Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Judge The Great?

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 3: Judge The Great?
• Release Date: June 13, 2025
• Description: The inaugural episode features ESPN New York’s Don La Greca, sportswriter Alan Hahn, and Hip Hop veteran Peter Rosenberg discussing New York sports, with a focus on the Mets' pitching prowess and Aaron Judge's historic season.

1. Mets' Exceptional Starting Pitching

The episode opens with Alan Hahn diving into the current state of the New York Mets' pitching staff. With a remarkable ERA of 2.80 over 69 games, the Mets hold the best record in baseball. This success is attributed to their strategic approach under David Stearns, focusing on building a cost-effective yet potent starting rotation.

Alan Hahn [00:13]:

“What Stearns has been about and what he’s been doing in building his team is not overspending for starting pitching and trying instead to just find the pieces that fit the right way. And what it’s turned into is the Mets having the best record in baseball right now... a lot of it had to do with the starting pitching.”

2. David Stearns on the Rotation

David Stearns provides deeper insight into the Mets' pitching strategy. Despite the challenges posed by injuries to key players like Kodai Senga and Frankie Montas, Stearns expresses confidence in the rotation's depth and potential for continued success.

David Stearns [02:14]:

“I don’t know that I could come into a season and say that I expected our starting staff to have a sub 3 era... I expect us to have a good starting rotation. A sub 3 era probably exceeds my expectations.”

Stearns credits the coaching staff, particularly Jeremy Hefner, for their role in developing pitchers and maintaining high performance levels.

3. Comparing Mets' and Yankees' Pitching Strategies

Alan Hahn contrasts the Mets' approach with that of the New York Yankees, who invest heavily in their pitching staff. The Mets' ability to maintain a low ERA without exorbitant spending underscores their efficient management and depth in pitching.

Alan Hahn [03:23]:

“When you’re talking about again what the Mets have been this season, 2.80 is the ERA. That’s what he’s talking about. The sub 3 for this starting rotational... They have just so much juice out of the squeeze, but this is nothing new. They did it last year.”

The discussion highlights the Mets' resilience in handling injuries, particularly the potential impact of losing Kodai Senga, and how their depth allows them to remain competitive.

4. Aaron Judge's Historic Performance

A significant portion of the conversation shifts to Aaron Judge, the star outfielder for the Yankees, whose performance this season has been nothing short of historic. Judge boasts a batting average of .392, 25 home runs, 59 RBIs, and an OBP of .488 with 98 hits in just over half the season.

Peter Rosenberg [05:28]:

“When you think about the fact that Lindor and Soto can be better and not just them... we don’t know what the ceiling is for this team.”

Alan Hahn [10:27]:

“I completely agree that it’s too long of a season for the chase for .400 to be a real thing until it... Like, it was August when it started to become real.”

The hosts speculate on the feasibility of Judge reaching a .400 batting average by September, comparing his achievements to some of baseball's all-time greats. They note that if Judge maintains his current average, he could achieve a feat last seen in 1956 by Mickey Mantle.

5. The Status of Superstars in Modern Sports

The conversation broadens to discuss the role and impact of superstars across various sports. Aaron Judge is placed alongside other sports icons like LeBron James, Steph Curry, and emerging talents like Connor McDavid in hockey and Josh Allen in football.

Alan Hahn [17:16]:

“I think Judge is that type of player. You got to see him play. I think Ohtani is that guy too. But is he at the level of Judge at this point because of just how insane he’s been this year...”

Peter Rosenberg [18:02]:

“Yeah, he’s got that sizzle. Quarterbacks fall off, they fall off in year two. It happens all the time. So if he doesn't, if he improves. But it could be him.”

The hosts emphasize Judge's status as one of the most captivating athletes in the current sports landscape, noting his marketability and the excitement he brings to games.

6. Player Legacy and Championships

A recurring theme is the importance of championships in solidifying a player's legacy. While Judge's regular-season performance is stellar, the consensus is that without a World Series title, his legacy might not reach the legendary status of players like Babe Ruth or Mickey Mantle.

Alan Hahn [41:18]:

“He just can't be recognized as the greatest. Even though it's clear that you could make the argument... When you compare his numbers to Mantle and DiMaggio and Ruth...”

JT [38:30]:

“Without that championship, I mean, you can't, I don't think you can even.”

The discussion underscores the Yankees' culture of championship expectation and how it impacts the perception of their players, regardless of individual statistics.

7. Caller Interactions: Coaching and Team Dynamics

Listeners contribute to the conversation, discussing topics like coaching decisions, team management, and player development. One caller expresses concern over the Islanders' coaching strategies, drawing parallels with past coaching changes in other sports teams.

Glenn [25:01]:

“My view on Thibodeau is this... I want to win. He was tough, he drove these players hard.”

Spike [30:51]:

“I heard someone that Alan and I very respect Mike Woodson's name was put into this...”

The hosts engage with the callers, offering their perspectives on maintaining team standards and the long-term effects of coaching decisions on team performance.

8. Final Thoughts and Legacy Building

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the balance between individual excellence and team success. While celebrating Judge's achievements, they reiterate the importance of team championships in immortalizing a player's career.

Don Hahn [44:06]:

“Hear more of Don, Allen and Peter Weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.”

The conversation concludes with a nod to the ongoing Mets-Yankees narratives and the broader implications for sports legacy and recognition.

Notable Quotes:

• David Stearns [02:14]:

  “A sub 3 era probably exceeds my expectations.”

• Alan Hahn [03:23]:

  “They have just so much juice out of the squeeze, but this is nothing new. They did it last year.”

• Aaron Judge Discussion [05:28 – 12:54]:

  “He could be the first player since Barry Bonds to lead the league in average, batting average, on base percentage, slugging home runs and walks.”

• Peter Rosenberg [19:33]:

  “Is he hands down the best player in all of sports?”

• Alan Hahn [41:18]:

  “He just can't be recognized as the greatest unless he wins a World Series.”

Conclusion:

In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, the hosts provide an in-depth analysis of the Mets' outstanding pitching performance and Aaron Judge's potentially record-breaking season. Through expert commentary and engaging discussions, they explore the dynamics of team management, player legacy, and the broader landscape of sports superstars. The episode offers valuable insights for fans looking to understand the intricate balance between individual brilliance and team success in modern sports.