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Alan Hahn
Are all batteries the same? That's like asking if all soccer players are the same. Take Messi, the most decorated player ever. Is there any other player who has achieved that? No, just him. Now take Duracell. Is there any other battery with powerboost ingredients inside? No, just Duracell. Remember, goats only trust goats because they're built different. And Messi only trusts Duracell.
Don La Greca
This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Alan Hahn
That sounds like heaven to me.
Don La Greca
Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers. There's two teams that I don't want to put a lot of energy into. One of them's the jets. Because while I do think as I talked to Dan Graziano earlier, and if you missed that conversation, he was really good. Graz knows a lot about the NFL. We talked a lot of Giants, but we did talk some Jets. And if you missed it, we have it on the podcast. Of course, you can see that also on the YouTube channel. It's its own link that you can just watch. Just that. I actually retweeted it on Twitter, so if you miss it, just go check that out. Because Graz was great. But we did talk a little Jets. And the credit I wanted to give was to Darren Muji, the gm, because I do think he's been really good. And if you want to have just a modicum of reason of hope, that's your reason. Because it does seem like he's building a good roster. Figure out the quarterback thing. Maybe Geno Smith needs to get an Uber driver for a little while here, but other than that, we'll see where that goes. But it's going to be a. A long, slow build, and you don't know if you have a coach. But the other team that's just suddenly telling us you're not worth my time is the New York Mets. And it's not because I'm a Yankees fan. I told you, my whole family are Mets fans. So we talk about the Mets, we hear about the Mets.
Alan Hahn
We.
Don La Greca
We're very much involved in the Mets. Some of my good friends are over there. Gelbsy is. I love Gelbsy, but it's just hard to. When you see something and you say, this is not run right. And as I've said, and I continue to say it, and I'm going to keep saying it, the Lindor Soto dynamic is one that they're going to have to, at some point, address. Rick was talking about this morning on DHR with Grasso was in for Dave and Rick was giving you the player perspective on how no players don't have to like each other and get along, but there still has to be, and I said this early in the show, an established respect for who's the alpha, whose team it is, an understanding of it all. And maybe you all don't rock with each other, but at least you get it. Like, I get, like, how this hall works and we can make it work. And a great example he brought up was, like, how Brunson came in and he immediately was the man. And Randall's like, yo, I've been here for two years. What are you doing? Right? And he saw how it was shifting away from him. He didn't like it. And it made an awkward locker room to a point where they're like, sky. Like, sometimes he's fine and some days he's a wet blanket and can't have this because the room's got to have a better feel to, a better vibe to it. Just an understanding of, look, this is his team or this is his room. And once they moved him out and they brought in Cat, and Cat kind of saw the lay of the land. And Cat also had that with Anthony Edwards, where he understood it fit, it worked. And in time, once Cat got happy with his role, it was the locker room was fine. His role, you know, did create some uncomfortable moments, but once it all kind of got figured out, than they were like, a really close unit. That's critical. So Soto and Lindor is something that the Mets are going to be forced to deal with. And it doesn't mean get them to be friends. Ain't happening, kids. And Lindor's the guy that is the easiest to move. And as we know, he kind of gave a no comment about his no trade. So keep an eye on that story. Might not be this year, but it's coming. But how about stuff that Soto said? All Star now All Star break. And he's an All Star and talking about his nobody want look. And I hate doing this to a Met fan. Nobody wants to revisit the whole, did he make a mistake leaving the Yankees? Blah, blah, blah. I'm not trying to create that conversation, but the Yankees are always going to come up with Soto, especially with the Mets being a bad team and the Yankees still being what they are. And so Soto was simply asked about his memories of being a Yankee.
Alan Hahn
I have so much great memories, man.
Don La Greca
Like, it's.
Alan Hahn
I have a great time there. You know, we have a great time. We went to the World Series and everything. Yeah, probably celebrating In Cleveland was one of the greatest memories I can ever have.
Don La Greca
So there's a guy who spent one year, but he kind of gushed there for a minute. Now, how about, do you. This question about Judge that he was asked, do you ever miss not playing with Judge? I know you're happy where you are.
Alan Hahn
I mean, I miss. Like that makes sense at all, you know,
Don La Greca
I mean, K said it last year and everybody jumped him. Is K wrong?
Alan Hahn
There's just no good. Like he answered that.
Don La Greca
The best. Being dismissive as the best. Was he like, I know. What was he going to say? Oh, no, no, I don't miss playing. Of course you do. He's an mvp. I had my best year with him. But you can't say it too happily. I mean, the memories of being a Yankee was really like giddy. But the, the, yeah, you're right about that, Anthony. There's no, there's no easy answer there because one way or another it's going to be perceived differently. If he said, no, I'm good, that, that would be a shot at Judge and you know, they had a respect for each other. But if he gushed about playing with Judge, then you know that's also going to create. Yes, would have been the whole show.
Alan Hahn
I wouldn't have told you, hey, Alan.
Don La Greca
But you can, hey, you can hang on to this one till 6:30.
Alan Hahn
We're not going to get anything out of this one.
Don La Greca
If he. Do you miss paying with you? Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. That would have definitely gone a long way. I wonder if anybody asked him, do you miss playing with Pete Alonso? But it again, Case said he kind of had this sense of reality in the beginning of last year and his mood wasn't right. It took him a while to get out of it. I still think Lindor being around is making it uncomfortable. And I think if you're the Mets, you have to acknowledge at some point while you still got to rebuild that roster because it sucks. One thing you've got to do is solve that problem. And we all know who's going to win that. Who's winning that face off Ant. Who's winning that face off.
Rich Eisen
Soto.
Don La Greca
Yeah, of course she is. So that's why it's, it's. They're gonna have to get to that place. It's an ugly. It's. You're gonna have to rip the band aid off. But once you do, you build the team properly around Soto. You'll see Soto's mood change. You'll see it change. And if you say to me, you know I don't like having to cater to a player and he's being a diva. Welcome to pro sports, everybody. 800 now, 193776. Javier in Queens has been waiting a long time to talk some Yankees. I'm sorry, Javi. I will get to you. No, we lost Javi. Oh no. He was like there and now he's not. And now he's not. But maybe he's calling back. So we'll break here and we'll do a last call crew and we'll get to as many calls as we can. In a contracting business, you're either growing or you're grinding.
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Don La Greca
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Rich Eisen
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Don La Greca
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I didn't listen to anything you just said. Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. We've got home Run Derby coverage. It starts at 8:00 clock here on ESPN New York. And we went to Javier from Queens and we lost this call, but he'd been waiting a while. So, Javier, I wanted to bring you on before we called it a day.
Alan Hahn
How are you, Han Solo? I'm so sorry about that before, but I'm so happy to be on with Han Solo. I wish I got on before the break because I was hoping we're going to hear some logic coming into some Han Solo like back in the day. Am I right, Alan?
Don La Greca
No, Jake didn't remember. He didn't remember to play it. But I'll tell you what, I tell you what, though, I want to tell you something that I thought of you the other day, because I would say, I don't know if I was listening to sports talk radio somewhere because I was not in New York this weekend, but whatever it was, I was. Somebody went to Javier and I was like, see, I'm not wrong.
Alan Hahn
There was a Javier in Boston.
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What's going on?
Alan Hahn
I got to do it.
Don La Greca
I don't know. It might have been bought. I forget it. But I know that the minute I heard something, somebody call for Javier. And I'm like, see, I've heard that before. So anyways.
Alan Hahn
All right, so listen, Alan. Happy anniversary. Alan, a very long time ago, I gave you big props. I said, when it comes to New York hoops, for me, it's Johnny Hoops, it's Mike Breen, and it's Alan Hahn, right? And if I'm going to go for a mount. And you said that was huge praise. And it is like that when it comes. When it. When it. But I'm going to. I'm going to add one guy to the Mount Rushmore because I was inspired. I've been watching Rich eisen's. This was SportsCenter, if you're aware of that, like the podcast. And he's interviewing, so he had. There was footage of Bill Pedo doing Sports Center. I completely forgot that Bill. Peter was from espn, I'm telling you. And Peto looked amazing. He was so young. He didn't have his glasses. Oh, man. Bill Peto was on top of the world.
Don La Greca
Yeah. Shout out to Bill Tito. Yeah, he was fighting him all up in Bristol,
Alan Hahn
for sure. So listen, Alan, surprising weekend, right? There was more significant. There was more significant fight. Like the. The best fight this weekend was Bam Adebayo versus Tyler Herro and even Conor McGregor. But I was Matt Holloway. There was more significant strikes.
Don La Greca
I was told, though, that that one lasted just as long, even shorter.
Alan Hahn
And my last thing. Listen, the coach from The Blue Jays. Is it John Snyder?
Don La Greca
Yeah.
Alan Hahn
My man gets the gas face. Oh, given, given. Cease. Given. Cease. The. The ball instead of naming Schlitler the starter is like, it's Little league move. It's like when the little league coach plays his kid pitching or shortstop when there's a better player. Like, it's. It's so bush league. I'm happy Toronto is doing this because it just shows why they didn't deserve to win a World Series last year. So I'm glad, Cam, that, you know, thanks, but no thanks. Like, let's go That. I mean, come on. Ashley gets the gas.
Don La Greca
Thank you, Javi. See? See that? That's going way back. Hobby.
Alan Hahn
Appreciate it.
Don La Greca
The going gas face. You remember, that was the old Han Solo stuff we would do at night as well. Let's go to Mark in Kings Park. It rhymes. How you doing, Mark?
Alan Hahn
Fine, Alan. Thank you for taking my call.
Don La Greca
What's up?
Alan Hahn
Big fan. Always watching you with the Knicks. I got to know you a little bit more with your son playing with Mikey Marco. I'm sure that name rings a bell.
Don La Greca
Oh, yeah. Oh, sure.
Alan Hahn
Mikey is. Mikey is my neighbor. So I. I kind of followed your son with the Islanders and what he's doing in New Hampshire. But two quick topics for you. One, I'm curious who you think would be a best fit for the second center back up behind call Anthony Towns. I think Drummond's good, but I know there's some names out there. Valchunas, Looney, Richard, and a host of others. I'm curious on that, but I also just wanted to chime in for what it's worth, and an avid listener to your show. I gotta tell you, Alan, E and N starting to grade on. Me and a few of my buddies, we talk about it all the time. It just feels like the shtick is going a little overboard. Again, just constructive. I love you guys, but, you know, the tube is playing like 20 times in an ENN and the hellos go on for, like, 10 minutes. It just. It feels like it's dragging. So I'm just giving you my thoughts and a bunch of my buddies that we talk about.
Don La Greca
Yeah, you know what, Mark? I'll tell you that it's stuff that, you know, again, the end is not my vehicle, so that's something that, you know, Peter does. It's what he loves to do is drops and all that stuff. And, you know, we'll. We'll definitely pass it on because we need constructive criticism. Right? We want to be great, don't we? As far as sinners. I really would have loved to have seen them get Eve's Missy from New Orleans. They have a bunch of centers now and they just resigned DeAndre Jordan. So it's just but they're not letting them go, at least not for cheap. But he, he'd be like they need an athletic, like a younger athletic, bouncy kind of pogo stick, kind of big who can defend and you know, defend the rim. Drummond can rebound, we know that give you a little bit of offense. But I still think they got to find themselves. You know, again I always say pogo stick like I like the bouncy seven footer. They're real athletic. They got to find somebody along those lines. So that that's something I would watch. And Mike Marcoux did a wonderful things helping my son's career when he played for the Islanders. So I really do appreciate everything he did. So say hi to him for me.
Rich Eisen
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Don La Greca
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Don La Greca
Let's see how many more we can get through Griffin in Connecticut. Hey, Griff.
Alan Hahn
Hey, Alan. Earlier in the day when Jake said this and you said this too. So you're telling me you would get, you would do. You would go all in. So there's no one untouchable at all. So you would trade George Lombard Jr.
Don La Greca
I didn't say that. I didn't say no. Yeah, no, I, I said thank you. When it comes to all in, you can't let money price like that kind of thing. Like you wouldn't trade for a contract you'd be worried about and all that stuff. Like I would just make sure that if I can get, get a player that gets me closer to being a true champion, especially the American League. The way it looks right now, you do it. Lombard, by the way, for me and everything I've read about him. Now I know he's, he's been banged up, but I love that kid. From what they're saying about him as far as the way he carries himself, he's the anti Volpe. Like he's not someone that's, you know, going to sit in and wallow in his own self pity if he's got a bad couple of at bats. The stuff I've read about him, what he is the next day after a bad game, his defense is already elite. What he can do the jump throw that like he does the Jeter jump throw like Jeter. So the bats got to come around. It's going to take time. But that's not a guy I'm throwing around. No chance someone like him.
Alan Hahn
Thank you. This is what I said to Jake and I called him crazy because he said no one's untouchable. That he wouldn't be afraid to trade George Lombard Jr. For two month rental of carrot school ball. He said this earlier.
Don La Greca
I called him crazy.
Alan Hahn
I said you have to be.
Don La Greca
Yeah, I don't agree with Jake. I don't think school is what you need to spend on. You need a righty hitting catcher. You need to look at third base if you can. I need a bat like I need a bottom of the order bat that I can, I can rely on. Yeah, I. Look, Jake has his opinions. Everybody's allowed to have their own opinions. I don't agree with that. I don't think Scuba is a guy that you go after as a rental, especially you got to know what's coming after this. You know, a cap's coming, and so you don't want to get. You have pitching, starting pitching. Get it healthy, get it right. I'm more worried about getting another bat because I don't know what Judge is going to be. I don't know what he's going to be. He'll still be a magnet in the lineup if he's playing. If he's playing, he'll still be a guy that pitchers have to worry about, but it doesn't. He's going to be productive, but his gravity will help Ben Rice. His gravity might even help Bellinger get out of whatever he's in. But I got to get another bat, and that's the part I'm looking at. Bottom of the order has been trash. It's got to be more consistent. Don't hold back because you're afraid of a contract. I'd hold back. I'd worry about somebody that I'm giving up assets for, and he's gone. That doesn't make sense, especially not Lombard. Please. You're going to need a develop an. In your system, develop player in that. In that type of situation. Tony in Middletown. Been waiting a while. What's up, Tone?
Alan Hahn
Yeah. Hey, Alan. All the accolades you got, man. I echo those.
Don La Greca
Thank you.
Alan Hahn
Being, you know, giving that baller perspective to the ballers, you know, I'm saying. Because that's coaching, too. And that helped us. I'm telling you, get that chip this year. You know, I'm saying your. Your interview tactics and what you bring to the table. So appreciate it. We got the chip. But one thing I have not heard. I just got to bring this dude's name up. He was on Stephen H. Smith show. DJ Mero. Okay. When we lost that second game to Atlanta.
Don La Greca
Yep.
Alan Hahn
He said we were going to sweep the rest of the play. I was like, this dude's a clown. What's he doing on the show that he was one game off, so I got to give him his props. Okay. Exactly. So I was like, wow, I guess. I guess I hope he put some money down on it. But he was one game off. That. That was an amazing call. DJ Mero, you the man.
Don La Greca
He's so. All right. Thank you, Tone. Like, I think, you know, with everybody is, once you saw them get on that roll, that series with Philly is the first time we just started going, okay, this, like, whatever happened at the end of that Hawk series, this is real. And it was a lot of fun. And this is the anniversary one month of champions. Keep celebrating, everybody. We'll see you all tomorrow. Thanks for listening to the Don Han 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, 880, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers. Hey, it's Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. Now I was looking for fun ways to tell you that Mint's offer of unlimited Premium Wireless for $15 a month is back. So I thought it would be fun if we made $15 bills, but it turns out that's very illegal. So there goes my big idea for the commercial. Give it a try@mintmobile.com upfront payment of $45 for three months, $90 for six months or $180 for 12 month plan required $15 per month equivalent taxes and fees. Extra initial plan term only greater than 50 gigabytes. Me slow when network is busy.
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Hour 4: Lindor-Soto & Last Call Crew
Date: July 13, 2026
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
ESPN New York
This hour of the show centers on the pressing dynamics within New York sports, particularly the challenging locker room situation with the Mets’ Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, as well as a lively segment featuring a rapid-fire “last call” of listener calls touching on basketball, baseball, and more. The tone is candid, loyal to New York sports’ passionate discourse, with hosts offering both critique and camaraderie.
Timestamps: 00:36–01:54
Timestamps: 01:54–06:45
Soto was asked about his Yankees memories and playing with Judge:
He’s pressed about missing playing alongside Aaron Judge:
Timestamps: 09:43–20:33
On Mets’ leadership crisis:
On Lindor–Soto reality:
Soto reminisces about Yankees:
On fan patience:
Fan frustration with radio shtick:
Valuing young prospects:
Playful, opinionated, and irreverent, with the hosts blending honest critique, banter, and deep sports analysis—true to the passionate, no-nonsense spirit of New York sports radio.
This hour offers frank assessments of the Mets’ leadership mess and what has to change, insight into the value of leadership clarity in pro teams, and entertaining fan interaction covering multiple teams and eras—all flavored with the direct, authentic voices of New York sports.