Hour 3: Judge v Ohtani

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg — Hour 3: Judge v Ohtani (October 28, 2025)

Episode Overview

This hour centers on one of baseball’s hottest debates: Who is the best player in MLB right now, Shohei Ohtani or Aaron Judge? Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg, and Don La Greca passionately discuss the extraordinary feats of Ohtani and Judge, exploring criteria from statistics to intangibles. The debate is fueled by Ohtani’s historic World Series performance just hours earlier, but the hosts give Judge his due as a consistent powerhouse. Callers join in and the team ranges widely across topics like postseason narratives, MVP voting, and even the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Knicks.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recapping an Epic World Series Game (00:44–03:55)

• Alan Hahn opens by praising the previous night’s World Series game: from Freeman’s walk-off to Kershaw’s dramatic relief and Springer's injury. However, Shohei Ohtani “was in the center of it all”—two home runs, two doubles, on base nine times, and walked five times intentionally.
  • “It was great. But in the center of it all was a performance for the ages by Shohei Ohtani...” (01:51, Hahn)
• Ohtani’s dual-threat status (hitting and pitching in the World Series on consecutive nights) put the spotlight on his place among all-time great performances.

2. Setting the Debate: Ohtani vs. Judge (03:55–05:03)

• Peter Rosenberg frames the central question: “Is it Shohei Ohtani, or are you wrong?” (03:55, Rosenberg, jokingly)
• The hosts set criteria: should “unique skillset” be factored? Is it about offensive numbers, postseason impact, or something more holistic?

3. The Judge Side — Consistency, Hitting, and Defense (05:03–07:45)

• Don La Greca and Hahn argue Judge’s case:
  • Batting around 50 points higher than Ohtani this year.
  • “He’s out there pretty much every day where Ohtani is a DH on the days he’s not pitching.” (06:11, La Greca)
  • Judge's defensive value, and consistent presence, are highlighted.
• Rosenberg concedes Judge’s all-around impact but maintains Ohtani’s uniqueness is historic.
  • “Ohtani gets punished because he's such a unicorn... That shouldn't be. He shouldn't lose points.” (04:25, Rosenberg)

4. The Ohtani Argument — Uniqueness and Playoff Heroics (04:48–07:45)

• Ohtani is a “three-time MVP,” potentially going for a second World Series. Rosenberg argues that even diehard Yankee fans would swap Judge’s postseason resume for what Ohtani’s doing.
• The discussion turns to WAR (Wins Above Replacement), with Judge winning out for now, but the hosts admit: Ohtani may well overtake if he continues this World Series heroics.

5. The “Availability” Factor (08:05–09:58)

• Hahn: “Your best ability? Availability.” (08:32, Hahn)
• Both Judge and Ohtani have injury histories, but Judge’s relative durability in recent years gives him a slight edge for some; though Ohtani’s overall games played isn't far behind.
• “Ohtani is probably the most fascinating player in the sport. ...But right now, Judge is still the best player.” (08:34–09:56, Hahn)

6. Projecting the Future (11:05–14:35)

• Who would you pick for the next three to five years?
  • Arguments for Ohtani: Younger arm post-Tommy John, value as a pitcher, outsized global impact.
  • Counterpoint: Physical toll of pitching and hitting may affect Ohtani’s longevity; Judge’s massive frame also has its risks.
  • “Is there not a greater chance that he [Ohtani] could break down because of that?” (11:52, Hahn)
• The panel concludes both Judge and Ohtani have similar recent availability; debate remains unsettled.

7. Playoff Performance and Legacy (15:04–16:41)

• Postseason success looms large; despite Judge’s talent, lack of a title colors the conversation.
  • “If he [Ohtani] gives you a pitching performance back-to-back … then, yes, I will yield the floor.” (10:35 & 16:41, Hahn)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Ohtani as “Unicorn” and the Postseason

• “Ohtani gets punished because he’s such a unicorn … That shouldn’t be. He shouldn’t lose points.” (04:25, Peter Rosenberg)
• “If he gives you a pitching performance back-to-back … I will have to change my opinion. You’re right.” (10:35, Alan Hahn)

Judge’s Case

• “Best right-handed hitter I’ve ever seen.” (07:10, Don La Greca)
• “Judge is still the best player … Ohtani, however, is having the playoffs that can change that conversation quickly.” (09:56, Alan Hahn)

The Availability Argument

• “Your best ability? Availability.” (08:32, Alan Hahn)
• “[Ohtani's] generally available. Yes, he lost the Tommy John thing obviously … Judge … they’re similar in terms of availability.” (13:12–13:44, Peter Rosenberg)

A Player for the Next Era?

• “If you’re going to bet who the better player is going to be over the next five years, who would you bet on?” (11:26, Alan Hahn)

Callers on MVP & Greatness (18:25–23:11)

• Tony (caller): “Can’t both be true? … Aaron Judge is more valuable to the Yankees than Shohei is to the Dodgers. But, … can't [Ohtani] be a better player right now?” (21:19–21:55)
• “If he does it again, I don’t know if you can argue it.” (22:30, Tony/Caller on Ohtani producing)

Freddie Freeman on Ohtani (Real-life perspective)

• “Weird how the game works sometimes, right? Shohei’s game … our starting pitcher tomorrow got on base nine times tonight. Just incredible.” (17:46–18:08, Freddie Freeman)

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Audience Interaction & Wider Debate (18:25–32:23)

• Callers expand the debate to other stars (Acuna Jr.), MVP criteria (best versus most valuable), and baseball’s need for stars like Ohtani and Judge.
• Insights into the challenge of MVP voting when legendary performances are so different in kind (e.g., a switch-hitting catcher like Cal Raleigh is mentioned as an emerging star).
• The increasing importance of postseason performance and media ratings.

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Future of the Yankees and Dodgers, and Organizational Philosophies (35:44–38:56)

• The panel discusses the Yankees’ playoff drought, organizational philosophies, and the consistency of teams like the Dodgers, suggesting LA has found the “secret sauce.”
• “The Dodgers blow up the Yankee spot here ... they're showing you that you can build for the regular season and carry that over to the playoffs.” (36:16–37:33, La Greca)

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NBA/Knicks & Free Agency Rumors (44:31–50:33)

• Briefly, the conversation pivots to the Knicks, Giannis rumors, and NBA media rights, with Alan Hahn explaining the contract mechanics and trade rumors with depth.
  • “Here’s why he said six to seven months: That’s the end of the season … you can’t trade him in season, it’s too complicated. … These are off-season type trades.” (46:49–48:39, Hahn)

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Music, Culture, Humor, and Sign-offs (25:20–44:32, 51:32–end)

• The hour is peppered with banter about music, classic sports broadcasting, and inside jokes, keeping an energetic, New York-flavored tone.
  • Discussing theme songs—“Winning” by Santana as their new celebratory anthem. (42:44–43:56)
• Lighthearted teasing, cultural references (“That’s when men were men and sheep were nervous…” 29:01–29:12), and callbacks to classic local broadcasting rounds out the show’s camaraderie.

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Key Timestamps

• 00:44 – Opening of epic World Series/Ohtani setup
• 03:55 – The Ohtani vs. Judge best player debate begins
• 05:03 – Defensive/multiplayer value for Judge; uniqueness for Ohtani
• 08:32 – “Availability” and durability discussion
• 10:35 – Hahn’s key “pending” moment: “If Ohtani pitches tonight…”
• 18:08 – Freddie Freeman in awe of Ohtani
• 21:19 – Caller Tony’s take—Judge vs Ohtani, value vs. greatness
• 35:44 – Yankees/Dodgers organizational philosophy
• 44:31 – Knicks, Giannis, and the NBA trade/free agency segment

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Conclusion

Judge v Ohtani isn’t just a stats debate—it’s a battle of modern baseball’s definition of greatness. Ohtani’s historic dual-threat magic is re-shaping the narrative, but Judge’s day-in-day-out dominance keeps him in the conversation, at least pending Ohtani’s every next legendary moment. The hosts—and their callers—capture the tension, respect, and awe that comes with watching two generational talents define a sport in real time.

Definitive Winner? Not yet. As Hahn summarizes:

“That can change tonight…if [Ohtani] gives you a great pitching performance … I will have to change my opinion.” (10:35, Alan Hahn)

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For anyone who missed the show—this hour was one for the ages, just like the stars they debated.

Transcript

[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Podcast Announcer]

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[Don La Greca]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Podcast Announcer]

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

[Alan Hahn]

502 in the big city, the big 5 o' clock hour with Don Lagreca and Peter Rosenberg. I'm Alan Hahn. 800-919-3776 is the number. We want to get you in on this conversation because look, watching that game last night alone, that was an epic baseball game. Epic World Series game and one of the stars. There were many stars in this thing. I mean, Freeman with a walk off. There was a lot. I mean, Kershaw coming in might have been his last appearance as a Dodger. You never know. Getting a huge third out in a big spot. Like there was just so much happening. How about Springer gets hurt and we don't know what's his availability for tonight's game. That's a big part of for the Blue Jays. But just there were great defensive plays. There were warning track shots.

[Peter Rosenberg]

By the way, did you guys see the video of Kershaw's wife watching the at bat? No, I just reposted on my Twitter. If you get a second, if you want to see what it looks like to see a spouse like living and dying and the success with her partner.

[Alan Hahn]

Because she knew what that was, that moment right there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

She like can barely stand up and watch. It's so awesome. You're right. Had so many things last night.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, it was great. But in the center of it all was a performance for the ages by Shohei Ohtani, the big man who again, two home runs, two doubles, he was on base nine times. And it got to a point where the Blue Jays just wouldn't pitch to him anymore. And he was, he took, he walked five times intentionally. And so it does lead us to this thought of when he's doing that. And then he, by the way, just let everybody know that game ended Just before midnight local time, I believe right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

In L. A 2:30 here.

[Alan Hahn]

And and so when Dave Roberts talked to his players in the clubhouse after the game, he said we got a game today, later today. And then somebody, and then somebody said and show, you know, Ohtani's pitching. And so and Ohtani smiled. He did like a fake, like you know, he didn't went into the stretch and you know all that stuff. But the idea that the guy that just had an epic offensive impact game is now going to pitch in a World Series game the next night. And he could also, he could end up because we saw what he did in the NLCS and that amazing performance. He had three home runs and then what was it, 10 or double double digit strikeouts. And so if he goes, if he comes through tonight, you really got to feel like this is one of the great performances we've seen ever seen by a baseball player. But right now, because we don't know what's going to happen tonight, we have gone a long enough time with many people that are experts, not just us, but the likes of passing the likes of Buster only saying that Aaron Judge is one of the greatest hitters we've ever seen in baseball and he could be the best player in the sport right now. He's up for MVP again. He could win it. Although everybody believes gonna be Cal Raleigh. But I want to set up something that is always fun to do in sports. Mike Vaccaro was on with us earlier, he loved it. And it is the great debate who is the best player in baseball right now? Shohei Ohtani who's a three time MVP or Aaron Judge a two time potentially three time mvp.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So you're saying you want to ask the audience is it is the answer Shohei Ohtani or are you wrong?

[Alan Hahn]

You could ask but I'm not because I.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because it's.

[Alan Hahn]

It's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I guess it depends what you're looking.

[Alan Hahn]

For but what are you looking for? Peter start with you. He.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I've said this for a long time. I used to get frustrated almost with the. Which you were Tom, Was it two or three years ago when we had the really big Judge Ohtani MVP fight? Was it three seasons ago?

[Don La Greca]

Than that. But yeah it was.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah probably two years ago.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Two years ago and oh yeah it was two years ago and I eventually caved and kind of came to the side of like okay judges numbers by the end of the year were just so insane that it seemed like it made sense. But I almost felt like Ohtani gets punished because he's such A unicorn. It's like, well, not everybody can do what he does. It's like, well, okay, sorry, that, that's.

[Alan Hahn]

The definition that has to be factored in of uniqueness.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That shouldn't be. He shouldn't lose points. You know, and when we get into this, I know what Don is going to say because he says it every time we have this conversation. He's not the only one who says it. He'll casually throw out Judge is an A plus defender.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, he's not.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's not an A plus defender.

[Alan Hahn]

Don's being nice. He's a really good defense. He's above average.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's a, he's a very above average with a, with a big arm. And you're happy when you have him in right field. But like, what level of play would one have to have as a right fielder on a team to try to surpass someone who, even if they only give you 15 starts as a valuable pitcher, it's such a, it's such a tough comp to me, Don, even if you're a really great fielder. Now, the. I think the biggest argument Judge has is that average wise, he's like 50 points. He was like 50 points ahead of Ohtani in average this year. So he really does hit for average as well as mash. But to me, the argument is over because the number one thing that every Yankee fan calls and complains about is Judge in the postseason. And I bet any Yankee fan out there would trade Judge's entire postseason career for what Shohei Ohtani has done just this season and is now going for a second World Series. So I just think it's. I don't see how you can honestly.

[Don La Greca]

Say it's Judge, but I think it is a lot more interesting when you consider the fact that, hey, batting 50 points higher is not nothing. It's not. And we can argue how good a defender Judge is, but he's out there pretty much every day where Ohtani is a DH on the days he's not pitching. And yet Judge can still be the better hitter. He's a better hitter than Ohtani. Mean, Ohtani's hot right now, but, you know, he's broken the American League record for home runs. He hits for a higher average. And even with Ohtani pitching, Judge still seems to have a better war. Now, I can't sit here and figure out what WAR means, but they do Judge that as, hey, he's a complete ball player even though he doesn't pitch.

[Alan Hahn]

So WAR is your impact on winning and isn't that the last metric that matters for a great player.

[Don La Greca]

Right. And he does impact because we can argue his ability to defend. But he, he does have a good glove. He does have a very strong arm.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And you're right, he's out there every.

[Don La Greca]

Night and he's out there, you know, most nights now. That's going to change as he gets older, but right now he's been able to stay healthy and he's putting up unbelievable numbers. Best right handed hitter that I've ever seen. And then you look at Ohtani, we haven't seen the full unicorn because he hasn't had a whole year to pitch. But there's a uniqueness about Ohtani, a specialness. And also I asked Mike Vaccaro, if you're a general manager, who would you draft? You probably draft Ohtani because there's more value for the contract because he can do more. Plus the amount of money the Dodgers are raking in from Japan because of this guy is outrageous.

[Alan Hahn]

All right, well I don't think we factored that in on who's the better, who's the best player in the sport. But, but I understand, I understand you're using that as a case. There's a definitive answer. Guys, go ahead and I'm going to give it to you in a moment. But first I have to look what you did. But I want to get the attention of YouTube TV customers because I need to warn you, you could lose espn.

[Don La Greca]

Sure could.

[Alan Hahn]

And the sports you love, including college football, college game day, Monday night football, NBA, college basketball and more. You don't want that. So take action. Go to keep my networks.com so you can keep ESPN and great programming like this one. And here's the point I want to make good. Ohtani is probably the most fascinating player in the sport. That's what I'll say. Fascinating. But what's your best ability?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Availability.

[Don La Greca]

Correct. Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, let's not act like judge hasn't.

[Alan Hahn]

Had his moments too earlier in his career, but not that early. Well, but three of the last four years he's played over 150 games. He's, he's always, yes, he's always available. Now war does matter too. Now I am just going to say the war part of it does for stand out. But when you look at batting average and what he can do, he is the most compelling player in the sport. Now Ohtani, again, fascinating. But you know what I need you to do? I need you to do it for more than 14 games. I need you know what his best batting average season was Last year. Do you know what he didn't do last year? Pitch. So we call him a unicorn. And you know what's real about the unicorn thing? You never see it. Now, we could see it in this World Series and I could have a different opinion tomorrow. I'm allowed to because things change in a sport. But right now, Judge is still the best player. Ohtani, however, is having the playoffs. That can change that conversation quickly. But what he's got to do is he's got to have a performance on the mound tonight to, to follow what he did at the plate last night. That's legendary. If you go back to back and one with the bat and the other one on the mound, then, yes, then I will yield the floor. But right now, pending what we see tonight, I still will argue right now, Aaron Judge is the best player in the sport.

[Don La Greca]

And we can. I just think there's a lot more debate to it. So I don't think it's the slam dunk that Peter made it out to be.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Don La Greca]

I like your defensive judge because there is something to the fact that he's a better hitter and he's a really good defender. And we haven't seen Ohtani pitch on a regular basis. But he did give you that performance against the Brewers.

[Alan Hahn]

That's what I mean.

[Don La Greca]

Potential to do to give them a 31 series lead in this World Series, which is special. But another factor that weighs in Ohtani's favor is what he did last night. Judge has yet to do in the posting.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, that, that, but that's, that's, that's.

[Don La Greca]

That.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's a big. That's a big.

[Alan Hahn]

Which is why, again, I'm, I am, I am conceding the fact that this is not a closed conversation. I did not drop a mic. I did not say case. No, no. I did not put a period at the end of the sentence. What I said was pending what happens tonight. Because if he gives you a great pitching performance, saves his bullpen, wins the game, he doesn't even have to swing about. He can go over four tonight. But if he gives you a pitching performance back to back off of that, then, yes, I will have to change my opinion. You're right.

[Don La Greca]

Let me ask it this way. And we want to bring the callers in. 1-800-919-3776. We can debate what they've done in their career so far up to this point, and certainly everybody outside of New York is going to vote for Ohtani because they all saw what happened last night. They all saw what happened in these playoffs and how good he's been. If you're going to bet on who the better player is going to be over the next five years, who would.

[Alan Hahn]

You bet on over the next five years?

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, how long would you say that? Would you say that or you say who would you rather have for the next five years?

[Don La Greca]

Well, I guess it's the same thing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's the same thing. Right.

[Alan Hahn]

It's the same thing.

[Don La Greca]

But I still bet his potentially can age better for Otoni.

[Alan Hahn]

Why? Why would you say that?

[Don La Greca]

Is Tommy John. So there's a chance that he can be a better pitcher moving forward and how good the Dodgers are on the opposite season.

[Alan Hahn]

Is there not a greater chance that he could break down because of that?

[Don La Greca]

You don't think there's a. You don't think with that frame Judge has no. That he's age? Well, I don't think so either.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't think that the frame has anything to do with it. I think he keeps himself in phenomenal shape.

[Don La Greca]

I know, but we have not seen bodies that big. Michael always brings up Dave Winfield. Dave Winfield was scrawny compared to Judge. Right. Judge is built like bigger than a linebacker and so far it's been great. But you know, Judge is probably going to in the next few years, certainly when Stanton's gone, is going to start being more of a dh, which will take the defense out of the argument.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So now that's gone for the argument.

[Don La Greca]

And now that's gone.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And by the way, imagine a world in which Shohei is now continuing to pitch because he's already had the Tommy John and Judge can't even be in the field.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm telling you guys, the pitching, pitching and also then hitting on a daily basis, there's a wear and tear factor that nobody's considering. And once again, this is a guy that is not always available.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But real quick, I just. Okay. To do both is fair. The last couple of years to do both has been certainly in question.

[Alan Hahn]

Yep.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But you sort of casually threw out Ohtani's availability or lack thereof. And going back to the last. If we look back at the last five years, I understand the last couple of years from a pitching standpoint. He has not always been available.

[Alan Hahn]

But that's part of his.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And that's part of his.

[Don La Greca]

Part of the deal.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But still from. But just because you threw out the best abilities availability in games played. 1581-591351-57155. He is generally available. Yes. He lost the Tommy John thing obviously took out a year and a half of pitching. Judge, going back the last five years, you're talking about 1521-581061-57148. They're similar in terms of availability. They are. I don't, Don, I don't think seven.

[Alan Hahn]

Both of them have played over 700 games and by the five year span, they've both played 700 games.

[Don La Greca]

But part of evaluating the next five years might be a World Series MVP this year. Yes.

[Alan Hahn]

And again, I'll repeat, I have the right to change my mind.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, if he has, we could have.

[Don La Greca]

A different conversation right now, today, before the game play is.

[Alan Hahn]

And that's why I gave you the answer I gave you right now. I'm still going to go with Judge.

[Don La Greca]

But.

[Alan Hahn]

But with an ass.

[Don La Greca]

True. But, but, but to my question before the game is played tonight, if you're going to bet on who is going to be better in the next three years, say three years from now, is it still even debatable, Is Ohtani the man? Is Judge the man? Are we still having a, an argument about it over the next three years? How do you think it's going to. I won't go five. I'll go three years.

[Alan Hahn]

Three years.

[Don La Greca]

Three years.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. So he's from 33, 34 to 36, 37. But again with, with the numbers, he gets better each year. The numbers that he has put up offensively the last two, he's leading the league in a million categories. Like this guy is, it's, it's. I didn't say it. Buster only said it. It's one of the great hitters in the history of the sport. But so how would I feel like, like it's just going to drop off, like he's suddenly just never going to hit again.

[Don La Greca]

He's not. D.J.

[Alan Hahn]

Lemayhue.

[Don La Greca]

I know, but part of the conversation is, is that if Judge continues to be and listen, I thought he was great this postseason, but if he doesn't have a ring and Ohtani's got a couple and he's got, you know, a super World Series mvp, which I'm sure if he wins tonight and pitches well and they're up 3:1, they're going to win the series and he's going to be the mvp, that'll be part of it, you know. So all the, all the Yankee fans they're going to call defending Judge are the ones that rip him for not being great in the postseason. Now Maybe they're over that because he was not the reason they lost this year, but he was not good in the post. Ohtani wasn't great either. You know, his World Series got cut short a bit with the shoulder injury early in that World Series against the Yankees. But what he's doing now in this postseason is just off the charts.

[Alan Hahn]

And it's excellent. It really is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And you can't even in spite of the fact that last year he wasn't really all the way there in the eyes of fans, it's still, it's still a ring. Still another ring in the Otani years.

[Alan Hahn]

He did not have a great playoff, though, and he was not very good. He was, he was not really there in the World Series.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I'm just saying, imagine, basically he broke down and, and, but if, if you're a Yankee fan and you had a year where Judge wasn't the best version of Judge, but you still had all the regular season judge you get, and in one of his bad playoff years, they won the ring, it still has a major impact on the feeling fans have for a player.

[Alan Hahn]

Of course.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And this could be ring number two for Otano.

[Alan Hahn]

I do think that everyone's pushback will be that Judge just has not been able to win the big one. And the one year he plays well in the postseason, his team lo right away. So I get it. But I think that there's this. I don't think this is a fait accompli. I don't think this argument is as simple as you think. But I do believe that tonight we could have a performance that changes everybody's mind.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm very.

[Alan Hahn]

That's a real thing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I'm curious to talk to the people, the Yankee fans in particular, to see where they're at between Judge and Ohtani. But I'll also remind you guys, it is still NBA tip off week. That's right. And FanDuel is still your home for live betting. So even if you missed the start of the game or you want to ride the hot hand, FanDuel. FanDuel has live bets on everything from who will score the next basket to fourth quarter comebacks. Plus, you can even combine your live bets into a same game parlay for a shot of bigger payout. However you want to play. Now is the perfect time to join because FanDuel is giving new customers $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet win. So visit FanDuel.com Peter to sign up today. Play your game with FanDuel official sports betting partner of the NBA, 21 and over and physically present in New York versus online. Real Money Wager only $5 first deposit required. Bonus issues now. Withdrawable bonus bets that expire seven days after receipt rest apply. See [e-mail] for help with the gambling problem. Call 877-8-HOPE NY or text OPENY at 467-369.

[Alan Hahn]

Freddie Freeman hit the walk off because of course that's what he does. And of course he was getting all the accolades after the game, but even he was in awe of what his teammate did.

[Freddie Freeman (guest or caller)]

Weird how the game works sometimes, right? Shohei's game. I hope we don't lose sight of getting on Our starting pitcher tomorrow got on base nine times tonight. Just incredible. You're hitting balls right center, left center like Shohei was tonight. You just knew he was feel so. I mean that's the right move. You don't want Shohei to beat you and let other guys try and beat you. After his first four bats and took a lot longer but finally did it.

[Alan Hahn]

Our starting pitcher tomorrow got on base nine times today. Those awards, you don't hear it every day in over 100 years. 800 now. 193776. Let's start off with Chuck in Long Island. Hey, Chuck.

[Tony (caller)]

Hey.

[Kyle (caller)]

Can't believe I got through.

[Tony (caller)]

This is the hottest show on the radio. Appreciate it very much.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thank you, buddy.

[Tony (caller)]

I've been on hold long enough for three live. Ramsey Maseries. Look, only 6% battery, so I'll be quick from there as well. First off, I love the chemistry, love the show. Shout out to metronome and the YouTube chat. The YouTube chat is on fire from there as well. Peter, love your work on wwe. Alan, you're a ninja when it comes to Knicks. Plus you're really nice to me when I was an intern for the Islanders, so I appreciated that. And Don, although I'm an Islander fan, congrats on the Devils. They found their guy and your calls already becoming epic.

[Kevin Clark]

Thank you, man.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Come on, man.

[Tony (caller)]

The reason for my call. Look, baseball gets a lot wrong. A lot. But you started today on this issue of changing the walk rule for a one of one. And they've already opened that Pandora's box. They have the Ohtani rule where on a day he pitches he can stay in the lineup if he gets pulled as a pitcher.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, right.

[Tony (caller)]

But that's really a one of one rule. So I don't know. I don't think there's any other pitchers currently out there. So there's no reason why baseball can't change that rule when it comes to the intentional walk. I thought Peter made a great point at the beginning of the show. He was talking about, you turn in the game last night after Monday Night Football, you see the best player maybe playing in the playoffs right now and he gets walked five times. There's nothing to see. But they didn't change that when Bonds had that historical season and set the record for intentional walks. Right. So they never changed it then. So I don't know if that would infer anybody to change from there as well. But keep up the great work, guys. Love the show and love being a part of it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, just joke. But just a reminder though, like when you think about Bonds time, that moment in particular, eyeballs were on baseball. They were not in the same game. We're going back over 25 years now.

[Alan Hahn]

Also Bonds wasn't doing this in the World Series.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Wasn't the World Series. He also wasn't doing it alone. So you had a handful of players that are going absolutely nuts in that era. Thank you. Steroids. And people really wanted to watch. We have seen. I don't know what the exact numbers are, guys, but I can guarantee you which direction the charts going in terms of viewership in baseball between then and now. So the way that they may approach this could be different than Bonds because the need for Shohei Ohtani is considerably higher than it was. You have Ohtani, you have Judge. That's basically it.

[Alan Hahn]

Do you think both of you, after last night and Ohtani pitching tonight, shouldn't they almost set a record tonight? When it comes to a rating, you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Would think it would be a huge.

[Alan Hahn]

You would think that it's on Fox. There's no excuse. How are people not compelled enough to tune in at some point, like at 9pm it should peak, shouldn't it?

[Don La Greca]

I would.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I would hope you're still in the game. I would hope you'd get a really big number tonight. But I can't get. I just. It's all it with baseball.

[Alan Hahn]

Gotta be. Let's go to Tony down in Tampa. What's up, Tone, fellas, What's going on? What's happening?

[Tony (caller)]

So here we go. This. This debate is exactly what's wrong with the MVP conversation, right? And can't. So I'm a Yankee fan. I'll preface it with that. But can't we can't both be true, Both teams at full strength. I would say Aaron Judge is more valuable to the Yankees than Shohei is to the Dodgers. Now, with that being said, the simple fact that he pitches. He struck out 10 the last time he was on the mound. I mean, is. Can't he be a better player right now? But Judge is more valuable to his team.

[Alan Hahn]

That's one way to put it.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know what I mean?

[Tony (caller)]

So again with the whole MVP debate, it's like, all right, so are we voting for the most valuable or we're.

[Kyle (caller)]

Voting for the best player?

[Alan Hahn]

We're not voting. We're trying to make an argument of best player. Like, just who. Who's the best in the sport right now. That's really what. It's just simply about, like, the best player just down the hashtags of that fan.

[Tony (caller)]

I would probably say, Alan, as a Yankee fan, I'm. I'm probably going to go with Ohtani.

[Alan Hahn]

Okay.

[Tony (caller)]

I mean, the guy goes out there, and if he shuts down and he struck out 10.

[Alan Hahn]

Yep.

[Tony (caller)]

Scoreless.

[Alan Hahn]

Unbelievable day. Yes. Yes. And three home runs.

[Tony (caller)]

It again. And if he does it again, I don't know if you can argue it.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, well, that's. Thanks for the call. And that's exactly my point. Right now I'm feeling one way that can change tonight, because I saw what he did to the brewers, and it's like, wow.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So you see it one more time. Would put it over the top in.

[Alan Hahn]

The World Series after.

[Peter Rosenberg]

After a game in which you get on nine times, the next.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, that. That would be pretty amazing.

[Don La Greca]

Nine.

[Alan Hahn]

Nine.

[Don La Greca]

But what he says is true. Like, the MVP award is more of a team award because if you have less talent around you, you've got a better chance of winning the mvp. That's why. That's why Raleigh's got an excellent chance to do it. It's the Mariners, not the Yankees.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Don La Greca]

But I tell you what, if I'm. If I'm walking Ohtani and I'm walking Judge, I'm facing what, Bellinger, as opposed to Betts, I think Bets is the better player. Yeah, but last year, you know, it was Juan Soto, so, you know, it really depends on who's around you when it comes to the mvp. But the question is, who's the best player right now? Forget mvp. Get everything. Just what are your eyeballs telling you?

[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Commercial Narrator]

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[Podcast Announcer]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Podcast Announcer]

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

[Alan Hahn]

Now what? We know this isn't our song. I, I do, I do love the movie. But we know who always plays this. Come on, Jake, what's up your sleeve? Jake was a bad guy earlier. He's that guy Thursday.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, he's got some bad guy in him.

[Alan Hahn]

So what do you, what do you got? What do you got cooking? Oh, no reason. I mean we talked about the best.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I feel like it had to be played.

[Alan Hahn]

Either that or Tina Turner. Simply the best. Oh, that would have been good. I would have played. No, I would have gone Tina Turner just because, you know, this is owned by another show and now they're gonna tomorrow morning it's gonna be beef. You know, they're gonna just turn it into some drama filled emotional rant.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What do they play?

[Alan Hahn]

Originality. Do they use it for? Well, isn't this his Stump Rothenberg thing?

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what it is. It's his fakacus.

[Alan Hahn]

I consume the show way too much.

[Don La Greca]

He's the best at Googling.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, see, that's an allegation.

[Peter Rosenberg]

See, I didn't.

[Alan Hahn]

I did not expect that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, that. That went up and in.

[Kyle (caller)]

Wow.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Alan Hahn]

Right up and that was up and in.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't expect it. But here we are.

[Alan Hahn]

Don just went right on the chin.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. Later. Right there.

[Don La Greca]

We all. We all don't think that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, I think he's legitimately.

[Don La Greca]

He's very good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's very good, but he also cheats what you're saying.

[Don La Greca]

He's.

[Alan Hahn]

He's got a lot of Rain Man, a lot of. You know what I mean? Like, he just starts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like, when he gives answers, you're like, Wapner, Jeffrey Watcher. Definitely, definitely, definitely gonna watch Wapner.

[Alan Hahn]

What do I got to do here? I gave away tickets.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There you go.

[Alan Hahn]

Come on, New York soccer Fans. The Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs are here on Saturday, November 1st. That's coming up. Right, Right. It's right around the corner. Saturday. This Saturday, New York City FC returns to Yankee Stadium because they're not using it right now for game two of their best of three series against Charlotte FC. Kickoff set for 3:30pm What a gorgeous autumn afternoon that sounds like. For your chance to be there, enter now@esp new york.com or through the ESPN New York app. Just click the contest tab. Submit your entry. Don't miss this opportunity. Experience playoff soccer as the boys in blue begin their chase for the cup. Tickets are available [e-mail] NYC FC I.

[Peter Rosenberg]

See what you did.

[Alan Hahn]

That's right.

[Don La Greca]

How's that boy Kanji doing with the soccer? I don't get a chance to watch.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm sure he's doing great because we love Steve Cancelozzi.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

And he is great.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Do I know Steve?

[Alan Hahn]

You would.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know Steve.

[Alan Hahn]

You'd know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You think I know Steve there, Don?

[Don La Greca]

No.

[Alan Hahn]

No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thank you.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, I tried.

[Don La Greca]

Well, he was the. He was the Devil's announcer, like, four years ago. Yeah, he did it for, like, he.

[Alan Hahn]

Did it for a while.

[Don La Greca]

The only.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The only Devil's announcer I recognize is Don Le Grack.

[Alan Hahn]

That's right. There's only one that we know.

[Don La Greca]

Well, Doc, you got it. Don't forget.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What was that?

[Alan Hahn]

It's a million years ago. Yeah, Don, they were using a square puck back then.

[Peter Rosenberg]

When did they use a square. Don't.

[Alan Hahn]

Don't. Pee.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Pee. A great joke from there.

[Don La Greca]

Is there.

[Alan Hahn]

Is there a.

[Don La Greca]

Is there a news.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You get the idea.

[Don La Greca]

Is there a Newsday article from Alan Hahn back in the day like with the square puck. When are we gonna change to the circular?

[Alan Hahn]

When I was covering hockey, the boards were all low.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

There was no netting.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No netting.

[Alan Hahn]

There's no dashboard ads.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And not even glass fly right over the top.

[Alan Hahn]

Actually, there was no glass. They had. It was chain link fencing.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. So it was like. What do they call that? Like, not bar.

[Alan Hahn]

Chicken wire.

[Don La Greca]

Chicken wire.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It was like a steel cage match. Every game.

[Alan Hahn]

It felt like it. But those were the days when men were men.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's when men were men.

[Alan Hahn]

Don, you don't want to finish that one.

[Don La Greca]

Am I allowed to? I didn't know if they were going to dump it.

[Alan Hahn]

Why would they dump it? It's a great. Come on. I'll do it one more time. You ready? Right there. That's when men were men and sheep were nervous. Hey, Kyle, in Colorado, you're up next.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't remember.

[Alan Hahn]

Hey.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't know if I would have.

[Kyle (caller)]

Hey, guys, how are you doing?

[Alan Hahn]

We're good. What's up, baby?

[Kyle (caller)]

Yeah, so I just wanted to say about the intentional walk rule, I think you guys are overreacting a little.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Go ahead.

[Kyle (caller)]

In my opinion, like, the intentional walks led to a longer game because bets was 1 for 7. Freeman was 1 for 6 before that last at bat. So, like, they were walking it because the Dodgers offense wasn't doing anything. So that led to a longer game because.

[Alan Hahn]

Kyle, may I point out one little specific that you're leaving out. Freddie Freeman. Freddie Freeman, in each of his. In. In each of his at bats, in extra innings, where he was. He was hitting lasers. Yeah, they were just being caught. One went to the track. One was an absolute. Like that. One would have went through the wall, but it was caught. And then he hits the home run. I mean, it's not like he was. They weren't dribbling grounders, but they weren't dribbling grounders to first. They. They were making serious contact. That was okay. But you're right in. What you're saying is that it still wasn't out, which means there was another ending to play. Right. I get what you're saying, but I still think it was.

[Kyle (caller)]

One more point about Ohtani, if I may.

[Alan Hahn]

Please.

[Kyle (caller)]

In my opinion, when Ronald Acuna Jr. Is going, he's the best player in baseball. That's just my opinion. He's on the base path. Oh, Tony is pretty good on the base pass. And like, he could have been making a bigger impact when he was getting walked five times last night, in my opinion.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, he tried to steal that was a. That was a. You know, again, if he had better balance. I do some yoga.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, he was.

[Alan Hahn]

He was right there, but Acuna Jr. Done. Are you buying that one?

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's. That's. It's a take.

[Alan Hahn]

Interesting.

[Don La Greca]

No, it's words.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The words were said.

[Don La Greca]

Well, I guess he is very good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's a tremendous.

[Alan Hahn]

But availability is your best ability. Again.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, and also, I mean, I just haven't looked up the stats to comp him to show. Hey. Or judge.

[Alan Hahn]

Give it time.

[Don La Greca]

In the meantime, he's got, you know, it's. He's all right. So he's got a lifetime batting average of.289, which is solid these days. He's had a couple of 40 home run seasons.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Don La Greca]

A couple of hundred RBI seasons. But I guess what makes him a little different because he's not the hitter overall that Ohtani and Judge is, but, you know, again, 73 stolen bases a couple of years ago, you know, led the league twice. He's led the league in stolen bases. Great on base percentage. But, you know, like you said, he played 95 games this year. There you go, 49 games. The year before that, 119.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He missed 40 games in 22.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, I mean, he's, you know, he's all. He's played 817 games in eight years, like, so that. That's an issue.

[Alan Hahn]

Guy's a rumor.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. When you start selecting players, that's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What was that caller's name again?

[Kevin Clark]

That was Kyle.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Kyle really values base running. Like I listen, I value base running. It's super important. He really values.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't mind that. I do, too.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I think you'd have to really overvalue it to put Akuna Acuna Jr.

[Alan Hahn]

You know, I mean, just jumping over Soto and going right to it.

[Don La Greca]

That too, in 2023 when he won the MVP.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, he. That was a good year.

[Don La Greca]

You know, led the league in runs. Led the league in hits. Had, you know, led the league in stolen bases.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's a good year.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, he had an amazing year. And 59 games. But is that their World Series?

[Peter Rosenberg]

They win in 23.

[Don La Greca]

They won in 21.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay.

[Don La Greca]

Okay. He's been an all star every year, but 24, when he only played the 49 games. But that. That's. That's the crit. That's what knocks him out to me.

[Alan Hahn]

Okay.

[Don La Greca]

Is that right? He's only had two full seasons. He had 156 and 19 and 159 and 23. That's been it.

[Alan Hahn]

Availability, you know, who's always available to us? Danny in Long Island.

[Don La Greca]

Hey, Danny.

[Alan Hahn]

What's up, Danny?

[Kyle (caller)]

Well, it's interesting conversation, but let me throw, let me throw this into the mix. How about Raleigh? I mean, I mean, how. Because if you're going to go with the importance of the everyday player. Oh, no, how do you throw in the fact that Raleigh's the catcher? I mean that's, that's like field position times two. So if he comes out and has a similar year than what they, all of them did this year, is he then not the most valuable because he's an everyday player and a catcher switch hitter. So it's a beautiful conversation. I'll take any one of those three guys on my team if I had to start a franchise. You can't. You can't go wrong. Quite frankly. It's a crapshoot, to use the word of the day. And I just.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, you roll the dice with any of the three.

[Alan Hahn]

I mean, I like that. The word of the day.

[Don La Greca]

I mean, this is amazing year for him. And that's why I think he's got a chance at the mvp because he's a catcher. But I'm going to need about three, four more years. Similar to this past one.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, correct. Yeah. This one felt. This one can't be an outlier. Danny. By the. Speaking of catchers, Will Smith caught 312 pitches in six hours last night.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Dude, can you imagine squatting for six hours? Dude, imagine his knees and then they're like.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, he was one for six. Like, dude, like he had no legs under him.

[Kyle (caller)]

Guys, while I was listening to the crapshoot thing, I went on Dictionary.com, you want to laugh? The definition of the word crapshoot, the sentence they used was the Major League Baseball playoffs, which are ongoing, can be referred to as a crap shoot.

[Don La Greca]

Literally.

[Kyle (caller)]

That's exactly what it said.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's crazy.

[Kyle (caller)]

Wow. So. So, so Cash was. So the question is, if I don't call you and you know, an A hole or whatever and I tiptoe around and use the definition of the word, well, then I've used the word. So that's what. That's what it is. However, he got around to it and he's not wrong. The odd thing is that, you know, Dodgers went a long time without winning two. They were always in it. And then one day I was completely bored. I got into a Richard Manhattan emoji for the Yankees to be in the playoffs for like the last 20 years.

[Tony (caller)]

And only win it once.

[Kyle (caller)]

If you said teams that made it to the world, to the playoffs had a 7 to 1 or an 8 to 1 odds of winning. The chances of the Yankees not winning in the last 16 years is less than 2%. So even though it is a crapshoot, occasionally you're rolling 11 or you roll the 7. The fact that they haven't hit that is almost now astronomically mind boggling numerical wise because the Dodgers remember they had epic failures, especially Kershaw. They didn't win. They were always there. But now they suddenly have the magic source and his name is Ohtani and a couple of bets. So the Yankees just haven't been able to get that secret sauce. But it's, I mean less than a 2% chance of being in the playoffs 20 years not winning it.

[Alan Hahn]

Danny, you know, you just did. You, you, you came up with the ultimate counter argument to why Brian Cashman should no longer be general manager of the Yankees. Because the idea of this works. But when you get to October, anything can happen. But it wins every year the counter is no, that should have won by now and it has, it hasn't.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So what's up?

[Alan Hahn]

So something's wrong. And if the Dodgers are playing the same game and doing it better then maybe you're really bad at picking players. I think Danny just found the solution.

[Don La Greca]

To our problem and see the Dodgers.

[Kyle (caller)]

A lot of solutions over the years of many problems. I should be at the United Nations I think really.

[Alan Hahn]

Let's, let's, let's get you there.

[Don La Greca]

The, the Dodgers blow up the Yankee spot here.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

Because what, what, what he'll, what Brian will tell you is and in some of the cuts that we played earlier from the case show back this up. You build for the regular season and then the postseason. You never know what's going to happen.

[Alan Hahn]

Right. Anything can happen.

[Don La Greca]

Is the analytics don't work in a smaller sample size the way they work over 162 games. And he will tell you, well, you know, look at the Mets 101 win season under.500 the next year. Look at the Giants in between their championships. Look what's happened to the Braves last year. Now look, the Blue Jays were in last place last year and now they're in the World Series. The Dodgers blow that up because the Dodgers really haven't collapsed. The Dodgers have always been there. So they've been able to build for the regular season and the postseason. So they're showing you that you could do it. The Dodgers haven't bottomed out at all. They haven't had that 95 loss season. Right. They've been consistently good. Now, money helps, but helps the Yankees too, Right? So the Dodgers kind of blow up that spot of they show you that you can build for the regular season and carry that over to the post.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But also, it should be noted, Roberts unquestionably manages respectfully with more gut than our guy. Boom.

[Don La Greca]

It feels that way. It sure does.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It certainly feels like they're willing to say, hey, when you get there, we have all our numbers. You get into a wacky 18 inning game, you got us. And the Yankees have not done that. Now, it's interesting what Vaccaro said earlier. He doesn't think that Boone would really stray too far from what the Yankees.

[Alan Hahn]

And I think that's why Boone fits everything here. Because when he talks about collaborative decisions and stuff, I do think he's in on it and I think he agrees to things and that's just basically it. They are of same mind, and that's why he's never going to lose his job.

[Don La Greca]

Good business, though. Whatever you do, whether it's doing a talk show, building a baseball team, is having someone that maybe thinks just a little bit differently. So we're all not just blind in the same corner, staring at the same empty space that maybe there's somebody that comes in with a fresh idea, somebody that kind of looks at it a little bit of a different angle. All right, maybe he gets outvoted, but at least give you a fresher perspective. That's what I thought the audit was going to do a couple of years ago, but it was all a scam.

[Alan Hahn]

That did not work.

[Don La Greca]

Felt like.

[Alan Hahn]

But an audit company made money, which is good for them.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. Good news.

[Alan Hahn]

You know, it's starting an audit company. Think about it. How hard is it? You come in, you assess, you make criticisms, you leave.

[Don La Greca]

Boom, Right?

[Alan Hahn]

If it works or it doesn't work, it's not your problem. It's up to them to use any of your criticisms, Right?

[Don La Greca]

Apparently this audit said, oh, you're doing fine.

[Alan Hahn]

No, you guys are great. Everything's working.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We'll see you next year.

[Kevin Clark]

This is Kevin Clark for Manscaped. Fellas, it's time to step up your grooming game. All right? I do this show three times a week. Every single time, I have to take grooming very, very seriously. Look back in the archives, guys. Look back and see the awful mustache I was trying to trot out last spring. I hate it. The other day, I recirculated an interview with Drake May. I wanted to CGI it. I wanted to CGI the mustache. Out. I wanted to AI it. I couldn't. The mustache was there. And now I've got a nice little stubble, perfect length. Gonna have this for the rest of my life. Okay. Very, very, very important. It's a part of confidence. It's a part of looking good. It's a part of being on TV. Manscaped just leveled up with the Lawnmower 5 and the Chairman plus two powerhouses built for unmatched precision, comfort and control. Whether you're cleaning up before a night out, preparing for a big meeting, or getting ready for game day, Manscaped has the tools to help you look and feel your absolute best. These aren't your old school clippers. They're engineered for modern men who take pride in their daily routine. So upgrade your grooming gear and experience the difference. And now you can find Manscape products at your local Walmart.

[Commercial Narrator]

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[Podcast Announcer]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Podcast Announcer]

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

[Don La Greca]

But that always bothered me, Peter, cuz that meant Michael had a great week. Picking his nose.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, Michael ruined the song.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, this was what? That's right. I do remember this now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Ruin the song.

[Alan Hahn]

He would play this if he had a good week of picks. Yeah. So this has got one thing. All right, so this is band two. Now can we come up with anything? We got to come up with something.

[Don La Greca]

One of my favorite songs.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

Is a Santana song. Winning.

[Alan Hahn]

Winning.

[Don La Greca]

I'm winning.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, yeah. That's a great song. Yep.

[Don La Greca]

Have you ever heard of Peter?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No.

[Don La Greca]

Jake.

[Alan Hahn]

Yep. Get on that.

[Don La Greca]

Get on it now. Winning.

[Alan Hahn]

It's a good song.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Winning from the very early 80s.

[Alan Hahn]

Yep.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's got a little bit of a.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, listen, Peter, take it in.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay.

[Don La Greca]

Got a little bit of yacht rock feel.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

There's a little yacht rock to it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm not mad at this.

[Don La Greca]

You don't know it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, Listen to it.

[Don La Greca]

Here we go. I'll pay the fine.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, I'm in. It's a vibe. Okay.

[Alan Hahn]

So good. Just gotta move it to like the. The hook. Yeah, the hook is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, really? I want to join this part.

[Don La Greca]

This is gonna be ready here.

[Alan Hahn]

Here it comes. It's vibey.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, this is not bad.

[Don La Greca]

We're taking this.

[Alan Hahn]

We're taking this. This is ours.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's ours now.

[Alan Hahn]

All right, let's get a drop of just that part.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I like what you've done.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, that's very good. You know what? If you're a YouTube TV customer.

[Don La Greca]

You didn't hear that.

[Alan Hahn]

You might not. You could lose ESPN and the sports you love.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Don't worry, no one on YouTube heard it either. Any.

[Alan Hahn]

Any of our YouTube killing me right now. Yeah, you could use. You could lose all this stuff, like college game day, college football, Monday night football, NBA, college basketball, and more. So if you want to take action, do it now. Go to keep my networks.com so you can keep ESPN. Can we do a little Knicks preview driven by Ramsey Mazda?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sure.

[Alan Hahn]

Because we have the Knicks and the Bucks tonight and that game's in Milwaukee. So you know the conversation and what it's going to be about. Of course there's going to be a lot. It's on NBC. No, no MSG tonight. That's why I'm here. And not in a suit. Very comfortable today, by the way.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Wait, so hold on real quick.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Have the Knicks, the basketball thing this year.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's quietly become baseball already.

[Alan Hahn]

All the national stuff.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So they were Amazon Friday.

[Alan Hahn]

Let's see. So.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And they're. It was.

[Alan Hahn]

They were ESPN for the opener, but we shared that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You shared it.

[Don La Greca]

Okay. Friday by side, they call it.

[Alan Hahn]

Friday was. Yeah, Amazon.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Amazon. Which means you're out.

[Alan Hahn]

We were out. Sunday was msg.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Boom.

[Alan Hahn]

And tonight's NBC.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So two of four.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, you will technically three national, because even though we went side by side, the rest of the country saw Knicks Cavs on espn.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right. But I'm just talking about. For the purposes of. If you're a local person who pays for msg.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You would have needed Amazon to watch Friday.

[Don La Greca]

Mm.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And you either need your regular cable, which has NBC for tonight, or Pico. Or you need to pay for the.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, you do need to pay for it. Go ahead. You want to pay for the Pico. You really want it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Why that? On my podcast, that's how I'd say wish.

[Alan Hahn]

I wish.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Here I hear I really do it. Pay for the pizza after.

[Alan Hahn]

It's almost six.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think you can Safe harbor hours.

[Alan Hahn]

It feels like it. Yeah. But because we're running out of time, let me just. So the honest stuff to catch everybody up. You remember the Knicks reportedly had discussions with the Bucks in the summer about a trade for Giannis. The reports are Giannis only wanted to go to the Knicks. Neither side really was serious about a conversation because it was almost like a feeling out kind of process. At media day, Giannis said, I've said this many times, I want to be in a situation that I can win after. Then he said, I'm locked in with the Bucks for now. He did say, in six or seven months. Every middle schooler right now giggle. I know, six, seven. I get it. But he said, in six to seven months, I could change my mind. That's human. You're allowed to make any decision you want. Now, that was the money quote. Now, I talked to Bobby Marks, our good friend, of course, at espn, who is our front office insider for the NBA, and I just said, like, why? So give me the breakdown with the Bucks and what they can do with Giannis and what's the timeline? So here's why he said six to seven months.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right, talk to me.

[Alan Hahn]

That's the end of the season.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay.

[Alan Hahn]

So while there's going to be a lot of. Can the Knicks trade for Giannis? Can this Team trade for Giannis before the trade deadline in February. It's incredibly complicated and probably not going to happen. It would like. It's really difficult. You'll need three or four teams. These are off season type traits. But here's the other reason. Giannis has a player option for the 2027, 28 season, which means he can wipe that season out and become a free agent in the summer of 27.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Not this. That's not next.

[Alan Hahn]

That's not next summer. But here's the difference. He can walk after next season. Which is why the Bucks have to know will he sign an extension? The problem is they can't offer him an extension until October 1st of 26 next year. That's too late. You can't go into the season with him saying no and then he walks at the end of that year. And you can't trade him in season because it's way too complicated. Because he's going to make, he's making 60 million.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well and at that point his new.

[Alan Hahn]

Deal, by the way, that if he did sign with the Bucks would be a four year deal. The average salary would be $68 million. That's a massive.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Would that be. Would that be the biggest?

[Alan Hahn]

No, I think some guys are already up almost 70 a year. Yeah, we're already there. Yeah, we're getting there. Yeah, we're getting close. Yeah, I think, I think Tatums might be in touching that row. Tatums and low 60s SGA might be heading there. Yeah. But anyways, so that's a massive contract. He will like they need to know this summer, this coming summer.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But he's not going to take an extension from them.

[Alan Hahn]

No, but they need to know there's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No version of that.

[Alan Hahn]

They need to know that for sure. And then that's why next summer he'll see a whole season and say, you know, I don't think we're championship caliber. I want to go somewhere I can win. And then therefore that's when the Bucks then have to really get serious about moving him versus now where they don't.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Have to but, but real quick.

[Alan Hahn]

So that's why any talk of trading for him in season you're going to need three or four teams. It'd be very difficult to do while also maintaining a team that can win because he won't go to a team if the roster is now bare and because they traded everybody away. So anyways, that's the Knicks preview driven by Ramsey Mazda. It's the experience of driving a new Mazda and buying new Mazda from Ramsey Mazda, choose wisely. Choose Ramsey Mazda.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Is there a world in which the Bucks say to him, you know, hey, dude, there's not going to be a situation in which we're able to figure out a trade for you. Let's just go for it as hard as we can for two years and then you'll go on your merry way? Or are they going to say, we need to try to get value for him, so let's try to make some sort of trade happen. We get something back.

[Alan Hahn]

The issue was, I think this summer was they almost, like, did a show like, oh, all right, well, we'll talk to the Knicks. We'll see. We can do.

[Don La Greca]

Oh.

[Alan Hahn]

The Knicks weren't serious about trading because the Knicks knew they weren't serious. So the Bucs don't want to trade them, and it's a bad business decision to trade them. Now, you need them for this year. You got to stay competitive. You want to do what you can. You want to sell tickets all. You're not ready to blow up the team yet. But they're. They're gonna. They know that day's coming. So do the Knicks, and that's why this whole thing won't be a thing until the summer. Now, the current Knicks, if they get to the Finals, might make a case of, don't blow this roster up this time. This team can win a champion.

[Peter Rosenberg]

To go for Giannis is to say, we're scrapping what we did.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, you're ripping it to shreds.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's ready to complete.

[Alan Hahn]

So that's why I think that's what makes this season even extra compelling. But I don't want fans to fall for every rumor through this season. With the February trade deadline of this could happen in season and the Carmelo Anthony deal comes back to haunt some people, I firmly believe this is something that would not happen until the summer. And I gave you the reason why. Now I'm going to be forced to make a decision.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Speaking of Madison Square Garden, I have something to tell you.

[Alan Hahn]

What do you got?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, fight fans, Bud Light and ESPN New York are sending you to UFC at Madison Square Garden.

[Alan Hahn]

I like that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

With me?

[Alan Hahn]

With you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's right on my lap. Well, I don't know about that. Tap the Bud Light tile in the ESPN New York app and enter for your chance to win a pair of tickets in the suite. That's right. We got drinks, we got snacks. We have a toilet. It's all there.

[Alan Hahn]

And Peter's lap.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hang out with me. Peter Rosenberg, through on November. Well, listen, through November 7th is how you win and then we will hang out at MSG for UFC on November 15th. That's UFC 322 to you and me. Bud Light, the official beer of UFC. So make your move now on the ESPN New York app. Must be 21 and over. No purchase necessary. Void we're prohibited rules on the ESPN New York app. Please enjoy Bud Light responsibly.

[Podcast Announcer]

Thanks for listening to my Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't want to know how the.

[Alan Hahn]

Sausage is made, but I just want to know it's good.

[Podcast Announcer]

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.

[Alan Hahn]

Talk about stepping up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Alan Hahn]

The electricity. Electricity is palpable.

[Kyle (caller)]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

It's the ultimate fan experience.

[Don La Greca]

Level up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

For More on the ESPN app or at stream.espn.com sign up now.