Can a sports reporter interview a losing player or manager without asking, "How frustrating was it ..."?

Not if you're a reporter who covers the Yankees or Mets.

And can a player respond to a sports reporter without saying, "Hopefully ..."?

Not if you're a player for the Yankees or Mets.

If you're interested in this sort of thing, pay closer attention on the next post-game show. Once you hear it, listen for it the next time and the time after that. It will drive you nuts.