Gratitude -  Thank you to Canadians, including Mat Germain, for their contributions during hurricanes and wildfires in Florida and California.

• Excitement for upcoming 2025 Baseball Season
• Spring Training dates: Pitchers and Catchers Report: February 12, 2025.
• Truck Day: February 3, 2025 (celebrated by teams like the Boston Red Sox).
• Collegiate Baseball Opening Days, Division I: February 14, 2025, Division II: January 31, 2025.

Rays Prospects and Player Analysis

• Junior Caminero: Graduated from prospect status in 2024, no longer a rookie.
• Carson Williams - best defensive prospect in minor league baseball (MLB executives' poll). Willaims combines elite defense and power but still developing his hitting.
• Chandler Simpson - Stole 104 bases in 2024, known for speed and strong hitting.
• Xavier Isaac - Emerging as a power hitter, possibly a future left fielder.

Rays' System Outlook

• Prospects like Williams, Simpson, and Isaac could fill critical positions
• Pipeline of elite outfielders for the first time since the late 2000s
• Strategic trades opened opportunities for younger players to rise

Drew Rasmussen Update

• Signed a two-year extension with the Rays
• Career ERA is consistently below 3.00, with a steady WHIP (~1.04)
• Limited innings pitched due to past injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries.
• Contract reflects his dual potential as a reliever or starting pitcher, with incentives ranging from $8M to $20M in 2026

Team Strength and Roster Decisions

• The Future of Brandon Lowe and Yandy Díaz
• Developing infield and outfield talent reflects a strategy for long-term success.
• Expect a transformative 2025 season with young talent stepping up

 Fixing the Trop is it worth it?

Ex-Rays – where are they now

• Charlie Morton – Orioles replacing Corbin Burnes
• Blake Snell  - Dodgers
• Nathaniel Lowe traded to the Nationals
• Amed Rosario to Nationals
• Tommy Pham?

Cincinnati Reds  & the Tito Effect

• Gavin Lux traded from Dodgers to the Reds
• Tony Tito Francona now managing the Cincinnati Reds
• Tito & Kevin Cash have always built strong connections with their teams
• Elly De La Cruz amazing talent may grow under Tito

 Waiting for another big trade for the Rays 

Thanks to Mat Germain for bringing his knowledge, wit and wisdom to the show. You can catch more of Mat on BlueSky @matgermain.bsky.social

Mark can be found on BlueSky at @baseballbizondeck.bsky.social & and at  http://www.baseballbizondeck.com

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 Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward