- 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 baseballbizondeck@gmail.com BaseballBiz on Deck, at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com
Special Thanks to Scott Holmes for the music Stomps & Claps
