RaysUp - 2025 Drew Rasmussen, Carson Williams, Xavier Isaac plus Tito & the Reds

Gratitude -  Thank you to Canadians, including Mat Germain, for their contributions during hurricanes and wildfires in Florida and California.Excitement for upcoming 2025 Baseball SeasonSpring Training dates: Pitchers and Catchers Report: February 12, 2025.Truck Day: February 3, 2025 (celebrated by teams like the Boston Red Sox).Collegiate Baseball Opening Days, Division I: February 14, 2025, Division II: January 31, 2025.Rays Prospects and Player AnalysisJunior Caminero: Graduated from prospect status in 2024, no longer a rookie.Carson Williams - best defensive prospect in minor league baseball (MLB executives' poll). Willaims combines elite defense and power but still developing his hitting.Chandler Simpson - Stole 104 bases in 2024, known for speed and strong hitting.Xavier Isaac - Emerging as a power hitter, possibly a future left fielder.Rays' System OutlookProspects like Williams, Simpson, and Isaac could fill critical positionsPipeline of elite outfielders for the first time since the late 2000sStrategic trades opened opportunities for younger players to riseDrew Rasmussen UpdateSigned a two-year extension with the RaysCareer ERA is consistently below 3.00, with a steady WHIP (~1.04)Limited innings pitched due to past injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries.Contract reflects his dual potential as a reliever or starting pitcher, with incentives ranging from $8M to $20M in 2026Team Strength and Roster DecisionsThe Future of Brandon Lowe and Yandy DíazDeveloping infield and outfield talent reflects a strategy for long-term success.Expect a transformative 2025 season with young talent stepping up Fixing the Trop is it worth it?Ex-Rays – where are they nowCharlie Morton – Orioles replacing Corbin BurnesBlake Snell  - DodgersNathaniel Lowe traded to the NationalsAmed Rosario to NationalsTommy Pham?Cincinnati Reds  & the Tito EffectGavin Lux traded from Dodgers to the RedsTony Tito Francona now managing the Cincinnati RedsTito & Kevin Cash have always built strong connections with their teamsElly De La Cruz amazing talent may grow under Tito Waiting for another big trade for the Rays Thanks to Mat Germain for bringing his knowledge, wit and wisdom to the show. You can catch more of Mat on BlueSky @matgermain.bsky.socialMark can be found on BlueSky at @baseballbizondeck.bsky.social & and at  http://www.baseballbizondeck.comBaseballBiz is on iheartradio, Stitcher, Apple, and Spotify Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward