Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary
Episode: Hour 3: Michael Kay Talks Yankees
Release Date: July 7, 2025

Introduction

In the third hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg, along with special guest Michael Kay from ESPN, delve deep into the current state of the New York Yankees. The episode, released on July 7, 2025, offers a comprehensive analysis of the team's recent performances, managerial decisions, and broader implications for the franchise.

Knicks Coaching Updates

Early in the episode, the hosts briefly touch upon the New York Knicks' latest development.

• Mike Brown Named Head Coach
  • Peter Rosenberg [01:20]: Announces, "The Knicks just officially named Mike Brown the head coach."
  • Alan Hahn [01:28]: Comments, "I thought they congratulated Don on the Devil," highlighting slight confusion before clarifying the news's specifics.
  • Discussion Points:
    • The recent signings of Jordan Clarkson and Gershon Yabaselli were confirmed as official, setting the stage for Mike Brown's tenure.

Yankees’ Performance and Roster Challenges

The core of the discussion centers on the Yankees' ongoing struggles, particularly focusing on their pitching, roster construction, and managerial strategies.

• Pitching Concerns

  • Don Hahn [02:23]: Raises critical questions, "Is it just as simple as the pitching isn't good enough or why is Jazz playing third?"
  • Alan Hahn [03:15]: Analyzes, "If it wasn't for Goldschmidt, he would probably have five more errors," referring to Jazz's defensive challenges at third base.
  • Peter Rosenberg [08:19]: Expresses frustration, "I would tear up the clubhouse if that was my stat," in response to Mark Leiter’s poor performance.

• Roster Construction Issues

  • Alan Hahn [16:31]: Highlights, "There are three guys each day that should be starting that are on the bench," pointing out the lack of depth in the Yankees' roster.
  • Peter Rosenberg [17:29]: Suggests, "You can't move again," emphasizing the difficulty in trading key players like Grisham.
  • Don Hahn [18:02]: Notes, "Anybody is to blame, it's Cashman," referring to the general manager's role in roster decisions.

Manager Boone’s Leadership and Communication

A significant portion of the episode critiques Aaron Boone's management style and his communication with fans and players.

• Positive Messaging vs. Reality

  • Don Hahn [04:07]: Criticizes Boone’s approach, "Don't talk to him like they're morons. I mean, really, after everything that happened..."
  • Alan Hahn [07:34]: Discusses bullpen needs, indirectly pointing to Boone's challenges in managing the pitching staff.
  • Don Hahn [29:12]: States, "He’s treating the fans like they don't even...," emphasizing Boone's perceived condescension.

• Fan Reactions and Expectations

  • Alan Hahn [14:11]: Reflects, "They went to the World Series last year, but then they come back with, well, but they didn't win."
  • Caller [43:07]: Shares frustrations, "You don't want to hear that culture...," echoing the hosts' sentiments on Boone’s communication.

Bullpen Struggles and Player Performance

The Yankees’ bullpen is under intense scrutiny, with specific players highlighted for their underperformance.

• Mark Leiter’s Poor Stats

  • Alan Hahn [08:19]: Points out, "Any pitcher in baseball minus 10," referencing Leiter’s defensive run save statistics.
  • Peter Rosenberg [08:43]: Labels Leiter’s performance as, "Insane."

• Garrett’s Unexpected Save

  • Don Hahn [20:08]: Comments on Garrett’s six-out save, "That was really unbelievable that he did."
  • Alan Hahn [21:36]: Criticizes the decision-making, "They didn’t have to give him a sacrifice."

Roster Moves and Contract Issues

The episode delves into the complexities of the Yankees' roster moves, especially concerning high-value contracts and their impact on team flexibility.

• Louis Severino’s Contract

  • Alan Hahn [13:38]: Expresses dissatisfaction, "He couldn’t handle him. He was garbage."
  • Peter Rosenberg [14:05]: Questions the contract's sustainability, "That's the one issue that I have... is how the money's being spent."

• Grisham’s Potential Trade

  • Alan Hahn [17:53]: Discusses Grisham's value, "He has a $5 million contract," pondering potential trade options.
  • Peter Rosenberg [18:00]: Reflects on Lugo’s trade prospects, "Would you tell me like that’s a pipe dream?"

Audience Engagement and Callers’ Perspectives

Throughout the episode, listeners call in with their opinions, providing a mix of support and criticism for both the team and the hosts.

• Jay from Newark [41:52]: Criticizes the Yankees' culture, saying, "It's disrespectful...every year we have to pay more."
• Another Caller [45:00]: Accuses Don Hahn of being a "fraud" regarding baseball commentary, arguing that the hosts focus too much on negatives.

Special Highlights and Player Spotlights

Amidst the critical discussions, the hosts also acknowledge standout performances and memorable moments.

• Aaron Judge’s Historic Season

  • Peter Rosenberg [47:50]: Praises Judge, "Aaron Judge is having another historic, spectacular season. He is the MVP."

• Jim Abbott’s Inspirational Story

  • Alan Hahn [24:23]: Celebrates Jim Abbott, "He never looked at himself as disabled... one of the great sports stories."

Concluding Remarks

In the final segments, the hosts wrap up the discussion by addressing heartfelt messages from listeners and reaffirming their commitment to providing honest and critical analysis.

• Barbara from Florida [48:35]: Congratulates Don Hahn, expressing emotional support.
• Don Hahn [47:42]: Responds with appreciation, "I love you, Don, and we love you."

Notable Quotes

• Don Hahn [02:23]: "Is it just as simple as the pitching isn't good enough or why is Jazz playing third?"
• Alan Hahn [03:15]: "If it wasn't for Goldschmidt, he would probably have five more errors."
• Peter Rosenberg [08:19]: "I would tear up the clubhouse if that was my stat."
• Don Hahn [04:07]: "Don't talk to him like they're morons."
• Alan Hahn [14:11]: "They went to the World Series last year, but then they come back with, well, but they didn't win."
• Don Hahn [29:12]: "He’s treating the fans like they don't even..."
• Peter Rosenberg [47:50]: "Aaron Judge is having another historic, spectacular season. He is the MVP."

Conclusion

This episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" provides a robust and candid examination of the New York Yankees' current performance woes, managerial strategies, and future prospects. Through insightful analysis, listener interactions, and expert opinions, the hosts offer a nuanced perspective that challenges both the team’s leadership and its fanbase. Whether you're a die-hard Yankees fan or a casual listener, this episode delivers a thorough exploration of one of baseball’s most storied franchises in a moment of significant scrutiny.