Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Soto's Decision

Release Date: March 25, 2025

In this episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts ESPN New York legends Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into two major sports topics: a controversial blown call in an Islanders hockey game and the high-stakes decision of baseball star Juan Soto to sign with the New York Mets over the New York Yankees. The discussion provides in-depth analysis, heated debates, and insightful commentary, enriched with listener interactions and notable quotes.

1. Controversial Blown Call in Islanders Game

Timestamp: 00:36 - 09:27

The episode begins with Alan Hahn addressing a recent Islanders game that ended in a frustrating shootout loss due to a disputed call. The officials waved off what Islanders believed was a game-winning goal with only 10 seconds left, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among fans.

Caller Kevin's Analysis (02:38): Kevin breaks down the play, suggesting that Toronto officials mishandled the situation:

“When you look at it, first Bruce Leakins hits him with the blocker and then because he hit him with the blocker, Palmer is going forward... they have zero courage to actually look at that and say, say anything about that and just go with it was inconclusive.” (02:38)

Don La Greca's Perspective (05:30): Don emphasizes that the Islanders have a history of blowing one-goal leads:

“I still think the Islanders did blow two one goal leads. They still had a chance to win the game in overtime.” (05:30)

Discussion on Officials' Consistency (07:11): Alan and Don debate whether officials are being overly sensitive due to past incidents:

“But every goal, somebody was laying on top of the goaltender after the goal was scored, yet every one of them counted.” (07:11)

The conversation highlights the frustration among Islanders fans and questions the league's consistency in officiating critical moments.

2. Juan Soto's Decision to Join the Mets Over the Yankees

Timestamp: 09:27 - 44:09

The podcast shifts focus to a revealing story by Tom Verducci regarding Juan Soto's free agency decision. The narrative uncovers the intense negotiations between Soto, his agent Boris, the Mets, and the Yankees, showcasing the strategic maneuvers behind Soto opting for the Mets.

Key Points:

• Initial Rejection by Yankees (11:46): Verducci reports that Steve Cohen of the Mets was initially told by Yankees' management that Soto wasn't "even in the hunt." Cohen's response was to declare he was out of the negotiations, prompting Boris to intervene:

  “I'm an agent... I'm always going to be honest with you.” (11:46)

• Boris' Persuasion (13:33): Boris sends an email to Cohen emphasizing transparency and honesty, which persuades Cohen to reopen negotiations:

  “You gotta love that, because he needed him in…” (13:33)

• Soto's Statements About Yankees (17:12): Juan Soto admits to Verducci that the Yankees were his "number one" choice from the beginning but felt that the Mets were more engaged and aggressive in securing his commitment:

  “We went back and forth with a lot of things. We tried our best, but I don't know, I just feel like it's just weird.” (20:27)

• Mets vs. Yankees Engagement (22:34): Don La Greca praises Steve Cohen for not just offering money but genuinely courting Soto:

  “The Mets really showed how much they wanted him, how much they loved.” (17:31)

Listener Reactions:

• Gabe's Critique on Yankees' Spending (36:42): Gabe voices concerns about the Yankees' fiscal decisions, particularly criticizing contracts like Harper and Stanton:

  “The problem is, is that sometimes some of the money is not used wisely at all.” (37:31)

• Justin's Take on Team Dynamics (40:52): Justin relates the discussion to broader team dynamics, suggesting that Yankees may face challenges maintaining their winning streak:

  “The standard is different.” (40:56)

3. Fiscal Responsibility and Team Ownership Dynamics

Timestamp: 27:03 - 44:09

The hosts delve into a critical analysis of the New York Yankees' financial strategies compared to newer team owners like Steve Cohen of the Mets. They explore how fiscal responsibility and spending habits impact team performance and long-term sustainability.

Alan Hahn's Observation (28:16): Alan questions the sustainability of the Yankees' spending model:

“If you're translating it that way, Don, that would really disturb me as a Yankee.” (28:16)

Don La Greca on Modern Ownership (29:54): Don highlights the shift towards more fiscally responsible ownership among new team owners:

“We've seen these smaller market teams kind of figuring out ways to be able to have great teams without spending a ton of money.” (29:54)

Discussion on Salary Caps and Investment (43:57): The hosts speculate on the potential future of salary caps and fractional ownership stakes:

“You heard Hal say about the Dodgers... they would lead because that's more money in their pocket.” (44:07)

Mark Cuban Example (45:41): Using the Dallas Mavericks as an example, they discuss the implications of selling minority stakes:

“If they sold off a little more... they have controlling interests.” (45:56)

This segment underscores the evolving landscape of sports team ownership, emphasizing the need for strategic financial management to maintain competitiveness.

4. Concluding Thoughts and Final Caller Insights

Timestamp: 44:09 - 46:34

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the discussions about Juan Soto's decision and the broader implications for team management and ownership.

Alan Hahn's Final Take (31:32): Alan synthesizes the conversation, suggesting that Scott Boris intentionally aimed to secure Soto for the Mets:

“Scott Boris wanted Juan Soto on the Mets. He wasn't going anywhere else.” (31:32)

Don La Greca's Agreement (32:06): Don concurs, emphasizing the Mets' commitment and the strategic importance of Soto joining their team:

“You got the Mets may be more inclined to show him more promotional value.” (32:06)

Final Caller Gabe's Critique (37:03): Gabe reiterates concerns about the Yankees' contract decisions and fiscal strategies:

“Your job is to be able to forecast the fact that... sometimes you've got to see that coming.” (37:20)

The episode concludes with the hosts acknowledging the complexities of modern sports management and the critical role of strategic financial decisions in shaping team success.

Notable Quotes

• Kevin on Officials' Decision (02:38):

  “They just basically shrunk and did nothing. They completely just bailed and didn't want to make a call because... you don’t even see it.”

• Don on Islanders' Lead (05:31):

  “One call should not cost you the game.”

• Alan on Soto's Market Value (12:36):

  “He was back in, right? The agent wouldn't let Steve Cohen walk away from the negotiations.”

• Don on Team Ownership (29:54):

  “These newer owners are being more fiscally responsible.”

• Alan on Salary Cap (43:57):

  “It's kind of like alarming to hear it. You think the Yankees would be in favor of a salary cap?”

This episode offers a comprehensive look into pivotal moments in sports, blending real-time reactions with strategic analysis. Whether dissecting a controversial game decision or unraveling high-profile negotiations, Don, Hahn & Rosenberg provide listeners with thorough insights into the intricate world of sports.