Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: Trust The Process

Release Date: January 25, 2025
Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg

1. Introduction

In the "Trust The Process" episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into a variety of sports topics with a particular focus on the New York Mets' management decisions, the New York Knicks' performance, and fan reactions. The conversation is interspersed with listener interactions and nostalgic reflections, providing a comprehensive look into the current sports landscape in New York.

2. Knicks and Rangers Updates [00:41 - 02:00]

The hosts kick off the episode by discussing upcoming games:

• Knicks vs. Sacramento Kings at Madison Square Garden:
  Alan Hahn mentions the excitement around key players like McKinnon and Rantanen Makar, highlighting their impact on the game.

• Rangers vs. Avalanche on Football Sunday:
  Don LaGreca reminisces about the old Quebec Nordique players, adding a touch of nostalgia to the current season's expectations.

3. Mets' Pete Alonso Contract Discussion [03:00 - 09:25]

A significant portion of the episode centers on Pete Alonso's contract negotiations with the New York Mets:

• Mets' Offer to Alonso:
  Don LaGreca critiques the Mets' proposed $22 million annual offer, labeling it as "insulting" given Alonso's performance. He states, “I think the Mets are playing it right. Sit back, twiddle your thumbs, wait and see..." [04:29].

• Fan Reactions and Management Strategy:
  Alan Hahn argues against fan-driven demands for higher salaries, emphasizing the importance of strategic financial management. He asserts, “You have to stand down instead of screaming and yelling about what you want...” [05:35].

• Don's Logical Approach:
  Don LaGreca advocates for trust in the Mets' management, explaining, “It's bad business. ...what good business is waiting for the price to come down...” [07:30].

• Peter Rosenberg's Role:
  While not directly quoted in this segment, Peter Rosenberg facilitates the conversation, ensuring a balanced discussion between logic and fan emotions.

4. Listener Call and Further Discussion [13:00 - 22:00]

The episode features a passionate listener, Justin, who challenges the hosts' viewpoints:

• Justin's Critique:
  Justin expresses frustration over the Mets not meeting Alonso's salary expectations, stating, “Why are you bringing logic and reason into this conversation when it comes to Pete Alonso?... It’s insane.” [13:27].

• Hosts' Defense:
  Don LaGreca and Alan Hahn respond by reiterating the importance of strategic planning over fan emotions. Don emphasizes, “If you're just like to play pool at the bar... a professional pool player has got seven, eight shots ahead.” [11:52].

• Alan's Perspective on Management:
  Alan Hahn highlights David Stearns' (Mets' GM) background and expertise, reinforcing trust in his decision-making. He shares, “Stearns actually knows what the hell he's doing when it comes to business...” [09:59].

• Conclusion of the Call:
  The conversation concludes with mutual respect despite differing opinions, emphasizing the complexity of managing a sports franchise.

5. Knicks All-Star Starters and Team Strategy [25:00 - 31:00]

Shifting focus to the New York Knicks, the hosts discuss the team's recent achievements and strategic decisions:

• All-Star Selections:
  Alan Hahn highlights that both Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have been named All-Star starters. He notes, “The last time the Knicks had two players voted as starters for the all-star game is 1975.” [25:00].

• Team's Offensive Strategy:
  Don LaGreca praises the Knicks' offensive performance, describing it as “one of the highest scoring starting fives in the NBA.” [27:48]. He explains how Towns' versatility opens up opportunities for other players like Bridges and Obi Toppin.

• Defense and Future Additions:
  The conversation touches on the need for improved defense and potential future acquisitions, ensuring the Knicks remain competitive. Alan Hahn mentions, “They still have to add some defense...another seven-footer who can defend and help them rebound.” [28:44].

6. Listener Interaction and Nostalgia [31:00 - 43:01]

The hosts engage with listeners and share personal anecdotes, blending sports talk with light-hearted interactions:

• Listener Barbara's Call:
  Barbara shares a heartfelt story about sending a functioning VCR to Don LaGreca, sparking a nostalgic discussion about VHS tapes and memorable sports moments. Don reminisces, “I have talked with sources tied to the three men who have received second interviews...” [37:33].

• Sweet Caroline and Rangers' Traditions:
  The hosts debate whether the Rangers played "Sweet Caroline" during games. Don LaGreca clarifies, “They played it late in the third period of the Garden when the Rangers were winning...” [38:28].

• Personal Memories:
  Alan Hahn shares his own poignant memory of his first dunk in a game, reflecting on how sports can influence personal lives deeply. He says, “I wish I could watch that again. But it's probably in a landfill somewhere.” [35:38].

• Heartwarming Stories:
  The episode concludes with a story about an 11-year-old finding a rare baseball card, which will be auctioned to support the LA Fire Relief Fund, highlighting the community and charitable aspects of sports fandom. Jacob mentions, “The proceeds that the auction house gets for this card is going to go to the LA Fire Relief Fund...” [41:28].

7. Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, the hosts encourage listeners to “trust the process” in both team management and personal sports journeys. They emphasize patience and strategic planning over impulsive reactions, leaving listeners with a balanced perspective on the challenges and triumphs within the sports world.

Notable Quotes

• Don LaGreca [04:29]:
  “I think the Mets are playing it right. Sit back, twiddle your thumbs, wait and see, and maybe Boris comes back to you and says, that 22 that you offered, I think that sounds good. We'll take it.”

• Alan Hahn [05:35]:
  “You have to stand down instead of screaming and yelling about what you want, because what you want was Verlander and Scherzer. How'd that work out?”

• Justin [13:27]:
  “You wanna sign Pete after you gave Soto all that money... it's like saying, hey, Pete, man, we love you. We love you at 70 million.”

• Don LaGreca [11:52]:
  “It's bad business...what good business is waiting for the price to come down to what you're willing to pay.”

• Alan Hahn [25:00]:
  “The last time the Knicks had two players voted as starters for the all-star game is 1975.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offers a deep dive into the intricate balance between management decisions and fan expectations within professional sports. Through thoughtful discussions and engaging listener interactions, the hosts advocate for trusting strategic processes over reacting purely on emotional impulses, providing valuable insights for both sports enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.