← Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
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- [00:01]
Don LaGreca
Some people just know they could save hundreds on car insurance by checking Allstate first. Like, you know, to check the Jumbotron first before attempting to eat a stack of supreme nachos in one bite. Now, you're just a meme that everyone shares on game day. Checking first is smart. So check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate. Savings vary, subject to terms, conditions, and availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois. Hey, everybody, it's the Don Show.
- [00:30]
Ryan Ruko
It never ends.
- [00:32]
Don LaGreca
Those are facts. The Don show starring only Don. Good for me.
- [00:37]
Ryan Ruko
It's the Don show starting now.
- [00:40]
Don LaGreca
Tweet that. Hey, Don, you know, Anthony is such a great producer and he's got a great memory because he remembers that there was a time when it was just me and Michael. And Michael would take off as he would to do Yankees, Yankee Day game, and the guy that would slide in to replace Michael. And I did a lot of shows with this guy, and I miss him terribly because now he's a star and he doesn't have time for these kind of trivial talk show host nonsense. But we have him on as a guest because he's so knowledgeable and he's done everything is the great. And I mean great. I throw that out sometimes, but only once in a while do I truly mean it. Ryan Ruko, and he's nice enough to join us here on Don, Han and Rosenberg. And I'm the only one left as Peter's under the weather and Alan is traveling with the Knicks. How are you, sir?
- [01:31]
Ryan Ruko
Oh, thank you for that lovely introduction, Don. I loved our days together, too. And those days where it was just me and you, it was a blast, man.
- [01:40]
Don LaGreca
Yeah, we had a lot of fun, man. It was a lot of cool stuff. And you've gone on to bigger and better things. You're calling Nets Celtics tonight. You called Knicks Heat last night. You've done a great job with the wnba. You've become quite the star. Just another person that was able to use the K show as a launching pad to bigger and better things.
- [01:59]
Ryan Ruko
You know what's amazing to me, Don? Thank you for those kind words. It's amazing to me how many places I go still where people will reference my time on the K show. It's incredible how many arenas or stadiums I will be in where. Because I think it's 10 years now since I was on with you guys, right? And. And how many people still will be like, oh, you know, I used to Love listening to you on the K show. You know, we had, we had a really great memorable year and the platform, you know, that you and Michael created there definitely left an indelible mark in fans minds that helped a lot of people, myself included. And, and now I'm so pumped about what you, Peter and Alan are doing.
- [02:44]
Don LaGreca
Well, thank you so much, man. And I'm pumped what you're doing as well. And I wanted to get you, you can talk of a potpourri of things. And let's start with the game you called last night, the Knicks in the Heat. You got to see the Knicks firsthand. And you know, the NBA like it back of your hand by being a fan and also what you do with the Nets. And I feel like the Knicks are kind of stuck where they can't fall down to four. They can't catch Boston at two. They can't prove to anyone in these last 15 games that they can beat the Celtics and the Cavs in a big spot because they haven't done it in the regular season. How do you feel about this Knicks team moving forward and can they do damage in the postseason?
- [03:20]
Ryan Ruko
Yeah, it's interesting, Dom, because I think the way you characterize that was spot on. And one thing I do like to say when it comes to the Knicks, and I think this is important like from the 30,000 foot view is the, this is like such an incredible luxury to have this now be, you know, the points of contention and the questions and the probing that we're able to do. Because, you know, to go back to when I was on the Case show with you guys, I mean, that franchise was just lost. You know, they went through two decades with just a minor blip of success and otherwise not, not just a lack of success. But we're talking about basement dwelling to the point that, you know, if you still look at the franchises with the, you know, worst winning percentages in the NBA since the Knicks last Finals appearance, the Knicks are still third worst, the third worst winning percentage since they were last in the Finals. And that's with the success they've had under Tom Thibodeau. So I think, you know, I like to say that, to say even though I don't think they are going to be able to ultimately compete with Boston or Cleveland if those teams are healthy, I still think on the whole, you know, what they've done and how relevant they've become and how consistently gritty they are on a night in, night out basis is something that's given the fans a lot and something that they didn't have for a long time and something that's still worth celebrating. And I think when it comes to those specific matchups and can they make any noise in the east, what I think would be encouraging if I was a Knick fan is seeing the way they look defensively last night with Mitchell Robinson on the floor. Because you know, defensively this year for the most part they've been mediocre. They've trended better and better as the seasons kind gone on, but for the most part they've been mediocre. Right. And they've been a much better offensive team than defensive team. But with Mitchell Robinson last night, granted Miami is a, is a, is a very poor offensive team right now, but they were flying all over the place and you could feel his impact. And I guess there's at least some curiosity to see, well, what do they look like defensively if they have Mitchell Robinson, Karl Anthony Towns and Og Anunoby on the floor together? Because where the Knicks have gotten caught up, especially in those matchups against Cleveland and Boston is the way Towns is exploited defensively at the 5. Well, what about if he's at the 4 and Robinson's at the 5? How much differently can we view those matchups then? Do I think it's enough to make them able to compete in a seven game series and win against Cleveland and Boston? I think, but last night at least would give me a flicker of hope, whereas I think previously there really hasn't been any hope for a path to be able to compete with those teams. I still don't think they will, Don, but I at least think they left a little teeny sliver of intrigue.
- [06:18]
Don LaGreca
Now the $64,000 question for me is can just another year of chemistry, another year of growth get them to that next level? Do you think they've still got to tinker with the roster?
- [06:30]
Ryan Ruko
I think ultimately they're probably going to have to tinker with the roster unless things break apart, you know, elsewhere. You know, what I've said about this Knicks team is I think they would be primed to make a championship run if those top teams endured one significant injury. Right? And while you don't want that to happen, and certainly when you're building a team, you don't want that to be your only real hope to hold on to. The reality is that does happen. You know, if we look at champions throughout NBA history now, oftentimes the path for them was laid with teams who had suffered a significant injury. And I think, you know, the continuity the Chemistry. Another year together for the Knicks could be significant. If, let's say, you know, one of Cleveland's big four went down in a postseason, right. Or if Boston was to lose Tatum or Brown in a series, you know, then I think there's, there's some vulnerability where this Knicks team, if they were healthy, you know, could be capable. I think, you know, the problem is with guys like Bridges and Ananoby, like, you get, you get kind of teased with their, their offensive capabilities and their top tier talent, but it's not a night in, night out basis for them production wise. Right. And with what you gave up most specifically for Bridges, like, you really, you know, he's kind, he's kind of the guy, he's the guy you cashed in on and you need him to be someone who does it night in, night out. And I just don't. And I watched him obviously for a year and a half, very close in Brooklyn, very closely in Brooklyn. I don't think he is that guy who you can rely on the way you would want to for a player you gave up five first round picks for. And that might ultimately be, you know, the reason why they're going to have to finagle the roster because he, he's going to have some games where you're like, oh my gosh, he looks like a, you know, top two offensive option on a great team. And then he's going to have other games where he puts up five shots and you're like, what happened? Or he goes, you know, two for 13. And he's not like, he has a great defender's reputation. He's not really an unbelievable defender. OG Anunoby is an unbelievable defender. Bridges is a good defender. And his greatest value to me is the fact that that dude shows up every single game. And I don't think you can take that for granted. But Don, if, if, if push comes to shove, I don't think just being together is going to, it's going to get them over the top of Cleveland and Boston, more time together. With the one, the one other caveat I'll say to this long winded answer I'm giving you, but again, you're alone. So, you know, you're probably. I do, yeah. But the one other thing I'll say though is I do think Tom Thibodeau is one of the great player development coaches in the NBA. I don't think he's spoken about in that way enough. But Tom Thibodeau develops players, they get better under him year in, year out so if you want to talk about, like why maybe they could still ascend, I don't think it's just time together as a group. I think it's the fact that Tom Thibodeau seems to continually get more out of his players, even veterans, not just young players.
- [09:41]
Don LaGreca
Talking to Ryan Ruko, he's at TD Garden tonight calling Celtics and the Nets for yes and kind of just talking about a bunch of subjects with him. Your other love, of course, the New York Yankees get a chance to do a lot for them on the YES Network. You lose heel for maybe half the season. We'll see Cole definitely the entire season. Don't know what's going to happen with Stanton. How do you feel about this team and would you be worried that this team might struggle to make the playoffs and what still to me is a weak American League?
- [10:10]
Ryan Ruko
You know, it's interesting because I think the Yankees, like, even on in the years where they've had their biggest struggles with their roster, you know, they still find a way to win 85 plus games. Right. And I think this roster is still constructed in a way where they're going to, you know, easily be tickling 90, 90 plus wins. I think what's going to be hard is the idea that your greatest October separator is not coming. You know, like what would allow the Yankees to navigate the regular season last year wasn't just Luis. He'll pitching as well as he did. Right. There's some sort of mental boost you get from knowing eventually the aces coming. And then we saw Cole pitch incredibly well in the playoffs. Right. And I think the tough thing right now, when you think about the Yankees and where they've been in recent years, you know, lot of regular season success, postseason disappointment. Right. Last year was the most postseason success they've had in 15 years. Well, their three best players in the playoffs last year were Garrett Cole, Giancarlo Stanton and Juan Soto. We know they won't have two of those guys for the entirety of this year. Right. One being Soto with the Mets, the other being Cole, who's out for the year. Stanton, we don't know. Right. And this lineup, if you look at, you know, during the Aaron Judge Yankee years, they're a completely different team in the playoffs and games Stanton plays and doesn't I even think about, you know, the ALCS with the Astros, where they lost in six and the two games they won were games Stanton played and then he was hurt the other games and they lost his presence in the lineup. And then obviously his October Production is just absolutely critical for this team. So while I think they can navigate the regular season fine, and I still think they're going to have a lot of offense and they still have the best hitter in baseball on their team, and Aaron Judge and Aaron Boone and this Yankees, you know, pitching. You know, the Yankees kind of entire pitching culture, they found a way to piece together the rotation in the bullpen to limit runs. They know how to do that. They've been very good at that year in, year out. Regardless of who's there. My issue is going to be like, in October, you. Are you actually going to have the horses you need to feel like you can make a deep run. And I. I don't know if you're going to be able to make up for the losses there. That concerns me more than them being able to navigate the regular season right now.
- [12:46]
Don LaGreca
All right, next subject. Giants. I don't know what the heck they're doing. I don't know if they're interested in a quarterback. You would think they wouldn't be because of offering $50 million to Matthew Stafford. Now they're in on Rogers. Maybe it's Jameis Winston, maybe Joe Flacco, maybe you. I don't know what's going on there. Just your general thought of the direction of this franchise and any kind of prediction who you think is going to be the starting quarterback. Opening day 25 for Big Blue.
- [13:15]
Ryan Ruko
Honestly, my general thought on the franchise and the direction of it is they need to win me back. That's what I think. Like, there are times where an organization has built up equity and you just have a faith that they're going to steer the ship through the stormy seas. And even if you can't see the specific route, you just know they're going to get there. Right? And there's times where that gets tested. But if it's built up, you're willing to wait and see. I feel like right now, like, you're a fan in the stadium, so to speak, and you're not going to cheer defense until you see that they can actually sack the quarterback. You know what I mean? Like, there's going to be no proactivity here for me as a Giants fan, because I've been given no reason to be proactive over the last 10 years, you know, and it's not just Don. This is how I always actually think about it. So I do, as you know, I do WNBA playoffs through the Finals, right. And by the. It's hard for me to be totally locked into the beginning of the NFL season when I'm doing that because a lot of our big games are falling on. On football Sundays during that run every year. I'm getting done with the WNBA Finals and the Giants are open, you know, 0617, you know, 2 and 5, whatever it is. They're so bad out of the gates that you basically are going through the entire season not invested, with the exception of maybe week one or two. So my general thought is, you know, until they give me a reason to care about them again, I'm not going to, because they have basically zapped me into being totally and completely apathetic about the team, which is. Which is a shame because it's obviously an organization with a great legacy and great success. But I need to see them. I'm going to need to see some success before I believe it's going to happen rather than the other way around.
- [15:13]
Don LaGreca
And it pains me to say it because, you know, I grew up a Giant fan like you did, and, you know, my dad telling me the stories of Yankee Stadium and all that, and Wellington Mara and now John Mara. But I think more than the Giants organization is, the Mara name has been tarnished here, too, because I don't think he's handled things very well. I think he's been led with his heart. I got into it with Carl Banks last week about him being a meddler. I don't think he meddles. I just think he has a presence in that room that sometimes dictates what the organization did, especially Gettleman. I think Gettleman drafted Saquon. He wasn't told to draft Saquon. He knew get. Get me a weapon for Eli. I want Eli to win another Super Bowl. That's no way to run a franchise. And God love Jon. I think he's a really good guy. But left to his own devices, it's a long time. That was Wellington's team, Ernie of Coursey's team that won those Super Bowls, even though it was Reese that was the general manager at the time. And really since then, they have not really done anything out one and done in 2011, barely made the playoffs, and let's face it, 2022 was a fluke. I'm not going to throw it back. It was nice that they beat Minnesota, but it proved to be a fluke. It's really been a bad couple of decades here since that last Super Bowl. It has.
- [16:24]
Ryan Ruko
No, it's been brutal. It's been brutal. And I love John. I love him personally. I just think he's such a stately human being, and I really enjoy him. But, I mean, he would tell you, obviously, the buck stops with him, right? And so no one's more upset or going to take more ownership of what's happened over the last 10 years than John Mara. And I think, like, just like, more specifically on the roster, I think the thing that Giants fans in general would just be maybe. I mean, this is a specific thing, but, like, it's. It's sort of indicative of their issues, Don, is they've gone a full decade without being able to address the offensive line. You know, like. Like the offensive line just been absolutely horrid for this entire period of time when everybody knew. Think about how many drafts, right, in a row in those latter years of Eli's career, even when they had some weapons for him still to use, when we're just like, okay, but he has to be protected, right? And it's just. It has not been addressed appropriately once during all of this. And it's why you get a situation like last year where you see Saquon Barkley do what he did with the Eagles, and you can't even say, oh, my gosh, how do you let that guy go? Because, you know, he would have had no shot to perform the way that he did in Philadelphia, how he stayed in New York, because obviously they didn't have the offensive infrastructure to be able to access his talents like that. So it's. It's a shame because, you know, I mean, obviously you and I got to experience those. Those two giant super bowl runs working together, how amazing it was. And I. I just. I just hope we return to those days at some point in the near future.
- [18:13]
Don LaGreca
And you got a chance to get the Caitlin Clark effect in college and then in the WNBA this year, and it looks like the ratings have stayed. It looks like that she still has had an impact on this tournament coming up here. What are your thoughts on the women's game and the tournament coming up?
- [18:32]
Ryan Ruko
Women's game is an amazing place. I mean, all our regular season ratings were actually up this season for ESPN after we had a historically great year last year. Now, I do want to be fair and caveat that by saying, in our regular season last year, we only had two Iowa games. So it's not as if, you know, we were, you know, it's not as if it was. We had eight Iowa games, and then we still were able to exceed that this year. But there's no doubt we've seen the trends. They were. Everything was ticking up before Caitlin came along, and then she was A rocket ship that took it to a new stratosphere. And we've been able to maintain that. You know, we saw that even in the WNBA playoffs last year and in the finals, even without Caitlin, you know, being in it. Once the Fever were eliminated, the way the ratings just totally blew away projections and set records. And we've seen it this college season as well. You know, just as one example, Don, when, when Caitlin and Paige played in the Sweet 16 the first year I started doing the tournament five years ago, that game set records and we did, I think to a little over 2 million on ABC in the Sweet 16 for Iowa. UConn. Well, now we're doing almost 2 million for the selection show. Okay. You know, I mean, like, it is unbelievable, the growth. And I thought that was a great sign. We got our selection show ratings yesterday. Did 1.7 million. Last year it was just slightly higher. I mean, that's a great sign. We've had several games like that, you know, UConn versus South Carolina. We did on Super Bowl, Super Bowl Sunday. No, I guess it was the week after that on a Sunday on ABC and we did 1.8 million and the game was a 30 point game. It was a total blowout. So the game's in a great place. I think we've done a good, great job internally at ESPN of really dedicating time cross platform to elevate our stars, whether it's coaches like Dawn Staley, whether it's, you know, players like Hannah Hidalgo, Juju Watkins, Paige Beckers and continue to tell the stories. And for this particular tournament, you know, the women's game tournament is different than the men in that rarely, if not, you know, ever do you have a low seeded team make a very deep run. Right. But I think there's some vulnerabilities for, you know, a game here or there in the early rounds that's different than years past. And then I think there's probably seven, eight, maybe nine teams who I could see going to the Final Four, where usually the number is much, much smaller. I think, you know, the teams, South Carolina, UConn, Notre Dame, USC, UCLA, Texas, NC State, LSU, all these teams are, I think, teams that are going to have to be reckoned with in this tournament. And all teams that I could see going to the Final Four.
- [21:34]
Don LaGreca
Now, Ryan, I'm hearing reports. Do you have another child on the way?
- [21:38]
Ryan Ruko
I do, I do. We have a son due in June.
- [21:41]
Don LaGreca
Oh, my God.
- [21:43]
Ryan Ruko
So, yeah, yeah, yeah. So Evie, who is three and a half, is going to be a big.
- [21:49]
Don LaGreca
Sister that is awesome. I'm three and a half years separated from my brother. I think that's a perfect wheelhouse for them to be able to have each other growing up. That. That is awesome. How has being a father changed you as a professional?
- [22:05]
Ryan Ruko
You know, it's amazing, Don. It's like. And you know this obviously, too, because, you know, with the twins, I. It's. To me, it's the greatest thing in the world. And I'm sure any, Any, you know, dad's listening, any moms listening, the connectivity you feel to other parents, right? Like, don't you just. When you see other parents, like, I just feel so connected because we all know what this experience is like and how trying it is, how magical it is, all of it. And I just love it. Like, I love being a dad more than anything in the world. And so it's changed me as a professional because it gives you, you know, it gives you that perspective, especially when you're, you know, when you're in love with your career the way that I am, I think, you know, it gives you a perspective that in a lot of ways makes you enjoy the career even more. It also makes you change the logistics of how you operate your career. Right? Like, you're gonna. You're gonna take that last flight out and that first flight back to maximize time at home. But I think, you know, it also, it makes me so grateful to get to the part of the question you asked with the professional part of it. Like, it makes me so grateful that I do something I love, because any second that I'm away from my daughter, I want it to be doing something I love. And I think it's really made me prioritize my time in a way that only being a parent would. And I love it. And then getting to share what I do. Like, last year I had Evie come to her first game. She went to Barclays and she went to a Liberty Fever game. And, you know, Caitlin Clark was unbelievable with her, and so was Sabrina. And it was. She just, like, thought it was the coolest thing getting to go to the makeup room with Molly and Rebecca. It's awesome, man. As you know, it's just. It's such a cool experience.
- [24:04]
Don LaGreca
Yeah, it is. And we're not quite there yet with the seven year old twins of knowing exactly what daddy does. For all they know, all kids, parents get to go to games for free and be on television and radio and all that, but once they start to figure out what's actually happening, it's starting to happen with mine right around 6 or 7. She's going to figure it out and then eventually your son will figure it out and it'll be really awesome. They should be proud of him because you're awesome. And thank you for giving me a couple of minutes here and good luck tonight with the game and I hope to see you down the road. Man, I miss you.
- [24:35]
Ryan Ruko
Yeah, me too, Dom. Maybe I'll come into the new studio at some point. I'd love to see all you guys and see my guy, John Winthrop and, and congratulations to you guys. The studios look beautiful and you're an amazing part of the city. So I'm pumped for you.
- [24:48]
Don LaGreca
Thanks, man. I'll see you soon.
- [24:50]
Ryan Ruko
All right, See you down.
- [24:51]
Don LaGreca
That's the great Ryan Ruko, man. What are the guests? How many different topics did we throw at him? And he nailed every single one. Yankees, Giants women's tournament, talking about the Knicks, just fatherhood. Just really, really great stuff with Ryan Ruko. More of your calls coming up at 1-800-919-3776. In case you missed it, Alan's traveling, Peter's under the weather. So Dan Grass is going to join at 6:00 so I can get over to the Garden. I'll have the call the Rangers and the Flames. So a little disjointed but still having fun here on Don Hahn and Rosenberg. Don Legreca here to tell you about my friends at Bath Fitter. They remodeled my mom's bath. Did an awesome job. The process was easy. One expert installer. Even with the customization she needed for a cast iron tub, it's done in one day with no demo or mess. It's a beautiful, high quality permanent solution. Bath Fitter provides a lifetime guarantee. 3 million happy customers like my mom save up to 10% or get 0% interest financing. So start designing your bath today at bathfitterdesign.com there's only one bath fitter.
- [25:53]
Ryan Ruko
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- [25:58]
Don LaGreca
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Ryan Ruko
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Don LaGreca
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- [26:23]
Ryan Ruko
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Don LaGreca
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Ryan Ruko
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Don LaGreca
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- [26:54]
Ryan Ruko
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
- [26:58]
Don LaGreca
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
- [26:59]
Ryan Ruko
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.
- [27:07]
Don LaGreca
Now time for the Tournament update brought to you by Sun Cruiser and Sam Adams American Light the tournament kicks off officially tonight with the first four in Dayton. St. Francis, Pennsylvania faces Alabama State for the 16 seed in the South Region in the early game. That'll be followed by UNC in San Diego State for the 11 seed in the South. That was the Tournament update brought to you by Sun Cruiser and Sam Adams. So thanks to Ryan Ruko. It was always fun talking to him because he just knows everything and there's just so much to talk about and I want to talk about it with you at 1-800-919-3776. Have a couple of lines open in case you're joining us late. Allen's in transit. He's got the Knicks and the spurs tomorrow in San Antonio. I don't know how the NBA thought that was logical to have the Knicks come off a Western swing that ended on Saturday night, have a game Monday at the Garden, and then they play Wednesday in San Antonio, Thursday in Charlotte. Not great. Luckily, the spurs and the Hornets aren't very good, so the Knicks should be able to get a win. And they certainly won their game last night against the Heat. Let's make this the Knicks recap. Driven by Ramsey Mazda, the Knicks did beat up on the Heat. You saw Mitchell Robinson play over 23 minutes, nearly 24 minutes, so that's a good sign. And the team continues to find a way to get wins without their best player, Brunson. Now they went 2 and 3 on the western swing, but they did what they had to do against Sacramento and Portland. That was a great win they had against Portland. They played well against Golden State, just lost, and we spent a good amount of time yesterday talking about the dapping of Draymond Green and how I didn't think that was a great optic and all that. But the Knicks do bounce back. They win and they've got a chance to win three in a row before returning home again. They're just locked into the three and you heard what Ryan had to say. You're not going to do anything over the next 15 games. They're going to change anybody's opinion. And how will they match up against the Celtics in the second round? Barring injury, I don't think anything's going to happen that make you feel any better or worse about that matchup. And that's the Knicks recap. Driven by Ramsey Mazda. It's the experience of driving a new Mazda and buying a new Mazda from Ramsey Mazda. Choose wisely. Choose Ramsey Mazda. Also Giants and Ryan Ruko, his dad worked at the NFL. Ryan is a die hard Giant fan. I just need to know what's going on here. Now they don't have to tell us, but there are enough people interested in paying attention like what is going on with their quarterback situation. And I'm in a really bad spot because I've defended Aaron Rodgers. I think he's going to be on his best behavior because he's got his hat in his hand. But I'm starting to turn just a little bit because maybe he doesn't have his hat in his hand. You know, Minnesota seems to want him, Pittsburgh wants him. And Minnesota and Pittsburgh, they're going to be playoff teams with him and the Giants want him. I don't think the Giants could be a playoff team, but the Giants want him. He's got choices. So he's not necessarily going to have his hat in his hand. Will you please make a decision already? I know it's a tough one. Michael defended him yesterday. Hey, he doesn't have to be on anybody's timeline. If people want him, he's gonna make his decision. Do I retire? Where do I go and play? But at some point, Blanker, get off the pot, man. Let's start making the decision here. The drafts coming up, gotta get our Ducks in a row here. I just really need to know what the Giants even said to Russell Wilson. Like, hey, listen, I, I want to take it to the prom, but I think somebody else is going to say yes. So it just, it's just really, really weird. Rob on Long island, you're on ESPN New York. Hi, Rob.
- [30:46]
Ryan Ruko
Donnie, it's a good chance to talk hockey.
- [30:48]
Don LaGreca
With you on let's do it. Let's do it.
- [30:52]
Ryan Ruko
So before we talk about my wonderful Rangers, I have a quick Mexican question for you. If you're the great commissioner Gary Bettman, when are you picking up the phone and calling Wayne Gretzky and saying, all right, Wayne, it's time for you to start following Alex around the league. How many goals do they wait until they start telling Wayne to pound to.
- [31:12]
Don LaGreca
Follow Alex around the League. I think since he's had a hat trick this year, I think once he gets to three, that's when you're going to start to see Wayne going to these games. Listen, could he get four goals? Sure. But I think three is the logical time to do it.
- [31:28]
Ryan Ruko
Okay, that's a good question. Now, as far as the ranges are concerned.
- [31:32]
Don LaGreca
You know what, Don?
- [31:33]
Ryan Ruko
I have a comparison to make. The Rangers. The Rangers are like that girl in high school that everybody was attracted to. She always wore the sexy clothes and everybody thought they had a chance to date her. And all she was at the end of the day was a big tease. That's what the Rangers are. They're a big tease.
- [31:50]
Don LaGreca
You know what?
- [31:50]
Ryan Ruko
You know, I'm a big Ranger fan, Donnie. I just wish they would just like shoot the horse and go away. They're not doing anything this year. And to hang around in a playoff spot when we all know nothing's going.
- [32:01]
Don LaGreca
To happen this year. Year, I'd rather say, you know what.
- [32:03]
Ryan Ruko
This season's a wash. Let's bring up some of these kids. Let's see if we can get Perot out of college, if that's possible. Let's play them and see what our future is. Because they don't have a future with this team this year. It's been a huge, huge disappointment.
- [32:16]
Don LaGreca
But I'm at the point now where.
- [32:18]
Ryan Ruko
I'm like, I don't even want them to win anymore because what are they going to do? They're not going to do anything.
- [32:23]
Don LaGreca
So, you know, well, I mean, listen, you brought up, right? And they played him on the fourth line. Now he's a healthy scratch tonight. So they.
- [32:31]
Ryan Ruko
Did he really?
- [32:32]
Don LaGreca
Yeah, so. So I don't.
- [32:34]
Ryan Ruko
What a joke.
- [32:35]
Don LaGreca
But I don't know what else they can do. Rob, believe me, I know Chris Drury wanted to do more. I think he wanted to make more trades. But Savannah Jad's got a no trade clause. Chris Kreider had a bad back at the trading deadline. There are going to be more moves during the off season, but as long as you have Igor Shusturkin, J.T. miller looks like he's a keeper for sure. There's always going to be that appeal to make the playoffs and you never know. Now I don't think they're making a run. I would not predict them to get out of the first round based on the inconsistency. You can't win a best of seven series being inconsistent. But if you face up against Washington. All right. Washington five minutes ago was a team that barely made the playoffs. You know, one guy gets hurt. They've overachieved this year with Protus and McMichael. Is it possible that maybe you can beat them in the first round? I mean, I wouldn't be floored if that happened. Maybe you face Toronto. Well, Toronto has a long history of not being able to get out of the first round. So now you're sitting there in the second round. Who knows? Then you, maybe you're facing Carolina and you always seem to beat Carolina. Again, I'm not predicting these things, but in hockey, where you see low seeds make runs, where you see surprises, that's always going to be what a team banks on. That's why the Islanders hung on as long as they could. Hey, you never know. Sorokin can carry us. And then the writing was on the wall and they traded Nelson. But it's not the NBA where you're pretty much going to get bounced in the first round. But in hockey, there have been enough eight seeds to make runs to make. You think, hey, you never know. Let's go to Danny on Long Island. Always a pleasure to talk to him. How you, buddy?
- [34:12]
Ryan Ruko
I'm doing good, Donnie. Just back from a seven day excursion down to South Carolina where I visited my grandkids and followed my other son's college team around. I was like a groupie. Went to all the games, Nice vacation, double. Spent time with the grandkids. And while I'm down, you know, we're down there like about a week ago, the NFL trade line starts and it's a big hub of activity. Everybody's on pins and needles and I'm at Austin. I get a text from one of my sons on our little Steeler chat. The Steelers have signed the quarterback, so. Oh my God. I'm trying to get off the phone and open up the chat and the next thing I see a picture of Mason Rudolph with a laugh out. And it wasn't just him. It was when he had his concussion on the field and they removed his face mask and he looked like a zoo from the bug.
- [34:57]
Don LaGreca
Oh, those are always the worst, right? Yeah.
- [34:59]
Ryan Ruko
And then that brought back another memory because that was when the Steelers cart died on the field and they made a man with a almost in a coma walk off the field by himself. And he was all like, they had to hold him up. It was a major embarrassment. And I was always a fan of Mason Rudolph and you could do worse for a backup quarterback than Mason Rudolph. But I, I agree with you as much as I don't Understand what the Giants are doing. Steele is just signed one of the best wide receivers in the league. Can we find out who's throwing the ball? Because it seems like they. They don't have a plan because they really did they really miss diagnosed the situation with Fields that they want to keep field? Because I understand Fields had his feelings hurt because who wouldn't he when he came in, he did everything he was asked to. He was 4 and 2, he was winning games and he just yanked him out and never gave him a shot. So then he said, you know what? I'm going to go to the jets to get a couple get a nice salary for two years. I tell you, I don't want Roger. I never wanted Rogers. I mean I have to take him now. But I really like to see Omar Khan, who we call the con artist because he seems to get people to do silly things is have Atlanta will pay some of the salary and we'll take Kurt Cousins off their hands. I take Cousins for three years. If you can probably lose from Atlanta. I mean Atlanta can they really afford to have him on the roster as a backup quarterback?
- [36:11]
Don LaGreca
Making what he's making, you wouldn't think so. But the Giants and the Steelers, it's obvious they would rather have Rogers than Wilson. But at what point do you just say listen, I can't afford to have no one because Minnesota's lurking there. So listen, I don't think Wilson would choose the Giants over the Steelers, but you never know. So Danny, how would you feel if Rogers goes to Minnesota, Wilson signs with the Giants and now who's your quarterback?
- [36:39]
Ryan Ruko
At the end of the season we were all tired of Wilson. The luster went off the. In the middle of the season when we played some very weak teams, jets and Giants included is when he came in and he played very well and he did throw some nice touchdown pass and he's certainly a professional quarterback. You could do worse. I, you know, am I, am I bringing back Wilson over Rogers? To me they're the same. They both been to one Super Bowl. They're both on the down end of the team but. And they both played reasonably well last year on you know. So either way. But Rogers just brings a bag of poop with him that. Do you really want to get involved with that? So at least Wilson is a good soldier and he seems to be a decent guy to have around the locker room. I don't know.
- [37:17]
Don LaGreca
Yeah, but they, but then if that's the case, Danny, and thank you for the phone call, then sign him. You're sitting here waiting for Aaron Rodgers. Unless they just know Rodgers is definitely going to sign with him. I don't know. But I just don't understand how you can have conversations with Russell Wilson, who's not a bad quarterback and deserves to play somewhere this year and tell him, well, we'd rather have Rogers, but just in case we don't get Rogers, we want you. It just. It's very, very, very awkward conversation for sure. But listen, Wilson's had it. He had it in Cleveland. Obviously he's already had it with the Giants. He's going to have it. He's had it with the Steelers, so I guess he's cool with it. I don't know. Jimmy Montclair, you're on ESPN New York.
- [37:58]
Ryan Ruko
Hey, Don. How are you?
- [37:59]
Don LaGreca
Good. How are you?
- [38:00]
Ryan Ruko
Good, good. Thanks for asking. I wanted to continue with the hockey talk. I obviously I'm a huge Devils fan.
- [38:07]
Don LaGreca
And I wanted to see who would.
- [38:09]
Ryan Ruko
You keep going with, Allen or Markstrom? I know they've both have had their moments, but you know, we're almost at the end of the season and we're trying to gear up for playoff season.
- [38:20]
Don LaGreca
You know, so wanted to your opinion on that. By the way, that was a huge win. I know Columbus is struggling right now, but that was a big, big time win because you have not secured third place in the Metro and that was a big time win. Listen, they brought Markstrom worried about the Rangers too. Allen is a journeyman backup goaltender. Markstrom, you brought here to be the number one and I think you're better off with him being your number one goaltender. But obviously you need wins and you're going to go with whoever's hot. But you brought Markstrom in here for a reason. You wanted him last year. You couldn't get it done. He got it during the off season. He got hurt. It's not his fault. I think you're better off with him, but you just got to get healthy, man. Hughes always gets hurt. Hamilton out. But I think it's a good team, Jimmy. I don't know if they can go very far without, you know, two of their best players, you know, both banged up. I don't know when. Do you know when Hamilton's coming back?
- [39:15]
Ryan Ruko
No, he's. He's done for a season.
- [39:17]
Don LaGreca
Done. Right. So he's not coming back. Hughes isn't coming back.
- [39:19]
Ryan Ruko
It's just as well. He's also very injury prone. I'm all. I'm getting tired of Hughes too as well.
- [39:26]
Don LaGreca
Listen, he's your best player. You can't you can't get completely tired of him. And he was healthy all year until he got hurt. I thought this was going to be the one year he didn't get hurt. But you brought Markstrom in for a reason. Rangers have a game in hand. I think, you know, the Rangers still have to go out west. Like I said, I think the Devils are going to hold on. It was a big win against Columbus. That's why I think the Rangers are going to be okay. Columbus is in free fall now. What is it? Four straight losses? They lost Monahan. They're getting healthier. But I was talking to the guys when Columbus was here. One little quick thing whenever. Anthony will appreciate this. Whenever I call a game, I talk to the out of town announcers and the out of town announcers are always down on their team, like talking to the Edmonton guys. Oh, we're struggling man. We just, we're sucking wind. We can't get anything done. It's all dry style and that's it. And then they beat the Rangers. Columbus, we've been dragging since the stadium series. You guys are in such good shape to beat us. They beat the Rangers 7 3, like so be careful. But Columbus is really struggling. They have sucked wins since the stadium series game. They've had some injuries that they've had to deal with. I think the Rangers and the Devils are both going to make the playoffs, but quite frankly, at this stage it's hard to believe, you never know that either of these teams are going to make any kind of significant run. 1-800-919-3776 take you up at the 6:00. Then it's Dan Grasse who will also have the pregame for Rangers and Flames at 6:30. All of the play by play coming up at 7:00 with Dave Maloney. Lots going on here, but I want to let you know you want to get the most for your money. That's why more Mazda buyers choose Ramsey Mazda lease a new 2025 Mazda CX5 all wheel drive just 229amonth or buy and get 0.9% APR financing for 36 months. Start shopping now at Ramsey Mazda.com or at Ramsey Mazda Route 17 north and Ramsey. Choose wisely. Choose Ramsey Mazda. Call 833-853-2970 for details. Excludes tax, title, registration, zero security deposit, fin S0555242, MSRP 29990 and 331.25.
- [41:24]
Ryan Ruko
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.
- [41:28]
Don LaGreca
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
- [41:29]
Ryan Ruko
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.
- [41:37]
Don LaGreca
It's game time. Brought to you by Tully Mordew Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time, it's Tully time. The Rangers host the flames tonight at MSG. I'll be on the call coming up at 7:00. Dan Grass of the pregame at 6:30. Penguins. They are at UBS against the Islanders and the Nets are in Boston to take on the Celtics at 7:30. Tullimore. Due the original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew. Honey, during today's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly. Let's go back to the busy phones and let's talk to Gabe in Raleigh. You're on ESPN New York.
- [42:14]
Ryan Ruko
Donnie, baby, what's up?
- [42:15]
Don LaGreca
What's up?
- [42:17]
Ryan Ruko
Listen, man, you know I got two points. I got an Aaron Rodgers thing. But I really want to take you.
- [42:21]
Don LaGreca
Down a path of an off the.
- [42:23]
Ryan Ruko
Beaten path list because I love those I have for them. Will you allow me to indulge you?
- [42:28]
Don LaGreca
Yes. Do it.
- [42:30]
Ryan Ruko
All right. Top five TV show themes.
- [42:34]
Don LaGreca
Okay. Theme songs.
- [42:34]
Ryan Ruko
I want to see where your head's at.
- [42:36]
Don LaGreca
I want to.
- [42:36]
Ryan Ruko
I want to hear. We see where your head's at here.
- [42:37]
Don LaGreca
Okay.
- [42:38]
Ryan Ruko
This is no particular order. Fresh Prince.
- [42:41]
Don LaGreca
Okay. Very good.
- [42:42]
Ryan Ruko
Girls.
- [42:42]
Don LaGreca
Okay.
- [42:43]
Ryan Ruko
Years.
- [42:44]
Don LaGreca
Sure.
- [42:45]
Ryan Ruko
The Wonder Years.
- [42:46]
Don LaGreca
All right.
- [42:46]
Ryan Ruko
And that's that new show.
- [42:49]
Don LaGreca
Not bad. Not bad. You had a couple of hits in there. Yeah. Thank you for Being a Friend was a top 40 hit. Right. So it's not. Not bad. I don't know if that would be my choice. I'd have to. I'll let you make the Rogers point, but I. That's an interesting top five list I'd have to think about. I mean, great. It's not a sitcom though. The Greatest American Hero. That was a good song.
- [43:12]
Ryan Ruko
Yeah.
- [43:12]
Don LaGreca
I don't know if that would count. I'd have to think about it. But I think that would be on my list. But that's a good one. I don't mind that. I was not expecting Golden Girls, but good job.
- [43:23]
Ryan Ruko
Yeah, I like it. I like it. So Aaron Rodgers, man. Look, is it possible at all that we're misreading this situation? Thinking that his hat and his hat is in his hand and he's like begging these teams? I don't feel like that's the case anymore just based off of how long this is taking and him seeming like he still has power and control over these teams dictating terms.
- [43:43]
Don LaGreca
No, I think I was wrong about that, Gabe. I thought at one time he's like, yeah, he's just going to take whatever job he's offered. He's got no options. He's got options. It sounds like he's got three legitimate options. Two teams that are legitimate playoff teams with him and one that I think is probably going to be maybe offering him more money than he probably deserves. And I wanted to bring this up and we're running out of time here. Dan Gross is going to take over at 6:00 and we're a little shorthanded today and I got to get to the Garden, take the subway for the Ranger games. So I need a little time to do that. So thanks to Dan for climbing aboard at 6 o'clock. Maybe we could dive into this tomorrow a little bit because it doesn't look like this Rogers story is going away. I wonder how much the jets factored in departing from Rogers was. Well, nobody else can want him anyway because when you look at the Steelers hot for him, Vikings hot for him, Giants hot for him. But you're. You weren't. And you've got a better team than the Giants. I mean, you could make the case from a roster standpoint, you've got, you know, really talented players that are right up there with the Steelers. Maybe pre. Metcalf. Metcalf might put the Steelers over the top. You didn't want him. They're not interested now. Obviously you'd have to pay more to him than these other teams are going to, you would think. But at the same time, you didn't want them. And I'm wondering, did they think, well, nobody else is going to want him either. Guess what? There's three teams that right now that seem that they would give up anything for him. They've got, you know, the Steelers had some success with Russell Wilson. They're willing to wait for Rodgers. Minnesota didn't resign Sam Darnold. They have J.J. mcCarthy who they drafted in the first round last year. They seem hot for Rogers and of course the Giants that right there, right now, probably hot for anybody. But still. Sam and Somerset, you're on espn New York. How are you, Sam?
- [45:34]
Ryan Ruko
I'm doing well, much better speaking with you now, Don, always a pleasure. And I got to say, you're an absolute professional. Being able to carry such a great show with being shorthanded like on the Fly. So, great job today. I'll get right to it because you mentioned it. I didn't hear your top five list of movies with surprise endings. The one I don't know if you put in there was Usual Suspects, but I want to talk to you about Shutter Island War, so. Because that's one of my favorite movies. You mentioned it.
- [46:00]
Don LaGreca
You said you liked it.
- [46:01]
Ryan Ruko
Did you ever read the book?
- [46:02]
Don LaGreca
I did not. I didn't realize there was a book. I'd like to read the book. Now you tell me.
- [46:06]
Ryan Ruko
So, Don, read the book, and if.
- [46:08]
Don LaGreca
You'Re a fan of the movie, there's.
- [46:09]
Ryan Ruko
Either one of two endings that everybody thinks is the reality. Read the book and you have to pay attention. There's one tiny thing that happens in the book that lets you know which one of those two possible endings is what the reality is. So read the book. I promise you.
- [46:29]
Don LaGreca
Because I don't want to give too much away. And if anybody didn't see, Sarah Rodelin wants to see it. You know, just close your ears, just.
- [46:35]
Ryan Ruko
Like you said a little bit earlier. It's about 20 years old at this point.
- [46:39]
Don LaGreca
I feel like he was okay. He just couldn't live with what happened. So he'd rather get, you know, get taken care of so he wouldn't have to think about it again. That's what I think. He wanted to get the treatment so he didn't have to think about the tragedy. Gotta run out. Running out of time. I'm off to the garden. Dan Grass is coming up next. See you tomorrow on Don Hahn and Rosenberger at 880 ESPN.
- [47:05]
Ryan Ruko
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the.
- [47:10]
Don LaGreca
Sausage is made, man. I just to know it's good.
- [47:11]
Ryan Ruko
Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers. In case you didn't know, these young men are driven. They are prodigies, the savants, the ones we've been waiting for, like Damien Lillard, for instance. He doesn't seek guidance or mentorship. He's a leader. He isn't waiting for the baton to be passed to him. He's taking it for himself. He's relentless in a pursuit of greatness, always pushing to one up himself. He is accomplished, but far from satisfied. He embodies what it means to have an unstoppable drive and are shaking up the status quo in their community and beyond. And Damien Lillard drives a Toyota. A new generation of Toyota drivers are here and they want you to know one thing. You can't stop my drive.