RaysUp - 2024 Tampa Bay Rays MLB Spring Training begins

BaseballBiz On Deck

Mat Germain @Mat_Germain_ & Mark talk about the first days of MLB Spring Training.

• Spring Training weather – Canada or Florida
• Can’t take Spring Training seriously just ask Nolan Ryan
• Mat highlights Trevor Martin's pitching performance for the Rays, and his potential for the future.
• Battery sparks - pairing pitchers & catchers and the role of catchers like Rob Brantley in mentoring young pitchers.
• Mat shares his background, starting with blogging about the Blue Jays and later focusing on the Rays due to an opportunity and his appreciation for their approach for their game.
• MLB's prospect rankings for the Rays
• Top 100 prospects – 4 Rays
  • #4 Junior Caminero – SS/3B
  • #20 Carson Williams – SS (what about Walls)
  • #55 Curtis Mead 3B/2B
  • #58 Xavier Isaac – 1B
  • What about - Austin Schendon
• Kudos to owner Stu Sternberg and the impact of Erik Neander's leadership.
• Mat praises Neander for his targeted approach to acquisitions and player development.
• They briefly discuss the MLB's prospect rankings for the Rays, mentioning players like Junior Caminero, Carson Williams, Curtis Meade, and Xavier Isaac.
• Mat discusses the importance of monitoring player health and performance, particularly Blake Snell and Michael Montgomery.
• The hosts speculate on the Rays' financial flexibility and potential roster moves, especially regarding top prospects like Junior Caminero.
• They mention an exhibition game between the Rays and the Red Sox in the Dominican Republic on March 9th.
• Mat discusses the emotional and physical toll on young athletes like Wander Franco, emphasizing the need for support and guidance.
• They criticize the quality of MLB uniforms, suggesting that improvements should be made.
• Mark and Mat highlight the Rays' success in developing front office personnel, contrasting it with other teams' experiences.
• They express excitement for the upcoming season and encourage fans to support the Rays.
• Uniforms - Will a new MLB Commissioner bring a fresh perspective on marketing
• Dominican Republic Spring Training game Boston Red Sox v Tampa Bay Rays
• What will happen to the Wander Franco millions. Spend it on Junior Caminero?
• X-Rays – Jake Cronenworth with the Padres, Mike Brosseau with the Royals and Matt Quartraro, Joey Wendle and gloveless love, Willie Adames in Milwaukee. Could Blake Snell come back with a 1-year contract with the Rays
• Tampa Bay Rays Front Office & Coaching Migrations subject for a future episode.
• Theo Epstein and the Red Sox
• Erik Neander & Andy Friedman building a successful team withray Stu Sternberg
• Competitive nature of hungry Tampa Bay Rays players this Spring Training
• 100 Game Winner this year?

Thanks to Mat Germain for bringing his knowledge, wit and wisdom to the show. You can catch find more of Mat on Twitter x.com @Mat_Germain_
Mark can be found on Twitter @TheBaseballBiz & at http://www.baseballbizondeck.com
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