Mat Germain
@matgermain.bsky.social
Proud Canadian #ElbowsUp, Father to two outstanding girls
Healthcare should be well funded and non-profit
Will fight ignorance & hatred in any way possible.
Covering #Rays since '12 through @BaseballBiz Podcast (current)
SB Nation & Fansided (past)
Healthcare should be well funded and non-profit
Will fight ignorance & hatred in any way possible.
Covering #Rays since '12 through @BaseballBiz Podcast (current)
SB Nation & Fansided (past)
Pinned
#WorldBaseballClassic is very close & I'm starting to get intrigued by #Canada 's potential roster makeup. With Vladdy jr wearing #Canadian jersey into the stadium Game 7 & signing a long-term deal, could he finally make the leap & play for #Canada?
Let's look at the others on team #Canada
(thread)
Let's look at the others on team #Canada
(thread)
If you want to know why players from #Japan are such a big deal on the free agent market, this is why. They are not only extremely talented, but unlike most U.S. based free agents, some have yet to reach their prime years or are just entering them. #MLBPA should aim to lower age to reach FA.
Youngest #MLB free agents (potential regulars):
26
Munetaka Murakami **
27
Dylan Carlson
Tatsuya Imai **
28
Bo Bichette
Mike Soroka
Kolby Allard
Dustin May
29
Kyle Tucker
Gleyber Torres
Trent Grisham
Josh Naylor
Nate Pearson
Brendan Rodgers
Nick Madrigal
Will Castro
Caleb Ferguson
Others are 30+
26
Munetaka Murakami **
27
Dylan Carlson
Tatsuya Imai **
28
Bo Bichette
Mike Soroka
Kolby Allard
Dustin May
29
Kyle Tucker
Gleyber Torres
Trent Grisham
Josh Naylor
Nate Pearson
Brendan Rodgers
Nick Madrigal
Will Castro
Caleb Ferguson
Others are 30+
November 12, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Youngest #MLB free agents (potential regulars):
26
Munetaka Murakami **
27
Dylan Carlson
Tatsuya Imai **
28
Bo Bichette
Mike Soroka
Kolby Allard
Dustin May
29
Kyle Tucker
Gleyber Torres
Trent Grisham
Josh Naylor
Nate Pearson
Brendan Rodgers
Nick Madrigal
Will Castro
Caleb Ferguson
Others are 30+
26
Munetaka Murakami **
27
Dylan Carlson
Tatsuya Imai **
28
Bo Bichette
Mike Soroka
Kolby Allard
Dustin May
29
Kyle Tucker
Gleyber Torres
Trent Grisham
Josh Naylor
Nate Pearson
Brendan Rodgers
Nick Madrigal
Will Castro
Caleb Ferguson
Others are 30+
November 12, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Youngest #MLB free agents (potential regulars):
26
Munetaka Murakami **
27
Dylan Carlson
Tatsuya Imai **
28
Bo Bichette
Mike Soroka
Kolby Allard
Dustin May
29
Kyle Tucker
Gleyber Torres
Trent Grisham
Josh Naylor
Nate Pearson
Brendan Rodgers
Nick Madrigal
Will Castro
Caleb Ferguson
Others are 30+
26
Munetaka Murakami **
27
Dylan Carlson
Tatsuya Imai **
28
Bo Bichette
Mike Soroka
Kolby Allard
Dustin May
29
Kyle Tucker
Gleyber Torres
Trent Grisham
Josh Naylor
Nate Pearson
Brendan Rodgers
Nick Madrigal
Will Castro
Caleb Ferguson
Others are 30+
81 years ago, FDR proposed a second Bill of Rights to guarantee every American the right to employment, healthcare, education, housing, and a living income. His words are as relevant now as they were then. Watch.
November 12, 2025 at 10:07 AM
#America is led by the bigger loser of this generation.
And that's a problem we now all have to live with as he impacts the entire world with his stupidity, bigotry, and complete lack of integrity. #uspoli
And that's a problem we now all have to live with as he impacts the entire world with his stupidity, bigotry, and complete lack of integrity. #uspoli
Trump’s former Chief of Staff John Kelly confirms that Trump called American service members “suckers” and “losers,” refused to visit their graves, and that he didn’t want to be seen with amputee veterans because “it doesn’t look good for me” #cdnpoli
November 12, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Fast forward to 2021:
#Rays selected Kyle Manzardo, an impact power 1B
Of course, they then proceeded to trade him away, as they do with most power bats who play 1B, but still, a much better pick than Ryan Boldt type players.
#Rays selected Kyle Manzardo, an impact power 1B
Of course, they then proceeded to trade him away, as they do with most power bats who play 1B, but still, a much better pick than Ryan Boldt type players.
November 12, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Fast forward to 2021:
#Rays selected Kyle Manzardo, an impact power 1B
Of course, they then proceeded to trade him away, as they do with most power bats who play 1B, but still, a much better pick than Ryan Boldt type players.
#Rays selected Kyle Manzardo, an impact power 1B
Of course, they then proceeded to trade him away, as they do with most power bats who play 1B, but still, a much better pick than Ryan Boldt type players.
2016 #MLB Draft
#Rays selected toolsy OF Ryan Boldt 53rd overall
------
#Mets selected power bat Pete Alonso 64th overall
#BlueJays selected bat first SS Bo Bichette 66th overall
Lesson was learned by #Rays ~ 2021 after years of doing this
#Rays needed to stop focus on "toolsy" guys & aim for impact
#Rays selected toolsy OF Ryan Boldt 53rd overall
------
#Mets selected power bat Pete Alonso 64th overall
#BlueJays selected bat first SS Bo Bichette 66th overall
Lesson was learned by #Rays ~ 2021 after years of doing this
#Rays needed to stop focus on "toolsy" guys & aim for impact
November 12, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Top 3 #Braves FA targets:
1. SS Bo Bichette (Anthopoulos LOVES him)
2. SP Dylan Cease (GA native)
3. UT Jorge Mateo (need to improve bench)
1. SS Bo Bichette (Anthopoulos LOVES him)
2. SP Dylan Cease (GA native)
3. UT Jorge Mateo (need to improve bench)
November 12, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Top 3 #Braves FA targets:
1. SS Bo Bichette (Anthopoulos LOVES him)
2. SP Dylan Cease (GA native)
3. UT Jorge Mateo (need to improve bench)
1. SS Bo Bichette (Anthopoulos LOVES him)
2. SP Dylan Cease (GA native)
3. UT Jorge Mateo (need to improve bench)
Resulting #Braves lineup would be:
RF Ronald Acuña Jr.
SS Bo Bichette **
1B Matt Olson
C/DH Drake Baldwin
3B Austin Riley
2B Ozzie Albies
LF Jurickson Profar
DH/C Sean Murphy
CF Michael Harris II
#MLB
RF Ronald Acuña Jr.
SS Bo Bichette **
1B Matt Olson
C/DH Drake Baldwin
3B Austin Riley
2B Ozzie Albies
LF Jurickson Profar
DH/C Sean Murphy
CF Michael Harris II
#MLB
#Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos is the person responsible for bringing Bo Bichette into #Toronto. The #Braves have been looking for a new leader since they let Freddie Freeman go to #LosAngeles. They have the money to bring Bo in if they so chose. I see them as one of 5 favourites to land him.
a baseball player in a blue jays uniform swings at a ball
ALT: a baseball player in a blue jays uniform swings at a ball
media.tenor.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:24 AM
#Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos is the person responsible for bringing Bo Bichette into #Toronto. The #Braves have been looking for a new leader since they let Freddie Freeman go to #LosAngeles. They have the money to bring Bo in if they so chose. I see them as one of 5 favourites to land him.
a baseball player in a blue jays uniform swings at a ball
ALT: a baseball player in a blue jays uniform swings at a ball
media.tenor.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:21 AM
#Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos is the person responsible for bringing Bo Bichette into #Toronto. The #Braves have been looking for a new leader since they let Freddie Freeman go to #LosAngeles. They have the money to bring Bo in if they so chose. I see them as one of 5 favourites to land him.
#Rays Prospects with highest SP ceilings
(level to begin '26, age) notes
1. Yoniel Curet (AAA, 23) best fastball-change combo
2. Brody Hopkins (AAA, 23) best fastball-slider combo
3. Jose Urbina (A+, 20) best complete package, confidence
4. Santiago Suarez (A+, 20) best command, plus fastball
#MLB
(level to begin '26, age) notes
1. Yoniel Curet (AAA, 23) best fastball-change combo
2. Brody Hopkins (AAA, 23) best fastball-slider combo
3. Jose Urbina (A+, 20) best complete package, confidence
4. Santiago Suarez (A+, 20) best command, plus fastball
#MLB
November 12, 2025 at 9:11 AM
So how do #Rays improve?
1. Trade a SP for an impact bat
2. Sign a SP
Consider bringing back Littell, Eflin, or Houser.
Maybe take a shot on Erick Fedde?
What about Max Scherzer?
#Rays have Yoniel Curet, Brody Hopkins, Jesse Scholtens, Joe Boyle and Ty Johnson in AAA, so there's insurance.
1. Trade a SP for an impact bat
2. Sign a SP
Consider bringing back Littell, Eflin, or Houser.
Maybe take a shot on Erick Fedde?
What about Max Scherzer?
#Rays have Yoniel Curet, Brody Hopkins, Jesse Scholtens, Joe Boyle and Ty Johnson in AAA, so there's insurance.
Let's say new #Rays ownership want to make some kind of statement while building up excitement for the 2026 season.
Kyle Tucker, Josh Naylor, Cody Bellinger, Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso are all attractive adds, but out of their range.
Other fielders are lacking or at positions of strength.
Kyle Tucker, Josh Naylor, Cody Bellinger, Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso are all attractive adds, but out of their range.
Other fielders are lacking or at positions of strength.
November 12, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Let's say new #Rays ownership want to make some kind of statement while building up excitement for the 2026 season.
Kyle Tucker, Josh Naylor, Cody Bellinger, Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso are all attractive adds, but out of their range.
Other fielders are lacking or at positions of strength.
Kyle Tucker, Josh Naylor, Cody Bellinger, Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso are all attractive adds, but out of their range.
Other fielders are lacking or at positions of strength.
November 12, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Let's say new #Rays ownership want to make some kind of statement while building up excitement for the 2026 season.
Kyle Tucker, Josh Naylor, Cody Bellinger, Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso are all attractive adds, but out of their range.
Other fielders are lacking or at positions of strength.
Kyle Tucker, Josh Naylor, Cody Bellinger, Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso are all attractive adds, but out of their range.
Other fielders are lacking or at positions of strength.
Translation:
Unless you’re willing to pay Tucker, the FA OF market sucks.
Unless you’re willing to pay Tucker, the FA OF market sucks.
November 11, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Translation:
Unless you’re willing to pay Tucker, the FA OF market sucks.
Unless you’re willing to pay Tucker, the FA OF market sucks.
#Rays & #DBacks having been expansion teams at same time and having same number of playoff wins is pretty awesome.
PLAYOFF WINS SINCE 1998
(when MLB went to 30 teams):
116 NYY
86 LAD
77 HOU
69 BOS STL
50 SF
49 ATL
48 PHI
36 CLE
35 NYM
33 DET TEX
29 CHC
28 ARI TB
25 KC
21 LAA SD
20 TOR
19 WSH
18 ATH
17 MIL SEA
14 CWS
13 MIA
9 COL MIN
6 BAL
3 PIT
2 CIN
(when MLB went to 30 teams):
116 NYY
86 LAD
77 HOU
69 BOS STL
50 SF
49 ATL
48 PHI
36 CLE
35 NYM
33 DET TEX
29 CHC
28 ARI TB
25 KC
21 LAA SD
20 TOR
19 WSH
18 ATH
17 MIL SEA
14 CWS
13 MIA
9 COL MIN
6 BAL
3 PIT
2 CIN
November 11, 2025 at 9:51 PM
#Earth is the most precious planet imaginable within a Galaxy filled with hostile environments which would prevent life from existing.
Humanity has decided that there are not enough ones and zeros in computers to care for Earth, deciding to destroy it willingly & knowingly.
Truly that simple.
#Shame
Humanity has decided that there are not enough ones and zeros in computers to care for Earth, deciding to destroy it willingly & knowingly.
Truly that simple.
#Shame
a picture of the earth is displayed on the screen of a phone
ALT: a picture of the earth is displayed on the screen of a phone
media.tenor.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Reposted by Mat Germain
Pre-Holiday Book Sale
25% off "Attorneys in the Baseball Hall of Fame" through November 30.
For the attorneys, law students and baseball fans in your life (including yourself!)
At Check out use code: SCHIFF25
mcfarlandbooks.com/product/atto...
25% off "Attorneys in the Baseball Hall of Fame" through November 30.
For the attorneys, law students and baseball fans in your life (including yourself!)
At Check out use code: SCHIFF25
mcfarlandbooks.com/product/atto...
Attorneys in the Baseball Hall of Fame - McFarland
Attorneys in the Baseball Hall of Fame A Collection of Biographical Essays Edited by Louis H. Schiff and Robert M. Jarvis 978-1-4766-9245-6 978-1-4766-5596-3
mcfarlandbooks.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Pre-Holiday Book Sale
25% off "Attorneys in the Baseball Hall of Fame" through November 30.
For the attorneys, law students and baseball fans in your life (including yourself!)
At Check out use code: SCHIFF25
mcfarlandbooks.com/product/atto...
25% off "Attorneys in the Baseball Hall of Fame" through November 30.
For the attorneys, law students and baseball fans in your life (including yourself!)
At Check out use code: SCHIFF25
mcfarlandbooks.com/product/atto...
“Five eyes” becomes “Four eyes”
NEWS: The UK is no longer sharing intelligence with the US about suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean because it does not want to be complicit in US military strikes and believes the attacks are illegal, sources familiar with the matter told CNN. edition.cnn.com/2025/11/11/p...
Exclusive: UK suspends some intelligence sharing with US over boat strike concerns in major break | CNN Politics
The United Kingdom is no longer sharing intelligence with the US about suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean because it does not want to be complicit in US military strikes and believes ...
edition.cnn.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:19 PM
“Five eyes” becomes “Four eyes”
Well, #Rays had 2 hitters at .300 or above (Aranda & Diaz) & another at .295 but still didn’t get close to the playoffs. It’s a different game now.
Qualified NL Hitters Batting .300+:
1999: 37%
2000: 36%
2001: 34%
2002: 20%
2003: 28%
2004: 23%
2005: 22%
2006: 21%
2007: 24%
2008: 19%
2009: 22%
2010: 15%
2011: 20%
2012: 23%
2013: 19%
2014: 11%
2015: 17%
2016: 19%
2017: 22%
2018: 12%
2019: 13%
2021: 14%
2022: 5%
2023: 7%
2024: 4%
2025: 1%
1999: 37%
2000: 36%
2001: 34%
2002: 20%
2003: 28%
2004: 23%
2005: 22%
2006: 21%
2007: 24%
2008: 19%
2009: 22%
2010: 15%
2011: 20%
2012: 23%
2013: 19%
2014: 11%
2015: 17%
2016: 19%
2017: 22%
2018: 12%
2019: 13%
2021: 14%
2022: 5%
2023: 7%
2024: 4%
2025: 1%
November 11, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Well, #Rays had 2 hitters at .300 or above (Aranda & Diaz) & another at .295 but still didn’t get close to the playoffs. It’s a different game now.
In case #Rays fans were wondering, they have a 3% chance of getting the 1st overall pick in the 2026 #MLB draft. Last year the #Mariners had a 0.5% chance & wound up with the 3rd overall pick, but in 2024 it was the #Guardians who got the 1st overall pick despite only having a 2% chance to do so.
November 11, 2025 at 2:19 PM
In case #Rays fans were wondering, they have a 3% chance of getting the 1st overall pick in the 2026 #MLB draft. Last year the #Mariners had a 0.5% chance & wound up with the 3rd overall pick, but in 2024 it was the #Guardians who got the 1st overall pick despite only having a 2% chance to do so.
This has me wondering if #Rays and #Tigers are a match in trade. #Rays need to improve in areas where #Tigers are very deep, and #Tigers could use more power in infield with Brandon Lowe potentially being attractive to them.
#Tigers currently have a full 40-man roster
C Thayron Liranzo (likely is kept or dealt)
INF Hao-Yu Lee, SS Trei Cruz, INF Peyton Graham, and RP RJ Petit are also not protected
#Rays would benefit from grabbing any of the 4 if still available in R5. #Tigers are LOADED.
www.mlb.com/video/rj-pet...
C Thayron Liranzo (likely is kept or dealt)
INF Hao-Yu Lee, SS Trei Cruz, INF Peyton Graham, and RP RJ Petit are also not protected
#Rays would benefit from grabbing any of the 4 if still available in R5. #Tigers are LOADED.
www.mlb.com/video/rj-pet...
RJ Petit's four strikeouts in relief | 07/20/2025
Tigers No. 28 prospect RJ Petit strikes out four batters in a hitless two-inning relief appearance for Double-A Erie
www.mlb.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:11 PM
#Tigers currently have a full 40-man roster
C Thayron Liranzo (likely is kept or dealt)
INF Hao-Yu Lee, SS Trei Cruz, INF Peyton Graham, and RP RJ Petit are also not protected
#Rays would benefit from grabbing any of the 4 if still available in R5. #Tigers are LOADED.
www.mlb.com/video/rj-pet...
C Thayron Liranzo (likely is kept or dealt)
INF Hao-Yu Lee, SS Trei Cruz, INF Peyton Graham, and RP RJ Petit are also not protected
#Rays would benefit from grabbing any of the 4 if still available in R5. #Tigers are LOADED.
www.mlb.com/video/rj-pet...
RJ Petit's four strikeouts in relief | 07/20/2025
Tigers No. 28 prospect RJ Petit strikes out four batters in a hitless two-inning relief appearance for Double-A Erie
www.mlb.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:08 PM
#Tigers currently have a full 40-man roster
C Thayron Liranzo (likely is kept or dealt)
INF Hao-Yu Lee, SS Trei Cruz, INF Peyton Graham, and RP RJ Petit are also not protected
#Rays would benefit from grabbing any of the 4 if still available in R5. #Tigers are LOADED.
www.mlb.com/video/rj-pet...
C Thayron Liranzo (likely is kept or dealt)
INF Hao-Yu Lee, SS Trei Cruz, INF Peyton Graham, and RP RJ Petit are also not protected
#Rays would benefit from grabbing any of the 4 if still available in R5. #Tigers are LOADED.
www.mlb.com/video/rj-pet...
Potentially the most exciting addition to Team #Canada in #WBC is SS Trei Cruz. Here's a highlight of what he managed during a Championship series a short time ago, as a sample of how impactful his bat could be.
youtu.be/-quGSev6M04?...
youtu.be/-quGSev6M04?...
November 11, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Potentially the most exciting addition to Team #Canada in #WBC is SS Trei Cruz. Here's a highlight of what he managed during a Championship series a short time ago, as a sample of how impactful his bat could be.
youtu.be/-quGSev6M04?...
youtu.be/-quGSev6M04?...
#WorldBaseballClassic is very close & I'm starting to get intrigued by #Canada 's potential roster makeup. With Vladdy jr wearing #Canadian jersey into the stadium Game 7 & signing a long-term deal, could he finally make the leap & play for #Canada?
Let's look at the others on team #Canada
(thread)
Let's look at the others on team #Canada
(thread)
November 11, 2025 at 12:54 PM
#WorldBaseballClassic is very close & I'm starting to get intrigued by #Canada 's potential roster makeup. With Vladdy jr wearing #Canadian jersey into the stadium Game 7 & signing a long-term deal, could he finally make the leap & play for #Canada?
Let's look at the others on team #Canada
(thread)
Let's look at the others on team #Canada
(thread)
#RedSox are looking for
1. Front of rotation SP
2. Middle of order bat
So essentially...
1. Dylan Cease
2. Pete Alonso
MLBTR predicted 7 yrs, $189M for Cease, $27M AAV
MLBTR predicted 4 yrs, $110M for Alonso, $27.5M AAV
Total: $54.5M for '26
Would take BOS to $222M overall
#CanAffordIt #MLB
1. Front of rotation SP
2. Middle of order bat
So essentially...
1. Dylan Cease
2. Pete Alonso
MLBTR predicted 7 yrs, $189M for Cease, $27M AAV
MLBTR predicted 4 yrs, $110M for Alonso, $27.5M AAV
Total: $54.5M for '26
Would take BOS to $222M overall
#CanAffordIt #MLB
a baseball player for the new york mets is running
ALT: a baseball player for the new york mets is running
media.tenor.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:45 PM
#RedSox are looking for
1. Front of rotation SP
2. Middle of order bat
So essentially...
1. Dylan Cease
2. Pete Alonso
MLBTR predicted 7 yrs, $189M for Cease, $27M AAV
MLBTR predicted 4 yrs, $110M for Alonso, $27.5M AAV
Total: $54.5M for '26
Would take BOS to $222M overall
#CanAffordIt #MLB
1. Front of rotation SP
2. Middle of order bat
So essentially...
1. Dylan Cease
2. Pete Alonso
MLBTR predicted 7 yrs, $189M for Cease, $27M AAV
MLBTR predicted 4 yrs, $110M for Alonso, $27.5M AAV
Total: $54.5M for '26
Would take BOS to $222M overall
#CanAffordIt #MLB