Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: More Yankee Injuries

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 3: More Yankee Injuries
• Release Date: July 18, 2025
• Description: The podcast features Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg discussing New York sports, particularly focusing on baseball, with insights into team performances, player injuries, and trade rumors.

1. Yankees vs. Mets Playoff Race

Discussion Overview: The hosts delve into the intense playoff race between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets, analyzing team performances and prospects for winning the American League East division.

Key Points:

• John Heyman's Insights: Reference to John Heyman's belief that the Mets have a better chance of winning their division compared to the Yankees.

• Don's Perspective: Don LaGreca expresses confidence in the Yankees despite acknowledging the Mets' improvements, emphasizing the Yankees' stronger track record in division races.

• Peter's Analysis: Peter Rosenberg discusses the Mets' recent performance, highlighting their balanced roster and improved pitching as factors that bolster their playoff chances.

Notable Quotes:

• Don LaGreca [01:30]: "I still think the Yankees are winning the East and I would have more faith in them doing it than I do the Mets."

• Peter Rosenberg [02:10]: "Now that they got their starting pitching healthy, Soto looks like he's starting to be Soto. And now, at the deadline, you do expect that Stearns is going to find an arm or two for the bullpen."

2. Yankees' Injury Updates and Pitching Concerns

Discussion Overview: The conversation shifts to the current injury woes plaguing the Yankees, particularly focusing on key pitchers and their availability for upcoming games.

Key Points:

• Max Fried's Injury: Updates on Max Fried's blister issue, with optimism about his return for the series against the Blue Jays.

• Justin Schlitler's Health: Discussion on Schlitler's MRI results showing no issues, reassuring fans about his readiness to pitch in the upcoming games.

• Use of Openers: Analysis of the Yankees' strategic use of opener Ian Hamilton in their bullpen-heavy approach, aiming to conserve their pitching resources for crucial matchups.

Notable Quotes:

• Don LaGreca [04:15]: "The Mets are a better team than the Yankees. And I think that's what John Heyman was saying."

• Peter Rosenberg [10:26]: "All right, but you also don't want to put yourself deeper in a hole next week by not taking care of business against the Braves."

3. Trade Rumors and Yankees' Roster Moves

Discussion Overview: The hosts explore potential trade scenarios involving the Yankees, focusing on players like Sonny Gray and the implications of such moves on the team's dynamics.

Key Points:

• Sonny Gray Trade Speculation: Doubts about the feasibility of the Yankees trading for Sonny Gray, citing past performance issues and the challenges of integrating him into their pitching staff.

• Gary Sánchez and Josh Donaldson: Brief mention of other trade targets and the strategic decisions the Yankees might face in strengthening their roster.

• Aaron Boone's Strategy: Insights into Boone's cautious approach with injured pitchers, balancing immediate needs with long-term strategy.

Notable Quotes:

• Don LaGreca [16:22]: "I don't see how there's any possibility they would trade for Sonny Gray. I mean, clearly this was a not being able to handle New York situation when he was first here."

• Peter Rosenberg [19:43]: "He just isn't your typical 19-year-old because, as you know, his father played and now he's coaching. He's grown up at the major league level. He's comfortable around pros because he grew up around pros."

4. Caller Interactions and Fan Perspectives

Discussion Overview: Engagement with listeners through calls, providing a platform for fans to voice their opinions on Yankees' strategies, trades, and player performances.

Key Points:

• Caller on Trade Packages: A listener from Staten Island discusses potential trade deals involving Sonny Gray and the challenges of acquiring him without significant sacrifices.

• Caller from Queens on Gerrit Cole: Another caller critiques Gerrit Cole's performance, debating his suitability as a trade piece despite strong strikeout numbers.

• General Fan Sentiment: Hosts acknowledge the anxiety among Yankees fans regarding the second half of the season and the team's ability to contend effectively.

Notable Quotes:

• Caller [15:28]: "Arenado is back on the table and they're also talking about Sonny Gray. He's willing to imagine without a trade clause, which would be exactly a big hit."

• Don LaGreca [39:37]: "But I'm with you. It's a five. ERA is 5.40. The RA is 5.40. 49."

5. Strategic Insights and Future Outlook

Discussion Overview: The hosts provide strategic insights into the Yankees' management decisions, bullpen utilization, and the overall outlook for the remainder of the season.

Key Points:

• Bullpen Management: Analysis of the Yankees' bullpen-heavy approach, utilizing multiple relievers to manage pitcher workloads and navigate injury setbacks.

• Future Projections: Predictions on how the Yankees will perform in upcoming series, particularly against the Blue Jays, and their prospects for securing the division title.

• Trade Deadline Implications: Exploration of how impending trades and player performances could shape the Yankees' playoff ambitions.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg [47:21]: "How are we going to figure out earners and average run scored? They did it. So it tells you that anything is possible."

• Don LaGreca [40:44]: "He's given his real weakness has been the home run ball. He's given up 21 home runs already. That's a ridiculous number for halfway through the season."

6. Brief Off-Topic Banter

Discussion Overview: Towards the end of the episode, the hosts engage in light-hearted conversations about reality TV shows, music, and personal anecdotes, offering a glimpse into their personalities beyond sports commentary.

Key Points:

• Reality TV Critique: Don and Peter discuss their disdain for shows like "Love Island" and share humorous takes on being hooked by reality TV in the past.

• Music References: Brief mentions of songs like Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars" and their connections to popular culture moments.

• Upcoming Events: Light-hearted discussions about the upcoming ESPN New York Tee It Up Golf Challenge and the hosts' participation.

Notable Quotes:

• Don LaGreca [29:38]: "Why would I watch Love Island? My time is so limited. Honestly, if we're friends and you know me at all."

• Peter Rosenberg [43:20]: "Ceedee Lamb here from the Dallas Cowboys... [continues with an ad]"

Conclusion: In "Hour 3: More Yankee Injuries," Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg provide an in-depth analysis of the New York Yankees' current season challenges, focusing on player injuries, strategic management decisions, and the ongoing playoff race against the Mets. Through expert commentary and engaging listener interactions, the hosts offer valuable insights for Yankees fans and sports enthusiasts alike. Additionally, their off-topic banter adds a relatable and entertaining layer to the discussion, making for a comprehensive and enjoyable podcast episode.

Notable Timestamp Highlights:

• [01:30] Don discusses his confidence in the Yankees over the Mets.
• [04:15] Update on Mets being a better team than the Yankees.
• [10:26] Strategy on handling upcoming series against the Braves.
• [16:22] Doubts about trading for Sonny Gray.
• [39:37] Critique of Gerrit Cole's performance.
• [47:21] Discussion on the feasibility of implementing new game rules like the swing-off.

For fans looking to stay updated on the Yankees' season, player performances, and potential trade moves, this episode offers a thorough and engaging analysis, enriched with expert opinions and real-time insights.