Hour 4: Trust The Process

Summary

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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].

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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].

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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.

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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.”

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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.

Transcript

[Don LaGreca]

If you need three new reasons to love Jack wraps at Jack in the Box, even more.

[Alan Hahn]

Here they are.

[Don LaGreca]

Chicken fajita, chicken Caesar, and delicious, starting at $3. Coincidentally, those are the same three reasons you should come to Jack in the Box right now at Jack. Every bite's a big deal.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don LaGreca]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8:80, ESP, the ESPN New York.

[Alan Hahn]

App and your smart speakers into the 6:00 hour. We go one hour away from the weekend. Don Lagreca.

[Don LaGreca]

That's right.

[Alan Hahn]

Looking forward to this. When you get a little break, which is nice, I get back to work, which is even better. Knicks play tomorrow against the Sacramento Kings at the Garden. And then the Rangers on a very busy football Sunday have an afternoon tilt with the Avalanche. Right, the Quebec Nordique.

[Don LaGreca]

That's right, the old Quebec Nordique.

[Alan Hahn]

That's right. Okay.

[Don LaGreca]

McKinnon and Rantanen Makar, some of the bigger stars in the game coming to the Garden.

[Alan Hahn]

Can you name four former Quebec Nordics? Just top your head real quick.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, Mark Tardif, I remember him. I remember Joe Sakic, of course. He was an original. He was Quebec Nordique. Stefan Fasse.

[Alan Hahn]

Wow.

[Don LaGreca]

Goaltender and.

[Alan Hahn]

Come on, come on. The one. There's one. There's one. There's one. That's an. Like, I'm surprised you don't know this one.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, I know it. I just. There's just a myriad of guys that I can.

[Alan Hahn]

There are two brothers.

[Don LaGreca]

Oh, well, of course. The Stasny brothers.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. I thought you'd go there first. Can you name their first names?

[Don LaGreca]

Well, there was. There was Peter and Anton.

[Alan Hahn]

Right. And there was a third brother, by the way.

[Don LaGreca]

There was.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes. Peter, Anton, Marion.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, I was. You know, Paul was with their nephew.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. I think it was definitely a family.

[Don LaGreca]

I don't think it was son, though. I loved Le Colise.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, nothing like the Le Colise.

[Don LaGreca]

Wow. Did you get to go?

[Alan Hahn]

No, that was well past me. But again, just watching, growing up, watching the Islanders and just. They'd play there and just the crowd and the energy. No, my. I got to. Again, I never got to the Forum. That was after that, the. The Bell center or whatever it was back then.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah. Bella 96.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. So I. I remember I came into the league in 99, so never got to see any of the old places, so. But anyways, game time right now is brought to you by Tullamore. Do Irish whiskey, because when it's game time, it's Tully time. And so how about the NBA tomorrow? Very busy day on our ESPN family of networks. Spurs and the Pacers, they are in Paris. That game is at noon. So you got Victor Wembanyama there in his home country. And boy, the crowd has. The crowd the other night was unbelievable. That game was on ESPN at noon. Then NBA Saturday prime time. We have an ABC triple header first. Timberwolves hosting the Denver Nuggets. And Jokic has been lighting up the league right now. The numbers that he is putting up lately, like we've been talking about Shay Gilgis Alexander for mvp. He, Jokic is like, yeah, no, no, no, don't forget about me.

[Don LaGreca]

What was his line last night?

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, it was like 35, 20 something and 17 assists. Like he had a. Only Wilt Chamberlain has ever put up a game like that.

[Don LaGreca]

Incredible.

[Alan Hahn]

It just, it's insane what he's been doing. So that game's at three, you don't want to miss that one. And then you get Celtics, Mavericks, that coverage, it's at 5 and we also have that on 1050. And then Lakers, warriors, which is of course LeBron and Steph Curry. You see the, you know, the old guard going head to head once again. That's the nightcap of a great day of basketball. Saturday on espn. Telemardu, the original triple distilled, triple blended, triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Telemar Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew, honey. During tonight's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly. Still waiting to see what happens with Pete Alonso. The latest was that there was some, I saw reports yesterday, advanced talks with Alonzo and the Blue Jays, but now all of a sudden that has cooled and quieted. And now another report saying, well now the Angels have come in and are talking to Pete Alonso. How much of this are you believing and how much of this do you think the Mets are paying attention to?

[Don LaGreca]

Well, the Mets are paying attention to our, let's see if anybody's going to give him what he wants. I think the mets offer of 22 a year was insulting when I can understand that. I mean even in a bad year he still hit north of 30 home runs and wouldn't be surprised if he goes out there and hits 40, 45 this year wherever he ends up. But they made it very clear that that's as high as they were willing to go. And by hearing that it was progressing with the Blue Jays and then it cooled off and that the Angels might get involved. Sounds to me like, they're not sure they want to give him that much money either. So 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. And then I think the Mets will be willing to do it. So the idea of just throwing money around just because you're Steve Cohen, that's not good business. What's good business is waiting for the price to come down to what you're willing to pay. And 22 seems to be the number. And this is a guy that we were hearing wanted 40 going into last season, and he didn't have the monster season. And obviously, clearly that's off the table, and now he's lucky to get half that.

[Alan Hahn]

You're a Mets fan, Don.

[Don LaGreca]

Yes, yes.

[Alan Hahn]

Why are you bringing logic and reason into this conversation when it comes to Pete Alonso? Because, you know, you're in the minority right now, among you people, right? You have fan base. This stuff that I've seen over the last 24 hours with some of these Mets fans and some of these Mets blogs and, and even some people in the media who are Mets people and the stuff that they're talking about when it comes, it's as if Pete Alonso is Derek Jeter all of a sudden that, oh, my God, this is the prodigal son. You can't let him go. Give him what he wants. Give the fans what they want. This is insane. What I'm seeing you just brought, your explanation to this whole thing is the logic and reason. That is exactly what David Stearns is trying to bring to a franchise that never, ever operates with logic and reason. We know this for the first time in a very long time. You have that where it's, let's do something that makes sense. Like, seriously, Frank Cash and you like, like somebody that actually knows how to put a team together and not overreact because, oh, no, the fans will be upset because they like Pete, but that's not what you do. You don't just give him the money just to give him the money because the fans want it. You can love the player, that's great. But if I got a plan and it's better than giving him 30 million a year, trust me to do it. How is it that three weeks ago, Mets fans wanted a parade? They finally have an owner that'll spend money. They beat the Yankees. They gave the big contract to Juan Soto, they won finally against the Yankees, and now three Weeks later, it's like, oh, my owners cheap. He doesn't listen to fans. He doesn't care. He's letting David Stearns run his show. That's ridiculous. This is the smart thing to do. Alonzo could still be a Met and you can get him for a discount. That's how you play this. You don't just panic because, oh, no, we're gonna lose a guy that you have to give him what he wants so the fans are happy. You don't. I don't want you happy in January. I want you happy in October.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, the fans got to relax, all right? Because what they're. What they're. I'll give the Met fans a break for this reason. You know, for so many years they were like a small market team because the Wilpons weren't spending the money. And now you got Steve Cohen. So you're thinking, yeah, what the hell? This is all, we'll give him 30 million, give him 35 million. I just want him to stay. I want him to stay. I'm tired of. Of losing the Forever Mets. But that's just not good business. You poor lonzo. David Stearns for a reason.

[Alan Hahn]

Wait, he's Forever Met?

[Don LaGreca]

Well, he could be if he ends up staying here. But is he that happen?

[Alan Hahn]

Is he a bad ilk, though?

[Don LaGreca]

No, no, that just shows you the franchise. But, like, he still could break every offensive record. He was a. He broke the rookie record for home runs. I mean, I would like to see him stay, but for the right price, Alan, because, you know, there's a plan here. I mean, we're not willy nilly here just throwing money good after bad. And I think that's what the fans are looking for. I'm looking for a guy that has a plan. And I think his plan is he wants to bring in Vlad Guerrero either in a trade or signing him as a free agent. And here's what I think Stern's plan is. It is possible, and if you look at the history of Boris, because you saw it with Snell last year, is that maybe if nobody's a taker, he'll come back to the Mets and say, listen, give him $20 million for one year, that's it. And then the Mets will be like, okay, definitely, because Vlad's not a free agent until 2026. So we'll have Alonso play a year and maybe we'll get a lot out of him because it'll be another walk year and he'll make up for what happened last year and then he can leave As a free agent, get his money somepl else. We'll sign Guerrero and make him our first baseman. Because if you sign up to a multi year deal now, now Vlad's off the table. They're not going to make him the third baseman. He doesn't want to play third. He wasn't great at it to begin with. I think they want him to be the first baseman. They don't want to landlock that opportunity by giving Alonzo a multi year deal. So then we'll see what happens from there. But, you know, the I. But I think a lot of fans are like, well, I'm Steve Cohen. I'm sitting on $16 billion. Give him 35. Oh, you don't do these things in a vacuum.

[Alan Hahn]

No.

[Don LaGreca]

All right, that's bad business.

[Alan Hahn]

You don't want to be run that way.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, then why did you give David Stern? Why didn't just have any general match. Let Steve Cohen just buy all the best players. But he obviously brought in a guy that knew how to work the budget because he had a budget in Milwaukee. And Cohen, even though he's got tons of money, doesn't mean he wants to just go spend it willy nilly. And I want Alonzo to stay, but he's gonna be on the wrong side of 30. And it's not. It's contract. That's not going to age well. And I think they can do better at first base in free agency, so. And I trust, I trust Stearns.

[Alan Hahn]

You should. First of all, let's remember Stearns's background. He's a New York guy who grew up a Mets fan. You think he doesn't know about this stuff? You don't think he understands a Mets fan and what they want as far as the emotion side of it? Of course he does. He grew up in it. But he also grew up, he matured. He's not sitting there doing a podcast from his basement with his fingers covered in cheese doodles with his finger up his nose. He actually knows what the hell he's doing when it comes to business. And that's when 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? No, what you want is somebody that is going to be in the way of the owner when the owner gets emotional because he also is a fan and he says, no, no, no, Steve, this isn't the one we don't do. Let's not do this because this could get in the way of what we have here, what we're planning on doing, going ahead, and it might break your heart, but it's going to do that. Sometimes when you have to make business decisions, there's certain players that you're going to have to move on from. As much as you hate doing it because it's better for you, it's just the way it works sometimes. So that's why I beg Mets. My sister put me over the top today because she's a big Mets fan. And I saw this when I brought the girls to her. They're going up to see Zach and the first thing out of her mouth is, why aren't the Mets signing Pete Alonso? Why are they being cheap now after they gave Soto all that money? And I looked at her like, not you too. Like not you too. Being cheap now. No, they're being smart with their money now. So I just. It's an embarrassment to a fan base that has found ways at times to embarrass itself by the way it reacts to things that it's, it's, it's fan, its franchise does. This is not the time to start screaming and yelling and kicking and stomping your feet because you love a player. He's a nice guy, but is he the difference between winning a World World Series and not?

[Don LaGreca]

No, there's a plan. Think of it this way. If you're just like to play pool at the bar, you know, get a beer and just hang out with your friends and shoot pool. You shoot, you put the ball in, that's the closest to a pocket and then you worry about the next shot later, wherever the cue ball happens to land. Yeah, but a professional pool player has got seven, eight shots ahead. When I hit this one, the cue ball is going to go here. I'm going to put it. He's got it all laid out. That's what Stearns is doing. He's laying it all out. He's got a plan. Now, if the plan isn't executed properly and Alonzo signs him, Toronto and hits 50 home runs and Vientos, you know, craps the bed at first base and Beatty's awful and Acuna is awful at third, the Mets don't make the playoffs and then Vlad Guerrero signed someplace else, then you have every right to complain. But right now, just trust the process. I hate that phrase, but it's apt here is that he knows what he's doing until proven otherwise. And we'll see. We all questioned all of his moves last year and look how that turned out. So right now you'll have to believe me. I'll be right there complaining with you if this doesn't work out. But let's see how it plays here. And just spending good money after bad and landlocking first base just because you love Pete. And I love him too. But you know what I love more? A team that's got a chance to win a championship and multiple championships. Because you've got the right people in place here. That's what I want. And I'll take that over any player, any day.

[Alan Hahn]

Justin and Queens. Justin.

[Justin]

Listen, Alan, you're one of my favorite guys. Watch every night MC on this one. You got to stand down, bro. You're not a Met fan, so you can't really talk.

[Alan Hahn]

A whole family of Mets fans. My whole family. I hear it every day.

[Justin]

So let me. Let me explain. You haven't lived this, first of all, because Pete is. Is a homegrown guy who has done nothing but produce in New York since he came up, right? You just said it a minute ago. Well, you could get Pete at a discount, right? That's what CERNS is trying to do. Aren't they already going to get him at a discount? He wanted 158. Now they're going to get him or they offered him 70 or whatever they offered him before. That's already going to be a discount.

[Alan Hahn]

He's not taking it. He's not taking that.

[Justin]

So. So what we're saying. What we're saying as Mets fans is this. You're going to not sign Pete after you gave. Now just let me finish because I know you're going to jump me after you gave Soto 50 something million dollars a year. You're not going to give Pete 30 million. Isn't that to us as fans, kind of like talking out of both sides of your mind? Oh, I want to get this.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hold on, let me finish.

[Don LaGreca]

Let me finish.

[Justin]

Let me finish.

[Don LaGreca]

You're not making any sense.

[Alan Hahn]

Let me finish.

[Justin]

Can I please finish? Can I please. I just want to finish. What we're saying is this guy at Soto. Yes, of course. Soto was better than Alonzo. We understand that. But we also understand that we need Pete for Alonzo to be. I mean, I'm sorry. For Soto to be who we need him to be. We need that protection of Pete. And you keep saying you're going to land lock first base. Can we just slide Pete to dh? We can't slide Pete to DH and still open up first base if we want to get Vlad.

[Alan Hahn]

So you're going to put $30 million to your DH.

[Justin]

But here's my last point. Here's my last point. People keep bringing up the money, bro. It's like. It's like me saying, listen, I'm not gonna watch MSG. I'm not gonna watch Alan Han on MSG. That guy makes $250,000 a year. I'm gonna watch the game on TNT. Those guys only make 200. Who cares what these guys make? Why do I care? I just want PE back. The Cohen said he doesn't care about spending now. He cares because Pete is 30 years old.

[Don LaGreca]

Because. But I do think just because. Just because you are a billionaire doesn't mean when you're desperate for eggs, you go pay 50 bucks for eggs at the Stop and Shop like that. That's just silly.

[Justin]

I agree with that.

[Don LaGreca]

All right? That's all I'm saying. And landlocking is important. The DH is. You're not going to pay $30 million to a DH. All right? Also, he's going to be 30 years old. Lacuerrero is going to turn 26 if they land Vlad Guerrero. You got younger and a better player that you're spending a lot of money on. And then there's going to be other guys you're going to spend money on. You still have to build a rotation. You still have a bullpen you need to address. So the idea of $30 million to Pete Alonzo just because he's a forever Matt and then when other guys become free agents. Well, you gave Pete 30 million. I. And you just can't have a $400 million payroll because then there's prices. You pay for that too.

[Justin]

Can I ask you a question?

[Don LaGreca]

Yes.

[Justin]

Though Stearns is the guy who doesn't pay pictures who are older. So he's saving money there, right? He's not now. He doesn't want to sign a 30 year old. He's saving money there. What we're asking is that. Listen, Pete again, Pete played. He should have took the 158. Right? So what we're saying is that even though it wasn't Stearns, you offered the guy 158. Great. He didn't take it. He's stupid for doing that. But now you want to offer him less than a million. It's like saying, hey, Pete, man, we love you. We love you at 70 million.

[Alan Hahn]

But they don't.

[Don LaGreca]

Justin, they're not saying that. See that?

[Alan Hahn]

I think that's the part. Justin, wait, wait, Justin. Because we've beaten up a lot of time with you here. I Just want to say this. I think what you have to do is read the tea leaves from the start of last season. Donna, if I'm not mistaken, please correct me. I know you pay attention to a lot more than I do. David Stearns was asked from spring training of 2024 on About Pete Alonso's future with the Mets. Stearns almost never even said his name. When he talked about it, it just showed you he already, in his head was like, I think we're all set. I think we can do better. And I don't really want to get into it. He was, he was polite about it. There was talk about possibly trading him at the deadline. That didn't happen. But in the end he stayed consistent with the idea of we really think we can do better. And the offer they gave him was an offer they knew he wouldn't take and Boris wouldn't take, but they made the offer out of. Almost like out of respect. Am I wrong for saying that? Fans have to understand if he wanted him, they would have gotten him. They don't really want him.

[Don LaGreca]

No, they. Honestly, when I saw that offer, that clinched it for me because I thought that there was a world where, yeah, they can get him at their price, they'll bring him back. But looking at it deeper, hearing about the possibility of Lad Guerrero seeing the offer that they made him, they knew that Boris was going to say no. And now it just comes down to that. If he's willing to take one year, like, like a lot of Boris clients have in recent situations when they haven't gotten their money, they'll probably do it because Vlad's not a free agent until 2026 and that's what they're going to do. The that's number one and number two. Yeah, it doesn't matter. You watch Alan Hahn. It doesn't matter how much money he's making, but it does matter to how much money you're gonna have to pay other guys with similar numbers when they become free agents or when I want.

[Alan Hahn]

To make a move. If I have the ability to get a player at your position who's better. And then you're like, well, just move them the dh. So now I got it. Now I got a contract that's on my head. And it's not like it's a one year deal. Like, like if you're saying just give him 30 million for one year, I will. Would he even take that? You were so right when you said it. You slow play this and you let it ride. See, again, the emotion comes in and you get anxious because you see reports about this team's talking now this team's talking, and you're afraid that he's going to sign with the Blue Jays or the Angels. And you also have to understand this, too. This happens in the business. I used to cover it and I used to talk to agents all the time about these rumors. They will tell you about it. Team. Well, you know, we're talking with them now, and I'm in my head, I'm like, well, there's no way they're signing him. But you told me, so I got to report it. Because, you know, deep down, then you call the team and you're like, so you guys are talking to Pete Alonso. I mean, yeah, Boris called us about it and it's like, oh, he called you, right? Like, like, people have to understand this happens because you're trying to create a market and create anxiety within the market, and all you guys are doing is doing the dirty work for the agent. When you freak out and do all your stuff on social media that, you know, coincides, you know, he sees it and you start creating an unnecessary anxiety that now all of a sudden they're having meetings and Stern's got to deal with people going, the fan base will be very upset if they don't have Pete Alonso. And he's like, well, I think they'll be more upset if we don't win. It's a World World Series. Like, come on so slow, play it. And if it so happens where he's sitting there without a team, by the way, Jack Flaherty doesn't have a team yet. Somehow that guy is not being signed by anybody. How's that? So there's. There's going to be guys that are sitting there in three weeks when pitchers and catchers show up, and all of a sudden they're just ready to take a one year, prove it, and you might get them for way less for a better deal. And that might be the smarter way to play this.

[Don LaGreca]

What that call or Justin right, was saying without saying it, is, I've got a billionaire owner who cares if our payroll is $500 million. I just want to win. But even the Dodgers with all their money are trying to defer contracts because they don't want to have too high of a payroll where they get shut out for international money. They start losing draft picks. I mean, that's just not good business, man. Like, just to be able to have the highest payroll that everybody and then really start to lose out on other free agents. And remember they traded and draft picks is not smart.

[Alan Hahn]

And they traded for Flaherty. Right. The famously right. They outbid the Yankees for him and they now are now letting him walk. So they gave up assets for him and they're letting him walk because it.

[Don LaGreca]

Is a detriment to have that high of a payroll. And also the CBA is up after next year, so God knows what's gonna happen there and what the landscape is gonna be with the new cba. God forbid if they decide to have a salary cap. Like you gotta be a little bit more fiscally responsible than I think these fans realize.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. Again, they just want their guy and they don't care.

[Don LaGreca]

That's it.

[Alan Hahn]

But I'm telling you right now, you can have your emotions and all, but these people that are making a big deal about it on social media and other people in on different things that they do for you to start now criticizing Stearns and Cohen right now, are you out of your mind? You finally have stable ownership and stable leadership and you're gonna complain and stomp your feet about this now? I'm not the one to stand down. Y'all need to stand down.

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[Peter Rosenberg]

Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don LaGreca]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Peter Rosenberg]

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

[Alan Hahn]

Wow.

[Don LaGreca]

Wow. How about that?

[Alan Hahn]

Of all the songs to pick, is this the one a cover now? You know the one, right?

[Jacob]

So I think Jacob said he refuses to play Sweet Carolyn.

[Don LaGreca]

Refuses.

[Alan Hahn]

First of all, it's Neil Diamond's birthday today. Happy birthday. And I mean, you didn't have to just play Sweet Carolina.

[Don LaGreca]

I mean, it was gonna be this or Solitary Man.

[Alan Hahn]

Solitary music.

[Don LaGreca]

There's a lot of songs and Sweet Carolina is not one of them. Boston can keep that.

[Alan Hahn]

So don't the Rangers play that too?

[Don LaGreca]

Not that I. No.

[Alan Hahn]

Do they? Yes.

[Don LaGreca]

I don't remember.

[Alan Hahn]

I thought. I thought the Rangers sing Sweet Caroline during. During those games, don't they? Somebody let me know. Don only is that game.

[Don LaGreca]

I didn't hear it.

[Alan Hahn]

No, didn't they. Did they used to. And stop. I don't know. I thought that was a thing for a while. Yes, I know it's a thing. Well, he dances.

[Jacob]

Yeah, I think dancing. Larry sings it while he's dancing. He does not.

[Alan Hahn]

But I mean, you talk about as far as just a voice, not even just a singing voice, but a voice. Like if you could pull up the hello song that he said, that was like a big hit for him. I don't know, maybe early 80s again. Hello. Right. The voice, his. The depth of his voice, the bass of his voice is insane in that song.

[Don LaGreca]

I'm a big fan.

[Alan Hahn]

All right.

[Don LaGreca]

And I'm excited because tonight at 9 80s on 8 on Sirius XM, one.

[Alan Hahn]

Of my favorites will do the.

[Don LaGreca]

The top 40 of this date in a certain year. And they repeated a bunch of times on Saturday and Sunday and then actually on Monday too. So I'll. I'll get a lot of versions of it. If it's anything after 85, I'm good because music was God awful in that stage of the 80s. But this week it's this date in 1981. That's right in my wheelhouse. There'd be a lot of Neil Diamond. There'd be a lot of really good stuff.

[Alan Hahn]

See that, That's. That's like the yacht rock era.

[Don LaGreca]

Yes. That's what I love. Yacht.

[Alan Hahn]

Like 78 to 83, 82 maybe was heavy. Yacht Everything that's now called yacht rock, which then was just called music. Right. But it was a lot of those types of ballads and songs, but. But still, it was. It was good. I agree with you, though. There are some songs you're like, this is horrific. Like, it's really bad. But yet it was a popular song then because music just was going through an awkward stage, like. Like so many of us do. You heard Michael K in the promo there, and we haven't really had a time to mention it, but. But how about the fact that Jalen Brunson and Carl Anthony Towns are both named All Star starters, which in this year's All Star Game really won't matter because they're not playing a traditional game anymore. But who cares? It's all about what you're named, right? That's what matters most.

[Don LaGreca]

Game doesn't matter.

[Alan Hahn]

The last time the Knicks had two players voted as starters for the all star game is 1975. Glide and pearl. Like. Like, they have had multiple All Stars in the past. The most recent, I believe, was Mellow and Tyson Chandler. But aside from that, they haven't had two as in the starting five. You're basically saying they have two of the best players in the East. That's what you're saying here. And it's not a popularity contest because while the fan vote is 50%, you also get votes from players and coaches. I'm sorry. And media. The coaches decide the. The reserves. So the Knicks have two of the five players that were named as. That earned All Star status as starters, and that. That's significant now for company Towns at the center position. You know, he's never been voted a starter before, so the first time in his career. All I got to know is this, because when the trade went down, it was right before the season and I was on the air, and there was plenty of consternation about it because Towns had a certain reputation, players weren't thrilled about it, and everybody, for some reason, suddenly fell back in love with Julius Randle.

[Don LaGreca]

Mm.

[Alan Hahn]

You know, it's amazing. The. The relationship he had. The fans here is unbelievable because it went from extreme to extreme to extreme. But it continued through into the season where people still were like, I. They miss Randall. I hate the trade and all that stuff. Do we still hate the trade? Like, is it still something you can't get over? Or has Carl Anthony Towns at this point earned some type of level of respect from you as a New York Knick? Because the numbers are great, the winning's even better, and he's also being recognized in the league as a player who is considered one of the best in the Eastern Conference. I mean, can we move on now from this trade or not?

[Don LaGreca]

Well, I think you can. I think the people that are stubborn are going to say, let's see what happens in the postseason. Right? That's what they're going to say. It's like all these regular season stats are great. Let's see what he does in the playoffs.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, they're not done building the team yet. So it's, you know, that's the problem.

[Don LaGreca]

But listen, if he plays great and even if they were to lose, you know, Boston in the second round or.

[Alan Hahn]

Something, well, the Boston series, to me, if they get a series with Boston, that's why he's here. You know, he's here because the Knicks had no answer for Porzingis and Horford. Two bigs that shot threes that took you away from the basket. But the Knicks didn't have a big that could do that. So they could sit in the paint and defend and hover around Brunson and take space away. But if you're watching the Knicks, I watch them every game, of course, it's my job. That's why their offense is so good and that's why they're starting. 5 is one of the highest scoring starting fives in the NBA. Per game, everybody. Don't give me totals because I know they play a ton of minutes, but per game they are one of the highest scoring, most efficient offenses in the league because of how it works. You've got a guy who's 7ft who you can't guard with a small guy because if you do, he'll shoot over you. And he's shooting a high percentage from 3. If you put a big man on him, what does he do? He puts it on the floor and drives to the basket and finishes at the basket like he's showing you a game that he didn't show you a lot in Minnesota. There's more in his bag than we knew. But because he's out, it opens the paint up for cutters like Bridges and Obi and Hart and also for Jalen Brunson to get into the paint where he does his best work and score at the level that he score. It just fits. It fits better than the ball sticking and a lot of ISO one on one stuff that Julius Randle brought to the table. It's just a better fit. You can like a guy and. But you can say, but it didn't fit. And I think this Just is a better fit. And as Michael Cage said, no, I'll second it. You got to credit the front office for recognizing if we're going to beat Boston, we got to have this element. And if we're going to beat even Indiana, who has Miles Turner who could shoot threes and he also can block shots. So if you don't pull him out of the paint, he's going to hang out in the paint and he's going to give Jalen Brunson hell as a, you know, as a second defender, you gotta have that element. They found that element. Now they still have to add some defense. They still have to add, to me, another seven footer who can defend and help them rebound. All that other stuff, whether it's Mitchell Robinson from injury or something they do at the trade deadline. But Don, this is. They're. They're closer when it comes to being legit contender than we've seen even in last year's team that everybody loved.

[Don LaGreca]

Oh, in a long time. Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

And so I think this is, you know, being named All Star. I know it's kind of just a. It's a. It's nice, right? But there is something to be said when the rest of the league sort of nods its head towards your team, like, yeah, no, you guys got a squad.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, it's happening. It just might be happening as fast as you want it to happen, but you're going to have to just get to the playoffs. Man, it's so weird with the Rangers and the Knicks. Like, the Knicks get to the playoffs. Rangers, like, can you make the playoffs? But I think the Knicks have already solidified themselves as a playoff team. Now it's just. All right, let's just get there so we can. We can check all these boxes in the playoffs.

[Alan Hahn]

800 now and 93776. How about we take Barbara in Florida? Hey, Barbara.

[Don LaGreca]

Hey, Babs.

[I]

Good evening, guys. How are you?

[Alan Hahn]

Good.

[I]

I need to tell you, I've been trying to call through. It's not easy to get through, but I have to apologize for my last phone call because you two jive so well together. It's meant to be. And you guys are going to be a very, very big success.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, thank you.

[Alan Hahn]

I appreciate that's who we're hoping for.

[I]

And I also have to tell you, Alan, you made me laugh the other day. You brought up something about a boombox and a cassette player and whatever. And Don will remember this. Don was talking. This goes back a number of years. Don was talking about wanting to replay some old VH VHS tapes. And he didn't have a vcr. And I called into the show and I said, don, I have a VCR for you. I took it to Best Buy and I had them check it out to make sure it worked before I sent it to him with the remote and the manual and everything else. Do you remember that?

[Don LaGreca]

Yes, I do. Yes.

[Alan Hahn]

Did it work?

[I]

I don't have a boom. It did work because I had it checked out before I sent it to you.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, I didn't realize you got it. That's amazing. So, Barbara, you'll find this funny after saying that on the air. And that was like. It was a passing conversation, right, Don? Like we were just. What we do sometimes, just go off the rails.

[Don LaGreca]

Exactly.

[Alan Hahn]

The amount of messages I got, whether it was Instagram, dms, Facebook, you know, messages, the amount of people that said, I have one. Don't buy one. I'll send it to you. It's unbelievable. And then links to.

[Don LaGreca]

And I do appreciate that vcr. And I do appreciate that vcr. It was very nice of you, but.

[I]

I wasn't sending it to him until I found a place that would check it out to make sure it still worked before I sent it to the studio.

[Alan Hahn]

That's what makes you you, because you made sure it worked. But you know what? We have to get. Well, Barbara, I take your compliment because I know you listen to the show religiously for many years. I take that very seriously. It means the world to me. It means we're heading in the right direction, and that's all I care about. So thank you so much. And please keep listening.

[Don LaGreca]

Yes, thank you.

[I]

I mean it with all my heart. And Don knows I love him dearly. I message him once in a while. I love him dearly. He's very important to me.

[Don LaGreca]

And you are to me, but yes.

[I]

You guys are really awesome together. You just. There's something. I don't know what it is, but the back and forth and Don, I'm sorry to say this, but I think you better where you are right now.

[Alan Hahn]

Wow.

[Don LaGreca]

Okay.

[Alan Hahn]

Beautiful, Barbara. Thank you. Have a great weekend.

[I]

Have a wonderful. Love you guys.

[Alan Hahn]

Thank you.

[Don LaGreca]

I don't know what that meant.

[Alan Hahn]

I know what it meant.

[Don LaGreca]

What do you think?

[Alan Hahn]

I'm gonna leave it alone.

[Don LaGreca]

Interesting.

[Jacob]

Am I looking at the VCR right now?

[Don LaGreca]

Yes, you are.

[Alan Hahn]

I need to know, do you have, like, one of the hockey fights videos? Remember those tapes from back in the day?

[Don LaGreca]

The Rock Em Sock Em? Like the Don Cherry?

[Alan Hahn]

Don Cherry, Yeah. If you have one, we need to watch it.

[Don LaGreca]

But I have old games. I have a game you'll appreciate. It's one of the greatest games I ever saw. It is game seven, Canucks Flames 89, first round. But it went to, went to overtime. Joe Lotto scored the game winning goal.

[Alan Hahn]

Joe Lotto, nice. It is.

[Don LaGreca]

And so those, that's what I have. I have a lot of, lot of.

[Alan Hahn]

Really cool stuff somewhere.

[Don LaGreca]

Had nothing to play it on until thanks to Babs.

[Alan Hahn]

I wish I could find it, but I'm sure it's probably somewhere in a, in a landfill. But there was for a long time my mother kept the VHS tapes of my playing days.

[Don LaGreca]

Oh really?

[Alan Hahn]

And there's one tape that it was always special that I said I always wanted, want to save it forever. But then you know how over time you just like I, I threw out all. Any plaques and trophies I had threw them all out because I really went into a depression after I blew out my nape like. And I knew I was done and I just didn't want to even think about. I covered hockey. I didn't want to think about basketball anymore. I was done with it. But I wanted to say that it was the first dunk I ever had in a game, in a real game. And I wanted like it was the first basket of the game and so it was like one of those. I wish I could watch that again. But it's probably in a landfill somewhere. So the only thing I would ever want to watch on a VHS tape, let's be honest. 800-919-3776. We'll finish up with more of your calls. Taking you in to the weekend, of course, passing the baton to Dan Gross at the top of the hour. So stay with us. And we got some Sandwell Donnie now.

[Don LaGreca]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don LaGreca]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Peter Rosenberg]

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

[Alan Hahn]

That's better. Take that one.

[Don LaGreca]

Now you see this. From Kofi.

[Alan Hahn]

From Kofi.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

What did I miss?

[Don LaGreca]

He says Rangers played Sweet Caroline during the 0506 season as the club's theme song because Tom Rennie revealed it was Jagger's favorite song.

[Alan Hahn]

Okay.

[Don LaGreca]

They played it late in the third period of the Garden when the Rangers were winning in that era. So that was the first year that I started doing pre and post. So that was a long time ago. I honestly don't remember that.

[Alan Hahn]

So I'm not crazy. I did hear it.

[Jacob]

Okay, so it didn't get played much is what you said.

[Alan Hahn]

Poor Tom Rennie.

[Don LaGreca]

He. I thought he was a fabulous coach.

[Alan Hahn]

It's a good man.

[Don LaGreca]

Very good man. Connor Hughes says sources on the Jets GM search Mm. Woody and Christopher Johnson have been meeting behind closed doors. I can imagine a smoke coming out of there ears away from any all chatter to come to a decision on who to name their next general manager.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, this is. No, this is like finding a pope. We're gonna have white smoke billowing out at Florin park and we'll know that they finally found the next gm.

[Don LaGreca]

This is like leaving my twins to decide what we have for dinner.

[Alan Hahn]

I love that it's away from any influence meaning like they don't want. Don't read social media, don't be distracted.

[Don LaGreca]

Don't have like you know, the sun hit your watch and create like a rainbow on the wall and all of a sudden you lose focus for 30 minutes. They are focused on finding the best guy for the job. Well, I hope so.

[Alan Hahn]

Geez. Boy, that's a. That's a new one.

[Don LaGreca]

I have talked with sources tied to the three men who have received second interviews. None have been told whether or not they have gotten the job or not as of this minute, of course. New Mark Brown.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don LaGreca]

And what is it? Darren Mugi. Right? Yeah, those are the three guys that I guess they're deciding by. But just, just the idea. I don't want to be too disparaging. But like you're a Jet fan.

[Alan Hahn]

It's funny.

[Don LaGreca]

Christopher and Woody getting together this side. Like, oh my, there it is in a nutshell. Like if you're wondering why this team does it, there it is right there.

[Alan Hahn]

No more wonder, no more ladies and gentlemen. You want. Can we leave you with a heartwarming story?

[Don LaGreca]

Please.

[Alan Hahn]

So you hear about this card, the Paul Skeens Rare one of one tops card?

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, I've heard.

[Alan Hahn]

11 year old came across it like, this is, this is the Willy Wonka golden ticket.

[Don LaGreca]

Yes.

[Alan Hahn]

And so what was part of the deal was supposed to be. Before they knew who was going to win this, who was going to find this card, the Pirates had this, you know, this offer. Okay, whoever wants to return the card, you get two pirate season tickets behind home plate for the next 30 years.

[Don LaGreca]

Okay.

[Alan Hahn]

A meet and greet with skins, which, I mean, you would think that would come with it, right? You would get. I think it's a. Is it an autograph? Yeah. Two signed jerseys.

[Don LaGreca]

All right.

[Alan Hahn]

And also you get to attend a Pirates game with Livy Dunn in her suite.

[Don LaGreca]

Okay. Not sure an 11 year old can completely appreciate that.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, well, you never know. Today's. So that's all. That's a lot of nice stuff to get, right?

[Don LaGreca]

Yes.

[Alan Hahn]

He said no. Instead the cards going to auction. Fanatics Collect is going to do the auction. It's going to be part of their March premier auction. Like, this is a rare card. It's got the autograph, it's got the patch. It's everything. It's a one of one. So it's a rare car. It's gonna, it's gonna bring in a lot of money. Now Anthony, is this kid being selfish? Putting the money in his pocket? What's the end of this story?

[Jacob]

Well, apparently what we're reading is that the proceeds that the auction house gets for this card is going to go to the LA Fire Relief Fund because I believe the kid is from Los Angeles.

[Alan Hahn]

How about that?

[Jacob]

So that's pretty nice.

[Don LaGreca]

That's the answer.

[Alan Hahn]

So there's your heartwarming story to take you into the weekend. I love it. So.

[Don LaGreca]

So it does have that feel of why in God's name would I want to watch this team for the next 30 years?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, the other thing is, is like, tell you what, why don't you keep the, keep the season tickets, never mind the suite. How about, you know, how about I watch the game on TV with Libby Dunn somewhere else? You know what I'm saying? Like, maybe we do that instead. I mean, it's so funny that she's part of this thing instead.

[Don LaGreca]

It is odd. It's very odd. But I gotta say that Ballpark, I don't know if you've ever been.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, yeah.

[Don LaGreca]

Absolutely gorgeous. I. I had a day. It was at the end of. It was a few seasons ago, was at the end of the year, the Rangers were in Pittsburgh and they had a night game and the Pirates were playing during the day. Was like, Pirates, Reds. It was like a nondescript game. I think I just went like, 60 bucks to sit, like, right behind home plate. I took in like, five, six innings before I had to go get ready for the game. And ballpark was amazing. It was a beautiful day. Oh, that was. That was a lot of fun just sitting by myself. But it was great.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, anyways, I mean, he's not gonna be with the Pirates much longer anyway. 30 years of tickets won't help. You won't see him. He'll be with the Dodgers at some point. Donnie, have a great weekend. I will talk to you Monday and we'll see what happens. Sunday, Football Sunday, baby.

[Don LaGreca]

I love you like no other.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on. On 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.