BaseballBiz On Deck

BaseballBiz On Deck: Rays Ride Into the Postseason
La Maxima

The Tampa Bay Rays are postseason-bound, and Mark Corbett and Mat Germain break down the excitement surrounding the team, Junior Caminero’s clutch power, the return of energy at Tropicana Field, and what could be ahead in October.

In This Episode:

• Junior Caminero delivers another dramatic walk-off home run as the Rays secure a postseason berth.
• Why Caminero has emerged as an American League MVP candidate and how his numbers compare with Yordan Alvarez, Bobby Witt Jr. and other AL stars.
• A look at fWAR and WAR and how advanced statistics can be used to evaluate MVP candidates.
• Pete Alonso, the Tampa Bay-area native, reaches 300 career home runs and receives an emotional ovation from Mets fans at Citi Field.
• The Rays' growing fan energy and attendance at Tropicana Field as the team heads toward the postseason.
• Discussion of the new Rays ballpark, early ticket access and what the future could hold for Tropicana Field.
• Could the Trop become a soccer venue for the Tampa Bay Rowdies after the Rays move?
• Rays rookie Brody Hopkins makes his MLB debut and gets attention for his fastball and curveball.
• A look at the Rays' minor-league pipeline, including Chandler Simpson, Cooper Fleming and the Charleston RiverDogs.
• Why the Rays' front office and player-development system continue to be central to the organization's success.
• A discussion of MLB fundamentals, defensive mistakes and the Rays' ability to pressure opposing teams.
• The American League playoff race and teams battling for postseason positioning.
• A special look ahead to Mark's presentation celebrating Senaida "Shoo-Shoo" Wirth, South Bend Blue Sox shortstop and All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player.

Keywords

Tampa Bay Rays, Rays postseason, Junior Caminero, Junior Caminero MVP, American League MVP, Yordan Alvarez, Bobby Witt Jr., Pete Alonso, Tampa baseball, Tropicana Field, Rays new stadium, Tampa Bay baseball, MLB playoffs, Rays prospects, Brody Hopkins, Chandler Simpson, minor league baseball, Senaida Shoo-Shoo Wirth, AAGPBL, BaseballBiz On Deck.

BaseballBiz On Deck is hosted by Mark Corbett with Mat Germain, covering the Tampa Bay Rays, MLB, minor league baseball, baseball history and the people and stories that make the game special.

This version keeps the notes concise while giving Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio and search engines plenty of relevant baseball keywords drawn from the transcript. 

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• Baseball's positive momentum: A's/Rays stadiums, MLB expansion talk
• Rays roster moves: Nick Madrigal, Jorge Mateo, Taylor Walls injury
• Victor Mesa Jr.'s elite defensive metrics and hot streak
• Mateo's mistakes impact game 
• Freddie Peralta pitching well but fielding error could have cost a run
• Minor league playoff race: Hot Rods & RiverDogs semifinals
• Brodie Hopkins hitting 102 mph in the Durham Bulls bullpen
• Travel diary: Rangers vs. Astros stadium experience -
  Globe Life Field - 5 star,  Daiken 2-star - no need to return to Houston
• Tampa Baseball Museum event - honoring Jesuit High School State Champions 
• David Magadan's "turn the page" mindset
• WPBL postseason preview - Mary Mustard & Swiss Cheese
• MLB Playoffs - who is in and who is out
• Rays magic number and playoff outlook vs. Yankees
• Pokémon Go Night at the Trop - Gotta Catch'em All

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, the conversation covers the new Rays stadium, the recent city and county votes, stadium economics, naming rights, the Rays' playoff push and the young players shaping the franchise's future.

New Tampa Bay Rays Stadium

The city and county votes approving the new Rays stadium proposal.

Plans for a new $2.3 billion stadium near Hillsborough Community College and Dale Mabry Highway.

Anticipated construction timeline &  when shovels could go into the ground.

What stadium agreement means for long-term future of the Rays in Tampa

A Major Turning Point for the Rays

Stadium approval represents a major moment in Tampa Bay baseball history

The importance of securing a long-term MLB future 

How the current situation compares with the Rays' previous stadium uncertainty.

Stadium Naming Rights

Who could become the naming-rights partner for the new Rays stadium?

How a long-term naming-rights agreement could increase the value of the Rays franchise.

Companies that could potentially want a major presence in Tampa Bay.

Naming rights could extend beyond the stadium into the surrounding Champions Corner development

The Business of the Tampa Bay Rays

How the new stadium could change the Rays' financial outlook.

The potential impact on team valuation, revenue and future spending.

Why a new stadium could give the Rays more flexibility when building future rosters.

Rays Playoff Push

The Rays' pursuit of a 90-plus-win season.

The possibility of a 95-win or even 97-win season.

The American League playoff race and potential home-field advantage.

The importance of the remaining games against the New York Yankees.

Rays Rising in Franchise History

The Rays reaching their 82nd win of the season.

How the current season compares with previous successful Rays teams.

Kevin Cash & Joe Maddon & their places among the best seasons in Rays history

It is becoming one of the most successful seasons in franchise history.

Young Rays Players Making an Impact 

Junior Caminero and his continued power production.

Jonathan Aranda and his enormous 458-foot home run.

Chandler Simpson and pressure the young Rays lineup puts on opposing pitchers.

Liam Hicks, Ryan Vilade and other emerging contributors.

Why the Rays' young core could be critical to the franchise's future.

September Call-Ups

The expansion of MLB rosters in September. 

Potential Rays additions from the Durham Bulls.

Players discussed include Hunter Bigge, Ty Johnson, Jake Fraley, Jacob Melton and Ben Williamson.

Jorge Mateo and Rays Team Chemistry

Mateo's adjustment to the Rays.

The importance of character and clubhouse chemistry.

Why the Rays' dugout energy has become one of the team's strengths.

The Padres Series

The Rays' sweep of the San Diego Padres.

Johnny DeLuca's dramatic moment in the series.

The importance of momentum and team energy as postseason approaches.

How the Rays' chemistry compares with other contenders.

The Future of Baseball in Tampa Bay

What the new stadium means for Tampa Bay's place in Major League Baseball

Tampa's long history of professional baseball and spring training

Potential for a new entertainment, restaurant and nightlife district 

Rays Ownership and Franchise Value

Ken Babby and the new ownership group's role in bringing the stadium deal together.

How the Rays' franchise value has changed since 2008.

financial impact of securing a new long-term stadium agreement

Remember to like and subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck. You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at baseball biz on deck dot com. Also you can find Mat @matgermain.bsky.social  or Mark at [email protected] and BaseballBiz On Deck with Facebook social 

Rays Playoff Push, Prospects and Baseball Around the World

Mark Corbett and Mat Germain break down the Tampa Bay Rays as they head into the final stretch of the season, plus prospects, the Little League World Series, the Rays stadium debate and international women’s baseball.

Rays Playoff Push

The Rays face a difficult schedule as they battle toward the postseason. Mark and Mat discuss recent performances, injuries, Kevin Cash’s decisions and how the roster could take shape for the playoffs.

Freddy Peralta’s strong outing gets attention, including how increased use of his changeup may be helping his success.

Rays Prospects on the Rise

Xavier Isaac and Caden Bodine have moved up to Triple-A Durham. Bodine’s rapid climb through the Rays system has been especially impressive and could put him in the conversation as a future Tampa Bay catcher.

Jacob Melton, Jake Fraley, Victor Mesa Jr. and other Durham players could also provide the Rays with options down the stretch.

Little League World Series

Canada puts together an impressive international run with wins over Australia, Panama and South Korea. Mark also highlights Alabama standout Kinley Rasmus, whose pitching and hitting have drawn comparisons to Mo’ne Davis.

ABS and Baseball’s Changing Rules

Should MLB fully automate balls and strikes? Mark and Mat discuss the ABS challenge system, overturned calls and whether technology should take a larger role in officiating.

Rays Stadium Debate

The proposed new Rays stadium in Tampa remains a major topic. Mark and Mat discuss taxpayer funding, construction costs, community benefits, affordable housing and the value of keeping Major League Baseball in Tampa Bay.

Women’s Baseball World Cup

The show wraps up with the Women’s Baseball World Cup in Taiwan, including Japan’s strong performance and the continued international growth of women’s baseball.

Topics: Tampa Bay Rays, Rays prospects, MLB playoffs, Kevin Cash, Freddy Peralta, Xavier Isaac, Caden Bodine, Durham Bulls, Little League World Series, Kinley Rasmus, ABS challenge system, Rays stadium, Women’s Baseball World Cup, women’s baseball.

BaseballBiz On Deck with Mark Corbett and Mat Germain covers the Tampa Bay Rays, MLB, prospects, baseball history and the business of the game.

Thankful Thursday: Celebrating people making a difference through baseball and community service.

Roberto Clemente: Remembering his humanitarian legacy and the annual Roberto Clemente Award. 

Christian Yelich: Named Players Trust Most Valuable Philanthropist for August for supporting animal rescue organizations. 

Little League World Series: Highlights from Williamsport, including standout performances by young players. 

Rasmus Family: Kenley Rasmus, neice of Colby Rasmus, made a strong showing on the mound, matching Mo'ne Davis' eight-strikeout Little League performance. 

International Little League: Nicaragua's Clemente Seville Picardo recorded 12 strikeouts and later threw out a potential game-tying runner from right field. 

Canada & Baseball: Jays Care is investing more than $2.6 million in 22 community baseball diamond projects across seven Canadian provinces. 

Women's Pro Baseball League: 11 Canadian women are playing in the inaugural WPBL season. 

Mo'ne Davis: Now playing professionally in the WPBL and continuing to inspire young girls in baseball. 

Rays Update: Tampa Bay dropped two home series after winning nine straight games on the road. 

MLB Standings: Discussion of division leaders and the playoff picture across both leagues. 

Pete Crow-Armstrong: Cubs outfielder reached 31 home runs and emerged as an NL MVP candidate. 

Meggie Meidlinger: Revisited a previous interview with the USA Women's National Team pitcher and architect. 

Foley Field: Meidlinger discussed her role in the University of Georgia baseball facility renovation, including the bullpen and pitching lab. 

Women's Baseball in Uganda: Meidlinger helped expand women's baseball to eight regions and hundreds of girls. 

See Her, Be Her: Documentary highlighting women and girls playing baseball around the world. 

Trailblazer Series: MLB/USA Baseball event giving girls ages 12-14 an opportunity to play baseball at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex. 

Jackie Robinson's Legacy: Emphasis on Robinson's impact beyond baseball and his role as a civil rights leader. 

Women's Sports Facilities: Meidlinger advocates for purpose-built, elite facilities designed around the needs of female athletes. 

Baseball's Future: Celebrating the growth of Little League, women's baseball and opportunities for the next generation.

Little League World Series bracket
https://www.littleleague.org/world-series/2026/llbws/bracket/

Remember to like and subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck. You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at baseball biz on deck dot com. Also you can find Mat @matgermain.bsky.social  or Mark at [email protected] and BaseballBiz On Deck with Facebook social 

BaseballBiz On Deck welcomes baseball writer Mary Mustard, WPBL blogger, to discuss the inaugural Women's Pro Baseball League (WPBL) season, and the future of the sport.

Mary shares her perspective on the WPBL's four teams, international talent and standout players including Denae Benites, Kelsi Whitmore, Ashton Lansdell and Brittney Apgar. 
Mary also discusses changes with the Boston Hunters manager and how Jemile Weeks is infusing the team with positive energy. Plus a look at the league's competitive balance and the growing excitement around women's baseball.

The conversation also explores Mary's sandlot team and the importance of community, accessibility and simply enjoying the game of baseball.

You can find Mary Mustard's WPBL blog on Substack, Mary Mustard, and then the name of the blog is Towards a More Perfect Game. https://towardsamoreperfectgame.substack.com/ 

Topics: Women's Pro Baseball League, WPBL, women's baseball, professional women's baseball, Denae Benites, Kelsi Whitmore, Ashton Lansdell, Brittney Apgar, Jemile Weeks, Boston Hunters, New York Heights, Albany Queer Baseball, sandlot baseball.

Guest: Mary Mustard - https://towardsamoreperfectgame.substack.com/
Host: Mark Corbett
Show: BaseballBiz On Deck

The Rays have been on an impressive run following the trade deadline, with strong performances during a demanding West Coast stretch.

• Nine games in 10 days
• The Rays' success on the West Coast, traditionally a difficult trip for the club
• The impact of the players added around the trade deadline
• The importance of the team's growing confidence heading toward the playoffs
• The Rays' impressive 41-18 home record 

Taylor Walls Has a Two-Homer Night

Taylor Walls provided one of the biggest surprises of the recent stretch.

After going 369 at-bats without a home run, Walls hit two home runs in the same game, including one from each side of the plate.

Mark and Mat discuss:

• Walls' first home run in 380 days
• His second homer shortly afterward
• The significance of Walls remaining with the Rays after trade rumors
• How Ben Williamson's injury has affected playing time
• Why a productive Walls could make the Rays even more dangerous

The New Rays Are Making an Impact

• Liam Hicks
• Freddy Peralta
• Tyler Wells

Mat explains why the Rays may be taking a measured approach to getting Peralta fully comfortable.

Nick Martinez's Complete Game

Mat highlights Martinez's:

• Pitch efficiency
• Pacing
• Change of speeds
• Fastball/changeup combination
• Ability to keep hitters off balance

Why complete games have become such a rarity in today's baseball.

The Rays' Offense Is Heating Up

 Home run production, Batting average, On-base percentage, Slugging, wRC+, and overall offensive improvement

Yandy Díaz Is Finding His Groove

Díaz's recent improved results over the previous 12 games, including three home runs, three doubles, a .538 slugging percentage, and a 132 wRC+ over that stretch.

Rays Chemistry and Positive Energy

Rays' clubhouse chemistry

Players supporting one another through good stretches and difficult moments.

Baseball is a game built around failure, a supportive clubhouse can be especially important when players inevitably go through slumps.

The AL East Is Getting Dangerous

The Rays return home to face teams that are still fighting for playoff positioning facing division rivals: Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox

Orioles sit at the bottom of the AL East, they remain close enough to the Wild Card race to be dangerous.

The Blue Jays also remain in contention after making moves at the deadline, including adding José Soriano.

Yankees Still Trying to Find Their Formula

The guys examine the Yankees and the challenges facing them down the stretch.

• Aaron Judge's absence, Giancarlo Stanton's. Ben Rice, George Lombard Jr.'s early impact. Heliot Ramos' struggles after arriving in New York
• Impact of key players: José Caballero. Jazz Chisholm, Ryan Yarbrough, Amed Rosario
• The Yankees' pitching
• Questions on  leadership and managing in New York, while acknowledging that the Yankees remain dangerous if they reach the postseason.

Don't Sleep on the Red Sox

Boston receives plenty of attention after a dramatic turnaround.

The guys discuss the Red Sox's 15-game winning streak, their improved bullpen, and the potential impact of Garrett Crochet's return.

Mat believes Boston could be one of the teams nobody wants to face in the postseason if their pitching continues to hold up.

Could Four AL East Teams Make the Playoffs?

Possibility of four teams from the division making the playoffs

Intense competition within the AL East can push every team to improve

The National League Playoff Race

The discussion shifts to the National League, where the playoff picture is becoming increasingly competitive.:

• The Phillies falling outside the playoff picture
• The Marlins and Cardinals remaining close
• The Diamondbacks moving into the Wild Card picture
• The Padres staying in the hunt
• The Dodgers and Brewers
• The competitive NL West

The Rays Influence Around Major League Baseball front offices

• Andrew Friedman and the Dodgers
• Matt Arnold and the Brewers
• Alex Anthopoulos and the Braves
• The Rays' Neander

Lou Piniella and the Mariners' 50th Anniversary - Piniella returns as part of the Seattle Mariners' 50th season celebration.

Baseball Books Everyone Should Read

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Mark and Mat discuss the idea of creating a mandatory baseball reading list.

They talk about baseball books, authors and commentators they follow, including: Craig Calcaterra, Lou Schiff, Brent Cardy, Lou Piniella & Joe Maddon

Mat is currently reading, including The Art of Meditation, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, The Daily Stoic, Super Life, and several French-language books.

Women's Pro Baseball League

Mark appreciates Mary Mustard’s coverage and how she celebrates the league while also being willing to provide thoughtful criticism.

Mark has reached out to Mary about potentially appearing on BaseballBiz On Deck.

The discussion also touches on the challenge of finding WPBL games and the locating where the games are being broadcast.

The Future of Sports Broadcasting

Evolution of sports broadcasting compared with the disruption caused by Napster in the music industry.

Technology can force established industries to rethink their business models and suggest that sports viewing could similarly evolve.

Future possibilities involving independent camera systems and alternative ways for fans to watch games.

Stadiums, Taxpayer Money and the Future of the Rays

• Whether taxpayers should help fund sports facilities
• The cost of attending professional sporting events
• The value fans receive for their money
• The possibility of watching games at home instead
• The future location of the Rays
• Orlando as a potential alternative
• possibility of another ownership change

The discussion also touches on the enormous valuations of professional sports franchises, including the reported $14.5 billion valuation associated with the Lakers sale discussion.

The Rising Cost of Attending Games

Mat compares the cost of taking a large group to a hockey game in Montreal with the cost of attending a Rays game.

Mark shares his experience attending a Rays game with Karen, where they found good seats for approximately $45 to $50 each.

The guys debate whether attending a game in person still provides enough value compared with spending the same money on a home entertainment setup and a meal.

What If the Rays Win a World Series at the Trop?

Mat poses an intriguing hypothetical:

What happens if the Rays win a World Series in a renovated Tropicana Field before eventually moving to a new stadium?

What would such a championship mean to Rays fans and whether winning a championship in the current stadium could create an even stronger emotional attachment to the building.

Rays Minor League Talent

The episode closes with optimism about the Rays' organizational depth. 

• Shane McClanahan beginning a rehab assignment
• Talent at Durham
• Talent at Montgomery
• Players developing throughout the minor leagues
• Carson Williams returning
• Grady Emerson and his anticipated first game
• The depth of the Rays' pitching and overall talent pipeline

Remember to like and subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck. You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at baseball biz on deck dot com. Also you can find Mat @matgermain.bsky.social  or Mark at [email protected] and BaseballBiz On Deck with Facebook social 

MLB Trade Deadline Doors Close, WPBL league Opens. Baseball abounds in August & Nature is Wild in Nova Scotia

The MLB Trade Deadline delivered one of the busiest transaction days of the season. Mark Corbett and Mat Germain break down the biggest winners and losers, & how the the Rays positioned themselves for a postseason run.

They also discuss the launch of the Women's Pro Baseball League, highlighting its opening weekend, standout players, and what fans can expect from this historic first season.

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Rays focused on strengthening their roster without sacrificing their long term future.

• Liam Hicks brings offensive production and long term stability behind the plate
• Freddy Peralta adds an experienced playoff tested starter to the rotation
• Tyler Wells strengthens an already improving bullpen
• Nick Fortes and Liam Hicks provide balance while allowing top catching prospects additional development time
• Kenny Piper joins the 40 man roster following the deadline 

Why Liam Hicks could be the Rays most impactful acquisition.

•  Improved production against right handed pitching
•  Left handed power and run production
•  Team control through 2031
•  Reduced pressure to rush prospects Caden Bodine and Nathan Flewelling. 

Rays Prospect Strategy

The Rays traded significant prospect depth while protecting several key pieces of their future.

Players discussed include:

•  Carson Williams 
•  Caden Bodine 
•  Theo Gillen 
•  Jacob Melton 
•  Grady Emerson 
•  Daniel Pierce 
•  Victor Valdez 
•  Andreimi Antunez 
•  Cooper Fleming 

International Bonus Pool Money influenced several deadline deals and why those resources remain critical to Tampa Bay's player development strategy.

Around MLB - several of the deadline's biggest moves, including:

•  Dodgers acquire Tarik Skubal
•  Orioles trade Adley Rutschman to Boston. 
•  Phillies land Luis Arraez
•  Guardians strengthen both their lineup and pitching. 
•  Yankees add offensive reinforcements. 
•  Pirates aggressively rebuild their pitching staff. 
•  Blue Jays begin reshaping their roster for the future. 
•  Brewers quietly emerge as one of the trade deadline winners. 

Which Teams Won the Deadline?

•  Why the Dodgers landed the biggest star
• Brewers may have made the smartest overall improvements
• Rays successfully addressed three of their biggest needs while maintaining organizational depth
• What do these additions mean for Tampa Bay over the final two months.

Key questions include:

•  Can Freddy Peralta stabilize the rotation? 
•  Will Tyler Wells continue his dominant bullpen performance? 
•  How much will improved catching elevate the offense? 
•  Is Carson Williams still an option for a late season promotion? 

Women's Pro Baseball League Makes History

The inaugural WPBL season officially began this past weekend

•  Four teams open league play in Springfield, Illinois. 
•  Strong attendance and enthusiastic fan support. 
• Team captains include Kelsie Whitmore, Ashton Lansdell, Danae Benites, and Ally Schroeder
•  Richelle "Rocky" Henley becomes the league's lone female manager
•  Turtleback playing field. 
•  Early excitement surrounding the quality of play and the league's future growth. 

Final Thoughts with trade deadline complete, Rays attention now turns toward:

•  Team health entering the playoff race
•  Contract extensions for young stars
•  September roster decisions
•  Whether the Rays have positioned themselves for another postseason run

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 

368 BaseballBiz On Deck Episode Show Notes

• Mark Corbett hosts solo while Mat Germain enjoys vacation in Nova Scotia. 
• Mat continues following MLB trade deadline developments and shares updates on BlueSky. 
• Recommendation to subscribe to Brent Cardy's new Substack, The Cardy Show, featuring Blue Jays analysis and baseball history.  https://thecardyshow.substack
• Discussion of Brent Cardy's recent article examining Max Scherzer's future and postseason outlook. 
• Lou Schiff's Miami Marlins endure a 12-game losing streak before taking three games from the Phillies. 
• Brief look at the struggling New York Mets and upcoming Marlins-Mets series. 
• MLB trade deadline preview including speculation surrounding Tarik Skubal, Luis Arraez, and starting pitcher movement. 
• Rays top draft pick Grady Emerson makes his first visit to Tropicana Field and a rapid development path and possibility of reaching the majors within two years. 
• Curtis Mead is traded from Washington to Boston in exchange for pitching prospect Connelly Early. 
• Explanation of cupping therapy after Rays players are seen with circular treatment marks during batting practice. 
• Rays continue leading the American League 
• Update on Tampa Rays stadium negotiations and the latest City Council developments. 
• Discussion of council members opposing forwarding stadium documents to the state. 
• Mayor Jane Castor and stadium negotiation process. 
• Commentary on Councilman Bill Carlson's criticism of the negotiations and his mayoral campaign. 
• Reflection on the economic and community impact of keeping the Rays in Tampa. 
• Mark encourages Tampa baseball fans to contact elected officials and support efforts to keep the Rays in the city. 
• Recognition of Ken Babby for his public outreach and willingness to answer questions about the Rays' future stadium plans. 
• Additional reaction to new comments from Bill Carlson following meetings with Ken Babby. 
• Review of the WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup Group Stage in Rockford, Illinois. 
• Congratulations to Ryan Woodward and the International Women's Baseball Center for hosting a successful international tournament. 
• Teams competing include the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, China, and South Korea. 
• Highlights from Team USA players and coverage available through streaming broadcasts. 
• Inaugural Women's Pro Baseball League beginning in Springfield, Illinois. 
• Players to watch Kelsie Whitmore, Danae Benitez, and Valerie Perez. 
• Special replay of a classic interview with All American Girls Professional Baseball League players Sue Zipay and Lois Youngen. AAGPBL, Rockford Peaches, South Bend Blue Sox & Fort Wayne Daisies. Over 100 games a season
• Closing encouragement for listeners to support baseball at every level from youth leagues to professional baseball. 
• Subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck for weekly coverage of MLB, the Tampa Bay Rays, women's baseball, top prospects and the business of baseball.

BaseballBiz On Deck: WBSC, Women's Baseball World Cup, Rays Trade Deadline and MLB Economics

Mark Corbett and Mat Germain break down the latest action from the WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup Group Stage in Rockford, Illinois, including standout performances by Team USA, Canada, Japan and Australia. They also discuss the upcoming Women's Pro Baseball League and where fans can watch the tournament.

The conversation shifts to the Tampa Bay Rays, highlighting Chandler Simpson's speed, Griffin Jax's strong outing, the Durham Bulls' hot streak and why Grady Emerson and Junior Caminero could become the franchise's future cornerstone duo.

With the MLB Trade Deadline approaching, Mark and Mat analyze the AL East race, the biggest trade rumors, potential buyers and sellers, and whether stars like Tarik Skubal, Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto could be on the move.

The episode concludes with a discussion of MLB's economic structure, revenue sharing, pitcher compensation, salary cap proposals and how the Rays' long-term future could be tied to a new Tampa stadium.

In This Episode

•  WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup updates from Rockford 
•  Olivia Pichardo and Team USA highlights 
•  Women's Pro Baseball League preview 
•  Tampa Bay Rays prospects and organizational depth 
•  AL East standings and MLB Trade Deadline predictions 
•  MLB economics, salary cap debate and CBA reform 
•  Rays stadium outlook and the franchise's future 
• Links & Resources 
  • All Women's Sports Network – available on Prime Video and Pluto TV
  • WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup – Rockford, Illinois (group stage; finals in Rockford next year)
  • Women's Pro Baseball League – launching soon

Subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck for weekly coverage of MLB, the Tampa Bay Rays, women's baseball, top prospects and the business of baseball.

Keywords: Ashton Lansdale, Kelsie Whitmore, Denae Benites, Tampa Bay Rays, MLB Trade Deadline, Women's Baseball World Cup, WBSC, Rockford, Junior Caminero, Chandler Simpson, Grady Emerson, AL East, Rockford, IWBC, Women's Pro Baseball League.