
Don, Hahn & Rosenberg on ESPN NY
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Don Hahn
don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. That sounds like heaven to me. Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers 500 one of the big city Don Han and Rosenberg with you till 6:30. At that time we'll pass it off to Howie and the boys from Mets and Marlins. Coming up at 6:30 again, first game of a four game set between the Mets and Miami. The Giants spoke as we get deeper into training camp here and John Harbaugh, Harbs as he's called in giant circles. I have heard that. Yeah. What's he seen from Abdul Carter?
John Harbaugh
He's had two good practices. I mean he's doing everything well right now. He was in the backfield quite a bit. He's going against a really good tackle too, you know, and thought those guys are making each other better. I just appreciate that kind of competition, ones against ones a lot of times. And he looked good. He's not the only,
Don Hahn
not the greatest rookie year for Carter, but still time to grow. What does Abdul Carter have to do coach to get his game to the next level?
John Harbaugh
I think he would tell you just a consistency level, down after down after down, all downs, all situations. You know, being a complete player on the edge and we'll move him around too. And that means that includes even dropping him into cover sometimes. You know, I mean all those things, play the run rush, the passer, all the movements, stunts, things like that, cover for guys on movements. All those things that he's really, he's determined to do. I've heard him say it many times to be a complete player.
Don Hahn
I think Harbaugh could be really good for Carter because again the problem that you had with Dable is he's an offensive guy. A new coach, respected guy comes in and he's got his hands everywhere. He's done a lot of good things on both sides of the ball in Baltimore and I think he could be good for Abdul Carter and certainly the new D coordinator can be as well. How about the intensity during Giants practice?
John Harbaugh
I think it's just the Guys are having fun and competing and getting after was good. It was all good natured and. And it was. It was a high, highly intense practice. You know, it was fun to be a part of it was fun to be in the middle of it. That's why I said when you come off the practice field, you know, you. We just had football practice, you know, in the NFL in a beautiful setting. It was. It was awesome. Yeah.
Don Hahn
They're in West Virginia because the Giants are going through all of the reconstruction of their camp. So they're. They're away. It's tough, man. You know, when the Giants used to go up to Albany was one thing, and then the jets went to Cortland, which was even farther away. And now these guys are in West Virginia. And what is that? That's maybe a little bit closer than Pittsburgh.
Peter
It's. It's a ways though. He was one notch away from how much Harbaugh enjoys this whole thing. He was one notch away from.
Don Hahn
I can feel it all the way down in my plum. No, he's. This has got to make you feel good if you're a Giant fan, is that he really seems to be revigorated. Like he's. He's really excited to be the Giants head coach. Like, I love Harvest. It's not the fact that he's still coaching. Let the boy watch. He was going to land on his feet no matter what, but it just feels like he's excited to be the Giants head coach. And that's not nothing.
Peter
No, no.
Don Hahn
He specifically loves that he has this gig. Yeah. I don't think it's being performative. I think he really is excited about doing it and we'll see how successful he'll be at it. All right. On dart, spending extensive time under center.
John Harbaugh
I don't know how much he's done it, but he looks good. Doing it hadn't been an issue at all. It does, I would say, under center in the passing game, it does really discipline your footwork because the drops are so important under center and I think it enhances. He would tell you it makes even. It helps even in the. In the gun, pistol or whatever. But another element, it's part of our offense, what our offensive. We're going to be in various elements and that's one of them.
Don Hahn
Another interesting subject around the Giants is the future of Kayvon Thibodeau in New York. Now, Shane's still here and he had those two high draft picks five and seven a few years ago where he drafts Neil and Thibodeau. You wonder if there was a new general manager. If the Giants have parted ways with Shane, then the new GM wouldn't care about where any of those guys were picked. But, you know, Shane's invested to see if it could work. Neil's still here playing a different position, and Thibodeau is still here, so. John Horribaugh praises Kayvon.
John Harbaugh
He's a pretty athletic guy. He's aware he does have good hands. The ability to rush the passer and also the awareness to bat balls down is massive. I mean, batted balls is a big stat in defensive football in terms of getting off the field, so. So that's something we work on. We do not coach our guys against batting balls down in any drill. We do. We want to practice that.
Don Hahn
You know, Dennard Wilson's the new defensive coordinator, so hopefully he can turn around Carter from last year, turn around Thibodeau, so those guys start to play to where they were drafted. Peter, now this defense can get something going. We'll see. But I think coaching is so much part of the game in football, and the coaching just feels like it's so much better than it's been. Malik Neighbors is the other drama at Giants.
Peter
That's a big one.
Don Hahn
Will he be ready for opening day? He's had a good camp. The last couple of days have been good for him. He spoke today how he felt, how it felt to be back onto the field.
John Harbaugh
It felt good.
Malik Neighbors
I mean, I might not show it. I know I like to be. I like to be a person that you never, never know. My facial expressions, I'm always just smooth and calm. But it felt good to be out there with the guys, get a couple throws, just move around, you know, I never moved around a long, but one of us feel good out there.
Don Hahn
He was asked if there's a target date.
Malik Neighbors
There's no target date. Just stacking days and, you know, I'll continue to let everybody know how I feel and when I'm able to, you know, get back out there.
Caller/Listener
Yeah.
Don Hahn
It's so early, Peter, because all he's doing is just kind of going through the motions and it's been so long since he's played. You're not going to know.
Peter
No.
Don Hahn
Until they really start to ratchet it up. I don't know if he'll play in any of the preseason games. Last thing you need to get.
Peter
I would highly hurt. I would highly doubt it based on
Don Hahn
what we for sure, so. But it's going to take a while here in camp to find out if he's going to be ready to go out there and play in anger. On opening day against the Dallas Cowboys. What has been. What have you seen from Dart heading in to his second year?
Malik Neighbors
I just seen him be like that leader that, you know, we need, you know, game manager, that person in the locker room that gets everybody going and picking guys up. You know, he's picking me up through this process also. Just, you know, he can read people very well and he reads me. He's like, he's always coming up to me. He's like, what you thinking about? Because I'm always in my head, you know, I'm always thinking about, you know, stuff, and he's always like, I know you're thinking. And, you know, I have great talks with him, and he's always, you know, pushing me to be better, pushing me to just continue to stack days, pushing me, you know, and just, you know, getting back to what I once was. So, you know, we could, you know, play together and be great together.
Don Hahn
You know, these players sign Peter, and then you kind of forget about it, and then the season starts like, oh, yeah. Odell Beckham Jr. Is a giant. He's back. Malik was asked about Odell's presence with Big Blue.
Malik Neighbors
Just a great role model, a great leader that, you know, we put in the room. You know, he's had a few injuries in the past. He had the same injury as me. So just talking through with him on just how he handled that, what was his rehab process and what things that he did to help himself come back. You know, just keeping him, you know, in the back corner, just, you know, always. He's always feeding me good energy, so it's good having him around. He's always still lifting me up, always continue to call me, ask me how I feel, send me text messages on just motivation. So just having him around has been great, for sure.
John Harbaugh
Surreal. Surreal for you.
Malik Neighbors
It is so real.
Don Hahn
I mean, we know the story going back.
Malik Neighbors
Yeah, yeah. It is so real. You know, I got family members and, you know, friends that, you know, it's so crazy that, you know, they see me playing with him or see me on side of him, but, you know, I'm just taking every moment in.
Don Hahn
Kind of crazy how you go from kind of diva wide receiver to now Wiley veteran helping out the young guys.
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It's.
Peter
It's so. It's one of the great things about sports. The storylines just change. People just evolve. They. You have to remember when we make a lot of decisions, especially in the media, where we're expected to talk about it 24 7, 365. We make a lot of decisions on
Don Hahn
people who are children.
Peter
Like, literally, when you think about, like, Odell, when we were talking about him, Don was way too close to Marco's age right now. That's true. You know, I mean, they're 20 years old. They're 21 years old. You have a bunch of injuries.
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You.
Peter
You know, people get married, they have kids, they think they're going to lose their career, they get it back, they go win a Super bowl somewhere. Like, Odell's done it all now. I think, you know, there's been a lot of talk about the Geno thing, the prodigal son and the redemption. Excuse me, story in some ways, probably a lot more compelling with Odell if he were able to be a real part of this. Now, we don't know how much playing
Don Hahn
time he'll get or if he'll even make the team. We don't know.
Peter
Right. We don't know where he's at physically. But Don, in a world in which he does make the team and he's the third or fourth guy, you know, or I guess he's more like the fourth or fifth guy at this point, if he were to be a valuable contributor and help neighbors develop and they were actually good and like, in a big game, he had a big catch. Still, like, I got to tell you, given the up and down that the fans had with how massively popular, because keep in mind, God bless him, and I'm happy he's getting the chance. Chino Smith was never popular. Odell Beckham was the most popular jersey in the. In the stadium. This isn't. This isn't a guy. He was not a role player on the Giants, Don. He was the guy.
Don Hahn
No, he was the man that. That 20. What was that 2016 season when the Giants went 11 and 5? They made the plus whole boat trip thing. It was. It was him and Eli. It was just that's. That was their offense. So it seemed like every big play, every big moment was at least one or two big plays to Odell. Defense played well, and they won.
Peter
And the Wiley veteran at that time was Victor Cruz.
Don Hahn
Yeah.
Peter
Crazy.
Don Hahn
It is. It is pretty, but. But I had it on my bingo card that Cruz would be that guy. I didn't have it.
Peter
No.
Don Hahn
That Odell would turn out to be that, but.
Peter
Well, it's been a windy road he's had. Every day is a winding road.
Don Hahn
He's had injuries. You know, he's won a Super Bowl. He's been all over the place. And now he's been humbled. Now he's trying to extend his career and I do think there's the redemption story of he didn't like the way that it ended. Trying to make it work here and if his body can hold up, I think it could be a really cool story. Neighbors talks about the mental battles he's dealt with as he recovers from his injury.
Malik Neighbors
I mean, this is my first time mental battle that I have a mental battle. But I would say just keeping, you know, friends and family close. People that know exactly, you know, how they see you, you know, in the near future or what they see and you know, and how you attack things. My thing, just having positive people around you that helps, you know, in this long term battle because you can get, you can definitely get lost in your own mind. You never know when you're going to be able to do something. And I got stuck in that also. Just dealing with this rehab, just long term, just doing a lot of stuff and you're not seeing improvements and you're always staying in the same spot week by week. But just seeing the light at the end of the tunnel is that everyday process is just thinking that you're going to get better and believing that you're going to get better and just stacking days like I said and just trying to make every day a positive matter. Like don't go into the day, you know, just not expecting to get some out of it. I think I've, you know, attacked this rehab as I'm trying to get better every day. No day is different, you know, and out working the day before and just trying to improve on a matter of just getting back healthy.
Don Hahn
All right, so get up this morning Jordan Rogers was on with Adam Schefter.
Peter
Jordan Rogers?
Don Hahn
That's right.
Peter
Not Jordan Ronan?
Don Hahn
No, Jordan Rogers.
Peter
Yeah, that's Aaron's brother.
Don Hahn
That's right. And the topic of the Giants came up and both believe Giants will go to the playoffs if healthy. Just look at who they were last year without Malik Neighbors, right. He missed all of Jackson darts time last year. They were in seven one score games and they lost all those. And that was without their best receiver. That was without Cam Scatterboo for nine games. They add Isaiah likely at tight end. The weapons around Jackson Dart in year two are so much better. They were a top 15 offense with Jackson Dart last year, 22 points per game. They're a top 10 offense with Malik Neighbors with Isaiah likely a group of veteran receivers that kind of round that room out with a healthy Cam Scadboo. This is a team that will be top 10 on offense and make a playoff run with healthy pieces on offense. You didn't even mention that they hired John Harbaugh to coach this team. Yeah, you didn't even mention that. So if there are seven one score games and if, if, and this is the big if, if Jackson, Darth and Cam Scatterboo and Malik Neighbors, Dale, if those guys are healthy, this team will go to the playoffs.
Malik Neighbors
Yes.
Don Hahn
That's bold, man.
Peter
All right.
Don Hahn
And I was just talking to Jake Asman before his show is over. He believes the Giants are a playoff team. Dave Rothenberg in the morning believes that they can be a team that can win nine games. And if you win nine games, you're nine and eight. I would think in this day and age, with the extra wild card, you're a playoff team or at least in the contention for it. I haven't allowed myself to wrap my mind around it. I've been saying that the whole time. Peter. I just want this team to function again. I'm not going to say playoffs or bust.
Peter
Can I. Can I ask you a question though?
Don Hahn
Yeah.
Caller/Listener
All right.
Peter
I'm not even going to take this personally and get into the fact that like everyone's jumped. The Giants are going to the playoffs and the commanders don't even exist in the division all of a sudden.
Anthony
Why can't it be both of them and the other two just go away?
Peter
That would be nice, but it doesn't seem like that's likely. So here's the question I have for you. I won't even play the Dallas Reindeer game. Let's just play. Philly wins the division. Right. Let's just live in the reality we've been living in. Phillies in. How many playoff teams are coming out of the North. Explain to me how it's likely to be less than three teams.
Anthony
Lions could take a step back.
Don Hahn
I, Vikings could take a step forward. I think the Lions are actually favored to win the division.
Anthony
Believe it.
Don Hahn
I don't. I don't believe all three of those teams will make it. I'm very bullish on the Bears. I'm with Anthony. I could see the Lions and slipping
Peter
and the packers too. You said you're not high on them.
Don Hahn
I would think two of those three teams will go.
Peter
What about the Vikings?
Anthony
Lions defense is a bit of a mess.
Peter
Lions defense, always a bit of a mess.
Anthony
But they're Murray and they are the favorites. You are correct on +170 on DraftKings.
Don Hahn
Kyler Murray. The Vikings are. I'm not worried about the Vikings. I could be wrong about.
Peter
I mean, they were a very good team, though. I mean, they're, they're very. I know, I know. Not having quarterback is like. Other than that. Mrs. Lincoln. All right, so you're willing to say two from the north.
Don Hahn
I believe there's going to be. Yeah, two from the north.
Anthony
Keep in mind, Peter, you're talking to two people that probably agree with you on this statement.
Peter
Yeah, I know, I know. But by the way, I would probably say there's a. I'm just saying there's a chance of three from the north, but let's go two from the north.
Caller/Listener
One.
Peter
We all agree. Tampa in the south and that's it. Yeah, that's what you're hoping for. At least. If you're another NFC east team.
John Harbaugh
Yes.
Peter
And then there's got to be at least two. At least two from the west if, if the 49ers don't bounce back. So at least two there. It's, it's a. This math is tough, guys.
Don Hahn
I don't, I don't see it.
Peter
Where's the math? Math.
Don Hahn
And I'm not mad at it, all right? Because everybody talks about the Giants last year, okay? I'm telling you, whether they want to admit it or not, what they're telling you is the Giants are telling you this because Shane kept his job. We got rid of Dable, we got rid of the problem, and now we brought in a Hall of Fame coach. So all those games that we lost, we win. So last year they were a four win team. Right? And you look at the games that they lost, they should have won, should have won the Cowboy game. All right? So that's five wins. They should have won the Saints game, so that's six wins.
Caller/Listener
All.
Don Hahn
They should have won the Denver game, that's seven wins. They should have won the Bear game, that's eight wins. They should have won the lion game, that's nine wins. They should have won the Viking game, that's 10 wins. So of course they're going to go 10 and seven and they're going to go to the playoffs. You know, sports doesn't work that way. Like I said, I'm not a fan of Dable. I think they did the right thing. I'm thrilled that John Harbaugh is here. But all of a sudden, every loss that they had last year that was close is automatically now going to become a win. All of them. No, that's not how it works. You don't go from four wins to 10 wins just because you make a coaching change. Unless it's Bill Parcells. And I love John Harbaugh. He's not Bill Parcells. But Peter just gave you the answer. Who are they beating out? Philadelphia and Dallas. All right, let's leave the commanders out of it. I don't know. Although they went to the championship.
Peter
But let's do it. Sure Dallas is on the right track. Everyone seems to believe it.
Don Hahn
So between Dallas and Philadelphia there's one wild card. Bears, packers and Lions. All right. You don't believe in the Lions. All right, between the Bears and the packers there's one. There's two wild cards. So now you're down the one last wild card. All right, the south, no issue. But you just said it. Seahawks Defending super bowl champions Rams favorite to win the Super Bowl 49ers a 12 win team last year. How many wins do you expect last year in order to make the playoffs? Nine was enough, right? The 49ers and the Rams were a 12 win team and they were able to get it. And nine wins was enough for Green Bay to sneak in as the third wild card. So you got to win at least nine. You won four. So now you've got a more than double your total. And I don't, I'm not ready to say nine is going to be enough. So why are we just throwing. Oh, if they're healthy, they're a playoff team. I, I, it's and again I'm rooting for them and that's my team and I'm cool. If this team wins, goes nine and eight, misses the playoffs, I'm cool because that means they made. They played meaningful games in December. They improved, they're on the right track. I'd be thrilled. But why do we always have to fat hands? Everything we go from. Let's just get back on the tracks. If we're healthy, we could be a planter. Did you see the nfc
Caller/Listener
And I
Don Hahn
hope I'm wrong, man, but I just don't see it. I think the Cowboys are going to be good. I think the Bears are going to be good. The packers the even the Lions fall off. Heck, the Buccaneers missed the playoffs last year. They've got a motivated Baker Mayfield. The Panthers won the division last year. Granted they were 8, 9. But how do you know that all of a sudden the Buccaneers. And now they win the division. That doesn't look like anybody else is a threat.
Peter
But there's. There are three teams in the west who can make the Playoffs. Yes. You pooh, poohed Minnesota. But I've been watching a lot of ESPN this week, Don. A lot of people aren't. A lot of people think that they may get the play from one of those two guys and the rest of the team is strong enough that they could compete. That means the entire north could be at least fighting for a playoff spot.
Don Hahn
I.
Peter
It's very tough to just say a healthy Giants go. It's. It's lazy.
Don Hahn
I just, I got to tell you, I just think people get overly excited.
Anthony
I would take nine wins and not making the playoff if we were a 91 giant team.
Don Hahn
That's a. I'd be thrilled with that.
Anthony
That would be amazing.
Don Hahn
I would be thrilled with that, Anthony. And it looks to me if you confidently want to make the playoffs of the NFC confidently, you're going to have to win 10.
Anthony
Yep. Unless you're winning your division.
Don Hahn
Is this team going to win 10 games?
Anthony
I think it would be difficult.
Don Hahn
That's going to be hard to do. Don't. Don't know if you're going to have neighbors to start the season. You've got a young. I know everybody's convinced that Dart is the next great quarterback in this league, but he's also in his second year and he only played. What do you appear in 12 games last year? I'm high on the guy. I like him. Scatter. Boo. I like him. I like this team. I like this coaching staff. But to go from four wins to 10, I got. I hope they're right. I hope they're right. But to me, I just. Who you beat now, man. Look at that. That west is scary. Do you realize like the poor Cardinals right there then that's why they were a three win team last year. You had. You had three. The Seahawks were 14 three. The Rams 12 and 5, 49ers 12 and 5. You know, Dallas is going to be better. I'm shocked. But I do think a lot of this is. I don't want to say it's performative, but the Giants have a massive fan base and I think people are excited. They're going to love and pay attention to that stuff. But I'm. I'm cool with just improving. I'm an 8, 9 win team. I'm functioning. I'd be thrilled with that.
Peter
But people have to.
Don Hahn
Because you know what they build up. Peter. Because I know the story.
Peter
Go ahead.
Don Hahn
Now they don't make the playoffs and now it's a disappointment. Now that'll be the. That'll be on. Get up. John Harbaugh fails in first year. Did they make a mistake bringing John Harbaugh in? Giants expected to make the playoffs and fail no, they're not expected to make the playoffs.
Caller/Listener
You.
Don Hahn
You're throwing that out again. I hope it happens. I'm. I'd love to see this team in the playoffs. What do you think? Luster Only here for La Quinta by Windham Summer mornings move fast, whether you're heading to the job site or catching the first pitch. But not every hotel makes it easy to start your day right. At La Quinta by Wyndham, you can wake up to a free Bright side breakfast, including hot waffles, fresh fruit, eggs, yogurt and more. It's the kind of lineup that helps you knock your morning out of the park. And while you're at it, book your next work trip@laquinta.com to earn Wyndham Rewards points with your qualified stay tonight La Quinta. Tomorrow you shine. Terms and conditions apply. Need parts fast.
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Don Hahn
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Peter
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 podcast. Yankees just lost in 112 to 1 on a bases loaded walk, so they end up splitting the four game series. I'll tell you everything I said yesterday I stand by. But it hasn't aged well.
Peter
It doesn't hurt. Anthony. Anthony and the Yankee fans who are basically telling Don, stop telling us we're spoiled. We know our team sucks. No, you just admit like you just said it aged well for them because they suck yesterday and today. Neither was great. No, no, they sucked.
Don Hahn
Yeah, I know. Listen, you had to win every game and they listen but the white. So now as Jazz ended up taking his at bat in the 11th and he walked. They intentionally walked him. He limped the first base and then they pinch ran for him. So this could be another injury on top of all the other injuries that you have. So we'll see. They got a day game tomorrow. They're wrigley to start a series with the Cubs. So not good. But what I can't understand and we'll get to the Giant phone calls in a second, but I want to live in real time here with what just happened with the Yankees. However you feel about the Yankees, how does it make sense that they've played 9x training games and have lost 8 of them and they've been, I think since the Manford man, Anthony, one of, if not the worst teams in baseball.
Anthony
Because the things that bother this fan base and myself at times are not being able to do the little things, not being able to hit in the clutch at times with certain players. And this lineup is not, you know,
Don Hahn
you talked about it.
Anthony
Three key pieces are out.
Don Hahn
They just tried. But you're right, they just tried to bun in one of the extra.
Anthony
Ali Sanchez, who had a great game last night too, tried to bunt and almost got doubled off.
Don Hahn
Right. They had to review to play at first base. He was doubled off. It was a double play. And then they reviewed and he was.
Anthony
Jason Dominguez had a triple, had it in the seventh inning, slid over the bag, got tagged out. These are the types of things I've never frustrated.
Don Hahn
I've never for a second, Anthony, not for a second.
Anthony
I didn't think so.
Don Hahn
Said you were wrong about your critique of the team.
Anthony
I know.
Don Hahn
I just wanted to know why it's first and foremost in your mind every time today. I get it.
Anthony
Well, it's the only game in town right now, Don. The Rangers will frustrate me in October
Don Hahn
and the Giants may do it as well come September. But what I'm saying is, is that there's been a lot of winning up until the last couple of days, no doubt about it. And. And I even took phone calls yesterday with people saying, don, you're right, I am proud of this team. I am shocked that they're playing as well as they are with all the injuries. But yet the first thing you think of is all the negatives. That's what I'm saying about a snobbery. That's what snobs do. Snobs find the negative, they exaggerate the negative. They Harp on the negative and don't look at the positive. Looking at a beautiful painting and sitting there and grading it a 7 out of 10 because it has this flaw or that flaw. Come on, man, don't be above it.
Anthony
Look, by the way, you know I've taken those calls, you know that. So I'm aware that those people exist. They call this radio station, but it's, it cascades in a way. And they haven't had a day off and it doesn't, it feels like forever at this point.
Caller/Listener
They haven't had a day off since 1958.
Anthony
They haven't had a day off since last Thursday. And when Anthony Volpe drops a pop up with the game 9, 4 on Monday and David Bednar has to come in and pitch his fourth, his third game in four days and they never like to do four and five. And then on Tuesday he has to come in again, gives up a two run home run, they still win the game. That's fine. The bullpen at this point is gassed. So then last night they have to stretch guys that they typically wouldn't stretch. And nobody on the team, not a single person can get a run after the four run first inning with a Spencer Jones three run home run until the Manford man where they only score in one of the innings. And then here we are again today where they only get one run in the Manfred man innings.
Don Hahn
Well, all I know is, is that even with all that said, it is odd to be 1 in 7 or no 1 in 8 now in extra inning games, nobody can just, you know, pop a home run when the game it's. And you know what? That's going to be the reason you lose this division. If you lose the division, I don't know if you're going to lose it. I still think you're winning this division. I do. But if you.
Peter
I wouldn't imagine that Anthony disagrees. He just still thinks they suck.
Don Hahn
It is frustrating, I get it. But there is a reason why you're not scoring runs and that's really what it comes down to today, is that you couldn't score a run. You scored one run in 11 innings. You scored one run. That's the problem. And if that happened with Judge in the lineup and Bellinger in the lineup, that would be a problem.
Anthony
The weird thing about this team, and it's been in this way for years now, Don, and it's been discussed on this show and in previous iterations of this show, even those games that you mentioned, well, they won them. They won The Colt start where they win 3 to 2. They won the game. That Volpe dropped the pop up 9 5, 9 4, whatever it was. But something about this team, whereas in the old days, those Yankee teams, when they'd steal a game, they'd take advantage of it because then they just win the games they're supposed to win. It seems like this team a lot of the times gives those games back sometimes.
Don Hahn
No, they do.
Anthony
Last night. You shouldn't have lost. Well, you shouldn't have won whatever game it was previously, but you gave it back here. I'm not saying you should have won this game. You only scored one run, but you got a great start from Ryan Weathers. And you don't win the game and you split in Chicago. And now you go play the Cubs, who are one of the better teams in baseball. There's a little level of concern.
Don Hahn
And the White Sox are one of the better teams. You split. And the Phillies are one of the better teams. You took two out of three. You're just trying to survive right now. I get it. Let's go to Vinnie in the car. You're on espn, New York, Ivan.
Caller/Listener
Hey, Don. Here's the thing. When you. When you were speaking yesterday about the. Your. Your positive rant about the Yankees, that was coming off a great week and they won two games, so obviously you were going to be pumping them up, but let's call what it is, they suck. Now today you're flipping and saying, you know what? That didn't age well. Yeah, of course didn't age well because the real. The real Yankees, they don't play well. They had a nice, but they don't win.
Don Hahn
But there's a team that still can go to the World Series. They don't suck.
Peter
They're a problem.
Don Hahn
They're boring. They're not what they're supposed to be because they're banged up. But you just said they suck.
Peter
I mean, they make dumb mistakes. They're. They're.
Don Hahn
I don't disagree with that.
Caller/Listener
Fundamental baseball, Don. Fundamental baseball, when you don't play it, like, you go crazy when they. You just go nuts. I think that's really where it stems from. When they don't play fundamental baseball, like when we're teaching our kids in Little Leagues, like, make sure you do this. Make sure you don't overrun the bag. Make sure you look at that, you know, I don't know. That's just my take. You guys are awesome, but.
Don Hahn
Thank you, Vinnie. But the biggest problem is they don't hit. They had one beginning Last night and then Sanchez throws the ball away. You lose the game today. I mean, I, it was hard for me to watch the game because we were on a three and the game started at, you know, 210 or whatever. But to me, they lost this game because they couldn't hit. That's usually the problem and that's how this team is built. I'm not, I'm not a flip flopper. I'm telling you that this team does have flaws, but they don't suck that you're, you're helping my argument when I say you're a snob. They're double digits over 500. They're a playoff team. They're the favorites to go to the World Series and I'm telling you, they're going to pass the Rays. The Rays had their chance to build up a nice little lead here with Judge out and they couldn't do it because they're not very good. None of these American League teams are very good. That's why I don't think they're winning the World Series unless they get healthy and maybe catch a break because the National League is clearly better. But to just accentuate all of it, yeah, they lost a couple of tough games against the White Sox, but it just came off taking two out of three from Philadelphia. We'll see what they do against the Cubs. Let's go to Brian in Milburn. You're on espn, New York. What's up? Brian?
Caller/Listener
You know I called you the other day. I wanted to say this about. Hi, Peter, how you doing? I want to say another problem the Yankees have, they don't admit when they're wrong. How long do I not see Anthony Volpe? I know he's not the potential problem. I know judges are, understand, not dead bound. I respect all that. But how long do I gotta keep seeing him play?
Don Hahn
I don't think it's gonna be much longer, Brian. I don't think it's gonna be much longer. I think they are just trying to give the best landing spot for Lombard Jr. They want this to work. They don't want to rush him up too soon. Remember, this is going to be a kid that's going to get called up. It's going to have a lot of light on him because you're talking about a New York Yankee shortstop and he's going to be dropped into a pennant race and they want to make sure that he's ready for looks like he's ready. It's just a matter of time. I think it's only Just a matter of time. And maybe this rough patch of a couple of losses in a row will be the excuse to do it. But they want to make sure that this kid is ready, that this kid is going to be given a chance to play. And I think they want to make it work. I agree with you 100%. They're stubborn. They were stubborn with Gary Sanchez. Oh, he's a good framer. And then eventually they had to pull the plug. And they're gonna eventually pull the plug with Volpe. But let's not make it out to be easy. I mean, they invested a lot in this kid. They turned down a lot of really good shortstops to give this kid the opportunity. He's had his moments. He's a local kid, but he's digging his own grave, man. Let's face it. At some point, they're going to have to pull the plug on him, and it might not be. Let's hope he turns it around, Peter. Now, it's just we got to wait and make sure that his replacement is ready, because when Lombard Jr gets called up, it's going to be a thing, and eyeballs are going to be on him and expectations are going to be incredibly high. And if he gets off to a slow start, boots a couple of balls cost him a couple of games. That could be something that sets him up for failure. And I don't think they want to do that. But at some point, I think they're going to have to. He deserves to get called up, and the guy that's playing his position isn't doing well.
Caller/Listener
Well.
Peter
And also, it could be something that actually gets these people, not all of them, but some of them, to at least have something to sink their teeth into. I feel like we're going to see something different because, Don, you could certainly make the case that however you feel about what the Yankees are doing, they need something. I know they've been. They've definitely been staying above water given the injuries, being without the best player in baseball. They've done pretty well, considering, no question. But you can also tell if they can't continue, they will not be able to hang on with just great pitching in the playoffs. That will not be enough. They're going to have to. They're going to have to score a few runs.
Don Hahn
But I'm really interested in seeing what this team could look like with a healthy Bellinger, a healthy Judge with this pitching, because remember, Cole and Freed came back while Judge was already hurt, like, so. This pitching is off the charts now. And to add Two big bats. And whatever they do with the deadline, I'm interested to see how that's going to look. Let's go to Frank and Elizabeth. You're on ESPN, New York. What's up, Frank?
Caller/Listener
Don, how you doing, man? Good.
Peter
What's up?
Caller/Listener
Listen, I hear you talking Yankees, Yankees, Yankees. Why aren't you mentioning beginning, the middle and the end of your show with the worst team in the history of baseball? Is it because they pay your bills? The Yankees are a playoff team, Don.
Don Hahn
Yeah.
Caller/Listener
They're going to the playoffs. They're not a problem. Why don't you let it hear about the mix? Arguably the greatest failure in the history of baseball. Why don't you.
Peter
Can I try before you send. Before you go anywhere.
Don Hahn
Yes.
Peter
You're aware that for the last couple of days, Don's been telling Yankee fans the Yankees are really good and you should be happy about being a Yankee fan. And he doesn't understand what that's like because he roots for the putrid Mets. You're aware that's what he's been saying?
Caller/Listener
I do understand that.
Peter
So why are you so. But you're attempting to get him to go crazy. You just hope that you can get Don mad. No. Go crazy. Is that what you're hoping for?
Caller/Listener
Absolutely not. I want to know why, as a station, as a whole, you don't begin the middle at the end of your show talking about arguably the greatest failure in the history of.
Peter
Why would we talk about the Mets today? Their season is over. What would we be talking about?
Caller/Listener
But the point being, is it because perhaps they pay your bills?
Peter
Whose bills do you think they pay?
Don Hahn
But, Frank, listen, I'm gonna talk.
Caller/Listener
I'm gonna talk to you.
Don Hahn
They don't pay our bills. Believe me. They don't pay me, Frank. They don't pay my bills. They don't get it. To talk. I am gonna tell you. Frank. Frank. I'm gonna tell you why I, as a Met fan, don't talk more Mets. You ready? All right. Because when we talk Mets, we get zero reaction. I talk Mets, I kill Mets. They shouldn't trade Lindor. Steve Cohen's a fraud. With all of his money, David Stern should be fired. He's awful at what he does. Zero phones. Don't. Don't ring. I talk Yankees, I talk Giants, I talk Jets. The phones blow up. I gotta play the hits. Frank. Right now, the Mets warped record that nobody wants to hear. That's why we don't talk about them, because nobody cares.
Peter
How about
Caller/Listener
should be absolutely zero panic on the Yankees, they're going to pick up three, four hitters. They got the best pitches there for baseball. They're going to be there. All right, all right.
Don Hahn
I agree with you. You're like the only fan who's cold
Peter
who agrees with Don.
Don Hahn
I'm not sure.
Peter
He just.
Don Hahn
Again, sometimes the high goes sideways, man. Sometimes there's things.
Peter
No, well, that's the thing. You smoked it and you thought it was. You thought it was.
Don Hahn
I'm defending the Yankees. I'm trying to fight off Yankee fans who hate their team to tell them everything's going to be okay. I'm Kevin Bacon in Animal House. It's all right. Everything's all right. All is well. And now he's killing me for not talking enough Mets.
Peter
Anthony, can you believe what just happened?
Don Hahn
Anthony, tell them.
Peter
No, Anthony. Anthony, can you believe what just happened?
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Well.
Peter
Can you believe how Don just kept that, like, did not get taken into that?
Anthony
Because I think. I think he kind of knew what was. What was going on there. I think he was trying to get a reaction out of Don. I get it. Listen. It's hard because then I see people in the YouTube chat lumping those types of people in with me, and I don't think I'm that person, because I also don't think they're gonna get three to four people. But just to say that, you know, that I was born into this birthright of championships and winning and success is not really how I view it.
Don Hahn
But that's part of the call. The other part of the call is that, you know, I'm hiding. I'm not talking about the Mets because they're on our air. And listen, I've killed the Mets. But I got to tell you, you know what? I'm a fraud of. I'm going to. I'm a slave to giving out what people want to listen to. The Mets right now are a bad record. They are. Right now we're playing the hits, and we don't. We have conversations, we have meetings. The Mets don't give us a reaction because right now the Mets are irrelevant. They're playing irrelevant games. Their fan base has quit on them. Maybe if they make a deal, maybe if something happens, they'll wake back up again because we know there are tons of Met fans. But, Peter, they're out on their team. So I don't talk about them because they get no reaction. I'm not in the business of doing a show. They get zero reaction. If I get zero reaction, Peter, I move on.
Peter
Couldn't agree anymore. No notes.
Don Hahn
Sir Smalls here.
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Peter
Shohei Ohtani's interpreter was fired today.
Don Hahn
Ippei Mitsuhara ran up gambling debts to
Peter
a Southern California bookmaking operation.
Anthony
The inside story of the biggest scandal in modern baseball.
Don Hahn
He was absolutely bananas. The amount of bets he was making.
Malik Neighbors
I've never seen anything like it from
Don Hahn
30 for 30 podcasts. This is the Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani presented by Gusto.
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Don Hahn
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Peter
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. Boone is speaking right now to the media. Hopefully we'll get an update on Jazz who limped off the field. Cramping is what we were being told. So that's good news. So no damage done. He looked off the field in the ninth inning, took his at bat in the 11th, was intentionally walked and there was pinch ran for and you could see he was really struggling. But if it's just a cramp, that's, that's nothing and we'll see if that affects him tomorrow. They've got a day game in Chicago against the Cubs. One great one, 800-919-3776, Brian Staten island, you're on ESPN New York. What's up, Bry?
Caller/Listener
Hey, Don. Hey, Peter. What's up?
Don Hahn
What's up?
Caller/Listener
So, you know, I agree with everything you said about the Yankees the last two days, Don. Okay, I don't think they suck, you know, the last two games notwithstanding, I'm very bullish on their chances, etc. But I also don't understand how you can say that it's spoiled to think I think they could use an improvement in catcher and an improvement, you know, and added another middle reliever or a high leverage reliever. And, you know, I hope they make those moves and who they can go after. I don't think that's necessarily spoiled. I'm not saying nuke the team. I'm not saying, oh my God, they're terrible. They didn't all start every position or anything. I don't think it's crazy to think, oh, they could use improvement.
Don Hahn
But that's not why I'm saying that you're spoiled. To say that I they need another bat or they need another relief pitcher or something, or that you're spoiled when you say I think they need to improve on their fundamentals. It's been a problem for a bunch of years. That's not why I'm saying you're spoiled. The reason I'm saying you're spoiled or that you're, you know, a snob is the word that I used is because it's all that the Yankee fans seem to talk about now. Certainly the last two days, the way they've lost Their games that you could say it's an issue. But they took two out of three from Philadelphia that took the first two games in this series. They're going to the playoffs. They're still the favorites to, to win the World Series. Like, there's a lot of things to get excited about and feel good that this team has found a way to survive. The Rays did not run away in the month that Judge has been gone. They blew their opportunity to do that. Like instead, instead of accentuating that, a lot of Yankee fans are just always accentuate, accentuating the negative. And that's why I think that I call them snobs. They're spoiled. Wanting your team to improve. Brian, that. That's not what I'm talking about. So you are not one of the people that I've targeted. The people that I target are like my producer who just doesn't seem to ever be happy with this team, even when they win. And that, to me, is a snob.
Caller/Listener
That's fair. And I do feel, like I said, I do think there is a lot of that in the fan base. I just, it's kind of. I think you can be excited what they've done and think what they've done is impressive and still think that the status quo can be changed. And when there are bats out there
Don Hahn
and all, I would ask those fans, Brian, and thank you for the phone call is to flip flop the order in which you say those things. Peter. It just feels like it's always negative around this team. And then I look at the standings and I see the first wild card team and only a game and a half out of first place. It's like, it's crazy. And I know they're held to a different standard than the Mets or any other team in this market for that matter, but you can't have some fun.
Peter
And I will say, and I will say Anthony and I were just talking during the break. The interesting point also is, and I think this is fair, is that when you watch a team as a fan day in, day out, your impression of their problems is just different. And you do have a different level knowledge of what they're doing because you see and notice all the bad stuff.
Don Hahn
Yeah.
Peter
So even though you consume a lot of Yankees, you don't consume it with the same sort of vigilance that Anthony does.
Don Hahn
Well, because I'm not a fan.
Peter
Because you're not a fan.
Don Hahn
But at the same time, you're not watching the rest of the league that's having some of the same problems. Like there's no great teams. There's a reason why the American League is in the condition that it's in. It's just a lot of bad baseball being played. So I'm sure I can. I'm sure if I'm listening to the White Sox post game, yeah, they're happy they won the game, but they're talking about, we scored two runs in 11 innings. We, you know, we lost the first two games of this series because we couldn't get a big hit. And they're kicking the ball around, too. I mean, take a look around Major League Baseball. There's not stellar defense out there because everybody's doing the same thing. Launch angle, you know, not. Not making contact, not getting good to strike hits and, you know, hitting to the other side to move the runners over. Bunting, playing small ball. Yeah, some teams do it better than the Yankees, but everybody's a mess right now in Major League Baseball. Feels like Tommy's in Atlantic City. You're on espn, New York. What's up, Tommy?
Caller/Listener
Hey, thanks for taking my call, Don. I agree with you. Yeah, I'm a big Yankee fan, and I like what Peter just said. I'm watching him day in, day out. I'm seeing all the flaws, and it's. It's. Listen, I love the team. I know they got injuries, and like you said, we're not watching the other teams, like, watch a lot of other teams, but, you know, they have the same problems. The thing that frustrates me is they stick by guys so long and just the fundamentals sometimes, which is Volpe and Dominguez, and they're all swinging at first pitches, and they got guys on the ropes, and it's. It's hard to watch at times. It's just. And listen, I. It's just frustrating. Frustrates the hell out of me. And. I don't know. I don't know. The Yankees stick with their players.
Don Hahn
No, they did. Well, not every player, but definitely. They definitely have a stubborn general manager in Brian Cashman that won't sometimes cut bait. We saw it with Sanchez, we see it with Volpe. But I'll give you an example, Tommy. They go out and get McMahon for his glove, and then Yankee fans complained he didn't hit like, so it's tough to be able to field an All Star at every position. I agree with you that they. Their fundamentals need to be a lot better. But you lost that World Series two years ago because Garrett Cole, a veteran, didn't cover first base. And Aaron Judge, your best player Dropped a fly ball. So I don't know what you do about it, but you're not getting rid of those guys. And you know it, Anthony, better than anybody. When they got McMahon, it was for his glove.
Anthony
Yes.
Don Hahn
And he hit 20 home runs in Colorado. And then what was the first thing Yankee fans complained? Guy can't hit. I don't care about his glove.
Caller/Listener
He needs to hit.
Don Hahn
He's a third baseman. Well, you know what? He was. They got him for his defense. You know what? When you got a guy that has A plus defense and can hit, you know, they're called an All Star and they're difficult to get. And I do believe that Lombard Jr. Will be here at some point. And don't be surprised if that's your big move. That's.
Peter
Wouldn't you almost get. Wouldn't you almost bet that's what it is?
Don Hahn
Yeah, because I don't know what they're going to go out and get. That's going to get. It's going to be a needle mover. That's going to get everybody excited. And it's so weird. Like in every other sport. Right, guys? Like, by the time you get to the trade deadline, there's no more deals left because everybody keeps making deals, like three, four days before the deadline. The deadline's Monday. Today's Thursday. You got eggs? Nothing. Because there's so many teams still alive, they're just waiting every precious day to decide, am I in, am I out? And it's August 3rd. It's as late as it's ever been. And still there's gonna be teams that aren't sure whether they should be buyers or sellers. And there's just not a lot out there. And what is out there is gonna cost you a fortune. You want Mason Miller to be your closer, man, you're gonna have to pay through the nose. Are you ready to do that? You think you're a closer away all the problems you're talking about? I haven't heard anybody complain about Jared Bednar. He's not perfect. But you're complaining about the defense. You're complaining about them not being able to hit. And you're going to give up the farm for a closer? Doubt it. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Peter
I don't want to know how the
Don Hahn
sausage is made, man. I just want to know it's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter Wheat day after afternoon, starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers. Close your eyes.
John Harbaugh
Exhale.
Don Hahn
Feel your body relax and let go of whatever you're carrying today.
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Don Hahn
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Peter
Sorry.
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Don Hahn
Namaste.
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In this episode, Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg dig into the New York Giants' prospects in the upcoming NFL season, driven by optimism and skepticism around new head coach John Harbaugh, promising rookies, team injuries, and whether the team can realistically aim for the playoffs. They also shift focus to a fresh Yankees loss, the team's persistent extra-inning woes, and the psyche of Yankee fans in a season marked by ups, downs, and high expectations. Throughout, callers add fuel to classic debates about New York sports, and the hosts probe deeper into fan perspectives on rebuilding, expectations, and success for both teams.
Playoff Hype and Realism
Benchmarks for Success
Painful Stats & Missed Opportunities
Yankees Fanbase: Optimism or Snobbery?
Lineup and Injuries
The banter is a mix of analytical, candid, self-aware, and sometimes playful—with Don’s practical backbone, Peter’s big-picture takes, and energetic, sometimes exasperated, caller participation. The tone fluctuates between optimism (especially from Harbaugh and passionate fans) and the grounded realism/skepticism of experienced New York sports minds.
This episode captures the pulse of New York sports fans: The hope that legendary coaching and improved health will finally bring the Giants back to contention, measured against the hard math of NFL playoff odds; and the familiar rollercoaster of Yankees fandom, where even a contending team stirs anxiety and second-guessing. Behind the scenes, the show’s candid production choices (like why the Mets get less airtime) pull the curtain back on what drives sports talk radio—and, as always, the passion and volatility of the fanbase take center stage.