• Season Perspective Shift
  • Reflects on changing expectations — from World Series hopes to just aiming for .500.
  • The Rays’ season to running with a persistent side stitch: fatigue, inconsistency, and frustration.
• Hitting Development Concerns
  • Rays’ persistent issue developing hitters in the minors.
  • Lack of homegrown impact bats compared to players like Yandy Díaz and Junior Caminero (both acquired from Cleveland).
  • Call for a full review of the hitting development pipeline from A-ball through AAA.
• Catcher Development Struggles
  • Catcher development cited as a long-time organizational weakness.
  • Current options: Feduccia, Fortes, and top prospect Dom Keegan.
  • Potential position flexibility: Feduccia as a backup 1B if Yandy departs.
• Rays’ Current Roster & Injuries
  • Impact of losing Jonathan Aranda late in the season.
  • Encouragement from Carson Williams’ growth.
  • Rays’ financial flexibility after shedding contracts like Ha-Seong Kim’s.
  • Core of 12 players under 27 on the 40-man — cheap and controllable talent.
• Kyle Tucker Injury News
  • Tucker hits the IL; possible shoulder concerns impacting his free agency.
  • Discussion of injury secrecy and how it affects players’ futures.
• Chicago Series Talk
  • Josh Lowe’s HR and RBI despite a tough defensive moment
  • HRs from Tristan Gray, Richie Palacios, and Lowe
  • Praise for Tristan Gray’s progress and versatility
  • Shoutout to Jake Mangum’s continued strong play
  • White Sox young bright spots: Montgomery and Kyle Teel
• White Sox Future Uncertainty
  • Stadium/ownership questions looming.
  • Possibility of relocation if new stadium plans fail.
  • Mat floats potential markets (Nashville, Portland, Montreal, Salt Lake City).
• Rays Ownership Update
  • Stu Sternberg likely to remain a minority owner during transition.
  • Involvement of Orlando and Jacksonville investors.
  • Need for Stu’s experience navigating Tropicana lease and Wander Franco contract issues.
• Wander Franco Update
  • Reported to be in a clinic dealing with mental health concerns.
  • Discussion of legal and visa obstacles for an MLB return.
  • Potential path playing in Caribbean leagues instead.
• Mariners’ Magical Attempt
  • A Mariners fan hires an Etsy witch (“Spell by Luna”) for $19.99 to break their losing streak.
  • Reflections on baseball superstition, rituals, and karma.
  • Joe Maddon’s history of thinking outside the box (like bringing in Seminole medicine man Bobby Henry).
• Rays Playoff Reality Check
  • Rays lagging behind in AL Wild Card standings (Yankees, Red Sox, Mariners, Rangers, Guardians, Royals ahead).
  • Brutal upcoming schedule: Cubs, then 7 games vs. Blue Jays and 3 vs. Red Sox
  • Mat doubts the Rays can catch up, citing struggles vs. those opponents
  • Mariners’ struggles on the road might be only hope for Rays to sneak in

2026 Changes

• Rays need major changes to player development — especially hitters & catchers.
• Ownership shift could bring new vision and spending flexibility.
• Rays, Minor league team Bowling Green Hot Rods are making a run for the championship
• Hot Rods championship games on Thurs, Sept 11 & Friday, Sept 12 https://www.milb.com/bowling-green/tickets/single-game-tickets

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