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BaseballBiz On Deck's, Mark Corbett and Mat Germain celebrate the Tampa Bay Rays' division-clinching season and look ahead to the 2026 MLB playoffs. They discuss Kevin Cash's leadership, the Rays' team chemistry, Drew Rasmussen's dominant pitching, playoff strategy, and the challenge of keeping the offense sharp during the playoff bye.
The conversation also covers Junior Caminero, Caden Bodine, Grady Emerson, the Rays farm system, future payroll decisions, and the team's new stadium. Mark and Mat also revisit former Rays stars including Randy Arozarena, Brandon Lowe and Christopher Sanchez.
Which past Rays player bring back to the team for this year's playoffs
What changes to the Wild Card setup on number of games and qualified teams
How about a unique baseball field that is used each year in the post season. How about Vegas? A new Cooperstown in Nevada the home of gambling
Let's bring a half-time show to baseball World Series games. Mat likes Metallica
Plus, a look at possible MLB playoffs and CBA changes, a wild proposal for Las Vegas to host the later games of the World Series, and Mark's upcoming presentation on Senaida "Shoo Shoo" Wirth and the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
Topics: Tampa Bay Rays • AL East • MLB Playoffs • Kevin Cash • Drew Rasmussen • Junior Caminero • Rays Prospects • Caden Bodine • Grady Emerson • MLB • AAGPBL • Senaida Wirth • Gerrit Cole • Evan Longoria • Wilson Ramos • Mike Brosseau • Yankees • Aroldis Chapman • Carl Crawford
BaseballBiz On Deck — Tampa Bay Rays, MLB, prospects, baseball history and the stories behind the game.
BaseballBiz On Deck: Rays Ride Into the Postseason
La Maxima
The Tampa Bay Rays are postseason-bound, and Mark Corbett and Mat Germain break down the excitement surrounding the team, Junior Caminero’s clutch power, the return of energy at Tropicana Field, and what could be ahead in October.
In This Episode:
Keywords
Tampa Bay Rays, Rays postseason, Junior Caminero, Junior Caminero MVP, American League MVP, Yordan Alvarez, Bobby Witt Jr., Pete Alonso, Tampa baseball, Tropicana Field, Rays new stadium, Tampa Bay baseball, MLB playoffs, Rays prospects, Brody Hopkins, Chandler Simpson, minor league baseball, Senaida Shoo-Shoo Wirth, AAGPBL, BaseballBiz On Deck.
BaseballBiz On Deck is hosted by Mark Corbett with Mat Germain, covering the Tampa Bay Rays, MLB, minor league baseball, baseball history and the people and stories that make the game special.
This version keeps the notes concise while giving Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio and search engines plenty of relevant baseball keywords drawn from the transcript.
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BaseballBiz On Deck, the conversation covers the new Rays stadium, the recent city and county votes, stadium economics, naming rights, the Rays' playoff push and the young players shaping the franchise's future.
New Tampa Bay Rays Stadium
The city and county votes approving the new Rays stadium proposal.
Plans for a new $2.3 billion stadium near Hillsborough Community College and Dale Mabry Highway.
Anticipated construction timeline & when shovels could go into the ground.
What stadium agreement means for long-term future of the Rays in Tampa
A Major Turning Point for the Rays
Stadium approval represents a major moment in Tampa Bay baseball history
The importance of securing a long-term MLB future
How the current situation compares with the Rays' previous stadium uncertainty.
Stadium Naming Rights
Who could become the naming-rights partner for the new Rays stadium?
How a long-term naming-rights agreement could increase the value of the Rays franchise.
Companies that could potentially want a major presence in Tampa Bay.
Naming rights could extend beyond the stadium into the surrounding Champions Corner development
The Business of the Tampa Bay Rays
How the new stadium could change the Rays' financial outlook.
The potential impact on team valuation, revenue and future spending.
Why a new stadium could give the Rays more flexibility when building future rosters.
Rays Playoff Push
The Rays' pursuit of a 90-plus-win season.
The possibility of a 95-win or even 97-win season.
The American League playoff race and potential home-field advantage.
The importance of the remaining games against the New York Yankees.
Rays Rising in Franchise History
The Rays reaching their 82nd win of the season.
How the current season compares with previous successful Rays teams.
Kevin Cash & Joe Maddon & their places among the best seasons in Rays history
It is becoming one of the most successful seasons in franchise history.
Young Rays Players Making an Impact
Junior Caminero and his continued power production.
Jonathan Aranda and his enormous 458-foot home run.
Chandler Simpson and pressure the young Rays lineup puts on opposing pitchers.
Liam Hicks, Ryan Vilade and other emerging contributors.
Why the Rays' young core could be critical to the franchise's future.
September Call-Ups
The expansion of MLB rosters in September.
Potential Rays additions from the Durham Bulls.
Players discussed include Hunter Bigge, Ty Johnson, Jake Fraley, Jacob Melton and Ben Williamson.
Jorge Mateo and Rays Team Chemistry
Mateo's adjustment to the Rays.
The importance of character and clubhouse chemistry.
Why the Rays' dugout energy has become one of the team's strengths.
The Padres Series
The Rays' sweep of the San Diego Padres.
Johnny DeLuca's dramatic moment in the series.
The importance of momentum and team energy as postseason approaches.
How the Rays' chemistry compares with other contenders.
The Future of Baseball in Tampa Bay
What the new stadium means for Tampa Bay's place in Major League Baseball
Tampa's long history of professional baseball and spring training
Potential for a new entertainment, restaurant and nightlife district
Rays Ownership and Franchise Value
Ken Babby and the new ownership group's role in bringing the stadium deal together.
How the Rays' franchise value has changed since 2008.
financial impact of securing a new long-term stadium agreement
Remember to like and subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck. You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at baseball biz on deck dot com. Also you can find Mat @matgermain.bsky.social or Mark at [email protected] and BaseballBiz On Deck with Facebook social
Rays Playoff Push, Prospects and Baseball Around the World
Mark Corbett and Mat Germain break down the Tampa Bay Rays as they head into the final stretch of the season, plus prospects, the Little League World Series, the Rays stadium debate and international women’s baseball.
Rays Playoff Push
The Rays face a difficult schedule as they battle toward the postseason. Mark and Mat discuss recent performances, injuries, Kevin Cash’s decisions and how the roster could take shape for the playoffs.
Freddy Peralta’s strong outing gets attention, including how increased use of his changeup may be helping his success.
Rays Prospects on the Rise
Xavier Isaac and Caden Bodine have moved up to Triple-A Durham. Bodine’s rapid climb through the Rays system has been especially impressive and could put him in the conversation as a future Tampa Bay catcher.
Jacob Melton, Jake Fraley, Victor Mesa Jr. and other Durham players could also provide the Rays with options down the stretch.
Little League World Series
Canada puts together an impressive international run with wins over Australia, Panama and South Korea. Mark also highlights Alabama standout Kinley Rasmus, whose pitching and hitting have drawn comparisons to Mo’ne Davis.
ABS and Baseball’s Changing Rules
Should MLB fully automate balls and strikes? Mark and Mat discuss the ABS challenge system, overturned calls and whether technology should take a larger role in officiating.
Rays Stadium Debate
The proposed new Rays stadium in Tampa remains a major topic. Mark and Mat discuss taxpayer funding, construction costs, community benefits, affordable housing and the value of keeping Major League Baseball in Tampa Bay.
Women’s Baseball World Cup
The show wraps up with the Women’s Baseball World Cup in Taiwan, including Japan’s strong performance and the continued international growth of women’s baseball.
Topics: Tampa Bay Rays, Rays prospects, MLB playoffs, Kevin Cash, Freddy Peralta, Xavier Isaac, Caden Bodine, Durham Bulls, Little League World Series, Kinley Rasmus, ABS challenge system, Rays stadium, Women’s Baseball World Cup, women’s baseball.
BaseballBiz On Deck with Mark Corbett and Mat Germain covers the Tampa Bay Rays, MLB, prospects, baseball history and the business of the game.
Thankful Thursday: Celebrating people making a difference through baseball and community service.
Roberto Clemente: Remembering his humanitarian legacy and the annual Roberto Clemente Award.
Christian Yelich: Named Players Trust Most Valuable Philanthropist for August for supporting animal rescue organizations.
Little League World Series: Highlights from Williamsport, including standout performances by young players.
Rasmus Family: Kenley Rasmus, neice of Colby Rasmus, made a strong showing on the mound, matching Mo'ne Davis' eight-strikeout Little League performance.
International Little League: Nicaragua's Clemente Seville Picardo recorded 12 strikeouts and later threw out a potential game-tying runner from right field.
Canada & Baseball: Jays Care is investing more than $2.6 million in 22 community baseball diamond projects across seven Canadian provinces.
Women's Pro Baseball League: 11 Canadian women are playing in the inaugural WPBL season.
Mo'ne Davis: Now playing professionally in the WPBL and continuing to inspire young girls in baseball.
Rays Update: Tampa Bay dropped two home series after winning nine straight games on the road.
MLB Standings: Discussion of division leaders and the playoff picture across both leagues.
Pete Crow-Armstrong: Cubs outfielder reached 31 home runs and emerged as an NL MVP candidate.
Meggie Meidlinger: Revisited a previous interview with the USA Women's National Team pitcher and architect.
Foley Field: Meidlinger discussed her role in the University of Georgia baseball facility renovation, including the bullpen and pitching lab.
Women's Baseball in Uganda: Meidlinger helped expand women's baseball to eight regions and hundreds of girls.
See Her, Be Her: Documentary highlighting women and girls playing baseball around the world.
Trailblazer Series: MLB/USA Baseball event giving girls ages 12-14 an opportunity to play baseball at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex.
Jackie Robinson's Legacy: Emphasis on Robinson's impact beyond baseball and his role as a civil rights leader.
Women's Sports Facilities: Meidlinger advocates for purpose-built, elite facilities designed around the needs of female athletes.
Baseball's Future: Celebrating the growth of Little League, women's baseball and opportunities for the next generation.
Little League World Series bracket
https://www.littleleague.org/world-series/2026/llbws/bracket/
Remember to like and subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck. You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at baseball biz on deck dot com. Also you can find Mat @matgermain.bsky.social or Mark at [email protected] and BaseballBiz On Deck with Facebook social
BaseballBiz On Deck welcomes baseball writer Mary Mustard, WPBL blogger, to discuss the inaugural Women's Pro Baseball League (WPBL) season, and the future of the sport.
Mary shares her perspective on the WPBL's four teams, international talent and standout players including Denae Benites, Kelsi Whitmore, Ashton Lansdell and Brittney Apgar.
Mary also discusses changes with the Boston Hunters manager and how Jemile Weeks is infusing the team with positive energy. Plus a look at the league's competitive balance and the growing excitement around women's baseball.
The conversation also explores Mary's sandlot team and the importance of community, accessibility and simply enjoying the game of baseball.
You can find Mary Mustard's WPBL blog on Substack, Mary Mustard, and then the name of the blog is Towards a More Perfect Game. https://towardsamoreperfectgame.substack.com/
Topics: Women's Pro Baseball League, WPBL, women's baseball, professional women's baseball, Denae Benites, Kelsi Whitmore, Ashton Lansdell, Brittney Apgar, Jemile Weeks, Boston Hunters, New York Heights, Albany Queer Baseball, sandlot baseball.
Guest: Mary Mustard - https://towardsamoreperfectgame.substack.com/
Host: Mark Corbett
Show: BaseballBiz On Deck
The Rays have been on an impressive run following the trade deadline, with strong performances during a demanding West Coast stretch.
Taylor Walls Has a Two-Homer Night
Taylor Walls provided one of the biggest surprises of the recent stretch.
After going 369 at-bats without a home run, Walls hit two home runs in the same game, including one from each side of the plate.
Mark and Mat discuss:
The New Rays Are Making an Impact
Mat explains why the Rays may be taking a measured approach to getting Peralta fully comfortable.
Nick Martinez's Complete Game
Mat highlights Martinez's:
Why complete games have become such a rarity in today's baseball.
The Rays' Offense Is Heating Up
Home run production, Batting average, On-base percentage, Slugging, wRC+, and overall offensive improvement
Yandy Díaz Is Finding His Groove
Díaz's recent improved results over the previous 12 games, including three home runs, three doubles, a .538 slugging percentage, and a 132 wRC+ over that stretch.
Rays Chemistry and Positive Energy
Rays' clubhouse chemistry
Players supporting one another through good stretches and difficult moments.
Baseball is a game built around failure, a supportive clubhouse can be especially important when players inevitably go through slumps.
The AL East Is Getting Dangerous
The Rays return home to face teams that are still fighting for playoff positioning facing division rivals: Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox
Orioles sit at the bottom of the AL East, they remain close enough to the Wild Card race to be dangerous.
The Blue Jays also remain in contention after making moves at the deadline, including adding José Soriano.
Yankees Still Trying to Find Their Formula
The guys examine the Yankees and the challenges facing them down the stretch.
Don't Sleep on the Red Sox
Boston receives plenty of attention after a dramatic turnaround.
The guys discuss the Red Sox's 15-game winning streak, their improved bullpen, and the potential impact of Garrett Crochet's return.
Mat believes Boston could be one of the teams nobody wants to face in the postseason if their pitching continues to hold up.
Could Four AL East Teams Make the Playoffs?
Possibility of four teams from the division making the playoffs
Intense competition within the AL East can push every team to improve
The National League Playoff Race
The discussion shifts to the National League, where the playoff picture is becoming increasingly competitive.:
The Rays Influence Around Major League Baseball front offices
Lou Piniella and the Mariners' 50th Anniversary - Piniella returns as part of the Seattle Mariners' 50th season celebration.
Baseball Books Everyone Should Read
The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Mark and Mat discuss the idea of creating a mandatory baseball reading list.
They talk about baseball books, authors and commentators they follow, including: Craig Calcaterra, Lou Schiff, Brent Cardy, Lou Piniella & Joe Maddon
Mat is currently reading, including The Art of Meditation, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, The Daily Stoic, Super Life, and several French-language books.
Women's Pro Baseball League
Mark appreciates Mary Mustard’s coverage and how she celebrates the league while also being willing to provide thoughtful criticism.
Mark has reached out to Mary about potentially appearing on BaseballBiz On Deck.
The discussion also touches on the challenge of finding WPBL games and the locating where the games are being broadcast.
The Future of Sports Broadcasting
Evolution of sports broadcasting compared with the disruption caused by Napster in the music industry.
Technology can force established industries to rethink their business models and suggest that sports viewing could similarly evolve.
Future possibilities involving independent camera systems and alternative ways for fans to watch games.
Stadiums, Taxpayer Money and the Future of the Rays
The discussion also touches on the enormous valuations of professional sports franchises, including the reported $14.5 billion valuation associated with the Lakers sale discussion.
The Rising Cost of Attending Games
Mat compares the cost of taking a large group to a hockey game in Montreal with the cost of attending a Rays game.
Mark shares his experience attending a Rays game with Karen, where they found good seats for approximately $45 to $50 each.
The guys debate whether attending a game in person still provides enough value compared with spending the same money on a home entertainment setup and a meal.
What If the Rays Win a World Series at the Trop?
Mat poses an intriguing hypothetical:
What happens if the Rays win a World Series in a renovated Tropicana Field before eventually moving to a new stadium?
What would such a championship mean to Rays fans and whether winning a championship in the current stadium could create an even stronger emotional attachment to the building.
Rays Minor League Talent
The episode closes with optimism about the Rays' organizational depth.
Remember to like and subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck. You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at baseball biz on deck dot com. Also you can find Mat @matgermain.bsky.social or Mark at [email protected] and BaseballBiz On Deck with Facebook social
MLB Trade Deadline Doors Close, WPBL league Opens. Baseball abounds in August & Nature is Wild in Nova Scotia
The MLB Trade Deadline delivered one of the busiest transaction days of the season. Mark Corbett and Mat Germain break down the biggest winners and losers, & how the the Rays positioned themselves for a postseason run.
They also discuss the launch of the Women's Pro Baseball League, highlighting its opening weekend, standout players, and what fans can expect from this historic first season.
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Rays focused on strengthening their roster without sacrificing their long term future.
Why Liam Hicks could be the Rays most impactful acquisition.
Rays Prospect Strategy
The Rays traded significant prospect depth while protecting several key pieces of their future.
Players discussed include:
International Bonus Pool Money influenced several deadline deals and why those resources remain critical to Tampa Bay's player development strategy.
Around MLB - several of the deadline's biggest moves, including:
Which Teams Won the Deadline?
Key questions include:
Women's Pro Baseball League Makes History
The inaugural WPBL season officially began this past weekend
Final Thoughts with trade deadline complete, Rays attention now turns toward:
Remember to like and subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck. You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at baseball biz on deck dot com. Also you can find Mat @matgermain.bsky.social or Mark at [email protected] and BaseballBiz On Deck with Facebook social
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