Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Episode Summary: Hour 3: Yankees Lose & Thibs

Release Date: April 8, 2025

In this engaging third-hour episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into recent New York sports happenings, with a primary focus on the New York Yankees' performance, managerial decisions, and broader implications for the team’s future. The conversation seamlessly transitions into discussions about coaching philosophies, listener interactions, and personal anecdotes, providing a comprehensive overview for sports enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

1. Yankees' Recent Loss to the Tigers

The episode kicks off with a detailed analysis of the Yankees' disappointing 5-0 defeat against the Detroit Tigers in Detroit. Alan Hahn breaks down the pitching performance, highlighting Tarek Skubal's exceptional game:

Alan Hahn (00:50): "5 nothing loss from the Yankees... It wasn't like he was mowing them down. They couldn't get hits."

Don La Greca underscores the Yankees' offensive struggles, noting the team's inability to score runs beyond the top of the lineup:

Don La Greca (09:44): "It's an all or nothing offense. Once they aren't hitting home runs, they're not winning games."

2. Aaron Boone’s Strategic Decisions

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Yankees Manager Aaron Boone and his handling of in-game situations. The team reviews Boone's decision-making, especially in high-pressure moments:

Aaron Boone (08:11): "He's as good as he gets... his delivery and the deception that he creates with it just makes him hard to track."

Don and Alan debate Boone's management style, contemplating whether his approach is too lenient or strategically sound.

3. Controversy Over Yankees' Bat Selection

The hosts address the uproar surrounding Jazz Chisholm and his "torpedo bat," which some critics claim gives the Yankees an unfair advantage:

Alan Hahn (09:44): "...we all wondered with his one out, what are you doing getting picked off at third?"

Don defends the bat's legitimacy, suggesting that while it may provide an edge, it's not solely responsible for the team's home run tally.

4. Offensive Performance and Team Dynamics

Alan criticizes the Yankees' offensive inconsistencies, emphasizing their reliance on key hitters and the lack of depth in the lineup:

Alan Hahn (16:51): "This is an all or nothing offense. When they aren't hitting home runs, they aren't winning games."

Don counters by highlighting the team's run differential as a positive sign amid the offensive woes:

Don La Greca (18:39): "They've got a plus 22 run differential, which is still the best in Major League Baseball."

5. American League Standings and Yankees’ Prospects

The conversation shifts to the broader landscape of the American League, analyzing the standings and the Yankees' chances of maintaining their position:

Don La Greca (14:54): "If the Yankees were in the National League, you'd have a very good conversation about them not making the playoffs at all."

Alan concurs, expressing skepticism about betting on the Yankees' playoff success given the current team dynamics and early-season performances.

6. Listener Interaction: Moose on Tom Thibodeau

Listener Moose from Jamaica joins the discussion, passionately defending Knicks Coach Tom Thibodeau against criticisms that he has "ruined" players like Derrick Rose and Joaquin Noah:

Moose (31:15): "Tom Thibodeau... ruined Derrick Rose."

Alan and Don engage in a spirited debate, defending Thibodeau's coaching prowess while addressing Moose's grievances, ultimately recognizing the complexity of coaching impacts on player development.

7. Listener Interaction: Rodney on Coaching and Team Performance

Another listener, Rodney from Massachusetts, shares his frustrations with coaching decisions, comparing Tom Thibodeau unfavorably to other coaches like Eric Spoelstra:

Rodney (35:07): "Jerry Thibodeau... we take away to embrace him."

Alan defends Thibodeau, citing his 20-year coverage of the team and his rapport with former coaches, emphasizing Thibodeau's value to the Knicks.

8. Personal Stories: Balancing Parenthood and Sports

The episode takes a heartfelt turn as the hosts share personal stories about balancing parenthood with their professional lives. Don and Peter recount the joys and challenges of raising young children, highlighting the emotional connections and daily routines that shape their lives outside of sports:

Don La Greca (47:33): "I'm trying to cherish these moments while I can."

Peter Rosenberg (43:24): "She's awake... we're still in that phase of figuring out what to do with her."

9. Knicks vs Celtics Game Preview

Towards the end, the hosts preview the upcoming Knicks vs Celtics game, discussing the significance of the match for the Knicks' morale and playoff aspirations. They speculate on the potential outcomes given the Celtics' seemingly indifferent approach to the game:

Don La Greca (25:16): "If they go out there in a game that's meaningless for the Celtics and you're trying to build up some confidence and you go out there and lose by 15 points, that's a problem."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Alan Hahn (00:50): "5 nothing loss from the Yankees... It wasn't like he was mowing them down. They couldn't get hits."

• Don La Greca (09:44): "It's an all or nothing offense. Once they aren't hitting home runs, they're not winning games."

• Aaron Boone (08:11): "He's as good as he gets... his delivery and the deception that he creates with it just makes him hard to track."

• Don La Greca (14:54): "If the Yankees were in the National League, you'd have a very good conversation about them not making the playoffs at all."

• Moose (31:15): "Tom Thibodeau... ruined Derrick Rose."

• Don La Greca (47:33): "I'm trying to cherish these moments while I can."

Conclusion

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offers a multifaceted exploration of current New York sports narratives, particularly focusing on the Yankees' tactical and performance issues, coaching debates, and the broader implications for the team's season. Interspersed with personal anecdotes and listener interactions, the hosts provide a well-rounded and insightful discussion that caters to both hardcore sports fans and casual followers.

For those who missed the episode, tuning into Don, Hahn & Rosenberg promises an entertaining and informative dive into the ever-evolving world of New York sports and beyond.