Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Yankees Expectations

Released on February 11, 2025

In the latest episode of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg delve into the anticipated performance of the New York Yankees for the upcoming baseball season. Skipping over initial advertisements and introductions, the discussion primarily focuses on team improvements, managerial decisions, player performances, and the overall culture within the Yankees' organization.

Season Outlook and Team Improvements

Alan Hahn begins by addressing the Yankees' offseason moves, highlighting both losses and strategic acquisitions. He notes the departure of star player Juan Soto but emphasizes the team's proactive approach in strengthening their lineup: “They lost Juan Soto. Yes. But they went out and got two legitimate bats, a really good pitcher, a really good relief pitcher, and the Mets went out and got one of the singular talents in the sport” (03:09). This balance between losing key talent and reinforcing the roster sets a positive tone for the Yankees' prospects this season.

Peter Rosenberg echoes this optimism, stating, "This is setting up for, again, we get out of the doldrums of our football team sucking and get into where. And that'll be fun" (03:47). Both hosts agree that the Yankees are poised for an exciting season, especially after a less successful period in other sports, and are hopeful about the new additions enhancing the team's competitive edge.

Managerial Decisions and Organizational Culture

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Yankees' manager Aaron Boone and his decision-making processes. The hosts critique Boone's handling of high-pressure situations, particularly in the postseason. Peter Rosenberg raises concerns about Boone's bullpen strategies: “Show me if he gets off to a slow start. Yeah, listen, they will look for things” (09:18). This highlights the scrutiny Boone faces when making pivotal game-time decisions.

Alan Hahn extends the critique to the broader organizational culture, suggesting that Boone's decisions are influenced by higher management rather than solely his expertise. He remarks, "I think it's more organizational decision than it is Boone. Now Boone's on board with it, and I guess he's got to take the hit" (25:12). This points to a systemic issue within the Yankees' hierarchy, where managerial choices may not always align with on-field performance expectations.

Player Performance and Team Motivation

The discussion shifts to player performances, with a particular focus on Aaron Judge's role and leadership within the team. Hahn compares Judge to legendary Yankees like Derek Jeter, emphasizing his critical role: “Because he’s the Yankees and all the great players, even eventually Alex Rodriguez... Judge is an amazing player, but unfortunately... he’s going to yawn until you do it in the postseason” (07:12). This underscores the immense pressure on Judge to consistently deliver high performance, especially during the postseason.

Peter Rosenberg adds that the Yankees currently lack the "edge" that characterized past successful teams. “The one thing I can't say about last season's Yankees and really the last couple of years Yankees, is I never felt like that was a team that played with an edge,” he states (15:59). This sentiment is shared by Hahn, who reminisces about iconic Yankees players known for their competitiveness and determination, such as Darryl Strawberry and CC Sabathia: “There were guys that weren't gonna take any bs... where it's all about winning here” (16:33). The lack of this fierce competitiveness is seen as a potential weakness for the current roster.

Fan Concerns and Accountability

Engaging with callers, the hosts address fan frustrations regarding Boone's managerial strategies and the perceived lack of internal accountability within the Yankees organization. A caller named "Gabe" expresses disappointment with Boone’s decision-making, prompting a robust response from the hosts. Peter Rosenberg advises fans to trust the information provided by the podcast and ESPN’s coverage, suggesting that fans might be misled by unverified opinions found on social media: “...if you listen carefully, we are telling you the truth. And just trust us, like that's the simplest thing you can do” (34:03).

Alan Hahn counters the notion of a "championship or bust" mentality, questioning organizational accountability by pointing out that neither Boone nor GM Brian Cashman face repercussions despite the team's shortcomings: “Is there a level of accountability? ... If they replace Boone, they're going to hire a guy that's probably going to bring in the guy that you don't want to see brought in” (41:32). This highlights a frustration among fans regarding the lack of consequences for leadership when the team underperforms.

Interaction with Callers and Broader Perspectives

The episode includes interactions with multiple callers, including "Jose" from Georgia, who challenges the hosts on Yankee fan criticisms. Don LaGreca advises a balanced perspective, acknowledging legitimate frustrations while highlighting the team's strengths: “...the Yankees are in a really good spot” (29:18). Peter Rosenberg emphasizes the need for fans to be better informed and trust the insights provided by the hosts, who have direct connections and understanding of the team’s inner workings: “...trust us, like that's the simplest thing you can do” (34:03).

Additionally, Spike from St. Petersburg shares personal anecdotes about witnessing sports legends and the emotional connections fans have with the sport, adding depth to the conversation by blending personal stories with analytical discussion.

Concluding Insights

As the episode wraps up, Hahn and Rosenberg reiterate their anticipation for the Yankees' season, acknowledging both high expectations and potential pitfalls. They emphasize the importance of internal motivation and the need for the team to play with a competitive edge that matches the legacy of the franchise. Rosenberg concludes with, “They have got to have a reminder about what was said about us. It should be bulletin board material...” (05:34), highlighting the necessity for the Yankees to internalize past criticisms and use them as a driving force for improvement.

Alan Hahn summarizes the overarching theme by asserting that while the Yankees have a clear path to potential success, it requires consistent performance, strategic management, and a renewed sense of urgency to finally break the championship drought that has hampered the franchise since 2009.

Overall, this episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" provides a comprehensive analysis of the New York Yankees' prospects, blending expert insights, player evaluations, and fan perspectives to paint a vivid picture of what to expect from one of baseball's most storied franchises in the 2025 season.