Slipping Away: Lack of Urgency, Lineup Woes (8/16/25) - CF28-108

In Episode 108 of Chase for 28, Chris and the Podcast Padre break down another week of inconsistency and frustration in the Bronx. Despite hopes of a turnaround, the Yankees remain stuck in mediocrity—splitting series with Houston and Minnesota and now clinging to the third Wild Card spot. The guys examine the team’s lack of urgency, puzzling bullpen decisions, and the offensive struggles that continue to plague the lineup.

They also discuss the fallout from Old-Timers Day, including Mariano Rivera’s freak injury, Derek Jeter’s absence, and whether the Yankees missed a chance to make the event truly special. Plus, Michael Kay sounds off on Boone’s bullpen usage, Cody Bellinger’s looming free agency shakes up the hot stove, and the guys share strong opinions on analytics, launch angle, and the lost art of situational hitting. All that, plus Spencer Jones watch, a Hall of Fame trivia recap, and this week’s new trivia question for die-hard fans.

Topics Covered:

• Recap of the week: Yankees go 3–3 (series vs. Houston & Minnesota)
• Yankees’ current standing: 64–57, third in AL East, barely holding the Wild Card
• Lack of urgency and bullpen mismanagement (Michael Kay rant)
• Offense still inconsistent—why the home run or nothing approach is failing
• Positives: Giancarlo Stanton’s recent hot streak (.394, 4 HR in 11 games)
• Injury news: Trade deadline acquisitions on IL; Rivera tears Achilles at Old-Timers Day
• Old-Timers Day reaction: Jeter’s absence, how the Yankees should make it special again
• Yogi Berra’s Mets cameo in ’65—fact-check
• Cody Bellinger opting out? Mets rumored to be interested
• Aaron Judge at first base—serious possibility?
• Spencer Jones Triple-A numbers & why September call-up is likely
• Analytics debate: Launch angle vs. batting average; what ruined baseball?
• Historic perspective: 1968 batting averages, Yaz at .301 leads AL

Yankees Trivia 🤔

Who are the Yankees HOFers who spent their entire careers in pinstripes?

Answer: Jeter, Rivera, Mantle, DiMaggio, Ford, Rizzuto, Dickey, & Gehrig

This episode: Who hit the most HRs for the Yankees in a single World Series?

Bullpen Q&A ☎️

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Merch 👕

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