Don, Hahn & Rosenberg (Feb 10, 2026)

Hour 3: Mets Update & NBA All-Star Weekend

Episode Overview

This episode dives into two main topics: a mid-winter update on the New York Mets as spring training approaches—centered around Francisco Lindor's injury and roster changes—and a spirited discussion on the state of NBA All-Star Weekend, its pivot to influencer content, and generational divides in sports media. The trio joke, debate, and provide sharp commentary from the perspective of long-time New York sports insiders.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mets Spring Training & Francisco Lindor Injury Update

• The crew reacts to Mets President David Stearns' announcement regarding Lindor's hand injury with concern and analysis.
  • Stearns reports Lindor has a stress reaction in his left hamate bone; surgery could sideline him up to Opening Day.
  • Discussion centers on why Lindor waited to report the issue, the risks of slow starts, and implications for the team.
  • Alan Hahn urges pro athletes to be proactive with injuries, noting the impact even minor physical problems can have on performance, especially at the plate.
• Lindor’s history and risk factors:
  • Don compares Lindor’s situation to players who try to fight through pain but potentially harm their teams long-term.
  • Alan: "I don't want to have a guy that's going to be a shell of himself until the All Star break." [03:13]
• Stearns admits Lindor’s pain has been "off and on for a couple of years," and describes the decision to seek a specialist now as inevitable.
  • The hosts interpret this as typical athlete behavior, but stress it complicates Opening Day timelines and team planning.

Notable Quote

"Even if it does require surgery, we would remain optimistic that Francisco would be back for Opening Day."
—David Stearns, Mets President [02:13]

2. Roster Moves: Juan Soto to Left Field

• Stearns confirms Juan Soto is slated for left field—a shift from expectations—and details how conversations during the offseason and WBC play influenced the decision.
  • Carlos Mendoza, Mets manager, describes Soto as "very honest" and comfortable in either corner outfield spot, referencing previous big league experience.
• Alan gives a quick analysis:
  • "If he's happy to be there, it's fine. He's not a great defender to begin with... interesting nonetheless." [07:10]

Notable Quote

"We think over the course of 162 games, the unforeseen always happens. And... we are prepared for the inevitable hurdles of a marathon Major League Baseball season."
—David Stearns [07:37]

• Don interprets Stearns' "corporate speak," boiling it down to: the Mets are much deeper and better equipped for injuries and the rigors of a long season.

3. Fan & Caller Reactions on Lindor and Mets Depth

• Multiple callers resonate with the show’s suspicion about Lindor’s timing and express frustration on behalf of fans.
  • One caller speculates Lindor may be influenced by WBC insurance issues—not just the injury itself.
• The hosts revisit the physical and mental toll of hand injuries in baseball, agreeing it's better to get surgery and be ready for Opening Day, even if it means missing Spring Training.

4. NBA All-Star Weekend: From Sports Event to Content Factory

• The latter half pivots to the NBA’s All-Star Weekend, with Don expressing open disillusionment:
  • "As a basketball guy...I tune in out of obligation, not out of interest. Like it's that bad." [26:23]
• The NBA’s embrace of influencers is dissected. Over 200 creators are invited, the league seeking to "get eyeballs" as traditional ratings fall.
• The trio critiques the resultant circus—a departure from authentic sports journalism:
  • Don relays media frustrations: e.g., content creators interrupting postgame interviews for self-promotion, ending legitimate media access.
• They ponder the generational shift:
  • Alan: "If you're an adult, especially anyone over the age of 40, just understand that this is no longer for you...They don't care about us anymore." [30:41]
  • Peter: "We are now those people. We are just old people." [36:42]

Notable Moments

• Don and Alan question the logic and motives driving the NBA’s influencer blitz, warning about lack of credentialing, oversight, or respect for journalistic process.
• Anecdotes about Drew Ski and other influencers at major events gone wrong, including repercussions and behind-the-scenes league frustration.

5. Media Coverage vs. Influencer Era

• Discussion extends to how legacy outlets are pulling back resources from All-Star coverage, while leagues court influencers who pay their own way and bring instantaneous reach.
• Peter highlights the risk: influencers aren't bound by journalistic standards or employer codes—so chaos is rewarded, not punished.
• The group discusses possible solutions, emphasizing that fair rules must be enforced for anyone granted official access.

6. Quick Hits & Pop-Culture Sidebar

• Off-topic but spirited exchanges:
  • Debates on Olympic events (Winter vs. Summer), and accidental riffs on curling clubs and personal nostalgia for rock albums and bands.
  • Interludes: Rush, Jane’s Addiction, The Killers and Van Halen all get mentioned in music tangents—establishing the genial, cultural backdrop of the show.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:43-03:34] — Mets/Lindor’s injury news and implications
• [06:43-08:23] — Juan Soto’s move to left field, Stearns on Mets’ roster depth
• [10:41-11:53] — Carlos Mendoza on Juan Soto & Lindor’s Opening Day prospects
• [13:30-15:08] — Caller reactions: athlete responsibility & Mets’ WBC concerns
• [26:22-31:51] — NBA All-Star Weekend as influencer event; critique of modern media climate
• [32:00-33:33] — Sports media frustrations: balance between influencers vs. credentialed reporters
• [36:40-39:56] — "Old man yells at cloud": generational change, TNT coverage, media erosion
• [41:53-41:54] — Comparison to Pro Bowl: All-Star Weekend’s declining broadcast draw

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the NBA’s shift:

  "All these leagues are doing now is catering to the younger audience almost to a fault now. And instead of raising standards, you're lowering them. Well, and it's, it's kind of pathetic, but that's where we are."
  —Alan Hahn [31:26]

• On influencer press scrums:

  "She got in something that was completely self serving. Had nothing to do with a job. Could have been done privately in the hallway... Meanwhile, I've got a job I'm being paid to do and now I can't do that job properly."
  —Alan Hahn [32:17]

• On sports generational disconnect:

  "If you're an adult, especially anyone over the age of 40, just understand that this is no longer for you... It's not for you anymore."
  —Alan Hahn [30:41]

• Peter’s tongue-in-cheek self-awareness:

  "I'd also like to present him with the award for the old man yelling at cloud statement of the day. I mean, I agree with every word you just said. And yet I hear it and I go, but we are now those people. We are just old people."
  —Peter Rosenberg [36:40]

• On Winter vs. Summer Olympics:

  "I think the Winter Olympics are better than the Summer Olympics. There are more entertaining sports."
  —Alan Hahn [51:22]

Tone & Style

• Conversational, insider-y, and New York-centric — the hosts use humor and cultural references, aren’t afraid to rant, and welcome spirited disagreement.
• Self-aware — frequent joking about "old man" complaints versus modern trends.
• Candid and critical — the hosts balance nostalgia and experience with frustration at where pro sports is headed, particularly regarding fans, media access, and league priorities.

Final Thoughts/Takeaways

• The episode’s heart is in the dueling anxieties of seasoned fans and journalists—longing for a sports era with more meaning and depth, even as leagues chase new audiences via influencers and spectacle.
• The hosts successfully blend news, candid analysis, and cultural griping, making the show lively and relatable—especially for listeners who want more than just headlines.
• For Mets fans, the Lindor update is crucial: optimism is warranted, but nerves remain for Opening Day.
• On the NBA side, All-Star Weekend exemplifies a bigger shift in the way sports are marketed, consumed, and covered—a shift not without costs.