RaysUp - Where is Randy Arozarena, Detroit Tigers claw at TB Rays

230 Arozarena BaseballBiz RaysUp Tampa Bay Rays

[00:00:00] Mark Corbett: Welcome to BaseballBiz On Deck. I'm Mark Corbett and with me is Mr. Mat Germain once again for a special RaysUp edition. And man, it's time to get excited, right? I mean, here we are, we got the boys back home playing against the Yankees and we've got the Detroit Tigers. The first two games are done and no, that's right.

[00:00:31] Mark Corbett: We didn't win either one of them. Okay. So it's not a rubber game today. 

[00:00:36] Mat Germain: Yeah, the storm clouds have been pretty, uh, pretty thick recently, and, uh, I think Ray's fans are feeling the brunt of that. I mean, it could be a hell of a lot worse when it comes to the record. I think we're one game under 500. But, um, yeah, there's a lot of questions being asked.

[00:00:52] Mat Germain: Some of them credible, some of them not. I get it. All teams end up slumping, right? So And this is, I think a lot of fans are on the same page as me in this case, where it's better early than late in the season. Oh yeah. 

[00:01:07] Mark Corbett: No, I hear you there, but the thing of it is what kind of changes are being made now? If we look across there, of course, anytime you get a team taking vaulting its way down in the pit, uh, the first thing they're going to do is point at the Kevin Cash.

[00:01:21] Mark Corbett: He doesn't know what he's doing. And. Do you know, I'm one of those people too. I've been sitting here on the sidelines watching Randall Rosarino. He hasn't been looking all that great. I think there's may have been a change in the weather today, but he was what, like seven or 77 in April. Good Lord. 

[00:01:41] Mat Germain: Yeah, I did a breakdown on him kind of examining, uh, first of all, what what he was swinging at.

[00:01:47] Mat Germain: So what was in the zone and what was out of the zone? How often was he swinging at those things? And and what kind of contact was he making on those pitches? And the good news is. That he was generally recognizing the right pitches in the zone, uh, as per his, his career stats. Uh, so there was no major changes on those fronts.

[00:02:06] Mat Germain: What is different is that the number, the amount of contact he was making a pitches outside the zone, especially far away from him, changed completely. And that could be a lot to do with the balking up that he did in the off season, uh, where he's a little bit stiffer, he doesn't have the reach, or is he's not getting to those pitches as quick as he used to.

[00:02:24] Mat Germain: Um, So I that's basically what I found out in a nutshell. Um, so he was, uh, being attacked the exact same way as he's always been attacked, which is also interesting. Um, and so they like to go low and away from him. Um, and before he was able to do some damage, enough damage on those pitches that it was keeping him.

[00:02:47] Mat Germain: You know, fighting off pitches and making contact enough times, going the other way, getting some hits and home runs the other way so that they couldn't just attack him that way. They had to change it up and go to other areas. What's happening right now is they're having so much success with that, that they don't really have to.

[00:03:04] Mat Germain: So he's getting himself out with those things and being late and everything else. So, um, right now, I think. You know, he's got, like I was telling you before the show, he's gone through some superstitions that he's changing. So he took off like the bulky chains that he was wearing for a while. Uh, he, he has some things that he does before games, et cetera.

[00:03:24] Mat Germain: Um, and, and I heard that he got some new paraphernalia. You know, the, the, the broadcast yesterday said that, that he was trying to change things up because he needs, uh, he needs a change. And he knows that more than anybody else. He needs to get on, you know, on the right page. And I noticed that as well. The attitude change yesterday was very different before that.

[00:03:47] Mat Germain: Like I said, in my breakdown on Twitter before was basically, He looked like somebody having a really horrible time trying to figure out what is going on with me right now. I can't get out of this funk. And when Richie Palacios hit his home run, he basically just sat on the bench and he looked glum, like he didn't look like he was happy for him, like he normally would be.

[00:04:10] Mat Germain: Um, and it just spoke to, to his state of mind, basically. Um, so I'm glad he's having success tonight and hopefully that that's the start of something new and it looks like it's, it's starting to, uh, ignite the rest of the offense there. So, um, I'm glad to see it. And then I want the race to score runs.

[00:04:26] Mat Germain: They're much happier bunch when they're scoring runs. 

[00:04:30] Mark Corbett: No doubt. No doubt. It's certainly are the fans and it was, I mean, it's a funk. You wonder what's going on, dude. And there are slumps. And if you don't change something, you know, it, it doesn't have to be your form. It can be your mindset and your mindset could, it could change with, you know, your surroundings, whether it's the jewelry you're wearing, you know, whether it's how you walk up to you, make your walk up music.

[00:04:55] Mark Corbett: I don't know, but just even those little bitty things can affect the mindset and your ability to be able to form at a higher level. So tonight, Randy's already got a home run and wow. Okay. I said, The weather is breaking. Let's see how that rolls out with the rest of them. Because the big issue for the race has been, you know, over the last month.

[00:05:13] Mark Corbett: I mean, there's been some ish pitching issues and bullpen issues, but big part of it is there's no runs coming in. 

[00:05:20] Mat Germain: Yeah. Yeah. That, and it was the lack of extra base hits has just been mind boggling. Uh, I think I looked up where the isolated power right now, the raise had before tonight was one 13. Um, and last year they were up in the one sixties, one seventies as a team, uh, for April.

[00:05:37] Mat Germain: So, uh, you know, and I had to put on another stat where last April and they hit 59 home runs and up before tonight, uh, they had only hit, uh, I think it was not 19. Um, so you're talking about what 40, uh, 40, uh, 50, 40, uh, 40 difference between, you know, month in April, uh, 2023 in the month of April, 2024. So that's a huge difference and a huge drop.

[00:06:06] Mat Germain: Now I know last April was historic and it doesn't happen every year. I get that, but it's such a, Similar lineup in terms of the personnel. Um, that it, it's shocking in a lot of ways. Uh, you could say, okay, drops in half. Uh, that's less, you know, that would be 27. So you'd have nine more home runs than they have right now.

[00:06:26] Mat Germain: So I don't know. It's one of those things where I think it'll come around, uh, especially when they get Josh Lowe back. Um, I, I was, uh, also talking to, uh, uh, Junior Caminero's agent on, um, on Twitter and he was, uh, mentioning, you know, well, you know, they have this guy in AAA who could help out the lineup.

[00:06:47] Mat Germain: And I think the, uh, the, the extra year has been gained in terms of control. So now it's up to the super two status issue. Um, and that's what I was basically talking to him about online, where I was like, for the raise super two is an extra year of control because they're not going to pay somebody that super two salary, uh, more than likely, unless they're really, really, really, really, really good.

[00:07:11] Mat Germain: And they're a good place financially. And like we saw with Tyler Glass now, that might not even Mater. So, um, I think, you know, Randy Orozco Reyn as a Super 2 player, and by the time he gets to his last year of arbitration, the Reys aren't going to be able to pay that. And they know that. So for Junior, that extra year of control is also that Super 2 status.

[00:07:32] Mat Germain: Uh, that also applies. So I think he understands that he knows the game, um, and, and so does everyone else. And it's up to MLB and the M-L-B-P-A to, to get rid of that. It's so, uh, ant antiquated. They've dealt with a lot of, uh, of issues that, you know, are good for the game that they've kind of resolved. I like the fact that they're giving rewards to people who start, you know, uh, the rookie, rookie of the year, you know, gets an extra draft pick, yada y yada, yada.

[00:08:02] Mat Germain: But it's not enough. They, they have to get rid of the whole thing. To me, it doesn't make any sense. They need to come up with a new system, agree to it and move forward with that. 

[00:08:11] Mark Corbett: When you're looking at the players, it's interesting, a conversation you're having with junior Cameron arrows agent, because yeah, you look at that kind of talent, you say, why aren't they bringing it up?

[00:08:19] Mark Corbett: And, and you're looking at, uh, see Randy, I think he's making about 8 million right now. So one thing is that the Neander has never been hesitant to trade a good player for another good player expecting greatness, especially if he can get a deal and What do you think about Randy keeping him further after this year, or did you just say that?

[00:08:47] Mat Germain: So I, I think they still have enough, like, so let's say Randy had two more years left on his salary. Uh, sorry, of, of control, you can still get a lot for him in trade. So next year, they would still have. 25 26. So that is probably the time when they will look to probably move him, especially when you look down in the race system at who they have coming up.

[00:09:14] Mat Germain: Um, so this year, they're going to have a lot of the guys that are right now in double a like Drew Baker, um, Mason, our, uh, her, uh, Herberto Hernandez. coming through the system and making it to AAA. Now, maybe they compete for a role on the 2025 raise, maybe they don't, but those aren't the only players.

[00:09:38] Mat Germain: Let's say, uh, Carson Williams comes up next year and that's a, he might be here this year for the way he's playing right now. And he takes over shortstop. So Jose Caballero is another option that you can use in left field. Johnny DeLuca, who they got from the Dodgers, is also going to be competing for playing time in left field.

[00:09:57] Mat Germain: Um, they just got Ahmed Rosario for what? 1. 5 million and he's playing stellar right now. So it's not like they can't fill that left field. position. The problem with Randy and the equation that you have to come up with is how badly do we want his bat in there in the playoffs? Because that is what they're playing for is to win the World Series.

[00:10:23] Mat Germain: And in the playoffs we've seen over and over again that Randy is hard to stop and he just gets electrified and and becomes a machine. So How much value do you put in that monetarily? Um, so i'll just bring it up right now because a lot of times What it comes up with with the raise like they did with title glass now, they're willing to go to that last year, right?

[00:10:48] Mat Germain: Of control, they just have to make sure that it fits within the budget So right now randy rosemary is making one. Sorry 8. 1 million dollars So next year if he has a decent year from here on To the end of the year He's probably looking at somewhere between 12 and 15 million dollars. So for the raise, Have they ever paid a position player that much?

[00:11:13] Mat Germain: No, they haven't. They've never paid anybody more than 11 million dollars. Uh, I think KK might have made 10. 75 and then they, uh, they declined the option for when he was supposed to make more, if I'm not mistaken. So, uh, You know, like you're getting into that territory where it's breaking new ground now.

[00:11:31] Mat Germain: Could they? They did it for Charlie Morton. Uh, they've done a bigger contract than ever before with Zach Eflin and it's part of why they're now at a hundred million dollars in terms of the budget or just over a hundred million dollars. So, so, It's really hard to tell the value. They have Randy land.

[00:11:50] Mat Germain: They've, they've used him in marketing. They know the impact he has on the fans. They've dealt so many of their own players that fans love that they will take that into account. So what I would say overall is it depends a lot on what they do with the other players. So for instance, If they're able to get, you know, to move on from Brandon Lau or decline the option, that saves them some money.

[00:12:17] Mat Germain: If they decline Philomaton's option, then that saves them some money. If they move somebody that's going to be ARB 3 or ARB 2, that fees up more money than if you get more money. So overall they can start. Weaning down the budget to the point where Randy still makes sense. Now he would still have to perform this year at a high level that tells them he's going to be, you know, um, a player that they want to have in their plans for, for 20, 25, uh, and the, that post season.

[00:12:52] Mat Germain: So. I honestly, it's a 50, 50 shot. Like I'm trying to make up my mind today. There's no way that you can make up your mind today. I think ultimately what it'll come down with is if, if a team comes in there and, and really offers something aggressive that the rays like, and they, there are pieces there that just end up making sense.

[00:13:15] Mat Germain: And with the rays, you always have to look at. Who they can also bring in. So, they're always have that replacement guy, right? So, for example, when they, when they dealt away Evan Longoria, they also brought in Joey Wendell. So, they were, they knew what they were going to have in that role once they dealt Evan Longoria away.

[00:13:36] Mat Germain: Uh, I don't want to say it's the same scale, but, but if they have a replacement value that they like and add it to the players that they get in return, then I don't think they're going to, um, to back down from that kind of trade if they, if they're offered it. 

[00:13:54] Mark Corbett: Well, as you were saying, Randy, sometimes we see him most toward the end of the season, and I guess he could be our own Mr.

[00:14:02] Mark Corbett: October. And, you know, do you keep Reggie? All the rest of the year. So, uh, uh, if you're going to keep Reggie Jackson in October, I'd certainly keep Randy Rosarito all the way through October. Yes. So we'll see how that does. But you know, I keep looking still for more people to come up there. If he, when he was still so code, and I hope this is the turn that home run earlier tonight, that if he was that code that long, do you keep him in Atlanta?

[00:14:30] Mark Corbett: Do you keep in that position? I understand we don't have Siri right now. And that's part of the problem with, I believe he's out with, I don't know if he's actually out, but he's has kidney stones and that's making it difficult for him to play. But it seems like we should be seeing other players either coming from the bench or somewhere out there on the field when the ones that we were expecting more offense from it, we're not seeing it.

[00:14:53] Mat Germain: Yeah, that's been part of my big frustration with the way Kevin Cash has, uh, used his bench so far. Um, Austin Shenton destroys right handed pitching, or he did last year, both in AA and AAA. He was one of the fiercest AAA hitters against right handed pitchers, and they're not giving him enough at bats to make use of that skill.

[00:15:17] Mat Germain: In fact, they're crushing his confidence right now by keeping him on the bench so much that he's second guessing himself now in terms of whether or not he can play at this level. So, Not only are they hurting their own performance through April, it's one of the worst months I've seen since 2017 of this team, uh, maybe 2018.

[00:15:39] Mat Germain: But anyways, it was one of those two years where, where you just feel like the lineup is lost. They don't know they're not, they're just sliding guys in there. Remember when, when Brad Miller and all those guys were there and Logan Morrison, and they, they basically, they never had to fight for their job.

[00:15:54] Mat Germain: There's nobody there to steal it. They never used. The bench, they just kept rolling the same guys out there and kept sucking the entire time and it was okay. It was just the same guys. And I was like, why are we doing this? So that's what they've reverted to because they are not comfortable with the guys they have on the bench.

[00:16:09] Mat Germain: Well, you can't get comfortable with them until you play them. So. It's been frustrating. I get it. They want to win games. They have a series. They have guys that they, they, they trust more, whatever it is, but in baseball sense, like the Rays, the last 5 years have always been about matchups, right? Putting guys in positions to perform.

[00:16:32] Mat Germain: At high levels and they're not doing that right now. What they're doing is opposite to that So for instance tonight harold ramirez shouldn't have been in a lineup Austin shenton should have because austin shenton can destroy right handed pitching and it keeps the pitcher going You know instead of having so many right handers that he can get in a groove He should he should have to alternate back and forth at a minimum Uh, you know three times during the as he goes through the lineup And the Rays haven't really been doing that at all, and it's been hurting the performance.

[00:17:02] Mat Germain: Tonight, it's actually paying off. So they've actually put up four runs so far. So I'm encouraged by that, and I'm hoping that Randy's home run ignited something. Uh, Yandy's also gotten on base. So those two guys are so critical to this team. They absolutely do have to get going if the Rays are going to make a run at a playoff and then a playoff run afterwards.

[00:17:27] Mat Germain: I also put out that I'm just Jump in quickly here. I put out a thing. You remember been in black. They had the little clicker thing or the light to blind people's memories. 

[00:17:36] Mark Corbett: Yeah, 

[00:17:38] Mat Germain: I said at some point in this season, we'll use that and we'll forget all about April because the rates are not going to look anything like what they look like now.

[00:17:47] Mat Germain: Um, so. One of the benefits that's happening with the Rays right now is Kevin Cash is learning a lot about Richie Palacios, about Ahmed Rosario, about Jose Caballero, all the guys that are new. He's being forced to use them 100%, right? So his trust and his knowledge of what they're capable of is going to be so much better when they are also On the bench often, a lot more often because of the guys returning.

[00:18:18] Mat Germain: So when Josh Lowe, Johnny Aranda and Johnny DeLuca come back, those three guys are going to have roles. They're going to have a lot of playing time. So you're going to have such a strong bench and Kevin Cash is now going to have a better awareness of those guys to the point where he can actually apply all of them in the maximum benefit of the team.

[00:18:38] Mat Germain: Um, more so than what he's doing right now with Austin Shenton and Nico Goodrum. Yeah. So I don't think it's a long term issue for Austin Shenton, but I think I'm hopeful that he goes to AAA very soon, gets regular playing time again, and can rebuild his confidence if it has been shattered at all, because I feel for him.

[00:18:59] Mat Germain: I think he deserved better than what he's getting right now. 

[00:19:04] Mark Corbett: Well, there's no doubt you sitting on the bench doesn't do anything for mindset or attitude. So yeah, I could see sending him down to AAA just for him to be able to get in the reps. Um, you know, one person you didn't mention who I've been watching, I won't say closely, but out of the peripheral vision, if you will, and that's Ben Rortvedt.

[00:19:24] Mark Corbett: When some of the other players have been struggling. He's been getting a few hits here and there. He's been doing a few things, you know, to, to make things happen out there. I think in the last few games, but I think tonight he hit a, what? He hit a double. 

[00:19:36] Mat Germain: Yep. He's a revelation, man. That guy, his framing is well above, or I don't want to say it is so defensive stats with catchers are very, very finicky.

[00:19:48] Mat Germain: And, uh, And I know we tried as best we can to kind of refine them. I'm going by baseball savant standards here, where, where they say that Ben Roortveld has been this year so far. In the top five in terms of framing, his arm is way more accurate and stronger than Renee Pinto's, I believe. Um, so when you combine those two things or three things, you, you, you realize how much of an impact he can have before he even steps to the plate.

[00:20:18] Mat Germain: So the fact that his bat is being productive. All of a sudden puts Rene Pinto, who the Rays were adamant was going to get the majority of the playing time when the season started, you know, it puts that into question where all of a sudden they're like, well, do we keep doing that? Because Ben, you're right, is having so much success.

[00:20:38] Mat Germain: And, and I didn't know this, but, you know, Uh, he, he lives in the Tampa area. I think he wants to stay there and he's very happy and loose. And then, as we said with Randy Rosarena's attitude wise, I think Ben is just in the right spot. He, he, we left, you know, the Yankees where there was a ton of pressure, media, this, that, the other thing.

[00:20:59] Mat Germain: And now he's in a spot where he's completely comfortable and able to just let the tools shine. Um, so I'm glad he's having. Success and, and mandarins have wanted a number one catcher, like a true number one catcher for so long. I really hope he's it because that would be awesome. 

[00:21:16] Mark Corbett: Yeah, that, uh, fingers crossed.

[00:21:18] Mark Corbett: And that would big time too. I mean, uh, you know, Rene Pinto, I liked what he was doing, but was it the top of the class? Probably not. Now, if we jump for a moment to the other end of that battery and we're looking at the pitching. Any expectations for the starters that, uh, you thought we'd see more of? I mean, I think Zach Eflin is performing as we like, and I think, well, Pepeo, I think is doing pretty well.

[00:21:43] Mark Corbett: You can, you'd correct me if I'm wrong. 

[00:21:46] Mat Germain: Man. He's like a wild stallion right now. He gets on the mound and he just. He gets angry at himself, he talks to himself when he's not doing the right thing. He's, so he's a perfectionist and I love that about him. I remember Roy Halliday used to do similar things where he'd be mumbling under his breath and it's fine.

[00:22:04] Mat Germain: It's good to kind of. Let guys, um, that want to do things perfectly beat themselves up because normally it'll lead to great things. Um, but I, I think the raise starting pitching has not been a huge issue at all. It's been a positive overall. Uh, um, the, And, uh, uh, the towel have both had, you know, bumps in the road here and there, but overall you have to be satisfied with what they offer.

[00:22:34] Mat Germain: And they gave them to raise a chance to win a lot of games this year. Um, can't say the same about the pen. 

[00:22:41] Mark Corbett: No. And that's where 

[00:22:44] Mat Germain: the lineup is, is where the issues are. 

[00:22:46] Mark Corbett: Well, and that's where I was gonna go next. I mean, because even if you've got great pitching going on out there, if, if the offense didn't put anything on the board, well, it's pretty rough.

[00:22:54] Mark Corbett: And then, oh, by the way, after six innings, we're going to pull you and we're going to depend on that pin. And. You know, a critical player in there was Pete Fairbanks and man, he was struggling and struggling, and I know he, he had some issues, uh, wound up, uh, he, he knew he did my gosh, what was that whole system?

[00:23:13] Mark Corbett: Somebody asked him how he was doing for the game. And I don't know how many times he said sucks, but you know, he was there and then he's got that stomach issue going on. He had all these different things to the point now where he's out. To see on 15 day IL starting April 19th. So they're backdating it a bit.

[00:23:31] Mark Corbett: So he'll be back, I guess, in about 10 days or thereabouts. Uh, but then if you look at the rest of the line, I know, what do you got to say as far as we're looking at Davinsky and, um, who is the other fellow Clevenger? 

[00:23:46] Mat Germain: Yeah, the, the pen. Oh man, I could talk three days about the pen. The, so the first thing, remember we were, they were in Colorado and Pete Fairbanks was blaming the balls.

[00:23:57] Mat Germain: Um, I, I think it's just his, his feeling in his hands, uh, the nerve issue is the problem. And now he's finally addressing it. I know he's blaming the balls, but I have a feeling that it was his condition that was making it. So, so whatever the issue is with that and treatment he needs in order to get through it, I hope they get it resolved.

[00:24:20] Mat Germain: Whatever time it takes, takes a month, takes two months, doesn't Mater. Get it resolved so that he's there for the end of the season, then the playoff, because that's when the Rays need him like the most for sure. Um, they can make do they can piece it together. The rays have used a million different pictures and for saves.

[00:24:40] Mat Germain: They know how to do that. And the guy you just mentioned, Garrett Clevenger, they use just lately got his first save ever. And he he's looking like a guy that, you know, He's amping it up where he's hitting 97, 98 from the left side, that's extremely tough. So he's looking a little bit like a Jose Alvarado kind of possibility, right, where he could close some games.

[00:25:00] Mat Germain: Doesn't have to be there all the time. What they're missing is a guy from the right side doing the same. Jason Adam has, for the most part, kind of, I think is, would be the guy that people name, right? If they're looking for a closer from the right side, if Pete Fairbanks isn't there. Uh, Sean Armstrong when he's not opening is definitely a guy that has become dependable and then I don't have much to knock about when he's used as a reliever he's a lot more efficient or effective than he is as an opener I like what he's done the last two years so he's solid so now we're looking at the rest of the guys and that's where the bulk of the problem has been so Phil Maton to me is Seems to have worked out the last three, four outings that he's had Much better much better command execution.

[00:25:49] Mat Germain: He's getting into his groove. So i've liked the direction he's heading in That's positive. Um, what isn't positive is Colin Pache is down about 1. 5 to 2 miles an hour on his fastball and the same with his slider. And he's not using his slider nearly enough. So he's become productive, uh, predictable.

[00:26:10] Mat Germain: slower, which isn't a good combination when part of your game is people chasing and your deception. So to me, he's in a very precarious position and, and I've, I've actually interviewed Colin, uh, before talk to him about injuries he suffered and long road back, all that kind of stuff where I feel for him because I know.

[00:26:33] Mat Germain: You know, and in one way, you don't want to push the limits of what your arm can do to the point where you'd like tile glass. Now did you grip it, rip it, and you really rip it and you end your career. Um, But at the same time, you want to be able to amp it up enough to be effective. So you're playing that fine.

[00:26:50] Mat Germain: You know, like we can talk about it here, adding one mile an hour. It doesn't feel this like, like something you can control with a dial, right? The physical thing you're doing with your body and your mind is pushing things. And it's not an exact science is what I'm trying to say. So I feel for him, but to me, one thing that I looked at today was that in 2022, he was more effective, in my opinion, um, and what he was doing was using a curveball as well as a slider and his, and his fastball, and it was giving.

[00:27:24] Mat Germain: people a different look, different feel, and, and it was actually, uh, providing better deception overall. Uh, so if he's not going to regain that velocity and they want him to work that back in, he does have three options. They could send him to AAA to work on it. I know they trust him a lot and they have faith in him and everything else, but at some point, sometimes you do have to do that with relievers so they can tweak some things.

[00:27:48] Mat Germain: So that might be something they want to look at. But the one to me that is the most You ask relievers to do something completely out of the sort, and sometimes it crushes them. And Chris Davinsky right now looks all kinds of not himself. Um, they asked him to stretch out to be a, you know, a longer option, basically in terms of innings pitched.

[00:28:12] Mat Germain: And he hasn't been the same since. Um, even though I think a lot of people had issues with him last year in terms of, you know, overall production. But, um, He's somebody that I think is, is very close to losing his role with the rays, if he's not careful, uh, or if he doesn't turn it around quickly, uh, because right now he's just getting lit up like a Christmas tree and it's not pretty, uh, there isn't much, you know, he's getting older a little bit too, and there isn't much different that he can do.

[00:28:42] Mat Germain: Um, it's just, you know, the change up. If you're sitting on the change up with Chris and you're good at hitting change ups, you're going to light them up. And, and there's nowhere he can go to avoid that. And, and it's, it's getting to be obvious basically. 

[00:28:59] Mark Corbett: We don't do commercials on this show, but I do want to kind of point to something on Pete Fairbanks.

[00:29:03] Mark Corbett: So he and his wife have got a foundation, um, raising funds for Turner syndrome. And that's something to touch their family with a child. And I won't say any more than that. You all can look it up, but, uh, a lot of, a lot of players out there do great things for organizations, sometimes it's foundations they put together and, uh, locally.

[00:29:26] Mark Corbett: You see Pete Alonso of now and then I know I saw where he got a tractor for, uh, I think it was a West Tampa little league, but there's things where like, put Pete's working with and it's a health issue. And I just wanted to point people in that direction, because I think, uh, well. Again, I see also as far as long as I'm on the charitable route here, look for Neil Solons, the one of the radio announcers for the Rays.

[00:29:50] Mark Corbett: He's very big with the promotion on Purple Stride. And so find ways to support the Rays above and beyond buying equipment or hats. There's a lot of things you could do also. With that, much like what, that Pete Fairbanks and his wife have done as well. 

[00:30:07] Mat Germain: Absolutely. Do you know if the Rays put that on their sites?

[00:30:10] Mat Germain: Like all the organizations that their players, uh, you know, are, are supporting? They should. Like if they don't already. I don't know if there's legal issues with that and whatnot. I 

[00:30:21] Mark Corbett: don't know, but it's, it's worth investigating. I, I can't imagine that they wouldn't at least in social media in some fashion, but I don't know that for a fact.

[00:30:29] Mark Corbett: I know that Neil Solans puts that out on Twitter and his account there, but I don't know that I've actually heard him speak of it on the radio with purple stride. And, uh, as far as. Talking about Pete Fairbanks and his wife. I believe I saw something with Tricia Whitaker in Bali, you know, talking about that foundation.

[00:30:48] Mark Corbett: So, the word's getting out there. I don't know whether or not the Rays are actually putting it on their site, but the word is getting out there. That's good to know. Yeah. In a completely different vein. It's worth noting, like I was saying earlier, the manager is always the one to get it first, to get all the criticism from the fans and Kevin Cash has reached that point, boys and girls, where he needs four wins.

[00:31:14] Mark Corbett: That's right. Four wins to surpass Joe Madden as the all time raised manager by wins. So, uh, this, this, uh, Tiger series wasn't going to make that happen, but hopefully we can be able to scratch that down to three at the close of tonight's game. 

[00:31:33] Mat Germain: Yeah, he's done like I know I give him flack sometimes or some of the stuff he does and then you would with any manager, right?

[00:31:39] Mat Germain: Nobody is perfect and nobody does things the way you would do them, but you have to do a lot of things Right to get to that point Of what you're saying in terms of wins so Congrats to him, you know prematurely before he gets there. We all know he's going to soon So that's a huge feat for sure 

[00:32:02] Mark Corbett: Here's substitute.

[00:32:03] Mark Corbett: We were talking at the beginning, as far as our pitchers tonight, and let's see, that's Mr. Tyler Alexander, if I remember correctly, and he's, he played with the Tigers. 

[00:32:15] Mat Germain: Yes, he did. Um, the, the Rays, uh, plucked them off of their, uh, Their waiver wire, basically, he wasn't going to make the team. You can tell by the way their pitching staff is this year that, uh, you can see why they didn't really have room for them.

[00:32:30] Mat Germain: Cause they're all firing on all cylinders right now. Um, but, uh, I can't remember if they, if it was only cash or if they had a player to be named later as part of it, but either case he had some success with them as well, um, but just apparently not enough to stick around for, for their They're coming out party.

[00:32:53] Mat Germain: I call this year they're coming out party because they're finally starting to put, you know, the pieces together after gathering a lot of talent, uh, through the years. And I think they had the right manager in place as well. They're, they're doing a good job. Basically. 

[00:33:07] Mark Corbett: Yeah. The tiger is doing better than I thought they would.

[00:33:09] Mark Corbett: And certainly are the, the, tonight, I should say is a series, but if you look across the field and a guy who just struck out here at the, at the top of the fourth Parker Meadows. And that rings a bell too, with another guy who was a tiger for a short while. And we'd been with us prior to that. And that's Mr.

[00:33:28] Mark Corbett: Austin metals, but Parker metals, his brother is playing with the tigers as well tonight. So it's interesting. We talk about that quite a bit about how the inner stitching, if you will, from one team to another, or one player to another, whether it's a brother, a father. You know, there's just so many different combinations out there that you're going to find.

[00:33:46] Mark Corbett: Um, here's, here's one for you too. I read this. I haven't looked it all up just yet, Mat, but somewhere Tommy fam is, is signed a contract with the white socks Mater league. 

[00:33:59] Mat Germain: Oh man. So you touched on two different, like completely opposite, you know, thing. So people will say that the major league baseball is a community, right?

[00:34:10] Mat Germain: You get to know everybody. There, there's. You're right. It's like everybody, I'll give you a perfect example when it comes to the race. Uh, you look through the raise roster. There are so many players from the Cleveland Indians, uh, organization on the raise right now. It's ridiculous. And why? Because they have a relationship with Terry from Frank Kona through Kevin Cash, where they can ask all the questions they want because of that familiarity and that trust, they're able to bank on certain things of what they're looking for.

[00:34:42] Mat Germain: I think half the lineup tonight, or just over half. Has roots in the Cleveland organization with the Rays. So, it's, you know, it's to that point. So when you're looking at Tommy Pham, I just want to say he's burnt a lot of bridges. And when you end up signing a minor league deal, uh, with an organization that is, You know, Oh, like tearing it down to the studs is going to be an understatement by the time they're done.

[00:35:07] Mat Germain: Um, I, I don't know where they go basically to try to amp things up. Uh, I don't think they can spend their way out of it. They're going to have to, um, to make the most of their assets. And, and I do think they've made some changes recently with their front office that get that it's just a Mater of timing now and doing it, you know, probably closer to the trade deadline where they're going to change.

[00:35:31] Mat Germain: The majority of their, their tradable assets and Tommy fam could become one. If he gets some playing time, he gets the call up, but, uh, I, I, I like the fire that Tommy fam has. I think he, he has value in there, but he's not, he's a, you know, take no prisoners kind of person. So, uh, he, he could be a value to, to, uh, uh, playoff team.

[00:35:54] Mat Germain: That's, uh, looking to make sure they have good backup options and bench options and want to add a little bit of fire to the bench. 

[00:36:03] Mark Corbett: Yeah, Tommy Farr. That's a good way of putting it. Tommy is always, he's expected a lot of himself, but he's never been hesitant to expect the same from the rest of the guys on the, on the field as well, or at bat.

[00:36:14] Mark Corbett: And I don't think that's always made him friends, but he has a passion for the game that's second to none, I believe, as far as commitment. And . I wish him well. But like you're talking about an organization you said? Yeah. I I'm gonna try to get Nick Browski on here from Good Guys Talk back to talk about the White Sox.

[00:36:34] Mark Corbett: He, he saying, mark, we really, what, what do you wanna talk about ? And I said, well, I wanna talk about where do you go from here? You know, that's, that's what I want, talk to them about. 'cause it, I, I think they would maybe you see, is it three wins thus far this year? If that. 

[00:36:51] Mat Germain: Yeah, there, there's, uh, I think some, some podcasters that started a, a conversation today.

[00:36:57] Mat Germain: They, they put it out where they were saying, will they get to double digits by June? 

[00:37:02] Mark Corbett: Oh 

[00:37:02] Mat Germain: Lord . Oh, . That was the question. And I was, oh man, that is harsh. That's, you know, and that's a, you know, that I wanna say they have a very proud fan base and a very, uh, uh, you know. They're used to kind of dominating in that division, uh, or being near the top and, you know, at least in the middle, but not at the bottom.

[00:37:26] Mat Germain: I don't think I can remember the last time the White Sox were at the bottom in that division. So, uh, it's a bit of a shock to them, I think. 

[00:37:35] Mark Corbett: Yeah, that is a bit of a tester this year, but double digits by June. Yeah. Okay. Well, we, we, we will see. And I wish every team well, but I hate to see that when it happens, the team goes that deep.

[00:37:50] Mark Corbett: Let's see, what are we doing right now with the game? It's bottom of the fourth and it's four to one with the Rays leading. That's good news. Yeah. We got anybody on base out there at the moment? 

[00:38:00] Mat Germain: Harold Ramirez got a single and he just stole second. So his speed this year has been a revelation. I really, I don't want to say I didn't see it coming at all.

[00:38:10] Mat Germain: He runs hard. He's always run hard, but, but his weight loss and his power, um, uh, running game has really taken another step, you know, Way further than I think anybody expected this year. So i'm really happy to see that It's adding to his value at a time when you know The bat isn't really going as hard as as it normally does along with yandy and randy He's his bat's also been slumping a little bit too So I think it's it's adding in a different way for him to contribute when a bat is a little bit colder 

[00:38:44] Mark Corbett: We'll just watch him from home plate to first You know, running there, that's such a clip is just been amazing.

[00:38:50] Mark Corbett: Now, some of that they've done a few things with the runners lane there too. I think that's a little bit more, you can little wider area for them to run. Seemed like sometimes you could be out of the lane real quick and have an umpire call you for it. But I, I haven't seen much of that this year. 

[00:39:06] Mat Germain: Yeah, no, they they've changed the rule now where you're allowed to be on the inside of the line.

[00:39:10] Mat Germain: You don't have to be on the outside. Um, so as long as you're running in a straight line, you're not zigzagging or doing some kind of crazy stuff, uh, or going looping all the way in or loop all the way out. Uh, I think you're good to go. Stay in the dirt. Yeah, exactly. So it's, I think, you know, the thing that Harold Ramirez is doing right now is, is great because the Rays need his, uh, his athleticism, I guess, with the guys that they have right now, because some of the guys they have on the bench aren't always going to be able to be the guy they call on the run.

[00:39:45] Mat Germain: So, um, it's good to see. 

[00:39:48] Mark Corbett: Alrighty, I'm looking at this and trying to think what's coming up next. We're going to be wrapping this up here in a bit. And I don't have anything else to say, except that I'm going to be looking forward to heading up to Chicago and seeing the race. Yeah, I know, brother. Oh, I know.

[00:40:06] Mark Corbett: I know. It's going to be an interesting weekend and looks like the weather's going to be crap. So, you know, no dome either. So we'll see. I mean, I may be reselling these tickets to somebody. Who's a, lives in Chicago for some future trade date, but, uh, 

[00:40:21] Mat Germain: the brewers aren't far is all I'm going to say. 

[00:40:24] Mark Corbett: Yeah.

[00:40:25] Mark Corbett: Yeah. Well, we're going to, we're going to head up there too, maybe. So I'm looking forward. That's, that's going to be our little busy weekend until we get back next week. So I'll share some of my fun that we experienced there. Anything that you're going to tell us we should look out for on our trips to Milwaukee or Chicago, 

[00:40:44] Mat Germain: Well, I, I loved Chicago.

[00:40:46] Mat Germain: I had a really great time there. And, and just, you know, if you can get out to the, some of the, some of the house of blues and all those things, they're awesome places to go. We went, the guy that was opening the show, uh, for that night, you know, we played to a level that I had never heard before. It was just amazing.

[00:41:04] Mat Germain: So get out there and see the, you know, some of the greatest music places, I think in the country are there. So really enjoyed Chicago as a whole. Um, and I think that, you know, Wisconsin is one of those places where you can actually, you know, tell that they're, they're sports fanatics. Uh, they take that to a little different level, especially when it comes here.

[00:41:29] Mat Germain: So if you're looking for a good time, definitely, that's the right place to go. Um, I, I will say that the, uh. The stadium there in Milwaukee is one that I want to visit because I haven't been there specifically. Uh, but I do want to head out there when I get to Wrigley. I'm going to do, uh, Milwaukee at the same time.

[00:41:48] Mat Germain: I think 

[00:41:49] Mark Corbett: that sounds like a good plan. Yeah. Well, I will let you know from our experience how that all turns out. It should be a lot of fun, a lot of fun, but Right now. I just want to see our race continue on this game and not have not be swept at home by the tigers. So we'll see. I mean, they, I just don't know what to expect with them.

[00:42:09] Mark Corbett: Sometimes they've, uh, they got a good start now. Top of the fifth, four to one. We'll see how it goes. 

[00:42:14] Mat Germain: I'll provide some hope that I watched today. Brendan McKay go through another three innings without allowing a run. He hasn't allowed a run yet this year. So he's pitched 12 innings without allowing a run.

[00:42:25] Mat Germain: Uh, completely dominant, uh, working the top and the bottom of the zone. Um, he's lacking a little control today. He hit a batter and he had a wild pitch, but overall his stuff is looking really good. Uh, I think that, you know, if you look at his innings pitch and I posted him today on Twitter, he hasn't exceeded 20 innings in any year since 2020.

[00:42:47] Mat Germain: So I don't think the Rays can expect, you know, a lot of innings from him this year. So I'm hoping they don't burn them all in the minors. And when you have a pen that's struggling, why not bring him up? You know, I don't want to say right now, but fairly quickly. So that he can actually have an impact and see how his stuff plays at the MLB level as well.

[00:43:08] Mat Germain: So when we're looking at possibly moving guys out of the pen, he'd be an option that I would look at for sure. And the other guy would be Manuel Rodriguez, who I think is, is ready for the show right now. He is, uh, probably the best reliever they have in AAA. Um, so those are two guys that are coming, that are going to help.

[00:43:27] Mat Germain: And Josh Lowe, I think is going to be up next week. Wow. Maybe, maybe within the next 10 days, let's say. So that's a huge thing. The Rays are going to really love him. Not only as a player, but his attitude, like to me, he's Probably one of the leaders on the team when it comes to that cheerleading, other people being the glue guy that everybody is always kind of gravitating towards.

[00:43:53] Mat Germain: Um, so I don't think his loss has been mentioned enough in terms of the impact. He, last year in April, he hit 385 as an average. So you're talking about the guy who actually, you know, drove the start of the season the most. He led the Rays offense in April. So. His loss was massive. And then you add Brendan Lyle yet.

[00:44:16] Mat Germain: So what I'm saying is the rays, uh, sunlight is coming and they're going to shine and in may and June, don't worry, we're going to be above 500 and things will look better. 

[00:44:30] Mark Corbett: All right. I love your optimism, Mat. Okay. All right, everybody. Well, thank you all again for joining Mat and I today here on BaseballBiz on deck.

[00:44:39] Mark Corbett: And we're going to be looking forward to a great time in Chicago and Milwaukee. Hopefully we'll be too cold and we'll be back next week. And, oh gosh, I'll just say one last thing. I'm tired of seeing a little, little Caesar guy. In the Trump pizza pizza. Yep. Oh, right. Thanks again, everybody. And we look forward to talk with y'all again, real soon.

[00:45:07] Mark Corbett: Just remember, you can find us on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, YouTube, YouTube Music, Pandora, Amazon Music, and of course here, and also on BaseballBizOnDeck. com. Please go ahead and love us, like us, like I said, and leave your reviews. Also want to leave special thanks to XtakeRUX for the music rocking forward.

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