Canada Day Celebrations & Happy Birthday Dad

Mat & Mark kick off the episode celebrating Canada Day, sharing family plans, backyard traditions, and a few fun Canada facts, including Princess Di's July 1st birthday

Canada at FIFA World Cup
Canada's men's national soccer team reaches the Sweet 16. Mat breaks down how the women's program, led by icons like Martine Saint-Clair, paved the way for the men's team, and how their American coach has built a culture of fearlessness in the squad.

Stanley Cup and Canadian Hockey Dominance
The Carolina Hurricanes win the Cup with 10 Canadian players on the roster. A fun moment: Canadian fans ironically chanting "USA, USA" while cheering the Hurricanes over the Montreal Canadiens.

Tim Hortons, Beaver Tails, and Canadian Food Culture
Mat shares stories of Tim Horton's following Canadian troops to the Middle East, and explains what a Beaver Tail is. Dunkin' Donuts is reportedly attempting a comeback in Canada.

Women in Baseball
Mark highlights Alli Schroder, Canadian women's baseball player and firefighter, competing in the Women's Baseball Classic in Rockford, IL (July 22-26) and the Women's Pro Baseball League in Springfield, IL. The guys also discuss Kelsie Whitmore and the very real possibility of a woman playing in MLB within the next 10 years, drawing comparisons to Toni Stone and the Indianapolis Clowns.

Toronto Blue Jays Update
Bo Bichette's emotional return to Toronto as a Met and the crowd's warm reception. Could Bo find his way back, similar to Kawhi Leonard returning to the Raptors? The Jays sit 2.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. Mat also makes the case for Juan Soto moving to first base with the Mets.

MLB All-Star Voting and Canadian Pride
A recent Gallup poll shows 84% of Canadians are proud to be Canadian. Blue Jays players top nearly every All-Star ballot position. Mat pitches an idea: move Hall of Fame induction speeches to the All-Star Game for broader exposure and impact.

MLB Salary Cap and CBA Talk
MLB is publicly campaigning for a salary cap. Mat argues that the Dodgers' spending model undermines the sport's drama, using the Kirk Gibson home run and Mike Brosseau's big moment as examples of what makes baseball genuinely compelling. Both hosts warn that a work stoppage in today's economic climate could permanently damage the league.

Rays Farm System and Current Standings
Junior Caminero is named AL Player of the Week and will enter the Home Run Derby. Jake Fraley is on rehab assignment in AAA. Cadin Bodine has been promoted to AA after dominating A+. Michael Forret is knocking on the door in AAA. The Rays system continues to look strong.

Links and Resources

Women's Baseball Classic, Rockford, IL, July 22-26: iwbc.com
Women's Pro Baseball League: Springfield, IL, August
Look up Kelsie Whitmore and Alli Schroder online for more on women in baseball.

Happy Canada Day! Thanks for listening. Merci beaucoup de nous avoir rejoints!

Mark and Mat record live during the Rays vs. Royals Wednesday night game, the fourth and final game of a tough homestand series that Tampa Bay lost three games to one. The score at wrap-up is 5-3 in favor of the Rays heading into the final out of the ninth.

Topics Covered

Rays June Struggles The guys break down a rough June for Tampa Bay, noting the team has been burning through its early-season buffer. Mat walks through the slugging numbers for the month, where league average sits at .400. Only four Rays batters are above that mark in June: Ryan Vilade (.581), Junior Caminero (.461), Yandy Diaz (.453), and Cedric Mullins (.407). Jonathan Aranda and several others are well below .300, pointing to a lineup in a collective funk.

Player Highlights

• Chandler Simpson makes a strong catch after an earlier error and bounces back with a single at the plate
• Johnny DeLuca returns and brings energy back to the outfield
• Junior Caminero continues to lead All-Star voting at third base and is discussed as a possible Home Run Derby participant

Roster Moves The Rays DFA Dom Keegan to acquire right-handed pitcher Chris Roycroft from the Cardinals. Mat profiles Roycroft as a Kyle Snyder-type project at 6'8", comparing his pitch mix to Manuel Rodriguez and his build and arm angle to former Ray Aaron Slegers. Mat notes the Rays may look to add a changeup to Roycroft's repertoire and suggests Keegan could be traded to a team needing first base depth, with the Mets mentioned as a possible destination.

Trade Deadline Talk: Byron Buxton Mat makes the case for the Rays pursuing Twins outfielder Byron Buxton. Key points:

• Buxton is signed at $15 million per year through 2028
• He has stayed healthy the last two seasons
• A package of Cedric Mullins and Jacob Melton could be the framework of a deal
• Adding Buxton alongside Caminero, Diaz, and Aranda would give Tampa a genuinely fearsome lineup

Jacob Melton is currently excelling in AAA and is expected to be called up or used as trade bait in early July.

Pitching Depth Discussion of starter innings limits and how the Rays are managing their rotation. The Giants are dangling arms including Robbie Ray, though Mat suspects the Rays will prioritize lineup help over adding a starter. Brian Baker is discussed as a more confident and committed closer 

Minor League Notes The Bowling Green Hot Rods are 51 and 19. 
The Rays have 15 hitters with an OPS above .800 and more than 100 at bats across their minor league system this season, with only six of those above Double-A.

FIFA World Cup Mark and Mat take a detour to discuss the World Cup taking place across the US. Mat talks about attending games in Vancouver with Canadian military personnel, eating barbecue around the clock. They note that the lower alcohol content in American beer has European and Canadian fans drinking more than usual and draining Boston breweries. All three host nations (US, Mexico, Canada) advance out of the group stage. Mat reflects on never seeing Canadian men's soccer at this level in his lifetime, with the team ranked in the top 30 globally.

Women's Baseball Mark reminds listeners that the Women's Pro Baseball League launches in August in Springfield, Illinois - https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/
Women's Baseball Classic group stage takes place in Rockford, Illinois in approximately one month. - https://www.iwbc.org/worldcup/ 

Local Recognition The Rays recognize the University of Tampa Spartans for their NCAA Division II baseball three-peat and St. Leo's women's softball team for their Division II championship. Mark also mentions a recent conversation with Genelle Helen Garverick about the history of women's softball in the area dating back to the 1940s & 1950’s.

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 sits down with Genelle Garverick to explore the rich sports history of Tampa's Palmetto Beach, Ybor City, and DeSoto Park communities, with a special focus on Genelle's legendary mother, Mochine Mercedes Fernandez.

Growing Up in Palmetto Beach, DeSoto Park & Ybor City

• Genelle attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH), a K-12 Catholic school in Ybor City
• Began playing city/playground sports around age 6
• OLPH fielded competitive girls' volleyball and basketball teams despite small rosters (10-12 players)
• Memorable road trip to St. Leo to play on a sloped outdoor cement basketball court; missed shots rolled downhill

Tampa's City Playground Sports System

• Tampa Parks Department ran a highly competitive playground league with citywide championships in softball and basketball
• Kids traveled across the city to compete at other playgrounds
• Summer championship days featured a wide variety of sports: baseball, softball, marbles, and more
• Genelle reflects that this community-centered model was one of the best environments for children's development

**Mochine Mercedes Fernandez | A Legendary Sports Leader

• Served as Park Director at DeSoto Park for approximately 20 years
• Multi-sport athlete: basketball, volleyball, softball; played into her 40s
• Mochine named Tampa Bay Sportswoman of the Year (1963)
• Earned all-state honors in basketball
• Played on the Sea Breeze-sponsored softball team
• Competed against retired professional men baseball players at Al Lang Field on Sundays
• Known for her tenacity at home plate as a catcher; once tagged out a sliding player and then got a congratulatory hug
• Compared to legendary catchers-turned-leaders like Al Lopez and Kevin Cash

The Trip to Havana, Cuba (~1953)

• Mochine organized and funded a trip for a girls' softball team to compete in Havana
• Raised $1,000 (no small feat in 1953) entirely through community donations; businesses had their names printed on the team's uniforms
• The team stayed in private homes in an affluent Havana neighborhood, free of charge while traveling in Havana
• Defeated all the Cuban girls' teams, and then beat the boys' teams too
• For most players, it was their first time on a plane and outside of Florida

Community Pillars: Spicola Family & Sea Breeze Restaurant

• The Spicola family lived across from DeSoto Park; they sponsored a softball team and supported community families in need
• Sea Breeze Restaurant (Licata family) was a beloved neighborhood seafood spot, famous for fresh shrimp and devil crabs
• Genelle's family had a standing Friday dinner-and-drive-in tradition at Sea Breeze

Jean Cerra Connection

• Jean Cerra (previous podcast guest) and Genelle attended OLPH together
• They reunited by chance in a Columbia, Missouri grocery store years later
• Cerra became head of physical education at Stephens College, then the first Associate Women's Athletic Director at the University of Missouri
• Cerra was instrumental in early Title IX organization efforts at the national level

Women's Sports Then & Now

• Genelle worked in women's athletics administration at Purdue University post-graduate school
• Attended a pivotal early meeting in Colorado where women's sports leaders debated joining the NCAA; concerns centered on losing autonomy
• Title IX marked a turning point, but Genelle believes women's sports still needs greater investment, media coverage, and professional opportunities
• Reflects fondly on the Tampa Tribune's extensive coverage of local playground sports, a contrast to today's fragmented media landscape

The Garverick Family's Athletic Legacy

• Genelle and her husband Alan have three children: two daughters and a son (Phil)
• All three became competitive swimmers due to their oldest daughter's asthma treatment
• Phil swam on scholarship at University of Missouri and now coaches a swim team in Canada
• Allison was accepted at Duke; Stacy swam for Washington University in St. Louis

Notable Mentions

- Senaida "Shoo Shoo" Worth | Ybor City native who played for South Bend Blue Sox

- Margaret Magadan Piniella | Lou Piniella's mother; also appeared frequently in Tampa sports archives

- Olympia Diaz | another Tampa-area sports woman who became a park director elsewhere

- Al Lopez | Tampa native catcher who managed the White Sox and Cleveland Indians to the World Series

- Sue Zipay | organized a women's baseball showcase in Sarasota featuring Olympic-caliber women baseball players

Resources mentioned in show

• Article about Mochine Fernandez by Janet Ball Watts, published in Cigar City Magazine
• Previous episode featuring Jean Cerra
• USA Women's Baseball Tournament | Rockford, Illinois (home of the Rockford Peaches)

Closing Thought Mochine Fernandez exemplified community leadership through sport: feeding families, funding travel, coaching reluctant players out of bed, and opening doors for girls who had never left Florida. Her legacy lives on through the women she inspired, including Jean Cerra's Title IX work and Genelle Garverick's own career in collegiate sports administration.

Mark and Mat dive deep into the Tampa Bay Rays' struggles on their West Coast road trip, debate the future of baseball marketing, celebrate Evan Longoria's upcoming number retirement, and share a historic tale about Lou Piniella and Bill Gates.

Rays on the West Coast

• The Rays' disappointing road trip to California — struggling offense, solid pitching
• The challenges of East-to-West travel and time zone adjustments
• The third-worst team defense over the last 17 days, offset by strong pitching performances

Taylor Walls & the Shortstop Dilemma

• Taylor Walls' career slugging percentage at an all-time low (.280 SLUG), with zero home runs on the year
• Mat's criticism: Walls plays like a power hitter instead of embracing his true skill set
• Carson Williams tearing it up in Durham (7 HRs), but still working through strikeout issues
• The Wander Franco-shaped hole in the lineup

Junior Caminero – All-Star Ballot Leader

• Caminero leads AL third basemen in All-Star voting at just 22 years old
• Discussion of his defensive miscues vs. his elite offensive potential (top 3 in isolated power, OBP, and wRC+ among AL 3B)
• Mat compares his development arc to Jason Heyward under Bobby Cox

Shohei Ohtani & the Dodgers Series

• Drew Rasmussen's strong outing — only one run allowed (a solo Ohtani homer)
• Ohtani's record-setting bad day on the mound — giving up four consecutive hits in one inning, something he'd rarely if ever done
• Mat and Mark make the case that MLB is severely under-marketing Ohtani compared to stars in basketball and football

Baseball's Marketing Problem

• Why doesn't baseball have a defining brand partner (like Nike/basketball or Adidas/soccer)?
• Mat's pitch: a Lululemon × MLB collab to bring women into the sport
• The need for MLB to leverage podcasters like Jomboy and platforms like Joe Rogan to grow the game
• The see-through jersey debacle and the World Baseball Classic uniform failures

Evan Longoria Number Retirement

• Longo Weekend coming up mid-July at Tropicana Field
• His walk-up music (Tantric) will be played live at the event
• Career stats: 1,986 games, 342 HR, .804 OPS, .333 OBP
• Reflections on what might have been had injuries not slowed him down
• Mat advocates for a Longoria statue or plaque at the new Rays stadium

Women's Baseball

• Mark's summer schedule: USA Women's National Team in Rockford (July 21–25), Cardinals in St. Louis (July 26–30), and the inaugural Women's Pro Baseball League season in Springfield, IL (September)
• Interview highlights: Ryan Woodward (International Women's Baseball Center) and Merrie Fidler (AAGPBL)
• Mat's vision for the Women's Pro Baseball League: barnstorming-style tournaments in MLB stadiums (Rogers Centre, Tropicana Field), a Green Bay Packers community-ownership model, and year-round momentum building

Lou Piniella & Bill Gates

• Lou donated his $50,000 attendance bonus to Metro United Way in Seattle
• Bill Gates matched it — and started showing up in Lou's office to suggest lineup changes
• Gates gave Lou a lineup one night, it worked… and the guys joke that's the secret origin of the Rays' analytics department
• Mark's call: Lou Piniella belongs in the Hall of Fame — 1,800+ wins as a manager, still overlooked

Rays Prospect Updates

• Michael Forret (P): Promoted to AAA; 7 IP, 7 K, 2 ER in first start — MLB debut may be imminent
• Emilien Pitt (2B): Promoted to AA; 400+ OBP at nearly every minor league level, walks more than he strikes out
• Johnny DeLuca: Expected back from rehab by the weekend
• Jacob Melton: Rehabbing at rookie level, showing positive signs
• Connor Hujsak: Added to AAA roster

Other Notes

• Alex Faedo, Tampa native, mentioned in connection with the Tampa Baseball Museum
• Rays return to Tropicana Field on Friday

Thanks for listening! Fingers crossed for a winning streak.

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 

Host Mark Corbett sits down with Merrie Fidler, the foremost historian of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL), to explore the league's remarkable history, from its wartime origins to its ambitious international expansion plans, and the ongoing revival of women's baseball today.

Topics Covered

• How Merrie discovered the AAGPBL through a 1943 Time Magazine article while pursuing her master's degree in sport history at UMass Amherst
• Her years of primary research, interviewing former players, coaches, and executives, and spending a week at the Wrigley Building in Chicago going through Arthur Meyerhoff's files
• The origins of the league under Philip Wrigley, who designed it around baseball rules (not softball) and emphasized femininity to attract upper-class civic support
• The AAGPBL's historic 1947 spring training in Cuba, where teams drew 15,000 to 20,000 fans at Havana's grand stadium, and the 1948 expansion attempts in Tampa, Miami, and Daytona
• Meyerhoff's vision for an international women's baseball league spanning Cuba, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, and why it never materialized
• The Cuban players recruited into the league, including Isabel Alvarez, who joined at age 14 and played for the Fort Wayne Daisies
• The role of players like Senaida "Shoo Shoo" Wirth as interpreters for the Cuban recruits
• Why the league ultimately declined: cuts to publicity, player development, and promotion after team administrators bought out Meyerhoff in 1951
• The 1988 Baseball Hall of Fame exhibit recognizing the AAGPBL, and the impact of the 1992 film A League of Their Own
• Merrie's published book on the league's history (McFarland, 2003)
• Upcoming events: the International Women's Baseball World Cup (Group Stage) in Rockford, IL (home of the Peaches) and the AAGPBL reunion in Rockford; plus the Women's Pro Baseball League in Springfield

Key Takeaways

• The AAGPBL played baseball, not softball, from its earliest years, with overhand pitching phased in by 1948
• Meyerhoff's marketing genius (hiring league-city sports editors as scorekeepers, daily newspaper game coverage) was central to the league's success
• The decline of the league was driven less by TV or the end of WWII than by the decision to cut spending on promotion and player development
• Women's baseball is growing again. Follow players like Kelsie Whitmore and Danae Benitez on social media

Resources Mentioned

• AAGPBL website: aagpbl.org
• Merrie Fidler’s book - The Origins and History of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
• History Museum of South Bend, Indiana, national repository for AAGPBL archives

Mark's Birthday Surprise at the Ballpark Mark celebrates a milestone birthday with a surprise family reunion organized by his wife Karen. The whole family attended a Tampa Bay Rays vs. Miami Marlins game at LoanDepot Park (Marlins Park), where Mark got a "Grand Slam" scoreboard shoutout, a birthday button, and a slice of chocolate cake delivered to his seat  behind the dugout. 
Special thanks to Lou Schiff for his help with this night

Tampa Bay Rays Recap

• The Rays are 5-5 in their last 10 games but have swept all AL East opponents.
• Drew Rasmussen delivered back-to-back dominant starts: 9 Ks in 7 innings (87 pitches) vs. the Marlins, followed by 13 Ks in 7 innings (97 pitches) vs. the Red Sox  - 22 strikeouts over two games.
• The Rays beat Boston 7 - 5, overcoming a shaky eighth inning.
• Yandy Díaz is on fire in June: .444 AVG, .475 OBP, 1.058 OPS -  the hosts discuss Yandy’s impact on younger hitters like Junior Caminero
• Aaron Judge's injury opens a window for the Rays to take the AL East division crown outright, potentially reducing playoff risk.
• Mat breaks down how the Yankees' and Blue Jays' health issues shift the competitive landscape.

Mike Trout's Future

• Will Trout pull a "Ray Bourque" & join a contender to chase a World Series ring?
• Mat predicts he lands with the Dodgers; Mark dreams of Trout joining Randy Arozarena and Julio Rodríguez on the Seattle Mariners.

Softball's "River" Rule Mark shares a curiosity from John Boy Media's YouTube channel: a women's softball rule where a batter crowding the plate in a certain zone (the "river") is NOT awarded first base after being hit by a pitch.

Ken Babby & the Rays in the Community Mark attended an Embarc Tampa quarterly leadership meeting featuring Rays CEO Ken Babby. Highlights include Babby's background at The Washington Post's digital division (working alongside Steve Jobs on iPad rollout), his ownership of the Akron RubberDucks and Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, and his commitment to diversity - the Jumbo Shrimp were the only minor league team with a black general manager. That GM is now joining the Rays organization. The team also has upcoming community events including an Evan Longoria tribute night and a Juneteenth celebration.

Sports, Community & Belonging Mat reflects on how championship runs — like the Blue Jays' World Series wins and the Montreal Canadiens' recent playoff run — unite cities across all cultures and backgrounds. The hosts discuss the undervalued economic and social impact of sports franchises on their communities.

Women's Baseball in the Spotlight

• The hosts preview a busy summer for women's baseball in Illinois.
• Women's Baseball World Cup Group Stage — Coming to Rivet Stadium in Rockford, IL (capacity ~4,000). Six teams, three games per day, USA plays the night game. Finals are set for 2027, also in Rockford.
• All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) reunion events.
• Baseball For All (founded by Dr. Justine Siegel) — grassroots tournaments and camps that have become pipelines to the Women's Pro Baseball League.
• Women's Pro Baseball League — launching in August in Springfield, IL.
• Guest interview with Ryan Woodward of the International Women's Baseball Center, discussing the Women's Baseball Heritage Trail (historic stops across the US and Canada) and the World Cup group stage.

Tampa-Area Baseball Shoutouts

• St. Leo University wins the NCAA Division II Softball Championship.
• University of Tampa Spartans win the NCAA Division II Baseball Championship — a three-peat! Mark gives a special tribute to the late Tony Saladino, whose grandson Nico Saladino played on the previous UT championship team.

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 —Guest: Ryan Woodward | Recorded June 10, 2026

Episode Summary Host Mark Corbett sits down with Ryan Woodward — creator of Women in Baseball Week, the Women's Heritage Baseball Trail, and project coordinator for the International Women's Baseball Center (IWBC) in Rockford, Illinois — to discuss an historic summer for women's baseball.

Key Topics Covered

Women's Baseball World Cup — Group Stage in Rockford, IL (Late July 2026)

• Rockford is hosting a World Cup Group Stage the last week of July, with 6 international teams competing
• Game times: 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 7:00 PM daily — all six teams play every day
• Team USA plays every 7:00 PM night game
• Day passes available (recommended for single-day attendees)
• Rockford has also been awarded the 2027 Women's Baseball World Cup Finals
• Tickets available via Eventbrite or through iwbc.org

Media Accreditation

• Media credential applications open Friday, June 12, 2026 through July 17, 2026
• Apply via the WBSC portal, linked from iwbc.org

Volunteer Opportunities

• Volunteer spots still available for World Cup events at Rivet Stadium and Beyer Stadium
• Sign up and find details at iwbc.org
• Roles include ticketing, ushering, and assisting teams at Beyer Stadium

A Historic Week — Three Events Converging

1. Women's Baseball World Cup Group Stage — Rivet Stadium
2. Baseball For All National Tournament — ~700 girls across multiple age divisions, playing at Park District Sports Core Two
3. All-American Girls Baseball League Reunion — AAGPBL legends returning to Rockford

Beyer Stadium Grand Reopening — June 20, 2026

• The legendary home of the Rockford Peaches has undergone major renovations over 9 months
• New additions: lights, leveled outfield, scoreboard, press box, PA system, irrigation system
• Maybelle Blair (age 99!) is expected to attend the reopening
• Grand reopening: Saturday, June 20th, Rockford, IL

Links & Resources

• IWBC Website & World Cup info: iwbc.org
  WBSC: https://www.wbsc.org/en/events/2026-x-womens-baseball-world-cup-group-stage-rockford/home 
• Women's Heritage Baseball Trail: https://womeninbaseballweek.org/index.php/heritagetrail/
• Women in Baseball Week: https://womeninbaseballweek.org/ 
• Baseball For All: https://baseballforall.com/nationals/ 
• AAGPBL: aagpbl.org
• Tickets: Eventbrite 

About Ryan Woodward Ryan Woodward is the creator of Women in Baseball Week, founder of the Women's Heritage Baseball Trail, and project coordinator for the International Women's Baseball Center in Rockford, Illinois. He is a passionate advocate for the history and future of women in baseball.

Tampa Bay Rays Update

• Rays fall 10-9 to the Detroit Tigers in a wild game at Tropicana Field
• Detroit's Dylan Dingler goes 4-for-5 with 4 RBIs, 4 runs, and 2 home runs — a persistent thorn in the Rays' side (.409 average, 1.234 OPS vs. Tampa Bay)
• Riley Green and Matt Carpenter also continue their success against the Rays
• Griffin Jax struggles in his starting role; discussion on whether he should be moved back to the bullpen
• Ty Johnson looking strong in AAA and nearing a call-up

Standings & Playoff Outlook

• With 106 games remaining at time of recording, the Rays need a .509 win percentage to reach 90 wins
• 90 wins historically locks up a playoff spot
• Discussion of when to push chips in at the trade deadline

Trade Deadline Talk (August 3rd, 6 PM ET)

• Rays' needs: a reliable #2 starter, a power bat (4th in lineup), and bullpen depth
• Caminero (14 HR), Aranda and Diaz (11 HR each) — big drop-off to 3 HR for everyone else
• Willson Contreras floated as a potential catcher/lineup upgrade
• The Rays' 33rd overall draft pick could be a valuable trade chip

Injury Concerns

• Craig Kimbrel, Uceta, Jesse Shelton, Manuel Rodriguez all on the shelf
• Depth and health heading into the playoffs remain a concern

Minor League Watch

• Nathan Fluellen and Caden Bodine (catchers) and Theo Gillen (CF) starring in Bowling Green
• Brody Hopkins showing personality and passion on the mound — walk issues similar to young Chris Archer, Blake Snell, and Taj Bradley
• Michael Ford making a strong impression; could be fast-tracked

Former Rays in the League

• Christopher Sanchez (Phillies) leads all MLB pitchers in fWAR at 3.3 — traded for Curtis Mead
• Joel Ryan (5th in fWAR) — traded for Nelson Cruz
• Tristan Peters thriving with the Chicago White Sox

Fan Engagement at the Trop

• The "tarp boys" shirtless section goes viral; Raymond the mascot and Brett Phillips join in
• Players like Richie Palacios encouraging fans on social media

Women in Baseball

• Women's baseball tournament in Rockford, Illinois (July) — home of the Rockford Peaches
• All American Girls Professional Baseball League reunion happening simultaneously
• Women's Pro Baseball League launching in Springfield (August)

Ballpark Food Segment

• Mat's pick: Poutine (ideally with Montreal smoked meat) from La Banquise
• Mark's pick: Sausage with sautéed peppers and brown mustard
• Discussion of beer-steamed hot dogs, kimchi, chow-chow, and Cuban sandwiches in Tampa
• Mark's "nutritionist for the Rays" pitch: a fresh fish taco bar — dubbed the "Grit & Glow"

Upcoming

• Rays vs. Marlins in Miami this weekend
• Possible future guest: a White Sox insider to discuss streakiness and the team's turnaround

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 [email protected] .  or Mark at [email protected] and BaseballBiz On Deck with Facebook social 

RaysUp -  Kimbrel joins the Rays on a Rough Road Trip

Mark and Mat recorded this live while watching the Tampa Bay Rays wrap up a painful road trip in Baltimore, with the Orioles leading 5-0 early and eventually extending the lead. Despite the tough loss, the guys cover a packed agenda of Rays news, roster moves, and big-picture topics.

Topics Covered

1. Painful Baltimore Road Trip
The Rays are getting roughed up in their final game in Baltimore. Steve Matz dominates early, putting up a 5-run first inning. The Orioles lineup — including standouts Ward and Alonso — is clicking at the right time.

2. Shane Baz & The X-Rays Watch
Former Ray Shane Baz continues to impress with the Orioles, looking better than he ever did in Tampa. Mat notes his extension with Baltimore signals they're committed to him long-term, while discussing what the Orioles gave up (Grayson Rodriguez) and what they gained.

3. Craig Kimbrel Signs with the Rays
The biggest roster news: the Rays signed talented veteran pitcher Craig Kimbrel. Mark and Mat break down:

• His career stats: 440 saves, 2018 World Series champion, 5x All-Star, 13.9 K/9 career rate
• His walk rate dropping from 14% to 8% in 2026
• How the Rays coaching staff ("horse whisperer") can optimize his pitch mix and deceptive delivery
• His potential leadership value in the clubhouse alongside J.P. Martinez
• The fun discussion about his signature pre-pitch lean-in routine — and what it means in the PitchCom era

4. Victor Mesa Jr. Joins the Roster
Mat is excited about the outfielder's speed, power, defense, and baserunning — calling him a picture-perfect fit for the Rays' 2026 style of play. He profiles alongside Ryan Vilade, Chandler Simpson, and Cedric Mullins in the outfield mix.

5. Bullpen Depth & Starting Pitching

• Jonathan Heasley called up from Durham as Jesse Scholten hits the IL — Mat sees Heasley as a Zack Littell–type reclamation project
• Hunter Bigge still searching for his groove after returning from injury
• Griffin Jax showing some fatigue; managing workloads is critical
• Charlie Morton floated as a potential bullpen/reliever target for a short-season role

6. Wander Franco Pardoned in the Dominican Republic
A sobering segment. Mat and Mark discuss:

• The Dominican Republic court's pardon and what it means
• MLB's position as the ultimate decision-maker on reinstatement
• The $182 million in guaranteed money still owed by the Rays
• How political pressure (domestic and international) could influence MLB's ruling
• The morals clause question and whether it applies across jurisdictions

7. Fan Culture & Left Field Energy
A lighter moment: the shirtless fans in left field at Tropicana Field have become a genuine phenomenon. Mat compares it to beach culture; Mark notes even with only 11,000 in attendance, the noise was palpable and the players were visibly feeding off it.

8. Stadium Situation
Mat flags the ongoing stadium issue as still unresolved and worth watching. Mark mentions plans to research how a similar stadium project in Tennessee (Nippon Stadium) navigated the political and business hurdles.

9. Big Picture: Rays Are Still in Great Shape
Despite the rough road trip, Mat closes on an optimistic note:

• 2nd overall pick in the upcoming draft
• Compensation pick available in trade packages
• Strong minor league system (FCL crew standouts, Caden Bodine promoted)
• Just need a .500 record from here to reach 90 wins
• A significant trade expected before the All-Star break — watch the San Francisco Giants and Robbie Ray

Upcoming on the Schedule

• Rays return home — Angels series next (a chance to get the bats going)
• Mark & Karen heading to Miami to catch the Rays vs. Marlins. Thank you Lou Schiff (right behind the dugout!)

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 

Special guest Gordo from the podcast Play Tessie joins Mark Corbett and Mat Germain for an in-depth look at the current state of the Boston Red Sox. The crew breaks down Boston’s elite pitching, offensive struggles, leadership concerns, player development, trade deadline possibilities, and how the Red Sox compare to the Rays model of success. 

Red Sox Pitching is Carrying the Team

•  Boston’s starting rotation and bullpen have been among the best in the American League during May. 
•  Sonny Gray’s dominant outing sparks discussion about the strength of the staff. 
•  Gordo explains how the pitching staff consistently gives the Red Sox opportunities to win games. 

Offensive Problems Continue

•  The Red Sox remain one of the weakest offensive teams in baseball despite strong pitching and defense. 
•  Trevor Story, Jarren Duran, and Caleb Durbin are discussed as major offensive disappointments. 
•  Gordo notes that even league average run production would make Boston one of baseball’s top teams. 

Life After Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman

•  Discussion on the impact of losing star players and veteran leadership. 
•  Pressure has shifted onto younger players who may not yet be ready to carry the offense. 
•  Roman Anthony’s development becomes a major focal point for the franchise moving forward. 

Christian Campbell and the Youth Movement

•  Debate over Christian Campbell’s future position and timeline to return to the majors. 
•  The group discusses whether Campbell should move back to the infield. 
•  Concerns are raised about rushing top prospects before they are fully ready. 

Comparing the Rays and Red Sox Development Systems

•  Mat explains how the Rays build organizational identity from the Florida Complex League all the way to the majors. 
•  Gordo discusses Boston’s analytics-heavy developmental philosophy and recent coaching changes. 
•  The conversation explores whether the Red Sox lack a unified organizational identity. 

Leadership and Clubhouse Identity

•  Alex Cora’s firing and Chad Tracy’s promotion are discussed in detail. 
•  The hosts examine whether Boston lacks veteran leadership and emotional anchors in the clubhouse. 
•  Comparisons are made to successful Rays teams built around accountability and defense-first baseball. 

Ownership and Spending Questions

•  The crew debates whether Red Sox ownership still has the same urgency to win. 
•  Comparisons are made between Boston’s current payroll strategy and previous championship seasons. 
•  Fenway Sports Group’s expanding business interests become part of the discussion. 

Brutal Upcoming Schedule

•  The Red Sox face one of the toughest remaining schedules in baseball. 
•  Matchups against the Braves, Yankees, Rays, Blue Jays, Mariners, Dodgers, and others could define the season. 

Trade Deadline Speculation

•  Gordo breaks down possible trade chips including Sonny Gray, Aroldis Chapman, and Garrett Whitlock. 
•  Mat discusses why the Rays could potentially pursue Chapman at the deadline. 
•  The group debates whether Boston should buy, sell, or retool for next season. 

What Gordo is Watching the Rest of the Season

•  Roman Anthony’s health and development remain the biggest storyline for Boston. 
•  Gordo explains why Anthony could still become the centerpiece of the franchise. 

Featured Guest

•  Gordo from the Play Tessie podcast 
•  Contributor to Baseball Isn’t Boring
•  Follow Gordo on X: @BOSSportsGordo 

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