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Don Hahn
Welcome ladies and gentlemen to Mario's Bistro.
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Don Hahn
This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.
Peter Rosenberg
That sounds like heaven to me.
Don Hahn
Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers Don.
Peter Rosenberg
Han and Rosenberg hanging out with you until 7:00. Then our coverage begins for Knicks MAVS. That's on 8:80 at 10:50 tonight. Coverage beginning at 10:00 will be Rangers and the Kings at LA as the Rangers embark on a three game road trip. Kings tonight, Friday in Anaheim, Saturday in San Jose. So the back end a little bit more forgiving. Ducks and Sharks are not very good. Kings are a good team. Just came off a 7 to 2 win over Boston. So see if the Rangers can build off what was an awful performance on Saturday. But they did get the win as they are trying to get into the playoffs as they are point back at Montreal though, the Canadiens do have a couple of games in hand. Let's hear from you at 1-800-919-3776. Let's go to Albert in the car. You're on ESPN New York and the ESPN app. What's up?
Albert
How you doing Don?
Don Hahn
Good, Doc.
Peter Rosenberg
Just really quick before I get to my point, I think I have the best queen mascot. Okay.
Don Hahn
They could have used the chess piece from, you know, the queen.
Peter Rosenberg
They could have used the chess piece for what borough. That was a bad connection. Do you know, do you understand that? A chess piece for what? I had no clue what he was talking about. Albert, if you want to try again. But Albert was talking about the pressure the Mets are under to win the World Cup.
Felicia
If it's Queens, then the queen.
Peter Rosenberg
But like oh but that's not. They're not known for that. No, I get.
Don Hahn
I like the creativity.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, it was an effort. But the thing he wanted to say before his line drop is that there's a Mets don't win a championship. Pressure's on Soto. He signed a 15 year contract. I don't know why everybody is putting their eggs in the 2025 basket. When you've got. The Dodgers are still the best team in the National League. Braves are still good. Phillies are still good in their own division. So the Mets can go out there and win 95 games and have to be a wild card team. So I get that they went to game six of the league Championship Series last year and it's kind of like with the Knicks, Right? Well, you got to take the next step. So the next logical step would be to go to the World Series. And since the National League is better than the American League, then the Mets should win the World Series. They might. And they also might, you know, be the third wild card and have to play three games on the road because the National League is a beast, man. Braves, Phillies, Dodgers, Diamondbacks are only a year move from going to the World Series. The Diamondbacks are going to be good. So you've got a lot of really good teams in the National League. I think it was Buster only was on the morning show with DPA Tron Rothenberg saying that you can make the case the four best teams in baseball are in the National League. And I don't think anybody's saying the Mets are the best team in baseball. So they're going to have to overcome. I probably would have them as probably the fourth best team in the National League and maybe if the Mets were in the American League, they'd be the best team. So. And I just don't understand why the pressure has to be immediate to win when he signed a 15 year deal. Now we fast forward 10 years from now and now he's deep into his 30s and the Mets haven't won. And I can understand the pressure. I don't know if he feels the pressure this year to make the playoffs. Yeah. To win a championship. No, I wouldn't go that far. Always a pleasure to welcome in Richard to Manhattan. Richard. How are you, sir?
Richard
Don, let's just hope the Islanders fail to not fail to make the playoffs by one point. Let's just hope that. Because if this comes back to haunt them, boy, they got to do an investigation. This would be terrible. You know, I have the article by Verducci, I have Dave, Sports Illustrated and first of all, did you see it? Have you seen the COVID Yeah. Have you ever seen I put the met uniforms with the Cardinals and with the Dodgers. They are beautiful. Those orange and blue uniforms. Why they ever changed these uniforms where there's other garbage that they put on? I know, I have no idea. There is nothing. They all look great in it. They had all the Guys there, Soto and Alonso and Diaz, they look fantastic. You can't do better than that.
Peter Rosenberg
I've always loved the jerseys. I always love that blue.
Richard
They look better than ever. Done now. Better.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, I'm with you.
Richard
Oh, wow. Now, as far as the article, you know, it's funny, it's reading, reading that Cohen used to buy tickets, sit upstairs and then he'd sneak down and go to the lower seats. That's a great thing. And he's close with Seinfeld, you know, and I'm sure he talks to him a lot. But when I got out of the article, I mean, you know, being a sports fan and all, it's like an SAT thing. You read it and you say, well, what do you get out of this? And you know, with all due respect to everybody that talks about the Yankees and this and that, this is a case, it's simple. Cohen is a self made billionaire. No disrespect to Hal. Hal inherited the Yankees. I respect Hal for keeping his father's legacy, keeping the Yankees, keeping in the family. But if Cohen is going after something like his artwork, he's going to get it. You know, when Cohen bought the team, he was worth $13 billion six years ago. He's worth 21 billion now. So what could he want in baseball that he can't get? Anything that he wants, he's going to get. Soto's no dummy. He knows this. So Soto's got to explain. Well, he thinks the Mets will be in play more. Any excuse I'm not even listening to. All I know is Cohen can beat anybody in this game because this is what he wants. I mean, he brought the Mets thinking his. Donny, he bought the Mets without buying the radio and TV station, right? Correct, Sny. That's how badly he wanted this team. I mean it's, you know, and he's a self made billionaire. How are you going to be the self made billionaire?
Peter Rosenberg
And Richard, and thank you for the phone call. I don't necessarily like it that you can. I think baseball needs a salary cap. And listen, my team benefits from having one of the richest people on the planet owning the team and willing to spend the money. But baseball feels like it's exempt when football, basketball and hockey all are working with a salary cap. Basketball and football are still seeing players making north of 40, 50, even $60 million a year. So it's not precluding the best players to make super major money. And it would create a floor. So some of these smaller franchises like the Miami Marlins would have to spend a certain amount of money which means that's money that goes into players pockets. I think it's so short sighted not to have a salary cap when every other sport's been able to make it work for them and still grow and be lucrative and make the players partners. So I don't understand that getting back to the Islanders. I argued this with Allen and we can argue with it again when he comes back before 7:00. I understand the Islanders got job last night. They should have won the game should have won the game in regulation, have two points and be in a much better position than they are right now. The New York Islanders as we speak entering play tonight sit one point back of Montreal. Montreal's got a game in hand so that missing point that they lost last night certainly has affected them and could affect them. They might miss the playoffs by a point, but please. They had a 2 nothing lead at home against the Columbus team that has played poorly. Only two wins in their last 10 games. I know they got Monahan back but they've had injuries and yet a two goal lead against them and a three two lead in the third and didn't hold it. So yes they got job last night but they are culpable in only coming away with one point. They should have won that game in regulation and not have it come down to a goal. Now that goal was taken away from them. I understand it, but let's not excuse the Islanders blowing a two goal lead against the Columbus team that is right now as we speak, 27 and 1 in their last 10 counting the win that they got last night, minus 8 goal differential 32, 29 and 9. So the Islanders had a chance and they've been good at home to take care of business and they didn't. It shouldn't have come down to that, but it did and they got jobs. So both could be true. They got job last night but it's also on them two goal lead. They also had a 32 lead in the third period. Let it get away. That's a bad job out of them. 1-800-919-3776 we have a few lines open. Allen is going to return in just a moment, but let's get back to the busy phones.
Don Hahn
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Compatible with select apps. Requires Google Gemini account. Results may vary based on input. Check responses for accuracy. Felicia is in Mississippi. Hi Felicia, how are you?
Felicia
Hey Don, how's it going?
Peter Rosenberg
Good.
Felicia
Of course I'm calling about the Islanders and I agree with you. I'm actually siding with you and not Alan, even though I am a huge Islanders fan. I mean it's kind of like death taxes and the Islanders loaning third period leads. That's kind of what we do, right? So we should have won it. But the main reason I was calling was I like to listen to the games a lot. So I listen to like Chris King, Greg Picker and Greg is Greg Picker is so good about like he just has such an eye for when a call is going to go a certain way. So I'm listening to the game and I'm sitting outside and as soon as he Said it's going to be a good goal because he originally thought, just like Brendan Burke did, that it was high stick.
Peter Rosenberg
Right.
Felicia
And then when we heard about what the review was actually about, and then he was, you know, looking at all the different angles, he was like, oh, it's going to be a good goal. And I'm just like, I'm super psyched. I'm like, oh, it's going to be good because Greg, like, always knows. So I was just shocked, you know, I wasn't watching real time. Of course, I went back and watched the highlights. But just listening, when I listen to him and he's super confident, I usually. He's usually right, so. But yeah, I agree with you. Not actually Alan, in that respect, that we should have just held the lead and it shouldn't have even gotten to that point. But that's all I wanted. Thanks for taking my call.
Peter Rosenberg
I appreciate it, Felicia. I mean, I think that's how fans should look at it. Both things can be true. They should have won that game. The officials got into it. But anybody that's listened to me for any length of time, you will know that I always will say you can't always blame the officials because there's other things going on in the game as well. All right. There's still the 65 minutes that were played during the course of that game. I'm sorry, you just can't always chalk it up to all the officials robbed us. All right. Yeah, the officials robbed you on that play. But it shouldn't have gone down to that in the first place. Let's go to Alex in Lynbrook. You're on ESPN New York. Hi, Alex.
Albert
Hi, Donnie. How you doing? Just to mix it up, I want to talk about two things about movies.
Peter Rosenberg
Sure.
Albert
I honestly think I have a good trivia question for you. Well, first, I honestly think the most underrated movies of baseball is the Bad News Bears. I think that's underrated. It's a great movie. Walter Matthow's character goes from being lost to loving the game again. I think it's extraordinary and I honestly don't think it doesn't get its fair credit of sports baseball movies.
Peter Rosenberg
I agree. I think it's a fabulous movie. The first one, I never saw the second one, which Billy Bob Thornton, but the Walter Matthau version. Terrific. Yes.
Albert
Okay, now a fun security so quiz.
Peter Rosenberg
Yes.
Albert
In Dog Day Afternoon. I'm sure you love that movie.
Peter Rosenberg
Yes.
Albert
When Sal or Sonny as a Sal. What country he wants to fly to to avoid the law? What does the late, great John Caselli.
Peter Rosenberg
Say, oh, my God. I. I don't remember. I saw the movie. I just read the Al Pacino book. And he talks extensively about that movie and how great it was, but I do not remember. I'm sorry.
Albert
Are you ready?
Peter Rosenberg
Yes.
Albert
It is one of the funniest one word lines in a movie. So when Sonny asks us how you want to fly to what country? Sal looks at him and goes, Wyoming.
Allen
That's right.
Peter Rosenberg
What a great line. And think of the movies he was in. All right. He died in 1980. 1978, I believe, if I'm not mistaken.
Albert
Right, right.
Peter Rosenberg
He died a very young man, but he was in Dog Day Afternoon, Godfather one, Godfather two, Deer Hunter, the conversation. Like, he. He was in, like, five movies that were up for best picture, and he was only in like, six.
Albert
I know.
Peter Rosenberg
Pretty incredible.
Albert
I think he was engaged to Meryl Streep.
Peter Rosenberg
Yes. Good call, man.
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Peter Rosenberg
I. I enjoyed that call thoroughly. Thank you. And Alan's back, too, and he got to catch the end of it.
Allen
Now, what was that about? Because I jumped in at the. At the end of it, so I'm trying to figure out what you were talking about.
Peter Rosenberg
He was giving me trivia. And what from Dog Day Afternoon. Do you remember that movie? Al Pacino, I don't think. 1973, I believe so. You wouldn't. It's. And so he was just asking some movie trivia.
Allen
Always good, always fun. So I guess we do last call crew here.
Peter Rosenberg
Yes, we're getting crew call ready to wrap up. Felicia disagreed with you that the Islanders do deserve some blame for losing the game last night.
Allen
So she agreed with that big Islanders fan.
Peter Rosenberg
Yes. So. And we had, you know, some. Some Soto talk. So it's all. It's all there for you, Alan. For the last 50.
Allen
I love it. Love it. Okay, that and also, of course, just checking in here at the Garden as the Knicks take on a Mavs team. And wait till I read you the litany of injuries that you need to know about for tonight's game. So we'll get to all that and you call as well. Stay with us. Tanhan Rosenberg. 880 ESPN.
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Don Hahn
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
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Don Hahn
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.
Allen
Oh, he's coming in with Anita Baker. Oh come on now we got Hugh. I'd love to talk about Anita Baker, but Don, we have huge breaking news right now from Adam Schefter as We were talking about it earlier in the show and the Giants in their quarterback situation, I think now we know the direction they're going to go to at least at the very beginning of this draft.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah.
Allen
According to sources, the Giants and Russell Wilson have reached an agreement today, a one year deal. It's worth up to 21 million. It includes 10.5 million guaranteed. So basically, I mean, could this be. We're going to lock you up. It's easily to move on from a one year. 10 million is guaranteed. But this feels like when you think about it, you got him, you got Jameis Winston. I don't think you take a quarterback at three.
Peter Rosenberg
No.
Allen
I think you might take one in the second or third round, but I don't think you take one there.
Peter Rosenberg
No, this is.
Allen
You got Russell Wilson right now. He has been. He talked with the Browns, he talked with the Steelers, he talked with the Giants. He chose, according to Shefte, New York.
Peter Rosenberg
No. I guess that's good news for the Giants. I guess in his mind, being competitive or unless he just did not like how it went down in Pittsburgh, he wants to be in New York. It's one year and I'm with you. Even though it's one year and, and it's basically it's two years for Winston, but it's such minimal amount of money. They can very easily get out of that. But they are certainly looking at, you know, trying to be competitive this year. They've got a quarterback room now and I don't think they draft the quarterback at three because you're really making it difficult for that quarterback ever to play in the first year when he's competing with, you know, two NFL veterans. So I think they've got their quarterback room, try to be competitive and then they'll address the quarterback. Now maybe they do take a chance in the second round with a quarterback because you can always, like I said, get out of either of these two deals or just let Tommy DeVito go or just have four quarterbacks where Tommy DeVito would be relegated to the practice squad and then kind of deal it from there. But this would tell me they are not taking a quarterback at.
Allen
No. And you could end up if again, you, if you don't trade down, if you stay at three, you can come away with the, arguably the best player in the draft, whether it's Abdul Carter or whether it's Travis Hunter, you will walk away with the best player in the draft. If this is your thinking is we just got to keep stacking talent and if we aren't able to get the quarterbacks we want, just like last year's draft. Then we get the best possible player available and just keep kicking the can down the road until we can find that quarterback we want. And what you have now, at least in Russell Wilson, is somebody that can start and play. Now you don't know what you're getting there, but it's an easy out, just like Jameis Winston is an easy out. So this is the plan. The plan is that there's no plan at quarterback for now?
Peter Rosenberg
Well, no. Yeah, Right now the plan is be competitive in 2025 so that everybody can save their job. That's clearly the case because you're also not helping yourself getting a quarterback in next year's draft because the more competitive you are in 25, the lower you're going to draft in the first round. And that means that I haven't taken a look. We've been so focused on this year's draft, what the quarterback is going to be like next year. But I don't think you're going to be in the Arch Manning sweepstakes if you're going to go out there and win seven, eight games, be competitive and be drafting, you know, 15th.
Allen
But who's to say they're going to be that good?
Peter Rosenberg
But the, but the idea, I'm just saying, best case scenario, if they're, if they're competitive and they win eight games, that might be where you're drafting. I'm not sure they will, but they seem to think they've got enough talent that a legitimate quarterback can actually help them win games. But this is clearly, whether you like it or not, the Giants trying to save their jobs. So like, how can, how can Joe Shane be worried about the 26 draft if he doesn't win enough games to have a job? And I blame John Mara for that because John Mara is the one that's said, hey, I don't want to be here next year, meaning I don't want to be a three win team next year. Otherwise these guys aren't coming back and they didn't get a contract extension. This is why I wanted them to blow it up. Allen because as much as I want to be competitive, I also want to know their stability with my head coach, with my general manager and for them actually, you know, playing for their supper next year. It just sounds like there, is there anybody keeping an eye on the future of this franchise? Is it John? And, but John's not the quote unquote, football guy.
Allen
But you don't want A desperate swing with that number three.
Peter Rosenberg
No, no.
Allen
Then you get stuck in a young quarterback that it's like you'll always blame, oh well, maybe it's the coach. And so we fired everybody. So now we got to give him a year because it's a new like, like you know what you'd rather have is this scenario where there is no slam dunk at quarterback. So don't do it, don't waste it. Get the best talent in the draft that you can at three and keep building up the roster. That's the right thing to do. Look, it's the hardest thing is going to be to find the quarterback. We all know this. But to have like you're not locked in. Like if you tried to get Sam Darnold, that's a four year, like you're locked in on him, you'd be locked in on some other options. No, even Stafford, you'd be kind of locked in. This is, this is a more transferable type situation that you're not stuck.
Peter Rosenberg
Right.
Allen
If this is not the, the player that works out and I've got a.
Peter Rosenberg
36 year old quarterback and a 31 year old quarterback. Right. And they're both going to want to play to get more money. I mean Russell Wilson signed a one year contract so he's going to be motivated to go out there and play and parlay that into a deal. Dable's an offensive guy. Maybe he thinks I can fix Russell Wilson and go from 16 touchdown passes to the 26 that he threw in Denver, which wasn't great. If I can get him to be a 30 touchdown guy then maybe I do have my answer beyond 20 because then maybe I can re up with him. Or maybe Winston steals the job and I fix him. We know we can throw 30 touchdown passes, unfortunately throws a lot of interceptions and maybe he becomes our quarterback of the future. But make no mistake, no one is mining the store for 2026. They are keeping an eye on what's going to save their bacon this year. And if that's the case, then I guess this is the best case scenario to try to see if you can go out there and win. I'd rather have Aaron Rodgers, but if Aaron Rodgers is not going to make a decision, I've got to do something here. Right. I didn't want to be left with no quarterback.
Allen
Yeah, you've moved on from Aaron Rodgers. You're out of that business. No question about it. We'll have a lot to talk about and tomorrow. So you did hear that one.
Peter Rosenberg
Yo, new York City. Oh, I heard that. Hey, New York City.
Richard
I'm here.
Allen
I'm here. And this is where he won a Super Bowl. Let's do a quick game time brought to you by Tully Mordue Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time, it's Tully time. So we got the Knicks tonight and the Mavericks. Mavericks are playing no. 1. Everybody's hurt. That's right after us right here on 880. Rangers out in LA to face the Kings. That's on 1050. You'll hear Don at 10 telemore. Do you know it's the best. Enjoy, Joe, tell them more.
Don Hahn
Do thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Allen
I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good.
Don Hahn
Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN News York app, and your smart speakers.
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Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary Episode: Hour 4: Giants Sign Wilson | Release Date: March 25, 2025
In the April 25, 2025 episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into a mix of sports-related discussions centered around the New York Giants' latest quarterback signing, the New York Islanders' playoff prospects, and the ongoing pressure on the New York Mets. Additionally, the podcast features a lighthearted movie trivia segment, showcasing the hosts' versatility and camaraderie.
The episode kicks off with breaking news regarding the New York Giants’ decision to sign Russell Wilson. Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg engage in a detailed analysis of this strategic move, examining the implications for the Giants' quarterback room and future draft considerations.
Alan Hahn discusses the financial and strategic aspects of the one-year deal:
“According to sources, the Giants and Russell Wilson have reached an agreement today, a one-year deal. It's worth up to $21 million. It includes $10.5 million guaranteed.” (19:13)
Peter Rosenberg provides insight into the potential benefits and risks:
“They are trying to be competitive this year. They've got a quarterback room now and I don't think they draft the quarterback at three because you're really making it difficult for that quarterback ever to play in the first year when he's competing with two NFL veterans.” (21:02)
The hosts debate whether this short-term contract signals a lack of long-term planning or a tactical move to enhance the team's current competitiveness.
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the New York Islanders' recent performance and their chances of making the playoffs. Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg analyze the team's recent games, highlighting key moments and critical decisions that could impact their standings.
Don Hahn critiques the Islanders' ability to maintain leads:
“They had a two-goal lead at home against the Columbus team that has played poorly. Only two wins in their last 10 games.” (05:20)
Peter Rosenberg emphasizes accountability:
“They should have won that game in regulation and not have it come down to that point.” (12:35)
Listeners Albert and Felicia join the conversation, reinforcing the sentiment that the Islanders should bear some responsibility for their missed opportunities. The discussion underscores the fragile nature of playoff contention and the high stakes for the team moving forward.
The Mets' performance and the mounting pressure on star player Juan Soto take center stage. Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg dissect the expectations placed on the Mets, considering the competitive landscape of the National League.
Peter Rosenberg questions the immediate pressure:
“I just don't understand why the pressure has to be immediate to win when he signed a 15-year deal.” (02:17)
Don Hahn echoes concerns about long-term planning:
“Is there anybody keeping an eye on the future of this franchise?” (23:23)
The hosts debate whether the Mets are setting themselves up for success or if the current pressures could hamper their long-term prospects. They highlight the strength of other National League teams and the challenges the Mets face in emerging as a dominant force.
Injecting some variety, the podcast features a fun movie trivia segment where Albert quizzes the hosts on classic films.
Albert poses a question from "Dog Day Afternoon":
“When Sal or Sonny as a Sal. What country he wants to fly to avoid the law?” (14:01)
Peter Rosenberg attempts to recall the answer but ultimately gets it right:
“It was Wyoming.” (14:38)
This segment not only showcases the hosts' knowledge beyond sports but also fosters an engaging and entertaining atmosphere for listeners.
As the episode wraps up, Don Hahn, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg summarize their discussions, reiterating the key points regarding the Giants' new signing, the Islanders' playoff hopes, and the Mets' ongoing challenges. They emphasize the interconnectedness of team management decisions and on-field performance, leaving listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current sports landscape.
“You can't always blame the officials because there's other things going on in the game as well.” (12:35) – Peter Rosenberg
The hosts encourage listeners to stay tuned for more in-depth analysis and upcoming episodes, maintaining their commitment to delivering insightful and engaging sports commentary.
Don Hahn on Islanders' missed opportunities:
“They should have won that game in regulation and not have it come down to that point.” (12:35)
Peter Rosenberg on the Giants' quarterback strategy:
“They are trying to be competitive this year so that everybody can save their job.” (21:46)
Alan Hahn on the Giants' draft strategy:
“This is clearly the Giants trying to save their jobs.” (25:19)
Peter Rosenberg on salary caps in baseball:
“Baseball needs a salary cap. It would create a floor for smaller franchises.” (06:38)
These quotes encapsulate the hosts' perspectives and the depth of their discussions, providing listeners with memorable takeaways from the episode.
Conclusion The Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast episode delves deep into the strategic moves of the New York Giants, the playoff hopes of the New York Islanders, and the pressures on the New York Mets. Through insightful analysis, engaging debates, and entertaining segments, the hosts deliver a comprehensive and captivating discussion for sports enthusiasts.