Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Giannis to Knicks?

Date: October 7, 2025
Podcast: ESPN New York
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg

Episode Overview

Hour 3 of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" show centers primarily on two hot topics:

1. The Yankees facing playoff elimination against the Blue Jays—lineup decisions, pitching strategy, fan pessimism, and the psychology in the Bronx.
2. The headline segment: Could Giannis Antetokounmpo become a New York Knick? Alan Hahn unpacks the realities, rumors, and requirements for such a blockbuster NBA storyline.

Rich with listener calls, deep-dive analysis, and a few memorable rants, the episode provides sports fans with an energetic mix of informed debate and signature New York candor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Yankees Lineup Decisions & the Boone Philosophy

Timestamps: [04:25]–[08:09]

• Debate on Starting Lineup:
  Alan and Peter dissect manager Aaron Boone's decision to stick with the same lineup, even as players like Grisham struggle:

  "Boone on keeping the same lineup: 'I just believe in this group a lot. This is our lineup that had a chance to do the most damage while also having my right-handed guys on the bench that are real threats for their lefty specialists too.'" – [04:35] (Peter reading Boone)
  The hosts express skepticism about relying on an optimistic belief in the team, noting postseason slumps and the need for offensive life.

• On ‘Survive and Advance’ Coaching:
  The idea is to weather the storm for one game at a time, with Boone betting on the group that got them there, ready with tactical subs (like Goldschmidt) if needed.

2. Pitching Strategy: Rodón and the Bullpen

Timestamps: [07:42]–[12:09]

• Caller Mike (Connecticut):
  Stresses the importance of a clean start from Rodón and not having to “open the box of chocolates” that is the uncertain bullpen.

  "You really do need to get [Rodón] through six, then maybe you can mix and match Williams." – [09:01] (Peter)
  "How many run deficit are you willing to accept and say, no, he’s staying in?" – [10:23] (Peter)

• Consensus:
  Both hosts and callers agree: The Yankees must eke out whatever they can from Rodón, avoiding weaker bullpen options unless absolutely necessary.

• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as a Yankee Killer:
  Vlad Jr.’s dominance over Rodón is called out numerically and emotionally:

  "His career numbers against Rodón: .588, 10 of 17… 14 out of 21 plate appearances, he’s on base." – [18:41] (Peter)

3. Fan Pessimism & Playoff Psychology

Timestamps: [13:01]–[17:08], [29:04]–[32:00]

• On Yankees Fans’ Mood:
  Callers voice near-despair about the series (“Supposed to have hope, right?… But, honestly, what do you want these fans to grab onto?” – [14:30] Alan). Hosts remind listeners that the task is just to win tonight, and momentum can flip quickly:

  "Game four and five right now is a fantasy. It doesn’t exist. Unless you win tonight. And winning tonight is not nearly the impossibility that winning three in a row is." – [16:48] (Alan)

• On Must-Win Mindsets:
  The show distinguishes how the Blue Jays will manage less desperately than Boston in similar circumstances, with a wider path to series victory ([27:04]–[27:57]).

4. The Giannis-to-Knicks Saga

Timestamps: [33:00]–[36:23]

• Caller Javi (Queens) Asks:
  What would it take for the Knicks to trade for Giannis? Is it even plausible?

• Alan Hahn’s Deep Dive:

  "We have been talking about this… This is not—it’s still on the table… the only place he wants to go, which is the Knicks. He made that clear." – [34:14]
  Alan explains the complexity:

  • Unless Giannis himself wields leverage (e.g., forces Bucks’ hand), it’ll take “multiple teams,” salary relief, pick stock, and not gutting the Knicks’ ability to compete.
  • Giannis’ reported stance: his top, sole preferred destination is New York.
  • Analogies to previous super-star trades (e.g., Kevin Durant) show how multi-team deals and pick swaps would factor in.

  "You don’t want to turn the Knicks into what happened…when Carmelo Anthony was traded…where you no longer are a championship contender." – [36:23] (Alan)

• Bottom line:
  The possibility is alive but labyrinthine—don’t expect news soon, but Knicks are “the” desired landing spot if a superstar move happens.

5. George Steinbrenner, Yankees Ownership, & Fan Memory

Timestamps: [37:43]–[49:52]

• Buster Olney’s Tweet, The Steinbrenner Doctrine:

  “In George Steinbrenner’s time as owner of the Yankees, he fostered… If you don’t win the World Series, your season is a complete failure. One who apparently does not subscribe…Hal Steinbrenner. He has a more nuanced view of success.” – [38:26] (Buster via Peter)

• Hosts’ Reflections:
  They discuss how “George the character” is over-romanticized—fans forget the tumultuous (and at times disastrous) hands-on years, likening him to Jerry Jones in Dallas. Hal’s approach is steadier, focused on long-term brand and financial stability:

  "The wild man did a lot more bad than good…Hal just decided, 'I’m not going to be that way.'" – [43:34] (Alan)
  "The goal, like winning a World Series for George Steinbrenner meant a huge gate…The Yankee brand is not going anywhere. Every year, 33 years, they’re a winning team." – [47:44] (Peter)

• Key insight:
  The contrast between father-and-son ownership styles, and the unrealistic nostalgia that colors much of Yankees fan angst today.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Boone on Lineup Faith:

"I just believe in this group a lot. This is our lineup that had a chance to do the most damage…" [04:35] (Boone via Peter)

On Giannis and the Knicks:

"It’s the only place he wants to go, which is the Knicks. He made that clear…" [34:14] (Alan)

On the Playoff Mindset:

"Game four and five right now is a fantasy. It doesn’t exist. Unless you win tonight." [16:48] (Alan)

Peter on Vlad Guerrero Jr.:

"His career numbers against Rodón: .588…14 out of 21 plate appearances, he’s on base. Is that good?" [18:41]

About Yankees ownership change:

"The wild man did a lot more bad than good…Hal just decided, 'I’m not going to be that way.'" [43:34] (Alan)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Yankees, Boone, and playoff strategy: [04:25]–[12:09]
• Fan pessimism: [13:01]–[17:08]
• Blue Jays lineup and Vlad Jr. dominance: [17:32]–[19:02]
• Media/ownership discussion and playoff media interests: [19:16]–[24:23]
• Player perspectives and game psychology: [24:52]–[27:57]
• Yankees offense talk: [27:57]–[29:04]
• Callers and bullpen/conversation shift: [33:00]–[34:03], [36:23]–[37:43]
• Giannis to Knicks deep dive: [34:03]–[36:23]
• Steinbrenner, history, and modern Yankees ownership debate: [37:43]–[49:52]

Tone & Style

The tone is classic New York sports radio: fast-paced, opinionated, sometimes self-deprecating, and filled with lively banter.
Co-hosts blend analytical insights with emotional fan perspectives, capturing the city’s high-stakes sports mood on a dramatic playoff day—never shying away from skepticism or humor.

Summary Takeaway

Hour 3 delivers must-listen content for Yankees and Knicks fans alike—fusing moment-to-moment anxiety about the playoffs with a compelling look ahead to basketball’s next blockbuster.
It’s equal parts clubhouse strategy, front-office philosophy, and all the fevered hope (and dread) of New York sports.