BaseballBiz On Deck

Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, (NLBM)
Bob visits BaseballBiz On Deck and shares the stories of the past of the Negro Leagues and the mission to continue to share the stories of the leagues into the future with the museum

Expanding the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Plans for a new 35,000-square-foot museum and a Negro Leagues campus in Kansas City. The $55 million capital campaign includes restoration of the historic Paseo YMCA, where the Negro National Leagues was established in 1920. The building will become the Buck O'Neil Education and Research Center. https://www.nlbm.com/donations/ 

John Henry "Pop" Lloyd
Kendrick highlights Pop Lloyd's extraordinary career as a Negro Leagues star and one of baseball's greatest shortstops. Babe Ruth considered Lloyd the greatest baseball player he had ever seen. Derek Jeter noted how Pop was a power hitting shortstop.
Mark notes Wes Singletary's book on Lloyd as an enjoyable and informative read - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786435720?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback 

The Importance of the Black Press
Black newspapers, including the Kansas City Call, Pittsburgh Courier, Florida Sentinel, Amsterdam News, and Chicago Defender, preserved essential stories about Negro Leagues players and their lives beyond the ballpark.

Effa Manley, Monte Irvin, Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson
Newark Eagles owner, Effa Manley, foiled Branch Rickey's attempt to sign Monte Irvin a 5-tool star into MLB without compensation to the team. Rickey did not recognize the Negro Leagues contracts. He took away Jackie Robinson from the Kansas City Monarchs signing him without compensating the Monarch's owner.  The movement of great talent to MLB contributed to the loss of Negro Leagues.

Negro Leagues Statistics Enter MLB Record Books
Kendrick reflects on his participation in the committee that helped bring Negro Leagues statistics into Major League Baseball's official records in May 2024. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the leagues as major leagues and honoring their players' achievements. Bob notes that Rob Manfred was critical in making this happen.

Josh Gibson, Ty Cobb  and Baseball's Historical Record
Kendrick explains why comparing Negro Leagues players with their Major League counterparts requires understanding the racial discrimination and hardships Black players endured. Bob notes “"It does not diminish Ty Cobb now that Josh Gibson name is above him as the all-time career batting average leader." 372 lifetime. Single season batting record in 1943, when he only hit 466. And folks, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that ain't gonna be broken. That doesn't diminish Ty Cobb, it just speaks to how great Josh Gibson was”

The Tampa Rockets and Florida's Baseball History
The Tampa Rockets, were a talented Black baseball team that operated outside the organized Negro Leagues. Players including Walter Gibbons, Raydell Maddox, and Billy Fielder moved on to Negro Leagues teams. The role of the Florida Sentinel in promoting local Black baseball is also discussed.

 Preserving the Legacy of Negro Leagues Players
Kendrick stresses the urgency of documenting players' stories while preserving their legacy for future generations. He discusses the influence of Buck O'Neil, who helped establish and shape the museum.

 Buck O'Neil's Lasting Influence
Kendrick calls the museum the "house that Buck built," honoring O'Neil's leadership and dedication.  Feeling his positive energy every day

 Why Negro Leagues History Matters - A Story of Triumph and Conquest
Kendrick discusses how the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum helps fill gaps in American history education.
Today, visitors to the museum leave amazed by what they discover, often questioning why they never learned these stories in school, “ . . .why didn't I know this during my own formal education?
And the answer is simple, American historians basically ignored this piece of baseball and Americana.” 

Kendrick emphasizes that the museum preserves stories and gives people the opportunity to discover this important history for themselves.

"As I remind folks, it's not a sad story. It's not a somber story, even though it is anchored against the ugliness of American segregation, but the story here is what emerged out of segregation, this wonderful story of triumph and conquest. And people walk out of here man, cheering.

But you walk out cheering the power of the human spirit to persevere and prevail."

Support the Museum's Future
Kendrick invites listeners to support the museum's $55 million capital campaign, The Legacy Plays On, to help expand its educational mission and preserve Negro Leagues history.  Visit https://www.nlbm.com/donations/ to learn more and contribute.

Special thanks to Bob Kendrick & Eric Jackson for making this show happen.

Like & subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck. You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizondeck.com
 Also you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky social. That's Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B, Sky social or Mark at Baseball Biz on Deck dot B Sky Social and BaseballBiz On Deck with Facebook.  . , , Thanks for listening!!!

These notes were in part generated using ChatGPT by reading the transcript of the show.

1. World Series Reflections: Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays

Mark and Mat discuss the Brewers' championship success and the qualities that helped them overcome their competition. They examine Pat Murphy's leadership style, his willingness to hold players accountable, and the relentless mindset that helped Milwaukee succeed.

• Compare Murphy's approach with Kevin Cash's leadership of the Rays 
• Could Tampa Bay could benefit from a more demanding approach in certain situations.
• Challenge of competing against teams with significantly larger payrolls and the importance of recognizing what the Rays accomplished throughout the season.

2. What the Rays Must Improve for Next Season

• The Rays' postseason exposed areas that need attention, particularly the offense against elite pitching.
• How can Tampa Bay improve lineup without losing the qualities that made the team successful. 
• Could younger players provide the offensive spark needed to compete against the best teams.
• Rookies should not automatically be dismissed as postseason contributors. Young players can bring energy, athleticism, and an element of unpredictability that established opponents have not yet fully evaluated.

3. Young Prospects Who Could Shape the Rays' Future

• Xavier Isaac
• Theo Gillen
• Caden Bodine
• Jacob Melton
• Carson Williams
• Cooper Kinney

4. Trade Targets and Infield Possibilities

• Mark and Mat explore potential ways to strengthen the Rays through trades rather than relying exclusively on free agency.
• Casey Schmitt emerges as a potential trade target because of his defensive ability, offensive contributions, affordability, and remaining years of team control.
• The hosts also consider alternatives involving Ketel Marte, Bo Bichette, Jazz Chisholm, JP Crawford, and internal prospects.
• Rule 5 Draft approaching, Tampa Bay could have opportunities to make a move that addresses multiple needs while building for the long term.

5. Rays Pitching Rotation and Offseason Decisions

The starting rotation presents several important decisions for the organization.

Mark and Mat discuss Nick Martinez, Drew Rasmussen, Shane McClanahan, Ian Seymour, Ryan Pepiot, Griffin Jax, Brody Hopkins, and Ty Johnson.

• Will the Rays retain Nick Martinez after his strong season?
• Could Drew Rasmussen become a trade candidate?
• What role will Shane McClanahan play moving forward?
• Can Ian Seymour build on his early success?
• Should Brody Hopkins receive an opportunity in the rotation?
• Which young pitchers could emerge as dependable bullpen contributors?
• Freddy Peralta's future - the possibility of a new contract or another arrangement that could keep him in Tampa Bay.

6. Why the Rays' Postseason Bullpen Struggled

• Compare Rays' relief pitching with Milwaukee's performance and question whether Tampa Bay used its available pitchers effectively including Kevin Kelly, Cole Sulser, Brody Hopkins, Garrett Clevenger, and Ty Johnson.
• Bullpen management should focus on bringing in the right pitcher for the situation rather than automatically assigning roles according to the inning.
• More high-leverage relievers and additional dependable late-inning options to compete 
• Milwaukee's bullpen consistency and ability to handle pressure.

7. Free Agency, Payroll and Potential Extensions

• Economics of building a competitive roster.
• Rays might increase spending under new ownership
• Which positions deserve the greatest investment.
• Contract signed by Willy Adames with the San Francisco Giants, using it as an example of the financial commitments involved in the free agent market.
• Potential value of veteran pitchers, the importance of finding affordable contributors, and whether the Rays should pursue a significant bullpen addition.
• Should teams negotiate extensions before the next collective bargaining agreement changes the financial landscape.

8. MLB Labor Negotiations and the Possibility of a Lockout

Could have major implications for the 2027 season.

• A potential salary cap
• Minimum team payrolls
• Earlier free agency
• Compensation and protections for injured players
• Opportunities for younger players to earn more
• Performance-based incentives
• The distribution of revenue generated by sports betting
• Loss of fan interest and the potential damage to baseball's momentum.

9. MLB Expansion and the Future of Professional Baseball

• Salt Lake City and Nashville are possible expansion markets. Montreal, a city with a history of Major League Baseball and an established baseball audience.
• Expansion could create additional major league roster spots, broaden the sport's geographic reach, and introduce new ownership groups and fan bases.
• Rays' long-term future in Tampa Bay - Could labor dispute could affect stadium construction 

10. Keeping Fans Connected to Baseball

• Financial pressures facing baseball fans, the high cost of attending major games, and the potential consequences of a prolonged MLB work stoppage.
• Baseball must remain accessible and entertaining while protecting the connection between teams and their communities.
• Fans might turn to other sports and competitions if MLB disappears from the calendar 
• Women's baseball, international leagues, college baseball, and alternative baseball formats could provide opportunities for fans to stay connected to the sport.
• The Savannah Bananas and Banana Ball are discussed as examples of organizations that put the fan experience at the center of their approach.

11. Looking Ahead to the Baseball Offseason

As the episode concludes, Mark and Mat reflect on the Rays' season and express appreciation for the organization, its players, and its leadership.

Although the hosts raise questions about postseason decisions and offseason priorities, they recognize the excitement the team provided throughout the year.

The offseason promises important decisions involving the roster, pitching staff, potential trades, player extensions, and the broader future of Major League Baseball.

Protecting the fan experience should remain a priority for baseball's owners and players.

Like & subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck.  You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizondeck.com
 Also you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky social. That's Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B, Sky social or Mark at  Baseball Biz on Deck dot B Sky Social and BaseballBiz On Deck with Facebook.

World Series Week Begins: Tampa Bay Rays & Milwaukee Brewers 2026

Mark Corbett is joined by Josh Weaver, Curator of the Tampa Baseball Museum at the Home of Al Lopez, to preview the 2026 World Series. The Rays and Brewers both finished with the best records in their leagues, and the winner will claim their first-ever World Series title.

• Season recap: how the Rays exceeded all preseason predictions under new ownership (Ken Babby, Mike Cosgrove, Pat Zalupski)
• Hurricane Milton's impact on the region and the team's recovery story
• Player and coaching connections between both clubs: Jake Bauers (NLCS MVP), Freddy Peralta (ALCS MVP), Drew Rasmussen, Ozzie Timmons, Willy Adames
• Kyle Snyder's reputation as the Rays' "pitcher whisperer"
• Managers Kevin Cash and Pat Murphy: leadership, loyalty, and longevity
• Small-market baseball: why both teams win with creative, throwback-style play
• Is this the best Rays team ever? Comparing 2026 to the 2018 squad
• Postseason format history: from two-team World Series to wild cards and divisions
• Tampa Baseball Museum World Series specials: temporary exhibits, expanded hours, discounted admission ($8 adults, $3 kids)
• World Series ticket prices and the fan experience at Tropicana Field
• Rays viewing party options at the Trop for road games
• Series predictions: Mark says Rays in five, Josh predicts a Rays championship
• Former Rays (Tyler Glasnow, Randy Arozarena) returning to support the team
• The Montreal Expos parallel and what this run means for keeping baseball in Tampa Bay

Guest: Josh Weaver, Curator, Tampa Baseball Museum at the Home of Al Lopez (Ybor City, Tampa)

Links: https://www.facebook.com/TampaBaseballMuseum

The Tampa Bay Rays are American League champions and World Series bound! Mark Corbett and Mat Germain bring listeners inside the excitement of Game 6 as the Rays defeat the Cleveland Guardians to secure their place in the 2026 World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

From Junior Caminero's electrifying home run to Yandy Díaz's leadership and Brian Baker's closing performance, the Rays delivered a memorable postseason performance. Mark and Mat discuss the defining moments, the team's winning formula, and what Tampa Bay must do next against Milwaukee.

Episode Highlights

• Rays Win the ALCS: Tampa Bay completes its postseason run against Cleveland and advances to the World Series, rewarding Rays fans after years of stadium uncertainty and organizational challenges.
• Yandy's proclamatioin
• Junior Caminero Brings the Energy: Caminero's dramatic home run and enthusiastic celebration become defining moments of the series. The hosts discuss his growing role as a franchise star and his ability to energize the team and its fans.
• Yandy Díaz Delivers in the Clutch: Díaz provides veteran leadership and a memorable offensive performance, helping push the Rays toward the championship.
• Brian Baker Closes It Out: Baker delivers a key performance as Tampa Bay finishes the job and celebrates its ALCS championship.
• The Rays' Winning Formula: Mark and Mat examine the organization's approach to pitching, defense, player development, and disciplined baseball. The Rays continue to win by executing their system rather than abandoning their identity.
• Chandler Simpson's Game-Changing Speed: Simpson's baserunning adds excitement and puts constant pressure on opposing defenses. The hosts discuss how he can continue improving his stolen-base technique and reads.
• Young Pitchers and Workload Management: The discussion explores the risks of pushing young pitchers beyond their established workloads, with comparisons to former Chicago Cubs pitchers Mark Prior and Kerry Wood.
• Kevin Cash Under the Microscope: The hosts debate bullpen decisions, including the use of Ian Seymour in a critical situation, and consider how those choices could affect Tampa Bay in the World Series.
• Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS): Mark and Mat discuss challenges, accountability, and the new strategic dimension of using ABS challenges during important at-bats.
• Sports Betting and Baseball: The conversation turns to the growing influence of sports gambling, its impact on fans, and concerns about the industry's increasing presence in baseball broadcasts.
• Aaron Boone Returns to the Yankees: The hosts examine the reaction to Boone's return and question whether New York needs a different leadership approach.
• The Milwaukee Brewers Await: With the Rays heading to the World Series, Mark and Mat look ahead to the matchup, pitching strategies, and the challenge of facing a battle-tested Milwaukee team.

Key Players Discussed

• Junior Caminero: Emerging franchise star whose power and personality bring excitement to the Rays.
• Yandy Díaz: Veteran hitter and clubhouse leader who delivers when the stakes are highest.
• Chandler Simpson: Elite speed and aggressive baserunning that can change an inning.
• Freddy Peralta: Brings high-velocity pitching to the postseason discussion.
• Nick Martinez and Drew Rasmussen: Important contributors to the Rays' pitching strength.
• Brian Baker: Helps secure the decisive moments of the ALCS.
• Steven Kwan and José Ramírez: Cleveland standouts who demonstrate the Guardians' talent and competitive spirit.

Looking Ahead: Rays vs. Brewers in the World Series

Mark and Mat anticipate an exciting World Series between Tampa Bay and Milwaukee. They discuss the Rays' balanced roster, pitching depth, defensive execution, and the importance of converting opportunities with runners in scoring position.

The hosts also celebrate the bigger picture for Tampa Bay: a promising farm system, exciting young talent, stadium developments, and a fan base finally enjoying a championship breakthrough.

About BaseballBiz On Deck

BaseballBiz On Deck, hosted by Mark Corbett with co-host Mat Germain, covers Tampa Bay Rays baseball, MLB news, player development, prospects, front-office decisions, and the stories shaping the game.

Follow along for more Rays analysis and World Series coverage as Tampa Bay takes on Milwaukee.

Keywords: Tampa Bay Rays, Rays ALCS Champions, 2026 World Series, Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Guardians, Junior Caminero, Yandy Díaz, Chandler Simpson, Kevin Cash, MLB playoffs, BaseballBiz On Deck, Tampa Bay baseball.

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 

Mark Corbett and Mat Germain break down the MLB postseason as the Tampa Bay Rays face the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Championship Series. They discusss pitching matchups, playoff pressure, defensive execution, unexpected heroes, and why smart baseball can overcome the advantages of big-market teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers.

• Rays vs. Guardians ALCS Preview: Tampa Bay enters the series with rested pitching, playoff experience, and confidence against a Cleveland team led by José Ramírez.
• Brewers vs. Dodgers: A look at the National League Championship Series, where Milwaukee challenges the Dodgers' star power. The hosts praise the Brewers' competitiveness and discuss why strong pitching, defense, and execution make postseason games more intense.
• Drew Rasmussen's Advantage: The Rays' ace benefits from extra rest, giving Tampa Bay flexibility with its pitching rotation and bullpen strategy.
• Cleveland's Pitching Threat: Gavin Williams has emerged as a formidable postseason starter. Over the previous month discussed in the podcast, opponents hit just .184 against him, with a .292 on-base percentage and a .537 OPS.
• Foster Griffin's Left-Handed Challenge: The Guardians starter presents a difficult matchup for Tampa Bay. The hosts discuss how his left-handed delivery could influence the Rays' lineup, including opportunities for right-handed hitters Ryan Vilade and Johnny DeLuca.
• José Ramírez, Cleveland's Leader: Ramírez delivers in critical moments with clutch hitting, power, and the ability to hit pitches outside the strike zone. His leadership has helped energize the Guardians.
• Junior Caminero's Breakout Potential: Mat predicts a big series from Caminero, whose motivation and growing comfort in the postseason could make him a difference-maker for Tampa Bay.
• Steven Kwan's On-Base Ability: Kwan's contact hitting and ability to reach base consistently could create problems for the Rays' pitching staff and put pressure on Cleveland's opponents.
• Potential Rays Surprise: Brody Hopkins: Mark identifies Hopkins as a possible unexpected contributor who could make an impact in a key relief appearance. Johnny DeLuca is another player the hosts believe could step up.
• Defense, Pitching and Small Ball: The hosts explain why great defense, smart baserunning, and timely hitting can be just as exciting as home runs. Every pitch and defensive play matters when games are decided by narrow margins.
• Cold Weather in Cleveland: Cooler temperatures could affect offensive production and home-run potential, making lineup decisions and pitching strategy especially important.
• Rays Fan Excitement and Community: Tampa Bay's postseason energy is building, with discussion of veteran ticket initiatives and the potential for community watch parties.BaseballBiz On Deck is produced by Mark Corbett and Mat Germain. New episodes drop regularly throughout the baseball season.
  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 at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky social. That's Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B, Sky social or Mark at baseballbizondeck at gmail.com and BaseballBiz On Deck with Facebook social 

Mat Germain and Mark Corbett break down the Tampa Bay Rays' American League Championship Series matchup against the Cleveland Guardians.
Topics include pitching matchups (Drew Rasmussen vs. Foster Griffin, Gavin Williams' dominance)

José Ramírez's clutch postseason

Seep trade history between the two franchises (Yandy Díaz, Junior Caminero, Nathaniel Lowe), roster decisions 
Weather in Cleveland

Why small ball makes for great playoff baseball. 

Plus: predictions, breakout outlier picks, and the balk rule debate.

Keywords: Tampa Bay Rays, Cleveland Guardians, ALCS, MLB Postseason, Drew Rasmussen, José Ramírez, Gavin Williams, Junior Caminero, Kevin Cash, pitching matchups, baseball podcast

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The Tampa Bay Rays eliminate the New York Yankees from the 2026 playoffs in three games. Mark Corbett and Mat Germain break down the Rays' dominant pitching, Victor Mesa Jr.'s statement home run, fan interference controversy at Yankee Stadium, and the Rays' relentless pressure that silenced a sold-out Bronx crowd.
They also dive into the Yankees' grim offseason outlook, with $205.5M committed to an aging core (Judge, Cole, Stanton, Rodón, Fried), and debate whether New York needs to blow it up.
Plus: a preview of the Brewers vs. Dodgers NLCS matchup, why Mat likes Milwaukee's chances behind Misiorowski and Jackson Chourio, Kike Hernández as the Dodgers' X-factor, and when the Rays resume ALCS play on October 12.
Topics & Timestamps:

• Rays eliminate Yankees in 3: Rays pitching stifles New York's offense
• Victor Mesa Jr.'s home run and dugout stare-down
• Fan interference & unruly Yankee Stadium crowd behavior
• Caminero's imaginary broom sweep
• Yankees' $205.5M aging roster problem for 2027
• Should the Yankees release Giancarlo Stanton?
• Aaron Judge's postgame: "I hate it" + "That stays in-house"
• Rays get extended rest before ALCS starts October 12
• Brewers vs. Dodgers NLCS preview: Misiorowski vs. Skubal, Chourio vs. Ohtani
• Kike Hernández and Yamamoto as Dodgers difference-makers
• Happy Canadian Thanksgiving: ALCS begins Monday, October 12

Tags: #TampaBayRays #NewYorkYankees #MLBPlayoffs2026 #BaseballBiz #ALDS #PostseasonBaseball #RaysBaseball #Yankees #ALCS #NLCS #Brewers #Dodgers

Hosts: Mark Corbett & Mat Germain
Duration: ~31 minutes
Category: MLB Baseball, Tampa Bay Rays, Playoff Analysis

Episode Summary

The Tampa Bay Rays are back in the playoffs for the first time in two years, and the energy at Tropicana Field is unlike anything the franchise has ever seen. Mark Corbett and Mat Germain break down the Rays' dominant ALDS performance against the New York Yankees — from Drew Rasmussen's heroic Game 1 start to the crowd noise shaking the catwalk rings at the Trop. Plus: a deep dive into the Rays' new $2.3 billion stadium capacity problem, Kevin Cash vs. Aaron Boone's contrasting management styles, a detailed Nick Martinez vs. Max Fried pitching breakdown for Game 3, and why the Yankees' $72 million bench might be their biggest liability.

Key Topics & Timestamps

• Tropicana Field Crowd Energy Like Never Before — 40,200 fans, record playoff atmosphere, Rays fans drowning out Yankees faithful
• New Stadium Capacity Debate: 30,000 vs. 40,000 Seats — Does shrinking the Trop by 10,000 seats make sense for a $2.3 billion ballpark? Comparing the Rays' plan to the San Diego Padres' Petco Park success story
• Should MLB Mandate Minimum Stadium Capacity?
• Drew Rasmussen's Game 1 Masterclass — Shades of Roy Halladay; why Drew's 114-pitch start earlier was playoff prep; the one-hit dominance
• Victor Mesa Jr.'s Catch & The Kiermaier-Adames Comparison — Mesa's relay throw echoes the iconic 2019 Kevin Kiermaier-to-Willy Adames play that gunned down José Altuve
• Kevin Cash vs. Aaron Boone: Calm vs. Antagonistic Leadership — How managing styles affect players like Jazz Chisholm under postseason pressure
• Yankees' Defensive Failures & $72 Million Bench — Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton sidelined; dead money implications for New York's roster construction
• Nick Martinez vs. Max Fried: Game 3 Pitching Breakdown — ERA, strikeouts, walks, WHIP, and win totals compared; why Martinez's 15-5 record vs. Fried's 5 wins tells the real story
• Rays' Right-Handed Lineup Advantage vs. Lefties — Why Tampa's bats could get to Fried early and force the Yankees bullpen into action
• Around the MLB Playoffs — Brewers series, Guardians vs. White Sox, Al Lopez's legacy connecting both Cleveland and Chicago

Key Quotes

"This is the season. Put 2020 in your back pocket and forget about it — this is the new Rays." — Mark Corbett

"They have $72 million on the bench between Judge and Stanton. That's an entire Rays budget for the 40-man roster, and both of them aren't playing." — Mat Germain

"The difference between Aaron Boone and Kevin Cash is that Aaron Boone has an antagonistic personality, whereas Kevin Cash has a calming personality." — Mat Germain

"Nick Martinez has 15 wins. Max Fried has five. What does that tell you about the kind of support Max Fried gets?" — Mat Germain

Players & Topics Mentioned

Drew Rasmussen, Nick Martinez, Freddy Peralta, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Gerrit Cole, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Jazz Chisholm, Johnny DeLuca, Victor Mesa Jr., Taylor Walls, Junior Caminero, José Caballero, Anthony Volpe, Austin Wells, Trent Grisham, Ben Rice, Joe Adell, Mike Trout, Rafael Devers, Mookie Betts, Trevor Story, Kevin Kiermaier, Willy Adames, José Altuve, Kyle Snyder, Aaron Boone, Kevin Cash, Shane McClanahan, Brian Baker

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Tags/Keywords: Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees, ALDS 2025, MLB Playoffs, Tropicana Field, Drew Rasmussen, Nick Martinez, Max Fried, Kevin Cash, Aaron Boone, Victor Mesa Jr., Rays new stadium, MLB stadium capacity, playoff baseball, BaseballBiz On Deck, ALCS preview, Rays vs Yankees

• Tommy Pham is on White Sox Post Season White Sox roster
• Pope Leo impact on the White Sox season – Will Leo perform a ceremony in Chicago if White Sox win it all
• Phillies and Braves at Truist Park r
• Bryce Harper outfield snow cone drop – was he using a first base glove.
• Phillies’ Alec Bohm hits a bomb
• Astros and White Sox – Mat and Mark see the White Sox defeat the Astros in 2
• White Sox could be the Cinderella story this year
• When Cubs lose will all of Chicago be rooting for the White Sox?
• Will White Sox newfound success bring on solidify a new stadium plan
• How will that plan compare to the Tampa Bay Rays new stadium setup
• Boston Red Sox v Yankees series – what does loss or Roman Anthony mean
• Rays would have preferred to be facing the Red Sox over the Yankees
• Yankees  effective lineup without Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. But they do have Rice, Bellinger and Chisolm.
• Cam Schlittler recent history with the Tampa Bay Rays
• Who will the Rays put on the mound in game 1 – Drew Rasmussen or Freddie Peralta
• Rays turn pitchers into gold – Zach Littel
• AFL – Arizona Fall League, Expect to see Rays like Nathan Fluellen, Cesar De Jesus, Marcus Johnson, Mason Nichols, Andy Rodriguez, and Yerry Tukus at the AFL
• Keep an eye out for Narciso Polanco and Brendan Summerhill with the Rays
•  Australian Baseball League signed a huge deal to have their games televised on MLB.TV.
• Could the players setup their own league if the they are locked out by MLB
• CBA is a maturity contest
• Baseball popularity losing to Soccer
• Did tv show, Brockmire predict the death march for baseball
• Joey Votto commentator in the post-season recounts the 2020 cardboard crowd – No Tomahawk Chop
• Brett Phillips handing out premium gifts to fans at the Trop – Baseball Is Fun!
• Comparisons to Brody Hopkins and Jacob Misiorowski of the Brewers
• Blue Jays budget bogged down with deep payroll and lackluster season
• Rays’ Griffin Jax hit in back with high velocity hit – Matz takes the mound with poor results
• Don’t overlook the AL Pitcher of the Month – Freddie Peralta – he has a has a 0.178 average against and a 1.02 whip.
• Junior Caminero played 162 games this season

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.