Hour 4: Ippei, Simmons, Alonso

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: Ippei, Simmons, Alonso
Release Date: February 7, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg

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1. Introduction and Recent News

In the fourth hour of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg dive into a variety of sports-related topics, ranging from high-profile athlete contracts to upcoming live shows. The discussion kicks off with breaking news in the sports world.

2. Epi Mutsuhara Sentencing

[00:43] Peter Rosenberg:
"Epi Mutsuhara has been sentenced Thursday to nearly five years in prison for stealing $17 million from S.H. Ohtani to replay gambling debts."

[00:56] Alan Hahn:
"Five years. Is that he's going to go to prison for this five years?"

[00:57] Peter Rosenberg:
"Yeah."

The hosts express their disbelief and concern over the severity of the sentencing, questioning how Mutsuhara will fulfill such substantial restitution payments.

3. Speculation on a Movie Adaptation

The conversation shifts to the potential of turning the Mutsuhara case into a compelling movie.

[01:17] Peter Rosenberg:
"I think it's only really... I think a movie if we do find out that Shohei was more involved than was let on."

[05:00] Alan Hahn:
"Can I suggest different... We could play games that involve the Super Bowl."

The hosts brainstorm creative ideas, blending true crime elements with sports drama, highlighting the intersection of entertainment and real-life scandals.

4. Upcoming Live Show at Tap Room

[02:53] Peter Rosenberg:
"We have an extra microphone that you will be able to use to talk to us whenever it's time for us to go to calls."

The team announces their upcoming live show at the Tap Room in Rockville Center, emphasizing audience participation and interactive segments. They encourage listeners to attend in person to engage directly with the hosts.

5. Discussion on Live Show Format

[03:15] Alan Hahn:
"That doesn't make it entertaining for the... People that showed up. We can always do a great show that you're going to want to listen to."

The hosts debate the balance between live interaction and maintaining an engaging program, particularly during events like the Super Bowl where entertainment value is paramount.

6. Super Bowl Show Segments

[05:00] Alan Hahn:
"Can I suggest something? We could do all kinds of stuff that involve talking about it, but are also a little bit more entertaining and fun."

Ideas for incorporating interactive games and trivia related to the Super Bowl are discussed, aiming to enhance listener engagement and entertainment.

7. Listener Engagement and Call-In Topic: Lakers

[11:04] Alan Hahn:
"Let's get to some calls. Griffin in Connecticut's been wanting to talk about the Lakers all day."

Listener Griffin from Connecticut shares his concerns about the Lakers' guard depth and the team's overall strategy.

[11:35] Alan Hahn:
"Have is, is they don't have that many guards."

8. Listener Call: Mets Concerns and Ben Simmons

[24:53] Peter Rosenberg:
"Sources tell me Ben Simmons, the three-time All-Star and the Brooklyn Nets, are working on a potential contract buyout."

Discussion revolves around Ben Simmons' future in the NBA, his apparent lack of enthusiasm for the game, and how his buyout could impact the Brooklyn Nets' rebuild.

[25:33] Don La Greca:
"It's like... he's just a warm body. It's a weird. It's a very weird thing."

The hosts speculate on the underlying issues affecting Simmons' performance and commitment.

9. Discussion on Mets' Strategy and Pete Alonso

[31:40] Alan Hahn:
"As a Mets fan, do you feel better about this team with him on it now versus still waiting to figure out who's going to play first base?"

Peter Rosenberg shares his optimism about Pete Alonso's role with the Mets, highlighting the benefits of Alonso's performance and the team's offensive prospects.

[33:19] Alan Hahn:
"The issue with them was their bullpen, right?"

The conversation shifts to the Mets' bullpen stability and overall team dynamics, acknowledging the areas that need improvement despite recent successes.

10. Listener Call: Mets' Alonzo Contract and Anthem Discussion

[35:53] Alan Hahn:
"So here's K breaking it down."

A listener named Dave from Port Chester discusses the Mets' agreement with Pete Alonso and the implications of his contract on team dynamics.

[36:16] Don La Greca:
"If he's on the team, you keep running with."

The hosts humorously debate whether to retire Pete Alonso's anthem if he leaves the Mets, emphasizing the cultural impact of the player's association with the team.

11. Listener Calls: Bringing Action Bronson

[40:13] Alan Hahn:
"Wanted to get your thoughts on if you'd ever thought about bringing Action Bronson on as a special guest."

A listener suggests bringing rapper and sports enthusiast Action Bronson to the show, leading to a discussion about his potential fit with the hosts.

[41:20] Don La Greca:
"He has a permanent subscription to MSG at this point."

The idea is met with enthusiasm, highlighting Action Bronson's dedication to sports, especially his frequent presence at Knicks games.

12. Listener Call: St. John's Basketball and NCAA Tournament

[42:01] Peter Rosenberg:
"So, as a St. John's fan, I'm pumped right now."

A listener named Andrew discusses his excitement for St. John's basketball team in the NCAA tournament, praising their defensive prowess and potential to make a significant impact.

[43:31] Peter Rosenberg:
"So listen, they've got an owner that's got money. They've got, they've Got a president of baseball operations that seems to know what he's doing."

The hosts analyze St. John's strategies, drawing parallels with professional team management and emphasizing the importance of strong leadership in collegiate sports.

13. Concluding Remarks and Promotion for Live Show

[45:12] Alan Hahn:
"Tomorrow will be awesome. We'll be at the Tap Room, Rockville Center."

The episode wraps up with a reminder about the upcoming live show, encouraging listeners to attend and participate in person for a more interactive experience.

[47:00] Don La Greca:
"Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts."

Final promotional remarks highlight the availability of the podcast on various platforms, ensuring listeners can tune in at their convenience.

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Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg [00:43]:
  "Epi Mutsuhara has been sentenced Thursday to nearly five years in prison for stealing $17 million from S.H. Ohtani to replay gambling debts."

• Alan Hahn [05:00]:
  "Can I suggest something? We could do all kinds of stuff that involve talking about it, but are also a little bit more entertaining and fun."

• Don La Greca [16:13]:
  "Is there any world, Alan, in the world? The Celtics. I don't know how the money would work, but the Celtics now have a roster spot."

• Peter Rosenberg [24:53]:
  "Sources tell me Ben Simmons, the three-time All-Star and the Brooklyn Nets, are working on a potential contract buyout."

• Peter Rosenberg [33:19]:
  "The issue with them was their bullpen, right?"

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Conclusion:

In Hour 4: Ippei, Simmons, Alonso, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg provide an engaging mix of current sports news, in-depth analysis, and interactive discussions with listeners. From high-stakes NBA contract negotiations to the strategic moves of MLB teams, the hosts offer valuable insights while maintaining a lively and entertaining atmosphere. The episode underscores their commitment to delivering comprehensive sports coverage, both on-air and through live events like their upcoming show at the Tap Room in Rockville Center.

Transcript

[Don La Greca]

Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't know if you knew this.

[Don La Greca]

But anyone can get the same Premium Wireless for $15 a month plan that I've been enjoying.

[Alan Hahn]

It's not just for celebrities. So do like I did and have.

[Peter Rosenberg]

One of your assistant's assistants switch you.

[Don La Greca]

To Mint Mobile today. I'm told it's super easy to [e-mail].

[Alan Hahn]

Switch upfront payment of $45 for 3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month Required intro rate first 3 months only then full price plan options available. Taxes and fees extra fee full [e-mail] this Don Han at Rosenberg podcast that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sounds like heaven to me.

[Alan Hahn]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Epi Mutsuhara has been sentenced Thursday who nearly five years in prison for stealing $17 million from S.H. otani right to replay gambling debts.

[Alan Hahn]

Five years. Is that he's going to go to prison for this five years?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Is how's he paying the fines by the way?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't see how you do that.

[Alan Hahn]

I mean they with with his asking show it for a little can you spare time. This is an humble isn't it Such an unbelievable story. Should this be a movie?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think so.

[Alan Hahn]

Isn't there so much about this that almost feels compelling enough that you'd want to see a movie based on the facts of the story?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think it's only really I think a movie if we do find out that show was more involved than was let on.

[Alan Hahn]

Shadowy Shohei.

[Don La Greca]

What if we find he's got to.

[Alan Hahn]

Pay nearly $17 million in restitution to Ohtani and 1.1 million to the IRS? Again how.

[Don La Greca]

What if we find out that Shohei's guy his other best friend is a major league baseball umpire who he shares he's. He's tied to everyone that see that's the movie.

[Alan Hahn]

There you go. Now we're storyboard.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Think about this for a minute. Let's you know it's a movie. We'll take poetic license. We will make it so. Oh yeah, we'll make the movie and just attach the two right.

[Alan Hahn]

Fiction based on fact based on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Based on a true story based on.

[Alan Hahn]

A true story is how we get away with it. Wouldn't that be amazing? It's like almost like the kicker at the end of the movie he gets five years. He's got to pay $17 million restitution and then all of a sudden it's like we just cut to an ESPN report fake espn. And it's like this report about an umpire who got in trouble, who's fired now for sharing an account. And who do you share the account with? This guy. Tremendous. See, that's a movie already. There's one. We got one movie in the books. Love it. So, yes, as Peter did mention, don't forget, we will be at the Tap Room, Rockville center tomorrow. No calls tomorrow. No call crew tomorrow.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's right.

[Alan Hahn]

Instead, those who show up will be the ones who have the opportunity to talk to us on the air. We have an extra microphone that you will be able to use to talk to us whenever it's time for us to go to calls. Instead, we'll go to whoever wants to talk.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now, we're not trying to tell you that it's not listenable if you're not there. It's very listenable if you can't make it. We're just saying, like, sit there and taking phone calls.

[Alan Hahn]

That doesn't make it entertaining for the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

People that showed up. We can always do a great show that you're going to want to listen to. But if you got a question, you really want to be involved in the show other than being a listening voyeur, then get your fanny over to the Tap Room in Rock Hill center and hang out with us.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Don La Greca]

Also, I'll be honest, because we like to talk these things through. And I've been expressing this to Don for years. I've been expressing this in meetings for years. I'm not saying we won't. We shouldn't have segments where we, where we break things down like a normal sports talk show. And Alan, you and I haven't even discussed this so you could tell me you think I'm all wrong. But I think I know you well enough to think that you're going to agree. I'm of the belief that when you do a live show, like, even though obviously your bigger audience on the radio, you made a decision to do the live show, you have to have an entertaining live show. You can't get there and then pull out your binders and start breaking down baseball. We got to put on a show tomorrow.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But, but I think the super bowl show, you can do both because we're there because of the Super Bowl. It's not a 20 day show or a holiday show where it's like, listen, what we're talking about is nonsense. People are just here to celebrate the holidays.

[Don La Greca]

But Don, is there anything worse? Is there anything worse than a beach bash break in which it's 4:45 people are starting to melt, and we start talking about if we're happy with the Yankees bullpen. Like, that's just. To me, that's not what you want to do.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't want to. I don't want to be that guy. But it's the Super Bowl. Like, it does seem like the breakdown last night, you know? You know, game.

[Don La Greca]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Game. 100 of 162.

[Alan Hahn]

Can I just.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Is the Super Bowl. I think we could do an entertaining show around the Super Bowl.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes. Can I suggest different. Can I suggest something? We could play games that involve the Super Bowl.

[Don La Greca]

I love what you're saying.

[Alan Hahn]

We could. We could do. We could do all kinds of stuff. Like, it's. There's a lot of things you can do that involve talking about it, but are also a little bit more entertaining and fun.

[Don La Greca]

You hear what I'm saying?

[Alan Hahn]

And I mean, Don, you love trivia.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I loved. Now you're talking. Give me. Give it to me.

[Alan Hahn]

Give it to me. I think what Anthony and I might. Might have to do tomorrow is discuss, you know, some trivia that we can throw out. And we could do like a Don versus where we get somebody in the crowd who thinks they're a football expert, and we throw out trivia and Don versus, and we'll see how many wins in a row Don can get or how many wins.

[Don La Greca]

What about this? What about. What about this? What about this? What if you make it almost like playing pickup on the basketball court and. No. And the winner stays on.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

So, like, if, like, maybe I knock out Don somehow. They. I happen to get a Timmy Smith question. I take Don out on the first thing. Wow. Then. Then the next guy jumps on, he takes me out, and all of a sudden you get almost a king of the court situation. You see what I'm saying?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. How much do you know? How good are you? But now here's the other problem. Pinhead suit needs to know we got to have prizes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, boy.

[Don La Greca]

We might have.

[Peter Rosenberg]

How about the prize of just, you know, here's a pitcher of beer for your table. All right.

[Alan Hahn]

How about this?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Here's 20 wings.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, okay, we can do that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What's wrong with that? We all. We all have a nice living like Venmo.

[Alan Hahn]

That's fine.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, just. Hey, all right. For a pitcher of beer.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, I love this.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, for. For 20 wings.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. Speaking of pitcher of beer.

[Don La Greca]

Go ahead.

[Alan Hahn]

Do we. By the end of the show, do we do, like, everybody with. Let's all chug just at one time, all of Us, we all have a. We just chug. Full chug.

[Don La Greca]

I've never been a beer chugger. I'd rather be a shot taker than a beer chugger.

[Alan Hahn]

I mean, it's called tap room. You know, I don't.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Listen, I'm not. I. I would not waste a old Fashioned on a chug.

[Alan Hahn]

That's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's a. That's a drink that.

[Alan Hahn]

You know what I mean?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Savor.

[Don La Greca]

No, you know, that's not what you do, Don. You take a shot.

[Alan Hahn]

That's why you get like some old Milwaukee. Throw it into a pint. We just go, all of us together, the whole crew, everybody that's there with us before the show ends. Last segment. Because we're not allowed to drink on the air, but we can.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't know if that's true.

[Alan Hahn]

I was told we're not.

[Peter Rosenberg]

If we. If we stay on sponsor. Although you can get intoxicated on the. I think you can.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, do. Not exactly.

[Don La Greca]

We're told this. The John Witherup has written and said we can do food, not alcohol.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, well, from a giveaway standpoint, that I understand.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, but you're saying.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think we can ch. No. Yeah, right. We probably can't give away, by the way.

[Don La Greca]

No, no, we can. Listen, Pat McAfee went to Europe and literally got wasted.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I think they. I think they gave him a million dollars.

[Don La Greca]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

They paid another million.

[Don La Greca]

So if we decide to have a chugging contest, the three of us tomorrow, like gentlemen, we could do it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What if I did. What if I did, like, an anchorman? Like, what if I gave you $20 out of my wallet and they could do whatever they want? I like that, but no. Okay. We could do that for a plate of nachos.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

For 20 wings. Okay, then maybe the grand prize can be, you know, you know, a steak sandwich or something.

[Alan Hahn]

No, I like this. Okay. It's a first step. I mean, from. From here on in, we'll get into the mud wrestling. We'll add that at one point when we get to, like, other events. See, I think the beach bash is missing something.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh.

[Alan Hahn]

And I feel like it's like, you know, either mud wrestling or beach volleyball. Something a little extra that we got to bring to the table along with the band.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And, of course, Connor Sully says, because Dave's going to be there. What about a Don versus Dave trivia?

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, my God. That has to happen, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, you know, we see how tough guy does when he doesn't have his nose in a computer.

[Don La Greca]

Well, by the way remember this hopefully happening. But you remember we did. We did something similar at the beach bash last year. Dave got very upset because he didn't win.

[Alan Hahn]

I remember.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I over celebrated. I climbed a bus.

[Alan Hahn]

There's no over celebrating. You're allowed to celebrate Celion. I say you want.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is all going to happen. But no, he. John makes a good point. We can't be giving away alcohol.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, not giving. We are buying it.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, that would.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, but I don't think you're gonna. It's not. It's not.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, he doesn't need to know. He doesn't.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, he's gonna be there. Are you kidding?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, he doesn't have to know. Who's gonna tell him? Yeah, we're getting them wings. Mm. I don't know how that pint got to his table.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We huddle up before every show and we go, 1, 2, 3. Let's be good. Yeah. There is a little bit of we just don't want to be great.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, we're gonna take it to a new level because that's what John was.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Trying to say is. Listen, what are we?

[Alan Hahn]

Are we. Hang on a sec. Are we rules? Is that who we are? Rules followers?

[Peter Rosenberg]

So you're telling me that if I just decided out of it, what are.

[Alan Hahn]

They going to do? We just started. They're going to blow the show up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Would they tackle me?

[Alan Hahn]

That's what I'm saying.

[Peter Rosenberg]

FCC come with their van, like pump up the volume and drag me away.

[Don La Greca]

No, I think we'd be fine.

[Alan Hahn]

I think it would make a great headline too. If they're dragging us out and we're still in the air and they're just taking us to jail or whatever it is at Radio Jail. What a great story. That.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Wait, what's.

[Don La Greca]

What's Radio Jam?

[Alan Hahn]

I don't know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You can make the case. This place was Radio Jail for a while.

[Don La Greca]

It depends at the time. Yeah, I know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Depending on what era I wrote here.

[Alan Hahn]

Certainly not this era. As I said from the very beginning of this show, my role here is to liberate both of you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thank you.

[Alan Hahn]

That has been my role. That's what I want to do. And this is our first opportunity to do it. And I just feel like, you know, I know we can't get to 100 right away. We probably got it just in increments. But tomorrow's a big day.

[Don La Greca]

I.

[Alan Hahn]

Tomorrow's a big spot.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I climbed the bus.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, I, I, I totally agree with you. And I, I think this segment right here is going to Lead to people going, you know, I was thinking about it, but I'm kind of busy. I'm going. I'm going.

[Alan Hahn]

How do you not go?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Somebody might get fired tomorrow. Somebody might be escorted out.

[Alan Hahn]

Even better.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You want to be there for that?

[Alan Hahn]

800-919-3776. Let's get to some calls. Griffin in Connecticut's been wanting to talk about the Lakers all day. Griffin, hello.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hey, guys, how are you?

[Alan Hahn]

Good. Alan, I have a question for you. I almost feel like everybody is high in the Lakers and the adding that they did. There's just a problem I have with some of the. Some of the extra. Some of the outings that they did.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The one weakness that I think they.

[Alan Hahn]

Have is, is they don't have that many guards.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're really, they're really. The only guards that they have is.

[Alan Hahn]

Milton Luca and Austin Reeves and Gabe Vincent. Well, they have Gabe Vincent. Well, you just worry about just. You just named four. How many do you need, really, in a rotation?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know, just maybe it's me.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm just wondering when they get to the bench. I. That is the bench. You just named four. So you can only start two of them. And remember, LeBron's also, like, pretty much a pseudo guard, too, right? Like, he. He's a playmaker. You play through him as well. Griffin, I gotta be honest with you, my concern with the Lakers is really not about that. My concern is the size issues. Now, they did, they, they. They got Mark Williams, right? And, and he's a good young center, but the guy is never available, so you gotta worry about that. He has no experience, and you're gonna ask him to now suddenly be part of a team that's gonna make a.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Run and doesn't have experience either?

[Alan Hahn]

No. And so they've got. To me, the Lakers aren't about this year. They're going to be interesting because of Luca and how it looks, and he and LeBron, they're going to be interesting, but I don't look at them as a serious threat as much as I'm curious to see. Okay, Rob Polinka, what more are you going to do this offseason? And as I mentioned earlier, Kevin Durant is going to be moved by the Suns. He's going somewhere. Now, the Lakers can't get him because they gave away everything. They have no assets left to trade. Nothing. So he can't go there. He doesn't want to go to Golden State. Where's he going to go? Because wherever he goes, that team is going to now take a Step. Because he's so great.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what I'm wondering. With us getting rid of Jimmy Butler.

[Alan Hahn]

Now and having the cap space really could. Do you think there's a possibility? We were thinking about this year, but then it was too much and we went after Wiggins. Could we end up going after Durant next year? When you say we, you're not being French, you're talking about the Heat.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yep.

[Alan Hahn]

Kevin Durant would love to play in South Beach. Would he love to play in Heat culture? That's a. That's an interesting question. I think Miami's getting ready to make a move for something else, and that's something else. Griffin, hold on to your hat. Could be Giannis just saying. Just throwing it out there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Wow.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. Anybody that thinks Giannis is, like, dug in in Milwaukee, you're not paying attention.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, he's not.

[Alan Hahn]

And if you think about a guy who's perfect for what they want, which is incredible, like, you know, a guy who's just an incredible shape, can play all game long, never gets tired, great defensive player, you know, all the stuff that you want to build around, like, that's perfect because for Giannis, la's out, Big market, New York's out. Unless he wants to go to the Nets, which I don't know. I think Miami is, for him, the perfect destination. And Miami might be setting themselves up to be available to make that kind of a push. Keep that in mind. But that, you know, like I said, just put that aside. See what. See what marinates.

[Don La Greca]

Is there any world, Alan, in the world? The Celtics. I don't know how the money would work, but the Celtics now have a roster spot. Any chance we can save Marcus Smart from Siberia?

[Alan Hahn]

I'm curious to see what happens with him. Do they buy him out like I did? I was supposed to do during one of the breaks is see his contract, because I can't imagine he's at the end of his deal yet. Standby.

[Don La Greca]

I know it would be a bit. I don't know if. I think it might be prohibitive and they might not be able to do it, but I just wonder whether now.

[Alan Hahn]

Marcus has another year, so they're not going to buy him out. He still has another year. 21 million left, I think. I think what. Why they got him was maybe in the off season they could use him. He's only 30 years old. He just gets hurt a lot now.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, it kind of. It kind of turned for him a bit.

[Alan Hahn]

I absolutely love him, man. I'm telling you, I love him.

[Don La Greca]

Well, I mean, dude, he was. I named my first single off my album after him. I adore the man. And I felt so bad that, like, listen, I, I was just. I was talking with a Celtics fan during one of our breaks and he said, well, I don't know if I'd give him minutes over Pritchard or Hauser.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. Where's he going to play?

[Don La Greca]

I mean, listen, I wouldn't. My hunch is he ends up on that team, they end up finding valuable minutes for him.

[Alan Hahn]

He.

[Don La Greca]

He is that kind of guy. And he, he, he brings more than the stat sheet.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know.

[Don La Greca]

You know what he brings so many other intangibles. And this is a team who might need a little bit of a wake up. Let's see where they're at. He might be the kind of spark that this team needs.

[Alan Hahn]

Remember though, when they moved him, it did change the leadership structure of that team.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, yeah. He'd have a new role.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. He'd have to know he can't be the guy he was before.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, that is a tough thing. You can't come back being like, it's my team again.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now.

[Don La Greca]

Which is tough.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Peter said he was talking to a Celtic fan the other day. If that had been Alan Hahn, he would have said, I was talking to Mark Wahlberg the other day.

[Alan Hahn]

Actually, Donnie's the guy I talked to, but.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, no, Donnie, he's the hardcore fan. Donnie's the one who's at the games every week.

[Alan Hahn]

So that's Donnie and. Well, of course, New kids on the block. I've told you guys that story.

[Don La Greca]

Wait, no, no.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, no, there's a.

[Don La Greca]

There's a new kid story.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, yeah?

[Don La Greca]

What's the story?

[Alan Hahn]

That's for another day. James in la. What's up, James?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hey, boys. I cannot wait until Eli Manning gets in as a first ballot hall of Famer today because it's well deserved. I spent seven years in San Diego during the Rivers Eli days, and I've spent more time than most screaming and yelling at bars defending Eli Manning and the things that you guys have said. And so PAL has touched on about the supporting cast around him on offense. 100% agree with it. Eli made everyone around him better. Name a wide receiver or a tight end that left the Giants and was better without you. Talking about, like the Bear Pasco's, the Kevin Bosses, the Mario Manninghams, the Hakeem Nicks groups that went elsewhere. Steve Smith, I know he got injured, but Eli made people around him much better. Not even to mention the fact that he has the most fourth quarter touchdowns of any quarterback in one single season and the most postseason yards in one given post. He is in also. So he's definitely a Hall of Famer. You're preaching to the choir. I get irritated. Well, if you take away the Super Bowls, he was an average court. Really an average quarterback does not throw for 5,000 yards. An average quarterback does not play in 216 consecutive games. His probably his best wide receiver. It's probably a draw. I love Hakeem Naggs, I love Steve Smith. But it's probably Plexico or Amani Tumor. Those are the two. Neither of them are going to touch the hall of Fame running backs. You know, Tiki for a little while, maybe borderline hall of Famer, but he was gone by, you know, the Super Bowl. I mean, it's hard to win a Super bowl and be the only hall of Famer outside of the stray hand on the defensive side of the ball in the first one. And maybe Tom Coughlin, who I think I honestly, I might fight for Tom more than Eli. I think the fact we're waiting on Tom as long as we are is ridiculous.

[Don La Greca]

Don't you?

[Alan Hahn]

I am surprised. Two time super bowl winning head coach and all the years that he coached and then like you mentioned as well, like he had gotten to a championship game as well.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Two, I think in Jacksonville.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And you know, obviously was. And also was the wide receivers coach when they won the Super bowl in 1990 with the Giants. He did a great job with Boston College because it is, you know, it's a Pro Football hall of Fame, so that doesn't count. But when you look at, when you look at his resume, it's so weird with coaches.

[Don La Greca]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And general managers. How long it took George Young, I don't know. It's so difficult that the, the procedures that they go through, how you got it, who's going to sit there at a table and I got to convince people that Tom Coughlin is a Hall of Famer. Where you been?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. What would be the argument against 40.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Of the games on the radio?

[Alan Hahn]

The argument against, to me is the hardest one to make. Make taxact knows filing your taxes can be complicated. And that's why we have live experts to help you with any questions. They can hold your hand through the process, beginning to end, metaphorically, of course. I mean, they can't actually hold your hand in person.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I suppose you could hold your computer.

[Alan Hahn]

Mouse while you chat with the expert about capital gains or whatever, which is sort of like holding hands. Sorry. Point is Our tax experts can make filing easier. Tax act let's get them over with.

[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Alan Hahn]

Listening to the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don La Greca]

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.

[Don La Greca]

See, that's it.

[Alan Hahn]

That's Marcus Smart. I like this.

[Don La Greca]

Actually, I. I just. I put it out four years ago. Like a week ago.

[Alan Hahn]

Four years ago. A week ago. Four years ago we go the anniversary of. Really?

[Peter Rosenberg]

That long?

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, man, it was.

[Alan Hahn]

He's been traded twice since then.

[Don La Greca]

I know. And I. It was the same week, Don. I. It was the same week I won the 247 championship. It was all four years ago. That was a good week. I've had a few good. Yeah, I've had a few good weeks. So. I've had some tough years, but a few good weeks.

[Alan Hahn]

But you've had some good. You've had some good weeks though. Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

All you got to do is start stacking together the good weeks.

[Alan Hahn]

That's all that matters.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Nothing like three weeks ago though.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, I mean that was like, that was literally like you dream about game time.

[Alan Hahn]

Everybody is Brought to you by Telemardu Irish Whiskey because when it's game time, boys, what is it? It's telly time. Absolutely. Only one local in action tonight. You got Devil's Golden Knights at seven, Don. Right. A little Golden Knights have come into New York and I think they're right. They're 0 and 2 so far.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. So you wonder can will it go oh and three again? You know this is a really good team. This is a cup contending team. So does that mean you bet the the Golden Knights to get off the Schneider? I think they're at minus 115. So it's not a great bet. They can't win three, can they?

[Alan Hahn]

No. We'll see. So Devils tonight against the Golden Knights at seven game time brought to our Telemore Dew, the original triple distilled, triple blended triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew honey during tonight's action. Glasses up, do enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly and enjoy it with us tomorrow among other things at the Tap Room in Rockville center. We'll be there 3:00, 7:00 with you. Interesting story when it comes to the NBA buyout market which is the thing that comes after the trade deadline. Right. Like to the deadline passes. Then there's teams that have veterans who are in expiring contracts. They couldn't move them so they buy them out and they become free agents. And teams have, you can sign them if you have a roster spot open. And I believe if they're signed before I want to say March 1st, you're eligible to be on the the playoff roster. So this becomes like a little bit of a mini free agency. And it's amazing how some players who aren't that big of a deal become a huge deal for a team to want to bring them in. So Shams was on NBA Today the show and talked about one very interesting name from the Brooklyn Nets that could suddenly become a commodity on the buyout market.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sources tell me Ben Simmons, the three.

[Alan Hahn]

Time all star and the Brooklyn Nets.

[Don La Greca]

Are working on a potential contract buyout.

[Peter Rosenberg]

To make him a free agent.

[Don La Greca]

The Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Are potential suitors for him as a free agent I expect. Now Ben Simmons will try to join a contender.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't get it.

[Don La Greca]

Or maybe they don't want to be a contender anymore.

[Alan Hahn]

I honestly. What are people seeing? At some point, everybody in the NBA has got to realize Ben Simmons doesn't really like to play basketball anymore. Like, what else could you explain? What else can you explain? He just doesn't really want to play.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So were they just hoping, all right, we'll catch lightning in a bottle here for a few months before it becomes a problem. Motivated to try to win? I don't know.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, he's not a problem. He doesn't cause problem. He doesn't do anything.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right?

[Alan Hahn]

And then you realize it. And then you just. I think about it, the Nets are a young team. They're struggling and all that. They could use all the help they could get. And Jordy Fernandez, to his credit, this guy's coaching his ass off just to get this team to compete, right? And they know what they are.

[Don La Greca]

They.

[Alan Hahn]

They made trades. They're. They're in a rebuild mode. They're figuring it out. They. Even when they traded Schroeder, all the players looked at each other like, really? Are we not even trying to win? But yet here he is, coaching him hard, pushing him hard, all that stuff. I think Jordy Fernandez, they got a good coach there. So they've got this guy in the roster, and it's like all you get are these hopes of a, hey, he's feeling better. He's going to be available to play. And then he plays. And it's like, where is this. This guy that was an All Star for three times in Philadelphia, suddenly you can't tell me he can't play. I feel like something happened with him that he's now either lost his passion for it, his ability to compete. There's something going on with him that goes beyond, oh, this guy's lazy, or, this guy sucks. There's something else happening and the fact that somebody else is going to throw more money at him to have them be on their playoff roster in the hopes that if we need him, he'll come up big. It doesn't make sense, but that's one don.

[Don La Greca]

It's like. It's like when Chuck Knobloch forgot to throw. Forgot how to throw, right? It would be like if he also forgot. It would be like if he also forgot how to run and swing. It just looks like the guy doesn't catch and he turned the motor off. It's just like. He's just a warm body. It's a weird. It's a very weird thing.

[Alan Hahn]

It's tough. All right, so we'll keep an eye on that market. But he's one name already, as shams is telling us. 800-919-3776. Dave's in Port Chester. What's up, Dave?

[Peter Rosenberg]

What's up, Dave? Hey, how you guys doing? Just made a couple comments about Pete Alonzo. It seems like, like Michael Cage is so upset about what happened. He worries so much about money, like $30 million. The guy should got $23 million. Big deal. Cone is not going to lose one iota of sleep. Everybody loves the guy. And Michael K. Keeps saying, if he didn't hit that one home, but he did hit the one home run and he did hit four home runs in the playoffs. Nobody, I'm not comparing him with Jeter. Obviously the cheater is the best. But nobody's saying if Jeter made the, the foot play. If Jeter hit the Mr. Home Run, Mr. November Home Run. Everybody loves this guy. He's back. Are the, are the, are the, the Mets better today or yesterday? The answer is they're better today. Right? Okay. They're not better than the Dodgers. We know that there's three teams in National League that are better than the Mets right now with Alonzo. They're not the Yankees who are playing the Three Stooges who are going to the World Series. Again, the Mets are not going to make the World Series. They don't have the pitching. But why is he so upset that the guy's getting so much money? There's millions of athletes. I don't know. I, I need a lot of money to think who are not good. Listen, I, I didn't hear the tone of. Michael, you want me to play it?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, I got, I got it if you want to hear it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There you go.

[Alan Hahn]

All right. Here's Michael K. He talked about there's two sides. Wait, they just put another one. What did you just put up on the page here? Oh, the playoff jail. Okay, two sides. The Alonzo deal. So here's K breaking it down. The Mets did. After holding firm, they were going to give him 68 to 70 million.

[Don La Greca]

Three years.

[Alan Hahn]

That was it.

[Don La Greca]

That was the limit.

[Alan Hahn]

So they looked at him as a 23 million dollar a year player. Then they gave him 30 for this year. Now you can say, well, the Mets won because they only essentially have him for one year. That's one way to look at it.

[Don La Greca]

The other way is Alonzo got $30.

[Alan Hahn]

Million for playing this year. He's the highest paid first baseman in the game, coming off a bad year, he got a $10 million raise. He made $20.5 million last year and had a subpar season where all of his metric numbers are going down.

[Don La Greca]

And he was able to wrangle a $30 million contract out of the Mets.

[Alan Hahn]

So in that sense, he wins. Can I raise? Before you go, Don, can I say one thing? To say he's the highest paid first baseman is kind of weird because first of all, how many other first basemen in their prime was available on the open market to get a raise, right? Like, not like Anthony Rizzo's still waiting to get paid. There's another first baseman that was out there that nobody wants to pay.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

Guerrero is going to be a free agent that's going to blow that number out of the water. So. So he won't be the highest paid first baseman for long. But, you know, that's just because he plays first base and he happened to get the next contract. I wouldn't make too big of a deal. The fact that it's. He's the highest paid first baseman. It's just that that was the money.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They gave him for one year and he wanted. He turned down three years, $70 million or whatever, whatever that worked out to be. 23 point whatever. And because obviously you wanted the years. Well, the Mets have the ability for this just to be one and done. If he has a great year, he can opt out and you're done. So, I mean, both sides win. He gets a little bit more money than he probably deserved, but he doesn't get the years and the security that he was looking for. But I do think that there is something. And Andy Martino mentioned is to k something to. Well, we don't want to destroy the guy. We want him to be happy here. You know, we don't want to make him feel like he lost. We want him to feel good about himself. We want him to perform and do well. We can't always treat players like they're just commodities. Sometimes. Yeah, he hit the home run against the Brewers. That means something. The fans love him. That means something. This $30 million they're going to pay him this year. Yes, I agree. Is an overpay is not going to deter them from doing all the things they need to do in 2025 to compete. And then you might get him for now just $24 million in the next year and then you're done. And you can move him to dh. As you said, Alan, go after Vlad Guerrero. Paying him $6 million less than you paid him the the year before. And again, there's no restrictions. They haven't reached the luxury tax. There's no salary cap. It's not going to hurt them. It's not the Willpont saying, well, we gave him $30 million. That means we're gonna have to let somebody else go. They already pivoted in a different direction, locked down the guys they wanted to, and brought Pete Alonso back. So is it an overpay? Yes. Is it a big deal? I don't see it.

[Alan Hahn]

As a Mets fan, do you feel better about this team with him on it now versus still waiting to figure out who's going to play first base?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, because twofold. Number one, I feel good because that's protection for Soto, because if a bad year is 34 home runs, he could turn around and hit 40 very easily this year. So you feel good about that. And also I get to keep Vientos at the more comfortable third base position because if I moved away from Alonso and save myself some money. All right, we're going to slide Vientos to first. Maybe he'll do great at first, but I think he could have a breakout season. We saw it in the postseason, but now he's learning a different position and uncomfortable. Now he gets to stay at the position he wants to stay in. So Mauricio and Acuna now can be used in other places instead of now having to audition to play third. And where you got an inexperienced third baseman, you'll have an inexperienced first baseman, which could hurt you. Now you got Pete back. Viento's where he needs to be. I just think it makes me feel good about 20, 25. It does.

[Alan Hahn]

What's your biggest concern then about the Mets now? If you feel like the lineup is a lot more stout with him in it, especially with Soto there. And what you can get from Viento is obviously Lindor at leadoff like you like what you see there. What is your biggest concern?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, obviously the rotation. You know, how is that all going to shake itself out now? We had the same concerns last year, and the rotation ended up being money. Because if you trust Stearns, he seems like paying. Getting these players at a discount, getting these players in the situations they are in their career seems to. To benefit them. So I'd like to see a little bit more stability with the starting rotation. But from an offensive standpoint, I think they're good. You know, adding guys in the bullpen, that could all happen. So that's, that's probably my biggest concern. Offense, I. I Feel really good about them, wasn't there.

[Alan Hahn]

The issue with them was their bullpen, right? Like, that was the, the biggest question about the Mets was, you know, the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Bullpen getting to Diaz was an issue.

[Alan Hahn]

Getting to Diaz, right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But Stan, it came back and he was, he was pretty good for them. And I. We'll see. You know, bullpens are weird, man. Like, one year, it's great. The next minute, I don't, I, I'll trust that he's going to be able to put together a bullpen. But they are concerns right now on February 6th. You know, we still have a lot of time before we actually play games for real.

[Alan Hahn]

Sterns, I think, showed us something when last year felt like in early May. I mean, we always play the drop of, of, of Gary Cohn and the 05, no. 1 in the ballpark, rock bottom. But I mean, May still felt like this is going nowhere. And if I'm not mistaken, we were all doing shows going into June about, well, when the July trade deadline comes, they got to blow this thing up. And Stearns held firm and instead was like, no, we're just gonna, we're gonna tinker here, we're gonna tinker there, we're gonna make a couple of moves. And then they got right and started playing more like. And so that's why I feel like this. Did, Did Stearns earn some credit, some street cred now that if you're a fan, you're always going to freak out. I mean, no matter how good you do as a gm. I mean, I'm seeing Leon Rose, you know, people calling him out right now on social media. I'm like, has he not done enough with this team over the last couple of years where maybe, just maybe, you give him the benefit of the doubt and feel like he knows what he's doing after last year? I know it's only one year, but again, Don, you as the Mets fan, did Stearns do enough to kind of make you feel like. I trust that he'll figure it out and he'll know what to do with this roster with the areas that you might be concerned with, because he knows.

[Peter Rosenberg]

More than we do, so it doesn't have to be the flashy name. Who thought Inglesias would come in here and do the things that he did? So who's the next guy? We roll our eyes and go, who the hell's that? And then he ends up doing great things for us. So listen, they've got an owner that's got money. They've got, they've Got a president of baseball operations that seems to know what he's doing. So I think just like with the Knicks, you could not feel good about them until you knew you had the right people in place making decisions. I like their manager. I like their structure. I like the fact that if you have an owner that will be aggressive financially to not lose out on potential help at the deadline or in free agency during the off season. So in Stearns, we trust.

[Don La Greca]

So real quick. So the Mets apparently made. You mentioned Iglesias. The Mets apparently made an offer to Iglesias.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He wants a multi year deal. I guess they offered him one.

[Don La Greca]

They offered him one. If he ends up not with the Mets, what happens to. Oh my God.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, it depends on where he ends up. I mean, I would think. Oh my God.

[Alan Hahn]

But as the Mets, though, it can't be your anthem. It can't be your anthem anymore.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, no, no, no. That would go away as far as.

[Alan Hahn]

Omg, Chain gets chucked. That's in the trash along with Grimace and everything else.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That was so 24.

[Don La Greca]

What, you think oh my God. Ran its course?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, you can't come back with it, right?

[Don La Greca]

Well, no, wait, what do you mean, my God? Well, what do you mean?

[Alan Hahn]

If he's there, hit every note.

[Don La Greca]

If he's on the team, you, you keep running with. Oh my God. No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't know.

[Don La Greca]

You just kill it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, you die.

[Alan Hahn]

He's not on the team. You can't play it anymore.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, that's, that's for sure.

[Don La Greca]

But I think he's saying it's dead regardless. I, I don't. I, I think the average. I think Mets fans fell in love with. Oh my God. If he's still there, you're not gonna play it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I don't know, it just. It felt like that was last year. Can we, can we get to something else? I don't know, maybe.

[Alan Hahn]

I wouldn't mind if it's still his walk up music. Does he still walk up to it?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, I guess that'll be up to him. If he's gone, definitely it's over, but we'll see how it matures.

[Alan Hahn]

Can you come up with a new song? How about coming up with a new song? You know, like, you made one hit. Can you give me another one?

[Don La Greca]

I mean, that's pretty. By the way, for a professional athlete. He scored a legitimate kind of hit. I don't know. Asking for a second's a lot. Alan. That's. That's a lot.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's.

[Don La Greca]

He did really well. I mean, you Want me to go back and pull up, Pull up. Deion Sanders, old songs. I mean, oh, my. Oh, my God. Kind of rang off. You know how many little kids are out there in Queens and Long island and, and their parents? The first song these little kids ever learned was. Oh my God, the Red Style.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

Kill it for no reason if they sign. In fact, I think that's half the reason they offered him the deal. And he wants multi year. They thought they were doing him a solid. He's like, no, no, no, I need three.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. And where are you going to play, though? Like, he's not. He wouldn't be the starting second baseman.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, you wouldn't think. But he was versatile. He did a lot.

[Don La Greca]

He is useful.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I got useful.

[Alan Hahn]

But I mean, what do you want? You want a multi year deal to be a useful utility guy?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Come on, you can want all you want. I can't imagine anybody else is going to be forking over more than one year for him. Yeah, well, you know, you ask for it and you see what happens.

[Alan Hahn]

Another guy. You wait out, you know, you just wait it out and you know, you want to be part of this, this is what you get and that's how it'll work out.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I mean, he's 35 years old. I mean, I don't know how many teams are going to be giving him.

[Alan Hahn]

A multi year deal now. If he. If now real again, we're late and I'm going to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, that's all right.

[Alan Hahn]

But if he's playing for the Florida Marlins or the, or the Miami Marlins, whatever they are now, or you know, the Minnesota Twins, and he puts this song out. No juice. Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, maybe in Miami.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, but maybe Miami is a good point. But if Minnesota, Kansas City, the Diamondbacks, maybe like this. He puts this song out. Is it as viral as it is? Because it's New York.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because now it's weird with the Timmy Trumpets. Remember that? With Diaz? Yeah, I hear that all over the place. Like, so maybe it does translate to other places. Like I've heard that at hockey games in Vancouver. Like so I guess if it, if they like it. I mean, it's. Baseball's a regional sport. There's a lot of people that don't even know it existed. Right. So especially in Miami, who knows? Get it, get it. Pumping the Clevelander.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, it's just. Again, it's just this, the thought of. Right. What, you know, who needs who more? Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don La Greca]

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. All right? For the first time, come see us live tomorrow three to seven at the Tap Room in Rockville Center, Long Island Special countdown to kickoff broadcast. We'll get you ready for the big game, get you ready for Nick Celtic Saturday night, Friday night, St. John's Yukon. How about that little Clash of the Titans? St. John's trying to reclaim a little bit of the old days in the Big East. Big game experience. We're bringing it to you. We're bringing the show to you and everything else at the Tap Room steps away from the LIRR train station in Rockville Center. So come hang out with us because we're not taking calls tomorrow. You got to be there in person if you want to talk to us and get on the air. But in the meantime, we have a few more calls to get to 800-919-3776. Let's go to Ben and East Village. Hey, Ben. Hey, what's up, guys? Big fan of the show.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thank you.

[Alan Hahn]

Wanted to get your thoughts on if you'd ever thought about bringing Action Bronson.

[Peter Rosenberg]

On as a special guest. I saw him on another sports show recently and thought he would really vibe.

[Alan Hahn]

With you guys, especially Don.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Love to hear thoughts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't know a lot about him, do you, Alan?

[Don La Greca]

It's interesting that you went straight to especially Don considering I'm the first person to ever play him on radio and I've known him for 14 years. But. But he would vibe with Don. You're not wrong in what you said either. I've reached. I actually have reached out to him recently and I know he loves sports, but honestly, I love. Huge Knicks fan is there all the time. I love the guy. Never reaches out to me about doing anything related to this. So I've mentioned to him and reached out, but he knows. He has. Basically, he knows he has carte blanche to jump on any of the things that I do. So he would be a great guest. Super knowledgeable and passionate. Nick fan.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, he was. Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart had him on the Roommates podcast. I know. So I know he's, you know, but he, he. Right. He's at the Garden a ton. Loves the Knicks.

[Don La Greca]

He's. He's courtside more often than Bobby Bacala. I mean, he's there all the time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Really? That's saying something. Is there that much Garden last night?

[Don La Greca]

He may. He. Honestly, I think Bronson is there more than Steve Sharipa.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, you might not be wrong. More than Stiller. He seems like he's at every game. Like, I don't think he needs an invite. I think he just. He knows the door's open. You want to come hang? Come hang. Like.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

I think he basically has a permanent subscription to MSG at this point.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes. So.

[Don La Greca]

Well, I want some time.

[Alan Hahn]

I like it, though. It's a good. Yeah, no, it's a good.

[Don La Greca]

It's a. I'll try again.

[Alan Hahn]

It's a good suggestion. Andrew in Long Beach. What's up, Andrew? Hey, guys.

[Peter Rosenberg]

How's it going tonight?

[Alan Hahn]

Good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So, as a St. John's fan, as.

[Alan Hahn]

A Knicks fan, as an MSC basketball.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Fan, I'm pumped right now.

[Alan Hahn]

Alan, you began to mention it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

St. John's UConn tomorrow. And what's special about this St. John's.

[Alan Hahn]

Team is that they just defend really well. They rebound quite well. In the game against Marquette that they just won in terms of the rebounding battle, it was like varsity against JD St. John's dominated them. That was the game. And yeah, like, neither team could shoot, right, Andrew, that game, neither team could make a shot. Like, it was 70 to 64. Like, it was such a. Like a relatively, like, poor offensive game. But look, any surprise that a Patino team defends and rebounds especially, and how they've their defense in the second half of the season, that's been the difference for them. That's exactly why they are where they are. They're a hard team to play against. And so what you want to make sure is that can they get enough offense to be a team that can become a threat? When you play defense that hard, you become that team that in the tournament. Nobody wants to play you, especially early in the tournament. So it's going to be interesting. The biggest tournament when that comes to this game tomorrow night, guys, like, I know they're. They're not like, it's amazing. When you think about all the things this weekend, it is obviously the Super Bowl. It is, Nick. Celtics on Saturday night. You know, the Rangers starting to turn things around. There's a lot of, you know, Alonzo signs with the Mets, baseball around the corner. But we cannot sleep right now on that program. What St. John's has done this season, this is the best season they have had in like 30 years. They are going to be in the top 10. The next poll. They're going to be in the top 10.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. And the thing I like about, you know, Patino, he's been there before. Like, he's not even thrilled like, it was not that last game against Marquette, the game before where they had the great win. And he's like, they can't play that way, right? We can't sustain that. So he's on them because he believes there's even more to give here, because I think he's starting to sense. Now, let's get over this whole. Hey, this is a great story, right? First time in 30. Like, he really believes this is a team that can make a run in the dance. And that's been a long time.

[Alan Hahn]

And the city gets around this, too, especially once you get into this time of year. Everybody get the St. John's it's like, that's the. That's the city's team. And I think for college basketball in New York, whether you're, you know, a Fordham fan or anybody else, it still does matter. If St. John starts to resonate, people start to get more into it. It's been too, too long of a time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, it shows you how big the NCAA tournament is. Like, when a team like Manhattan makes a run or St. Peter's makes a run, you see how people run around a local story. When it's St. John's you don't even have to try. You know, they. They. They're getting.

[Alan Hahn]

Let's be honest. Well, that's also a headline.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Coach.

[Alan Hahn]

That does help Eric in Staten Island. What's up, Eric?

[Don La Greca]

What's going on, guys?

[Alan Hahn]

How you doing tonight? Good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So I wanted to talk about one.

[Don La Greca]

I want to say, Peter, congratulations on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Four Year dropping the album. The second thing I wanted to say was, did you produce all those? Like, I know you produced the album. Did you make all the beats on that album?

[Don La Greca]

No. No, I certainly did not. I was gonna say I was gonna.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Clean the Occurrence because I know you produced it.

[Alan Hahn]

Blah, blah, blah.

[Don La Greca]

So, no, I executive produced. I put the artist together. I did some scratches. I. I put the concepts together. No, I had producers. There's credits on the Internet of. Of everybody who produced the album. There's some great, great people on that.

[Alan Hahn]

But now. Now you neither. You have a baby. It's a much different thing. But when that. When that came out, Peter, was that almost like your child child for you once that got done?

[Don La Greca]

Well, you know, it's funny. Natalie loves to ask me, because we had this night, the night that we celebrated it coming out, we went to. We had a little dinner for the artist on it. It was a great time. And I said to her, I was like, this is like, the best night of my life. And so she's asked me now multiple times, is it still. Where is it now? And and I know, listen, it's exactly where you would think it has dropped behind. The wedding night is dropped behind. January 15, 2025. But it was a, it really was an awesome moment because, like, at the time that I did it, it wasn't just about the music. It was like the culmination of sort of come coming out of a bad place, meeting Natalie, creating this thing, getting, getting songs with Ghostface and Method Man. All these people I admire. It was awesome.

[Alan Hahn]

It is awesome. Well, tomorrow will be awesome. We'll be at the Tap Room, Rockville Center. We want everybody to come out because we're gonna go crazy. See you guys 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.