The Chase for 28 - A Yankees Podcast

Christopher J. Nesi
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Join Chris, John "The Podcast Padre" Nesi, & AJ "The Podcast Paisan" Bianco as they break down the latest Yankees news every week.

  1. 5D AGO

    Yankees at 21–11: Best in the AL (5/2/26) - CF28-124

    The Yankees just keep winning. Now sitting at 21–11 and holding the best record in the American League, the Bronx Bombers are stacking series wins and riding dominant pitching to early-season success. Chris and the Podcast Padre break down another strong week, including series wins over Houston and Texas and a big start to the Orioles series. But even with the wins piling up, there are still real questions. The pitching has been elite—but can the offense find consistency? What’s going on with the bottom of the lineup, and how long can they carry weak spots like center field and third base? Plus, updates on Stanton’s latest injury, Volpe’s roster situation, and why this team still feels like a work in progress despite the record. Topics DiscussedYankees improve to 21–11 (Best record in AL)Series wins vs. Astros and RangersStrong start to Orioles seriesPitching continues to dominate (Warren, Fried, rotation depth)Bullpen consistency and reliabilityOffensive inconsistencies despite winningAaron Judge & Ben Rice making MLB historyBen Rice’s continued breakout (11 HR, 26 RBI)Bellinger expectations vs. current productionTrent Grisham struggles and roster concernsJason Domínguez return and role moving forwardStanton injury (10-day IL — skepticism on timeline)Anthony Volpe service time situationYankees upcoming schedule: Rangers, Brewers, Orioles, Mets Yankees TriviaWho was the last Yankees pitcher to hit a home run?Answer: Lindy McDaniel (1972) and IKF (2023)This Episode: Who are the last three Yankees to be named World Series MVP? Bullpen Q&A ☎️You have opinions just like we do, so we want to hear from you! Send voicemail http://chasefor28.com/voicemailEmail us: feedback@chasefor28.comConnect on X: @chasefor28podConnect on Instagram: @chasefor28pod Merch 👕 Podcast and Select Player Shirts SeatGeek 🎟 Check out SeatGeek - the easiest way to buy tickets for sports, concerts, and more. Visit chasefor28.com/seatgeek and use promo code 'CHASEFOR28' at checkout to get $20 off your first purchase. Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

    18 min

  2. APR 25

    Yankees Rolling at 17–9: Pitching Carrying the Load… But Is It Enough? (4/25/26) - CF28-123

    The Yankees are rolling. After sweeping the Royals and Red Sox and taking down the Astros, the Bronx Bombers sit at 17–9—and riding high. But on The Chase for 28, Chris and the Podcast Padre aren’t ready to crown this team just yet. This episode dives into what’s fueling the Yankees’ success right now—dominant pitching, timely hitting, and contributions from the bottom of the lineup—while also addressing the glaring concern: inconsistent offense. Is this a more balanced team, or are the cracks already showing? Plus, a deep dive into roster decisions, Ben Rice’s emergence, Stanton’s latest injury scare, and what could be next for “The Martian.” It’s a week of wins—but still plenty to figure out. Topics DiscussedYankees improve to 17–9 (8–2 in last 10)Sweeps of the Royals and Red SoxStrong start vs. struggling AstrosPitching dominance carrying the teamMax Fried, Cam Schlittler, and Luis Gil performancesGerrit Cole rehab progress and timelineOffensive inconsistency despite winsBen Rice emerging as a top hitterBottom-of-the-lineup production improvingAaron Judge power vs. average conversationAustin Wells’ offensive struggles vs. defensive valueStanton injury concern (again)Jason Domínguez (“The Martian”) knocking on the doorRoster decisions when Volpe returnsYankees upcoming schedule (Rangers, Orioles, May outlook) Yankees TriviaWhich Yankees pitcher threw a no-hitter in 2021?Answer: Corey Kluber, 5/19/21 @ TexasThis Episode: Who was the last Yankees pitcher to hit a home run? Bullpen Q&A ☎️You have opinions just like we do, so we want to hear from you! Send voicemail http://chasefor28.com/voicemailEmail us: feedback@chasefor28.comConnect on X: @chasefor28podConnect on Instagram: @chasefor28pod Merch 👕 Podcast and Select Player Shirts SeatGeek 🎟 Check out SeatGeek - the easiest way to buy tickets for sports, concerts, and more. Visit chasefor28.com/seatgeek and use promo code 'CHASEFOR28' at checkout to get $20 off your first purchase. Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

    24 min

  3. APR 18

    Yankees Lose the Plot… But It’s Still April: Can the Season Turn? (4/18/26) - CF28-122

    On Episode 122 of Chase for 28, Chris and the podcast Padre talk through what’s been bothering Yankee fans in the middle of April—the uneasy feeling that things haven’t been clicking offensively, and that the bullpen has had its share of rough moments lately. They break down the Yankees’ current form, spotlight which parts of the lineup are producing (and which ones still need to wake up), and explain why it’s still not “panic time” even if the results haven’t looked great in recent stretches. The episode also looks ahead to roster and lineup possibilities as key players work their way back—especially the discussion around injury rehab timelines and what it could mean for the rotation. Along the way, they celebrate standout performances, dig into strategy (and the small mistakes that swing games), and end with trivia, a shout-out to Padre’s upcoming birthday, and a look at what needs to happen next to turn things around. Topics DiscussedYankees’ early-season struggles: why “slumps” are possible and why it’s still early in AprilPitching vs. offense: starters holding up, but bullpen inconsistency affecting outcomesLineup concerns and batting averages (including discussions of players like Aaron Judge, Ben Rice, and others)“Scrappy baseball” approach: put the ball in play, cut strikeouts, keep runners on baseTampa Bay vs. Yankees postseason-style moments (bunts/infield chaos, rule discussion, and defensive misplays)Player return updates:Gerrit Cole rehab start at Double-A SomersetCarlos Rodón rehab/live batting practice and likely rehab games neededRotation roster question: who becomes the odd man out when Rodón returnsBen Rice backup-catcher discussion and whether he should face more leftiesMike Trout hype moment: back and producing, plus long-term “what could’ve been” injury talkStandings snapshot: Yankees still clustered with others for AL wins Yankees TriviaWhich Yankee is the MLB leader in 1st inning home runs?Answer: Aaron JudgeThis Episode: Which Yankees pitcher threw a no-hitter in 2021? Bullpen Q&A ☎️You have opinions just like we do, so we want to hear from you! Send voicemail http://chasefor28.com/voicemailEmail us: feedback@chasefor28.comConnect on X: @chasefor28podConnect on Instagram: @chasefor28pod Merch 👕 Podcast and Select Player Shirts SeatGeek 🎟 Check out SeatGeek - the easiest way to buy tickets for sports, concerts, and more. Visit chasefor28.com/seatgeek and use promo code 'CHASEFOR28' at checkout to get $20 off your first purchase. Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

    28 min

  4. APR 4

    6–1 Start: Should Yankees Fans Believe Yet? (4/4/26) - CF28-121

    Seven games into the 2026 season, the Yankees are off to another strong start—but should you buy in? Chris and the Podcast Padre break down the Yankees’ opening week, including a sweep of the Giants, a series win in Seattle, and a successful home opener in the Bronx. While the pitching staff looks dominant and early contributors like Ben Rice are turning heads, the guys keep things grounded—because Yankees fans have seen this script before. The conversation dives into why early-season success doesn’t guarantee October glory, the importance of staying consistent through inevitable slumps, and how this team might be different. Plus, thoughts on the ABS challenge system, standout performances, and a major personal announcement from Chris that takes the podcast beyond the Bronx. Topics DiscussedYankees open 2026 season strong (6–1 start)Sweep of the Giants and series win vs. MarinersImportance of staying level-headed early in the seasonPitching dominance led by Max Fried and emerging armsCam Schlittler vs. Paul Skenes comparisonOffensive inconsistencies despite timely hittingAaron Judge’s power vs. low batting averageGiancarlo Stanton’s hot start (and expected streakiness)Ben Rice’s breakout performance and developmentABS (Automated Ball-Strike) system early impressionsUmpire struggles and the future of automated callsCatcher framing relevance in the ABS eraYankees upcoming schedule: Marlins, A’s, RaysBIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Chris named PA announcer for the Staten Island FerryHawks Yankees TriviaWhich Yankees pitcher threw a perfect game in 1998?Answer: David WellsThis Episode: Which Yankees player holds the MLB record for most first-inning home runs in a season? Bullpen Q&A ☎️You have opinions just like we do, so we want to hear from you! Send voicemail http://chasefor28.com/voicemailEmail us: feedback@chasefor28.comConnect on X: @chasefor28podConnect on Instagram: @chasefor28pod Merch 👕 Podcast and Select Player Shirts SeatGeek 🎟 Check out SeatGeek - the easiest way to buy tickets for sports, concerts, and more. Visit chasefor28.com/seatgeek and use promo code 'CHASEFOR28' at checkout to get $20 off your first purchase. Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

    31 min

  5. MAR 28

    Back-to-Back Shutouts to Open 2026 (3/28/26) - CF28-120

    The Yankees couldn’t have scripted a better start to 2026 — and Chris and the Podcast Padre are here to break it all down. After opening the season 2-0 with back-to-back shutouts (a franchise first), the early returns point to something Yankees fans have been begging for: dominant pitching and a more balanced offensive approach. In this episode, the guys react to Opening Day on Netflix, Stanton’s hot start, Judge benefiting from the ABS system, and a lineup that’s producing without relying on the long ball. Plus, a deep dive into the pitching staff’s early dominance, lineup decisions, and what this start might actually mean (or not mean) just two games in. Is this a real shift — or just early-season noise? Topics DiscussedYankees open 2026 with back-to-back shutouts (franchise first)Opening Day reactions (including Netflix broadcast)Offensive approach shift: hitting vs. home run relianceGiancarlo Stanton’s strong early performanceAaron Judge and the impact of ABS challengesPitching dominance: rotation + bullpen early successLineup construction and platoon decisionsEarly impressions of depth and roster balanceAround the league notes and early surprisesYankees' upcoming schedule (Giants, Mariners, Marlins) Yankees TriviaWhich New York Yankees player hit the first walk-off home run in World Series history?Answer: Tommy Henrich hit the first walk-off home run in World Series history on October 5, 1949This Episode: Which New York Yankees pitcher threw a perfect game in the 1998 season? Bullpen Q&A ☎️You have opinions just like we do, so we want to hear from you! Send voicemail http://chasefor28.com/voicemailEmail us: feedback@chasefor28.comConnect on X: @chasefor28podConnect on Instagram: @chasefor28pod Merch 👕 Podcast and Select Player Shirts SeatGeek 🎟 Check out SeatGeek - the easiest way to buy tickets for sports, concerts, and more. Visit chasefor28.com/seatgeek and use promo code 'CHASEFOR28' at checkout to get $20 off your first purchase. Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

    36 min

  6. MAR 21

    Are the 2026 Yankees Built to Last? (3/20/26) - CF28-119

    The 2026 season is a week away, and the Yankees are giving us plenty to talk about — both good and bad. In this episode of The Chase for 28, Chris and the Podcast Padre react to the early returns, separating what’s real from what might just be small-sample-size noise. From early power surges and standout performances to lingering concerns about consistency, approach, and roster construction, the guys break down what’s encouraging and what still feels way too familiar. Is this team actually different — or are we watching a rerun of the same script? Plus, early breakout candidates, red flags to monitor, and what needs to change if the Yankees are serious about chasing No. 28. Topics DiscussedYankees offensive identity: power vs. productionPitching staff early performance checkBullpen reliability and usage concernsLineup construction and consistency issuesWhat feels different (and what doesn’t) from past seasonsKeys to sustaining success over a full season Yankees TriviaWhich New York Yankees player hit the first walk-off home run in World Series history?Answer: Next Episode Bullpen Q&A ☎️You have opinions just like we do, so we want to hear from you! Send voicemail http://chasefor28.com/voicemailEmail us: feedback@chasefor28.comConnect on X: @chasefor28podConnect on Instagram: @chasefor28pod Merch 👕 Podcast and Select Player Shirts SeatGeek 🎟 Check out SeatGeek - the easiest way to buy tickets for sports, concerts, and more. Visit chasefor28.com/seatgeek and use promo code 'CHASEFOR28' at checkout to get $20 off your first purchase. Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

    53 min

  7. FEB 21

    Spring Training Is Here: Are the Yankees Really Running It Back in 2026? (2/21/26) - CF28-118

    Spring Training is officially underway, and The Chase for 28 is back for Season 6. Chris and the Podcast Padre break down what 2026 really looks like for the Yankees — and whether “running it back” is good enough after another 94-win season that ended without a ring. The guys dig into lineup concerns (Volpe’s strikeouts, Wells’ development, Jazz aiming for 50/50?!), expectations for Giancarlo Stanton at age 36, and whether Ben Rice is poised for a breakout. On the mound, they evaluate Gerrit Cole’s outlook, the revamped rotation, and what to expect from the young arms. And then… the big question: Should the Yankees go get Bryce Harper? And what would it actually cost? It’s optimism, frustration, realism — and just enough delusion to believe 2026 might finally be the year. Topics DiscussedSpring Training Opening Day reactionsYankees “running it back” after 94 winsVolpe’s strikeout problem and long-term concernsCaballero’s opportunity at shortstopBen Rice breakout expectationsStanton’s role and realistic 2026 productionPitching staff outlook: Cole, Fried, Rodón, youth depthJazz Chisholm’s 50/50 commentsHome runs vs. productive offense philosophyThe Bryce Harper trade debateFan engagement plans for 2026 (voicemails, live streams) SponsorSeatGeek – Use promo code ChaseFor28 for $20 off your first purchase. Connect With UsEmail: feedback@chasefor28.comVoicemail: https://chasefor28.com/voicemailInstagram: @chasefor28pod Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps more than you think.

    40 min
  8. Why the Yankees Feel Stuck Heading into 2026 (12/13/25) - CF28117

    12/13/2025

    Why the Yankees Feel Stuck Heading into 2026 (12/13/25) - CF28117

    The offseason officially rolls on for the Chase for 28 crew, but optimism is in short supply. In Episode 117, Chris, the Podcast Padre, and the Podcast Paisan return to break down a Yankees winter that feels frozen in time. From the shocking qualifying offer acceptance by Trent Grisham to the continued reliance on analytics over fundamentals, the guys question whether Brian Cashman and the front office truly understand what this team needs to win in October. The conversation spans roster construction, positional logjams, and the growing frustration of running back essentially the same team. They debate Volpe’s future, Ben Rice’s role, the impossibility of moving Giancarlo Stanton’s contract, and whether the Yankees are leaning too heavily on pitching to mask offensive flaws. Add in lockout speculation, ownership spending concerns, Asian market rumors, and a lively trivia debate, and this episode captures exactly how uneasy Yankees fans feel heading into 2026. Key Topics Discussed Why the Yankees made (and lost) the Trent Grisham qualifying offer gambleHow MLB qualifying offers work—and why this one backfiredHas baseball passed Brian Cashman by?Analytics vs. “using your eyes” in roster decisionsThe Yankees’ youth movement paradox: Domínguez, Jones, Volpe, WellsBen Rice as catcher or first baseman—and the ripple effectsLefty-heavy lineups, balance, and Yankee Stadium roster philosophyFrustrations with bottom-of-the-lineup productionDebating contact hitters vs. power-first approachesAsian market targets: Murakami, Okamoto, Imai, and posting-system realitiesGiancarlo Stanton’s contract and the need to free the DH spotPitching reliance: Cole’s age, Rodón’s value, and rotation trustLockout speculation and the Dodgers changing the financial landscapeAre the Yankees still true AL East favorites? Yankees Trivia 🤔 Who is the only AL team the Yankees have never faced in the playoffs? Answer: Up until 2025 it was the Toronto Blue Jays This episode: Name the 3 Yankees who have hit for the cycle more than once. Bullpen Q&A ☎️ You have opinions just like we do so we want to hear from you! Email us at feedback@chasefor28.com Connect with us on Twitter @chasefor28pod Connect with us on Instagram @chasefor28pod Send a voicemail http://chasefor28.com/voicemail Merch 👕 Chase for 28 - Podcast and Select Player Shirts - http://chasefor28.com/merch SeatGeek 🎟 Check out SeatGeek - the easiest way to buy tickets for sports, concerts, and more. Visit chasefor28.com/seatgeek and use promo code 'CHASEFOR28' at checkout to get $20 off your first purchase. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/chasefor28.

    34 min
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Join Chris, John "The Podcast Padre" Nesi, & AJ "The Podcast Paisan" Bianco as they break down the latest Yankees news every week.

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