BaseballBiz On Deck

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 

Mat Germain sits down with Blue Jays insider Brent Cardy to break down the state of the Toronto Blue Jays in 2026. 

The Blue Jays Injury Bug 

• Anthony Santander – out for the year 
• Shane Bieber – June return still possible
• Jimmy Garcia –  facing setbacks in rehab
• José Berríos – forearm fracture, got lit up in rehab starts
• Max Scherzer 
• Alejandro Kirk
• Nathan Lukes
• Addison Barger
• George Springer 

New Faces Making an Impact

• Jesús Sánchez – power against righties
• Yohendrick Piñango – strong swing, great at-bats, batting near top of lineup
• Brandon Valenzuela – switch-handed catcher, big power & a rocket arm, showing some rookie growing pains
• Spencer Miles – Rule 5 pick from the Giants; threw 3 shutout innings on Mother's Day; Jays now considering him as a rotation option
• Erik Lauer DFA'd after a rough start
• Schedule gets harder from here — Yankees (with Gerrit Cole returning), Baltimore, and tougher AL East competition. Brent is cautiously pessimistic but believes the team will eventually get healthy and go on a run.

Vladdy, Bo, and the Lineup

• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – only 2 HR’s; may be pressing himself under the weight of $500M contract (comparison to Vernon Wells' struggles after his big deal)
• The loss of Bo Bichette to the Mets has left a void
• The offense tends to hit in bunches (Vladdy, Springer, Okamoto, Varsho) without a reliable anchor

Francisco Lindor Trade? - Shapiro & Atkins have a history with Lindor from their Cleveland days

• Possible pieces: Arjun Nimmala, JoJo Parker, Andrés Giménez, Davis Schneider, or Addison Barger
• Money coming off the books (Springer, Scherzer) 
• Brent sees the fit — a dynamic switch-hitter is exactly what this lineup needs

Pitching Depth: Who's Next from AAA? Top candidates from Buffalo to watch:

1. Chad Dallas – back from Tommy John; ~3 ERA in seven starts
2. Austin Voth – waiver pickup, bulk innings guy
3. Grant Rogers – big frame, mid-90s fastball, high release point
4. Ricky Tiedemann – hasn't pitched since 2024, same issues persisting

Dylan Cease - Strong early returns; going 7 innings in his last two starts. 
Velocity & command are elite. 
Brent believes the price tag will look like an underpay

Robbie Ray as a Trade Target

• Won Cy Young with the Jays in 2021
• Pairing him with Cease would be a formidable 1-2 in a playoff series
• Brent likes the fit; doesn't expect price tag to be astronomical

Bullpen

• Jeff Hoffman – out of the closer role, settling into 7th/8th; velocity
• Louis Varland – closing; loves his mentality, wants him in the zone more
• Tyler Rogers – middle relief
• Mason Fluharty – doing a solid job but playing above his weight
• Joe Mantiply – veteran add, not a high-impact arm
• Spencer Miles – potential starter,  injury history a concern

Small Ball & Jonatan Clase

• Mat draws parallels between Jonatan Clase & Chandler Simpson (TB Rays) — elite speed and tools, but needs to commit to the fundamentals
• Brent agrees the Jays need to play more small ball given the lack of middle-of-the-order power

All-Star Predictions

• Jays All-Stars: Vladdy Guerrero Jr. and Dylan Cease
• Record at the All-Star Break: 42–46 (under .500, but still in wild card contention given the weak AL)

Follow Brent Cardy with his Blue Jays Breakfast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecardyshowpodcast/

Rays on Fire

• The Rays are 24–12, with 5 sweeps — most in the majors — & have won 9 of their last 10
• 13 consecutive games allowing 3 or fewer runs; starter ERA 1.38, bullpen ERA 0.99
• 8–1 in one-run games; 6–0 against AL East opponents; 13–6 at night
• Team ERA (3.68) significantly lower than FIP (4.12) — a sign of elite defense

Pitching Depth & Injuries

• Steven Matz lands on the IL
• Ryan Pepiot likely out for the season
• Griffin Jax & Mason Englert stepping in; Jesse Scholtens expected to piggyback
• Brody Hopkins - strong Triple-A outing (7 K's in 5 IP)
• Mat floats Robbie Ray as a trade target to shore up the rotation

Standout Players

• Nick Martinez – elite command, competitive fire, joyful presence on the mound
• Jonathan Aranda – polished, clutch, consistent; Mat's pick for most exciting Ray
• Ryan Vilade – .438 wOBA with men on base, .500 in scoring position vs. lefties
• Chandler Simpson – speed, contact, pestering baserunner; even opposing announcers are frustrated
• Ben Williamson – .345 avg over last 9 games & versatile defend
• Shane McClanahan – 5⅔ IP, 2 hits, 4 K's vs. Shane; praised for team-first mentality

Taylor Walls & PitchCom

• Walls has earned new respect at the plate and in the field
• Uses a PitchCom earpiece to pre-position himself before pitches 
• Compared to the "Jeter school" of anticipating play before it happens
• Mat - "Who will be first to hack or jam PitchCom?"

Bullpen Breakdown

• Brian Baker: 9 saves, 15 K's over 13 IP, only 3 walks — emerged as closer after a rocky 2025
• Garrett Clevenger returns; Ian Seymour strong from day one
• Casey Legumina and Cole Sulser filling unexpected roles
• Still missing Manuel Rodriguez, Edwin Uceta & Steven Wilson
• Despite absences, Pen ranks top 5 in MLB

Stadium / MOU Update

• Rays reportedly willing to cover cost overruns 
• Ask dropped from $1.5B to $1.15B — same as what Orlando has already committed
• Babby's July deadline looms; officials say documentation hasn't been provided
• Mat and Mark both lean toward Orlando as the likely landing spot for the Rays
• Mat argues the land deal may be the real endgame for ownership

Around MLB

• NL Central: All five teams at or above .500 — the most competitive division in baseball
• NL West: Dodgers & Padres in a two-team race, ~ 4 games clear of Arizona
• NL East: Braves lead the Phillies by 9 games
• AL West: Only one team above .500 (Athletics, barely); Astros and Angels struggling
• AL Central: Every team under .500
• AL East: Rays and Yankees out in front

Future of MLB: Promotion & Relegation?

• Mat proposes a 12-team second league below the majors, with promotion/relegation
• Potential benefits: fan engagement, gambling markets, new TV deals, expanded rosters/salaries
• MLBPA would likely support it (more jobs, higher player values)
• Key hurdle: stadium infrastructure for new cities
• Both agree expansion should come before any realignment

Rays Minor League System

• 3 of 4 affiliates leading their divisions
• Jacob Melton expected back healthy mid-season
• Hunter Feduccia finding his groove at catcher; Fortes continues to produce

Next Episode

• Special guest: Brent Cardy of The Cardy Show to help dissect the Toronto Blue Jays' struggles

Early-Season Manager Firings An unusually high number of high-profile managers have been fired before the season even hit 30 games. Alex Cora's departure from Boston, why he turned down the Phillies job, and what it means for the Red Sox going forward — including the treatment of franchise legend Jason Varitek.

NL Central Surprise Every team in the NL Central is above .500, a rare feat not matched by any other division. The American League, by comparison, has just four teams above .500 total.  break down why this division deserves more national attention and what it means at the trade deadline.

Tampa Bay Rays Update The 3 M's are strong — Martinez, Matz & McClanahan

• Nick Martinez has emerged as a fan favorite and rotation anchor
• Shane McClanahan's comeback story continues to impress
• Steven Matz is providing veteran leadership and consistency
• Jesse Schultz has looked outstanding in his early appearances
• OBP, batting average, and stolen bases are all up
• Gavin Lux is working his way up in AAA, with a key roster decision looming involving Taylor Walls and Ben Williamson

Former Rays Around the League Mark tracks ex-Rays including Josh Lowe (Angels), Jake Bauers (breaking up a Paul Skenes no-hit bid), and Nathaniel Lowe's walk-off home run.

 Kansas City Trip  a memorable trip to Kauffman Stadium

• Memorable trip to Kauffman Stadium
• Moving visit to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, including a chance encounter with President Bob Kendrick
• Reflections on Buck O'Neal's legacy and his connection to Florida history
• The Royals' iconic fountains, Friday night fireworks, and the famous "PaSquatch" Sasquatch mascot for Vinnie Pasquantino
• The beloved outfield experience: putt-putt, batting cages, carousel, and BBQ
• Game-by-game stats for Mike Trout and Salvador Perez across the Angels-Royals series

Stadium Funding Debate The Rays' public funding request has been reduced by ~$150M to ~$1 billion, but Hillsborough County officials say it still falls short. Mark and Mat broaden the conversation to the ethics of billion-dollar stadium spending across MLB and NFL, contrasting it with the Blue Jays' $500M Rogers Centre renovation.

Most Intriguing Teams Right Now

• Mark: Disappointed by the Blue Jays' slow start; keeping an eye on the Astros (11-19)
• Mat: The Oakland Athletics — underrated lineup (Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers, Carlos Cortez), a new stadium on the way, and a budget freed up for big moves
• The Pirates also getting Mat's attention as a fun, under-covered team

ABS (Automated Ball-Strike System) The guys discuss the ABS system's growing role in the game, including a malfunction during a Rays game that may have affected the outcome. Both hosts are bullish on its future, believing it levels the playing field and will eventually be used every pitch.

2026 MLB Draft Preview With the Rays holding the 2nd overall pick, the debate is between:

• Grady Emerson (SS, toolsy with Bobby Witt Jr. comparisons)
• Von Lockey (C, Georgia Tech) — with the Rays historically lacking an elite catcher, this pick could change the franchise

Key Names Mentioned Alex Cora, Jason Varitek, Don Mattingly,  Bobby Witt Jr., Nick Martinez, Shane McClanahan, Steven Matz, Jesse Schultz, Gavin Lux, Taylor Walls, Ben Williamson, Mike Trout, Salvador Perez, Josh Lowe, Jake Bauers, Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, Willie Adames, Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman, Bob Kendrick, Buck O'Neal, Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers, Carlos Cortez, Alex Bregman, Isaac Paredes, Grady Emerson, Von Lockey, Cedric Mullins, Vinnie Pasquantino, Jose Ramirez

Mark and Mat recap the Tampa Bay Rays' series against the Pittsburgh Pirates (a 2-1 series loss for the Rays), dig into minor league depth, the stadium situation, &preview the upcoming series vs. Cincinnati Reds.

Rays vs. Pirates Series Recap

• Rays dropped rubber match, losing series 2-1 after executing two consecutive sweeps
• Game 2 (Rays win): Epic 13-inning rain-soaked comeback at PNC Park — one of the best games of the early season
• Shane McClanahan and Drew Rasmussen each had rough outings, giving up 4+ runs; both struggled to shake off walks mentally
• Caminero's 103 mph blast off Wilbur Dotel
• Pitcher mental focus — from Pedro Martinez, Roger Clemens

PNC Park & the Pirates

• PNC Park's beauty & setting along the three rivers
• The Pirates have gelled with new additions including Spencer Horowitz, Brandon Lowe, and Marcell Ozuna

Offense & Small Ball

• The Rays have scored 5+ runs in 9 of their first ~22 games — surprising for a team not expected to produce offensively
• Chandler Simpson highlighted: one of MLB's lowest strikeout rates, top-30 defensive rating (FanGraphs), and fastest-improving outfielder
• Lineup restructuring (Junior in the 2-hole, Aranda and Diaz behind him) is creating consistent pressure on opposing pitchers

Outfield Depth & Cedric Mullins

• Concerns about Mullins' defense center field
• Mat predicts Jacob Melton (Durham) will be the starting CF by June
• Johnny DeLuca an option
• Deep look at the Rays' stacked outfield pipeline: Theo Gillen, Austin Nover, Taitn Gray (18-year-old hitting 110 mph exit velo in A-ball), Brendan Summerhill

Catching Situation

• Nick Fortes - his growing confidence & leadership
• Hunter Fiducia still finding his footing
• Dom Keegan (bat looks MLB-ready, arm a question mark)  potential mid-season callup
• Minor league catchers to watch: Nathan Fluellen (A+: .316/.381/.711) and Caden Bodine (A-ball: .380/.446 OBP) — both putting up remarkable early numbers
•  Adding bullpen catchers with a system-wide catching focus

AAA Depth Concerns

• The Durham Bulls' pitching depth is thin
• Hopkins & Boyle - working through mechanical issues
• Starters (McClanahan, Rasmussen, Martinez, Matz) need to stay healthy
• Matz & Martinez now look like competitive assets rather than trade chips

Upcoming: Rays vs. Reds

• Terry Francona returns to face his former bench coach Kevin Cash
• The NL Central is legitimately competitive top-to-bottom — Reds (13-8), Pirates (13-9), Brewers & Cardinals (12-8), Cubs (11-9)
• Mat argues Tampa should be framing the stadium situation as an Orlando vs. Tampa battle, not a public vs. private money debate

Rays Stadium

• Ken Babby quote: "Should this commitment ultimately not be achievable, we would have no choice but to evaluate alternatives…there will be no shortage of potential options."
• Mat's proposed solution: city receives naming rights revenue until the public loan is paid back, then it transfers to the team
• Both hosts frustrated by what feels like a predetermined outcome ("shadow theater")

Positive Note to Close

• Tampa Baseball Museum at a Little League home run derby — a reminder of what baseball is really about
• Optimism about the Rays' small-ball shift; shoutout to Josh Weaver for his early-season prediction

Notable Mentions: Chandler Simpson, Jacob Melton, Caden Bodine, Nathan Fluellen, Taitn Gray, Nick Fortes, Dom Keegan, Shane McClanahan, Drew Rasmussen, Ramiro Caminero, Cedric Mullins, Brandon Lowe, Marcell Ozuna, Terry Francona, Kevin Cash, Ken Babby

Episode: The Tampa Baseball Museum with Josh Weaver

Hosts: Mark Corbett & Mat Germain
Guest: Josh Weaver, Curator of the Tampa Baseball Museum

Episode Overview

Mark and Mat sit down with returning guest Josh Weaver, curator of the Tampa Baseball Museum, to discuss the museum's history, community outreach, future modernization ideas, and the incredible depth of major league baseball talent that has come out of Hillsborough County, Florida.

Key Topics Covered

The Tampa Baseball Museum

• Located in a historic 1905 casita (home) in Ybor City — the former home of Al Lopez, the first player from Tampa to reach the major leagues
• One of only four museums in the U.S. housed in a player's actual birthplace or home (alongside the Babe Ruth Museum in Baltimore, Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum in Greenville, SC, and the Hank Aaron Museum in Mobile, AL)
• Focuses on Hillsborough County baseball history, not just the city of Tampa
• Currently features 121 players born or raised in Hillsborough County who made it to the major leagues, with 89 baseballs on the "baseball wall"
• Four Hall of Famers with Hillsborough County ties: Al Lopez, Wade Boggs, Tony La Russa, and Fred McGriff

Community Outreach

• Mobile museum that travels to little league opening/closing day ceremonies and local events
• Sponsors teams in West Tampa Little League
• Uses artifacts (like Tino Martinez's 2000 World Series jersey) to spark intergenerational baseball conversations
• Partners with local mascots (King Ripple, Finley, SouthPaw) for reading events at schools and libraries
• Hosts intimate "Coach's Corner" events featuring retired players and coaches (e.g., Larry Rothschild, David Magadan, Joe Maddon, Roberto Hernandez)

The Reading Series

• Josh has written a children's book on Baltimore's Camden Yards
• Upcoming releases: children's biographies of local judge and former minor leaguer Robin Fuson, and MLB veteran David Magadan
• Players have full review and editorial control over their books

Future Ideas Discussed

• Virtual reality and holographic technology to modernize the museum experience and attract younger visitors
• A "sandlot game" concept: retired MLB players vs. current regional coaches, to bridge generations and grow community engagement
• Preserving memories of the Tropicana Field via 360° VR before the venue changes
• Collaboration with other small baseball museums (Ty Cobb Museum, Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum) for cross-museum events

Notable Players & Names Mentioned
Al Lopez, Wade Boggs, Tino Martinez, Luis Gonzalez, Fred McGriff, Tony La Russa, Lou Piniella, Pete Alonso, Kyle Tucker, Preston Tucker, Kevin Cash, Brett Phillips, Logan Gilbert, Caglianone, David Magadan, Roberto Hernandez, Joe Maddon, Pop Cuesta, Pete Mulry, Nardi Contreras, Chuck Hernandez, Manny Seoane, Robin Fuson, Randy Myers, Clint Hurdle, Arminda Mata (CEO, Ybor Society)

Resources & Links

• Tampa Baseball Museum website: Search "Tampa Baseball Museum"
• Facebook / Instagram: Follow Tampa Baseball Museum for upcoming events and the newsletter
• Previous episode: Arminda Mata, CEO of the Ybor City Museum Society
• Previous episode: Robin Fuson (judge/former minor leaguer)
• Book mention: Baseball and the Law by Lou Schiff (features Robin Fuson and Tony La Russa)

BaseballBiz On Deck – Rays Tropicana Field Opening Day

Hosts: Mark Corbett & Mat Germain

Episode Overview
Mark and Mat celebrate the Tampa Bay Rays' Opening Day at Tropicana Field — the first game played there in 561 days — breaking down the action on the field and the excitement surrounding the return.

Topics Covered

Opening Day at the Trop

• Sellout crowd of 25,114 — tickets going for $162 in the morning, up to $260 by early afternoon
• The renovated Trop features a new single-layer roof letting in more natural light, a wire camera system, and even an in-stadium drone
• Mic issues aside, the energy was electric

Game Recap: Rays 5, Cubs 4

• Shane McClanahan returned to the mound and pitched 4 strong innings (1 hit, 4 walks, 2 K's) — pulled early to protect his arm as he continues rebuilding after 3 years away
• Home runs from Cedric Mullins, Junior Caminero (his 2nd), and Jonathan Aranda (his 3rd)
• Taylor Walls returned and contributed; Chandler Simpson stole two bases
• Pete Baker impressed out of the bullpen, showing intensity and a closer's mentality
• Nearly every Rays starter got on base

Joe Adell's Triple Robbing Game (Angels vs. Mariners)

• Discussion of Adell's incredible three-catch game — including a tumbling over-the-fence grab — and what it means for baseball fans everywhere

AL East Standings Check

• Rays at .500 (5-5) on a 3-game winning streak
• Blue Jays dealing with injuries (Alejandro Kirk, Bo Bichette out)
• Orioles struggling despite talent; Pirates looking like a team with energy and purpose
• Red Sox at 2-7 with a -15 run differential despite a loaded pitching staff
• Josh Fleming (ex-Ray) recalled by the Blue Jays

Stadium Talk & Future of the Trop

• Upcoming vote on April 15th regarding the new stadium deal — potential repercussions if it fails
• Orlando and Nashville mentioned as viable relocation options
• Governor DeSantis spotted chatting with new owner Zalupski at the game
• Mark and Mat acknowledge the herculean effort of players, staff, and city officials to make this opening day happen

Upcoming Schedule

• Cubs (series finale) → Yankees (home) → White Sox → at Pirates

Pitcher Health & Roster Expansion

• Ongoing discussion about protecting pitchers — Mat proposes a creative solution: day-after starters removed from the active roster, allowing an extra reliever without expanding the roster
• Broader CBA conversation — focus on player health and expansion before salary cap debates

Stadium Bucket List

• Mark plans trips to Kansas City (Royals vs. Angels) and the Negro Leagues Museum; also eyeing Petco Park and Texas
• Mat's top bucket list pick: Wrigley Field
• Discussion of what makes a stadium historic and soulful (Fenway, Camden Yards, PNC Park) — and what the Rays' new venue needs to achieve that

Key Names Mentioned
Shane McClanahan · Junior Caminero · Jonathan Aranda · Chandler Simpson · Pete Baker · Taylor Walls · Joe Adell · Josh Fleming · Vladimir Guerrero Jr. · Alejandro Kirk · Pete Alonso · Rafael Devers · Bobby Witt Jr. · Mike Trout · Bob Kendrick · Josh Gibson · Kevin Cash · Ken Hagan · Andy Freed · Governor DeSantis · Zalupski

First Baseball Fruits of the Season have fallen. There is still a whole orchard of games to be played. Josh Weaver joins

Guest: Josh Weaver — Author & Curator, Tampa Baseball Museum joins Hosts:  Mat Germain & Mark Corbett as we bite into the first week of the 2026 season.

Opening Day Energy & Early Season Highlights

• The joy of highlights returning after the winter lull
• MLB's condensed games and YouTube Shorts expanding fan reach
• The Dodgers making history with three consecutive starts by Japanese pitchers (Sasaki, Yamamoto, Ohtani)

ABS (Automated Ball-Strike) System

• The Brewers' banned "green card" signal system from the dugout
• Randy Arozarena's confident walk to first before the ABS ruling
• Joe West's critique: the strike zone box is 2D, not a 3D cube covering the full plate depth
• Yankees leading in ABS challenges (10, winning 80%)
• How ABS is training umpires toward consistency (CB Bucknor struggles highlighted)
• On-field explanations drawing fans in, similar to NFL referee announcements
• Speculation on how ABS challenges could impact player contracts and playoff pressure
• Rookies facing added pressure with challenge decisions in September call-ups

Umpire Consistency & the Future of Officiating

• Minor league umpires being trained on ABS from the start
• Potential impact on no-hitters and complete games
• The end of individual umpire strike zones

Player Incentive Ideas

• Mat's proposal: MLB-funded per-play incentives (e.g., $2,000 per double, $3,000 per triple) paid from luxury tax revenue
• How incentive-based contracts could shift player psychology and improve fan engagement

Miami Marlins Hot Start (5-1)

• Owen Caissie lighting it up, including a pinch-hit walk-off homer
• The Marlins building confidence with young talent and smart Orioles-style acquisitions
• Sandy Alcantara's continued leadership

Tampa Bay Rays Bullpen Concerns

• Pete Fairbanks thriving in Miami after the Rays declined his option
• Griffin Jax and the bullpen struggling to find their groove
• The cost of not picking up Fairbanks' option already showing in early losses
• Rays lineup performing well (Ben Williamson, Nick Fortes) but pitching out of sync
• Prospect Nathan Fluellen mentioned as a future catcher to watch

Tropicana Field Renovations & Rays Outlook

• Rays returning to a revamped Trop with new sound system, premium seating, and Dex Home Plate Club
• Josh Weaver predicting a .500 season — the most optimistic fan take so far
• Opening day excitement with new ownership

Closing Thoughts

• Minor league season kicking off — Triple-A already started, Low-A and full affiliates launching this week
• Encouragement to enjoy minor league ball, eat popcorn, wear sunscreen

Notes: The show Mark referenced is not Foul Talk it is Foul Territory. Our apologies to the show. Here is a link to the show referenced https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-fjGXJHhfE 

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Rays Opening Day Recap

• Drew Rasmussen's dominant first 5 innings vs. the Cardinals
• 6th inning bullpen collapse (Ian Seymour, Gary Clevenger, Griffin Jax)
• Kevin Cash's managerial decisions — making the right moves that didn't pan out
• Ben Williamson's 3-for-4 performance and the controversial pinch-hit substitution
• Offensive highlights: Carson Williams (110 mph exit velo), Johnny DeLuca (108 mph)
• Junior Caminero's defensive concerns at third base

Rays Roster & Former Rays News

• Jake Fraley's role as a platoon outfielder vs. right-handed pitching
• Ben Rortvedt, Vidal Brujan, and Curtis Mead all DFA'd by their respective teams — potential minor league returns?
• Shane Baz signs a 5-year, $60M+ deal with the Orioles

Stadium Situation

• Tropicana Field reopening and its importance to keeping the Rays in Tampa Bay
• St. Petersburg bridge burned — unlikely to host a new stadium deal
• Tampa's $1.5B funding challenge amid tough economic times
• Orlando's billion-dollar stadium offer and existing funding
• Montreal's billion-dollar roof project
• Competition for public funding with the Bucs and Lightning
• Brett Patrick Zalupski's development interests and potential Orlando connections

Around the League

• San Francisco Giants' struggles: blanked by the Yankees in their first two games
• Tony La Russa's new managerial role with Bruce Bochy and Dusty Baker as advisors

Tampa Baseball Museum Event

• Mark's recap: Roberto Hernandez, Joe Maddon, and Matt Joyce in attendance
• Heartwarming story of Matt Joyce's daughter and the signed baseball drawing

Durham Bulls & Minor League Watch

• Trey Morgan, Jacob Melton (potential early call-up), Logan Workman, Brody Hopkins
• Encouragement for fans to follow the minor league pipeline

Mentioned Shows & People:

• The Brent Cardy Show can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/esU1tRjkbHg?si=Hc2h7Dwq6I3i4hqn
• The Cardy Show on Spotify at  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7sDZeA1Krz8suMdkSigqhT?si=dzyqYvYqSli-ux7LRB8Wgg

Thanks for listening to BaseballBiz On Deck - www.baseballbizondeck.com
Like & subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck.  You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizondeck.com
  Also you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky social