever. From beach days and weddings to weekend.

[Don La Greca]

Getaways in your everyday wardrobe.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Discover stylish options under $100 from tons.

[Don La Greca]

Of your favorite brands like Mango Skims, Princess Polly and madewell.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's easy, too, with free shipping and.

[Don La Greca]

Free returns in store, order pickup and more.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Shop today in stores [e-mail] or download the Nordstrom app.

[Don La Greca]

I think you're on mute.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Workday is starting to sound the same. I think you're on mute. Find something that sounds better for your career on LinkedIn. With LinkedIn job collections, you can browse curated collections by relevant industries and benefits like Flexpto or Hybrid workplaces so you can find the right job for you. Get [e-mail] jobs finding where you fit. LinkedIn knows how.

[Don La Greca]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don La Greca]

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

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is the song that I heard this weekend. I'm like, you know what? I gotta get the best Whitney Houston, Don and Han today. No Peter for a while.

[Don La Greca]

Where do. Where do Broken Hearts go?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Do that Anywhere?

[Don La Greca]

I guess not. I want to know your own filth.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Until you find somebody else.

[Don La Greca]

How everybody felt about how did you feel about singing? How did that feel? Because we really never got to talk to you after.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It wasn't my best performance because I Again, I'm not making excuses, but we didn't nail down the song until like Wednesday. So. So you. All I did was I listened to it a couple of times and I tried to scream the notes. A very difficult song to sing. Very Smells Like Teen Spirit. Because there's like no break when you're doing the hello, hello, hello. And then you go right into screaming. And I just didn't have. So I kind of just, I just threw caution to the wind and I sound like a 13 year old girl at times, but I tried to give my, my, my all. My knee, my right knee's killing me from jumping off the stage.

[Don La Greca]

I did. You know what, it's funny, I was going to ask you about the jump off the stage part because you didn't just step off, you jumped up like you were jumping into a pool.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. And there was no water, just the sand. But it's been bothering me. And then I, then I rode the bike to the gym and that irritated it even further. But, you know, it's all, all for the. All.

[Don La Greca]

I sit and stretch it, Donnie. I sit and stretch it. Listen, I, I want to tell you that just having that, you know, front row view that I had on the stage and it, I think I found the energy to be just so great. Like, it was overwhelming. It was fun. The bands, both of them were great. Suit and Mai Tai and Overboard, they were phenomenal, both of them to a point where I had no voice over the weekend.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, you were struggling at the dinner to speak.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, I was singing at the top of my lungs. And a couple of times at least the lead guy would come over. I'm like, no, I'm good, I'm good. Like, I didn't want to do that, but I got so into it that I just like, I felt like. And the crowd sang along a couple of times on a lot of stuff that was going on. Like we were doing and we were singing. And that was to me what made the beach Beach Bash. The weather wasn't great, but the vibe to me was immaculate.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We got the best fans. I really mean that because you guys have been through a lot recently with all the changes. You know, first we changed the signal. The format changes a little bit. No. And, and you guys stuck with us. I gotta be honest. It's been, it's been. In two months, September 3rd, it'll be 24 years here. And we went through a lot of change in that, in that, in those 24 years, but a lot of it's happened recently. And you know, to go from a show that was on for 22 years and that Kind of consistency bringing in Alan and it not missing a beat as far as like the, the fans and the callers. And that's why we, we, we talked about at the end of the Michael K. Run and into this one about like we consider you guys family. You have all different things you can choose to listen to. You choose to listen to us and go to our events such as the holiday party, the beach bash. It's really awesome. I love you guys for that. So I had a great time.

[Don La Greca]

The reception that I got from a lot of people who I know were big K show fans and a lot of people that pulled me aside, I'm walking through the crowd, somebody will like every now and then there's a person or two stop me and then they stop and they're like, hey, the fit is great, the sound's great. Even one person admitted to me I wasn't sure how work but I love it. It sounds really good and you know, it sounds great. Like getting that kind of reception is so important for me because a lot of times the only reaction you see are comments. And you know you're going to get those people in the comments, right? Like they're going to just. The people are miserable. They just want to say nasty things. And when you meet people in person and you see the look in their eye so you know they're not BSing you that they're being sincere. Like, that's, that's the kind of stuff that definitely puts wind in your sails and get you fired. Yeah, it's awesome for being here.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It really is cool. So, you know, thanks for, you know, the change over to 880 and whether you listen to us on the app or your stream, whatever you do, we really do appreciate it.

[Don La Greca]

So can we start planning for the duet next year?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, we could do that. We got a whole year to work on because I'm going to put extra effort into next year.

[Don La Greca]

Let's do it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Not having as much time to rehearse this year. Let's go to Allen in Lynbrook. You're on Don Hun and Rosenberg. What's up, man? Oh, hi. Two quick things for you and then I got something for Mr. Hannah. And then my call for Dog Day Afternoon. I said, you know, I said, you know, Sal said Wyoming. When Sonny answer the country he wants to go to guess what's coming to Broadway next season? No, they're going to do a Dog Day Afternoon on Broadway. Yeah, it says Dog Day after a new play. They've completely run out of ideas. Haven't they. I mean, I always criticize Hollywood for running out of ideas. Think of all the movies they've converted into Broadway plays now. It's as if they've completed, completely ran out of.

[Don La Greca]

Or just take a band and play their music and create a story around.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It like Jersey Boys.

[Don La Greca]

Right. Like that's all you're doing now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's crazy. Oh, and before I get to Mr. Hunt, I switch. I know it's not until a year ago, a year from now, but my suggestion, your song you sing at the beach bands is Bat out of Hell. I think you do a great job. Well, you know what? I did Bat out of hell. Maybe like 10 years ago. I did do it.

[Don La Greca]

I think.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Were they short? Because I love that song. And that's a good ear, Alan, because that's. That did work for me, but I did do it. Oh, God, I gotta look back. But at least like 10 years. Okay. And that or any door. I think your voice. It would sound good. Any Doors song. I said that sounds great.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, I said that because. Because you did do a door song.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, I did Roadhouse Blues.

[Don La Greca]

Right. But I had. What was the song I wanted you to sing?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Riders on the Storm.

[Don La Greca]

I think it was Writers on the Storm.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I could also do Love Me Two Times. I'm good at that, too.

[Don La Greca]

That's pretty good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But what would you have for Allen?

[Don La Greca]

Was it Riders on the Storm? It was on the Storm. It was Break on Through. Break On Through. That would be a song for you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, y. Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

All right, go ahead.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't know. I forgot the woman's name. But you know, and I know the Knicks are in trouble. They fired a coach they shouldn't have. So now the GM and no head coach, they're going to have to settle on the head coach. If the head coach doesn't deliver in two years, what's going to the gm? He's going to get fired. Then you're going to have a head coach and no gm. And the new GM is not going to want.

[Don La Greca]

It won't go like that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay, my question is, would you at least give. I apologize, I don't know her name.

[Don La Greca]

Would.

[Peter Rosenberg]

If you were in charge, would you at least interview the female assistant head coach for the Pacers?

[Don La Greca]

Would you at least give her a chance? Jenny Busick for the Pacers. Okay, I would. Because the players, you could see it. I saw it firsthand, being near their locker room, being near their bench during the conference finals a lot that she number. First of all, Rick Carlisle is the top voice. She's the second voice. Right. She goes out on the court. She has it out with players. She discusses things with players. She is right in Rick Carlisle's ear. Like, she's not like a, you know, second, second row assistant. She's very involved. Better. Even more is when I watched her interaction with several of those players where she does the eye to eye, face to face conversation. And she's talking, you know, pointing, putting the finger in their chest. They're looking her dead in the eye, listen to every word, nodding along. There's a great respect for her. I think of a lot of the female coaches we've seen in the league. Like, I have seen her ascension quick now, she was a great coach in the women's game. So it's no surprise. I think it's coming in the NBA now. I saw some of these rumors about Dawn Staley, who I think is a fantastic coach. I'm on record of saying I could play for her because if you want. If you listen to her speeches that they have. Everybody has their speeches microphoned up now. And the way she talks to players and all that stuff, like you can. The delivery alone is like, no, I.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Can play for her.

[Don La Greca]

And I think we're going to see it one day.

[Peter Rosenberg]

In the end. No, it's definitely going to happen.

[Don La Greca]

I don't think we're going to see it with the Knicks, but I. This is fair, but I think we're going to see it one day.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It would be unfair in this situation because not only do you have to deal with the pressure of breaking that glass ceiling.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But do it for a team that now has to improve on going to the conference final the year, whoever the coach is, is going to be under immense pressure.

[Don La Greca]

Imagine what would be for and do it in New York.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It just too much. It would just be way, way.

[Don La Greca]

But who can handle it? Oh, I think Don Staley can handle it easily. And I think Jenny could handle it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't think it's a question of whether I think they can handle it. Is it fair for their. In the position that they're in to do something that's never been done before and also do it for a team that's expected to win in the biggest city in North America? It is just. It's just too much. I mean, that is just such a hard spot to put. To. Put anybody in.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let's go to. I'm sorry.

[Don La Greca]

Okay, I'll go.

[Peter Rosenberg]

William and Hackensack, you're on espn New York. Hey, William. Hey, Don.

[Don La Greca]

How you doing, guys? What's up?

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right, I got.

[Don La Greca]

I got one question that I'm going to go to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

My regular question. Don, do you remember Hot Grill in Clifton? Of course, yes. I was, I was there last. Last summer. Where is this in Clifton? Hot Grill, Texas. We place.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. I thought he said, do you know a hot girl in Clifton. That's what it sounded like to me. Anybody else?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't know, but I knew I heard it. I heard Hot Grill.

[Don La Greca]

I thought I heard Don, but not know, probably Clifton and you not knowing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The Hot Grill, I can understand you thinking that, but knowing the Hot Grill, like William and I do, I understood what he was talking about.

[Don La Greca]

I can't be the only one that heard that. I do love it. Okay, exactly.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Alan just doesn't understand what was your favorite food there. Although whenever I go to any of those places, golf or Grill or Johnny and Hanji's, I always go a hot dog with sauce, hamburger with sauce, and a fry with sauce. Absolutely, absolutely. You remember me? I'm the meatloaf sandwich guy. Okay. Yeah, of course. Okay.

[Don La Greca]

All right, my question is, I'm going to be quick.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You guys said that you. You guys were Talking about if LeBron came to the Knicks, if he did.

[Don La Greca]

Come to the Knicks, what would happen to Brunson, Cat, Robinson and Hart.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thank you guys for taking my call. Well, Cat would probably go in the deal, right?

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, he might.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Might have to. That money's got to go back to LA.

[Don La Greca]

Well, it could be an Anobi. That's 40 mil you take Robinson's 15. There you go.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Done.

[Don La Greca]

And they, they could use a pogo stick center like Mitchell, Robinson with the guy like Luca. And then you get your 3 and D wing guy. That would work with a guy like Luca because it's kickouts, right? So if you want to go for best fits again. This is all hypothetical. We're just having fun. I've already told you it's not happening. But that's the fit. So then you look at the team and you go, well, now you got Towns at center again, LeBron at the four, right. You don't have OG anymore. Who's your three? Josh Hart now's got to be in the starting lineup again. He would have to non shooter, right? Yeah. Bridges stays, I guess. So there's your two. And then you have Brunson, who, like, I don't know how that fits.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Do you give Bridges the max contract? I guess you still could, right?

[Don La Greca]

Well, you give him whatever, like, only if he wants the extension. I. I'm going out on a limb. I don't know anything. They could extend bridges right now, I think. End of the week, right? End of the week, they can extend it. He might say, no, thanks, I want to go to free agency because there's more money for him to wait for in free agency. If he says, no thanks to the Knicks, what do they do? Do you just say, all right, play out the year and we'll see how it goes?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Probably right?

[Don La Greca]

Or do you think, well, all right, we can't risk this if he walks for a bigger number that we can't give him. So that's it. But he just said, what does it look like? That's what it looks like. That's your team. Brunson is a guy that needs the ball. LeBron is a guy that needs the ball. How does that fit? How does that work? That's a lot.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But if you've been listening to Alan all day, not going to happen. This is all left earlier. Get the Lakers to be as competitive as possible in 25, 26.

[Don La Greca]

The the the 4 o' clock. It's 4 o' clock hour podcast, right? Anthony? I think it's 4 o' clock. Absolutely. That podcast is the one you want to look for if you missed it. I I pretty much explained Don and I explained it in depth of why it sounds like a lot of fun, but there's really nothing to it. So the the whole LeBron to the Knicks dream and all that is going to stay simply a dream.

[Peter Rosenberg]

With a Venmo debit card, you can Venmo more than just your friends. You can use your balance in so many ways. You can Venmo everything. Need gas? You can Venmo this. How about snacks? You can Venmo that. Your favorite band's merch. You can Venmo this or their next show. You can Venmo that. Visit Venmo me debit to learn more. The Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp bank and Acres to license my MasterCard International Incorporated card may be used everywhere. MasterCard is accepted. Venmo purchase restrictions apply.

[Don La Greca]

My day kicks off with a refreshing Celsius energy drink.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Then straight to the gym.

[Don La Greca]

Pre K pickup back home to meal prep. Time for my fire station shift.

[Peter Rosenberg]

One more Celsius.

[Don La Greca]

Gotta keep the lights on when the three alarm hits. I'm ready.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Celsius Live Fit.

[Don La Greca]

Go grab a cold refreshing Celsius at your local retailer or locate [e-mail].

[Peter Rosenberg]

This episode is brought to you by State Farm. Knowing you could be saving money for the things you really want is a great feeling. Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the personal price plan. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability, amount of discounts, and savings and eligibility vary by state.

[Don La Greca]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don La Greca]

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

[Peter Rosenberg]

Very talented woman, that Whitney. Damn, I'm getting the best of. That'll be my. Sorry, Michael. That's what we gotta listen to as I'm driving in tomorrow. 1-800-919-3776. In case you missed it over the weekend, I heard. Where did broken hearts go? I said, you know what?

[Don La Greca]

I gotta.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I gotta download the best stuff. And so far, Jake has downloaded it for you. You have Jake a mission, and he just comes through. He's amazing.

[Don La Greca]

He's on it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let's go to Dennis. He's in North Carolina. You're on Don Hanna, Rosenberg. What's up, Dennis? What's up? All right. He's got something going on there. Let's go to Griffin in Connecticut. You're on ESPN New York.

[Don La Greca]

Hey, guys.

[Peter Rosenberg]

How are you? You know about the beach bass? That family feud is so ridiculous. It was. I was so. And everybody. Let me just tell you something, Griff. We went out to dinner and I complained about it. And Peter's like. He complained about it because we lost Don. Don hates to lose. Yeah, I hate to lose. I also hate when they're pulling something from like, 1974. What's in your car? And they don't have.

[Don La Greca]

They don't have a jack in your car, though. They had a jack.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, they had a spare tire, but.

[Don La Greca]

That's right. They had this first aid kit.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hold on. We're in the 24th century. You have GPSs on your phone? It's a map in their car.

[Don La Greca]

Map is a good one, too, there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Give me a break. Yeah, and then a gas tank.

[Don La Greca]

Really?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Who's keeping a gas tank in their car? And by the way, if they're real, by the way, you have kids. You need to have a car seat in your car. What are you driving around with with no car seat in your car? And, Griff, I didn't make a big deal out of it. I didn't make a big deal out of it. But we were very clear on the air. We wanted to do a sports feud. And John went through the pinhead suits like, no, that's not the family Feud. Well, you know what? They, Everybody seemed to like it. But Griff, I didn't. That's not because I lost. I'm bigger than that.

[Don La Greca]

Hey, got a little bit of more hockey, by the way.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hold on there, Griff.

[Don La Greca]

Evan Bouchard, Oilers, four year deal, 10 million annually.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, see what Romanov got from the Islanders. I mean, they're giving money to defensemen like candy. It's ridiculous.

[Don La Greca]

Their defense sucks.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know, but he was, he was very good. Especially in last year's playoffs. He was outstanding.

[Don La Greca]

But yeah, I mean he's, you know, it is called defense defense, not Dolphins.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Griffin in Connecticut continues.

[Don La Greca]

Sorry, Griff.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hi, Alan. When you were saying about Chisholm at third, I don't think, I don't think he's been great at threatening. He's great at third. I don't think he's a neophyte there though. So I think it's, it's staying right now. But we do need a third baseman. And one thing that is a problem with us is can play defense and can do phenomenal. Can he though? If he can hit, he can easily play with us because his defense is perfect. He just can't hit at this level right now. That's, that is why I think they need a third baseman so they can move Chisholm over back to second. But I think right now I think we're stainable with Chisholm at third. But not long term. That's what I'm trying to say. He's okay where we can, we can handle it right now. But we do need a third baseman.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, well, I think that's the point I'm making is that, that he's really not a third baseman. They're just having him play it. So there are times where you could just see that he's not a third baseman, that he struggles and that they need him at second where he is at his best. In fact, he and Volpe, if you remember in spring training, they spent a ton of time together developing chemistry between the two of them because they thought that was going to be the double play combo for the next 10 years. But it hasn't been that because they've had to play him there because DJ can't really like the Mayhew. Things really getting sad. It really is, Don. Like I know everybody, it's easy for fans. They want to trash an older player when he's no longer got it and they all want to treat him like crap and kick him out the door, but this is a guy that, by the way, like throughout his career, was a well respected, widely respected, absolute ball player. Right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Mm.

[Don La Greca]

And to see the drop off like this, it's tough.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's tough to watch and it could be costing you. And listen, he was an MVP of the team not too long ago, but clearly those days are over. Since we were talking about the feud, JJ in North Carolina had a question about the feud. What's up, jj?

[Don La Greca]

Jj hey, boys.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I was just gonna say it's funny that Griffin brought that up. I actually, I know the question was ridiculous. I also love the spare tire being in the car. Even though you're really just comes with the car to begin with. Exactly.

[Don La Greca]

Store it in there. It's there. Yeah, I'm with you. But.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But, yeah, I thought it was really funny, actually.

[Don La Greca]

I thought, you know, it was kind.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Of, it was kind of like stupid. But the, the back and forthness and screaming of it. I just wanted. I, I know.

[Don La Greca]

I remember Don saying it was ridiculous.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I, I thought I, I loved it. Well, you know what was good about it, jj, is that it was the one segment we had.

[Don La Greca]

We were all together, the whole show.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The whole station was together. So that, that ended up making worth a year. I, Alan, I had a quick suggestion about the, the Knicks head. Knicks head coach, since I don't know why they fired Tom Thibodeau, but they already interviewed him. I think Taylor Jenkins would be. I mean, you know, he's not, he's, he's not from New York. He doesn't like have that kind of mantra, but he's a level headed guy. I'm, you know, huge Grizzlies fan, and I think he got the short end of the stick there. He didn't really do anything wrong. He had a, you know, a lot of things like that he couldn't really deal with, but he's, he brought them from the David Fisdale Clown show and brought him out and made him a perennial playoff team. You know, it's not, it's not going to, you know, change the team and make them like a. I wouldn't say it's like a be all, end all kind of candidate, but I just want.

[Don La Greca]

To get your thoughts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's a, I think he's a level headed, really good coach.

[Don La Greca]

I like him a lot. I like him as a, you know, I think he's right there when it comes to the guys they've interviewed. And I think he, I do think he Was back for a second interview. I can't confirm that. I'm trying to, but I haven't gotten that confirmed. But yeah, for everything you said, what he was able to do there in Memphis and get that franchise back on track. They were, I believe, like a one or two seat only a couple of years ago. Then all the JA stuff happened. He had to handle that. That was not easy to do. Then JA gets hurt and they got to manage his minutes and the way he plays. And I actually think JA got him fired, man. Like I do.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I sounds like it, right?

[Don La Greca]

I think that, you know, he didn't like the way he's being used in the offense. But whatever happened there, he's the. He. He was out. And I think he's a good coach. He was a great assistant. He was very popular with players as an assistant. But I think he'll, you know, he's going to be in the mix. I do think Mike Brown's the lead guy, from what I understand. Mike Brown. Mike Brown might be in New York right now, matter of fact.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Wow.

[Don La Greca]

Another thing I'm trying to lock down but have not been able to confirm.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, I mean, they're running out of time now. It's time for free agents.

[Don La Greca]

They got to get guys, they got to make a decision. But Mike, Mike Brown is the safest and probably most experienced of people they could hire that they've already talked to. The guy's. He's coached in an NBA Finals. He has coached around the league. Only recently took Sacramento, where the two seed in the west with a very young team and they got that. That Sacramento Kings franchise back on track. So I think out of the names, I would probably put Mike Brown one, and then I would put Taylor Jenkins probably two.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let's go to Mike and Yonkers. You're on. Don Hunter, Rosenberg. Hey, fellas. Love you guys. Thank you. Guys are great. I want to go really quick because probably most people listening won't care. If you look at the Yankee A's game Friday night, top of the fourth day in the camera cut to two people with cell shirts with signs. The A's belong in Oakland. Yes, that was me and my girlfriend.

[Don La Greca]

Okay, so we saw that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Girlfriend.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. Are you kidding? So you're still. You still.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Reason why. Reason why I'm called. I'm sorry, you want talking. Sorry.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, I just wanted to say you guys are still on that. I mean, it just seems like a fait accompli now, right? They're out. They're going to build a station stadium. Vegas but you, you know, I, I.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is why I'm calling. Listen, you, I'm sure you heard that they had a groundbreaking.

[Don La Greca]

Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Nothing but pr. Nothing but pr. John Fisher is a billion dollars short on funding. There are no financing agreements, there are no construction documents. There are no permits, including from the faa, to build the stadium.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, I've heard that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

These are not going to Vegas. There's going to be two things and the reason why I'm calling to say what it matters to baseball and how it's going to only make more of a black guy for Ron Banford. There are two options with the A's. They're not going to Vegas. They're not one up. You can't build a retractable stadium with a retractable roof on nine acres. It's not engineerly possible. Second of all, there's going to be two options with the A's in the future. Either Joe Lake up, the owner of the warriors, buys them. Very unlikely. Because they're not going to go back to Oakland. The A's will end up in Salt Lake City, Utah because there's $900 million free money sitting there. Meanwhile, they're getting about 380 from the state of Nevada and Las Vegas. John Fisher cannot afford the stadium, period. Everything he's doing. You just saw the ceremonial groundbreaking. It was nothing but public relation. There are no construction documents, there's no financing the place. The guy cannot afford it. So unless Major League Baseball forces him to sell, which they do not do, because if you put one under one owner, under the precedent of selling, that means any other owner can be put under that person that will. They're not going to Vegas. They're going to end up in Salt Lake City because this is their only chance to get a team. And I'm telling you right now, I hope they go back to Oakland. It's my heart of hearts. But they're going to Salt Lake City. The whole Las Vegas thing, it's just nothing but public relations. And I understand most your viewers probably don't care, but. Well, no, but I appreciate the story. I'm fascinated by, by, by these types of things. I wonder why Salt Lake City? I know they got the mammoth there because Arizona moved to Utah.

[Don La Greca]

Money there, there's a lot of money.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But you know, I think Nashville would be a great fit baseball. Charlotte would be a great fit. You hear that? Montreal wants to get a second crack at a baseball team. So I'm wondering why Utah? Unless they want to just keep the whole alignment of divisions because they can keep the A's in the west if they stay in Utah. They'd have to change some things if they move them to Charlotte or Nashville.

[Don La Greca]

And this story off the groundbreaking from a couple of days ago is John Fisher talking about the ballpark project could approach 2 billion. And he's blaming it on the fact that there's, you know, pending tariffs levied on imported goods, including steel. That could be a big part of this.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And you gotta have a dome. You can't play in Vegas.

[Don La Greca]

Vegas a hill. You gotta have the dome. Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, no, don't feel bad. I find all that stuff fascinating.

[Don La Greca]

Thanks for listening to Madan, Hahn and Rosenthal Bloomberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, but I just want to know. It's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8.

[Don La Greca]

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