Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: Cole TJ Surgery

Podcast Information

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Host/Authors: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 4: Cole TJ Surgery
• Release Date: March 10, 2025
• Description: The first voice of ESPN New York and New Jersey legend Don La Greca, alongside sportswriter Alan Hahn and Hip Hop and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg, delve into New York sports and beyond.

1. Garrett Cole's Tommy John Surgery

The episode kicks off with a significant focus on New York Yankees ace Garrett Cole, who is set to undergo Tommy John surgery. Don Hahn breaks the news:

Don Hahn [06:26]: "New York Yankees ace Garrett Cole will undergo Tommy John surgery tomorrow to repair a torn right ulnar collateral ligament and will miss the 2025 season."

Discussion Highlights:

• Impact on the Yankees:

  • Don Hahn [06:36]: "Well, there goes the season."
  • The hosts dissect the severity of losing a key pitcher like Cole, discussing its ramifications on the Yankees' pitching rotation and overall season prospects.

• Yankees' Current Challenges:

  • Dan Grasso [09:10]: "If he can't play left field, that's because they went out and got a center fielder in Bellinger."
  • They explore the Yankees' roster issues, including injury woes and strategic decisions that have left the team vulnerable.

• Financial Implications:

  • Don Hahn [15:28]: "Do they do something with this contract for this year that gets him back to under budget with Cole if he's out for the season?"
  • The conversation delves into the Yankees' payroll management, luxury tax concerns, and potential contract adjustments following Cole's surgery.

2. Analysis of the Yankees' Season and Prospects

The hosts evaluate the Yankees' chances for the 2025 season amidst the injury crisis.

Key Points:

• Depth and Acquisitions:

  • Dan Grasso [09:27]: "Kickass failures, what next? Are they going to put names in the back of the jerseys?"
  • They debate the Yankees' ability to rebound through mid-season acquisitions and the importance of maintaining depth in the roster.

• Comparisons with Other Teams:

  • Don Hahn [13:18]: "The Dodgers went through this with their pitching. Kershaw was always hurt, right?"
  • Comparisons are drawn between the Yankees and teams like the Dodgers, highlighting differences in handling injuries and maintaining competitiveness.

• Optimism Despite Setbacks:

  • Don Hahn [13:26]: "I'm trying to find the optimism in the fact that teams have endured this."
  • Despite the challenges, Hahn emphasizes the potential for the Yankees to overcome adversity based on historical resilience.

3. Listener Interactions and Personal Stories

Felicia from Mississippi [02:51]:

• Condolences and Team Excitement:
  • Felicia extends her condolences to Peter Rosenberg regarding his dog's passing and shares her excitement about the Jets' quarterback situation with Fields.

Felicia [03:02]: "I'm excited about Fields. I think it's going to be a really good change for us."

• Hosts' Responses:
  • Don Hahn [04:42]: "I think intrigued is probably the word I'd use here."
  • Dan Grasso [06:19]: "Could this new regime of offensive coaches tap into something and he could become a star player?"

4. Ad Breaks

The episode includes several advertisement segments, promoting brands like Shopify, Samsung, McAfee, National University, Mint Mobile, and Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey. These segments are interspersed between the main discussions and listener interactions but are excluded from the summary as per instructions.

5. Sports Commentary and Current Events

LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith Confrontation:

• Caller Ralph from Brooklyn [33:17]:
  • Ralph discusses LeBron James' public confrontation with Stephen A. Smith, questioning whether it was a genuine issue or a spectacle.

Dan Grasso [34:05]: "We don't even know what was said. It was just. The show was theatrical, maybe."

• Hosts' Insights:
  • Don Hahn [35:16]: "Nobody said he couldn't handle it, though."
  • Anthony Pusick [35:28]: "He's a basketball player. He's 20 years old. He's a grown man."

6. Music Segment: Rick Rubin and Run DMC

A lighter segment explores the intersection of music and sports, focusing on producer Rick Rubin's collaboration with Run DMC.

Highlights:

• Historical Context:

  • Don Hahn [27:05]: "Speaking of big, in 1986, the hip hop group Run DMC covered Walk This Way in collaboration with Aerosmith."

• Personal Anecdotes:

  • Anthony Pusick [27:32]: "I've done a few cool things in my day. I've hung a couple times at Shangri La at Rick's place."

• Discussion on Musical Impact:

  • Don Hahn [26:30]: "They just weren't [rappers originally performing the lyrics]."
  • The hosts reflect on how Run DMC's collaboration with rock bands broke genre barriers and influenced the music landscape.

7. Closing Remarks and Final Call Interactions

As the episode wraps up, the hosts engage with final callers, reiterate key points about Garrett Cole’s surgery, and share personal reflections.

Notable Closing Quote:

• Don Hahn [47:20]: "Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast."

Conclusion

In "Hour 4: Cole TJ Surgery," Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg delve deep into the implications of Garrett Cole's impending Tommy John surgery on the Yankees' 2025 season. They provide a comprehensive analysis of the team's current challenges, financial strategies, and potential pathways to competitiveness despite significant setbacks. Interspersed with personal listener interactions and insightful commentary on broader sports and cultural topics, the episode offers an engaging and multifaceted discussion for fans and newcomers alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [06:26]: "Garrett Cole will undergo Tommy John surgery tomorrow to repair a torn right ulnar collateral ligament and will miss the 2025 season."
• Felicia [03:02]: "I'm excited about Fields. I think it's going to be a really good change for us."
• Dan Grasso [09:10]: "If he can't play left field, that's because they went out and got a center fielder in Bellinger."
• Don Hahn [13:26]: "I'm trying to find the optimism in the fact that teams have endured this."