Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: Mets Shutout

Release Date: July 30, 2025

In the fourth hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the New York Mets' recent performance, player evaluations, and the looming trade deadline. This episode offers a comprehensive analysis for both avid fans and casual listeners interested in the intricate dynamics of the Mets' season.

1. Opening Remarks and Current Game Analysis (00:34 - 09:40)

The episode kicks off with Peter Rosenberg summarizing the Mets' disheartening performance in their latest game:

Peter Rosenberg [02:08]: "So the Mets are clearly in. They've got an owner who doesn't seem to care about the luxury threshold. He just wants to win, right? So he'll add payroll."

He provides a detailed breakdown of the game's statistics, highlighting the Mets' struggles:

• Top of the Ninth Inning: The Mets were trailing five to nothing with only two hits, one by Vientos and another by Mauricio.

• Pitching Performance: Clay Holmes' outing was subpar, resulting in an 8-hit, 4-run performance over 3⅔ innings.

• Team Standings: The Mets are facing a potential sweep in San Diego, impacting their position in the standings as the Phillies close the gap.

2. Player Performance and Trade Speculations (09:40 - 16:37)

The discussion transitions to individual player performances and potential trades as the trade deadline approaches:

Peter Rosenberg [13:00]: "He's on the Orioles. Yeah, but he was supposed to be a difference maker for them and he is not."

• Devin Williams vs. Clay Holmes: Rosenberg expresses a preference for Holmes in the bullpen over Williams, citing reliability despite Williams' high walk rates.

• Charlie Morton’s Potential Move: The hosts debate the viability of trading Charlie Morton, a seasoned pitcher with postseason experience but inconsistent recent performances.

Peter Rosenberg [14:23]: "So he's pitching a couple of World Series. In the World Series, he's 1 and 1, 17 innings pitched."

They weigh Morton's veteran presence against his recent statistics, considering whether his experience could be a "needle mover" for a playoff push.

3. Caller Interactions and Team Dynamics (16:37 - 23:53)

Listeners call in with thoughts on team strategies and player dynamics:

• Mental Health of Players: A caller discusses Joe Volpe's defensive struggles, suggesting that mental fatigue is affecting his performance and proposing rest as a solution.

Caller [05:46]: "But I think it's pretty clear it's got to be mental because it started out as Volpe is struggling at the plate and that now he's letting that affect his defense."

• Trade Proposals: Another caller proposes trading Devin Williams for Mason Miller, sparking a debate on the merits of cultivating young talent versus acquiring immediate bullpen help.

Peter Rosenberg [22:20]: "Devin Williams is getting the job done here. It's a high wire act, but so is everybody outside of Mariano Rivera."

4. Trade Deadline Anticipation and Team Strategies (23:53 - 24:18)

As the trade deadline approaches, the hosts speculate on possible moves by key teams:

Peter Rosenberg [23:16]: "The deadline is at 6, but there's always a little spillage outside of 6. So tomorrow's show is going to be a lot of fun."

They anticipate actions from not only the Mets and Yankees but also the Phillies, Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Rangers, emphasizing the fluid nature of trade discussions in the final hours.

Key Takeaways:

• Mets' Struggles: The team faces defensive and offensive inconsistencies, highlighted by recent poor pitching performances and low hit counts.

• Bullpen Concerns: Questions loom over the effectiveness of key relievers like Devin Williams and Clay Holmes, with potential trades on the horizon.

• Trade Deadline Dynamics: The impending deadline is set to stir significant moves, with teams evaluating veteran experience against the cultivation of young talent.

• Mental Health Impact: Player performance is not just physical but also mental, with discussions pointing to the need for rest and support for struggling players.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg [02:08]: "The Mets are clearly in. They've got an owner who doesn't seem to care about the luxury threshold. He just wants to win, right? So he'll add payroll."

• Caller [05:46]: "I think it's pretty clear it's got to be mental because it started out as Volpe is struggling at the plate and that now he's letting that affect his defense."

• Peter Rosenberg [23:16]: "The deadline is at 6, but there's always a little spillage outside of 6. So tomorrow's show is going to be a lot of fun."

Conclusion

In this episode, Don, Hahn & Rosenberg provide an in-depth look at the New York Mets' current season challenges, player performances, and the strategic maneuvers likely as the trade deadline nears. Their analysis offers valuable insights into the team's prospects and the broader MLB landscape, making it a must-listen for fans keen on understanding the intricacies of the game and team management.