Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Why Not the Yankees?

Introduction In this episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the current state of Major League Baseball, with a particular focus on the New York Yankees and the New York Mets. Released on August 12, 2025, the episode titled "Why Not the Yankees?" explores the challenges and prospects of these iconic teams as they vie for playoff positions.

Mets' Pitching Woes and Roster Changes The conversation kicks off around the 2:00-minute mark with significant news about the New York Mets. Don LaGreca announces that pitcher Frankie Montas has been moved from the rotation to the bullpen, a decision that has raised concerns about the team's ability to secure a starting pitcher for upcoming games.

• Carlos Mendoza's Insight (01:47): Mendoza explains, "He's going to go to the bullpen. We had that conversation today. He's going to throw outside and then the first day that he will be available is Thursday."

• Discussion on Potential Starters (02:05): Don speculates about calling up promising pitchers like Sprout or McLean, highlighting the Mets' desperation to strengthen their rotation. He emphasizes, "Montas moving to the bullpen, it not being ruled out... Maybe we're going to see one of these kids get called up. They got to do something."

Yankees vs. Mets: Playoff Prospects Around the 4:00-minute mark, the hosts compare the playoff chances of the Yankees and the Mets, highlighting differing opinions on their viability.

• Buster Olney's Perspective (04:09): Olney expresses skepticism about both teams, stating, "I think they're in more trouble than the Yankees are, despite the fact that I think they might be a better team than the Yankees."

• Don's Counterpoint (04:45): Don presents a more optimistic view for the Yankees, arguing, "The numbers tell you the Yankees are in more trouble. So I don't think either of these teams are falling out of the playoffs, but I think the Yankees have a better chance than the Mets."

Analyzing Team Performance and Division Standings The discussion progresses to analyze the standings and performance metrics of both teams.

• Buster Olney on Mets' Challenges (04:40): Olney highlights issues like poor rotations and inconsistent hitting, stating, "David Peterson's been your best pitcher, but you're not going to make the playoffs if you go into your bullpen in the fifth, sixth inning every single night."

• Don on American vs. National League Strength (05:58): Don elaborates on the strength of the leagues, noting, "The American League ended up being better than people thought... I think the National League is better. Best team in baseball is Milwaukee. The Dodgers, the defending champions Phillies are a perennial playoff team."

Yankees' Strategic Moves and Fan Sentiment At around the 8:00-minute mark, the focus shifts to the Yankees' strategies, including player moves and managerial decisions.

• Carlos Mendoza on Stanton and Judge (08:16): Mendoza discusses the importance of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton in the Yankees' lineup, saying, "What he wants is Stanton and Judge in the lineup at the same time because that's a difference maker."

• Buster Olney on Playoff Realities (10:16): Olney asserts, "The Yankees are absolutely a playoff team... your focus is just to start playing better and get in the dance."

Fan Frustration and Management Decisions Towards the 16:00-minute mark, the conversation delves into fan frustration regarding management decisions and team performance.

• Caller Nick's Frustration (15:44): Nick expresses disillusionment with the Yankees' management, stating, "If it's not the fundamentals or the defense or the hitting that's going to inevitably die out in big moments, then I think it comes down to the coaching."

• Don's Response (16:24): Don acknowledges the frustration but maintains, "I didn't say I have faith in the Yankees making it. I'm just saying you can't rule it out."

Prospects for a Late-Season Surge The discussion continues with the possibility of both teams making a late-season surge to secure playoff spots.

• Peter Rosenberg's Optimism (31:12): Despite the challenges, Peter remains hopeful, "As a diehard fan, I have to root and I have to hope that we can go on a run, because that's what fans do."

• Don's Balanced View (32:24): Don concurs, emphasizing the need to remain hopeful while acknowledging the teams' struggles, "You just don't know. But as a fan, I'm going to hope and I'm going to believe."

Yankees' Potential Impact on the AL East Around the 42:00-minute mark, the hosts speculate on the implications of the Yankees' performance on the American League East division.

• Don's Analysis (42:03): Don discusses the potential outcomes if the Yankees maintain their performance or make a strong playoff run, "Why can't it be the Yankees? I don't believe it. But if it's not them, then who?"

• Peter's Take on Managerial Impact (43:19): Peter suggests that a successful playoff run could change fan sentiment towards the Yankees' management, "If they win, you become part of forever. It's done."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts As the episode winds down, the hosts reflect on the future prospects of both the Yankees and the Mets, weighing fan expectations against team performance.

• Don's Final Remarks (47:53): Don wraps up by critiquing traditional statistics in MVP considerations, "Batting average doesn't matter anymore. They don't care how many home runs, what's your OPS... I can't believe that the Brewers... it's preposterous."

• Peter's Closing Optimism (48:36): Peter concludes by reiterating the unpredictability of baseball, "Maybe they can get hot late in the season and they can go on a run. You just don't know."

Notable Quotes:

• Don LaGreca (02:05): "Montas moving to the bullpen... Maybe we're going to see one of these kids get called up."
• Buster Olney (04:09): "I think they're in more trouble than the Yankees are... Can they get their rotation turned around?"
• Peter Rosenberg (31:12): "As a diehard fan, I have to root and I have to hope that we can go on a run."
• Don LaGreca (42:03): "Why can't it be the Yankees? I don't believe it. But if it's not them, then who?"

Conclusion This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg provides a comprehensive analysis of the current standings and future prospects of the New York Yankees and Mets. Through expert insights and passionate discussions, the hosts navigate the complexities of baseball season dynamics, fan expectations, and managerial decisions. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the teams' narratives, this episode offers valuable perspectives on why the Yankees might still have a shot at redemption despite current challenges.