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)
Sadly, I'm still lurking in the fantasy world, so...
2nd half splits have me buying. Big time.
2nd half splits have me buying. Big time.
November 12, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Sadly, I'm still lurking in the fantasy world, so...
2nd half splits have me buying. Big time.
2nd half splits have me buying. Big time.
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.
Team #Canada: 3B
Possibly Vladdy jr's position, but for now we'll look at others. #Brewers Tyler Black (25, LHB) seems most obvious, bringing a mix of solid bat with speed & good D at hot corner. #Marlins Otto Lopez (27, RHB) will battle for that role with Black, adding depth & balance.
(con'd)
Possibly Vladdy jr's position, but for now we'll look at others. #Brewers Tyler Black (25, LHB) seems most obvious, bringing a mix of solid bat with speed & good D at hot corner. #Marlins Otto Lopez (27, RHB) will battle for that role with Black, adding depth & balance.
(con'd)
November 11, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Team #Canada: SS
Absolute worst position for #Canada historically, they may finally have an impact option in #Tigers SS Trei Cruz (27). He has an impact bat, managing a 143 wRC+ in AAA in '25 with a .174 ISO & 22.8% SO%, but more importantly he's a highly skilled defender with plus range.
(con'd)
Absolute worst position for #Canada historically, they may finally have an impact option in #Tigers SS Trei Cruz (27). He has an impact bat, managing a 143 wRC+ in AAA in '25 with a .174 ISO & 22.8% SO%, but more importantly he's a highly skilled defender with plus range.
(con'd)
November 11, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Team #Canada: 2B
Oddly enough, this position is a source of power for #Canada 's lineup as #MNTwins Edouard Julien (26) & #Mets Jared Young (30) are likely to battle for that role. Both have a lot to prove, but also have impact potential. Note Young's .302 ISO in '25 with NYM gives him edge.
(con'd)
Oddly enough, this position is a source of power for #Canada 's lineup as #MNTwins Edouard Julien (26) & #Mets Jared Young (30) are likely to battle for that role. Both have a lot to prove, but also have impact potential. Note Young's .302 ISO in '25 with NYM gives him edge.
(con'd)
November 11, 2025 at 1:04 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)
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)
#Bluesky User Count is now up over $40 million overall and has grown by over 10 million people in 2025. Can we push it up to 50 million in 2026?
Absolutely.
Absolutely.
November 11, 2025 at 12:38 PM
#Bluesky User Count is now up over $40 million overall and has grown by over 10 million people in 2025. Can we push it up to 50 million in 2026?
Absolutely.
Absolutely.
#BaseballAmerica asked: can #Rockies be "fixed"?
Answer is obviously yes, but Q is actually: how?
1. Hire the right GM & empower him to enact change
2. Improve int'l scouting substantially
(1 + 2 make ex #Rays assistant GM Carlos Rodriguez perfect for the Rox GM position)
3. Shed salary, start over.
Answer is obviously yes, but Q is actually: how?
1. Hire the right GM & empower him to enact change
2. Improve int'l scouting substantially
(1 + 2 make ex #Rays assistant GM Carlos Rodriguez perfect for the Rox GM position)
3. Shed salary, start over.
November 11, 2025 at 12:33 PM
#BaseballAmerica asked: can #Rockies be "fixed"?
Answer is obviously yes, but Q is actually: how?
1. Hire the right GM & empower him to enact change
2. Improve int'l scouting substantially
(1 + 2 make ex #Rays assistant GM Carlos Rodriguez perfect for the Rox GM position)
3. Shed salary, start over.
Answer is obviously yes, but Q is actually: how?
1. Hire the right GM & empower him to enact change
2. Improve int'l scouting substantially
(1 + 2 make ex #Rays assistant GM Carlos Rodriguez perfect for the Rox GM position)
3. Shed salary, start over.
Unemployment rate in #UnitedStates over the last year as compared to #Canada 's which stands unchanged year-over-year:
November 11, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Unemployment rate in #UnitedStates over the last year as compared to #Canada 's which stands unchanged year-over-year:
In 2024, #Rays OF only managed this:
.218/.292/.366 with .147 ISO and 91 wRC+
#Rays missed the playoffs
In 2025, #Rays OF only managed this:
.255/.305/.357 with .103 ISO and 85 wRC+
#Rays missed the playoffs
THE #1 priority this offseason for #Rays?
PUT TOGETHER A HALF DECENT OF!
Make the playoffs.
.218/.292/.366 with .147 ISO and 91 wRC+
#Rays missed the playoffs
In 2025, #Rays OF only managed this:
.255/.305/.357 with .103 ISO and 85 wRC+
#Rays missed the playoffs
THE #1 priority this offseason for #Rays?
PUT TOGETHER A HALF DECENT OF!
Make the playoffs.
November 11, 2025 at 9:49 AM
One of biggest faults of #Mets in '25 was the lack of range they had in the OF, adding pressure on their P staff.
How would Juan Soto react to a request for him to man 1B?
Will it be like Rafael Devers with the #RedSox?
Or will it be like Rafael Devers with the #SFGiants?
Either way, it makes sense.
How would Juan Soto react to a request for him to man 1B?
Will it be like Rafael Devers with the #RedSox?
Or will it be like Rafael Devers with the #SFGiants?
Either way, it makes sense.
November 9, 2025 at 12:34 PM
While digging into Sung Mun Song & his potential for #MLB level play I saw just how successful Lewin Diaz has been in KBO. Over last 2 seasons, while finally getting regular playing time, he's really increased his hitting. Should #Rays consider bringing him back to #MLB (fill LF/1B/DH with power)?
November 8, 2025 at 12:52 PM
These were bottom 10 teams in attendance for 1996 in #MLB
This is shortly after strike that resulted in 1/2 the #Expos great team being torn apart and shipped off to different teams. Yet, people still showed up in larger numbers than for #Mets, #SFGiants, and #Twins to name a few.
This is shortly after strike that resulted in 1/2 the #Expos great team being torn apart and shipped off to different teams. Yet, people still showed up in larger numbers than for #Mets, #SFGiants, and #Twins to name a few.
November 8, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Something #MLB fans likely don't realize today?
#Colorado #Rockies used to lead #MLB for years in Attendance numbers, exceeding 4 million fans. Guess who was in the middle of it all - Dante Bichette, playing RF & hitting .310/.348/.526. Want to turn things around? SIGN BO BICHETTE.
#Colorado #Rockies used to lead #MLB for years in Attendance numbers, exceeding 4 million fans. Guess who was in the middle of it all - Dante Bichette, playing RF & hitting .310/.348/.526. Want to turn things around? SIGN BO BICHETTE.
November 8, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Teams with biggest needs at SS should be throwing money at Bo Bichette and making it very hard for #BlueJays to re-sign him. But, #Rays, #Guardians & #Pirates don't spend, leaving #Yankees, #Braves and #Tigers as most likely to make huge offer. Could Volpe's days be done? Doubt it. Imo, #Tigers.
November 8, 2025 at 10:16 AM
This has me wondering if #Rays are going to acquire someone like LH Sean Newcomb who's added a sinker over last 2 seasons & it's paying dividends for him. Note: he's faced 22 batters at the Trop, allowed just a .105 AVG & .333 OPS.
November 7, 2025 at 5:01 PM
This has me wondering if #Rays are going to acquire someone like LH Sean Newcomb who's added a sinker over last 2 seasons & it's paying dividends for him. Note: he's faced 22 batters at the Trop, allowed just a .105 AVG & .333 OPS.
November 7, 2025 at 9:44 AM
MLBTR have #Rays being most likely to sign free agent C Victor Caratini, with a 2 year $14M deal being predicted. He ranks among top 15 in blocking, more mid-range of 30s in framing, depending on which site you use. It's possible.
November 7, 2025 at 2:00 AM
MLBTR have #Rays being most likely to sign free agent C Victor Caratini, with a 2 year $14M deal being predicted. He ranks among top 15 in blocking, more mid-range of 30s in framing, depending on which site you use. It's possible.
Post All-Star break, #Rays LHP Ian Seymour (just DFA'd) threw in 15 games and managed:
3.91 ERA in 53 IP with a 1.21 Whip
He has 2 options, makes league minimum...
Someone make it make sense...
3.91 ERA in 53 IP with a 1.21 Whip
He has 2 options, makes league minimum...
Someone make it make sense...
November 7, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Post All-Star break, #Rays LHP Ian Seymour (just DFA'd) threw in 15 games and managed:
3.91 ERA in 53 IP with a 1.21 Whip
He has 2 options, makes league minimum...
Someone make it make sense...
3.91 ERA in 53 IP with a 1.21 Whip
He has 2 options, makes league minimum...
Someone make it make sense...
Ladies & Gentlemen, I present the largest AAAA OF of this generation on any 40-man roster. But hey, at least #Rays are making moves...
Note: both added OF this offseason likely come from recommendations made by Terry Francona who had them with #Reds (Fraley & Vilade). Tito, #Rays Whisperer...
Note: both added OF this offseason likely come from recommendations made by Terry Francona who had them with #Reds (Fraley & Vilade). Tito, #Rays Whisperer...
November 6, 2025 at 11:38 PM
With Pete Fairbanks gone, top 3 x Closer candidates #Rays have aboard noted below. Their pen will remain elite.
1. Griffin Jax
2. Edwin Uceta
3. Hunter Bigge
Wildcards:
Manuel Rodriguez (~ July '26)
Forrest Whitley (if not SP)
1. Griffin Jax
2. Edwin Uceta
3. Hunter Bigge
Wildcards:
Manuel Rodriguez (~ July '26)
Forrest Whitley (if not SP)
November 6, 2025 at 11:27 PM
With Pete Fairbanks gone, top 3 x Closer candidates #Rays have aboard noted below. Their pen will remain elite.
1. Griffin Jax
2. Edwin Uceta
3. Hunter Bigge
Wildcards:
Manuel Rodriguez (~ July '26)
Forrest Whitley (if not SP)
1. Griffin Jax
2. Edwin Uceta
3. Hunter Bigge
Wildcards:
Manuel Rodriguez (~ July '26)
Forrest Whitley (if not SP)