Hour 4: Deadline Reaction

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: Deadline Reaction

Release Date: July 31, 2025

In the fourth hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the mid-season dynamics of Major League Baseball's trade deadline, offering insightful analysis and spirited debates. This episode, titled "Deadline Reaction," not only examines the strategic moves of teams like the New York Yankees and the New York Mets but also touches on broader topics surrounding fan expectations, team management, and the evolving landscape of sports analytics.

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1. Recognition of Interns and Host Banter (00:45 – 02:38)

The episode begins with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the podcast's interns, highlighting their contributions and showcasing a blend of humor and camaraderie among the hosts.

• Don Hahn commends the interns, stating, "Not one sounded nervous. They all had something to say, spoke with conviction. This is why they wanted this" (15:54).

• The hosts engage in playful discussions about music preferences, setting a relaxed and personable tone for the episode.

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2. Analyzing the New York Yankees' Performance and Management (03:03 – 13:54)

A substantial portion of the conversation focuses on the New York Yankees, dissecting their performance, management decisions, and the implications of a potential salary cap.

• Discussion on Team Management:

  The hosts express frustration with the Yankees' management under Brian Cashman, questioning the effectiveness of their high payroll in securing championships. Don Hahn muses, "every year they're always going to be good. The problem is, what they do with the money has not been to the level of, if you can get that much money every year, why aren't you in a World Series every year like you used to be?" (12:53).

• Fan Expectations and Entitlement:

  There's a critical examination of Yankee fans' expectations, with the hosts suggesting that fans are partly to blame for the team's pressure to perform. Unnamed host remarks, "most Yankee fans, think that they're entitled to a World Series trip every single year" (11:20).

• Impact of a Potential Salary Cap:

  The conversation shifts to the potential introduction of a salary cap and its effects on the Yankees. The hosts speculate that a cap might expose the Yankees' inability to develop prospects, forcing the team to focus more on nurturing young talent. Don Hahn adds, "it puts more emphasis on you developing young players when you have a cap" (13:54).

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3. New York Knicks' Roster Moves and Player Performance (14:07 – 23:51)

Transitioning from baseball to basketball, the hosts discuss the New York Knicks' recent roster decisions, particularly focusing on player Mikhail Bridges.

• Mikhail Bridges' Performance and Contract:

  The conversation highlights Bridges' inconsistent performance during the season versus his clutch plays in the playoffs. Don Hahn questions the fanbase's perception, saying, "everyone thinks that for some reason the Knicks are going to get Giannis. I don't know where that came from or why everyone" (15:16).

  Unnamed host praises Bridges, noting, "he made so many bad plays throughout the season that I think people, again, people just see the worst" (14:40), but also acknowledges his playoff contributions.

• Team Strategy and Future Prospects:

  The hosts scrutinize the Knicks' strategy in acquiring Bridges, debating whether the team is overpaying and questioning the overall direction under current management. Don Hahn emphasizes the importance of strategic player development over mere financial expenditure.

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4. NFL Trade Deadlines and Player Contracts (17:58 – 19:43)

Shifting gears to American football, the hosts analyze the trade request of Terry McLaurin from the Washington Commanders.

• Terry McLaurin's Trade Request:

  The discussion revolves around McLaurin's attempts to leverage a trade amidst contract negotiations, with Don Hahn expressing skepticism: "But is that just step, the next step so you show up so you're not getting fined 50 grand a day" (17:58).

  The hosts debate the effectiveness of such trade requests, highlighting the power imbalance between players and team management in the NFL.

• Implications for Player Leverage:

  Unnamed host shares insights on the futility of such demands, stating, "All these guys that hold out eventually have to cave if they ask to be traded, they don't get traded" (18:18), underscoring the systemic challenges players face in contract negotiations.

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5. New York Mets' Trade Deadline Moves (19:31 – 23:20)

Returning to baseball, the hosts discuss the New York Mets' recent acquisitions and roster decisions following the trade deadline.

• Acquisition of Cedric Mullins:

  The hosts highlight the Mets' strategic acquisition of Cedric Mullins from Baltimore, praising his versatility and athleticism. David Stearns, likely the Mets' General Manager, comments on Mullins' impact: "we think Cedric has the ability to do a lot of that... we're excited to bring him on the team" (19:43).

• Pitching Staff Adjustments:

  The conversation moves to the Mets' focus on strengthening their bullpen rather than acquiring additional starting pitchers. Stearns emphasizes the importance of a robust bullpen: "the bullpen to them is just like having a good starting rotation" (21:09).

  Don Hahn lauds Stearns' strategic planning, noting, "I like Stearns. I think he had a plan. It was not rudderless whatsoever" (22:10).

• Development of Prospects:

  Discussions also touch upon the potential promotion of young pitchers from Triple-A, indicating the Mets' commitment to developing internal talent alongside their strategic acquisitions.

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6. Farewell to Interns and Episode Wrap-Up (23:20 – 24:14)

As the episode draws to a close, Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg extend their gratitude to the summer interns, recognizing their hard work and contributions to the podcast.

• Acknowledgment of Interns:

  Don Hahn expresses, "They have great futures. And they know that they can always come back here if they ever want advice, guidance or anything else" (23:51).

• Closing Remarks:

  The hosts provide a preview of future episodes, promising continued analysis and discussions, and encourage listeners to tune in for ongoing coverage of the sports seasons.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Don Hahn on Yankees' Management:

  "What you do with the money has not been to the level of... why aren't you in a World Series every year like you used to be?" (12:53).

• Unnamed Host on Fan Expectations:

  "Most Yankee fans, think that they're entitled to a World Series trip every single year." (11:20).

• Discussion on Salary Cap:

  "It puts more emphasis on you developing young players when you have a cap." (13:54).

• Don Hahn on Cedric Mullins:

  "We think Cedric has the ability to do a lot of that... we're excited to bring him on the team." (19:43).

• Unnamed Host on Terry McLaurin's Trade Request:

  "All these guys that hold out eventually have to cave if they ask to be traded, they don't get traded." (18:18).

---

Conclusion

In "Deadline Reaction," Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg provide a comprehensive and engaging analysis of key sports narratives surrounding the MLB and NFL trade deadlines. Their discussions offer listeners a blend of strategic insights, critical perspectives on team management, and an appreciation for the evolving nature of professional sports. Whether it's dissecting the Yankees' high-stakes financial maneuvers or evaluating the Mets' strategic acquisitions, the hosts deliver content that is both informative and thought-provoking for sports enthusiasts.

Transcript

[Don Hahn]

Close your eyes. Exhale. Feel your body relax. And let go of whatever you're carrying today.

[Connor Levinson]

Well, I'm letting go of the worry that I wouldn't get my new contacts in time for this class. I got them delivered free from 1-800-contacts. Oh, my gosh, they're so fast.

[Unnamed]

And breathe.

[Connor Levinson]

Oh, sorry. I almost couldn't breathe when I saw the discount they gave me on my first order. Oh, sorry. Namaste. Visit 1-800-contacts.com today to save on your first order.

[Don Hahn]

1-800-Contacts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Unnamed]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.

[Don Hahn]

Goo Goo Dolls.

[Unnamed]

Wow, really? Connor Levinson is our last intern today.

[Don Hahn]

I need the story already.

[Unnamed]

Yeah. What's the story behind this?

[Don Hahn]

Gotta get the mic. There you go.

[Unnamed]

We're good. All right, awesome. So, I mean, growing up, like, my parents loved 90s rock. Like, that's what I grew up on. Listen to that. Like, love it all the time. And when you guys were like, oh, pick a song. I was like, cool. Goo Goo Dolls playing at Jones beach theater this weekend.

[Don Hahn]

Nice.

[Unnamed]

Bought tickets for my mom. It's her birthday this weekend.

Very nice.

[Don Hahn]

Out of all the songs, the walk up songs for all the interns, I think this one wins, right?

[Unnamed]

Listen, it wasn't a great selection.

[Don Hahn]

I mean, you didn't have to.

[Unnamed]

They're still right here.

[Don Hahn]

They're all here, Don. You don't have to say it to their faces. Just say, yes, Connor song is the best.

[Unnamed]

I just can't. It is the best song.

[Don Hahn]

Have to disparage their choices.

[Unnamed]

No, I'll do what I want to do. I'm just saying that's an okay song. That wins by a mile. There wasn't anything good from them musically.

I will say this, though.

[Don Hahn]

Larry song was a good song. I just don't know it.

[Unnamed]

That's not their best song. I don't think it is. I think. I think Name is better.

[Don Hahn]

Name is a great song.

[Unnamed]

Way better. I just didn't feel right.

You were raised.

[Don Hahn]

I'm gonna say it right now. You were raised right. Because his parents played 90s rock in the house.

[Unnamed]

Because they're St. Anthony's grass.

[Don Hahn]

That's why. Well, we're gonna get to that.

[Unnamed]

They understand that. What song? That's from the City of Angels.

[Don Hahn]

That's Iris.

[Unnamed]

Yeah, Iris.

[Don Hahn]

Okay. That's.

[Unnamed]

That. That.

That's. I like that.

[Don Hahn]

Iris is a really good song. It's a little drippy. But it's a really good song. Right?

[Unnamed]

But this is like this. We said walk up music. Like if. And this is a ball player. Like that would be your walk up song.

Yeah, I think I could do it. I was thinking maybe a little like war pig. I think war pigs.

There you go. See now, now he's.

[Don Hahn]

But these sucking up. He's making fun. You did your homework. You are sucking.

[Unnamed]

He's having fun with me. Okay, that's fine. But you're a ball player and you work out. You're the most jacked of the intern.

I appreciate that. Thank you.

Six days a week he works out.

[Don Hahn]

Of course he does.

[Unnamed]

And. And interns. And he's got a lot going on.

Busy man.

So what's your goal? What are we trying to do here?

Marketing? Social media. Somewhere around that. That's really what I want to do. It's really what I felt.

[Don Hahn]

Ul. I wish I asked this of the others, but I'm thinking of it now. Like ultimate. Like, this was my dream. This is my dream job and I achieved it. What would it be like? Where would you be sitting right now?

[Unnamed]

Director of marketing for this company.

[Don Hahn]

Okay.

[Unnamed]

Fantastic.

[Don Hahn]

There you go.

[Unnamed]

Right?

Watching what like Troy and Kevin do every single day. Unbelievable.

[Don Hahn]

This. This. You know what gives me hope, Don. You know, everybody says, like, radio is dying and the next generation, they. We just have the next generation here. And all of them talk about how much they loved working for a radio station and the energy that is in it and behind it.

[Unnamed]

That's cool, man. That makes you feel good. Because this is not dead.

[Don Hahn]

We are not dead.

[Unnamed]

Yeah, that we are. We're the rotary phone of.

[Don Hahn]

I don't know rotary phone.

[Unnamed]

But I do think I appreciate phone.

[Don Hahn]

With a flip phone.

[Unnamed]

Okay.

[Don Hahn]

And it's making a comeback. Flip phone. People still find the functionality of a flip phone.

[Unnamed]

But what I like about our company, though, is. Is not just about radio. There's. There's content. There's a lot of things going on here that you could certainly take advantage of. So. So you're sports. Baseball, of course.

100%.

[Don Hahn]

But.

[Unnamed]

But team Yankees.

[Don Hahn]

Okay. Yeah. You've been waiting.

[Unnamed]

Now, what did you think about what Gabby said? Do you blame how.

[Don Hahn]

Ooh. Oh, debate, intern, debate.

[Unnamed]

I don't. Okay, yes and no. I don't blame how. I don't think it's. I don't think he's the main culprit of this at all. I put my blame on Cashman.

[Don Hahn]

Exactly. The man spending the money.

[Unnamed]

Yeah, exactly. All Hal is doing is supplying Cashman with the tools to go do what he wants. And then Cashman is going out and doing it and clearly not doing a good enough job.

[Don Hahn]

Well, not. Not enough to win a championship.

[Unnamed]

Exactly.

[Don Hahn]

Which is what you ask for. Now, the only thing you could say is that eventually, though, it becomes Hal. Hal's problem. Correct. If he doesn't see that it's time to make a change, and he's not.

[Unnamed]

Going to because they're best buds and, you know, they hang out on the weekends or whatever they do.

[Don Hahn]

Well, they're in the black every year. Exactly.

[Unnamed]

That's it.

[Don Hahn]

They're in the black and that's all that matters. We make money. That's good.

[Unnamed]

I still go to Yankee games all the time, and it's not going to change.

[Don Hahn]

So you're part of the problem.

[Unnamed]

I am.

[Don Hahn]

Fans always say that. You know how you get. You got to get them in their pockets again.

[Unnamed]

I don't want to. I have this discussion all the time, but it keeps coming back. It's like we're talking about this as if the team has no shot. They could still win. I mean, I wouldn't bet on it this year. It's still win. Not this year, I wouldn't.

[Don Hahn]

I don't feel it this year.

[Unnamed]

They made some nice. Well, there's a chance. And who knows their crapshoot every year. You went to the World Series last year, right?

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Unnamed]

And it doesn't feel like you're going to the World Series this year, but I don't know. Stranger things have happened with Freed, Rodin and Louise.

[Don Hahn]

Heel. That's. That's how you're. That's how you're gonna win a World Series.

[Unnamed]

I don't think you are, but I don't are the time judges. Just your team like going to the World Series. I think the biggest thing is they're not gonna win a championship. But could they go to the World Series? Who's standing in their way?

[Don Hahn]

Detroit Tigers?

[Unnamed]

No, after today, the Astros.

Astros. Did I believe the Tigers when I see it?

[Don Hahn]

The Tigers been falling pitching. That can shut you down.

[Unnamed]

I'll believe the Blue Jays. It's kind of interesting. All of a sudden, Blue Jays, best team of baseball.

[Don Hahn]

Bang.

[Unnamed]

All of a sudden lose four out of five. Houston does have their. And I will give you Houston.

[Don Hahn]

All right.

[Unnamed]

But let's see. None of these teams are juggernauts. None of these teams are completely unbeatable. So the Yankees going back to the World Series is not an impossibility. So you sit here and talk about the problem and Cashman's got it going on, but it's still a team that has a fighting chance to go to the World Series. I agree with the frustration that you feel, but what other teams do you root for?

[Don Hahn]

300 million?

[Unnamed]

Giants, Knicks, Islanders.

All right, and so all. You have suffered way more than the.

[Don Hahn]

Other teams do this.

[Unnamed]

No, you do. Like, like I'm saying, you, you root for the Islanders. Haven't won since 1983. How many? What? They had the two. Back to the. Back to back, going to the third round, but before that it was like one appearance in the third round since 1993. Knicks. No championship in your lifetime and maybe your dad's lifetime, not knowing how old he is. Right. So you've suffered way more with the other teams. 100%, you know, so that's all. I'm just trying to acknowledge that this is a first world problem. A lot of people are hoping.

[Don Hahn]

What? What? He hasn't seen a championship?

[Unnamed]

He has not seen a championship, no. But you know what? I haven't seen the Islanders in a stand. He hasn't seen the Islanders in the Stanley Cup Final, nor the Knicks in an NBA final, or the Giants, I guess. How old are you?

I'm 22. So I was.

So how old were you in 2011?

So I was, what, 10 maybe at that point around that.

So you were sure how old you were?

No, I was. No, I was way younger than I was. The thing is, I don't have any recollection of it whatsoever.

[Don Hahn]

See what I mean?

[Unnamed]

None of them, right?

[Don Hahn]

Like, he hasn't. He hasn't.

[Unnamed]

My first. My first recollection was the Yankees in the World Series this year.

[Don Hahn]

Here's the problem. Like, you're missing. What you're missing is that this generation that we've just talked to today, these interns, they haven't seen New York, okay? Anybody.

[Unnamed]

But what I'm saying is the team that he's complaining about, and rightly so, there are things to complain about, has given him more happiness in his lifetime than any of the other teams he rooted for.

Yeah, he's a man, you know, I think. I think that's a fair statement.

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But I will say it was Funny, when you asked Gabby about her hot take, of course I'm sitting there back thinking, okay, if they ask me this, you know, what am I going to come up with? And then you said, you know, who's to blame for the Yankees? And obviously I think it's Cashman. But I also think a lot of what we see with the Yankees, the fans are to blame. I think as, like, as a Yankee fan, I despise the average Yankee fan, like most Yankee fans, think that they're entitled to a World Series trip every single year. And because that's how it was in the 90s, that's how it's always going to be. And times are changing and I think a lot of Yankee fans will never accept that and don't want to accept that, but I don't think we will ever see the Yankees outspending teams the way that we did and going to make all these moves the way we saw.

It's true.

And I think the fact that there is an expectation that we should make the World Series and we should make the playoffs every year, I think some people need to tamper their expectations and understand that there are other teams in Major League Baseball now that can spend like the Yankees can and can get players and will get players, including the team across town, the Mets. And I think people, especially Yankee fans, that are of the older generation, not going after anyone specifically, but will not see that and refuse to see that and still think that it's 1990 and that we're going to be spending.

[Don Hahn]

Because you want that to be the standard forever now with, with, with a salary cap seemingly in the future. That what you just said is, is the new reality, is that once it becomes a level playing field, you're going to have to be really good at acquiring players and developing players. That's been. That's the hill I'm on. That's the thing I've been screaming to the heavens. I've never, like Hal Steiner is the guy giving you $300 million. And the reason why, like Don said, every year they're always going to be good. And that's what they've given you, is joy. Because every year they have a winning record because they can spend more than everybody else. The problem is, is that they don't. What you do with the money has not been to a level of, if you can get that much money every year, why aren't you in a, in a World Series every year like you used to be? That's the part that frustrates me. And I It's not about other teams. I agree with that. But why don't you make the best decisions with the top five payroll every year? That's the problem that I have.

[Unnamed]

And I think the Yankees are one of the teams that are for a salary cap.

[Don Hahn]

Why?

[Unnamed]

Because they're probably tired of subsidizing all the smaller market teams.

[Don Hahn]

Agree.

[Unnamed]

And there's probably that awkwardness of Brian, I give you $300 million and yet you're playing the whole analytic game like, so if I'm for a cap and I bring a cap in and the Yankees are exposed further, that might be the downfall of Brian Cash. Because they, the Yankees want the cap, so they want to lessen the spending. They want to stop having to buy into all the revenue sharing and propping up the other teams. And that. That is going.

[Don Hahn]

What do you think the cap would be? Would it be 300? No, no, you're going to say less than 300.

[Unnamed]

It probably may be 280, 275. And then the floor would be like 90 or 100.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, yeah, yeah. You still have to get to, you know, so.

[Unnamed]

But no, I.

[Don Hahn]

It's gonna be a new world like you're gonna see. It's definitely gonna change.

[Unnamed]

I want to answer that question when we come back because that's it. I don't think it would be a 300.

[Don Hahn]

Okay. We could do the math on that.

[Unnamed]

But I think, I think the cap exposes the Yankees because I don't think they can develop prospects.

[Don Hahn]

And I think that that's been. You put my cap.

[Unnamed]

And all of a sudden, I think it just, it just.

[Don Hahn]

It puts more emphasis on you developing young players when you have a cap.

[Unnamed]

Exactly.

Well, Connor wanted to come on after the deadline.

[Don Hahn]

I wanted to ask him a Knicks question since he said he's a Knicks fan.

[Unnamed]

Go ahead.

[Don Hahn]

Because I'm seeing Mikhail Bridges. We saw the reporting that he has signed an extension. He took a little less than his max on the extension to give the Knicks a little space. A little more space under the second apron, which is a little bit health. No, it's not. He didn't give back a ton, but it's enough. But I'm. I can't believe how many fans don't like Mikhail Bridges.

[Unnamed]

I can.

[Don Hahn]

Why?

[Unnamed]

I mean, I don't hate him, but all my friends, incredible plays in the playoffs. But he also made so many bad plays throughout the season that I think people, again, people just see the worst. They don't want to see like the good. They always remember the bad stuff.

[Don Hahn]

Right. But in the playoffs he was money. I agree.

[Unnamed]

100. I agree. And I think signing him to a long term extension was a good idea. But you mentioned it before we came back on air. Everyone thinks that for some reason the Knicks are going to get Giannis. I don't know where that came from or why everyone.

[Don Hahn]

Well, because we all talk about Giannis needing to get of Milwaukee and he just won't do it. He will not. And he has to do because Milwaukee will not do it and it's not happening. Yeah.

[Unnamed]

So we got to work with what we got. And I think, I think Mikhail Bridges now, do we overpay for him? Sure. But I don't understand the Heat. I like him.

[Don Hahn]

Overpay. Did you see what the Nets did with that draft pick? Come on. Yeah.

[Unnamed]

Well, I mean, let's be honest.

[Don Hahn]

Right? That's fair. Yeah.

[Unnamed]

I don't know why you draft all those players, by the way.

[Don Hahn]

You got to trade some of those. But I tell you what, if you want to get on, get on on the mic, you could do it. Now, I love the fact that you want to be on the busy side of things, so that's good. But if you ever thought about this, even just a podcast, you could do it.

[Unnamed]

Thank you.

Connor Levinson, thank you so much, man. Good luck. It's really a pleasure to work with you this summer. And all the interns, tremendous job.

[Don Hahn]

I mean, how good were all of them on the mic? Not one sounded nervous.

[Unnamed]

No one stuttered.

[Don Hahn]

No one was. They all had something to say, spoke with conviction. This is why they wanted this.

[Unnamed]

They got it and they killed it.

[Don Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Don Hahn]

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[Unnamed]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Unnamed]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unnamed]

Game time Is brought to you by Televardu Irish Whiskey because when it's game time.

Yeah, it's Tully time.

It's Tully time. Yankees beat the Rays this afternoon 7 4. So they got a nice three game winning streak. Heading to Miami for a three game series with the Marlins. The Mets have the night off. They'll start a series with the Giants at Citi Field tomorrow. Tullamore. Do the original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew Honey. During today's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly. I don't know how this is going to happen, but Adam Schefter is reporting. Terry McLaurin is requesting a trade from the Commanders. Can't get a contract done. I don't see that that's going to happen.

[Don Hahn]

But is that just step, the next step so you show up so you're not getting fined 50 grand a day. The talks are going nowhere. So now you do the Fugazi. Ask for a trade to try to put some pressure and create some media coverage of this. Come on, man.

[Unnamed]

But it's not like he doesn't have leverage because they've got a young quarterback that doesn't want to lose a big time weapon. They're trying to take the next step after going to the championship game last year. Again, not being privy to their cap situation. I guess he could play hardball. Now we know that training camp and preseason games don't mean anything to veterans. So he's not really sacrificing anything. And there's no way they're going to trade him because they're not, they're not going to want to lose them. So eventually they're going to have to give him something, work something out. But these players have to realize they can make all the demands they want. But the way the current structure is, it never works out for them. It just doesn't. All these guys that hold out eventually have to cave if they ask to be traded, they don't get traded. If they hold out and miss an entire year costs them everything, costs them their whole career. And listen, it's a shame because they, they don't have leverage and end up hurting themselves. Now, he may believe he's got the leverage because again, young quarterback following up what happened last year. But at some point the player is always going to blink before ownership. And that's just the way it is in the NFL. And it's a Shame. But at the same time, the fans aren't going to complain if he, whatever contract he gets, as long as he's, he's in camp and he's playing and ready for the season.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Unnamed]

So we'll see. David Stearns spoke after the Mets finished up the trade deadline 2025. Cedric Mullins was somebody they acquired to play center field from Baltimore. David's thoughts on him?

I've been having off and on conversations with Baltimore clearly about a lot of different things over the last couple weeks. Mullins name has been part of those discussions throughout. We like the player, we like what he brings on both sides of the ball, the athleticism, you know, we talk a lot about ways that players can impact games that may not always show up in the box score. And we think Cedric has the ability to do a lot of that. We think is going to fit in very well to how we run the bases, how we want to play defense and center field, and so excited to bring him on the team.

David, on not acquiring a starter at.

The deadline, I think, you know, as we saw, there were some starting pitchers that were ultimately traded. Probably not every starting pitcher that was rumored to be traded or was available was, Was ultimately moved. And so we were engaged. As I've said throughout, you know, I think there are multiple ways to build a pitching staff and we focused on the back end of a pitching staff, the bullpen. We're really happy with the arms we were able to acquire who are going to pitch out of our pen. And we have confidence not only in the starters who are here, who we think are going to keep us competitive and help us win games. We're also pleased with the development of how some of the guys in AAA are progressing. And we understand that they could, they may not definitely, but they could be part of the mix going forward if needed.

Okay, that's interesting to open the door to a possibility of promoting from within. The other question, let's say that the.

[Don Hahn]

Two guys they have in Triple A.

[Unnamed]

Right now, young guys, right, and they're both doing very well, could possibly see time because, listen, they're going to. They don't expand the rosters like they used to, but when the minor league season ends, these guys might get some opportunities to pitch in September. Finally, and I'm curious about this one, David, are you still committed to Klay Holmes?

I think Clay, from a physical standpoint is in really good shape and I think the stuff for the most part has still been there. But you're right, we gotta get a little deeper into games. Clearly, Clay knows that he's working hard to do that and I think we'll be able to see it.

Yeah, and you hope he can. But come playoff time, what did you hear him say? That he'll get the opportunity to do it. But let's face it, come playoffs, he's going to go to the bullpen as your fifth starter. Usually. Yeah. So. But they're not going to give up on him. I think they're committed to him being a starter, but unless he just all of a sudden finds it and starts pitching better than a few of the guys in the rotation already, he is not going to have a start in the postseason. It's not going to happen.

[Don Hahn]

And that's why you sign him. You sign him with the idea of seeing if you can turn him into a starter, but a guy that has been a closer, so you're getting one inning, four outs at most. Right. From a guy like that. And turning him, stretching him into a starter is not something that over the course of one season, it takes time. So knowing that, all right, we can use him as a starter during the regular season, but we know when we get to the playoffs, he's a valuable out of the bullpen guy because he was there last year and he was on a team that went to the World Series. So you know he's got experience and you know he can pitch out of the bullpen. That's the value of Holmes as you. Then the next year does he become a star, you know, all that stuff. So I like Stearns. I think he had a plan. It was not rudderless whatsoever. They told you that the bullpen to them is just like having a good starting rotation. And that's what they wanted to do. They wanted to reset their bullpen knowing that they wore out most of that bullpen in the first half of the season. And that's exactly what he did. Starters are not the same value to them. Don't. It's not like the Yankees, who value starters and will put big money into them.

[Unnamed]

I want to thank Jack, Lilly, Gabby, Laura and Connor, our interns for the summer. A couple of them are still here. Did a great job on the air and it was really great to know you and we really appreciate the work that you did. You got another week to go, so enjoy that. But Alan and I are going to be on vacation, so we're not going to have the proper goodbye. So that's why we wanted to do it today.

[Don Hahn]

And it's National Intern Day. Perfect timing.

[Unnamed]

It just was perfect timing.

[Don Hahn]

Absolutely.

[Unnamed]

But they're all great.

[Don Hahn]

They have great futures. And they know that they can always come back here if they ever want advice, guidance or anything else.

[Unnamed]

Fraud alert. Friday tomorrow. Looking forward to that. At 3 o', clock, we'll be able to assess all the baseball now that the trade deadline is over and get ready for the run for the Mets and the Yankees. We'll talk to you again coming up on Friday. August Don Hanna Rosenberg, right here.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don Hahn]

I don't want to know how the sausage is made, but I just want to know. It's good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Here, more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.