The Drive w/TKras

Marc Topkin from the Tampa Bay Times joins TKras to discuss the Rays recent 3 game win streak & sweep of the Red Sox. They discuss Drew Rasmussen & his stellar last couple of starts. Nick Fortes solidifying the Catcher position, Johnny DeLuca possibly returning from his injury, Bryan Baker being an absolute stud as the Rays closer, & they preview the couple of series out West in LA. It is a phenomenal interview, that you are not going to want to miss!

Benjamin Morrison has a leg injury & would not specify further. TKras discusses how the loss of Jamel Dean may affect the Bucs more than Evans or David.

TKras also talks about how Drew Rasmussen owned the Red Sox yesterday & has been getting a higher workload in his last 2 starts. The injury report may be turning in the Rays favor.

TKras does his opening drive discussing how tougher the OTAs seem to be. It is a change of pace for the Bucs from the past. This is an interesting division TKras believes that a 10 win season locks up this division. This might be a make it or break it year for Todd Bowles. Also, will Baker get his contract? TKras believes that it is not as easy as we would like to believe.

**Podcast Description:**

It's time for another edition of **Would You Rather** on *The Drive with TKras!*

TKras puts **Chris Mathis** on the hot seat with a series of tough Tampa Bay sports choices. When forced to pick between the Buccaneers and Rays, which way will Chris lean? From championship scenarios and franchise-defining moments to fan-favorite players and impossible hypotheticals, nothing is off the table.

Will he ride with the Bucs? Back the Rays? Or find himself stuck between two impossible choices?

Tune in as TKras and Chris debate, laugh, and defend their picks in a fun-filled segment that every Tampa Bay sports fan can play along with.

**Download now and see where Chris lands on the biggest Bucs vs. Rays questions!** 🎙️🏈⚾

The Tampa Bay Rays have turned their home ballpark into a fortress against their biggest rivals.

After improving to 12-0 at home against AL East opponents this season, the Rays continue to prove they can dominate the games that matter most. On this episode of The Drive with TKras, TKras examines what that remarkable record says about this team and how it impacts their chances in one of baseball's toughest divisions.

Is it a sign of a legitimate contender? Does winning consistently against division opponents create a psychological edge as the season progresses? And how much could this home-field dominance matter when the playoff race heats up?

TKras breaks down the Rays' success against the AL East, discusses what's driving their dominance at home, and explains why these wins could pay major dividends in the standings as the season unfolds.

**Podcast Description:**

The Tampa Bay Rays just completed a statement sweep of the Boston Red Sox, and on this episode of *The Drive with TKras*, TKras breaks down what makes this Rays team different from so many others.

Is it the pitching depth? The relentless lineup? The organizational culture that continues to maximize talent year after year? Or is there something even more unique about the way this club competes?

TKras dives into the qualities that have fueled the Rays' success, examines the key contributors behind the sweep, and explains why this team continues to outperform expectations while staying firmly in the postseason conversation.

Plus, thoughts on the Rays' biggest strengths, what challenges lie ahead, and whether this group has what it takes to make a deep October run.

**Subscribe, download, and join the conversation on *The Drive with TKras*.** ⚾🎙️

On this episode of **The Drive with TKras**, it’s time to play Fill in the Blank with Chris Mathis as the conversation turns to two of Tampa Bay’s biggest storylines heading into 2026. First up: *Baker Mayfield will ____ in 2026*—what does TKras expect from the Bucs quarterback in a pivotal season for his future in Tampa Bay? Then, shifting over to the diamond: *The Tampa Bay Rays are ____*—what’s the real outlook for the Rays as they continue to retool and chase contention? TKras breaks down both answers with honest analysis, bold predictions, and plenty of debate along the way.

On this episode of The Drive with TKras, the debate gets real as TKras goes head-to-head with a Buccaneers fan who does NOT want the team to pay Baker Mayfield. With contract talks looming, the conversation dives into whether Mayfield has truly done enough to earn a long-term deal in Tampa Bay or if the Bucs would be better off walking away. TKras breaks down the performance, the market reality, the roster fit, and the risks on both sides of the decision. It’s a passionate, back-and-forth discussion that captures the split opinion across Bucs Nation—and puts the big question front and center: is Baker Mayfield worth the investment?

Take It Or Leave It returns with another debate-filled edition covering the biggest stories in Tampa Bay sports. This week's featured question from Chris Mathis: Can Baker Mayfield lead the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl? TKras weighs the evidence, examines Mayfield's growth in Tampa Bay, evaluates the talent around him, and considers what it would take for the Bucs to make a championship run. Will TKras Take It or Leave It? Tune in to find out as he delivers his verdict and tackles the latest headlines from across the Tampa Bay sports landscape.

**Take It Or Leave It** returns with another debate-filled edition covering the biggest stories in Tampa Bay sports. This week's featured question from Chris Mathis: *Can Baker Mayfield lead the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl?* TKras weighs the evidence, examines Mayfield's growth in Tampa Bay, evaluates the talent around him, and considers what it would take for the Bucs to make a championship run. Will TKras Take It or Leave It? Tune in to find out as he delivers his verdict and tackles the latest headlines from across the Tampa Bay sports landscape.