BaseballBiz On Deck

Blue Jays: Dylan Cease, which looked like their rotation anchor, Cody Ponce from KBO, Trey Yesavage unlikely to be sent down given his playoff performance.

International & Return Signings

Cody Ponce: MVP-caliber KBO season; Jays invest $30M/3 yrs.

Anthony Kay returns from Japan after dominating Signs with White Sox; may translate to mid-rotation MLB value.

Injury Comebacks & Pitching Depth  (Cole, Manoah).

Alek Manoah signs $1.95M deal with Angels.

Angels, Manoah & Grayson Rodriguez may be multi-inning relievers 

Free Agency Unsigned: Bregman, Alonso, Realmuto, Bassett, Tucker, Pham, Verdugo, Renfroe, Margot and more.

Cedric Mullins joins Rays on 1-year, $7M contract; possible trade chip later.

CBA & Market Slowdown Concerns
Teams may hesitate due to uncertainty around upcoming CBA.

Mark wonders whether clubs fear a lost season.

Winter Meetings in Orlando next week — Mark may attend.

Offseason Transaction “Pauses”
What will the Rays outfield look like with Cedric Mullins joining the Tampa Bay Rays - Chandler Simpson, Ryan Vilade, Jonny DeLuca, Josh Lowe, Jake Fraley, Richie Palacios, Jake Mangum

MLB Outfield economics projections
 Rays will spend - $12.4 million
 Blue Jays spend - $55.8 million
 Yankees spend - $93 million

"Sometimes you get what you pay for"

Chandler Simpson's very young can, he can steal a hundred bases & Vilade has room to grow

Cedric Mullins  will bring a performing experience that & he can be an on-field coach for the other outfielders

Value of Homer Bush Jr 

Rays have needed to get more Left-Handed

Ray Delgado’s potential may have been overlooked – “ he's an excellent defender. He has power potential so he could hit, , 10 home runs and above, high work ethic, high leadership. Plus won MVP in AAA

Delgado compared to Jake Mangum & Mike Brosseau

Rays Fan Fest – will there be one this year, where will we be held, Steinbrenner Field or Trop Parking Lot

New Stadium Will Elsa from Frozen be building the new Tampa Bay Rays fall

Will Rays will be a Trop team through 2029?

Hall of Fame 
Mat’s choices - Carlos Delgado & Jeff Kent
Voters include: Kim Ng, Fergie Jenkins, “Ozzy Smith. Probably one of the cleanest players you could ever imagine &  highly skilled. And I know he takes his job seriously as a voter, right? Alan Trammell, same deal. Robin Yount, same deal. I have no doubt in my mind that they hold people to account when it comes to steroids

The voting is complicated - ugh!

How about a Hall of Fame museum in Vegas that would tell the story of baseball

Don Mattingly (Donnie Baseball) – leaves the Toronto Blue Jays. What’s next – could Mattingly replace Aaron Boone with the Yankees

Would Don Mattingly work with a new league like the new professional softball league

10 managers changes - looking for stability

Who should be held accountable for a team's success, the owner/front office or the manager. Look at John Gruden as an example.

Crossing our fingers & toes for Stadium News & Healthy Pitching Arms

Remember the Season of Giving 

Neil Solondz with the Purple Stride -
To join go to http://support.pancan.org/goto/neilsolondz

Find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark @  [email protected] BaseballBiz on Deck, @ iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com 
Special Thanks to XTaKe-R-U-X for the music Rocking Forward

Thanksgiving “Recipes” for 30 MLB Teams

AL East Power Shifts

• Red Sox add Sonny Gray, creating a potential rotation anchor alongside Crochet
• Yankees uncertainties: Garrett Cole’s health, unproven young arms
• Orioles lose Grayson Rodriguez
• Blue Jays surge by adding Dylan Cease and retooling their rotation
• Is it now a Red Sox & Blue Jays division for 2026

What does it take to get a top tier player  - Cash - Payouts - Location - Teams

Blue Jays Go All-In

• Toronto surpasses the 2026 luxury tax for the first time.
• Dylan Cease deal 
• building a legacy around young starter Trey Yesavage and a veteran rotation mix of Gausman, Berríos, Bieber, and Cease
• Bo Bichette’s future with Blue Jays or elsewhere & getting out of Vladdy's shadow

What does it take to get a top tier player  - Cash - Payouts - Location - Teams

What’s cooking with the Rays Roster

• The club DFA’s Jake Fraley to avoid arbitration—then brings him back and save over half of a million .
• Cooking ‘up a stew for Tampa Bay’s outfield mix:
•  Jake Fraley, Ryan Vilade, Chandler Simpson, Josh Lowe, Jonny DeLuca, Richie PalaciIos, Jake Mangum.
• Does Rays’ aggressiveness lag behind AL East rivals.
• Extend Junior Caminero – a punch of positivity for the future of the Rays & the fans
• Loving past Rays players including Isaac Paredes & Joey Wendle
• Kyle Tucker or Alex Bregman - who would you choose
• Longevity vs immediate impact performance
• Mat  “you never want to pay for what they did. You want to pay for what they're going to do.”
• Kyle Tucker with Rays, Cubs, Dodgers and at what price 
• Randy Arozarena - a talent undervalued
• Vernon Wells - Anthopoulos hot potato unloaded

Anthony Rendon & Angels Buyout

Gil Meche walked away from Royals leaving $12 million behind

Measuring beyond Analytics 

• Mental health considerations
• Character evaluation should factor more heavily into long-term contracts.
• Big-moment - Clutch rating
• Being a good teammate & building comradery
• Reflect on 2020 Rays’ energy and Arozarena/Phillips sideline moments 
• Contrast drawn with Anthony (Eeyore) Rendon negative presence & how moving on could re-energize Mike Trout and the Angels.

World Baseball Classic Excitement

•  WBC iconic moment - Trout vs. Ohtani 
• Japan’s dominance, Yamamoto–Ohtani 
• Should MLB should pause season or adjust the All-Star break to improve WBC pitching quality.

Scheduling Challenges Across Sports
Overlapping sports calendars 

multiple leagues compete for fan attention.

Women’s Pro Baseball League – WPBL Draft
Draft Day party at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers during the first WPBL draft.

600+ players evaluated

120 drafted

4 teams, 30 draftees each, later trimmed to 15

Notable talent: Kelsie Whitmore, Ayami Sato

Several players from the USA Women’s National Team 
 Reflection on MLB’s support for women's softball vs. women’s baseball

Pay to Play & Record – Youth sports can penalize parents & team standings if parents record sports at some locations.

Find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark @  [email protected] BaseballBiz on Deck, @ iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com 
Special Thanks to XTaKe-R-U-X for the music Rocking Forward

Baseball United: A New Frontier from the United Arab Emirates

• Games played in convertible stadium in Dubai to seat 6,500–37,000
• 4 Teams: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, Karachi
• Season: Just 9 games per team 
• Ownership: Major MLB names—Barry Larkin, Adrian Beltre, Robinson Cano, Robinson Chirinos, Elvis Andrus

Savannah Bananas–style rules:

• Inning-Ending Fireball: 
• Designated Runner: 3x per game.
• No Extra Innings: Ties are resolved via Home Run Derby.
• Moneyball At-Bats: Up to 3 per game, doubling all runs scored
• Cricket dominates Gulf region
• Dubai’s population is 90% expatriates, could help broaden interest.
• Future presence in the World Baseball Classic?

Reflections of LIV for Baseball United Path

• Impact on PGA with LIV rival
• Controversy on poaching players 
• Jack Nicklaus wins $50 million defamation judgmen

Looking Ahead

• Potential MLB affiliations with international winter leagues
• Minor leaguers finding opportunities in Dubai, Asia, and the KBO
• The Rays' roster churn, offseason moves, and Tropicana Field progress
• Insights into the WPBL (Women’s Professional Baseball League) draft
• MLB broadcast access concerns and comparisons to MLS/Apple TV https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-announces-media-rights-deals-with-espn-nbc-netflix
• Thoughts on upcoming MLB–MLBPA CBA
• Navigating evolving baseball ecosystem across the globe

Baseball United & Global Pathways

• MLB teams could form informal player-development relationships with the league—similar to the Rays’ connection with the ABL’s Perth Heat.
• Discussion of how U.S. minor leaguers might embrace winter opportunities in Dubai for life experience and player growth.
• Rays Bob Seymour and Forrest Whitley released to pursue international contracts.
• Bob signs w/ Orix Buffaloes in Japan
• Japanese & Korean pitching forces hitters to evolve,

The Rays’ Offseason Overhaul

• Roughly 28 players have departed the organization already.
• Roster impact w/ Rule 5 Draft approaching.
• Brandon Lowe rumored to be on the market.
• Recent DFA decisions, Jake Fraley and Christopher Morel 
• Construction activity on the Trop.
• Mat suggests Rays’ upper-deck $2 seating all season to boost atmosphere & attendance.

WPBL (Women’s Pro Baseball League) Preview

• Inaugural WPBL Draft takes place Thursday, November 20, 2025.
• Format: 6 rounds, 4 teams, 20 picks per round selecting 120 players
• Notable prospects include Kelsie Whitmore and Mo’ne Davis
• Early tryouts 600+ athletes evaluated at Nationals Park
• Fans can watch the draft on TikTok & YouTube

Broadcasting & CBA Looming

• Increasing number of subscriptions needed to watch a single MLB team—citing the Yankees as an extreme example. 
• How many sources do I need to watch my team - Here is the source that Mat referenced - https://atmlb.com/4r9W14K
• MLS’s simple, blackout-free Apple TV deal & accessibility 
• CBA on the horizon & importance of keeping fans connected 
• New leagues, new media landscapes, global player movement, & expanded opportunities for women in the sport.

Find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark @  [email protected], iHeart, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com 
Special Thanks to XTaKe-R-U-X for the music Rocking Forward

Hall of Fame Attorneys, Gambling in the Game &  MLBPA / CBA

• Eleven attorneys enshrined in Cooperstown, beginning with Kenesaw Mountain Landis and ending with Tony La Russa.
• Each chapter written by a law professor or librarian, edited by Professor Robert Jarvis for a unified voice.
• Stories go beyond the plaques — revealing lesser-known truths, scandals, and achievements.
• “In baseball, when the number nine hitter gets up, everybody holds their breath — that’s what makes this game so great.” – Lou Schiff
• “We wanted to tell the stories behind the plaques — the legal lives that shaped the game.” – Lou Schiff
• Highlights & Discoveries
  • Landis’ dual role as judge and commissioner — and the ethics code that arose because of it.
  • Branch Rickey’s pioneering fight for equality in baseball
  • John Montgomery Ward’s role in forming the first players’ union
  • Tony La Russa’s law school mentor inspired him — and how La Russa later mentored others, like Judge Robin Fuson, to pursue law
  • Insights on Bowie Kuhn, William Shea, and the intersection of law and leadership in baseball
• Gambling impacting future of baseball & Player representation
  • Cleveland Guardians gambling scandal an echo of the Black Sox case a century later
  • A shift from “No Gambling” signs to DraftKings banners on outfield walls
  • Legal influence on player rights, agents, and representation within MLBPA and the expanding Minor League union.
  • Reflections on Harry Marino’s impact on minor leaguers’ inclusion in the MLB Players Association
  • From Pete Rose to 2025 player allegations on Cleveland Guardians fixed first pitches
  • Has MLB’s partnership with betting platforms created integrity risks?
  • “It’s like steroids. Everyone knew it was coming — and it’s only going to get worse.” 
• Lawyers in the Locker Room
  • Players agents and legal counsel 
  • Marvin Miller’s leadership transformed labor relations
  • MLBPA lawyers continue to shape player rights.
  • The growing influence of minor leaguers under the MLBPA and the rise of Harry Marino as a new labor voice.
• Business Before Baseball
  • The MLB industrial complex” — prioritize profit over parity. – reference to Craig Calcaterra book, Rethinking Fandom
  • The Marlins’ small-market struggles vs. big-spending teams like Dodgers & Mets
• Relegating Bottom Feeders - Salary caps, minimums, and revenue transparency 
  • Relegate bottom MLB teams from the game until their front office & team can prove they belong
  • What if AAA clubs could rise to MLB status? 
  • What if expansion required winning your way in?

Attorneys in the Baseball Hall of Fame, can be found at https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/attorneys-in-the-baseball-hall-of-fame/?srsltid=AfmBOooqiO22Codod2rmGfU9La5XnAyz3tu8WTwz1y5ry3BaBSxqSCew  

 Find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark @  [email protected] BaseballBiz on Deck, @ iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com 
Special Thanks to XTaKe-R-U-X

World Series Recap: The Jays outscored the Dodgers overall, but clutch plays sealed the outcome. Shoutouts to standout performances by Ernie Clement, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Alejandro Kirk, Addison Barger, and Trey Yesavage.

Will Smith & Addison Barger – need we say more MVP

Dodgers Depth & Dollars: From Miguel Rojas’ heroics to the $500M payroll, the hosts debate whether baseball needs a salary cap and floor to level the field.

CBA & Player Pay: Comparing MLB’s system with the NHL, NBA, and WNBA—Mark and Mat discuss open books, player-owner revenue splits, and how Scott Boras clients may influence negotiations.

Leadership & Labor: MLB and the Players Association need to “grow up” before the next CBA fight.

Blue Jays’ Core: The future of Bo Bichette, Vladdy Jr., and the culture shift led by George Springer.

Aging Dodgers & Ohtani’s Durability: Can Shohei keep excelling both on the mound and at the plate as he ages?

Call to the Post - Tampa Bay Rays Roster Overhaul: Rays DFA and move on from nearly half their 40-man roster — Mat calls it both “encouraging and frustrating.” #RaysUp 2026

Familiar Faces Return: Jake Fraley and Tristan Gray are back despite prior injuries and struggles.

Farewell to Fairbanks: Rays part ways with Pete Fairbanks — was it a respectful release or a missed trade opportunity?

Pitching Shifts: Ian Seymour’s drop shocks fans; Forrest Whitley and Yoniel Curet could step up.

Outfield Overload: Ten outfielders on the 40-man roster — what’s the plan?

Shane McClanahan Future: Could injuries push him into a closer role?

Welcome Back, Ozzie Timmons: The beloved coach returns; Mat breaks down his quiet success improving OBP in Milwaukee with the Brewers.

Taylor Walls Extended: What it means for Carson Williams’ timeline and the shortstop spot. Hopefully we will see improvement with his bat at the plate for Taylor

2026 Roster: Adding of 2 ex-Reds

“J-Fetish” Alert: Mat jokes that Eric Neander’s obsession with players whose names start with “J” is getting out of hand. Intervention may be needed

Looking Ahead: Updates on Winter Ball, the Australian Baseball League, WBC, World Baseball Classic, 2026, and the upcoming WPBL, Women’s Professional Baseball League draft.

 Find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark @  [email protected] BaseballBiz on Deck, @ iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com 
Special Thanks to XTaKe-R-U-X for the music Rocking Forward

Games 6 & 7 in Canada

• Historic Game 3 clocked in at 6 hours and 39 minutes - 18 innings
• 19 pitchers used between both teams
• catcher taking the mound.
• Just hours after that exhausting game, Shohei Ohtani took the mound again in game 4 — still serving as DH — 

“If you told anyone 15 years ago that a player would pull that off, no one would believe you.”

• Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s clutch two-run homer off Ohtani flipped the series energy. - Mat calls Guerrero’s home run potentially “one of the top three or four in Blue Jays history” if they go on to win the Series.
• Bo Bichette continued to shine, proving the Jays’ depth and resilience.
• Their goal met: Bring the series back to Canada.
• With Springer out, Bichette moved to DH and Kiner-Falefa and Lucas filled in key roles — making the Jays more athletic.
• Chris Bassitt impressed in a bullpen role, 
• Ty France’s strong pinch-hit appearance gives Toronto another potent bat.

Game 5:

• Trey Yesavage vs. Blake Snell 
• Expect Gausman for the Jays and Yamamoto for the Dodgers Game 6.
• It’s a Rays reunion across the postseason — from Glasnow to Banda to Snell. Mark & Mat reminisce about seeing former Rays make waves in other uniforms.
• Bo Bichette’s confusing pickoff after a late ball call left everyone scratching their heads.
• Pitcher Steve Varland’s triple balk sequence had Mark doing double-takes before realizing it was a deliberate move to keep Max Muncy off second.

Human Side of the Game - Mat highlights the pure emotion of players realizing lifelong dreams:
“The way the Jays look around in awe — it’s that ‘pinch me’ feeling. That’s the human side of baseball I love.”

Managerial Moves & Rays Coaching Tree

• Derek Shelton lands with the Minnesota Twins after his time with the Pittsburg Pirates
• Rocco Baldelli rumored to join the Nationals.
• Craig Albernaz (ex-Rays minor leaguer & coach) hired to manage the Orioles — a move Mat calls “a brilliant under-the-radar snag.”
•  Rays’ remarkable impact across MLB dugouts.
• Skip Schumaker to the Rangers
• Tampa Bay’s offseason outlook — suggesting players like Brendan Donovan as ideal fits for the Rays’ flexible lineup
• Potential trade partners, including the Cardinals under new exec Chaim Bloom, and explains how Rays’ options on Pete Fairbanks and Brandon Lowe could shape roster moves
• President Ronald Reagan’s special message: “Baseball Diaper Diamond” clip
  https://www.facebook.com/reel/765496489237266
  Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute
• Rays trade targets: Donovan, Fairbanks, Lowe, Wallner, O’Hearn
• Chaim Bloom’s Cardinals blueprint
• Anticipating the WPBL draft and first season
• Will World Series trophy & team have a warm presidential welcome
• Predictions for remainder of the World Series
• Mark’s personal health update, Thanks for prayers + message on healthcare access
• Call to federal government officials to extend ACA subsidies & to encourage maintaining SNAP benefits for those in need
• Healthcare for profit is obscene

 Find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark @  [email protected] BaseballBiz on Deck, @ iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com 
Special Thanks to XTaKe-R-U-X

 It’s World Series time! Mat & Mark break down the 2025 matchup between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers, diving into the storylines, rivalries, and what this series means for both nations. 

Dodgers will not take their foot off the gas pedal

Tyler Glasnow is kind of a hit and miss pitcher, however

Blake Snell pitching effectiveness for the Dodgers

Batting power with Ernie Clement

Blue Jays players are 150% behind their manager

If Toronto takes 1 or 2 of the games in LA it could be a 6 or 7 game World Series

Former Blue Jay, Teoscar Hernandez is a powerful hitter for Dodgers, he will be able to deliver the scouting dirt on his former team

The return of Bo Bichette 

Question on depth of Blue Jays bullpen

Max Scherzer will be able to offer insight on his former team, the Dodgers

Mariners suffered with bullpen against the Blue Jays – certainly with George Springer

Jays Scherzer & Chris Bassitt – will they pitch more innings in World Series

Mariners

Logan Gilbert did not have his best results against the Blue Jays

Getting to know Bazardo     

Facing George Springer at bat “

Mariners Coach Dan Wilson's fearful look during their games with the Blue Jays

Jays Schneider exudes confidence

MLB 2025 Postseason Strong viewership this year

ALCS, between the Mariners and the Blue Jays, had 10 million viewers, a 32% increase in viewership over previous year

Playoffs games are averaging 4.3 million viewers. a 30% increase over last year

ALDS game 5 drew 8.72 million viewers – most viewership since 2011

ALCS, between the Mariners and the Blue Jays, had 10 million viewers - 32% increase in viewership over previous year

Playoffs games are averaging 4.3 million viewers. a 30% increase over last year

ALDS game 5 drew 8.72 million viewers – most viewership since 2011

Canadian audience contributed significantly to all of the numbers

Game 7 of the ALCS - record breaking viewership on SportsNet and SportsNet Plus, which brought in 11.8 million Canadians to the broadcast

WPBL League announces 4 city locations for 2026 launch – Boston, New York, Los Angeles & San Francisco

How will WPBL build audience to watch the game via tv, streaming & etc

Mo'ne Davis

Justine Siegal instrumental with Baseball For All & now WPBL

Need for Intra-sport support across MLB, NHL, NFL

Winter League games w/Major Leaguers like Nick Castellanos, Jason Chourio

Sports Equinox  - Get your remotes, popcorn and pizza ready - Monday, October 27, 2025, games being played across MLB, NHL & NFL

Mat’s journey to the Baltimore ESPN zone 

Harold Ramirez still out their working in Mexican League to get back into MLB

RaysUp – what is coming up with Pete Alonso & Luis Arráez

MLB “Meritocracy” Debate: MLB’s diversity page changes spark discussion on inclusivity and representation. 

DEI – DoD – Jackie Robinson take down and the brought back up

MLB.com changes to their DEI pages -  less inclusive of diversity than before?

Be aware of GroupThink

Aliens & Epstein files soon to be released

Go Jays!

Find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark @  [email protected] BaseballBiz on Deck, @ iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com 
Special Thanks to XTaKe-R-U-X for the music "Rocking Forward"

⚾ Playoff Pulse

• Mat disappointment with the Brewers’ and Blue Jays’ postseason struggles.
• Super teams,  like the Dodgers —super teams kill competition and fan excitement.

💰 Money, Mets & Moves

• Met’s payroll vs. performance and how poor pitching investments hurt them.
• Pete Alonso’s opt-out and Scott Boras’ pursuit of a 7-year deal — unrealistic? 
• Expect major roster reshuffling post–World Series 

🧢 The Manager Carousel

• A wave of managerial exits: Brandon Hyde, Bud Black, Davey Martinez, Bob Melvin, Ron Washington, Bruce Bochy, Mike Shildt, and more.
• Mark wonders: do managers have agents like players do?
• Mat recalls the Joe Maddon-to-Cubs controversy — proof that manager moves can get messy.
• Managers’ roles have shifted: more front-office control, less autonomy. Mat cites examples with the Yankees and Rays.

👥 What Teams Want Now

• Teams hire managers who “fit the mold” of ownership — compliant with analytics and front-office influence.
• Copycat hiring trends: clubs poach bench coaches from recently successful teams.
• Discussion of potential candidates & the shrinking number of independent skippers.

🧠 The Grind & Mental Toll

• Mark and Mat reflect on the stress of modern managing.
• Shildt’s comments about burnout and even gambling-related fan threats spark concern.
• Mark cites the case of Benjamin "Parlay" Patz, convicted for violent threats to Rays players — highlighting gambling’s dark influence.
• Mat draws parallels to systemic issues and argues gambling is eroding sports integrity and player safety.

🗣️ Manager movements

• Veteran managers like Buck Showalter and Joe Maddon may avoid returning to today’s analytics-driven climate.
• Mat suggests many could find peace and purpose in advisory or AA roles rather than MLB’s constant chaos.
• “Only one team wins each year,” Mat says — the rest face pressure, burnout, and endless turnover.

🔥 Key Topics

• Ban Sports Gambling Ads: restrictions similar to cigarette and alcohol ads, calling gambling a public health threat that harms families and communities.
• Fan’s toxic behavior—especially online—erodes sportsmanship. They suggest clear codes of conduct and real consequences for violators.
• Mental Health & Social Media: rising anxiety to impulsive behavior and online aggression.
• Integrity of the Game: risks of gambling-related corruption, from pressure on officials to potential hacking threats in AI-driven officiating systems.
• Postseason Highlights:
  Mariners, Brewers, Blue Jays, and ex-Rays performances dominate the October chatter—with nods to Randy Arozarena, Blake Snell, and others.
• Savannah Bananas Spotlight:
  Jesse Cole’s baseball-as-entertainment empire—now valued around $15 million and expanding to 45 states and MLB stadiums.
  Brett Phillips would be a perfect Banana.
• Neander’s Presser: Mat reexamines Erik Neander’s end-of-season remarks, reading signals about roster needs, hopes for moreoffensive firepower and new coaching energy while speculating on Evan Longoria’s potential return in a team role.

Find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark @  [email protected] BaseballBiz on Deck, @ iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com 
Special Thanks to XTaKe-R-U-X

Breakfast with 2 friends from Brooklyn, Joe Torre & Sandy Koufax, they unlocked what was different in the game today – That’s the story

• Positive Vibe w/Rays new owners , Cosgrove, Zalupski & Babby 
• No rule for “Caring about what you buy”
• Too much inventory - 165 games
• Build love in the game w/ Little League
• Empty seats in playoff games
• The Pitch Clock the most significant change in the game
• Bananas have exposed a central problem  – Fans Feel Alienated
• A $4 million dollar solution for the Cubs to bring kids to the games
• The dying generation of fervent fans needs to be replenished
• Peko Hosoi  Co-founder of MIT Analytics
• “Beat the Bot” finding a new way to engage young fans 
• Cape Cod League w/ Bette the Dog and Analytics
• Baseball & Nickelodeon broadcast model
• Jane’s grandma supported her love of the game 
• Never question anyone’s fandom, it is not logical
• A Sammy Esposito baseball glove gift from Grandma from Saks Fifth Avenue
• Finding Sammy Esposito 
• Baseball Gloves & an Easter Egg Hunt
• Rob Manfred cannot be blamed for many of the challenges today
• Adding more franchises will dilute the talent pool
• Health of the pitchers & their arms, but also to the health of the game.”
• Clayton Kershaw, Dave Roberts and a perfect game
• CTE’s – Dave Duerson 
• Safety of playing Baseball v Football
• We need someone with vision & passion to lead MLB
• Damage to Pitching Arms may start in Little League
• MLB report on shoulder and elbow injuries
• $1 billion dollars spent last year on elbow and shoulder injuries
• MLB has set a limit on how many days & times &months that kids can be scouted in high school and in college.
• Young ballplayers should play multiple sports
• 16 year olds attempting to throw 95 miles
• Jeff Dugas and internal brace surgery
• Planning your pitchers for each of the week 
• Mat  enjoys “the crafty people that have six, seven pitches”
• Keith Meister advises “Go Play Catch” for pitchers' health
• Comparing the newest Yankee Stadium to PETCO & PNC Park
• Fundamentals of the game have evolved into an offensive game
• Bring back the Skills competition 
• Upcoming CBA & Rob Manfred’s announcement on a lockout
• Jane’s father an entertainment lawyer worked w/people who hated one another &was able to still negotiate an agreement between the 2 parties
• Economist, Michael Halpert, came up with a fairly traditional cap, kind of, agreement way to do it, to split the money
• Luxury Tax money – not being used as intended -  grievances pending from 2018 to 19 - Why players don't trust the owners 
• Penalties for not spending the luxury could include          
  • sing all your draft choices
  • reduce 40 man roster to 35
  • Team could be relegated to AAA
• Mat proposes EFL model from England soccer could be applied to MLB
• Which MLB players will be involved in the next CBA negotiations
• Why is MLB salary lower than NBA & NHL?
• “you can't believe what your eyes tell you. You know, your eyes are wrong.”
• 50 years of experience is worth something
• Ron Washington the “Minister of Particulars”
• Science is suspect everywhere except in Analytics
• Peko – baseball is the canary in the coal mine
• Domain knowledge is often not valued
• The funeral of an aunt autograph request
• Bette the Dog

Find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark @  [email protected] BaseballBiz on Deck, @ iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com 
Special Thanks to XTaKe-R-U-X

Mat and analyst Mark dive into a big week for Tampa Bay baseball fans as the Rays transition to new ownership and the future of the franchise begins to take shape.

• Pumpkin spice & postseason baseball:
• Reflecting on Stu Sternberg’s era: 
  • Dropping the “Devil” & building consistent winning seasons. 
  • Iconic Rays moments: Evan Longoria’s homer, Brosseau vs. Chapman, Arozarena’s postseason magic. 
  • Sternberg’s legacy— building success on a budget & supports local causes
• Meet the new leadership: 
  • Spotlight on Ken Babby, incoming Rays CEO with a track record in minor league rebranding (Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, Akron RubberDucks).
  • Babby’s community-driven philosophy: family fun, affordable entertainment, and building strong local ties.Success stories: attendance boosts, stadium upgrades, and stronger fan connections.
• What’s next for the Rays: 
  • Potential rebranding and stadium renovations?
  • Immediate challenges facing new ownership, including stadium location decisions. 
  • How Babby’s experience and family sports background may help reshape the franchise & increase attendance
• Stadium talk with fresh perspective: 
  • Mark shares insights from meeting Janet Marie Smith (Orioles, Dodgers, Camden Yards architect) and her Yale architecture students studying stadium design along the Gulf Coast 
  • Review of past Rays stadium proposals—Suncoast Dome, Al Lang concepts, Gas Plant, Ybor visions, GASWORX,and more. 
  • Community-first design trends: mixed-use neighborhoods, retail, walkable spaces, and unique local character.
• Looking ahead: 
  • We’re feeling positive vibes from the Rays’ new leadership 
  • Looking forward to see the imprint they may make on the Rays team culture and stadium development.
  • Why patience and optimism are key as ownership takes its first steps

Key Quote:

"Families and corporate groups come to the games for the memories, not just for the wins and losses. It's about affordable family fun, community engagement, and creating moments that last." – Fast Forward Sports Group

Listen to the full conversation for in-depth analysis, stories from Tampa baseball history, and why the Rays’ future looks both challenging and full of promise.

 You can find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark at  [email protected] BaseballBiz on Deck, at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com 
Special Thanks to Scott Holmes for the music Stomps & Claps