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)
Reposted by Mat Germain
Today's newsletter is out! And it's Free Thursday!
Inside: Skubal and Skenes, Murphy and Vogt, Joe Maddon's sour grapes, the Skaggs trial, the Epstein emails, John Darnielle, "Puribus," and my airport luck.
www.cupofcoffeenews.com/cup-of-coffe...
Inside: Skubal and Skenes, Murphy and Vogt, Joe Maddon's sour grapes, the Skaggs trial, the Epstein emails, John Darnielle, "Puribus," and my airport luck.
www.cupofcoffeenews.com/cup-of-coffe...
Cup of Coffee: November 13, 2025
Skubal and Skenes are your Cy Young Award winners, Murphy and Vogt are your Managers of the Year, Joe Maddon's sour grapes, the Skaggs trial, the Epstein emails, John Darnielle, "Puribus," and my airp...
www.cupofcoffeenews.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Today's newsletter is out! And it's Free Thursday!
Inside: Skubal and Skenes, Murphy and Vogt, Joe Maddon's sour grapes, the Skaggs trial, the Epstein emails, John Darnielle, "Puribus," and my airport luck.
www.cupofcoffeenews.com/cup-of-coffe...
Inside: Skubal and Skenes, Murphy and Vogt, Joe Maddon's sour grapes, the Skaggs trial, the Epstein emails, John Darnielle, "Puribus," and my airport luck.
www.cupofcoffeenews.com/cup-of-coffe...
Reposted by Mat Germain
This is so big, seriously, the biggest scandal we’ve ever seen‼️👀👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
November 13, 2025 at 3:51 AM
This is so big, seriously, the biggest scandal we’ve ever seen‼️👀👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
The official BBWAA AL Cy Young ballot
November 13, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Series of events in #PerthHeat game today.
Pineda (18) hit a double in his 1st game in ABL.
#Rays #RaysUp
Pineda (18) hit a double in his 1st game in ABL.
#Rays #RaysUp
November 13, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Series of events in #PerthHeat game today.
Pineda (18) hit a double in his 1st game in ABL.
#Rays #RaysUp
Pineda (18) hit a double in his 1st game in ABL.
#Rays #RaysUp
Could this be how #MLB is structured in future?
1. #MLB = 30 teams
2. New league with 10 teams created. Owners sort out stadiums with pre-requisite established by #MLB (ex: min 25,000 fans)
3. 10 teams play season
4. Top 2 teams promoted to #MLB
5. Worst #MLB NL & AL team get relegated to new league
1. #MLB = 30 teams
2. New league with 10 teams created. Owners sort out stadiums with pre-requisite established by #MLB (ex: min 25,000 fans)
3. 10 teams play season
4. Top 2 teams promoted to #MLB
5. Worst #MLB NL & AL team get relegated to new league
November 13, 2025 at 10:44 AM
It seems that Ryan Cermak (who has had many unfortunate injuries so far) injured himself during the first Australian Baseball League ( #ABL) game of the season for #PerthHeat. They had another #Rays prospect, C Yirer Garcia, run for him. Cermak was 2 for 2 with a triple to that point.
November 13, 2025 at 10:40 AM
It seems that Ryan Cermak (who has had many unfortunate injuries so far) injured himself during the first Australian Baseball League ( #ABL) game of the season for #PerthHeat. They had another #Rays prospect, C Yirer Garcia, run for him. Cermak was 2 for 2 with a triple to that point.
A look at Adrian Santana's swing.
Point being this: if for some reason neither Carson Williams or Jadher Areinamo are able to grab onto and earn the long-term SS role, don't overlook Santana who is on a path towards being a strong backup option. Has helium for 2026. #Rays
youtu.be/uXPNx4FweVg?...
Point being this: if for some reason neither Carson Williams or Jadher Areinamo are able to grab onto and earn the long-term SS role, don't overlook Santana who is on a path towards being a strong backup option. Has helium for 2026. #Rays
youtu.be/uXPNx4FweVg?...
November 13, 2025 at 10:34 AM
A look at Adrian Santana's swing.
Point being this: if for some reason neither Carson Williams or Jadher Areinamo are able to grab onto and earn the long-term SS role, don't overlook Santana who is on a path towards being a strong backup option. Has helium for 2026. #Rays
youtu.be/uXPNx4FweVg?...
Point being this: if for some reason neither Carson Williams or Jadher Areinamo are able to grab onto and earn the long-term SS role, don't overlook Santana who is on a path towards being a strong backup option. Has helium for 2026. #Rays
youtu.be/uXPNx4FweVg?...
#Rays most under rated prospect today?
SS Adrian Santana (20) who'll likely head to AA in 2026
He gets better every time I watch him play, is a tremendous defender with elite range at SS, has stolen 101 bases while getting caught just 17 times, and has dropped his SO% from 19% in '23 to 12% in '25.
SS Adrian Santana (20) who'll likely head to AA in 2026
He gets better every time I watch him play, is a tremendous defender with elite range at SS, has stolen 101 bases while getting caught just 17 times, and has dropped his SO% from 19% in '23 to 12% in '25.
November 13, 2025 at 10:28 AM
#Rays most under rated prospect today?
SS Adrian Santana (20) who'll likely head to AA in 2026
He gets better every time I watch him play, is a tremendous defender with elite range at SS, has stolen 101 bases while getting caught just 17 times, and has dropped his SO% from 19% in '23 to 12% in '25.
SS Adrian Santana (20) who'll likely head to AA in 2026
He gets better every time I watch him play, is a tremendous defender with elite range at SS, has stolen 101 bases while getting caught just 17 times, and has dropped his SO% from 19% in '23 to 12% in '25.
With Bob Seymour being released to chase an opportunity in Asia, this is #Rays 1B depth chart:
#MLB level:
Jonathan Aranda (LHB, 27)
Yandy Diaz (RHB, 34)
Tristan Gray (LHB, 29)
AAA:
Tre' Morgan (LHB, 23)
AA:
Xavier Isaac (LHB, 21)
Will Simpson (RHB, 24)
Some of best depth at 1B in #MLB
#RaysUp
#MLB level:
Jonathan Aranda (LHB, 27)
Yandy Diaz (RHB, 34)
Tristan Gray (LHB, 29)
AAA:
Tre' Morgan (LHB, 23)
AA:
Xavier Isaac (LHB, 21)
Will Simpson (RHB, 24)
Some of best depth at 1B in #MLB
#RaysUp
Tampa Bay Rays Yandy Diaz GIF
ALT: Tampa Bay Rays Yandy Diaz GIF
media.tenor.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Reposted by Mat Germain
AOC: "It is unconscionable that what we are debating right now is legislation that will give 8 senators over $1 million a piece & we're robbing people of their food assistance & healthcare to pay for it. How can we vote to enrich ourselves by stealing from the American people?"
November 12, 2025 at 10:39 PM
AOC: "It is unconscionable that what we are debating right now is legislation that will give 8 senators over $1 million a piece & we're robbing people of their food assistance & healthcare to pay for it. How can we vote to enrich ourselves by stealing from the American people?"
Markets continue to bet on #Canada
Could it be that they prefer Carney's plan to Trump's?
Yes. That's exactly what it means.
#UnitedStates #uspoli
Could it be that they prefer Carney's plan to Trump's?
Yes. That's exactly what it means.
#UnitedStates #uspoli
November 13, 2025 at 10:09 AM
Markets continue to bet on #Canada
Could it be that they prefer Carney's plan to Trump's?
Yes. That's exactly what it means.
#UnitedStates #uspoli
Could it be that they prefer Carney's plan to Trump's?
Yes. That's exactly what it means.
#UnitedStates #uspoli
The initial ten teams would be:
1. #Montreal
2. #Nashville
3. #Portland
4. #SaltLakeCity
5. #Vancouver
6. #Charlotte
7. #Buffalo
8. #Indianapolis
9. #Columbus
10. #SanAntonio
#MLB
1. #Montreal
2. #Nashville
3. #Portland
4. #SaltLakeCity
5. #Vancouver
6. #Charlotte
7. #Buffalo
8. #Indianapolis
9. #Columbus
10. #SanAntonio
#MLB
November 12, 2025 at 11:58 PM
The initial ten teams would be:
1. #Montreal
2. #Nashville
3. #Portland
4. #SaltLakeCity
5. #Vancouver
6. #Charlotte
7. #Buffalo
8. #Indianapolis
9. #Columbus
10. #SanAntonio
#MLB
1. #Montreal
2. #Nashville
3. #Portland
4. #SaltLakeCity
5. #Vancouver
6. #Charlotte
7. #Buffalo
8. #Indianapolis
9. #Columbus
10. #SanAntonio
#MLB
Instead of direct expansion, #MLB should create a new “Champions League” with 10 teams initially. Those teams would compete for the chance to join #MLB the following season, with the top 2 teams in, taking the place of the worst NL & AL teams who would be relegated & need to earn their way back.
November 12, 2025 at 11:54 PM
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