Manfred / Oz visits Tampa Bay, Free Agents & A Curt Flood Christmas Story

Caleb Durbin – more like Dustin Pedroia or Jon Berti style of player?Durbin is ElectricWhat can we expect from the Blue Jays in the AL EastBlue Jays pitching is getting older but not as dominant in past yearsWhat do they have for pitching in the minors Willy Adames encourages Corbin Burnes to join the Giants rotationsFree Agents at large – Tommy Pham, Charlie Morton, Kirby Yates, Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Many older pitchers may wait until mid-season until they sign like Roger ClemensOther pitchers still as free agents include Patrick Burnes, Jose Quintana, Sean ManaeaTampa Bay Rays need more experienced leaders for their team – Charlie Morton & Jason HeywardWizard of Oz, Rob Manfred came to Tampa BayGeorge Steinbrenner Field – Yankees Spring Training Stu Sternberg strategy for the future of the TB Rays ballpark Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala loves MLB Commissioner Rob ManfredWill MLB pay the cost overruns for the new Rays Stadium and find a new owner for the Tampa Bay RaysGeorge M. Steinbrenner Field – 2025 Home Field for Tampa Bay RaysHow will a healthy Brandon Lowe, Josh Lowe & Jonathan Aranda impact the 2025 seasonJanet Marie Smith, VP of Planning & Development – Fenway, Camden Yards & Dodgers StadiumChristmas Lobster Dinner with Mat’s family – plus breakfast Creamed Lobster with Scrambled EggsStrawberry Pretzel Dessert Dish Christmas favorite with Mark’s familyCurt Flood’s Christmas Eve letter to Bowie Kuhn – precursor to Free AgencyTed Lindsay – linchpin of the players union in Canada – another courageous player who fought for the rights of all playersCurt Flood issue with Cardinals and they did not want to pay his salaryFlood collected the first hit in a major league game in Canada. General Hospital has nothing on Major League BaseballComparing Nolan Arenado’s & Curt Flood’s experience with the CardinalsChristmas wishes – no blackouts of ballgamesRemember to thank those who serve us both near and far awayReminder to serve others who are in need or people who do not have someone to celebrate the holydays with.Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas. Ho, Ho, Ho,Just a reminder you can find Mat at  M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot bsky social. That’s @matgermain.bsky.social  or Mark at @baseballbizondeck.bsky.social