BaseballBiz On Deck

• Tampa Jay experience at George Steinbrenner Field & $16 beer - https://bit.ly/3FJ2Zud
• Dodgers Mookie Betts extreme weight loss
• Joe Maddon & Rick Vaughn Event at Tampa Baseball Museum - https://bit.ly/4iUXeYK
• Could Players from Venezuela, Cuba & other countries be blocked from returning to US to play baseball
• What happens if they go to Canada to play a Blue Jays game, will they be able to return to the USA
• Anthony Santander form Venezuela plays for the Toronto Blue Jays, would he be allowed to enter the United States
• Orioles have many players from Cuba & Venzuela – how might they be impacted
• Will MLB billionaire owners come to the rescue of these players
• 8.5% of players are from Cuba and Venezuela will they get paid  or do they just get released?
• Luis Arráez & Santander examples
• How could travel bans impact individual teams & players
• Will international players seek to play in other nations baseball leagues (Japan & Korea)
• Al East – The Yankees what to expect – Loss Juan Soto, Gleyber Torres & Giancarlo Stanton
• Remember Mat Carpenter – can Paul Goldschmidt & Cody Bellinger reignite the Yankees lineup 
• Injuries on Yankee rotation impact with loss of Gerritt Cole, Luis Gil & Clark Schmidt
• Opening Day with Carlos Rodón
• Orioles impact with Zach Eflin & Charlie Morton
• O’s loss of Gunnar Henderson 
• Blue Jays – will their Venezuelan & Cuban players be impacted in travel
• Vladdy – Vladimer Guerrero Junior & the future of the Jays
• O’s lacking depth in AAA
• Blue Jays do not have the assets to trade for new & better players
• Tampa Bay Rays starting without Shane McClanahan
• When do Carson Williams & Chandler Simpson arrive 
• Could Angels’ Mickey Moniak join Palacios & Caballero
• Rays were dead last in Centerfield when facing right handed pitchers
• Confidence in the Rays pitching from the pen
• George Steinbrenner Fieldimpact on the Rays - Rain outs &Excessive Heat 
• Healthy Brandon Lowe could hit 40+ home runs this season playing in a Yankee Field-like home field
• Palacios & Rortvedt connections with Yankees Stadium
• Author & marketer, Rick Vaughn scoring the minor leagues during 
• Joe Maddon & Rick will be at the Tampa Baseball Museum on April 21st - https://bit.ly/4iUXeYK
• Angels highlight Manager Ron Washington & Tim Anderson expectations

Special Thanks to the Nurses, Doctors & staff at South Florida Baptist Hospital
 Follow Mat on Blue Sky at  https://bsky.app/profile/matgermain.bsky.social

Also continue to serve and protect our veterans, health professionals, seniors, LEO's volunteers, federal employees and anyone who needs our daily support & prayers. 
 
You can find Mark on Blue Sky at https://bsky.app/profile/baseballbizondeck.bsky.social
Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward

Ryan Woodward - Project Coordinator with The International Women's Baseball Center (IWBC)

IWBC sharing worldwide history of women in baseball

Past Events include Baseball For All Nationals tournament, SABR, USA Women’s National Team visits, Baseball Clinics, Guest speakers on women in baseball

Womens Baseball Heritage Trail map began in 2017

Planning a vacation trip use the map to locate interesting stops that spotlight women in baseball

Along the trail - discover museums roadside markers, historic ballparks, murals, libraries, gravesites, archives  & more at https://www.wbht.org/

Ryan’s love of the preservation of history led him to create the Women In Baseball Week program to celebrate the stories of women in the game. - https://womeninbaseballweek.org/ 

Conversations with Dr. Leslie Heaphy on building lists on the historic locations sparked the beginning of the Trail to develop wbht.org

Florida northbound trip would find Mary Wisham Park, Rachel Robinson marker, Archives in Tallahassee

A League of Their Own, Movie & TV Series, #ALOTO - inspirations for Ryan. The movie was filmed near his home in Kentucky & Southern Indiana

In the early 90’s there were only a few books covering women in baseball gave Ryan the fire to learn & develop more resources for all to enjoy

Evolving technology & the internet gave Ryan the tools to begin building the Trails website. https://wbht.org/

Historic locations of trail include grave markers of past players as well as online archives are listed on the Trail

7 or 8 Trail sites in Kentucky

Toni Stone, an American Treasure & Hero has multiple listings on the trail

Nellie Twardzik Thompson – first girl to play varsity baseball in 1935 – ballpark named after her in Massachusetts

Twardzik inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame

Only 6% of monuments & statues are of women in the US

Recent statues erected for Toni Stoni, Mo'ne Davis, Mamie (Peanut) Johnson, Gertrude Dunn, celebrate women in baseball 

See It, Be It,  - See Her, Be Her - Mo'ne Davis – strength of character

Early inspiration in Kentucky was AAGPBL, Anna May Hutchison

Anna played from 44 through 49, mostly with Racine Belles. Hutchinson was an All-Star player in AAGPBL

As AAGPBL transitioned from underhand pitching to overhand pitching - Hutchinson developed unique side-armed pitching 

Ryan worked to have Anna May Hutchinson inducted into the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame

Lois Youngens & Sue Zipay to of the AAGPBL veterans have places on the Trail

Shirley Burkovich, nicknamed “Hustle”  - “stop talking about it, do it”

Ryan Burkovich , Shirley & Maybelle Blair & #ALOTO TV filming

The Shirley Burkovich “Hustle” awarded to USAWNT Baseball catcher, Beth Greenwood

Isla Borders, “Making My Pitch” broad reach and appeal

Barbara Gregorich's "Women at Play" has become a good friend

Tanith Harley - a great contributor in finding new places & information

Women in Baseball Graphic Novels 

Martha Ackmann’s book on Toni Stone, "Curveball," is both upsetting & inspiring of a black woman playing baseball in the South

Kat Willaims new book on Maybelle Blair, All the Way: The Life of Baseball Trailblazer Maybelle Blair - https://bit.ly/4kUlGeC 

Louisville SABR conference in August

Invitation to visit Rockford Illinois to discover home of Beyer Stadium, IWBC, Rockford Peaches

 Ryan Woodward's Womens Baseball Heritage Trail at  wbht.org 

You can find Mark on Blue Sky at https://bsky.app/profile/baseballbizondeck.bsky.social
Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward

• 2 beautiful countries USA & Canada 
• Jackie Robinson & DEI
• Jeff Passan and the DoD
• Will Jackie Robinson Day be cancelled
• Will Jackie’s #42 be retired to accommodate DEI
• Will Babe Ruth
• DoD response to ESPN
• MLB Tokyo Series
• Beer & Fries a priority over the at bats with Marquee Sports during the series
• Hometown players appreciated
• Shohei Ohtani walked
• Spring Training Injuries – Jared Jones with Pirates
• Need more than a 5 man rotation
• Are owners okay with a 5 man rotation & pitcher injuries
• MLB CBA consideration lower pitchers path to arbitration to 3 years
• Current continuous turnover of pitchers on teams
• Craig Kimbrel path to a future HOF 
• Kimbrel comparisons with Mariano Rivera & Billy Wagner
• Craig Kimbrel HOF’er fighting for a job
• Tigers & Pirates Spring Training – multiple former Yankees, Gleyber Torres, Tommy Kahnle
• The Tigers – the people’s choice added former Ray, Alex Cobb & Astros José Urquidy
• Will Javy Baez find his moxie?
• Spring Training coming to a close March 25th
• Opening Day March 27th
• Rays Prospects – Trey Morgan could he take on AAA.
• How will Yoniel Curet advance in Rays system this season?
• MLB building excitement for opening day – celebrations
• Shane McClanahan scheduled as starting pitcher for the Rays on Opening Day
• AL East winning projections for 2025 in descending order, Red Sox, Rays, Orioles, Yankees, Jays
• 2024 rough season for the Rays – returning much stronger in 2025
• We give credit to the Rays for taking care of their veteran players, Yandy Diaz, Brandon Lowe, Drew Rasmussen
• Electric talent with Chandler Simpson & Carson Williams
• Rays Prospect Spring Training Breakout game – Chandler Simpson is a speed demon
• Rays focus on the fundamentals of the game – much like many did in the 70’s & 80’s
• A well rounded team
• Toronto Blue Jays will they offer Vladdy Guerrero Jr 550 & 600 million contract
• Jays not conducive to a, a prolonged winning team
• Tampa Bay Rays playing in the Yankees Spring Training, George Steinbrenner Field
• Rays take the World Series in Steinbrenner Field – new permanent home for regular season.
• Hot Dogs & Gravy

Special Thanks to the Nurses, Doctors & staff at South Florida Baptist Hospital
Follow Mat on Blue Sky at  https://bsky.app/profile/matgermain.bsky.social

You can find Mark on Blue Sky at https://bsky.app/profile/baseballbizondeck.bsky.social
Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward

• Tampa Smokers night at the Tampa Baseball Museum in Ybor with Joe Maddon & Larry Rothschild https://www.tampabaseballmuseum.org/
• Rays Fans Stadium Fatigue
• Rays owner, Stu Sternberg's, past challenges with minority owners of Rays
• Stu's staunch support of community charities & representation with Pride Night & Heritage Nights. Some conservatives not pleased
• St Pete Deal in question
• March 31st Deadline  -  Rays Matt Silverman, Stu Sternberg, St Pete & $700 million
• Shouldn’t Rays have had a better “What IF” plan B
• JP Peterson scoop on buyers of Tampa Bay Rays 
• 3 groups of potential buyers: 
  • Joe Molloy & DeBartolo family
  • Dan Doyle of Dex Imaging
  • Carter McCain with mystery out of town investors
  • What about Darryl Shaw
  • DeBartolo pardoned by Donald Trump – how that might impact sale
• Alternate locations for Rays if St Pete deal goes awry – Ybor City, Florida State Fairgrounds, Orlando or relocate Yankees & move Rays into a remodeled George Steinbrenner Field
• Would Fairgrounds location get support from Ron DeSantis & Trump?
• Historical look at McCourts ownership of LA Dodgers & MLB Commissioner
• Rays saga could be a movie with George Clooney playing Stu
• Value of an Open Air stadium comparisons between Montreal’s Big O stadium “parking lot” experience compared to the outdoor beauty of Fenway
• Late summer heat and health of minor league players in Florida
• St Pete Real Estate Development agreement with Stu includes 65 acres at a greatly reduced value price
• AL East - Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays injuries 
• Impact of losing Gerritt Cole, Luis Gil, Giancarlo Stanton, DJ LeMahieu
• Yankees will need more runs from Anthony Volpe, Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt
• Braves passed on Max Fried – aging & injuries?
• Red Sox injuries include Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, Kutter Crawford, Sandoval . . .
• Orioles & Grayson Rodriguez
• Jays injuries include Max Scherzer, Alek Manoah & Eric Swanson
• Rays healthiest in AL East – Shane McClanahan is back and pitching rotation is strong
• Curtis Mead is getting extra opportunities in Spring Training
• Rays Versatile Roster includes a strong bench with Curtis Mead, Richie Palacio & Curtis Mead
• Looking forward to Ha-Seong Kim and Danny Jansen this season with the Rays
• Mat’s Rays Trifecta – New Stadium, Playoff Run & World Series

Special Thanks to the Nurses, Doctors & staff at South Florida Baptist Hospital

Follow Mat on Blue Sky at  https://bsky.app/profile/matgermain.bsky.social

You can find Mark on Blue Sky at https://bsky.app/profile/baseballbizondeck.bsky.social
Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward

Baseball Author, Craig Calcaterra of Cup of Coffee visits the show

• Past interview on CBA & Ohtani
• Pete Rose to be pardoned 
• Jackie Robinson – What is the way forward
• MLB, does what power wants
• Example of Rob Manfred &  decision to pull the MLB All-Star game from Atlanta due to how the wind was blowing at the time
• How will the wind blow from Washington, DC
• Will teams cancel Pride Night & rework other promotions?
• Could Jackie Robinson Day be downplayed, Would Trump unretire Robinson’s number
• Buffalo Blue Jays & how will we see fandom react at the Atlanta / Toronto game
• Canada is standing their ground 
• Whitewater rafting – leaning into the wave – counter intuitive but successful strategy
• Canadian military general rule – don't talk politics in the war room.
• Mat feels the need to speak-up during these times & reflects on when growing up his family would discuss timely topics at the dinner table with perspectives from hippie-ish to the hard line right wing 
• US folks find discussing politics taboo
• Information Ecosystem has been hit with a perfect storm
• Social Media can be poison
• Google reflecting  -  'reinforces what it thinks you like or what it thinks you know.'
• Bluesky may be a small part of getting out of it. Reflections on The Athletic
• Educating people &  making them aware of what's actually going on, presenting facts in a logical way without being antagonistic
• Create a trust that funds media outlet 
• Small Local News outlets like Columbus Ohio, Matter News, can make a difference
• Could Bluesky be shut down?
• Community – there are less places where people have to come together
• GOP Speaker instructs party members to not hold in-person town halls
• How Trump has impacted the separatist movement in Quebec
• One country threatening another country’s sovereignty
• Republicans bad behavior & talk veiled as a joke, only to later become a planned reality
• No nation or combination of nations could face a Russia / USA alliance
• Craig’s Pandemic Diary & Music
• MLB Spring Training – Media Training for players on how to answer questions that could get you in trouble
• Tommy Pham
• Humor as Self-Defense in serious situations - Laugh in the face of Horrors
• AI Robotics & manual labor being replaced
• Tim Hortons, Hot Dogs & Canadian Ash Bats
• Will laid off Federal Employees be able to afford to go to game
• Mar-a-Lago – Unfrosted Marjorie Post, Jerry Seinfeld & EF Hutton
• Sponsorships across the border - Kubota, Molson 
• Ky Bourbon & Crown Royal 
• Eggs are less expensive in Canada
• Freedom Fries – will Poutine be renamed Freedom Kurds
• Americanos v Canadianos coffee
• the 11th province 
• Spring Training games feel like practice
• Columbus Clippers & robo-ump – will it be in MLB by 2026
• The Human Element - Robo doesn’t recognize Max Scherzer
• AI Politicians

Craig Calcaterra's Cup of Coffee, newsletter is definitely a must read

Follow Mat Germain on Blue Sky at https://bsky.app/profile/matgermain.bsky.social, 
Mark on Blue Sky at 
https://bsky.app/profile/baseballbizondeck.bsky.social
Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward

Boston Red Sox - A New Energy in 2024

The dramatic shift in attitude and confidence

Alex Cora's perspective: last year, they had to talk up their chances; this year, the roster speaks for itself.

Questions around third base and second base positions.

Potential role of Alex Bregman, Kristian Campbell, Vaughn Grissom, and David Hamilton.

Rafael Devers' massive contract and his possible shift to DH.

The impact of Trevor Story's limited availability over the past few years.

Could Alex Bregman handle shortstop if necessary?

Depth options: Marcelo Mayer, Rafael, and Kristian Campbell provide sKtability.

Improved roster depth compared to recent years.

The ability to sustain a winning season in 2025, surpassing Yankees and Orioles.

Worcester's minor league roster stacked with MLB-ready talent.

Red Sox projected to have one of the strongest AL rotations.

Current five-man rotation: Garrett Crochet, Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, Walker Buehler, Lucas Giolito.

Kutter Crawford’s injury status 

Newly acquired Quinn Priester’s potential role in the rotation.

Depth beyond the starting five: Richard Fitz, Cooper Criswell, and others.

Comparing Red Sox to Other AL East Teams

The Yankees: Strength in their top-tier stars like Gerrit Cole and Aaron Judge.

The Red Sox’s approach: winning through depth rather than relying on superstars.

Predictions for AL East competitiveness—Red Sox poised to be a tougher challenge for the Rays.

Potential Trade & Free Agent Moves

Could the Red Sox make a move for Dylan Cease?

Flexibility to add at the trade deadline, given payroll under $200M.

How the Red Sox’s depth could be the key to their success.

The importance of rotational flexibility and the impact of potential injuries.

How Boston’s depth could push them into the playoff picture.

Vaughn Grissom, the key piece of the Chris Sale trade

Determined to compete for the second base job, Grissom is not being tested at other positions

Extension Talks & Payroll Considerations

Boston ownership faces scrutiny over financial allocations amid concerns about investing in the team.

Brayan Bello emerges as the top extension priority.

Bello’s past reluctance to pitch without an extension adds urgency to negotiations.

Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Marcelo Mayer are also potential extension candidates.

 Evaluating Brayan Bello's Future Contract

Red Sox must balance risk given Bello’s limited innings and development trajectory.

Blue Jays fail to lock in Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 

Toronto carries the 5th highest payroll (~$233M) 

Red Sox, boast the top-rated farm system

A comparison to the Red Sox extending Rafael Devers for 10 years, $324M shows Toronto’s missed opportunity.

Lack of depth and roster mismanagement hinder long-term success.

Toronto’s aggressive contract offers ($700Mf+ for Shohei Ohtani & Juan Soto).

Why Vladimir Guerrero Jr. might feel overlooked

Comparisons to Fernando Tatis Jr.’s extension

Mookie Betts Trade & Red Sox Rebuilding Strategy

Roman Anthony’s rise relates to Betts' departure.

The adaptability of Mookie Betts

Aroldis Chapman Signing with the Red Sox

 AL East & Playoff Contenders

Yankees' potential despite losing Juan Soto.

Yankees acquisitions: Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, Jazz Chisholm.

Tampa Bay Rays’ and Baltimore Orioles’ depth as an advantage.

Kansas City Royals as a surprise AL contender

Follow Mat on Blue Sky at https://bsky.app/profile/matgermain.bsky.social, Mark on Blue Sky at https://bsky.app/profile/baseballbizondeck.bsky.social
Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward

Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training & AL East Outlook

Toronto Blue Jays Front Office 

Do You Miss Alex Anthopoulos? -  "Every freaking day."

• Anthopoulos and Beeston were more transparent & connected with fans
• Atkins is more of a spokesperson, while Shapiro makes the decisions.
• Blue Jays' High Payroll & Poor Roster Management
  • Payroll is around $271M, making them the 5th highest-spending team.
  • Despite spending, the team lacks major offseason upgrades.
  • Concerns over failing to extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette.
• Luxury Tax & Future Uncertainty & Aging players
  • Future of MLB’s luxury tax and potential salary cap/floor in 2027.
  • Rogers invested $300M in stadium renovations,
  • Leadership shakeup could be imminent 
  • Pitching staff (e.g., Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt) is among oldest in MLB.
  • George Springer and other key veterans are aging.
• Farm System 
  • Ranked around 23rd-24th in MLB
  • The team could face a major decline in 2026-2027 i

Trade & Deadline Implications

• If Jays struggle by midseason, major trades (Guerrero, Bichette) could happen.
• "It feels like a one-year prove-it-or-lose-it situation."
•  Jays seemingly pursued top players like Shohei Ohtani & Juan Soto but didn’t land them.
• Fanbase is already fed up with Shapiro & Atkins, especially after the 2023 playoff controversy (José Berríos decision).

Bright Spots in Spring Training - Alan Roden (OF, Triple-A prospect)

Discussion on Tampa Bay Rays Attendance and Team Developments

Expects Better Attendance in 2025 in Tampa - highlighted the limited stadium capacity of around 15,000-16,000.

Attendance fluctuates, it often spikes when teams like the Yankees come to town. 

Rays should take over George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa rather than remain in St. Petersburg or move to Ybor City.

Blue Jays Roster Outlook newly acquired second baseman Andrés Giménez and veteran pitcher Max Scherzer, including Jeff Hoffman and Chad Green and the re-signing of Ryan Yarbrough.

• Brent Cardy expects a strong season from Bichette if he remains healthy.
• Bichette has a history of leading the league in hits and could do so again.
• Defensive ability at shortstop, though he may have some DH days.
• Bichette’s bat speed decline in 2024, potentially linked to concussion issues
• Bichette is still a tough out and a crucial piece of the Blue Jays’ success.

Farm System ranked 24th - Notable prospects include:

• Jonatan Clase (expected to start in Buffalo).
• Addison Barger & Davis Schneider (potential minor league assignments).
• Kendry Rojas (high swing-and-miss potential, could be a future impact arm).
• Josh Kasevich
• Chad Dallas, Ricky Tiedemann, & Alek Manoah (injury setbacks affecting pitching depth).
• Jays’ pitching has been depleted, requiring improvements in drafting and scouting.
• Catching Depth & Alejandro Kirk
  • Expected to play around 115-120 games.
  • Backup options include Heineman, Bethancourt, and Phil Clarke.
  • Kirk could be a 3 WAR player, with Guerrero Jr. potentially at 7-8 WAR, & Bichette at 4 WAR if healthy.
  • Overall Blue Jays Expectations -  Cardy predicts 83-84 wins
    Follow Mat on Blue Sky at https://bsky.app/profile/matgermain.bsky.social, Mark on Blue Sky at https://bsky.app/profile/baseballbizondeck.bsky.social
    Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward

Rick Vaughn’s book "Tampa Spring Training Tales," brings the past to life  & opens up a wealth of enjoyable stories including the Chicago Cubs, Tampa Smokers, Reds, White Sox & Red Sox @ historic Plant & Al Lopez Fields
Ted Williams, Wade Boggs, Jackie Robinson, Pete Rose and Al Lopez are just a few of the people we discuss this week on Florida BaseballBiz with Rick.

• “Chubby” Cubs owner is enamored with Tampa
• 100th years of Spring Training
• Tampa Mayor McKay was also Publisher
• Wrigley moves Cubs from Tampa to out West
• 1952 – Yankees celebrated their 50th anniversary at Columbia restaurant
• 1955 World Series winners receive their awards in Tampa
• Reds extraordinary long-lasting relationship with Tampa Bay
• Big Red Machine first gathers in Tampa
• Al Lopez Field tore down as interest in Major League team rises
• Yankees Core Four
• Wade Boggs discovers he is going to the show from Johnny Bench
• 100 Major Leaguers came through Plant Field & Al Lopez Field
• 1940 All-Star game in Tampa for Finnish Relief Fund with Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Jimmy Foxx, Hank Greenberg and Bob Feller
• Segregation of players by color – they could not stay at the same hotels
• Cardinals bought Outrigger motel in St. Pete so they could house all players at 1 location
• Tampa Bay Hotel proximity to Plant Field
• Babe Ruth’s longest Home Run, 587 feet, hit at Plant Field on April 4, 1919
• Ted Williams spits at fans first in Tampa
• Tim Kurkjian of ESPN – good friend and sounding board
• Frank Howard & Ted Willams story
• Tampa Smokers, St. Pete Saints and a bull fight
• Baseball as a unifier amongst the many cultures in Ybor / Tampa
• 1963 – Pete Rose – Rookie Year – Charlie Hustle emerges
• JFK at Al Lopez Field
• Charitable work with Metropolitan Mission, Clearwater Youth & the Homeless Empowerment Program.
• Rick also keeps score for Florida Complex League

Special Thanks to the Tampa Baseball Museum for background information on Tampa Baseball Spring Training - discover more at https://www.tampabaseballmuseum.org

 
Notes generated in part by DeScript
#RaysUp

rebroadcast from Sept 2024

Guests: Leslie Heaphy & Kat Williams  from the International Women’s Baseball Center share their stories and the mission of the IWBC
MLB Develops - Trailblazer Series event at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex. Young girls learned from national champion players, followed by an engaging presentation by Leslie and Kat on the history and future of women in baseball.

IWBC’s Vision & Mission

• Kat Williams: The IWBC, founded in 2014, aims to preserve and protect the legacy of women in baseball across the world. 
• Leslie Heaphy: Education is key to the IWBC’s mission—educating not only about past women in baseball but also future possibilities for young girls. It is about empowering them to see themselves as influencers and advocates, both on and off the field.

Engagement with Young Athletes

• The importance of making young girls realize that they have the power to influence others. Encouraged the girls to think about how they can be influencersWomen’s Sports Influence
• Using sports icons like Caitlin Clark (basketball) to engage girls shows how women's influence extends across sports. 

IWBC's Goal is not only to build a physical space in Rockford, IL, near the historic home of the Rockford Peaches but also to create ongoing education and action. 

MLB Develops & Women’s Baseball Growth provides opportunities for young girls in baseball

Baseball for Women Collaboration

• Discuss the need for greater cooperation between organizations promoting women’s baseball. Although the IWBC collaborates with other groups like Baseball for All, they continue striving for even more unified efforts to magnify their impact.

Women in Baseball Progress:

Moving past celebrating “firsts” like Rachel Balkovec becoming the manager of the Tampa Tarpons. The focus should shift toward ongoing representation and recognition of talent in women's baseball.

Disappointment over Kim Ng’s departure from the Miami Marlins and how women in leadership roles still face obstacles in MLB.

Women’s Baseball World Cup - praised for showcasing incredible talent and dedication, with young players like Naomi Ryan being examples of the rising stars.

Veronica Alvarez’s role as a mentor and leader for the U.S. Women’s National Team fosters a positive team culture.

Encouraging Local Support for Women’s Baseball:

The importance of local initiatives, like the Rockford Little Peaches team, and how supporting girls' involvement in baseball at the grassroots level is crucial for the sport's growth.

The ongoing struggle for girls to continue playing baseball without being pushed into softball was also discussed.

Support women’s baseball at all levels, from Little League to professional tournaments, noting that these games often feature top-notch talent.

Learn more at the IWBC website / or on Facebook 

All-American Women’s Baseball Classic being held in Durham, October 11-13Several of the players will be from the WBSC women baseball champions will be there to play. 

Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward"

•  Super Bowl & Baseball Season Kickoff:
• Mark is happy to see football season ending & baseball season beginning
• Mat shares his excitement for baseball despite the cold in Canada.
• Spring Training & Player Movements:
• Discussion on Pete Alonso’s contract situation with the Mets.
• Comparing Alonso’s deal to Blake Snell’s contract strategy.
• Mat's analysis of free agents and potential team fits: Alex Bregman to the Phillies, Nick Pivetta to the Orioles, Patrick Corbin to the Pirates, and more.
• Orioles’ Pitching & Playoff Aspirations:
•  Breakdown of Orioles rotation and potential improvements.
• How adding depth could strengthen their playoff chances.
• Veteran Signings & Impact on Teams:
•  JD Martinez as a potential fit for the Rays.
• Justin Turner’s possible role with the Reds.
• Jose Iglesias and Yasmani Grandal as solid veteran options for the Marlins.
• Mookie Betts’ Leadership with the Dodgers:
•  Mookie Warns team to stop thinking about the World Series. 
• Take it 1 game at a time  - the past is not a given
• Yankees entitlement attitude has proven  crippling with poor performanc
• MLB Draft Pick Trading Debate:
•  Discussion on why MLB does not allow trading of most draft picks.
• How allowing trades could benefit small-market teams.
• Comparisons to other sports leagues where draft pick trading is common
• Why don’t people want to watch the MLB draft selections 
• WWF Draft spin the wheel – could be model for MLB lottery
• Four Nations Cup & Hockey Talk:
•  Mat shares insights on the Four Nations Cup in hockey.
• Recounts when Wayne Gretzky & Mario Lemieux played on the same line
• Canada’s performance and Nova Scotia’s impact on the sport.
• Final Thoughts & Upcoming Baseball Season:
•  Concerns over early injuries in spring training.
• Excitement for the season ahead.
• Mark’s plans to watch the Rays in Tampa and a quick look at season ticket pricing.

Follow Mat on Blue Sky at  https://bsky.app/profile/matgermain.bsky.social

You can find Mark on Blue Sky at https://bsky.app/profile/baseballbizondeck.bsky.social
Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward