Hour 3: Why Not the Yankees?

Summary

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.

Transcript

[Don LaGreca]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Don LaGreca]

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[Unknown]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.

[Don LaGreca]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Unknown]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.

[Don LaGreca]

Game time is brought to you by teleporter Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time.

[Unknown]

It'S Tolly time.

It's Tully time.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, that turned out really weird. The metal welcome in the Braves. I don't know how welcome they're gonna feel, but the Braves will be in town to take on the Mets. That'll be right after us here on 880 at 6:30. While the Yankees continue their series with the Twins at 7:05. And the Liberty will be in LA to take on the Sparks at 10. Telemurdo, the original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast matured Iris Whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the Tullamore Dew honey, during today's action. Glasses up to enjoying Tullamore do responsibly. All right, we got some Met sound as the Mets start their series against the Braves. Met six back of the Phillies. There are three up in the lost column on the Reds on the back end for the final wild card spot. It's hard to believe we're in this decision, but Frankie Montas has been pulled from the rotation. That's the big news here today for the New York Mets. And Carlos Mendoza talked about the decision to move Montas to the bullpen.

[Carlos Mendoza]

He's going to go to the bullpen. We had that conversation today. He's going to throw his side and then the first day that he will be available is Thursday.

[Unknown]

Do you have a starter yet?

[Carlos Mendoza]

Now it'll be on Saturday, but we're still having the discussion who the next guy that's going to take the baseball.

[Unknown]

There was a possible somebody would be.

[Carlos Mendoza]

Called up from aaa.

[Don LaGreca]

It's possible.

[Carlos Mendoza]

Okay.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don LaGreca]

See that's what's interesting is that they might actually decide to call up a sprout or a McLean, two of their biggest pitching prospects that had been hinted about, I would say a month ago when Stern spoke To the media, it's like around the All Star break, not ruling out the possibility of calling somebody up that they weren't going to trade necessarily for a starting pitcher. They ended up not trading for a starting pitcher. So with 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. Peter Montas is giving them no length. Holmes is on fumes at this point. Sang is so frustrating. He's supposed to be your ace, and Sanga's just not been good and he's not been able to give you even. Not even close to six innings. 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. So Montas, not a great signing, hurt and ineffective. That does kind of open the door here. More on. Are you calling. Are you considering calling up one of the top starting pitching prospects?

[Carlos Mendoza]

Yeah, I mean, they are in the conversation. We just haven't decide who the guy is, but they're definitely in the conversation. And yeah, we'll see where it goes. But whoever comes up here, if he's one of the prospects, you know the plan for giving them a good look here.

[Don LaGreca]

All right, so are you ready, Peter? As a team that's in contention to start having meaningful games in the middle of August, being pitched by rookies, I think it's. I think you have no choice.

[Unknown]

Well, what else.

[Don LaGreca]

What else do you do then? You know, just continue to do what you're doing?

[Unknown]

Wouldn't that be insanity?

[Don LaGreca]

Well, isn't that what we know is insanity? They didn't pick up a starting pitcher during the course of the trade deadline. And maybe there just wasn't anyone there that hit their fancy or they just didn't want to give up too much. But I don't see any other choice here. And these kids are doing amazing. Now, Buster only was on DNR earlier this year. Dph, Ron Rothenberg. Between you and me, sure, Buster. Are the Mets in danger of missing the playoffs?

[Buster Olney]

Yeah, 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. But can they get their rotation turned around and be more like they were early in the year? Can they get some depth in that lineup? I don't know. Certainly a far cry from what we thought they were going to be at the beginning of the year, when we thought that by the end of the season. Is Mark Vientos, you know, establish himself more in the big leagues as Francisco Alvarez manifested. You thought that this team would have more of a circular lineup and it just hasn't happened. And you do wonder about, you know, guys like Clay Holmes in his innings count, what is he going to be.

[Don LaGreca]

Down the stretch Now I don't know if I agree with that or not, Peter, that the Mets have more of a chance of missing the playoffs than the Yankees do. The Mets are three up in the lost column for the Red against the Reds for that last wild card spot. The Cardinals are four back, the Giants are five back. The Mets are six back of the first place Phillies, but nobody between them and the Phillies for the Yankees. The Yankees are six back of winning the division from Toronto, but they've got to also climb over the Red Sox. So they're in third place as far as the wild card is concerned. The Guardians are tied in the loss column with the Yankees and the Yankees have the one game lead. Texas three back, Kansas City four back. So 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, Peter. But I think the Yankees have a better chance than the Mets just because I don't believe in the Reds or the Giants are going to catch them. If anything I'd probably say it's equal. But I don't, I don't agree with Buster that the Yankees have a better chance of making the playoffs. But I just can't believe we're having this conversation.

[Unknown]

Isn't it, isn't it horrible to even think about that? That that's where we're at right now. So the Yankees are in by one game right now.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, and equal in the loss column. Which means the Yankees have played two more games and won the two games. But Cleveland's got 56 losses. The Yankees have 56 losses. Now Cleveland sold at the deadline. But Texas, listen, we know, you know, Texas is not that far removed from a championship. They just took two out of three from the Yankees. I just don't believe in the Reds. And again, San Francisco, St. Louis, I don't believe in them either. So I disagree with Buster. But still it's, it's closer.

[Unknown]

It's all, it's all so embarrassing though. God, it's so embarrassing.

[Don LaGreca]

I can't believe we're in the situation.

[Unknown]

This is just, this is just, it's just bad. Over and over again, dies. Just a broken record every single year. Like you just can't count on anything. I Mean, as I said, at least the football teams, they tell you what.

[Don LaGreca]

They'Re going to be, right.

[Unknown]

We basically let you know we're going to stink and maybe we'll hope to improve. The baseball teams really make you think. I mean, the Yankees were sitting right there. I thought the Yankees were on the precipice of turning the World Series into a series. We were sitting right there and then one of the worst innings in the history of baseball. And ever since that moment, I mean, obviously the year started out pretty promising, but it feels like this has just been a regression overall for this baseball team.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, I didn't think the Yankees would be in any trouble now. The American League ended up being better than people thought. Blue Jays are better than I thought they'd be. Tigers are better. Houston's been better. Seattle's been better. You know, we thought the Yankees would cruise through the American League. I still think the National League is better. Best team in baseball is Milwaukee. The Dodgers, the defending champions Phillies are a perennial playoff team. But the American League looks a lot better. But still, I did not think there'd be any possibility that we would be, you know, going on 120 games into the season and the Yankees and the Mets would be the third wildcard closer to falling out of the playoffs than actually winning their divisions. It's pretty crazy. Now on the Yankee side of things, Yankees can continue their series with Twins. And we've seen Stanton playing in the outfield. And Boone says or talked about why he's comfortable with Stanton in the outfield.

[Carlos Mendoza]

Pretty much how he's responded. As I said, I was tempted to do it Sunday after the Saturday game. He ended up going in there for a couple innings anyway. But yeah, I just feel like he's, he's responded well to it physically and obviously, you know, want to keep his bat in there as much as possible too.

[Don LaGreca]

See, that's the key because what he wants is Stanton and Judge in the lineup at the same time because that's a difference maker. And he talked about how different it is when Stanton and Judge are both in there.

[Carlos Mendoza]

Yeah, you know, especially you know, with us being a little more left handed now, you know, to have two massive variety presence obviously in the order and what they bring to the table is huge. So it just when they're both in there, it also creates that better balance for us and a of lot lineup as well.

[Don LaGreca]

And listen, Judge is not hitting to the level that we're used to. So that's kind of part of it too that when Judge isn't hitting this team doesn't seem to hit. But overall, let's be honest, the Stanton has been money. The problem with Stanton is health and the fact that you don't want to have him be in the outfield, but no question what his back do, especially in the postseason. The other story is is Rice is catching again after catching yesterday. And Boone talked about his growing confidence in Ben Rice.

[Carlos Mendoza]

I think he's done a really good job, you know, hasn't done a lot at this level. So there's still things to learn and I'm sure even growing pains to go through. But I've been really pleased with how well he's handled it back there. I feel like even him, you know, now to two weeks ago, to a month ago is. Is a lot different and even better. And I feel like he's gaining in confidence and obviously playing really well.

[Don LaGreca]

Now the question is, is he going to be able to hit? I mean, he's just not as consistent, but he's better than Wells. So I think having him behind home plate, if he's able to do it defensively, I think you're a more well rounded, better offensive team having Ben Rice behind the plate. Now, Buster only talked about the Mets on dnr. He also talked about the Yankees, and he says the Yankees will certainly be a playoff team.

[Buster Olney]

The Yankees are absolutely a playoff team. What's hidden as we go forward? Not really hidden, but it's something that will manifest over time. One, the American League thinks, I mean, just, it's stark, the difference between these two leagues. And I had a conversation last week with an executive with a different team, and I mentioned to him, man, think about this. Finish Minnesota seven games with Baltimore in those last two weeks, the White Sox, it's really remarkable how easy their schedule is starting with this series that they have against the Minnesota Twins. So I think they'll find their way into the playoffs. You know, as they're playing now. Do we think they'll make a dent in October? No, but I think if you're Brian Cashman, you're, you're Aaron Boone, your focus is just. Just to start playing better and get in the dance.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, that's what's interesting about baseball is, is that and to a certain extent football, because we've seen wild card teams win World Series, and certainly in hockey, we've seen lower seeds win the Stanley Cup. But baseball always felt like if you're in it, you got a chance. But it doesn't feel like anybody's willing to say that about these two teams. If they make the play, yeah, they'll make the playoffs, but they're not making any kind of run. Are you prepared to say that honestly, as down as you are about the Yankees, as a Yankee fan, and we want to hear from you at 1-800-919-3776. Are you ruling out the possibility of this team going to run? I can't do that.

[Unknown]

Well, that's the problem.

[Don LaGreca]

Now, I'm not a fan, like, so I don't live and die with a team the way Allen does, the way Yankee fans who call this show do. But I won't go as far as to say the American League stinks because I don't think the Blue Jays stink. I don't think the Astros stink. Red Sox are very inconsistent. I don't believe in any of the teams coming out of the Central Division. It's certainly weaker than the National League. But the Yankees, you don't think they can make a run? I know it's hard to conceive that now, the way they're playing, the way they're kicking the ball around, they're not getting any length from their starting pitchers and all that, but is it really out of the question? Well, that's. It can't be.

[Unknown]

But that's the annoying. That's baseball, Susan. It's. No, of course they could turn it around. Nothing's happened that says they absolutely can't do it. I mean, you still have Judge and Stanton, right?

[Don LaGreca]

If, if judge all of us. And now he's not known to hit in the postseason, but he still can do it.

[Unknown]

But what if this year he did, right?

[Don LaGreca]

What if this year he did?

[Unknown]

Wouldn't that be the perfect thing?

[Don LaGreca]

You know, it's not crazy that that Freed can find it again, that they did strengthen the bullpen, although the bullpen does not look good. And I wouldn't trust Devin Williams as far as I can throw him. But Bednar look like, like he's pretty good. Duval, the same thing again. I wouldn't bet on it because I do think there are teams that are better unless the Yankees lost two out of three to Texas. They lost two out of three to Houston. All right, they have not played great against the elite teams. But is it that crazy in a best of five series against Detroit, they win? I would bet on the beat Detroit. I don't believe in the Tigers. And then, you know, listen, Houston seems to have their number, but is it out of the realm of possibility in the best of seven series that they can win that? I know it Goes against everything Yankee fans have been saying for years. They don't hit with runners in scoring position in the postseason. Boone hasn't done anything in the playoffs. But this is a team that's not even a year removed from going to the World Series last year. Navigating through the American League the way that they did. I wouldn't bet on it happening. I'm not saying the odds are in favor of it happening. But are you ready to tell me now, as down as any Yankee fan is about this team, that there isn't a possibility that they can't get back to the World Series? Now, the Mets. The problem with the Mets is, is that the National League is stronger. So can the Mets put it together? Sure they can. Not that long ago, they won seven straight games. If Lindor can start hitting, if Alonzo can start hitting, if Soto could start hitting with runners in scoring position, and these guys do have a history of hitting, and then maybe these kids get called up and make a run. Problem is, you got the Dodgers sitting there. You know, the Phillies already have a six game lead and they're, they're a perennial playoff team. The brewers look like the bomb right now. I mean, watching them as close as I watch them, they, they are, Peter. They hit with runners in scoring position. They don't waste outs, they don't waste pitches. This is a really, really good baseball team, the Brewers. So it's less likely for the Mets just because I think that there are more solid teams in the National League. But even then they came, they tested the Dodgers more than anybody outside of San Diego last year in the postseason. Right. I mean, they won a couple of games against the Dodgers, but from a Yankees perspective, it's, it's funny, I don't, I still think the Mets have a better chance of making the playoffs than the Yankees, even though I think it's pretty equal. And I think both are going to go just because I don't trust any of the teams behind the, the Mets as much as I trust some of the teams behind the Yankees because the Rangers can do it. You know, the Guardians, even though they sold at the deadline, have played some pretty consistent baseball the last couple of weeks. But as far as the team that can make the run once they get there, I still give it to the Yankees because the American League is that much more wide open. 1-800-919-3776 let's go to Nick. He's in Woodbridge. You're on ESPN, New York. What's up, Nick?

[Unknown]

Hey, guys, thanks for Taking the call. Nice to hear both of you guys back in.

[Don LaGreca]

Nice to be.

[Unknown]

You know, I appreciate you.

[Don LaGreca]

Cool.

[Unknown]

Yeah, for sure. But, Don, like, I think the thing for me, you said, like, you have faith in this Yankees team to be able to go out on the run. Like, yeah, the AL is open, and I get that, but I don't have faith in this organization. And I don't think it's just because of the way they've played over the last two months. Like, I take it a step further. 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. And whether that gets put on Boon or not or a decision from the front office they can't seem to get out of their own way.

[Don LaGreca]

You're not wrong. Back a few years, you're not wrong about anything you're saying. And please, I did not say I have faith in the Yankees making Iran. I don't. I'm just saying you can't rule it out. Because when you look at the rest of the American League, what have the Tigers done? All right. Do you really believe the Red Sox are a legitimate threat? The Blue Jays, let's see them do it in the postseason. Let's see them handle being the team to be. Now, Houston does scare the crap out of me because of the history, but I'm sorry, there isn't any team that you would say we cannot beat definitively because I think the American League is that much more wide open.

[Unknown]

I agree with you. I don't think there's anybody in the American League that you can say definitively the Yankees have no shot against. I think the team the Yankees need to be worried about the most is themselves. Because bringing Nestor Cortez in in game one of the World Series like that was not something the Dodgers did. That was something Aaron Boone and the Yankees decided on. You know, I said to Anthony on the, when he was taking the screen before the call screen, this is the same organization that five years ago convinced you that they knew better by starving starting Debbie Garcia in a playoff game, Right? A guy who wasn't even on the roster 16, 18 months later. So they routinely get in their own way, in addition to all the things that they do badly. So listen, I hope I'm wrong. I'm as big of a Yankee fan as you can be. I hope I'm wrong. I hope they. I hope I have to eat crow and, you know, listen to how I gave up on this team in August. I just don't see it going a different way. I hope I'm wrong, guys.

[Don LaGreca]

No. And again, that would be the way that I would bet because of everything that you just said. But who can't they beat? Who? Houston is the history.

[Unknown]

And by the way. And who can't they lose to?

[Don LaGreca]

That. That's true. Somebody's got to come out of the American League. And Houston, hey, they've done it on a consistent basis. They're not the same team they were. But Houston's done it. Texas did it. But Texas missed the playoffs last year and there's an excellent chance they're going to miss the playoffs this year. All right. That those are the teams that go to the American League. The World Series represented the American League other than the New York Yankees. Okay. Do you believe the Red Sox can do it? Blue Jays haven't done it in 30 plus years. We've been down this road with the Blue Jays. I'd love to see the Blue Jays win. You know how much I'd love being Canadian. But can I see the Blue Jays actually do it when it matters? Let's see them do it. Let's see the Tigers do it when it matters. Let's see the guardians who sold at the deadline put it together and have a chance to do it. Any of those Central Division teams.

[Unknown]

Everything you're saying is what makes this so annoying, Don. Aren't there Yankee fans and Met fans? Whereas you know what?

[Don LaGreca]

I just want to move on.

[Unknown]

I just want to think about football. They stink. They have no chemistry. They're not putting this thing together. I want to move on with my life. They're not real.

[Don LaGreca]

But you can't because they're going to.

[Unknown]

Make the playoffs and also because they both started strong enough that they weren't able to bury themselves. So for now. Although, Don, let's be honest. If the Mets continue this thing, it could end quick. In two weeks we're going, it's over.

[Don LaGreca]

You know, the way the Mets are playing right now, I think they're going to be in a lot, a lot of trouble. But again, they're not that far removed from winning seven in a row. That's the freaky thing. They're not bad enough to give up on, but they're not good enough to really believe that they're going to win a championship. But you got to see it through. You got to be in it to win it. And you saw last year. I don't think the Yankees were that great last year. I know. I Got beat up by the Yankees. I think the Phillies were better. I think the Mets were better. Clearly, the Dodgers were better. The Yankees were in a weak American League and took advantage of it. You just heard Buster Olney. He says the American League stinks. I won't go that far. But there is not a team that you look at that you would say are the Brewers. But even the Brewers I put with the Toronto Blue Jays. I'll believe it when I see it. But right now, they got the best record of baseball. The Dodgers won two World Series in the last five years. I know one was a Covid. But they still went through the postseason. The Phillies, a perennial playoff team, the Padres, are still very much alive and could be very dangerous down the stretch. All these teams are great, and I can't wrap my mind around the Mets beating any of them right now. But do I. With all the Yankees problems, can you see them beating the Tigers? Can you see them beating the Red Sox at a big spot? Can you see them beating the Blue Jays? I know they can't beat the Blue Jays in the regular season. I saw it. They got swept in Toronto in four, then went back to Toronto and lost two out of three. But the Blue Jays haven't done a thing since Joe Carter was hitting home runs. All right, We've seen this team go to the playoffs and spit the bit every single time. Until I see it, that's when I'll believe it.

[Unknown]

And Cedo Gaston isn't walking in that woodwork.

[Don LaGreca]

No. Cedo Gaston isn't Bobby Cox, isn't Dave Stieb. Anybody you want to bring up not coming out of the woodwork to get them to get it done. God love the Blue Jays, and I'll be rooting for him.

[Unknown]

Jay Buhner.

[Don LaGreca]

No, Jay Buhner. John Oleru. No. That's a good one. That's a good poll.

[Unknown]

Thank you. Listen, I'm here for you, for God's sake. That's what I'm here for. Who else on that team?

[Don LaGreca]

Just thinking about old Blue Jays, man, that team.

[Unknown]

Listen, that team was a big deal.

[Don LaGreca]

Was a Blue Jay for a while.

[Unknown]

Sure was.

[Don LaGreca]

But that Henderson.

[Unknown]

But that Cedo Gaston team was a big deal because, remember, the Orioles and the Blue Jays had the big thing and Cedo sucks. And there was. It was.

[Don LaGreca]

Oh, yeah, they hate. We.

[Unknown]

We hated us some Cedo Gaston in Baltimore.

[Don LaGreca]

I'm a hockey guy and I do a lot of. A lot of hits in Toronto and stuff, and I'd love to see the Blue Jays make a run. So I'm not, I'm not a hater. I'm not like one of the New York guys not believing in the Blue.

[Unknown]

Jays who doesn't love Vladdy. Like there's, you know there's, there's appealing things about the Blue Jays for a lot of but unfortunately they generally are.

[Don LaGreca]

Just going back to price and like there's a lot of good teams the Blue Jays had and then come playoff time, you know it's been a long time since those back to back championship.

[Unknown]

Speaker one.

[Don LaGreca]

That was good. 1-800-919-3776 your thoughts on what's going on with the baseball and Anthony Pusick enn at 6 take up with the Mets Braves at 6:30 right here on ESPN.

[Unknown]

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Thanks for listening to the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast.

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Don LaGreca]

You know, I just wonder if you're in. I don't know, you're sitting there listening in Pittsburgh because we got listeners all over the place thanks to the ESPN app and download it immediately if you can. You know, if you're listening in Sacramento following the A's or you're listening in Colorado, Chicago with the White Sox, you say, and boy, why are they complaining in New York about their baseball teams? They have good teams. They have teams that made runs last year. They've got teams that, if the season ended today, they're going to the playoffs. The Rockies are going to finish like 70 games under.500. Baltimore. How frustrating must be in Baltimore, right? You finally got new ownership. They're spending money.

[Unknown]

We're there, we're there now.

[Don LaGreca]

And, and, and now they're on their way to losing 90 games this year after it looked like they're ready to become maybe the biggest threat to the Yankees of winning the American League East. So I understand these are first world problems, but the frustration is that you feel like you're on a merry go round where it doesn't ever seem to get better and you want bang for your buck. Right? Like, listen, if, if I'm a fan of the teams that are really struggling, well, if my payroll's low, if I'm going and I'm paying, you know, flea market prices, I shouldn't expect that I'm going to get like, Nordstrom quality materials, like. So if I've got a small market team and I'm not spending a lot of money, well, then I've got to live with the fact that my team's probably not going to be very good most years. But the Yankees and the Mets, they shop at Nordstrom's. One team's got a $300 million payroll, the other team's got a $340 million payroll. So you're dancing with the big boys financially and you're both coming off years in which one team went to the World Series and the other team came within two games. So I can understand the frustration when you don't see the bang for your buck. We pay a lot of money to see games here, and a lot of money is being spent on these players. And there's talent here. Some of the best players in baseball play in New York. Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, Max Freed. These are some of the best players in Major League Baseball and they play for the Mets and the Yankees. And yes, they are playoff teams. But when you don't live up to expectations, I think the fans have a right to complain and be upset. When your expectations are low, then little blips on the radar screen might make you happy. And if the team doesn't live up to expectations, hey, I didn't have very many to begin with anyway. We're not going to have a kick coming for Our football teams this year, expectations should be low. Jets haven't gone to the playoffs in a decade and a half, and the Giants are hanging on by a thread. But we've got two baseball teams that have the best of the best, have ownership that wants to win in some capacity, and had successful seasons last year. And I don't think it's wrong for a fan of these respective teams to want more and see a moving towards a goal rather than it seeming to be farther and farther away. The Yankees felt like it was in their lap last year, and now it feels like they're being dragged away from it. Mets, the same thing. And when I look at the roster and I. And I. And I look at this team and I look at the payroll and I say, you know what? It shouldn't be this way. Juan and White Plains are on ESPN New York. What's up, Juan?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hey, Don. Big fan. Big fan. Peter, I'm glad you brought that up, Don. I've called a couple radio stations.

[Unknown]

Go ahead.

[Don LaGreca]

Oh, he left us hanging. We lose him. We thought we lost you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry. I was. I was saying I've called.

[Don LaGreca]

All right, well, we're gonna try to get you a better life.

[Unknown]

No, I don't. What the hell's going on with this guy?

[Don LaGreca]

I don't know. He seemed like some.

[Unknown]

It might have been a prank. It could have been a very creative prank. What do you think?

[Don LaGreca]

No, I'm good. If it was.

[Unknown]

Well, every time he starts to talk, all of a sudden a crazy noise appears and then he can't come on.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, if. If that's what moves you. Good. Good for you.

[Unknown]

You're in the mood for Dick.

[Don LaGreca]

I went to. I went to Griffin, Connecticut instead. Griff, you're on ESPN New York. How are you?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, my God. I'm good.

[Don LaGreca]

I'm. Peter's timing was very good on that. I'm sorry.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Peter does everything. Peter's funny.

[Don LaGreca]

Yes.

[Unknown]

Thanks. I can hear the passion in your voice, Griffin.

[Don LaGreca]

For Griff. That's a lot of.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, I'm serious. You are funny. Three of you guys are funny. That's what makes the show so funny.

[Unknown]

Way to take a compliment. Make it even worse. It was already kind of a low level compliment. And he's like, I think everybody's funny. My dog is funny. My cat is funny. This magazine's funny. I love Lamp.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay, whatever. Let me get to my point. I don't. Don, I understand what you mean, and I'm not. I don't believe they're gonna go on A run either. But as a diehard fan, as a fan of this team, I have to root and I have to hope that we can go on a run, because that's what fans do. They can't give up on this team. If you want to give up on this team, then you're not a diehard fan. Okay? But my point is, when I look at the American League, I do understand what you are saying. Down. Because the Yankees know how to win in October. Other than the Astros, who else knows how to win in October? Toronto. What? Toronto know how to win in October. Detroit. Who on Detroit, other than AJ Hinch knows how to win in October. Aaron Judge knows how to win in October. John Carlos Danton knows how to win in October. Cody Ballinger knows how to win in October. Max Freed knows how to win in October. A lot of people on this team know how to win in October. So do I think a run is going to happen? But you never know. Maybe it could happen. Maybe they can get hot late in the season and they can go on a run. You just don't know. But as a fan, I'm going to hope and I'm going to believe and hopefully, because that's what I'm going to do. If you want to give up on.

[Don LaGreca]

This team, I think we had this conversation yesterday, and thank you for the phone call. There. There's. You don't give up on the team. You watch every day. You root for the team. But I also think that there's room for saying, I don't see it. And I've got no problem with you saying, I don't see. I don't see it either, but that doesn't mean it can't happen. Don't give up all these people. I'm not watching games anymore. I'm too frustrated with them. That's silly. There's still enough there to root and hope, but at the same time, you look at it and go, I don't see it. But who do you see it with? I mean, the Astros might not even beat Seattle out as good as the Astros are. They might not even win the division. And if you're so afraid of the Astros, there's no guarantee you even face the Astros. And Seattle, very good baseball team. They came to the Bronx a month ago and got swept. So that's part of the equation, too. You don't believe in the Yankees. I get it. You watch them every day. There's too many flaws. Who do you get? Somebody's got to go to the World Series in the American League. Somebody's going to go. Someone is going to represent the American League in the World Series. Why can't it be the Yankees? I don't believe it. But if it's not them, then who? Now we've got Juan and White Plains. I think he's got it all figured out. You're on ESPN New York.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I got it all figured out. Yes. Thank you so much for allowing me to, you know, say my point. I was saying, big fan, Don. Big fan, Peter. You guys are the voice of the people. There's no doubt about it. You turn on 98 point. I'm sorry, you turn on ESPN, New York at this time, you will hear the voice of the people. You guys have a pulse on the fan, so thank you. Here's my point. Here's my point, okay? I don't care what anyone says, okay? The Yankees had the resources to re sign Juan Soto, okay? This was not Steve Cohen's white whale or cash cow, I don't know what people call it, but the Yankees had the resources to go toe to toe and retain Juan Soto, okay? We were in the World Series last year because of Juan Soto, okay? Now, the Yankees told me, oh, well, you know, we didn't get Juan Soto, but we won in the off season, and then we didn't win in the off season. Kyle Tucker was out there, and the Yankees didn't want to get rid of him for Luis H. Okay, that's one point. Then they told me, oh, we won at the trade deadline. Oh, yeah, we won at the trade deadline. Look at, look at the players we have, Don. Peter. What? This was one year. I'm sorry, Six months after the World Series. What this was, was a quiet rebuild, okay? And I'm not going to let the Yankees gaslight me into thinking otherwise. This is an absolute train wreck of a season. And you want to. And people want to tell me that the leader in strikeouts from the Colorado Rockies is going to save our season. It is ridiculous, it's preposterous, and it's just unacceptable. No one's talking about it.

[Don LaGreca]

I understand your frustration, but, Juan, this was not a quiet rebuild. When you bring in Bellinger, only had two years left on his deal. When you bring in Goldschmidt, who's a free agent at the end of the season, this was not a rebuild. It was a pivot. After they lost Juan Soto. Now, they might have gone the extra mile to bring Soto back, but then maybe Bellinger isn't here, and Bellinger's been very good. I think they would have gotten Max Freed no matter what because they knew Cole was going to be out for the season. But this was not a quiet rebuild, bringing in Goldschmidt, who's a free agent at the end of the year. Bellinger is going to be free after next year. That's not a rebuild. That's a retool after losing one of the best players in baseball. And meanwhile, the Mets, who were two wins away from going to the World Series last year, get Juan Soto. And they had. They don't seem any better. The problem is the Yankees have the same problems. They don't play well fundamentally, they don't make the right decisions on the base path. They're not getting linked out of a lot of their starting pitchers, although they got it from Warren yesterday. And they don't hit with runners in scoring position. So how is Juan Soto going to help? Juan Soto hasn't hit with runners in scoring position for the Mets. So I. Peter, I get what Juan's saying with his frustration, but, you know, a quiet rebuild. Now, I do think some of the pivots they made at the deadline were guys that were under contract beyond this year so that they can get better in the future, because I don't think Brian Cashman necessarily believed that this team was that close to a championship. Otherwise, they bring, probably bring in Suarez to play third and lose him to free agency at the end of the year. But they brought in McCann because of the fact that he's got McMahon, because he's got years left on his contract, he's a better defender at third base. Those are logical moves. But a quiet Rebuild? Not at all. 1-800-919-3776 lots more to get into. We've got ENN coming up at 6 o'.

[Unknown]

Clock.

[Don LaGreca]

It's Peter Rosenberg at Don Lagreca on Don Hanna. Rosenberg here on ESPN New York Dark.

[Unknown]

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Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Don LaGreca]

He asked for it, you got it. Richard in Manhattan. You're on ESPN New York. What's up, Richard? Oh, no. Richard.

[Unknown]

Richard. Oh, Richard, come on, man. When you go to the dick you.

[Don LaGreca]

Want, when you want dick, you got to get dick.

[Unknown]

And, but. And here we are waiting for nothing worse than just waiting on hold for dick and he doesn't show up.

[Don LaGreca]

Right? Because you know, you know what happens when there's no dick? What? I don't know if I could say, okay, you know, I get.

[Unknown]

Well, you're thinking about it. If you have to think this much, I think you got a punt.

[Don LaGreca]

It's like, you know, a blank, blank wonder, you know, it's just one of those. Okay, yeah. You get what I'm saying?

[Unknown]

No. Want to tell me off the air? What do you turn your mic off? Okay. I didn't even know that was a thing, what he just said.

[Don LaGreca]

But but could I say it?

[Unknown]

No, I wouldn't. I wouldn't say.

[Don LaGreca]

He'll probably call.

[Unknown]

It's a little close.

[Don LaGreca]

It's a little close.

[Unknown]

It's on the nose, but we had. Which is the last place you want to find it.

[Don LaGreca]

Now, the other topic of conversation, and I heard Michael talking about this too, is the whole rooting against the Yankees to make the playoffs, hoping that there's going to be a change because you got all these Yankee fans. I want Brian out. I want Boone out. And if I, if we, if I have a losing season and miss the playoffs, that maybe we'll finally see change. Well, Buster only was asked, would there be change in the manager of the GM if they missed the playoffs?

[Buster Olney]

And Aaron Boone just signed an extension last fall for multiple years. Are they happy enough with Boonie that they would, you know, blow that deal up after one year and eat the money? Look, I mean, if it was George Steinbrenner, all of these guys would have been fired 10 times over, over the last decade. That's just not how Hal works. And I think that if he does decide at some point, point, you know what, maybe we should make a change with the manager. I think Brian Cashman would put his job on the line for Boonie, basically saying, look, if that's how you feel, then you need to make a full, you know, full change here with the whole group. And I just don't see how doing that.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah. And you know, Michael concurs and said the same as said as much to all those fans who want the Yankees to lose because there'll be change.

[I]

People on Yankee Twitter, on Yankee Universe, that seem to prefer that they don't make the playoffs, you're wishing on a dream. Nothing is going to change that drastically. I'm telling you it's not. And in this day and age, you should be rooting for them to make the playoffs. You don't want them to make the playoffs, so it makes you right. Oh, yeah. See, I was right. They're not good enough. Oh, this team made the World Series last year, and despite getting beaten in five games and the fifth game was embarrassing, they went to the World Series. I have no inside information, but I'm telling you, my gut feeling is there's not going to be any blowing up of anything. So if you're a Yankee fan, you should be rooting for them to make the playoffs. Because this team, with that bullpen, when they all work out what roles they have, and with Freed and Rodin and with Judge and Bellinger and Stanton, they could beat anybody in the American League and go to the World Series again.

[Don LaGreca]

And that's what we were saying. Now, I wonder this. Peter, go ahead. Riddle me right now, you would say Yankee fans, not all of them, but are not fans of Boone and they're not fans of Brian Cashman. What do you think would happen if the Yankees went on a run and actually won the World Series? Would they fall in love with them? Or would they be like, I still hate this team?

[Unknown]

No, I think. I think that. I think at this point, they're so hungry for it that they. They're good.

[Don LaGreca]

So we would go from, I want them fired. I hate them. That they would become a part of forever. Because when you win a championship here in New York, I mean, met fans fondly remember Davey Johnson and Frank Cashin. And Yankee fans go back to, you know, the old days of Steinbrenner, and they love Joe Torrey and Ranger fans. Looking back to Mike Keenan and Neil Smith, like, when you win a championship in New York, you're kind of part of forever. So you would go from despising these two men to now they'd be a part of forever, and you'd love them. Well, how.

[Unknown]

Listen, you can't fight it. If you win, you become part of forever. It's done. I mean, you think they're going to fight it and say, I don't want to enjoy this? I think they're going to.

[Don LaGreca]

I don't know. When you spend all this time hating there, all of a sudden. Love them.

[Unknown]

Listen, listen, Yankee fans, are they going.

[Don LaGreca]

To call up and admit they were wrong and say, I was wrong about Brian, I was wrong about Aaron, we won the championship. I apologize. When in New York. Do you ever hear that?

[Unknown]

They won't say that. I'm not saying they're going to apologize, Dom, but as crazy as this fan base is, they're not fighting it.

[Don LaGreca]

All right, now we'll try Richard of Manhattan. What the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hi, Don.

[J]

Peter, last month, Judge Freed or Goldschmidt? Who are you most disappointed in last month of baseball?

[Don LaGreca]

Well, no, I would.

[J]

Judge Freed or Goldschmidt?

[Don LaGreca]

I would say Freed.

[J]

Don?

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, Richard. I said Freed.

[J]

What do you say?

[Unknown]

Ask the question again, Richard. I'll.

[Don LaGreca]

Don't bother.

[J]

Just to say Church Reed or Goldschmidt? Peter, who has suffered? Who's been the worst in the last month, Judge Freed or Colt Schmidt?

[Unknown]

I will go.

[Don LaGreca]

Freed.

[J]

Okay, okay, okay. 103 wins.

[Unknown]

Richard, for future reference, because you're, you're generally, you know, we treat you as one of the iconic callers of the show.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, but if you're going to do.

[Unknown]

The whole setup thing where you ask us both to answer a question.

[J]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

At the end, you then have to give what the take is.

[J]

You can't just give all three of them.

[Don LaGreca]

But it was like a Quinnipiac poll. Like, are we ever going to get the results?

[J]

I got some good ones.

[Don LaGreca]

Okay, here we go.

[J]

Milwaukee, fellas. The top five batting stats, RBIs, hits, runs, homers and batting average.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Do you.

[J]

Can you believe Milwaukee, who was on pace for 103 victories, do not. Milwaukee does not have one batter in the top five in any of those offensive categories. Even the 69 Mets had Cleon Jones is a.340. Or the 63 Dodgers, who couldn't hit their way out of a paper bag, had Tommy Davis fought the fifth in batting out. These guys have nothing as far as batters go. Okay, number three. Here we go. Otani or Schwaber for mvp, fellas.

[Don LaGreca]

I would say Schwaber.

[Unknown]

I mean, it's feeling that way right now.

[J]

Second part to that. Very good. He gave the answer I wanted. Could there ever have been a.250 batting average? Hitter being MVP? Schwab is hitting.200. Imagine that. Now, Schwerber, he got started on when Michael K. Said he didn't deserve to be MVP at an All Star Game. Since he was called the All Star mvp, he's been on some tear. So I don't know, maybe that propelled him. Those three home runs in the post NBA. Okay, here's another thing I just watched, fellas. I'm an old time New York Post reader. The AP College Top 50 Football Poll. Don, you're not going to believe what I'm going to tell you. University of Toledo is rated higher in the top 50 poll. University of Toledo above Auburn, Florida State, TCU and Colorado. Fellas, can you believe that?

[Don LaGreca]

I don't follow Toledo, but I'm not that surprised. Been a long time since Florida State's been any good. But while we were all over the.

[Unknown]

Map, Richard, it's like he sniffed glue before he came on the air.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, I don't mind the energy and I don't mind how eclectic the call is. But don't ask something. We answer and then there's no resolution.

[Unknown]

Well, that's what I don't understand.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, again, you just taking a poll. We gotta read the paper tomorrow.

[Unknown]

Yeah, I mean, it's like he's asking us, like he's taking an order for dinner. But he's not sending the guys. You like pepperoni or mushroom? I like. Prefer pepperoni, Don. Mushroom. Great.

[Don LaGreca]

Great. And he just wanders off.

[Unknown]

Yeah. Someone's sending a pie.

[Don LaGreca]

I. Yeah. Did I order something? What's going on? The one thing that I will take from Richard other than the insanity is batting average doesn't matter anymore. So stop with I can't believe a guy's going to win the MVP batting.250. It doesn't matter. They're not looking at that. I can't believe that the brewers, you know, not as many RBIs and batting average and home runs. That doesn't matter. It's not the way the game is played anymore. Batting average doesn't mean anything. It used to used to be a big deal. They don't care how many home runs, what's your ops, what you're on base, the hidden stats, the fancy stats. Somehow Anthony Pusick's gonna do ENN next.

[Unknown]

He can do it.

[Don LaGreca]

I don't know why. Find out on espn.

[Unknown]

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I don't want to know how the.

Sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.