Hour 4: Knicks Concerns & Stroman's Absence

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 4 – Knicks Concerns & Stroman's Absence

Release Date: February 14, 2025

In the fourth hour of the celebrated Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don Hahn from ESPN New York, long-time broadcaster Alan Hahn, and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the current state of the New York Knicks, analyze the absence of Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman, and touch upon various other sports topics. This episode, titled "Knicks Concerns & Stroman's Absence," provides listeners with insightful discussions, heated debates, and entertaining anecdotes.

1. Personal Banter and Valentine's Eve Celebration

The episode kicks off with light-hearted banter between Don and Peter about Valentine's Eve. Don humorously refers to the day as "Don La Greca's birthday," sparking a playful conversation about dating on the eve of Valentine's Day.

• Don Hahn [00:30]: "Do we call it Valentine's Eve? Is that we're doing."
• Peter Rosenberg [00:34]: "That sounds like heaven to me."

Their exchange sets a relaxed tone, allowing listeners to connect with the hosts on a personal level before transitioning into more serious sports discussions.

2. New York Knicks Performance and Fan Reactions

The primary focus of the episode centers around the New York Knicks, particularly their performance leading up to the All-Star break. The hosts reflect on a recent high-scoring game that has sparked mixed reactions among fans.

• Don Hahn [00:56]: "After last night's game, we need it. That was one of those games that was defense optional, but it's fun."
• Peter Rosenberg [02:12]: "Why does every... Is there anything wrong with just the guilty pleasure of... just entertain me, clown."

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around fan dissatisfaction with the Knicks' defensive strategies despite their strong offensive performances. Don references a tweet by Milano Lucky expressing frustration:

• Don Hahn [04:02]: "Milano Lucky said this. Their defense is indefensible. I turned it off."

The conversation escalates when they critique Stephen A. Smith's harsh assessment of the Knicks' defensive shortcomings:

• Stephen A. Smith [05:00]: "The New York Knicks, from a talent perspective, are the third best team in the Eastern Conference... but their defensive rating is one of the worst in the league."

Don and Peter counter Smith's points by emphasizing the importance of offensive consistency and the challenges of maintaining defensive prowess:

• Don Hahn [07:38]: "If the Knicks are really bad at 3-point defense, why would I ask what Cleveland's good at?"
• Peter Rosenberg [09:06]: "They have the third best record in the Eastern Conference and the fourth best record in the NBA and might actually climb higher before the season is over."

3. Future Needs for the Knicks

The hosts delve into what the Knicks need to address post-All-Star break to remain competitive. They highlight the necessity for key player health and defensive reinforcements.

• Don Hahn [10:15]: "If Mitchell Robinson was healthy and could play a lot, that's a big piece that they need."
• Peter Rosenberg [12:14]: "The Knicks gotta find one of them [unsung heroes]."

The discussion underscores the importance of depth and defensive stability, comparing the Knicks' needs to championship-winning teams like the Denver Nuggets.

4. NHL All-Star Game and Hockey Progression

Transitioning from basketball, the trio shifts focus to hockey, particularly the NHL's new four-nation All-Star tournament format. They commend the progressive move away from the traditional All-Star Game, which saw declining viewership.

• Don Hahn [14:56]: "No one, Anyone? Jake, you want to just jump in here anytime?"
• Peter Rosenberg [15:16]: "The NHL was not really that much into shutting their sport down to do the Olympics. But I think they saw the forest through the trees and realized that there's an interest here for that."

They discuss the positive reception of the new format compared to last year's All-Star Game, highlighting increased engagement and potential for growth.

5. Caller Interactions and Sports Anecdotes

Throughout the episode, callers contribute to the conversation, bringing up diverse topics such as Jordan Travis's future with the Jets and the New York Giants' draft history impacting Super Bowl winners.

• Caller 2 [18:24]: "So really on my Giants point, one of my clients who's an Eagle fan... is this an indictment on the Giants draft thing?"

Don and Peter offer their perspectives, blending humor with critical analysis:

• Don Hahn [19:36]: "They moved on, you know."
• Peter Rosenberg [19:40]: "It was just kind of coincidence, one of those things."

6. Marcus Stroman's Absence and Yankees' Roster Dynamics

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Marcus Stroman's absence from the Yankees' roster. The hosts explore the implications of his non-reporting and what it signals for both Stroman and the Yankees.

• Don Hahn [30:28]: "Meanwhile, you know who may not sell out Yankee Stadium? Marcus Stroman."
• Peter Rosenberg [33:27]: "He hadn't reported the camp yet, he's disgruntled, he's not going to be a part of the rotation."

They debate whether Stroman's actions are a means to send a message to Major League Baseball or indicative of deeper issues within the team's dynamics.

• Don Hahn [35:03]: "This is not a dramatic story. I think it's more or less like it's a lightning rod player, and so it's an easy headline."

The conversation highlights the complexities of player-team relationships and the broader impact on league perceptions.

7. Music Taste and Sphere Concert Discussion

In an interlude, the hosts engage in a lively debate over music preferences, specifically addressing the Sphere concert residency. Don expresses disappointment over the choice of performer, while Peter shares his reluctance to attend.

• Don Hahn [26:31]: "I just have that distinct sound. Like, Rage has a distinct sound."
• Peter Rosenberg [27:45]: "I was hoping Beyonce was gonna do the Sphere as her like Cowboy Carter thing."

This segment showcases the hosts' diverse interests and their ability to seamlessly transition between sports and pop culture.

8. Boxing Upsets and Historical Sports Moments

A caller named Richard brings up historical sports upsets, comparing them to current events in boxing and other sports.

• Caller 3 [44:25]: "The biggest upset in the history of boxing was exactly 61 years ago when then Cassius Clay beat Sonny Liston."

Don and Peter reflect on these moments, emphasizing the unpredictability and excitement they bring to sports narratives.

• Don Hahn [47:46]: "If you ever asks me, like, you know, ask your father this. I might have to pull out the..."

9. Conclusion and Birthday Celebrations

As the podcast wraps up, the hosts celebrate Don Hahn's birthday alongside a caller's birthday, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to the episode.

• Peter Rosenberg [48:13]: "Happy birthday, Don."
• Don Hahn [48:12]: "Hope you had a good birthday today. Hope you have a great dinner tonight with Nancy and celebrating everything."

They encourage listeners to subscribe and tune in for future episodes, maintaining their signature blend of sports analysis and personal connection.

Key Takeaways

• Knicks' Defense vs. Offense: The Knicks are enjoying a strong offensive run but struggle defensively, leading to mixed fan reactions and criticism from sports analysts like Stephen A. Smith.

• Team Needs: For the Knicks to contend in the playoffs, they need healthier key players and defensive reinforcements to balance their robust offense.

• Hockey's Evolution: The NHL is making strides with its new four-nation All-Star format, aiming to boost viewership and global interest in the sport.

• Player-Team Dynamics: Marcus Stroman's situation with the Yankees highlights the delicate balance between player expectations and team strategies, with potential implications for his future career.

• Engaging Discussions: The podcast successfully blends serious sports discussions with personal anecdotes and pop culture references, maintaining an engaging and relatable tone for listeners.

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg exemplifies the trio's ability to dissect complex sports issues while keeping the conversation entertaining and inclusive for their diverse audience.

Transcript

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[Don Hahn]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Rosenberg]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Don Hahn]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers, 6 o'clock hour. Do we call it Valentine's Eve? Is that we're doing. We're just calling it Don lagrequer's birthday. Because I just.

[Rosenberg]

I think Valentine's Eve is saying, stephanie.

[Don Hahn]

Not interested in dinner tonight. How should I feel about that?

[Rosenberg]

Well, she wants to go out on the day.

[Don Hahn]

No, no, she's. No, she said we don't need a day. We just had our anniversary. So. But still, I just said to her, like, make dinner for the kids. I'll be home. We'll go to dinner.

[Rosenberg]

Have you ever gone been on the road with the Knicks on the Valentine's Day, and you want to go out to dinner with, like, one of the crew and the people at the restaurant assume you're a couple?

[Don Hahn]

Oh, no.

[Rosenberg]

I've had that happen. So what are we celebrating today?

[Don Hahn]

Oh, boy.

[Rosenberg]

I was like. I was out. I was in Vancouver with Jim Cerny, and we looked at each other and we rolled with it because we thought maybe we'd get a piece of cake or something.

[Don Hahn]

Absolutely. You know. No.

[Rosenberg]

Me and Maloney in Pittsburgh.

[Guest Speaker 1]

So what are we.

[Don Hahn]

And knowing Dave, he would have been so comfortable with that. If you just put your hand across the table.

[Rosenberg]

Night out with Dougay, who knows where.

[Don Hahn]

Hey, listen. At least there's a story to tell.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

So all star break for the end. NBA, everybody. And that means, of course, the Knicks now on hiatus, and after last night's game, we need it. That. That was one of those games that was defense optional, but it's fun. Typical. Yeah, it was fun. Certainly fun to watch a lot of offense. A typical, you know, last day of school before vacation kind of feel to it.

[Rosenberg]

Why does every.

[Don Hahn]

And they still won?

[Rosenberg]

Listen, I know it's what we do, and I know, especially fans in New York.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Rosenberg]

Is there's. Is. Is there anything wrong with Just the guilty pleasure of, you know, I'm not going to analyze my team. I am not going to look at this game and with the broad scope of what it means for the end of the season and just say, this is fun. We're going overtime to 150 points. Like, why can't you just. On a. On a rogue Wednesday night, he falls over, you know, just entertain me clown.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Three hours in the end, you felt that way. But when they blew a six point lead in 10 seconds, the under regulation, you went, this doesn't feel.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, the part when Towns threw the ball away and they got it back and Trey Young's out there, that's when it's. It was unfun. At that point. I did I. There was one tweet though, with. Based on what you're saying, there was a tweet and I'm trying to find it now because we've gotten a bunch of people reacting to stuff on the show. So that's great. We love that. But there was somebody that, that tweeted how they couldn't watch the game because they were disgusted that they weren't playing any defense. Here it is. Milano Lucky said this. Their defense is indefensible. I turned it off. I was so annoyed. You can say a lot of things being annoyed at that game, which they led by 18 in the second quarter, 15 in the third quarter, 12 in the fourth quarter. They were always leading the game. It always felt like they were going to win. It's just. No, there were times where both teams were just trading baskets. It was just a wild up and down kind of game. To say you were annoyed. I feel like it's strong. And that's when I was like, this is one of the best seasons the Knicks have had in might be the best in 28 years. And you're like, I'm not watching this.

[Rosenberg]

Well, would you rather go back? You guys are probably a Yankee fan because that's what we heard during, you know, the season.

[Don Hahn]

Like I watched five years ago what you had. You were forced to watch some of the stuff that the dregs of the league that would come out and play and we would try to sell to you that this is good. And now you've got a team that is legit and you're like, I'm not watching this.

[Rosenberg]

But it's like, come on, man, just.

[Don Hahn]

Sit back and have fun sometimes have a cigarette and watch the game.

[Rosenberg]

Right? But there's 82 games. Not every game is going to be a gem. Right? And we put we put so much importance in these games where we want to see something. All right, well, if we're a legit championship team, we should be able to knock around the the Atlanta Hawks tonight and we should be able to close out games. See, this is the reason why I can't fall in love with this team. Not every game is going to be perfect, but at the end of the day, you won the game. If you had lost the game, then I can understand you being frustrated. But they found a way to win the game. Not every game is going to be perfect. I guarantee you there's teams all over the NBA that there's a game like I look at, I watch sometimes.

[Don Hahn]

You see the Lakers lost to the Jazz.

[Rosenberg]

Yeah, crushed, crushed.

[Don Hahn]

Everybody's excited about everybody's success. LeBron, Luka, this is so great. They lost to the freaking Jazz. It happens. You have bad nights, but the Knicks end up winning the games even when they have a bad night for the most part.

[Rosenberg]

And that's what means something. You gotta keep coming. If they lost the game, then yeah, get frustrated because maybe a to be the 2 seed or whatever, but you found a way to win the game and just sit back and just be entertained by that. They gave you a thrill that maybe you weren't expecting.

[Don Hahn]

And now they've got to dial it up because after the All Star break, this is when it gets real. And they've got some tough teams. They got to play the Cavs three times, the Celtics twice. So what is your biggest concern about the Knicks as after this break it is going to be crunch time. It'll be the stretch run now into the playoffs. Stephen A. Smith, of course noted Knicks fan on first take. His, his problem we are not going.

[Stephen A. Smith]

To sit up here even with the Knicks clearly being the third best team in the Eastern Conference and sit up there and sprint flowers and all of this other stuff on the New York Knicks. If you're the New York Knicks, listen, you're pissing me off. Where's the identity? The story of the game is that they gave up 149 points. A Tom Thibodeau team has given up 149 points. Where's Tom Thibodeau at? This imposter that's on the sidelines ain't the Tom Thibodeau that I know and love with the de defense at. Do you realize that the New York Knicks, how horrible they are defensively? Yes, OG Anunoby has been out the last five games. Yes, they've been 4:1 in his absence. But Their defensive rating is one of the worst in the league. You've got Mikel Bridges, you've got Josh Hart, and still you're looking at a team right now that's giving up points in bunches. The New York Knicks, from a talent perspective, are the third best team in the Eastern Conference behind Boston and Cleveland. We know this. Okay? But the point that I'm making is you look at them and their lack of a defensive prowess or identity, there's no way in hell they have a chance against Cleveland or Boston.

[Don Hahn]

He's right about that. Because they can't guard the pick and roll. And guess what Cleveland does a lot. I'll give you guys one guess. Guess what Cleveland does a lot. What do you think they do a lot?

[Guest Speaker 1]

Win basketball.

[Don Hahn]

That'd be pick and roll.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Okay.

[Don Hahn]

All right. The knicks are the 30th in the league. There's only 30 teams in three point defense. Guess what Cleveland does really well. Give you another guess. Throw it. Just throwing it out there. No one, Anyone? Jake, you want to just jump in here anytime?

[Guest Speaker 1]

Come on, Jake.

[Don Hahn]

Like, what do you think?

[Rosenberg]

Sorry, what was the question?

[Guest Speaker 1]

Oh, this?

[Don Hahn]

Really?

[Guest Speaker 1]

I got to tell you. Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

6:00 hour. I could feel it. 6:00 fives. Yep. Clearly. Clearly. It's time. Wrap it up.

[Guest Speaker 2]

It's not as bad as the name.

[Don Hahn]

Of country in Australia.

[Guest Speaker 1]

That's a good point. Wrap it up. It could have been worse.

[Don Hahn]

It is. Yeah. All right, so if the Knicks are really bad at 3 point defense, why would I ask what Cleveland's good at?

[Guest Speaker 1]

3 point defense?

[Don Hahn]

Shooting threes.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Shooting threes. Because.

[Don Hahn]

Jeez, now I know what teachers that like, like fifth grade teachers feel.

[Guest Speaker 1]

So drew. Why would I have asked the question?

[Don Hahn]

Anyways, so the two things that the Knicks are bad at guarding. Cleveland's really good at offensively. So yes, that is, of course, the concern. They got to fix that. And that's, you know, like Don said, fix that. But. But that's what they gotta fix somehow.

[Rosenberg]

But I love. I'm not gonna get on Stephen, but I love when you want to make a point and they. And you know the answer. So you're like, I know that OG's out and I know that Mitchell Robbins. Well, that. That's a reason.

[Don Hahn]

It is a big deal.

[Rosenberg]

Like, so don't just discount. Like, I know, I know you know, but it's part of the narrative, why they're so poor defensively. They get these guys back and then they continue to play this poor defensively, then you can get on them but there's a reason why. And oh, by the way, I'll ask the question. Maybe you guys are paying attention. What do you want to do? Well, if you're not a good defensive team, score a lot.

[Don Hahn]

Score a lot of doing that top four in scoring.

[Rosenberg]

But there's a reason why, despite the fact that they have the third best record in the Eastern Conference and the fourth best record in the NBA and might actually climb higher before the season is over, that we're still not saying they're ready to win a championship.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Rosenberg]

So don't. I love it when we'll sit there and they're not where we want them to be and we're going to blame them for it instead of maybe looking and say maybe we shouldn't put them there yet. Like, I don't think they're a championship team. So don't kill them for not being a championship team when you know why they're not a championship team. Not ready yet, not healthy enough, they're not deep enough. There's a lot of things that Leon Rose still has to do to get them there. And that's okay, because this isn't year 10 of this turnaround. It's really year one. Considering the trades they made during the.

[Don Hahn]

Off season, you could argue that, right? Because when Leon Rose came in, they made, you know, they didn't really make major moves. Brunson was the first, you know, significant thing they did. And then obviously from there, they made the playoffs twice and got to the second round twice. Do you count those two years when you basically added three pieces to your starting lineup? That's.

[Rosenberg]

I think that. I don't always say it's a reboot.

[Don Hahn]

You know, so I guess it's sort of another part. But this is a window that's open. And I already. I think I'm already on record saying I don't think that. I don't believe this is the championship year yet because I don't think the roster is at that level yet. They can prove me wrong.

[Guest Speaker 1]

What would the roster need, though, specifically?

[Don Hahn]

It's a great question. And I think it starts with like, first of all, if Mitchell Robinson was healthy and could play a lot, that's a big piece that they need. Another. Then is the piece defensive, seven footer that can, you know, everybody's looking for a guy like that. So that and a wing off the bench, like a three and D wing off the bench.

[Guest Speaker 1]

So is. Is the piece that you're talking about.

[Don Hahn]

What the Cavs got DeAndre Hunter and.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Yeah, you Mentioned that Hunter would have.

[Don Hahn]

Been a good one.

[Guest Speaker 1]

But is it possible that when you say an available sort of seven footer, it means it not being Mitchell Robinson?

[Don Hahn]

No, it's he. And he's talked about that he wants to now keep himself available. Like he talked about not being young and dumb. What in the past he wouldn't ice. He, you know, wasn't great with his diet. Like he said, I gotta stop doing that. I wanna be on the floor now. I don't wanna sit out. I don't wanna get hurt all the time. So if he does find this religion, and that does help him now finally stay healthy, then we'll see what it can turn into. But if you're asking what the needs are, they don't have him right now.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Right.

[Don Hahn]

That's what they need. And I feel like that, that DeAndre Hunter kind of player to come off the bench and provide that, which is when you can, you know, when you have to take guys out, you can't have such a precipitous drop off that you can't afford to play your bench extended minutes. Because it does. You don't get a positive out of it. That's how you win a championship. Again. Denver Nuggets, they won a championship. Yes, they had Jokic. Yes, Jamal Murray played out of his mind. But they also had some depth. What Bruce Brown did coming off the bench, that that run was valuable. You know, every team always had that guy that you always felt was the unsung hero, Robert Horry. You know, those kind of guys help you win championships. And the Knicks gotta find one of them. I think that the Celtics look at Peyton Pritchard as that guy.

[Guest Speaker 1]

And he's become that guy.

[Don Hahn]

He really has.

[Guest Speaker 1]

He wasn't the same role in the championship. Even last year. He was the role that he is now.

[Don Hahn]

He's making them better. You know, that's what I mean. So you just got to find those guys. And that's, I think, the part that they're searching for. But, you know, so defense. Yes. Is defense fixable? It can be. You know, and we'll see what they do. But the concern is what they're bad at is what the two teams ahead of you in the east are really good at. And that's a bad mix. 800 now 193776. Let's go. Let's see. Oh, we got random calls here. What do you get?

[Guest Speaker 1]

Some random calls?

[Don Hahn]

Random calls. It is the 6:00 hour.

[Guest Speaker 1]

You're right, you guys, let's talk to.

[Don Hahn]

Have done Steven Wayne. Hey, Steve.

[Caller 1]

So, gentlemen. Hey, I just want to start off. Don, Happy birthday.

[Don Hahn]

Thank you.

[Caller 2]

Peter.

[Caller 1]

Congratulations on your little girl.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Thank you, man.

[Caller 1]

So I want to talk about, I want to talk hockey. I know it's a little random. Been talking football, basketball. But I gotta say the four nations thing, I've never really been a huge fan of the All Star Games for most of the sports. The hockey All Star Game years ago seemed like it had some type of stigma where it was, you know, there was some cool aspects of it. This four nations thing. I love international play hockey. This is awesome. I don't know why it didn't get done sooner. I know that there was some limitations years ago or you know, over the years with NHLPA and collective bargaining. But I remember back in 2010, Ryan Miller, when he was the goalie for USA in the Olympic Games, he had mentioned this, that we need to promote the game. So we went from, you know, all, you know, kind of last year's All Star event, which was lackluster and you know, going into this year and they kind of went in head first now, now we're four nations tournament, we're going to World Cup. They committed to the Olympic Games. My question really is where has been the progressive thinking for hockey for so many years? Because this is the best thing that could have ever happened for hockey.

[Rosenberg]

What it comes down to, Steve, is the relationship between the NHL and the nhlpa. It has never been better, ever been better. And that's where it starts, is being able to have and for so many years they couldn't get on the same page. He had lockouts and fights and everything. The caps going up. The relationship between the NHLPA and the NHL is sound. And listen, the NHL was not really that much into shutting their sport down to do the Olympics. But I think they saw the forest through the trees and realized that there's an interest here for that. It grows the sport. A million people watched the game on TNT last night.

[Don Hahn]

Wow.

[Rosenberg]

I mean what would an All Star Game do, you know, so. And I wouldn't be surprised if you get over a million tonight because the USA is playing.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Rosenberg]

So if you're getting numbers and it's on espn so we'll look over the numbers tomorrow. Wouldn't be surprised if it's like a million five or something. What's an All Star Game going to do? What did last year's All Star game do?

[Don Hahn]

Checking.

[Rosenberg]

You know, probably not very much because people just aren't interested. And this is going to grow 4.

[Don Hahn]

Million viewers on ABC last season down 7% from the year before.

[Rosenberg]

So that's an All Star game on over the air. ABC 1.4 million game one of four nations on TNT, not the champions, a million. So I would expect to get even.

[Don Hahn]

By the way, like not even Canada wasn't even us big names.

[Rosenberg]

I mean obviously you're going to get a lot of Penguins fans watching because of Crosby and avalanche fans for McKinnon and all that. And as this start, things starts to heat up, I wouldn't be surprised. ABC championship game, I believe on February 20, which will be I guess Thursday. Thursday because they come back on the 22nd. That that would probably do over 2 million people. And that. And that's where you would compare it to the All Star Game. And I. And that's good. And maybe you win a few people.

[Don Hahn]

Over and you get. Yeah. And again, selling the sport. That's why they always say All Star Game is supposed to be to sell our sport. There's no better way to sell the sport when players are playing competitive high level and there's great energy around it. And that's what you saw last night in Montreal. And I expect to see more of it tonight. Noah in Ohio. What's up? Noah, Hi.

[Caller 2]

I've never called new radio show before, so this is a little new to me.

[Don Hahn]

Good to have you. We're a new radio show.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Yeah, perfect.

[Caller 2]

Oh, sweet.

[Rosenberg]

All right.

[Caller 2]

I was wanting to talk about Jordan Travis on the Jets. Like, I mean we picked him I.

[Rosenberg]

Think fifth round last year.

[Caller 2]

He was injured.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Caller 2]

Setbacks obviously in that. Do you think that there's possibly a future with him if he maybe has another year to recover?

[Don Hahn]

That's what I want to see. Noah. I'm curious to see because this is a new regime now. They didn't draft him. Now this again, this is a player who everybody was watching two years ago when he was in college because he was playing, he was on an unbelievable team. He was playing at a high level. So it's not like he's a stranger. They all know who he is. The question is of this regime is do we keep him around and let him continue to develop and just see what comes of it or do they feel because he's so far away, we can't give up the precious real estate of a roster spot that let him go? That. That remains to be seen. There's a lot of questions need to be answered. The kid has not been on the field. It's a devastating injury. It was for a fifth round pick. It was definitely worth it to just gamble and see can he turn into something. But I don't know if this regime will want to put the time in for a player that isn't. Isn't theirs and probably still is going to need a lot of time before they get a chance to see what he can really do.

[Rosenberg]

This is a crapshoot. I know what he did in college. I know that the jets took a chance on him. This regime did not draft him. I'm sure he'll be given an opportunity, but what can he do in that opportunity where you say, I think this guy's our future?

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, he'd have to have a great spring.

[Rosenberg]

He'd have to have a great.

[Don Hahn]

He'd have to show up in spring ready to go and you're just like, whoa. The ball flies off hand.

[Rosenberg]

Yeah, that's what you're gonna have to see. But that's nothing to bank on. But I could see them looking and say he's under contract, so is Tyrod Taylor and we'll roll with that and we'll see. Let's give, let's, let's give him an avenue to try.

[Don Hahn]

He's got to be able to play because you can't risk having a third quarterback who might not be able to play, right? Jason in Florida City. Hey, Jason.

[Caller 2]

Hey guys, real quick, before I get into my Giants point, I just wanted to say love the new show. Been a long time listening with you guys with Mike and Alan. Always loved it when you were with Bart. So you guys have been great together and wishing you continued luck.

[Don Hahn]

Awesome.

[Caller 2]

Oh, also Don, happy birthday. Today's also my birthday.

[Rosenberg]

Also happy birthday to Howie Rose. He shares a birthday.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Happy birthday to you both. Yeah, all three of us.

[Don Hahn]

Great how he rose.

[Caller 2]

So really on my Giants point, one of my clients who's an Eagle fan, you know, we, we banter back and forth. He sent me a graphic today saying that the last in the last five Super Bowls winners have had a first round pick of the Giants on their team. So I thought about it, did the math. Yeah, it was JPP with Tampa. You had Odell with, with LA in 21 and you had the Darius Tony back to back and this Saquon. So aside from obviously how painful of it it was to see that, that's rough. You guys are thinking it's sheer coincidence or is this an indictment on the Giants draft thing? I mean most of those guys except Tony was, were good players for the Giants, but I just wanted to.

[Don Hahn]

JPP was somebody they, they moved on from.

[Rosenberg]

They moved on you know, they totally moved on from and. Right. Trouble again.

[Caller 2]

Yeah, yeah.

[Don Hahn]

And Odell was on his third team, right? Yeah.

[Rosenberg]

Go right to the Saquon Stings. But I think it's just kind of coincidence, one of those things. I don't have a problem. Remember they stuck with JPP after he blew his fingers off, if you remember.

[Guest Speaker 1]

They really did. It happened.

[Don Hahn]

What is the. There is a crazy super bowl stat, isn't there? Or. No, maybe it's the. Maybe it's an NBA champion. There's something. There's another stat like that where it's like every team has. Is it. Is it a yogurt teammate thing?

[Rosenberg]

Yeah, there's one.

[Don Hahn]

That's insane. It goes way back.

[Rosenberg]

It was up until I think the vape is recently that there was somebody in the Stanley Cup Final that was a teammate of Yarmouth Jaga. Okay.

[Don Hahn]

That's right.

[Rosenberg]

Started in like 1978 and like went right through like 2018.

[Don Hahn]

I knew it was something along those lines. A completely insane stat that just kept going.

[Guest Speaker 1]

He's a border.

[Don Hahn]

Track it back.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Jagger may never be duplicated in the sport.

[Don Hahn]

I think Ovechkin might just keep playing. Like, I don't think he's ever going to stop.

[Guest Speaker 1]

He can't go as long as Jagger did. He can't.

[Don Hahn]

Why? He just stands on the dot and just takes one timer.

[Rosenberg]

It is true.

[Don Hahn]

It's pretty easy.

[Rosenberg]

And he's. He's 39 years old and just came back from a broken leg and just continued to score like it never happened.

[Guest Speaker 1]

But Jagger was. How he played his last game. 46.

[Rosenberg]

Yeah, 46.

[Don Hahn]

NHL.

[Rosenberg]

Yeah. He's still playing up at the last year, not even the KHL was lower level, but just he loves to play.

[Don Hahn]

If they're going to pay you, so that helps.

[Guest Speaker 1]

I don't even think Yammer cares about the pay part. If they have an ice. If they have a rink that you can get on. He wants to play. What?

[Rosenberg]

I want to find that.

[Don Hahn]

I'm trying to get my wife to go on a date with me tonight because I'm not gonna be home tomorrow. And she just keeps saying no.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Why are you not gonna be home tomorrow again?

[Don Hahn]

Gracie and I are going to a big volleyball.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Your wife's not going to the volleyball?

[Don Hahn]

No, no, no. She has to be home with Cali.

[Guest Speaker 1]

So.

[Don Hahn]

So I'm just like, we need a. We don't have Valentine's tomorrow. I was like, let's just come home and go to dinner. And she's just like, no, just stay home. She doesn't really want to go out.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Come on. Just a little low key. Long Island.

[Don Hahn]

She's very antisocial. But this is just the two of you?

[Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah, it's. It went. It started in 1980.

[Don Hahn]

Wow.

[Guest Speaker 1]

And when? Until 2020 or something?

[Rosenberg]

No, actually now, according to this, it still exists.

[Guest Speaker 1]

No, no, it has to be now. Don, think about it. He was playing seven years ago.

[Don Hahn]

I think John Merrill kept it alive.

[Rosenberg]

No. You know what happened? It did officially end. They tried to keep the streak alive because Andre Palat in 2022 played with Jagger in the 04 Olympics. So it did officially end in 2021. But it started. Who do you think it started with in 1980?

[Guest Speaker 1]

The first player to be a teammate with.

[Don Hahn]

So he was on the. It has to be somebody from the Penguins. Clearly.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Trottier. Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

Good job.

[Rosenberg]

Good poll. Peter, look at.

[Don Hahn]

Take a bow. Take a bow.

[Guest Speaker 1]

People don't expect it from me.

[Don Hahn]

I was unbelievable.

[Rosenberg]

Brian Trottier from 80 to 83. And then it was messier, messier. Joe Mullen in 86. Unbelievable. And so they threw him plot because of the Olympics. And then he was a teammate of bark off in 23 and 24. So if you want to still keep it alive. But it did officially end.

[Guest Speaker 1]

It's a hell of a run. I'd like you to tell your wife, by the way, that she should know. Me and my wife are doing tonight. We're going out to a delightful steakhouse. Got a reservation. I bought her some gifts today.

[Don Hahn]

She just. She's a little.

[Rosenberg]

She's good.

[Don Hahn]

Teaches all day. You know, she's just like. Nah, it's fine. She just wants to be home and I get it.

[Guest Speaker 1]

But there's not like an easy low key place that's nearby.

[Don Hahn]

She sent me. I'll make you orange chicken.

[Rosenberg]

Well, that's. Nothing wrong with that.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Very sweet.

[Don Hahn]

Sounds nice.

[Rosenberg]

Do you have the house to yourself or.

[Don Hahn]

No, no, please, no. We never have that.

[Guest Speaker 1]

You will soon enough. And guess what? You're gonna miss it. You're gonna miss it. How many years away?

[Don Hahn]

Long way to go. I might forget.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Oh yeah, you have like nine years.

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[Don Hahn]

Autozone. Welcome to Autozone. What are you working on today?

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[Rosenberg]

So what if I need a new one?

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[Don Hahn]

Restrictions apply. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Guest Speaker 1]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

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

[Guest Speaker 1]

Do you know how many boombakas it.

[Rosenberg]

Takes to reach Alan Hahn?

[Don Hahn]

I just never heard a band like.

[Rosenberg]

It'S got hip hop, it's got metal, it's got everything.

[Guest Speaker 1]

See, by the way, this is like, so we talked about music taste and I don't listen to Rage, but immediately, like, remember the other day we played like some speedy, somewhat speed metal or. Don said it was regular metal. To me, it sounded like speed. And I, I said, I, like, don't identify with that whatsoever. Yeah, like, this is totally different. Like, the second that comes in. Anybody with like, I feel like a pulse for music.

[Don Hahn]

The bass line.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Can feel the bass line the second it comes in.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, it's the bass line, but it's.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Even the way the guitars are played.

[Don Hahn]

It's just like there are certain bands that have a unique sound. But I like the minute you. He like you too. You know it's YouTube, right? Like, you hear the edge and you're like, yeah, that's you two.

[Guest Speaker 1]

I don't know if I would. I feel that way.

[Don Hahn]

Doesn't sound like any other band.

[Guest Speaker 1]

I'm just being honest. I don't know That I have, like an. I'm so not interested in U2. Like.

[Don Hahn]

Well, I'm not saying interested. You don't have to be. But I just have that distinct sound. Like, Rage has a distinct.

[Guest Speaker 1]

No, but like, Rage. I know their distinct sound.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Guest Speaker 1]

What is the distinct sound?

[Don Hahn]

The edge. His. His guitar. Just how it sounds.

[Guest Speaker 1]

You think I'd. You think eating. Have I heard a random.

[Don Hahn]

If you heard it enough, if you listen to it enough, they went back to, like, if you grew up listening to War and listen to, you know, Fire and Joshua Tree, like, that's the sound. Once they. When they. They went into, you know, the Rope and all that stuff got a little weird. But their. Their unique sound was that sound. And so if you just hear a B side, you know it's you, too, even if you don't know the song. That's just, you know, B Street Band. I mean, Bruce Springsteen. It's. That's a unique sound. It doesn't sound the same.

[Guest Speaker 1]

No. No.

[Don Hahn]

Anything else?

[Guest Speaker 1]

I'm not doubting anything you're saying. I'm doubting whether or not I'm familiar. Remember it.

[Don Hahn]

There's a grunge era where you have to be like, is that Soundgarden? Or Is that Pearl Jam? Or is that. Like. There's a lot of very similarities in those. In those songs. If you don't know if no one's singing.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Right.

[Don Hahn]

That's the only point I'm trying to make here.

[Guest Speaker 1]

I just don't know whether I've listened to you two enough to have that feeling hitting.

[Don Hahn]

Right. But if you did.

[Guest Speaker 1]

The night they opened at the Sphere, I was in Vegas, and I wanted to go because it was the opening night of the Sphere, and my wife and I couldn't talk ourselves into, like, caring enough to drop what would have been like 600 bucks to see you, too and wait with or without you. You know what I'm saying?

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Guest Speaker 1]

I'm not. I'm not saying it proudly.

[Don Hahn]

I'm not.

[Guest Speaker 1]

I'm not proud of my due ignorance. I just don't care enough.

[Don Hahn]

Do you know who has a residency or just announced one at the Sphere.

[Rosenberg]

Oh, I saw this. I know who it is.

[Don Hahn]

I'm a little disappointed.

[Guest Speaker 1]

At the Sphere.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Oh, really? No.

[Rosenberg]

Benny Agbayani?

[Don Hahn]

No, not Ben. Not Benny. Luis Osterheisen.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Was it Louis? Susan?

[Don Hahn]

It was not him either. Benny Agbayani was probably closer, though.

[Guest Speaker 1]

What is it?

[Don Hahn]

Mr. Dan Maloney?

[Guest Speaker 1]

Is it Dan Maloney?

[Don Hahn]

Not Don Maloney?

[Guest Speaker 1]

Okay.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Buffalo Bills went out and got who?

[Don Hahn]

Taye Diggs Stefan Diggs.

[Rosenberg]

Because everybody.

[Guest Speaker 1]

So wait, so what's the genre?

[Don Hahn]

Boy band.

[Rosenberg]

Yeah, boy band.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Oh, that's why you're disappointed because you wanted a good residency. Insane.

[Rosenberg]

Well, no clothes, no.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Backstreet.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, Back street specific.

[Rosenberg]

That hospital.

[Don Hahn]

Now you're gonna sell tickets, of course.

[Guest Speaker 1]

But how many shows they doing?

[Don Hahn]

I didn't see that. I didn't go that far into the press release.

[Guest Speaker 1]

That is. That is a not fun one.

[Don Hahn]

Like, if you're gonna. If you're gonna do that, like, what would be the. Like, what would you do? New Kids on the Block.

[Guest Speaker 1]

What do you mean?

[Don Hahn]

If you're gonna do a residency of a boy band because you know you're just gonna sell it out like crazy. 40 year old women are gonna want to go there.

[Guest Speaker 1]

I mean, it's. It's the right one to do. Backstreet or NSYNC is the one to do.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, if you're gonna Timberlake vehicle. NSync. So that'd be the get.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Those are the ones to do. But like, why. Why would I want them at the Sphere, though? I'm trying to like sell. They do. They put on a show that's in. I know, but like, is the show interesting? Like, I want an interesting show at the Sphere because you can do so many cool things visually, I guess they'll make it really cool. But like, I just couldn't sit through an in sync show. Yeah, I mean, a Backstreet show.

[Rosenberg]

Nor, you know, either.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Everybody.

[Rosenberg]

Yeah, yeah.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Who wants. I mean, come on, it's fun for five seconds.

[Don Hahn]

Nobody wants that.

[Guest Speaker 1]

I was hoping Beyonce.

[Don Hahn]

I enjoyed that.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Thank you. It's probably a drop. Well, we got a drop out of it, so that's nice. I was hoping Beyonce was gonna do the Sphere as her like Cowboy Carter thing because she had her big tour last year, so I thought, oh, she won't do a tour this year. She'll do like 10 at the sphere. But she's not.

[Don Hahn]

You know, who should. Who should. Who sold the garden out 15 times?

[Guest Speaker 1]

What's his face?

[Don Hahn]

Harry Styles.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Harry Styles. He'll do it.

[Don Hahn]

That'd be a show.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Yeah, I'm sure he'll do it.

[Don Hahn]

Meanwhile, you know who may not sell out Yankee Stadium? Marcus Stroman. It feels like, doesn't it, that he's sort of Persona non grata after they added Freed and you know, they have their five rotation.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Can we go back before that?

[Don Hahn]

Oh, well, he didn't dress for any playoffs.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Yeah, I think once they said we're good, you know, I. We don't have the deepest rotation, but we're good.

[Don Hahn]

Our pitching isn't great, but we don't need you.

[Guest Speaker 1]

That was what I knew. This isn't going great.

[Don Hahn]

My fellow strong Islander. I feel terrible. He wanted to be a Yankee. This is not bad. He's a pain in the ace, I guess, but still he. Anyways, he hasn't broken any rules yet. Technically not yet, but he's not there right now. And Aaron Boone had to ask, had to answer questions about his absence.

[Guest Speaker 2]

Yeah, I had an idea when we talked, I knew he might be out the first couple days, but nothing changed with what I said to you guys about how I feel like where he's at mentally, physically. I certainly get how it all looks with the noise around it this winter. But the reality is this is something that is under cba. You know, guys have this and you see it over time periodically. But I certainly understand the look around it and obviously the story around it. But I do feel like, and I've even had communication with him, you know, last night, this morning, that he is ready to go mentally and physically and hopefully be here in the next couple days.

[Don Hahn]

Now here's. Did he tell you why? He didn't.

[Guest Speaker 2]

I'm not going to speak for him. You know, you can ask him the reasons. You know, I certainly, you know, I want him here, obviously. But you know, we also have to respect the rules that are set up and at this, you know, is at their disposable sometimes.

[Don Hahn]

Are you disappointed?

[Guest Speaker 2]

Obviously, I want all our players here, clearly. That said, I am again comfortable with where he's at physically, mentally. It's a prideful player. It's a guy that's had a great career where it's a little bit of an awkward situation, obviously. So of course I want him here and trying to keep nudging him to get here. But again, you also have to respect the fact that this is something that players are allowed to do. There is a mandatory date and he's choosing that right now.

[Rosenberg]

So I'm trying to understand the end game for Stroman. All right, he might be the odd man out, probably doesn't want to be here if he's not going to be a part of the rotation. So to me, I would think I want to send a message out to the rest of Major League Baseball that I'm a good teammate, I'm going to show up, I'm going to do whatever I can to try to make this team and if not, impress the Yankees, impress somebody else. But instead he's now Going to play the game of not reporting until he absolutely has to, which then sends a message to the rest of Major League Baseball. This is a disgruntled guy that might not be all in. Like, why? I understand you're pouting.

[Don Hahn]

You don't send a message, but you don't want me. You don't want me. What, am I gonna show up and I'm gonna play this little game and a dance for you? Like, no, I'll get there when I'm supposed to, but in the meantime, I'm gonna work on my own. Why don't. I want to hang around with everybody else? I get to watch you all shake hands and hug each other and get ready for next season when you didn't need me in the playoffs. Okay. And you don't want me for this season.

[Rosenberg]

I get that and that.

[Don Hahn]

So just trade me.

[Guest Speaker 1]

All right.

[Rosenberg]

That makes you feel good, but I.

[Don Hahn]

Don'T want to be around it.

[Rosenberg]

But do I want to, like, send. There's already a reputation around him that he's a bitch.

[Guest Speaker 1]

I'm aware.

[Don Hahn]

I'm Aw. Yes, he is.

[Rosenberg]

And it is frustrating. Frustrating to be someplace where you're not wanted.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Rosenberg]

But if you want to exit out of there, the better exit strategy is to show the world that, hey, I get. I'm a good soldier, that I'm gonna go out and have a middle reliever. Hey, how's Marcus? I'm interested in Marcus. Like, how's he doing? Well, he hasn't reported the camp yet. He's. He's disgruntled. He's not going to be possibly a start to this. Oh, really? I don't know if I really want to have to deal with because I'm not even sure if we go. If we go out and get him, that we can guarantee him that he's going to be, you know, a number three starter. Or you get a phone call and say, hey, how's Marcus Stroman? I tell you what, we really don't have room for him. But he came here first day. He's been working his tail off for us. Like, doesn't that send a message out to everybody that, hey, I'm not the same old Marcus Stroman pouting that I'm not doing what I need to be doing. I don't know. Maybe that's just me. I just think that you have your hat in your hand now.

[Don Hahn]

I just think he's in a weird place.

[Rosenberg]

I get it.

[Don Hahn]

It's a weird place for him because he was pretty good at the start of the year, he was happy to be a Yankee. This is what he wanted, and he got it. I understand the reasons why they signed him. He probably wanted them more than they wanted him. Right? That fair? But he still pitched. Okay. Then, of course, by the end of the season, you couldn't pitch him, and then they had no use for. In the playoffs.

[Rosenberg]

Okay.

[Don Hahn]

So now he's at a place like, I want to go somewhere where I'm going to play and this isn't it. And I don't want to go there and just show up and fake it like I'm happy to see everyone.

[Rosenberg]

But you're not faking it.

[Don Hahn]

Just trade me.

[Rosenberg]

But the trouble of me going on.

[Guest Speaker 1]

There, bringing all my trades.

[Rosenberg]

It'd be a heck of a lot easier to trade you if the rest of Major League Baseball knew that you weren't being the same old Marcus Stroman and pouting and not being happy with his situation. Wouldn't it make him look better that despite the fact that the Yankees don't want me, still showed up on time, still worked his tail off, because who knows, maybe somebody gets hurt in the spring and all of a sudden now they need him? So I understand it satisfies you to. I'm not going to go there. Screw them.

[Guest Speaker 1]

All right?

[Rosenberg]

But you want out. Wouldn't it make it easier to get out? To just send the message that you're. You're working hard, you're not a problem, and. I'm sorry. Did he deserve to pitch in the postseason?

[Don Hahn]

Well, no, no. I'm not trying to defend him from saying, like, you'll. I'm just saying it's. It's like I. Look, the writers are there. They got to start getting something to write about. This is a story to write about. Oh, he's not here. Oh, no, he's not here. Disgruntled like Don. He doesn't matter. Right? This is not a story because he doesn't matter. He's not in the plans. They're not going to use him. They're probably going to try to trade him. The weird thing is, clearly they can't trade him right now. Nobody really wants him. So what is this? But he is a guy that's on the roster but is of no use to the franchise. It's not like Ellsbury, who, like, you know, if he could just stay healthy, it'd be nice because they should use him. It's not like any other player that you would say they need. They don't need him. They don't want him. And if you are in that position, why would you show up when you don't have to show up?

[Rosenberg]

Well, because I'd want to send the message to the rest of major league baseball. You should want me. Yankees don't want me, but I'm gonna show you. I'm gonna be a good soldier, do what I have to do so you can want me.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Marcus's price has been going down so steadily the last couple years.

[Don Hahn]

And how much did he get? 14.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Is that what it was? A little less than that.

[Don Hahn]

He's still getting some change.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Might have been a tad 18. That much? Oh, no, take it back.

[Don Hahn]

How's that working out for him?

[Guest Speaker 1]

So. But, I mean, listen, I can't say I feel bad because I'm not a fan. You know how I feel about Duke. People this often, it always plays out this way, doesn't it? Doesn't it always? No, but in this case, it was predictable.

[Don Hahn]

Doesn't it always? No, he's at 183 this year.

[Guest Speaker 1]

I mean, you know what? Listen, that's a pretty good deal.

[Rosenberg]

What do you guys always tell me off the air?

[Guest Speaker 1]

You're handsome, we love you.

[Rosenberg]

You got to play the game.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Oh, that's right.

[Rosenberg]

And sometimes playing the game is just sending out the vibe that you're working your tail off and you're somebody that they should be invested in, not, oh, Marcus Stroman's disgruntled again, by the way.

[Don Hahn]

He's 34 years old. I mean, we're. You think all of a sudden, everybody's like, wow, he really changed his ways. Like, he is what he is.

[Rosenberg]

Well, you don't think that would look good, that normally we would expect him not to report the camp and be a problem, but he's not a problem. Maybe he has changed his. I don't know. You're at the point now that the Yankees don't want you, is anybody else going to want you? You're not making it attractive. You got your hat in your hand, man.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, no, he's. He said he's at 18. They're not gonna. Not gonna wave him right. Like, his next team, Long Island Ducks. Like, what are we talking about? Like, where is he going to end up? I don't know, but I don't know. I feel like. I don't feel like this is, like, a dramatic story. I think it's more or less like it's a lightning rod player, and so it's an easy headline.

[Rosenberg]

This is why I say, when you say pitchers and catchers, because this was what happens. Everybody goes down there. You're looking for some sort of a story. Guys, we're still so far, their first spring training game isn't until the 22nd. And even then, so what next week, you know, we got a long way to go before it's for real. A long way to go. So I'm not banging those guys that they, they obviously have a job to do down there. But that's what happens. You're creating a story. And is it a positive story for Strowman or a negative story for Stroman? He's been around long enough to know what happens. So now you're now negative things are being written about you. Is that, is that helping him at all?

[Don Hahn]

I get what you're saying. I just feel like for me and although we just spent a whole segment talking about it, I just look at his like, this guy's not going to factor in. I don't care. I'd rather hear about everybody else, including who the hell's playing third. That's what I'd like to know. 800 now with 93776, last caller, crew and more before we call it a day. And Peter has some fanduel.

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[Don Hahn]

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[Guest Speaker 1]

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[Rosenberg]

Because when you're not worried about doing.

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And that's what running is all about. Run your [e-mail] Running.

[Guest Speaker 1]

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[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Guest Speaker 1]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. Just makes you want to grow out a mullet, right, Pete?

[Guest Speaker 1]

I'm considering it.

[Don Hahn]

Game Time brought to you by Tulla Mardu Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time, it's Tully time. So tonight we have no local teams in action, but some of your hockey locals are in action. Team USA takes on Finland up in Monreal tonight. 8:00, four nations face off. It's on ESPN. And our very own Bob Washuz season is on the call. I'm in. You guys in? I'm in on. I mean, I know you are, Don.

[Rosenberg]

No, I'm definitely Anthony. We like last night.

[Don Hahn]

Jake, can we get you to watch this game?

[Rosenberg]

Oh, I'M tuned in. I don't have anything else to watch, so.

[Don Hahn]

Jake, Peter.

[Guest Speaker 1]

No, I'm out. Dinner. I've dinner.

[Don Hahn]

I mean, doesn't care about if it's.

[Guest Speaker 1]

On at the steakhouse, which it should be.

[Don Hahn]

If it's a good American steakhouse, it's.

[Guest Speaker 1]

A good American steakhouse.

[Don Hahn]

This is. This is your country against Finland or.

[Guest Speaker 1]

It'S a Finnish steakhouse. You don't know where I'm going. I love the Finnish food. Actually, Finnish food is. Respectfully, I've been to Finland.

[Don Hahn]

Is a lot of seafood.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Yeah. Like weird seafood.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Guest Speaker 1]

I was not into it when I was there.

[Don Hahn]

Very close to like seahorse.

[Guest Speaker 1]

I don't know about seahorses.

[Don Hahn]

Game time. Brought to you by Tolo Mardu. The original triple distilled, triple blended, triple cask matured Irish whiskey. Because when it's game time, boys. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Be sure to grab a Telemore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew. Honey, during tonight's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly. Richard in Manhattan. Hi, Richard.

[Caller 3]

Hi, Don. Peter Allen. You know, the Yankees had a pitcher in 1976. Billy Martin would not pitch Ken Holtzman. That guy was a 20 game winner for three days. Great pitcher. He just didn't like him. And Holtzman had a great answer. He said, I don't care, I'll sit in the bullpen and get paid.

[Don Hahn]

Right?

[Caller 3]

That was great. You know, I don't know. This is a bad week, by the way. No NHL games, no NBA games. And you know, the more I watch NBA, Allen, I think I'm watching the Virginia Squires and the Kentucky Colonels. They should get a red, white and blue ball ABA style.

[Don Hahn]

No defense, a lot of offense.

[Caller 3]

Yes, it looks just like aba. I'm waiting to see George Gervin and Julius serving finger roll. Really? I mean it. I mean it's not good. I don't like the defense. I don't understand. St. John's yesterday, 37, three pointers. The Knicks took 26. So with Townsend Brunson, they're taking less free threes than the Saint John in more minutes. And the last play, Allen, they're down by two. Get the two pointer. What are you going for?

[Don Hahn]

Three.

[Caller 3]

You're not good at three. I don't understand patino.

[Don Hahn]

You saw. I don't think that was a Pitino call. I think even he said after the game there were some things that, you know, again, the players on the court do that. He just, yeah, we got to be better. All right. He was not happy with his team yesterday, but he knew not to rip into them publicly because they had been so good.

[Caller 3]

Yeah, we were talking about Tyson 35 years ago, fellas. There were two bigger upsets, ironically, both in February. Fellas. All right. 47 years ago Saturday, this coming Saturday. This was tremendous. Ali lost to Leon Spinks on a sad, on a Tuesday night I'll never forget. And that was a shock. That was his first time Ali lost to somebody he shouldn't lose.

[Guest Speaker 1]

But that, that was. I'd have to look at the, I'd have to look at the numbers, though. But based on his age at the time, I don't know if that's on a bigger.

[Caller 3]

He wasn't that old. 78.

[Guest Speaker 1]

78'S pretty old, though. That, that's, that's, that's not, that's not going to be 42 to 1 like Buster Douglas was. Richard.

[Caller 3]

All right, all right. Now the biggest upset in the history of boxing was exactly 61 years ago later this month when then Cassius Clay beat Sonny Liston. That was unbelievable. That was 61 years ago. And Peter, you'll love this. Two days later, or I think it was two days earlier, the Beatles were on the Ed Sullivan Show. So that was unbelievable. And last, let me leave you this, Don. This is for your father. Saquon is the last giant running back to leave the Giants and win a Super Bowl. Your father would know this. Don.

[Don Hahn]

Well, the first giant running back.

[Caller 3]

The first giant running back to leave the Giants and win the Super Bowl. First giant. You know the answer?

[Rosenberg]

I'm thinking I don't know.

[Caller 3]

You know, his grandson just wrote an article in the Post this past Friday talking about the forgotten packers, the three peak packers who won two Super Bowls and the champions right before. Anyway, Chuck Mercine left the packers and went to. Left the Giants and went to the Packers. There you go in that ice bowl game was instrumental in that last drive.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Richard. Richard. Wait, hold on.

[Don Hahn]

Kill the music.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Kill the music. Richard. Richard. Richard. Richard. Okay, he's gone. I wanted to tell Richard, so he just called and told us that the two bigger up. Richard, you're there. No, Richard, I want to tell you the two. You said the two bigger upsets. He said Ali, Leon Spinks. That was a 10 to 1 fight, right? Liston, Ali. That was a 7 to 1 fight. Douglas was 42 to 1. Just.

[Rosenberg]

I close.

[Guest Speaker 1]

I love you, but it's it. No, no. The biggest upset ever was Douglas over.

[Don Hahn]

If you ever asks me, like, you know, ask your father this. I might have to pull out the.

[Rosenberg]

Ouija board because he knows my father's combat doesn't matter.

[Guest Speaker 1]

He doesn't care.

[Don Hahn]

It doesn't matter.

[Guest Speaker 1]

No. In some ways, it's sweet that he likes to replace.

[Rosenberg]

Yes. I ask your father, he says, this is for your father.

[Guest Speaker 1]

Right.

[Rosenberg]

He's honoring it.

[Don Hahn]

No, I thought he did. The second time around, I thought he did. Say.

[Guest Speaker 1]

He said if you ask him, it's interesting. Happy birthday, Donnie.

[Don Hahn]

Happy birthday, Don.

[Rosenberg]

Thank you.

[Don Hahn]

Hope you had a good birthday today. Hope you have a great dinner tonight with Nancy and celebrating everything. And we'll. We'll see y'all tomorrow. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, esp, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.

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