BaseballBiz On Deck

@TheBaseballBiz
  • 5.0 (12)
  • BASEBALL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

We cover the Business of Baseball, its history and how it operates. Interviews with Players, Agents, Owners, Scouts, Umpires, MLB, MLBPA, Major League, Minor League Sports Analysis. Music - Rocking Forward by XTaKeRux.

  1. RaysUp - Tropicana Field Opening Day

    2D AGO

    RaysUp - Tropicana Field Opening Day

    BaseballBiz On Deck – Rays Tropicana Field Opening Day Hosts: Mark Corbett & Mat Germain Episode Overview Mark and Mat celebrate the Tampa Bay Rays' Opening Day at Tropicana Field — the first game played there in 561 days — breaking down the action on the field and the excitement surrounding the return. Topics Covered Opening Day at the Trop Sellout crowd of 25,114 — tickets going for $162 in the morning, up to $260 by early afternoonThe renovated Trop features a new single-layer roof letting in more natural light, a wire camera system, and even an in-stadium droneMic issues aside, the energy was electricGame Recap: Rays 5, Cubs 4 Shane McClanahan returned to the mound and pitched 4 strong innings (1 hit, 4 walks, 2 K's) — pulled early to protect his arm as he continues rebuilding after 3 years awayHome runs from Cedric Mullins, Junior Caminero (his 2nd), and Jonathan Aranda (his 3rd)Taylor Walls returned and contributed; Chandler Simpson stole two basesPete Baker impressed out of the bullpen, showing intensity and a closer's mentalityNearly every Rays starter got on baseJoe Adell's Triple Robbing Game (Angels vs. Mariners) Discussion of Adell's incredible three-catch game — including a tumbling over-the-fence grab — and what it means for baseball fans everywhereAL East Standings Check Rays at .500 (5-5) on a 3-game winning streakBlue Jays dealing with injuries (Alejandro Kirk, Bo Bichette out)Orioles struggling despite talent; Pirates looking like a team with energy and purposeRed Sox at 2-7 with a -15 run differential despite a loaded pitching staffJosh Fleming (ex-Ray) recalled by the Blue JaysStadium Talk & Future of the Trop Upcoming vote on April 15th regarding the new stadium deal — potential repercussions if it failsOrlando and Nashville mentioned as viable relocation optionsGovernor DeSantis spotted chatting with new owner Zalupski at the gameMark and Mat acknowledge the herculean effort of players, staff, and city officials to make this opening day happenUpcoming Schedule Cubs (series finale) → Yankees (home) → White Sox → at PiratesPitcher Health & Roster Expansion Ongoing discussion about protecting pitchers — Mat proposes a creative solution: day-after starters removed from the active roster, allowing an extra reliever without expanding the rosterBroader CBA conversation — focus on player health and expansion before salary cap debatesStadium Bucket List Mark plans trips to Kansas City (Royals vs. Angels) and the Negro Leagues Museum; also eyeing Petco Park and TexasMat's top bucket list pick: Wrigley FieldDiscussion of what makes a stadium historic and soulful (Fenway, Camden Yards, PNC Park) — and what the Rays' new venue needs to achieve thatKey Names Mentioned Shane McClanahan · Junior Caminero · Jonathan Aranda · Chandler Simpson · Pete Baker · Taylor Walls · Joe Adell · Josh Fleming · Vladimir Guerrero Jr. · Alejandro Kirk · Pete Alonso · Rafael Devers · Bobby Witt Jr. · Mike Trout · Bob Kendrick · Josh Gibson · Kevin Cash · Ken Hagan · Andy Freed · Governor DeSantis · Zalupski

    52 min
  2. Opening Week of Baseball - Let's Talk

    APR 2

    Opening Week of Baseball - Let's Talk

    First Baseball Fruits of the Season have fallen. There is still a whole orchard of games to be played. Josh Weaver joins Guest: Josh Weaver — Author & Curator, Tampa Baseball Museum joins Hosts:  Mat Germain & Mark Corbett as we bite into the first week of the 2026 season. Opening Day Energy & Early Season Highlights The joy of highlights returning after the winter lullMLB's condensed games and YouTube Shorts expanding fan reachThe Dodgers making history with three consecutive starts by Japanese pitchers (Sasaki, Yamamoto, Ohtani)ABS (Automated Ball-Strike) System The Brewers' banned "green card" signal system from the dugoutRandy Arozarena's confident walk to first before the ABS rulingJoe West's critique: the strike zone box is 2D, not a 3D cube covering the full plate depthYankees leading in ABS challenges (10, winning 80%)How ABS is training umpires toward consistency (CB Bucknor struggles highlighted)On-field explanations drawing fans in, similar to NFL referee announcementsSpeculation on how ABS challenges could impact player contracts and playoff pressureRookies facing added pressure with challenge decisions in September call-upsUmpire Consistency & the Future of Officiating Minor league umpires being trained on ABS from the startPotential impact on no-hitters and complete gamesThe end of individual umpire strike zonesPlayer Incentive Ideas Mat's proposal: MLB-funded per-play incentives (e.g., $2,000 per double, $3,000 per triple) paid from luxury tax revenueHow incentive-based contracts could shift player psychology and improve fan engagementMiami Marlins Hot Start (5-1) Owen Caissie lighting it up, including a pinch-hit walk-off homerThe Marlins building confidence with young talent and smart Orioles-style acquisitionsSandy Alcantara's continued leadershipTampa Bay Rays Bullpen Concerns Pete Fairbanks thriving in Miami after the Rays declined his optionGriffin Jax and the bullpen struggling to find their grooveThe cost of not picking up Fairbanks' option already showing in early lossesRays lineup performing well (Ben Williamson, Nick Fortes) but pitching out of syncProspect Nathan Fluellen mentioned as a future catcher to watchTropicana Field Renovations & Rays Outlook Rays returning to a revamped Trop with new sound system, premium seating, and Dex Home Plate ClubJosh Weaver predicting a .500 season — the most optimistic fan take so farOpening day excitement with new ownershipClosing Thoughts Minor league season kicking off — Triple-A already started, Low-A and full affiliates launching this weekEncouragement to enjoy minor league ball, eat popcorn, wear sunscreenNotes: The show Mark referenced is not Foul Talk it is Foul Territory. Our apologies to the show. Here is a link to the show referenced https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-fjGXJHhfE  Thanks for listening to BaseballBiz On Deck - www.baseballbizondeck.com Like & subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck.  You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizondeck.com   Also you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky social

    46 min
  3. RaysUP! Tampa Bay Rays, Game 1 - 161 games to go

    MAR 28

    RaysUP! Tampa Bay Rays, Game 1 - 161 games to go

    Rays Opening Day Recap Drew Rasmussen's dominant first 5 innings vs. the Cardinals6th inning bullpen collapse (Ian Seymour, Gary Clevenger, Griffin Jax)Kevin Cash's managerial decisions — making the right moves that didn't pan outBen Williamson's 3-for-4 performance and the controversial pinch-hit substitutionOffensive highlights: Carson Williams (110 mph exit velo), Johnny DeLuca (108 mph)Junior Caminero's defensive concerns at third baseRays Roster & Former Rays News Jake Fraley's role as a platoon outfielder vs. right-handed pitchingBen Rortvedt, Vidal Brujan, and Curtis Mead all DFA'd by their respective teams — potential minor league returns?Shane Baz signs a 5-year, $60M+ deal with the OriolesStadium Situation Tropicana Field reopening and its importance to keeping the Rays in Tampa BaySt. Petersburg bridge burned — unlikely to host a new stadium dealTampa's $1.5B funding challenge amid tough economic timesOrlando's billion-dollar stadium offer and existing fundingMontreal's billion-dollar roof projectCompetition for public funding with the Bucs and LightningBrett Patrick Zalupski's development interests and potential Orlando connectionsAround the League San Francisco Giants' struggles: blanked by the Yankees in their first two gamesTony La Russa's new managerial role with Bruce Bochy and Dusty Baker as advisorsTampa Baseball Museum Event Mark's recap: Roberto Hernandez, Joe Maddon, and Matt Joyce in attendanceHeartwarming story of Matt Joyce's daughter and the signed baseball drawingDurham Bulls & Minor League Watch Trey Morgan, Jacob Melton (potential early call-up), Logan Workman, Brody HopkinsEncouragement for fans to follow the minor league pipelineMentioned Shows & People: The Brent Cardy Show can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/esU1tRjkbHg?si=Hc2h7Dwq6I3i4hqnThe Cardy Show on Spotify at  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7sDZeA1Krz8suMdkSigqhT?si=dzyqYvYqSli-ux7LRB8WggThanks for listening to BaseballBiz On Deck - www.baseballbizondeck.com Like & subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck.  You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizondeck.com   Also you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky social

    28 min
  4. Opening Day Night, WPBL Spring Training & the MLB, Polymarket

    MAR 26

    Opening Day Night, WPBL Spring Training & the MLB, Polymarket

    BaseballBiz On Deck – Opening Day Night, WPBL Spring Training, & Polymarket Hosts: Mark Corbett & Mat Germain Opening Day Night MLB's decision to feature only one game on opening night (Yankees vs. Giants on Netflix)Frustrations with streaming blackouts and fragmented broadcasting across Netflix, Apple TV, NBC, and MLB TVComparison to how sports used to be freely accessible on broadcast TVThe case for having all 30 teams play on opening dayThe Game: Yankees vs. Giants Max Fried vs. Logan Webb – lefty vs. lefty matchupYankees jumping out to an early 5-0 leadGiants' new young manager Tony Vitello, backed by advisors Bruce Bochy and Dusty BakerGiants roster additions: Luis Arraez, Matt Chapman, Willie (ex-Rays)Former Rays shortstops facing off: Wander Franco's situation vs. Willy AdamesOpening Day Memories Mark: Sneaking a transistor radio into school to listen to the Cincinnati RedsMat: Attending an Expos opening day at Olympic Stadium as a kid – 55,000 fans, electric atmosphereWomen's Pro Baseball League (WPBL) Mark's visit to WPBL spring training in Fort MyersStandout players: Ayami Sato, Kelsie Whitmore, Meggie Meidlinger, Denae Benitez, Ashton LansdaleJustine Siegal named new WPBL commissionerDick's Sporting Goods as a league sponsorDiscussion of the WNBA's landmark new agreement as a model for women's baseballWNBA average salary now over $580,000; expansion to Toronto and PortlandPolymarket & Gambling in Baseball Explanation of how Polymarket works (probability-based prediction market vs. traditional odds)92.7% of Polymarket participants lose moneyRisks: ambiguous wording, insider trading, AI bot advantages over human tradersDraftKings launching "DK Predictions" – potential conflict with PolymarketConcerns about gambling's impact on game integrity (Class A suspensions, potential for corruption)Comparison to the Astros sign-stealing scandalPerformance-Based Pay Mat's proposal for incentivizing player performance through salary structuresAnthony Rendon as an example of paying for past performance vs. current outputVernon Wells and the psychological pressure of big contractsWander Franco's 13-year deal as a cautionary taleRapid-Fire Topics MLS gaining momentum with free Apple TV access and new star signingsChina's untapped potential as a baseball powerhouseNegro Leagues' historical role in bringing baseball to JapanAaron Boone's job security with the YankeesRon Washington's departure from the Angels

    1h 2m
  5. Jean Cerra - Leader on Title IX and College Sports & Ybor Native

    MAR 20

    Jean Cerra - Leader on Title IX and College Sports & Ybor Native

    Jean Cerra — pioneering women's athletics administrator, one of 11 women who helped bring women's sports into the NCAA  Summary: Jean Cerra shares her remarkable journey from playing sports at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Academy in Ybor City, Tampa, to becoming one of the most influential figures in women's collegiate athletics.  Jean discusses the passage of Title IX in 1972, the battles to implement it, and the pivotal 1981 NCAA vote that opened Division I championships to women. Key Topics Discussed: Early Years in Ybor City — Growing up playing volleyball, basketball, & softball at OLPH; the influence of legendary coach Moochine FernandezFlorida State University — Discovering the lack of women's competitive sports despite paying equal student fees; the spark for advocacyUniversity of Iowa — Iowa's progressive history with women's basketball (six-player game, statewide TV coverage); coaching the women's golf team and being denied access to Upper Finkbine golf courseTitle IX (1972) — Its one-sentence mandate against gender discrimination in federally funded education; impact far beyond sports into law, medicine, and engineeringThe AIAW vs. NCAA — The Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women and its philosophical differences with the NCAA; the push by 11 women from D-1A institutions to move into the NCAAThe 1981 NCAA Vote at the Fontainebleau Hilton, Miami — Lost by one vote, then won on a motion to reconsider while opponents were outside celebratingUniversity of Missouri —  $35,000 women's budget in a $17 million athletic department; becoming the first woman to oversee men's non-revenue sports; securing Nike and Purina Cat Chow sponsorshipsSocial Acceptance & Marketing — Evolution from stigma around women athletes to corporate sponsorships and national media coverageEquality Beyond Gender Labels Notable Quotes: "If I need tenure to keep a job, I shouldn't have it. And if I'm good, I don't need tenure.""The part of my anatomy that I need to do this job exists from the neck up and not from the neck down.""When we stop identifying people by gender — it's the competency of the person, not their gender, that matters.""Nobody will ever come watch women's sports." — "Not if they don't know when they're playing."People Mentioned: Moochine Fernandez — Ybor City softball legend; recreation director at DeSoto Park; played on USCA teams against CubaGenelle Fernandez — Moochine's daughter; Jean's "sister" at OLPH through the Sodality tapping ceremonyPat Head Summitt — Tennessee women's basketball coachCaitlin Clark — University of Iowa basketball star and golferBillie Jean King — Pioneer of women's tennis and the WTAKaren Rudolph — Author of Sidelined No LongerSue Zipay — All-American Girls Professional Baseball League playerKey Institutions & Organizations: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Academy (OLPH), Ybor CityUniversity of South FloridaFlorida State UniversityUniversity of IowaStephens College (Columbia, MO)University of MissouriAIAW (Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women)NCAATampa Baseball Museum at YborDiscover more on Jean and the 10 other women who made Title IX a collegiate reality in Karen Rudolph's book: Sidelined No Longer: The Untold Story of Women's College Sports by Karen Rudolph - https://www.amazon.com/Sidelined-No-Longer-Untold-College-ebook/dp/B0G2KK8TV1

    1 hr
  6. Updated: Venezuela Champions of World Baseball Classic, Rays Stadium & New MLB Rules on the horizon

    MAR 17

    Updated: Venezuela Champions of World Baseball Classic, Rays Stadium & New MLB Rules on the horizon

    Episode 344: WBC Energy, Rays Stadium Vision & MLB Rule Changes In this episode of BaseballBiz On Deck, Mark Corbett and Mat Germain dive into the excitement of the World Baseball Classic, the future of the Tampa Bay Rays, and a wave of controversial MLB rule changes. A look at the past of baseball in Tampa through the eyes of Wes Singletary The duo opens with the electric atmosphere of the WBC—highlighting the passion, global energy, and standout performances like Junior Caminero’s breakout moment against elite pitching. They discuss why international play brings a level of joy and intensity that MLB could learn from. From there, the conversation shifts to the Rays’ proposed $1.15 billion stadium project and how hosting events like the WBC and MLB All-Star Game could generate massive economic impact for Tampa. Could this be the key to keeping the Rays long-term? They also break down evolving MLB rules—from ABS (automated balls/strikes) challenges to experimental changes in the minors, including controversial adjustments like moving second base. Plus: Women’s baseball momentum, historic player connections, and why the future of the game may depend on balancing tradition with innovation. ⏱️ Chapter Timestamps 0:00 – Opening & WBC excitementWes Singletary at the Tampa Baseball Museum - great baseball storyteller2:00 – Dominican Republic game & fan energy debate4:00 – WBC growth, attendance & global impact5:00 – Rays stadium proposal & economic potential10:00 – Tampa vs. Miami as event destinations15:00 – Big-picture vision: sports, entertainment & city development23:00 – Junior Caminero spotlight & Rays future27:00 – Women’s baseball growth & upcoming events31:00 – Tampa baseball roots & player connections33:00 – Venezuela vs USA preview & WBC atmosphere36:00 – ABS challenge system & game flow improvements37:00 – New MLB experimental rules breakdown45:00 – Controversy: moving second base48:00 – Preserving baseball history vs modern changes51:00 – Final thoughts & fan voice in MLB decisionsLou Schiff - gives a breakdown on the line waiting to see the final game of the WBCTEAM VENEZUELA WINS THE CHAMPIONSHIP - and the crowd goes wildMat Germain's salute to Venezuelan Captain & Kansas City Royal phenom - Salvador Perez🔑 Key Topics & Takeaways WBC brings unmatched passion and global growth to baseballJunior Caminero emerging as a potential Rays franchise cornerstoneRays stadium proposal tied to long-term economic upsideMLB experimenting heavily with rules—some improving flow, others raising concernsWomen’s baseball gaining momentum with increased support and visibilityThe importance of fan input as the game evolves Like & subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck.  You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizondeck.com  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 and BaseballBiz On Deck with Facebook.

    59 min
  7. 2026 summer of Women's Baseball, World Cup, AAGPBL Reunion & Baseball For All

    MAR 16

    2026 summer of Women's Baseball, World Cup, AAGPBL Reunion & Baseball For All

    Ryan Woodward joins the show to discuss the incredible slate of women's baseball events coming to Rockford, Illinois this summer, his ongoing Women's Baseball Heritage Trail project, and his recent research trip to Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts.  The conversation covers the Women's Baseball World Cup, Baseball For All nationals, the All American Girls Professional Baseball League reunion, and the growing recognition of women in baseball history through statues, murals, and archives across the country. Topics Covered: Women's Baseball World Cup group stage coming to Rockford (July 22–27, 2026), with finals returning in 2027Baseball For All - Tournament in Rockford & Loves Park (July 19–25)All American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) Women's Professional Baseball League (WPBL) season starting August 1 in Springfield, ILThe Women's Baseball Heritage Trail – approaching 600 identified sites across the U.S.The collections at Bridgewater State featuring scrapbooks from Mary Pratt, Dottie Green, Maddie English, Margaret Russo, Helen Nordquist, and othersWomen's baseball statues and monuments – Mo'ne Davis, Gertie Dunn, and Toni StoneSue Zipay and her work with American Girls BaseballPlant Field in Tampa and the AAGPBL – 7 nights of double headersThe Effa Manley oral history recording at the Happy Chandler Library, University of KentuckyWomens Baseball Heritage Trail - finding unique locations while you are on the road - https://womeninbaseballweek.org/index.php/heritagetrail/Links & Resources: IWBC (International Women's Baseball Center): iwbc.orgWomen's Baseball World Cup Tickets & Info: https://www.iwbc.org/worldcup/ Baseball For All: baseballforall.comAAGPBL Players Association: aagpbl.orgWomen's Baseball Heritage Trail: Available through IWBC / Ryan Woodward https://womeninbaseballweek.org/index.php/heritagetrail/ Women in Baseball Week (July 19–25): womeninbaseballweek.orgBridgewater State University Archives (AAGPBL collections) - https://archives.bridgew.edu/subjects/101  SABR (Society for American Baseball Research): sabr.orgHappy Chandler Library, University of Kentucky (Effa Manley recording) https://kentuckyoralhistory.org/ark:/16417/xt7gth8bj15tKey Dates: July 19–25: Women in Baseball Week / Baseball For All Nationals / AAGPBL Reunion – Rockford, ILJuly 22–27: Women's Baseball World Cup Group Stage – Rivets Stadium, Loves Park, ILAugust 1: WPBL season begins – Springfield, IL2027: Women's Baseball World Cup Finals – Rockford, IL

    44 min
  8. Team USA WBC Confusion, Canada Surprises & Rays Spring Training Takeaway

    MAR 12

    Team USA WBC Confusion, Canada Surprises & Rays Spring Training Takeaway

    Does it feel Like your tickets been punched for the USA? World Baseball Classic Confusion Team USA manager Mark DeRosa, “mis-spoke” about the tournament qualification scenario during the WBC Team USA’s uncertain path to the quarterfinalsThe importance of preparation for international tournamentsHow tournament formats and round-robin rules can create unexpected pressureMexico vs. Italy matchup implications for the USACanada’s Strong Showing in the WBC Mat highlights how Team Canada has exceeded expectations despite a roster missing several stars. Key performers discussed: Abraham Toro delivering standout performancesOwen Caissie, a young rising star hitting .500 in the tournamentVeteran leadership from Josh NaylorCanada’s wins against Puerto Rico and Cuba show the team’s growing international competitiveness The Unique Energy of the WBC - how the World Baseball Classic creates a different atmosphere than MLB games. Electric crowds in Asia and Latin AmericaThe “sandlot” feel of the tournamentOpportunities for young players to perform on a global stageSpring Training Observations - results may not determine the season, but they can reveal important clues How spring performances sometimes predict regular-season successThe Pittsburgh Pirates’ promising startProspect Connor Griffin drawing comparisons to elite hittersHow roster depth and health show up during spring trainingRays Spring Training & Ticket Pricing Debate Mark shares his experience attending a Tigers vs. Rays spring training game & seeing Shane McClanahan pitch The conversation shifts to Rays opening day ticket prices and the challenges of dynamic pricing, raising questions about: Accessibility for everyday fansThe importance of family experiences in baseballBalancing business strategy with fan engagementFuture Rays Stadium & Fan Experience The hosts explore the possibilities for the Rays’ future ballpark development Large outdoor entertainment areasWatch parties for other Tampa sports teamsCommunity events & festivalsDisaster relief and emergency use during hurricanesA new stadium could become a year-round community hub Performance Incentive That Could Improve Baseball Performance bonuses for stolen bases or triplesIncentives to encourage aggressive baserunningMore immersive camera technology, including drones following baserunnersMake the game more dynamic without fundamentally changing its rulesTechnology Changing the Game Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challengesOn-screen explanations of umpire reviewsNew camera angles and broadcast innovationsEnhanced in-stadium experiences for fansOpening Day at Tampa Baseball Museum possibly with Joe Maddon & Matt Joyce Opening Day watching multiple games & tracking storylines across MLB Women’s History Month, upcoming interviews with Jean Cerra & discussions about Title IX impact on collegiate sports Women’s Pro Baseball League, WPBL,  spring training in Fort Myers -  next week If you enjoyed this show, go ahead like and subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck.  You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at baseballbizondeck.com You can find Mat at matgermain.bsky

    57 min
See All (342)

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

We cover the Business of Baseball, its history and how it operates. Interviews with Players, Agents, Owners, Scouts, Umpires, MLB, MLBPA, Major League, Minor League Sports Analysis. Music - Rocking Forward by XTaKeRux.

Information

  • Creator
    @TheBaseballBiz
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    342
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 BaseballBiz On Deck
  • Show Website
    BaseballBiz On Deck

You Might Also Like