Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Yankees DFA LeMahieu

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 3: Yankees DFA LeMahieu
• Release Date: July 9, 2025
• Description: The dynamic trio—Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg—discuss New York sports and more, offering insights and opinions on the latest happenings in the New York sports landscape.

1. Yankees DFAing D.J. LeMahieu

Overview: The episode centers around the New York Yankees' decision to designate D.J. LeMahieu for assignment (DFA), sparking a robust discussion among the hosts about the implications of this move.

Key Points:

• Announcement and Initial Reactions:

  • Alan Rosenberg [01:06]: Announces that the Yankees have DFA'd D.J. LeMahieu, noting that LeMahieu is displeased with the decision.
  • Don Hahn [01:14]: Agrees, emphasizing the necessity of the move.

• Aaron Boone’s Statement:

  • Don Hahn [01:20]: Plays a clip of Yankees manager Aaron Boone addressing the DFA.
  • Aaron Boone [01:20]: Describes the decision as “not easy” but necessary for the team’s progression, wishing LeMahieu well.

Notable Quote:

Aaron Boone [01:20]: "It's difficult but at the end feel like this is the right thing to do at this time."

2. Analysis of the DFA Decision

Performance and Contract Evaluation:

• Don Hahn [02:01]: Highlights LeMahieu’s declining performance, citing his statistics for 2025: 45 games, .266 batting average, 2 home runs, and 12 RBIs.
• Alan Rosenberg [02:26]: Comments on the organizational challenges, humorously stating, “The ghosts are in the machine.”

Don and Alan's Perspectives:

• Don Hahn [04:40]: Criticizes the Yankees' actions, stating, “Actions speak louder than words,” and points out discrepancies between management’s statements and actual decisions.
• Alan Rosenberg [06:18]: Defends the Yankees’ decision as a business necessity, arguing that giving LeMahieu a fair chance with a half-season was respectful and ultimately the right move.

Notable Quotes:

Don Hahn [04:40]: "Actions speak louder than words. They say a lot of things in post games and pre games and it aggravates fans."

Alan Rosenberg [06:18]: “This is the right business decision. We have to give him a chance with all the foot injuries he has had.”

3. Brian Cashman’s Perspective

Roster Configuration and Future Moves:

• Brian Cashman [03:46]: Explains the DFA decision as one that best fits the roster's current needs, highlighting positional flexibility and the necessity to make tough choices.
• Cashman [11:29]: Discusses potential upgrades at third base and the continuous search for roster improvements as the trade deadline approaches.

Notable Quote:

Brian Cashman [03:46]: "I just ultimately made a decision that best for the roster configuration moving forward."

4. Future of the Yankees Infield and Roster

Evaluating Young Talent:

• Discussion on Anthony Volpe:
  • Brian Cashman [14:47]: Expresses confidence in Volpe’s potential, despite his current struggles, emphasizing his role as the Yankees’ shortstop.
  • Alan Rosenberg [16:56]: Highlights the strategic development of young players like Volpe and Lombard, projecting a solid defensive lineup for the future.

Trade Deadline Strategies:

• Alan Rosenberg [12:46]: Analyzes potential trade targets, suggesting teams like Arizona could be sellers suitable for acquiring third basemen like Suárez.
• Don Hahn [14:37]: Confirms the Yankees’ interest in upgrading third base, aligning with the discussion on potential trade targets.

Notable Quote:

Brian Cashman [14:47]: “I admire Anthony Volpe's strength and fortitude. He does not lack confidence.”

5. Fan Engagement and Calls

Discussion on Player Statements:

• Juan Soto’s Commentary:
  • Caller Joe [22:31]: Brings up Juan Soto’s controversial joke about money, sparking a debate on player conduct and fan perceptions.
  • Don Hahn [29:38]: Criticizes the negative backlash against Soto, asserting that his joke has unfairly branded him as greedy.

Notable Quotes:

Alan Rosenberg [25:10]: "He was ranking 435th out of 498 in sprint speed, just not agile enough to play a position defensively no matter what."

Don Hahn [29:38]: “He did not live up to the expectations. Now all the fans wanted it, but they gave him a six-year contract extension. Didn't work out.”

6. Management and Contract Discussions

Brian Cashman on Contracts:

• Don Hahn [08:24]: Critiques Cashman's previous contract extensions, citing examples like Severino and Hicks, suggesting that the DFA of LeMahieu reflects missteps in contract management.
• Alan Rosenberg [09:40]: Emphasizes LeMahieu’s injury history and declining performance, supporting the DFA as a necessary correction.

Notable Quote:

Don Hahn [08:24]: "They gave him a contract that's everybody wanted. And it went south from there."

7. Concluding Thoughts

Assessment of Yankees' Strategy:

• Alan Rosenberg [17:34]: Summarizes the Yankees’ strategic balance between developing young talent and making necessary short-term adjustments to remain competitive.
• Don Hahn [24:40]: Acknowledges the emotional toll of the DFA but underscores the business necessity behind the decision.

Final Notable Quote:

Alan Rosenberg [17:34]: “We’re trying to develop young players and win a World Series.”

Conclusion: In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, the hosts delve deep into the Yankees' strategic decision to DFA D.J. LeMahieu, analyzing the move from multiple perspectives including management rationale, player performance, contract implications, and future team dynamics. They also engage with fan opinions and broader issues within the team’s roster management, providing a comprehensive look at the current state and future direction of the New York Yankees.

Notable Timestamps:

• 01:06 – Announcement of Yankees DFAing D.J. LeMahieu
• 04:40 – Discussion on Yankees’ actions vs. words
• 06:18 – Defense of the DFA decision as a business move
• 14:47 – Brian Cashman on Anthony Volpe’s future
• 22:31 – Fan call discussing Juan Soto’s comment
• 29:38 – Critique of fan backlash against Soto

This summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights from the episode, providing listeners and those unfamiliar with the podcast a clear understanding of the Yankees' recent moves and the broader implications for the team.