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Alan Hahn
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Don LaGreca
Don I gotta divorce my wife and have my kids bleed out. No, because the Giant games on. Otherwise I'm not a real fan.
Alan Hahn
Han, what kind of fan are you?
Peter Rosenberg
Not a good one.
Unknown
And Rosenberg.
Peter Rosenberg
The Peter haters who call stupid. The Peter fans who call very bright.
Don LaGreca
This isn't North Dakota. This is New York.
Alan Hahn
This is Don, Han and Rosenberg.
Unknown
The best threesome I've ever heard on.
Alan Hahn
880 ESPN and the ESPN New York app that'll never not make me laugh. I know what he said and how he said it and who said it.
Peter Rosenberg
It's everything. It's everything.
Alan Hahn
6:00 hour with Don the Greca and Peter rosenberg. I'm Alan Hahn. 800 now with 93776. A little baseball here, fellas. Aaron Boone. No timetable for Giancarlo Stanton on his tennis elbows, plural, when he will resume baseball activities. So it's February and not ready to play. As much as we hated that Brian Cashman said the quiet part out loud two years ago. He wasn't wrong. No, all it is with Stanton is just all right, I don't mind you have tennis elbow in February. Just be there in October. That's a guy I could put in bubble wrap and not worry about agree or disagree.
Peter Rosenberg
That's how I, that's how I feel about him.
Don LaGreca
I agree, but you know, let's not. As much as I think they're the clear favorites, you know, I am a little interested to see how things are going to work offensively for this team. I mean, Goldschmidt's 37 years old. Bellinger's 29, but he's a few years removed from his MVP. I mean, there's still a little question marks on exactly how great they're going to be offensively when Juan Soto leaves. You're great with judge, but you know, you don't have a really a third baseman at this point. You know, Giancarlo Stanton may not be available for the start of the season. So I get where you say I just save it for October, but you don't want to have what happened two years ago. When they didn't make the playoffs at all because guys were all banged up.
Alan Hahn
So they got. So be careful. Yeah, fair enough. On the MET side of things with. Speaking of injuries, I know no one saw this coming, but Frankie Montas is injured and he's going to be out for six to eight weeks. I know no one saw that coming, but how about this report about Jose Quintana? I love the. I love when reporters do this. He's unsigned as pitchers and catchers have already, you know, obviously showed up very interested in a reunion with the Mets. You don't say.
Don LaGreca
Of course he's very interested in playing baseball.
Alan Hahn
Exactly. So is Jose Iglesias. He wants to. He'd love to be back with the Mets. You know why? Because he's not signed either. But can Tanya is one option. The other one's Dylan Cease. I think we know where the Mets are when it comes to how do you get. Because they want a six man rotation because of Senga and if you don't have Montas for a while, I don't feel like. I don't feel like they're in the market to make a trade for a guy like Dylan Cease. But bringing in Kintanya for 6 million bucks, I can see that.
Don LaGreca
Yeah, I think that's where they're going to go. And the one thing I will say about the Mets rotation, and it's easy to say, well, they didn't do enough. They're doing exactly what they want to do. That's the philosophy Stearns has. I'm not investing big money and big years on pitchers. They always get hurt. They don't have as much of an impact on the regular season. Pitching 30 times a year, not going a third time through the order. So I'm going to try to catch guys on one year or two year contracts catch lightning in a bottle like they did with Severino last year, like they did with Mania last year, like they did with Quintana last year. And it ended up being enough for them to be able to almost get to the World Series. All right, so I'm not saying that they take a knee on starting pitching, but they're very careful. Singa, if they can keep him healthy, he's their ace. He finished seventh in the Cy Young two years ago. He was hurt last year. And they still got to game six of the league Championship Series, so. And they have the flexibility to pivot now. You don't want to get crazy and bring in a guy and then Montas comes back in May or June and now you've got a log jam, so you got to be careful there, too. So I, I, they, they, they, we're going to see.
Alan Hahn
You can trade an arm, though.
Don LaGreca
Arms for certain.
Alan Hahn
Easily for certain.
Don LaGreca
And then also these guys, like, if Clay Holmes doesn't work out as a starter, he can pivot into the bullpen, which they need some help there, too.
Alan Hahn
So. Which I think's gon.
Don LaGreca
Yeah, I don't have a major problem with their starting pitching. It was a problem. Looked upon as a problem last year. It ended up becoming a strength. So if Senga can stay healthy, I think they're fine. And you've got an owner that can expand things a little bit if he needs to financially to go get a pitcher if they need one a little bit later on. So. And the montage thing's interesting because most of people's complaints was they didn't think it was any good, you know, and now all of a sudden, oh, my God, he's hurt. Well, if he didn't think he was any good, why do you care that he's hurt?
Alan Hahn
Well, he's always.
Don LaGreca
But he should be able to come back. He's going to have the, the extended spring training. I'm hoping that before we get to June, he'll be back in the rotation and, and, and we'll see. But you got these power rankings, and it doesn't look like anybody's blinking on the Mets there.
Alan Hahn
No, not at all. Now, one more little update before we get to the power rankings. Back to the Yankees we go. Brian Ho tells us that Clark Schmidt is dealing with a, quote, cranky back.
Peter Rosenberg
According to Aaron Booth, only in baseball.
Alan Hahn
Guys doesn't believe it's significant that he. By the way, Boone also tells us that Schmidt tossed an aggressive, flat ground session today.
Peter Rosenberg
Oh. Oh. Yeah.
Alan Hahn
So cranky back, but aggressive, flat ground session.
Peter Rosenberg
Gotta love the aggressive, flat ground.
Don LaGreca
And this is why if you, if you're, if you're Marcus Stroman, you don't, you don't do what you did.
Alan Hahn
Yeah, that was.
Don LaGreca
Guys are gonna get hurt, man. You're the sixth guy in a rotation where the other five guys can very easily get hurt. And the next thing you know, you're back in the rotation again and everything's fine. And believe me, if he pitches well, he will not leave that rotation. So already we barely, we haven't even played an exhibition game yet. I think the first one's Saturday for the Yankees.
Alan Hahn
Yes.
Don LaGreca
And it's only Wednesday and already they've got a pitcher with a cranky Back. Give baseball credit. You know, the creative ways they say things.
Alan Hahn
You know, his elbow's a little colicky. Creative or just healing. Right. Can you imagine all the different ways you could describe, like, pain or injuries?
Peter Rosenberg
It's. But why only baseball? Why only baseball?
Don LaGreca
Because the other ones don't want to tell you anything. Like hockey, it's upper body, lower body.
Alan Hahn
Lower body. Yeah.
Peter Rosenberg
Just cranking.
Alan Hahn
And basketball, apparently now it's super technical terms like you have to go deep into the medical book to figure out what the hell this means.
Don LaGreca
You know what the problem with baseball is? And I give them credit, I don't know how they do it.
Alan Hahn
We only have an hour. Done. The problem?
Don LaGreca
No, they have to talk every single day. Like, Aaron Boone's got to talk in the morning. He talks in the afternoon. Every day, before games, after games. ESPN and Fox haven't talking during games. Yeah, like, at least football coaches, well, they talk two or three times a week. They talk to the out of town media on Thursday and maybe they have to do a halftime hit, you know, but God, just everybody's got to talk. And spring training lasts forever and everybody's got to talk. So they come up with like a different language, I think, purely to entertain themselves. I think they just said cranky back. Let's come up with different words to entertain me when I got to talk to the answer the Same damn question 100 times a day.
Alan Hahn
Yeah, he's got a crabby shoulder.
Peter Rosenberg
What's worse, the cranky back or the crabby shoulder?
Alan Hahn
You know? Well, I got a colicky knee, right? Doing a lot of whining now.
Don LaGreca
The knee's barky, guys.
Alan Hahn
That's right. It's a barking knee.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, knees bark. That's right.
Alan Hahn
Well, anyway, so that's the whole situation there. Now, into the power rankings we go because Bradford Doolittle, what a name.
Peter Rosenberg
That's always a tough man.
Alan Hahn
That's something, huh? Like, like, like Dudley Do Right is way better. Like, would you rather be a Do Right or do Little?
Peter Rosenberg
The only thing worse would be do nothing, which isn't a name, but little is common.
Alan Hahn
Well, Mikey Montage right now. But anyways, he put up his annual projected win totals for each team and also, like, you know, the power rankings of them. So number one in the league going into the season. I think you can all guess this one.
Don LaGreca
Yes, the team that everybody hates, the new evil Empire in Los Angeles.
Alan Hahn
Right. Their win average through all the permutations they've done and is 101.7. Chance to make the playoffs, 97.2%. Win the championship. 26.9%. They are number one. Hate them or love them or blame them for the all the problems with the league they are spending. They're not shy about it. They have built another empire and they're the team to beat. Number two. You want to take a guess?
Don LaGreca
I would probably say since they went to the World Series last year, would it be the Yankees?
Alan Hahn
No, no. A National League team.
Don LaGreca
All the Braves.
Alan Hahn
Yes. 96.4 win average. 99, 90.9% chance to make the playoffs, champs. 14.2. And so again, they actually have lost some pieces, but they of course still have a ton of talent. And Acuna Jr. And Strider, they still look to be the best. Now again, that's in the Mets division already. The Mets are not the best team in the division. We kind of knew that.
Don LaGreca
Right?
Alan Hahn
But still, what all the Mets did this off season wasn't enough to put them at the very top. Number three. That's where the Yankees reside. So they're the best American League team, at least by all this. 91.2 is their win average in the playoffs. 77.5 champions 10.2%. They lose Soto, as we know. But Max Freed adds pitching. Bellinger, Goldschmidt. Devin Williams gives you a closer. Luke Weaver was actually not bad in that role, but Williams is a real closer. So, you know, I think, Don, I think you're right. The biggest concern is going to be offense and the fact that they still are relying on DJ lemayhue to do something and they love DJ lemahu in that clubhouse and they just all want to see him, just find it again. But the problem is, is you can love a guy, but if he can't hit, he can't hit anymore. So his drop off. Have you ever seen a drop off that dramatic of a player who was one of the best hitters in the sport throughout his career and then suddenly can't hit? It's pretty strong.
Don LaGreca
He's getting older now. He's getting older. And they had a chance to get out of this contract and fans wouldn't let him. We were getting phone calls on the Case show. Remember Peter, give him whatever he wants.
Alan Hahn
Yeah.
Don LaGreca
Because he was the MVP of the team. And this is not. It's a contract that has not aged well. And a lot of Yankee contract extensions under Cashmere have not aged well.
Alan Hahn
There's a history of that.
Don LaGreca
Yeah.
Alan Hahn
Now fourth on the power rankings. That's where the Mets are slightly behind the Yankees and win average at 90 point. 91.0, 76.5% chance to make the playoffs, champions 6.4. So they do. They, they go out and they make the biggest splash of the off season by signing Juan Soto, stealing him from the Yankees. They win the off season. But as we talked about it, guys, I have to ask, are the Mets really as all in on this season as that signing looked or are they more, you know, they brought Alonzo back. We see that Vlad Guerrero is going to be there for them if they want, but that won't be probably either. They either they can trade for at, you know, the deadline. If Toronto realizes they're out of it, they know he's going to walk or they'll wait till the winter, which seems the more likely scenario. But do they really look like a team that's all in to win now or building to it?
Don LaGreca
The only reason they're not is because there's a team better than them in the division because they still are ranked fourth, as you said. Basically the same number of wins as the Yankees.
Alan Hahn
Yeah, just slightly.
Don LaGreca
The Yankees are going to win their division and as a matter of fact, according to this, the, you know, the Yankees are going to win the division and have the best record in the American League. So that's going to give them a better advantage to go farther than the Mets, who are going to have to have another layer of playoffs. And you know, the Phillies are right behind them. The Phillies, I look at five.
Alan Hahn
Right.
Don LaGreca
You know, so what you're saying is the Mets are going to be maybe the first wild card, which is big because that means you're getting all your games at home or maybe drop to the second or third wild card and you have to play on the road. So there's a big difference there. But that's, that's the rub. If, if the Mets were not in the, in the same division as Atlanta, then you would give them the same chance as maybe the Yankees of going far. But unfortunately for the Mets, not only are the Braves in their division, but also the Dodgers are in their league. So of course the Yankees are going to have a better chance to go to the World Series than the Mets because the Mets, according to this, aren't going to win their division and are going to have to get through the Braves and the Dodgers to be able to get to the World Series where the Yankees could have the same kind of path that they had last year where you're playing the, you know, according to this, the Texas Rangers or the Baltimore Orioles, who haven't won a big game yet. To save their life. So that. But so only because of geography are the Mets in the situation that they're in. But they're still good.
Alan Hahn
Yes, they're still good. And yet I don't feel like they're all in on this season. Is that crazy to say? But they're considered the fourth best team in the sport right now. And yet I don't know if they are all in on winning this year or are they all in on. Okay, that's a piece that can help us win in the long term, which was Soto, 25, 26 years old. You know what I mean? Like, it's not like, well, let's sell out for this year. But what else could they pieces.
Don LaGreca
What else could they have done to change it? Like I said, I think it's the general philosophy with the rotation.
Alan Hahn
The pitching is the biggest thing to me that stands out.
Don LaGreca
But they think they obviously Montas and I don't know when this list was put together, whether it was before or after Montas is injury. But you see, you're. You're getting into. See, it's not like basketball and football where there's very little you can do in season. Yeah, there's a trade deadline in basketball, but for the most part you are what you are and you might be able to tinker. The Mets made a significant pivot last year when they. When Iglesias joined the team, it seemed to change everything, you know, so you're judging on how the roster looks Feb. 19.
Alan Hahn
But the Iglesias thing was catching lightning in a bottle, literally. But.
Don LaGreca
But that's kind of baseball, isn't it? Of all right, it's. I remember Steve Young had this best phrase, a different sport, but it's. Same thing applies Steve Young always. Peter, it was before you, but you've heard it many times. We had Steve Young on beginning of some football season and I remember I was at MetLife Stadium getting ready for like a Jets Monday night game or something. And we had Steve Young as a weekly and it was beginning of the year and he's prognosticating the season and he's like, you know what? You know what the difference is between a team winning a championship or not? Is like, who are you not thinking about right now at the beginning of the season that you're buying his jersey at the end of the season? That's the difference. Like Victor Cruz, right? Victor Cruz isn't on your radar. Next thing you know, he's one of the most important pieces to a Super bowl run. Like, so right now you're looking at the Mets. For all we know there's going to be a trade or a call up or somebody we're not even thinking about that ends up raking or pitching better than we ever expected. And that's the difference. So you're saying they're not all in, but you do have now an owner and a forward thinking general manager and president that isn't going to just sit idly by. They were dead in June last year and made the right subtle moves to be able to get off the mat. So at least you know you've got getting back to the football conversation again, that you've got the right minds and the means that if something's not working, they can make a change. So you're looking at the roster one way. I'm looking at it as it can get better and might get better if he needs to be not like under the will ponds where it's like, well, this is it, right?
Alan Hahn
Well, I'm not being critical, Don. I wasn't saying that to be critical. What I was saying is I think a lot of times when you make a move like a Soto that feels like they're going for it kind of move, but instead going for it, meaning. Well, now the expectation is they should win the World Series or be in the World Series. I don't know if that's the, that shouldn't be the expectation of the Mets this year. I think they're building something towards being what the Dodgers are, but I don't think they're there yet. And there's nothing wrong with that.
Peter Rosenberg
I don't know. I don't think Steve, I don't think. I don't think, as the people call him Unki, Steve feels that way. I think he's going to view it as what they did this offseason is going for it.
Don LaGreca
But why does it have to be this year? You didn't sign him to a one year contract. This isn't the Yankees last year that had to win because Soto might walk out the door. They've got this guy for another decade and a half now. I'm not saying I gotta wait 15 years for it, but you know, you hope to be competitive and it's baseball. And as much as I hate the analytical side of it's a crapshoot in the postseason. Not everybody can win.
Peter Rosenberg
Right.
Don LaGreca
There's only one team that could win every year. So I just want to make sure I'm a playoff team. I'm really competitive and I got a shot. But if they end up not going as far as they did last year. Peter, is it an epic fail or it's like, hey, we still have Soto next year, too, and we've got an owner that can expand the payroll and, you know, Alonso's not going anywhere and Lindor's not getting any going anywhere. So I think everybody just. Everybody focuses so much on the now. I want to get to the point where the Yankees are, Allen, where every year I've got a chance to win, not just arbitrarily here, there little flares of maybe this year, maybe that year. So every year I'm good enough that I could be in the conversation, and I can't win every year, but at least give me the chance to go out there.
Alan Hahn
You want to be in it every year and you want to feel legitimately in it every year, and you know you're not going to win it. But at least, you know, every year in October, we're going to be there and we're going to see how this works out. And in one of those years, you're hoping, because again, from the Yankee perspective, I can tell you that being in it every year is great. Until you're in it every year and never win it, then it starts to wear on you.
Don LaGreca
Get to that point, that's when it'll be a failure.
Alan Hahn
You just want to get there.
Unknown
Right?
Alan Hahn
Right.
Don LaGreca
Because the Yankees have gone 15 years without a championship. Right. If at the end of Soto's contract, we see a bunch of playoff appearances and one World Series appearance and Soto drops the ball in inning five of game five, like, that's a different story. Like, I get the Yankees haven't won, but can I get to the point where I'm complaining about not winning instead of complaining about not even sniffing the playoffs?
Alan Hahn
Totally.
Peter Rosenberg
That was nasty work.
Alan Hahn
Yeah, that was very low key, but I got it. I definitely felt that dagger.
Peter Rosenberg
Now it's just like part of the subtlety.
Alan Hahn
Don's be very Canadian today. You could see it, you could feel it.
Don LaGreca
I brought it up in that sense because I'm just trying to show you like the Yankee, because that's where you are now. It's World Series or bust.
Alan Hahn
Like, you want to be frustrated with success.
Don LaGreca
Does that make sense? If you're going to be frustrated? We're changing the frustration level from, God, why can't my team finish above.500? Why can't I have meaningful games in September to, you know, why do we keep losing in the league championship series? Or why how come we haven't gone to the World. I want to be a Yankee fan. I want to be a Steeler fan where going to the playoffs isn't enough. I want to fire Mendoza because he has not won a World Series in the last five years. When do I ever. I've never had that, Al. I never. I never had. Where I want to pin my manager or head coach to the wall because he had the audacity not to win a championship.
Alan Hahn
That is fantastic. Really. It does give me the perspective of fans, like, different levels of different sports. Now this again, I'm not trying to be Yankee boy. This is not like, well, we're just better than you. But it is. We're all on different planes. We really are. Like, think about, like, you're. You. You'd love to be in my misery. And I look at it as misery, right? I do it. It's like 15 years. Like, can we just get one? It's been so long.
Don LaGreca
Right.
Alan Hahn
It's frustrating because my expectation is we're supposed to make it every year. This is what they do. You were like, I'd love to. To feel like I'm supposed to win.
Don LaGreca
Every year, but at least acknowledge the fact, Steeler and Yankee fans, that you do have it pretty good. I mean, you might be miserable and be frustrated, but you're at the party. You could be 90% of sports.
Peter Rosenberg
Right?
Don LaGreca
Cause those are the only two teams I can think of. Right.
Peter Rosenberg
You know what it is?
Don LaGreca
You know what it is?
Peter Rosenberg
The Yankees. The Yankees are the guys who go, oh, man, I hooked up with the hottest girl with school, but I can't believe we only went to second base. The Mets have been living in their parents basement. They've only played video games.
Don LaGreca
They've never talked to them.
Peter Rosenberg
You want to be upset that the model went on a date. You kissed at the end of the night, but you didn't go back to her house.
Don LaGreca
Right? Right.
Alan Hahn
While you're watching Cinemax and scramble. Just hoping to see something in a moment. Scramble.
Don LaGreca
I have an analogy. I got. I just. I just got. I got to get his name because I think you guys are going to follow the. I think you will anyway because I think you're of the right age to appreciate this. But I want to. I want to. I want to get the character's name right. The Yank, the Yankees and the Steelers are Kevin in American Pie.
Peter Rosenberg
Okay.
Don LaGreca
Do you remember Kevin in American Pie?
Alan Hahn
Yeah.
Don LaGreca
He. His. His girlfriend, Jessica. No, not Jessica. The one that went out with Jeremy Shockey.
Peter Rosenberg
The foreign girl in the movie.
Alan Hahn
No, Tara Reid.
Don LaGreca
Tara Reid. Tara Reid's his girlfriend.
Peter Rosenberg
Right.
Don LaGreca
He hasn't hit a home run with her or. And there's. At one point. I'm changing the vernacular so we don't get taken off the air. At one point, he's talking about he's sick of third base.
Alan Hahn
Yeah.
Don LaGreca
He wants a home run already. Everybody else in the movie is like, dude, I died. Just get on first. Right. No, they're.
Peter Rosenberg
They're.
Don LaGreca
This guy's complaining about a triple every night as he has a home run. That's the Steelers and the Yankees. American Pie.
Alan Hahn
That's very good, Don. That is a. That's excellent.
Peter Rosenberg
Well, I mean, hold on, Alan, real quick. He took my analogy and just slapped a movie on it. I just did not tell.
Alan Hahn
No, no, no, no, no. You. You had. You brought it. But now it. Visual. I can visualize that.
Peter Rosenberg
Well, now you're thinking about the pie scene.
Alan Hahn
Well, that's. No, not the pie scene. I'm thinking about the scene he's talking about where it's like he keeps trying to get her to get there, and she's just not ready to get there, and he's frustrated. He's had it.
Peter Rosenberg
That is the Yankee fan.
Alan Hahn
And all those years later, Kevin's got to find out that she. Wait, she dated Jeremy Shockey and Jason.
Don LaGreca
Jason Biggs. He's. He's like the Rams. Like, he stumbled. No, he's like the Texas Rangers, like, stumbled into a championship.
Alan Hahn
He ran into band camp.
Don LaGreca
He's not gonna. He's not. He hadn't won, but he. But he did stumble in to a championship and then went right back into, you know, no two more champions.
Alan Hahn
Knew American Pie was really just a story about sports.
Unknown
But.
Don LaGreca
Yeah, so. So people look at Kevin as an ass. It's like, dude, all right, you haven't hit the home run. It'll happen. But be happy on third. You can't appreciate that. I've told you before, I'd live on third my whole life. I'd give up the home run for third base for life. I'd make that work. Why won't you? I don't need. There's a pressure to perform at home. At third, there's no pressure. It's the same experience without the pressure of being home. I would trade all the home runs for triples. A life of triples for me. I'd be happy. I'd be happy to be the Steelers and the Yankees.
Peter Rosenberg
A Hall of Fame career.
Alan Hahn
I don't know. Are you sure?
Don LaGreca
Oh, never sure of anything more in my life. Just be calling me, man be calling me man because I could play some third.
Unknown
So we're just done with phrasing, right?
Don LaGreca
That's not a thing anymore. Oh man.
Unknown
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Don LaGreca
Thanks.
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Don LaGreca
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Alan Hahn
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Peter Rosenberg
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
Alan Hahn
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. You know we were just talking about crazy injuries and cranky backs and barking knees and everything when it comes to baseball. The Knicks have their injury report out as they will pick up their season starting tomorrow their home against the Chicago Bulls. Now it's the first of a back to back. How about the NBA right out of the All Star break. Gonna give you a back to back and the second game of the back to back. Oh, it's only the Cleveland Cavaliers. You know. No big Deal in Cleveland. In Cleveland. And then Sunday afternoon, one o'clock in Boston. How do you like that? Right out of the get after it.
Peter Rosenberg
Let's play.
Alan Hahn
Why not? So the injury list has OG Anunoby listed as questionable, which that he was listed as questionable for the last couple of games. But he did practice and Tom Thibodeau said that he, he looked, he looked good. Mitchell Robinson also practiced, so he's no longer under any type of restrictions. Hey cleared for full contact, but he's already listed against the Bulls. Is out. Now a third name was added to this list. Josh Hart. Hate it. Josh Hart is listed for tomorrow night as out. He's coming off All Star break. He's has what they're calling patellofemoral syndrome.
Don LaGreca
I, I don't know what that is. Yeah, I know what a patella is, but everything you said after that.
Alan Hahn
Patello femoral.
Don LaGreca
What's a femoral?
Alan Hahn
I'm guessing it has to do with the lower leg and the knee. Patello patella, Mike Fratello syndrome.
Don LaGreca
That's what he's got.
Peter Rosenberg
I love Fratellos.
Alan Hahn
Yeah, Fratello syndrome. That's the one.
Peter Rosenberg
Curly hair, the 80s jufro, the whole line.
Alan Hahn
That's the one you want.
Don LaGreca
Now that you get that, that sounds like maybe something you would have gotten water skiing or on a jet ski, maybe.
Alan Hahn
Like it's, it's actually something that had been affecting because he has had a sore knee throughout the last, I guess, month or so that he's been managing and I'm guessing it just isn't getting better. And it's basically, it's a, it's just a little bit of pain around the front of the knee, around the kneecap. There's the patella part of it. Rest is basically what you have to do here now. It's a first of a back to back. They're playing the Cavs. The Bulls are, are not a team you're really worried about. Are, are, are we just being precautious here and saying we're not going to do a back to back right out of the gate? You're playing Boston in an afternoon game on Sunday. You'd rather have heart in those in a Friday Sunday. Is this sort of like, all right, give him a day and then play? That's what you're hoping that Friday he's in the lineup. I mean, he's a tough guy. He's always told me, if I can walk, I'm going to play. So the fact that he's already listed as out and we're not even, you know, this is. The game's not even tonight, it's tomorrow. It's. It definitely catches your attention.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah. Especially when you're already thinking about other. You're already thinking about Mitch, you're thinking about og, you're thinking about other health concerns.
Alan Hahn
Robinson's not going to play in a back to. Back out of the gate to his first game in over a year. So, you know, I can't imagine you're going to play. You would play him against the Bulls, but if he's practicing and as Tibbs said, you know, he looks good, he just needs to get his timing. Could you see him play Friday against the Cavs? You're going to need him. That's a big lineup. All I'm saying is, is that the heart thing was one that caught my attention, but the more reading you do on it, it's not. Doesn't. Although it sounds really medical. It seems like just, you know, some soreness and that he's got to manage. So.
Don LaGreca
So Sunday's Nick. Sunday's Nick Celtics ABC 1:00.
Peter Rosenberg
What?
Alan Hahn
What was that?
Don LaGreca
Well, no, no, because Sunday you got Rangers Penguins on TNT at 3:30.
Peter Rosenberg
Well, it's, it's a Rosenberg versus New York day.
Don LaGreca
I guess it is perfect. I guess that's better actually, right?
Alan Hahn
Don, you and I really can hate on Peter on Sunday.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, we're getting, we're getting after it here.
Alan Hahn
Double reasons to hate Peter Sunday.
Don LaGreca
But that's a little better because I was thinking because I just had things crossed up for some reason in my head. I had the Rangers being a 12:30 or 1:00 starting like one leads right into the other. No, no, that works out.
Alan Hahn
Anthony, what's the schedule for 880? ESPN on Sunday, then Rangers start on 1050.
Don LaGreca
Oh, I'm so glad you asked.
Alan Hahn
I know you are.
Don LaGreca
Could tell we don't rejoin on 880 for some reason.
Alan Hahn
It's harder.
Don LaGreca
That's harder to do.
Alan Hahn
Yeah.
Don LaGreca
Nick's on 880. 5:30, Knicks Heat, Rangers on 1050.
Alan Hahn
Where are you going there Sunday Celtics.
Peter Rosenberg
Oh, pull it together, Jacob.
Don LaGreca
Yeah, I've got nick.
Alan Hahn
Celtics at 1230 on 880 and on 1050 you will have the entirety of Rangers Penguins. Oh, wow.
Don LaGreca
At 3:00.
Alan Hahn
Okay, 10:50 vehicle.
Don LaGreca
And the thing is that game is not going to start at 3:30 because the first game of the double header on TNT is oilers capitals at one. So that. That ranger penguin like 350.
Alan Hahn
Yeah. Okay, so you never know. Maybe they could just pick it up on 880 if they wanted to.
Don LaGreca
They won't do that. They don't do that. No, I don't. Because he said. I've talked. There's some sort of technical jargon on why we can't do it, but every radio station in the country can. But, you know, things are building sold to certain. Whether it be 880 or 1050. And if the game is scheduled to be on 1050, then they're not billed for 880.
Alan Hahn
See? See, Don, it's all about sales. It's just like the weekend. It's just all about your vendors.
Peter Rosenberg
Don't you. Don't. You just turned Anthony into company explainer. You don't want him to be company. Explain it.
Alan Hahn
No, I don't want him.
Don LaGreca
I want to be. I want to be as transparent as possible on this show.
Alan Hahn
Lift the skirt all the way.
Don LaGreca
I don't want everybody to see everything.
Alan Hahn
All the way up.
Peter Rosenberg
I think you should. It's 2025, Alan, and we should. It's not lifting up the skirt. It's pulling down our pants.
Alan Hahn
It's not. It's not the skirt anymore. Yeah, Skirts anymore.
Peter Rosenberg
We got to show them our stuff.
Alan Hahn
What, does nobody wear skirts anymore? What are we doing over here?
Don LaGreca
Listen, last two segments, we've been two working two.
Peter Rosenberg
Well, Don.
Alan Hahn
Yeah.
Peter Rosenberg
Don't. Let's not say we. Yeah, You.
Don LaGreca
You proud of what I did?
Alan Hahn
The American baseball, man, you know, people.
Don LaGreca
Don'T know what these things. Me?
Alan Hahn
No. That was a work of art. That better have stayed on the air. It was a work of art.
Don LaGreca
What are you dumping?
Alan Hahn
Was great.
Unknown
No, that made.
That made it on there.
Peter Rosenberg
No, 10 seconds in, they started rerunning an old episode of Greeny Show. We weren't even on the air. You were talking to Nobody.
Alan Hahn
Spike and St. Peter. Hey, Spike.
Don LaGreca
Hey, Spike.
Unknown
Hey, boys. The disqualificator doesn't convert on 880. That's the technical term. I used to do that kind of stuff. Okay, here's my problem with the NBA. First time, I. I purposely didn't watch the All Star Game weekend at all. And I used to love Saturday night. Once Nate Robinson missed his 34th attempt at trying to dunk. I quit on that.
Alan Hahn
Yeah, that was tough.
Unknown
Tough, man. I mean, God, he kept going to the front of the line. It was ridiculous. And I loved the kid because his hero was Iverson. He made a game winner in the short corner, if you remember that game. But be it as it made it. Have the Knicks Travel. Have three and hourly wise with that 1 o'clock start is a test of.
Alan Hahn
Right out of the game.
Unknown
I love it.
Alan Hahn
Three and four, three games, four days and one of them is at one o'clock. Beautiful.
Unknown
Yeah, it's, it's a Cavs also have a travel back to back. I'm not worried about the Cavs. Alan, I want to throw this at you because you're the basketball guy. This I thought the Cavs and I love Kenny and I watched him in high school, you know the background. But I thought they were soft and they went out and got the Andre Hunter. So they're no longer that soft. I think G up Lavert is a good trade. You know, they gave up a good guy off the bench who could light it up and he was the best. He was the best player at Michigan with Hardaway and Berkeley. But bottom line is I think there's too many games to overcome. So we're going to wind up playing Boston in the semifinals and that's fine for me. We just need to get three 6 minute shifts out of Mitchell before the 46 minute mark because you can't have them on the floor at the end of the game unless you're up by five possessions, you know. So what do you think about that? Do they bottom off coming off the bench?
Alan Hahn
Yes.
Unknown
And then. Okay. And second half if it's a team because he played really good against the Sixers because he's, he's very strong on the top where Hartenstein, who didn't handle Embiid Hartenstein, you know, it's a big loss. I'm just curious how they're going to come out of the box. And the last thing is it's a long shot this year because it's very tough to miss a step. You know, they missed a step. They didn't advance. OKC missed a step, but they made major improvements. And I'm watching Chad Holmes being baby along. Could you comment on that?
Alan Hahn
Well, I think Spike, with Mitchell Robinson you have to make sure that he doesn't get hurt again. Now it sounds terrible. Like you can't just assume he's going to play 25 minutes a night. I don't think he can do it in the playoffs. Like I think it's all matchups too because a certain matchups he shouldn't be on the court. So there's, you know, that's all. I'm fascinated by how this is all going to play out. This is going to take a while to see how it's going to work. We all know that Towns at the four, he's done it before. They had the number one defense in the league when he was at the four and Rudy Gobert was at the five. But I also want to let everybody know that that starting five the Knicks have with Josh Hart in it and Towns at the five is the highest scoring starting five in the NBA. Most efficient five man unit in the NBA. So you don't want to mess with that either. That's going to be going to be real interesting to see where they go from here. Let's go to Muhammad in Long Island. Mohamed.
Unknown
What's going on guys?
Thanks for taking my call, man. I love the show. I just wanted to agree with you, Don. The Giants need to focus on, like you said, making sure you have the right people in places. The general manager, your coach and things. Because look at, look at, look at Jacksonville. You guys brought up Jacksonville earlier. They got the quarterback that they, you know, of the century that we thought when he came out of college. And what does that amounted to? Not anything. So you know, you got to have the even. Even. We thought Caleb Williams was going to be the best thing smoking. He still might be, but Jaden Daniels walked into a great situation and a great organization. That's what you need to turn the Giants into a great situation, a great organization. Then you can, you know, have the quarterback of your future. Thanks for taking my call there.
Don LaGreca
No, thanks. And it's the same deal in Jacksonville. Like how many regimes now for Lawrence because they just a new general manager, new head coach. Same thing with Caleb. Now he's already on his second coach. You're stunting the growth of these guys. Now maybe Caleb Williams will turn out to be a much better quarterback than Daniels. We'll see. It's one season but clearly the situation in Washington's way better than it is in Chicago. You just. There's a lot of other pieces in.
Peter Rosenberg
Place but I will remind you they, you know, you mentioned it earlier and you were right, Alan. There were a couple of veteran pieces. Most notably though obviously Terry McLaurin.
Alan Hahn
Yep.
Peter Rosenberg
And Brian Robinson, a really nice solid running back. But the biggest thing that they did, and this is to the point guys, of how quick this can happen. And Don, I think this supports your point. It's not about tanking. It's a multitude of things. Adam Peters went out and got all these other little pieces that made it work. I mean you look at that team and what made it good guys on both sides of the ball. Frankie Louvre wasn't there. Bobby Wagner wasn't there. Austin Eckler wasn't there. It's, it's, you can get a lot done.
Alan Hahn
Wagner was a big piece because of obviously his, his pedigree, his leadership quality, like that dude.
Peter Rosenberg
And he ended up having a Pro bowl season. Yeah, like, you know, so you, you really, it's, it's making smart decisions beyond the quarterback.
Alan Hahn
But Peter, that's the point, though. Aren't all those guys a lot easier to get once you have the quarterback, especially when you have one on a rookie?
Peter Rosenberg
Because if they had all those pieces there and they didn't have Jaden Daniels, you would have seen an improved team. But obviously they won't be in the NFC championship game.
Alan Hahn
Right. Like, if Taylor Heinecke is at quarterback, they're not getting to the NFC championship game.
Don LaGreca
No.
Peter Rosenberg
And I love Taylor, but no.
Unknown
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Alan Hahn
Now, let's break it down. My favorite barbecue sauce, American cheese, crispy.
Don LaGreca
Bacon, pickles, onions, and a sesame seed bun, of course. And don't forget the fries and the drinks.
Peter Rosenberg
Sound good?
Unknown
I participate in restaurants for a limited time.
Don LaGreca
This episode is brought to you by Allstate. Some people just know they could save hundreds on car insurance by checking Allstate first. Like you know to check the date of the big game first before you accidentally buy tickets on your 20th wedding anniversary and have to spend the next 20 years of your marriage making up for it. Yeah, checking first is smart. So check Allstate first for a quote that could save you Hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate Savings. Vary terms apply. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois.
Alan Hahn
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Don LaGreca
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
Alan Hahn
Catch the show on demand and whenever you want, just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. One of my favorite songs of all time. Really, Don, are you aware of third base?
Don LaGreca
No, I'm sorry.
Alan Hahn
It's so good. Oh, you got to hear the song. Brooklyn Queens.
Peter Rosenberg
You think. You think it would resonate with them?
Alan Hahn
I don't know. Maybe it's pretty soon. It's. It's so good. But it's like they're. They're kind of like a comedy act because their. Their lyrics are good, but also like a little funny. There's something entertaining about them. They were so good together. Peter, aren't they reuniting?
Peter Rosenberg
You know, they finally made up.
Alan Hahn
Yeah. That's good.
Peter Rosenberg
They just. They just. Now.
Alan Hahn
That's cool.
Peter Rosenberg
Made up after years and years. So you can be it.
Alan Hahn
They're supposed to be touring together, and if they're in New York, I'm definitely.
Don LaGreca
You're gonna go.
Alan Hahn
I want to be nice. Yeah.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah. We'll add this to our list of the old, Old man concerts. We go to Paul Simon at the. We'll go to the Third Base reunion tour.
Don LaGreca
Look at us.
Peter Rosenberg
A couple of hipsters.
Alan Hahn
We're just. Yeah, just make sure we take our.
Peter Rosenberg
Maybe, maybe, maybe see Carole King in the spring.
Don LaGreca
Oh, wow.
Alan Hahn
Carol King.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah. Why not? You know?
Alan Hahn
Oh, is Carole King. Is that so far away? Is that Carole King?
Peter Rosenberg
That's right.
Alan Hahn
Yeah. All right, I got one. Let's. Let's take Richard in Manhattan. Hi, Richard.
Unknown
Hi, Don. Peter Allen. Fellas, does this make sense? The Knicks are off seven days, and they played three games in four days. Does this make sense to you guys?
Alan Hahn
It's the NBA that makes sense to them.
Unknown
No, I didn't ask that, Alan. It doesn't make sense.
Alan Hahn
No, of course it doesn't make sense.
Unknown
Okay, that's all. Okay. Now who has pressure on him? Carlos Mendoza. And I'm going to go back 50 years. Bill Verdon was the manager of the Yankees in 73. 74. He was the manager when George bought the team. He brought the Yankees back to respectability. Bobby Mercer hated him. Verdon switched Mercer to right field, put Elliot Maddox in center. Okay. In 75, the Yankees had the best starting pitcher in baseball, Catfish Hunter. He delivered. They had the Juan Soto of his time. Barry's Father Bobby Barnes, 75. The Yankees were overwhelming favorites to win the American League east and get to the playoffs and the World Series. Some they hadn't done since 64. What happens? Lynn and Rice arrive for Boston at the All Star break. Boston is up by 13 games. George fires Bill Verdon, and that's what. So Mendoza's got the same thing. The Yakimitz signed Alonzo and they signed Soto. Now, fellas, I got one quickie, maybe you guys. I'll hang up, but I want to hear what you guys say. I'll go over the four majors.
Peter Rosenberg
Alan has a question for you, too, Richard.
Unknown
Okay. Oh, good. All right, I'll leave you with this, though. These four go over the four majors. The most impactful rookies in all of the sports. I'll start with hockey. Bobby Orr. Go to football. I got three. Gail Sayers, Lawrence Taylor, Dan Marino. Go to baseball. I go to Johnny Bench. And go to basketball. Tie Lu Alcinder. Then Kareem, of course, Magic Johnson. If any of you. You guys can come up with a guy better. Better than those four or those six that I've mentioned in those four sports. And in college basketball, the greatest freshman ever and never be duplicated. I can tell you that. Carmelo Anthony. Okay, what were you going to ask me, Alan?
Alan Hahn
I'm curious. I have seen this on social media. You're a dentist, correct?
Unknown
Yes.
Alan Hahn
Okay. I have seen this, and I've never. I never knew this before, but apparently there is something that is said that you should. Mouthwash, rinse first, then brush. Because whatever's in the toothpaste, it's better to leave in your mouth and on your teeth than wash it out. Have you ever. Have you ever recommended that?
Unknown
You know what I tell people? Mouthwash, brush, mouthwash, brush again. So this way you got it each way, just keep going back and forth. It's. The more you do, Alan, the more physical stuff you do in your mouth. They're all good. It is.
Alan Hahn
Oh, wow.
Unknown
So floss as much as you can, mouthwash as much as you can, and brush as much as you can. Doesn't matter. In which order? Just keep going.
Alan Hahn
The order doesn't matter. So, all right. So it doesn't matter which one you finish with.
Unknown
No, but do a lot of it. Oh, it doesn't matter. No, it doesn't matter. Doesn't matter.
Alan Hahn
Doesn't matter. That's good.
Unknown
All right, fellas, always a pleasure.
Alan Hahn
Thank you, Richard.
Don LaGreca
Who did he say in the NHL most impactful rookie. Was it?
Alan Hahn
Or Bobby or.
Peter Rosenberg
I'm still Stuck on. You got to be more physical stuff in your mouth. But.
Alan Hahn
Yeah, well, he did say that.
Don LaGreca
Wow. Yeah. Listen. Bobby Orr was, you know. Did win the Calder.
Alan Hahn
Yeah.
Don LaGreca
And he was Ken Dryden the worst.
Alan Hahn
Ken Dryden.
Don LaGreca
No. Timusolani scored 76 goals.
Alan Hahn
That was. That was a lot. He was also 30.
Don LaGreca
I don't know.
Alan Hahn
No, I'm kidding. I'm kidding though. He wasn't. But he's close. The European players were still a new thing to the league. No, you're right about solani. And the 70s is cold. But I mean, he was 22. I'm joking. Dryden won the cup as a rookie before he won the Calder because he came in in the playoffs and won a Stanley cup and then won the Calder as the best goal. As the. As the best rookie in the league. That's. Is there anything more impactful than that?
Don LaGreca
No, it's pretty good.
Alan Hahn
That's pretty.
Don LaGreca
Six goals nothing on the 1973 Yankees and Mendoza having pressure. The Mets aren't favorite to win.
Alan Hahn
Yeah. That was definitely a reach.
Don LaGreca
And Steve Cohen doesn't like fire people. Like he changes his underwear like George did.
Alan Hahn
No, a lot of that's a reach.
Peter Rosenberg
Reach.
Don LaGreca
I think he threw out his shoulder.
Alan Hahn
But I'm still. I'm glad I asked the dentist question. There is another. There are more densest questions we should ask him though.
Don LaGreca
So. So brush, rinse, brush and then rinse again.
Alan Hahn
Yeah. He said, I guess as many times as you can the more physical stuff.
Unknown
You do in your mouth. They're all good. It is. Fellas, I got one quickie.
Alan Hahn
Did I drop the. Oh, wow.
Don LaGreca
You did drop it.
Alan Hahn
Oh, well, I can't help to just verbally reacted.
Peter Rosenberg
This guy's been rolling these days.
Don LaGreca
Oh, wow.
Peter Rosenberg
He's been rolling.
Don LaGreca
You know, that's such a genuine response for.
Alan Hahn
But that's quite a thing to say. You're right. He almost has his own bracket and drop madness. He seriously might have his own. His own region.
Unknown
Cheaper. Cheap burger. Cheap burger. No Coke. Pepsi. I've been riding this subway for 55 years by myself.
Alan Hahn
Just gonna go. I do think Peter's obsessed.
Peter Rosenberg
He's had a big week. Guys. Come on.
Alan Hahn
He looks like a teenage girl. He's gonna have Richard posters in his bedroom. Bedroom.
Peter Rosenberg
Now I'm a richie.
Don LaGreca
Richie.
Alan Hahn
He is such a Richie.
Peter Rosenberg
I love this man. Oh, I. His. His points on sports I don't always care for. But the other things that get everything else.
Don LaGreca
Subways.
Alan Hahn
We need more. We need more dentist questions ready for him though. Because he did. He did give a very interesting answer. So you just never know. You never know. Like I said, at any moment. But no, it wasn't what you wanted, but it was definitely what you needed.
Don LaGreca
Yeah. Ty Butler was next, by the way.
Alan Hahn
Yeah. And that's what this show has been. Ty Butler takes it from here. We'll see you all tomorrow. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, but I just want to know it's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.
Unknown
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Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg - Hour 4: Injury Jargon
Release Date: February 20, 2025
Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Platform: ESPN New York
In this engaging fourth episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, titled "Injury Jargon", the trio delves deep into the nuanced language surrounding sports injuries. Alan Hahn kicks off the discussion by touching upon recent developments in Major League Baseball, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of how injuries impact team dynamics and strategies.
Frankie Montas Out for 6-8 Weeks
At [02:58], Alan Hahn breaks the news about Frankie Montas’s unexpected injury, sidelining him for six to eight weeks. This revelation sparks a detailed analysis of the Mets' pitching roster and their contingency plans.
Jose Quintana and Jose Iglesias Status
Hahn discusses Jose Quintana's interest in rejoining the Mets, highlighting [02:58] Quintana's availability and the team's current needs. Additionally, Jose Iglesias expresses his desire to return to the Mets, presenting another option for the team's rotation ([03:00]).
Pitching Philosophy Under Stearns
Don LaGreca provides insight into the Mets' cautious approach to building their rotation. [03:28], Don praises GM Stearns for avoiding long-term investments in pitchers prone to injuries, opting instead for short-term contracts that offer flexibility and mitigate risk. This strategy includes potential acquisitions like Kyle Kintzian and emphasizes maintaining a balance to prevent overloading the rotation if Montas returns early.
Notable Quote:
Don LaGreca at [03:28]: “They're very careful... they have the flexibility to pivot now.”
Clark Schmidt’s Cranky Back
The conversation shifts to the Yankees, with Alan Hahn informing listeners about Clark Schmidt dealing with a "cranky back" ([05:23]). This leads to a humorous yet insightful discussion on the Yankees' pitching strategies and the potential implications of Schmidt's limited availability.
Managing Rotations and Player Health
Don and Alan debate the Yankees' rotation management, stressing the importance of keeping key pitchers like Senga healthy while balancing the bullpen needs. Don emphasizes the necessity of not overcommitting to trades too early, especially with Montas's injury looming ([04:34]).
Notable Quote:
Don LaGreca at [04:35]: “Monta is injured... which they're going to go to bubble wrap and not worry about.”
The hosts humorously dissect the often convoluted language used by sports media to describe injuries. Terms like "cranky back" and "colicky knee" are mocked for their vague yet entertaining nature.
Notable Quotes:
The discussion highlights how such jargon can both confuse and amuse fans, adding an extra layer of intrigue to injury reports.
Top Teams Overview
Alan Hahn introduces power rankings compiled by Mikey Montage, revealing the Los Angeles team's dominance with a [08:38] win average of 101.7 and a 97.2% chance to make the playoffs. The Braves follow closely at number two with a 96.4 win average ([09:13]), while the Yankees and Mets sit at numbers three and four respectively.
Mets vs. Yankees Dynamics
Don and Alan discuss the Mets' recent acquisition of Juan Soto, pondering whether this move signifies a full commitment to winning now or is part of a longer-term strategy ([11:05]). They debate whether the Mets are truly "all in" for the current season or if they're building towards future success.
Notable Quote:
Don LaGreca at [09:13]: “They have built another empire and they're the team to beat.”
Shifting to basketball, the hosts discuss the Knicks' injury report, highlighting OG Anunoby’s questionable status and Josh Hart’s patellofemoral syndrome ([27:10]). The conversation underscores the challenges teams face with back-to-back game schedules and managing player health to maintain competitive performance.
Notable Quote:
Alan Hahn at [28:05]: “He has a sore knee throughout the last, I guess, month....”
Caller Richard’s Insights
In an interactive segment, caller Richard shares his thoughts on NFL team management, specifically criticizing the Giants and drawing parallels to the Jacksonville Jaguars' struggles ([36:28]). Don and Peter respond by emphasizing the importance of stable leadership and smart roster decisions, reinforcing the episode’s central theme of strategic planning amidst injuries.
American Pie Analogy
Don LaGreca introduces a humorous analogy comparing Yankees and Steelers fans to characters from the movie American Pie ([21:03]), illustrating the intense pressure fans feel to see their teams succeed despite repeated setbacks.
Notable Quote:
Don LaGreca at [22:27]: “I would make that work. Why won't you? I don't need.”
As the episode nears its end, the hosts reflect on the broader implications of injuries on team success. They emphasize the delicate balance teams must maintain between immediate competitiveness and long-term sustainability, especially in leagues as physically demanding as baseball and basketball.
Notable Quote:
Don LaGreca at [17:39]: “But if they end up not going as far as they did last year...”
Wrapping up, the hosts share light-hearted banter about upcoming concerts and future episodes, maintaining the show's signature blend of humor and sports analysis. They reiterate the importance of understanding injury jargon to better appreciate the complexities of team management and player health.
Notable Quote:
Don LaGreca at [42:07]: “You never know the most impactful rookies in all of the sports.”
Key Takeaways:
Injury Management: Teams like the Mets and Yankees are employing strategic approaches to manage player injuries, balancing immediate needs with long-term goals.
Media Language: The often confusing injury jargon used by media can both entertain and mislead fans, highlighting the importance of clear communication.
Power Rankings Insight: Understanding team power rankings provides context to current performances and future expectations, emphasizing the dynamic nature of sports standings.
Fan Perspective: The discussion underscores the emotional and psychological impact injuries and team performance have on fans, shaping their experience and expectations.
Notable Quotes:
Don LaGreca:
Alan Hahn:
Peter Rosenberg:
This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offers a comprehensive exploration of injury terminology and its profound effects on team strategy and fan perception. Through insightful analysis and witty banter, the hosts provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between player health and sports performance.