Joe Beningo With Mike Vaccaro
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Joe Beningo and Mike Vaccaro dive into the current struggles of the New York Mets, expressing deep frustration over their 9-game losing streak, poor defense, lack of offensive production, and disjointed team chemistry. They critique the managerial decisions under Carlos Mendoza, with Beningo suggesting David Stearns should be fired even for a 70-win season. Vaccaro acknowledges the team's potential but laments the lack of development from young players like Alvarez, Beatty, and Vientos. The conversation shifts to the Knicks' playoff hopes, emphasizing the critical importance of winning Game 1 against the Hawks, a team they've never overcome after losing at home. Vaccaro believes the Knicks are the better team and will likely win in six, but expresses serious concern about facing the Celtics in round two, citing their elite coaching and depth. Despite skepticism about a championship run, both hosts acknowledge the renewed excitement and confidence in the Knicks' fanbase, contrasting it with the long-standing pain of past failures. They reflect on the emotional rollercoaster of being relevant again and the risks of overconfidence, while also warning against impulsive ownership moves if the team falls short.
The Mets' current 9-game losing streak reveals deeper issues beyond temporary slumps—poor defense, lack of on-field chemistry, and questionable managerial decisions.
David Stearns should be fired even for a 70-win season, according to Joe Beningo, highlighting deep frustration with front-office leadership.
The Knicks must win Game 1 at home against the Hawks to avoid historical collapse; they’ve never come back after losing Game 1 at the Garden.
While the Knicks are favored to beat the Hawks, facing the Celtics in round two is a major concern due to Boston’s elite coaching and team cohesion.
The Knicks' current confidence may be overblown, but their recent playoff relevance has re-energized fans after years of futility.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Mets' Collapse and Managerial Frustration
“I would sign for a 70-something win season if you guarantee me David Stearns is gone. That's how I feel.”
Young Players and Team Identity
The hosts evaluate the development of young Mets players like Alvarez, Beatty, and Vientos, expressing disappointment in their lack of growth. Vaccaro notes that while some players show flashes of potential, the team’s expectations were too high too soon. They discuss the need for patience but also the danger of clinging to hope without results.
Knicks' Playoff Pressure and Game 1 Imperative
“They have never, ever, ever, including last year, won a playoff series when they lost game one at home. This is a must-win game tonight.”
Celtics as the Real Challenge
“If you think the Knicks are going into Boston and winning two games in Boston like they did last year to start that series, you are delirious, okay?”
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Relevance
Both hosts reflect on the emotional shift in Knicks fandom—no longer just enduring pain, but now feeling hope and pressure. They contrast this with the Yankees’ long history of joyless pursuit of titles and acknowledge that the pain of failure is coming, but the journey is now meaningful.
“If you think the Knicks are going into Boston and winning two games in Boston like they did last year to start that series, you are delirious, okay?”
“I would sign for a 70-something win season if you guarantee me David Stearns is gone. That's how I feel.”
“I don't think the Knicks are winning a championship, okay? I mean, I'm a Knick fan since 1962. I live in the real world, and the real world tells me they haven't won a championship since 1973.”
Host
Guest
Joe Beningo
person
Mike Vaccaro
person
New York Mets
other
New York Knicks
other
Boston Celtics
other
Atlanta Hawks
other
Jalen Brunson
person
Carlos Mendoza
person
David Stearns
person
Carlos Beltran
person
Joe Beningo With Ann Liguori
WFAN: On-Demand • 19m • 4/4/2026
Anthony Gallo: Mets Will Be A Wild Card Team
WFAN: On-Demand • 32m • 4/5/2026
Al Cintron: The Knicks show great signs in Atlanta and will beat the Celtics if they meet in the postseason
WFAN: On-Demand • 14m • 4/7/2026
Al Cintron and Tony Metro on the good and bad from the Mets start to 2026
WFAN: On-Demand • 23m • 4/7/2026
Al Cintron: Carlos Mendoza pushed every right button in the Mets' comeback victory
WFAN: On-Demand • 19m • 4/8/2026
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