Detailed Summary of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" Podcast Episode – "Hour 3: Yankees, Giants & Rangers"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don La Greca (Don Hahn), Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 3: Yankees, Giants & Rangers
• Release Date: March 20, 2025

In this engaging episode of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into a diverse array of sports topics, primarily focusing on Major League Baseball's (MLB) New York Yankees and Texas Rangers, the National Football League's (NFL) New York Giants, and updates from the NCAA Basketball Tournament. The discussion is rich with insights, debates, and notable moments that provide listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current sports landscape.

1. NCAA Basketball Tournament Updates (01:28 – 06:02)

The episode kicks off with a detailed update on the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Don Hahn begins by summarizing key games and team performances:

• Auburn vs. Alabama State: Auburn leads 74-53, showcasing strong early-season form.
• Clemson vs. Opponent: Clemson holds an eight and a half-minute lead in the second half.
• BYU vs. VCU: BYU leads 39-28 midway through the first half.
• Gonzaga vs. Georgia: Gonzaga is dominating with a 30-10 scoreline.
• Houston vs. SIU Edwardsville: Houston convincingly wins 78-40.
• Wisconsin vs. Montana: Wisconsin leads 85-66.
• Purdue vs. High Point & Creighton vs. Louisville: Purdue wins 75-63, and Creighton takes Louisville 89-75.
• Providence vs. Omaha: Scheduled for 9:45 AM, featuring St. John's in a crucial matchup.

Notable Quote:

Don Hahn (01:40): "Early on there's less than five to play. Auburn's up 74 to 53 on Alabama State."

2. Focus on St. John's in the Tournament (05:00 – 06:02)

The conversation shifts to St. John's impressive performance in the tournament. As a two-seed, St. John's has shown resilience with only four regular-season losses by a combined seven points. Despite lacking offensive strength—struggling from the perimeter and at the foul line—the team's tenacious defense under Coach Rick Pitino has compensated, making them a formidable contender in the Sweet 16.

Notable Quote:

Don Hahn (05:19): "I don't see a national championship or a Final Four. But, you know, if this team were to get to the Elite Eight, I think you have to be ecstatic."

Dan Rosenberg adds:

"I think throwing the fact that, you know, Patino is not going anywhere… if you're a two seed in their bracket."

3. MLB Insights: Yankees, Mets, and Astros (02:58 – 07:00)

Shifting to baseball, the hosts discuss the upcoming MLB season with a spotlight on the Yankees and Astros:

• Yankees vs. Brewers Game: Scheduled as a nationally televised event on ESPN, featuring legendary broadcaster Joe Buck. The Yankees are anticipated to perform well given their strong position in the American League.

• Houston Astros’ New Uniforms: Dan Rosenberg praises the Astros' new City Connect uniforms, considering them a significant improvement over previous designs.

Notable Quotes:

Dan Rosenberg (03:05): "They are a huge improvement because remember they had ugly Space City ones the last couple of years."

Dan Rosenberg (03:30): "It's very, very sharp. And by the way, you said the Yankees. So opening day for the Yankees is a national TV game."

4. Globalization of MLB: Japan and Beyond (08:00 – 12:10)

Don and Dan delve into MLB's efforts to globalize the sport, particularly through games in Japan and upcoming plans for Australia:

• Japan Game Viewership: A staggering 25 million people in Japan watched recent games, indicating robust international interest.

• Australia Plans: The potential for MLB to host games in Australia, mirroring the NFL's strategy, is discussed, highlighting the logistical challenges like time zone differences.

Notable Quotes:

Don Hahn (09:27): "It's a money grab. But I'm sorry, it's opening day."

Dan Rosenberg (12:05): "They did it with Australia. Right."

5. NFL Focus: New York Giants’ Strategy and Quarterback Situation (23:00 – 31:31)

The conversation transitions to the NFL, focusing on the New York Giants:

• Quarterback Dilemma: The Giants are criticized for their handling of quarterbacks, particularly the decision to bench promising players like Quentin Sellers despite their potential.

• Draft Strategies: The importance of drafting a quarterback capable of contributing from day one, such as Travis Hunter, is emphasized over relying on veteran players whose performance may decline.

Notable Quotes:

Don Hahn (23:47): "Well, no, you had a starting quarterback and they wanted to win now. And he's going to get his opportunity next year to get a chance to play."

Dan Rosenberg (26:10): "There's got to Travis Hunter plays day one."

6. NHL Update: Texas Rangers' Playoff Prospects (36:19 – 44:19)

Don and Dan analyze the Texas Rangers' chances of making the NHL playoffs:

• Current Standings: The Rangers are trailing the Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders, both of whom have games in hand.

• Goaltending Concerns: The call-up of Anton Bleed, a 30-year-old journeyman, raises questions about the Rangers' goaltending depth and overall team health.

• Upcoming Games: Critical games against Vancouver, Anaheim, and San Jose could determine the Rangers' fate in the playoff race.

Notable Quotes:

Don Hahn (37:19): "I think it's seriously in doubt."

Dan Rosenberg (44:19): "Yeah. So civilization won't exist."

7. Listener Engagement and Fan Perspectives (15:46 – 32:23)

Throughout the episode, the hosts interact with listeners, incorporating their viewpoints into the discussions:

• Dave from Westchester (15:46): A St. John's fan who expresses contentment regardless of the team's Sweet 16 outcome, highlighting confidence in Coach Rick Pitino.

Notable Quote:

Caller Dave (15:46): "Rick Pitino's doing it everywhere he goes. In two years from now, if he's not in the final game, I'll be disappointed. I gave him four years, he's ahead of schedule."

8. Team Building and Coaching Decisions (26:10 – 31:31)

Further discussions revolve around team-building strategies, particularly for the Giants:

• Coaching Accountability: The pressure on coaches to deliver immediate results versus building for the future.

• Player Development: The need for the Giants to develop or acquire a reliable quarterback to enhance their competitiveness.

Notable Quotes:

Don Hahn (26:14): "Unless they don't think there is somebody to draft that can play day one."

Dan Rosenberg (31:18): "That's a nice couch, though."

9. Final Thoughts and Upcoming Topics (40:46 – 47:31)

As the episode nears its end, the hosts summarize key points and tease future discussions:

• Yankees' Playoff Hopes: Don reflects on the Yankees' potential postseason performance amidst pitching challenges.

• Rangers' Critical Games: The importance of upcoming matches in determining the Rangers' playoff eligibility is reiterated.

• Teasing Future Content: The hosts hint at more in-depth analyses of the Yankees, Rangers, and other teams in subsequent episodes.

Notable Quotes:

Don Hahn (47:31): "More of Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg. Thanks to Dan over the last couple of days, filling in as Allan's been traveling with the Knicks."

Conclusion

The "Hour 3: Yankees, Giants & Rangers" episode offers a multifaceted exploration of current sports narratives across MLB, NFL, NHL, and NCAA Basketball. Through insightful analysis, spirited debates, and active listener engagement, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of their favorite teams' performances and strategies. Whether discussing the Yankees' high-stakes season, the Giants' quarterback conundrum, or the Rangers' playoff push, the hosts deliver content that is both informative and entertaining, catering to avid sports enthusiasts seeking in-depth coverage.