BaseballBiz On Deck

⚾ Playoff Pulse 💰 Money, Mets & Moves 🧢 The Manager Carousel 👥 What Teams Want Now 🧠 The Grind & Mental Toll gambling-related fan threats🗣️ Manager movements 🔥 Key Topics Ban Sports Gambling Ads:Fan’s Mental Health & Social Media:Integrity of the Game:Postseason Highlights: Savannah Bananas Spotlight: Neander’s Presser:Find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark @ baseballbizondeck@gmail.com 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 with Rays new owners , Cosgrove, Zalupski & Babby No rule for “Caring about what you buy” Too much inventory with 165 games Build love in the game with Little League Empty seats in the 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 with 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and times and 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 The newest Yankee Stadium how does it measure to PETCO & PNC Park The fundamentals of the game – it has 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 with people who hated one another and 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. And when you ask why players don't trust the owners Penalties for not spending the luxury could include - losing 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 the MLB salary lower than NBA & NHL “you can't believe what your eyes tell you. Your, 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 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

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:Meet the new leadership:Ken BabbyWhat’s next for the Rays:Stadium talk with fresh perspective:Janet Marie SmithLooking ahead: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 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

 🎉 Lou Schiff’s Big News - Lou Schiff welcoming a new family member!Mark & Mat share their excitement and well wishes for the Schiff family.  📚 Lou’s Book: Hall of Fame Players Who Became Lawyers Discussion on Lou’s latest book featuring Hall of Famers like Tony La Russa who also pursued law. Which current MLB players might make good lawyers or judges Aaron JudgePete Fairbanks ⚖️ CBA & Player Issues  🌟 Roberto Clemente Legacy Luis Roberto ClementeLittle Legends 21 🏟️ The Rays & Stadium Questions  💰 Stu Sternberg’s Rays Era $1.7B sale⚾ Minor League Affiliates: Could Jacksonville become a AAA partner under new ownership?🥧 Montgomery Biscuits Championship: Rays Highlights:ABS Debate:Leadership & Legacy:Playoff Picture: 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

Rays Season Wrap-Up RaysUp Ryan Pepiot’s Upcoming Guests - authors Lou SchiffJane LeavyBlake Snell Trade Tree - Cole WilcoxIsiah Kiner-FalefaChandler Simpson’sJose CaballeroMarshall TooleTropicana Field & Stadium - Bright Spots & Looking AheadStadium & Tropicana Field UpdatesLeague & Ownership Landscape 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

Season Perspective ShiftHitting Development ConcernsCatcher Development StrugglesRays’ Current Roster & InjuriesKyle Tucker Injury NewsChicago Series TalkWhite Sox Future UncertaintyRays Ownership UpdateWander Franco UpdateMariners’ Magical AttemptRays Playoff Reality Check2026 Changes 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

BaseballBiz On Deck – Rays & Junior Caminero Rising Junior Caminero shines:Pitching & Team PerformanceWaivers & Roster Moves MLB EjectionsRafael Devers Jose Caballero (Yankees)Little League World Series --Williamsport Experience:LLWS History & Trivia:andOff the Field: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

Reflection on Tony Saladino – Tampa Baseball iconTampa Bay Rays Youth movementCarson WilliamsIan SeymourEverson PereiraBrian Van BelleJunior CamineroChandler SimpsonYandy DíazBrandon Lowe2026 - Little League World Series Experience4 games in a single dayBrooke Mrozek, Team Manager of the Florida Bolts Girls Baseball Team7–18Sparks, Nevada1st place (minor division)2nd place (minor division)coach10 collegiate women’s teams (WPBL)Bolts Player Developmentmonthly practicesFunding ChallengesnonprofitTampa Bay Rays50/50 raffleUpcoming Opportunity: The Barclay Cup in Australiafirst international team invitedtravel, lodging, tournament fees, and uniformsSupport the Florida BoltsFacebook & Instagram:Email:FloridaBoltsBaseball@yahoo.comDonations/Sponsorships:50/50 raffleClosing Message from Brooke - create opportunities and support girls in baseballYou 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

Mike BalujaLittle League World SeriesWest TampaWest Tampa Little Leagueimmigrant cigar familiesLou Piniella, Tony La Russa, Tino Martinez, Luis Gonzalez, David MgadanRicky Alfonso (“The Cat”) won 3 championships at Tampa Catholic High School - community bonds through baseballgrandson Julian’s baseball journeysongwriting careerfaith and communityMike Baluja's music can be found on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDd6iuGXDYGuVntiu-joe6g 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

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

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

If you enjoyed this show, go ahead like and subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck. Also you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky social. That's Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B, Sky social or Mark at Baseball Biz on Deck dot B Sky Social. You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com

If you enjoyed this show, go ahead like and subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck. Also you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky social. That's Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B, Sky social or Mark at Baseball Biz on Deck dot B Sky Social. You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com Special Thanks to Scott Holmes for the music Stomps & Claps

Carson Mead - Hot in AAA lets see what you can do – Future 30/30 guy Moving Taylor Walls to Shortstop and would be very attractive to other teams Chandler Simpson, Jake Mangum & Carson Williams speed “Speed doesn't slump” - John Gibbons Rays picking taller players – Glasnow, Snell Taller pitchers “don’t have as much lag between the push and the landing.” 22 picks of 2025 Rays Draft picks, none or under 6’ 2” including a 6’ 5” catcher Tall catchers with rocket arms can throw from their knees Alex Faedo is still in rehab Tampa Bay Rays speedsters – Stolen bases comparisons between Carl Crawford, Caballero & Simpson Chandler Simpson is changing the way pitchers pitch to the Rays Simpson gives 100% all of the time The Rays will continue to look at players who have speed around the bases Will a faster Tre' Morgan be the future Yandy Diaz? Will Rays bet on developing their own young players or look outside Relievers and Closers select your pitcher with the opposing team Yoniel Curet & Shane McClanahan might join us in September Bringing on Baker to the Rays, backup options for Fairbanks Red Sox & Alex Cora’s Ipads checking out the Rays relieving pitchers Baseball is a game of deception Rays Starters are burnt out – increased pitch counts & speed trend Mason Englert & Joe Boyle coming out of the pen Where is Louis Head? Rays pitching needs to develop more secondary pitches especially as they age into the game, including Kevin Gausman & Chris Bassit Glasnow would terrorize batters if he had a larger variety of pitchers Rich Hill, Bartolo Colón & Charlie Morton are still in the game because they love it. These veterans raise up the young players on the team Rob Manfred rides Ozzy’s Crazy Train to the White House & now the president wants to be commissioner by renaming Cleveland Guardians President was unable to purchase Indians years ago & now wants to change the Guardians name back to Indians – Native Americans are clamoring for the change – so says the white house Withholding federal funds for a stadium from Washington Commanders unless they change their name back to Redskins Harvard v Columbia MLB has instructed foreign players to carry their papers with them while traveling with the team Ozzy Osbourne takes us out to the ball game https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TPYI_Y3pWw

Ryan Woodward, founder of Women in Baseball Week & Women’s Baseball Heritage Trail Increasing awareness of Women’s Baseball St. Louis Cardinals became the first MLB team to participate publicly in Women in Baseball Week. Honoring Rockford Peach, Sue Parsons-Zipay of the AAGPBL Sue continued to promote girls & women in baseball through the American Girls Baseball (AGB) & the All-American Women’s Baseball Classic Exciting Era for Women’s Baseball Growth across platforms: Athletes Unlimited Softball, WPBL - women’s professional baseball league IWBC exhibit at Rockford Public Library running July–August “Rockford and Beyond”—ties local history to international developments. Artifacts from the Colorado Silver Bullets The 2026 Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage in Rockford 6 national teams will compete; IWBC hopes to also host the 2027 finals “See Her, Be Her”, a Jean Fruth documentary, showcasing women in baseball worldwide doing somethingSee Her, Be Her documentary“We’re not just celebrating the past; we’re making history right now. This is about flipping the culture. Women have always been at the center of baseball—you just have to look for it.” – Ryan Woodward 🔗 Resources & Links: Women in Baseball Weekhttps://womeninbaseballweek.org/wbht.orgiwbc.orgrockfordrivets.comSee Her, Be HerAll-American Women’s Baseball Tournament – Durham, NC: https://americangirlsbaseball.org/all-american-womens-baseball-classic/ Just a reminder you can find Mark on Blue Sky at @baseballbizondeck.b sky.social You may also find BaseballBiz On Deck on iheart, apple, spotify, amazon music & at www.baseballbizondeck.com, remember to like & subscribe. Special Thanks to X-Take-R-U-X for the music Rocking Forward

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

Level UmpWendelstedt Umpire Schooldonations Greta@LevelUmp.com website: https://www.levelump.com/ You can reach Mark at baseballbizondeck@gmail.com BaseballBiz on Deck, at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com

https://www.mlb.com/news/all-star-game-roster-rules-faq-c239654292https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/2025/07/02/womens-pro-baseball-league-announces-historic-2025-tryouts-at-nationals-park-in-washington-d-c/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

AL East Tightens up at the top, Yankees, Blue Jays & Rays Quiz: Which Living Legend has 1,000 wins as a player & 1,800 plus wins Tony Ciccarello, a West Tampa native with deep baseball roots, talks about the role of baseball in the West Tampa community, where it’s woven into the local culture and heritage. Excitement of Baseball in Tampa with the RaysGrowing Up with Baseball"Baseball Was My Life" Book DiscussionBaseball Was My LifeWest Tampa’s Baseball SuccessesCultural Unity Through BaseballLittle League World Series MemoriesSenior League TriumphsWest Tampa’s Legacy and Community Contributions:The Shift from Little League to Travel Ball:Lifelong Friendships Formed Through Baseball:Legacy of West Tampa Baseball and Community Spirit:Series CommentaryCommunity Roots & Family ConnectionsSaturday Night Games & Youth BaseballLong-Lasting FriendshipsWorld Series 2024 & Rays 2020 MemoriesThe Value of Youth Sports FacilitiesReference Notes & LinksWest Tampa Little League Baseball Was My Life Melone, Mary JoQuiz Answer Find Mat @matgermain.bsky.social & Mark @baseballbizondeck.bsky.social. You may also find Baseball Biz on Deck, at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at baseball biz on deck dot com Special Thanks to XTaKe-R-U-X for the music Rocking Forward,

Rays continue to win series: Mets, Tigers, & a strong start against the Royals. Cincinnati Reds’ Chase Burns strikes out the Yankees' top batters in the first inning. Chandler Simpson is back in the majors, though his defensive growth remains key 2021 Rays roster that won 100 games - who remains Contrasts between veterans like Clayton Kershaw & players who never make it to free agency. Impact of MLB Cutting Minor League Teams Manfred’s reduction from 160 to 120 minor league teams has affected player development—especially for international players. Lost opportunities for Latin American players Rays’ workaround: sending talent to the Australian Baseball League (e.g., Junior Caminero). Latin American Pipeline Challenges Limited playing time in complex leagues like the FCL (Florida Complex League) due to rehab assignments and draft influx. Some Players that are promoted too quickly, risking their development. Discussion on Rays’ strategic patience and international development system. Reduction in the number of minor league teams reduced the number of Latin America players Mat’s strategy for Merging minor league teams with collegiate teams Comparing the path to the majors of Jac Caglianone to that of Junior Caminero Australian Baseball League Propose 2 collegiate teams associated with each MLB team Ideal scenario of Yankees & Rays fighting it for the ALCS championship with the keys to George Steinbrenner Field given to the winner The Rays have gone “Old School” including bunting, running the bases Unknowable pitch of Chris Bubic’s “Ghost Pitch” – reminiscent of Brent Honeywell Yankees v Reds sneak peek – Elly De La Cruz Mat observes - pitchers that have a, a strong reliance on split fingers or sliders & throw them the hardest, tend to have the most surgeries Need to keep the Bullpen happy Trade Deadline - 8 to 10 days out before we see Trades start to come in Shortstops across Rays Minor Leaguers - Adrian Santanam Gregory Barriosm Carson Williams – also playing 3rd base as Ha-Seong Kim is currently SS Rays path to replace Wander Franco includes trading Luke Raley trading for Jose Caballero has proven well worth his versatility from SS or anywhere on the field Praise to Rays Scouting & Analytical teams for discovering new talent Fun new team names for proposed expansion teams to Vancouver, The Killer Whales, Nashville, The Nashville Whiskies What if the Kansas City Royals renamed themselves the Kansas City Monarchs A Montreal Expansion team could be the Montreal Royals these would reflect back on the history of the game in the Negro Leagues & Jackie Robinson Losing the Expos names removes the stigma of the past A trip to Kansas City to see the Royals & Negro League Baseball Museum Alan Alford at Rickwood with Dusty Baker Jack Stack’s as a must stop in Kansas City for Barbecue Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen’s has increased variations of his pitching Avoiding predictability in pitching – Taj Bradley Tampa Baseball Museum with Larry Rothschild & Dave Magadan Coaches Corner We will soon see X-Rays now with the Athletics, Jeffrey Springs + Jacob Lopez who is leading K/9 Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or Mark at @baseballbizondeck.bsky.social‬ BaseballBiz on Deck, at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com Special Thanks to Scott Holmes for the music Stomps & Claps