RaysUp Tampa Bay Rays last week Spring Training

Mat Germain & Mark Corbett review the Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training and get ready for the 2024 upcoming MLB seasonTampa Bay Pitching ArmsRodriguez on board as Andrew Kittredge departs Phil Maton Jose Caballero – short stop – his speed is electric Ruben Cardenas Austin Shenton Rays Shortstop position evolution – Adames, Franco, Walls & now Caballero  Mark misspeaks - Who is Carson MeadCurtis Mead – 2nd or 1st base position similar to Jonathan Aranda Carson Williams Jose Caballero – Super utility guy, aggressive steal bases Mat believes Rays could reach 175 to 200 stolen bases this season Chandler Simpson will be breaking records for the future on Rays speed Jake Odorizzi – an old friend returns to the Rays. Not a flashy guy maybe delivering 8K for 9. Kittredge – what is his future post Rays Waiting for Jeffrey Springs, Shane Baz, Drew Rasmussen to return later this year. Pitching Rotation – Zach Eflin, Civale, Littel, (injured) Taj Bradley Who will fill in for Taj – One of the 3 Jakes? Jacob (Wags) Waguespack Jacob Lopez Jake OdorizziPitching Injured Lists across the leagues – Verlander & Urquidy with Astros, Cole with Yankees, Bautista with Orioles, Giolito with Red Sox Rays Injured Pitcher list includes – Shane McClanahan, Jeffrey Springs, Drew Rasmussen, Taj Bradley, Shane Baz, Ryan Pepiot – what will his mix of pitches bring to the game Rays do not need a Jordan Montgomery or a Blake Snell What will the Rays Infield look like Mainstays to build on – Yandy Diaz, Jonathan Aranda, Isaac Paredes DH spot – Harold Ramirez, Brandon Lowe will Curtis Mead be sent down to AAA DeLuca & Rosario join the team Rosario's bat adds strength to the RaysThe bench is strong Strength of the Rays now – 2024 season, bullpen, lineup steadiness, strong outfield and speed on the bases. 2024 Tampa Bay Rays season – what does the AL East look like PECOTA  – loaded up heavy on the Yankees at top of the AL East.  At this time Mat sees top 3 of AL East most likely will include Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays & Toronto Blue Jays Banged up Yankees could be relying solely on Juan Soto MLB Myopia on Yandy Diaz being unrecognized because he is with the Rays. Yandy Diaz – first place ranking in fantasy baseball Randy Arozarena – Bulked Up for 2024 – More HRs this seasonNCAA brackets, 64 teams & Dickie V Cinderella stories – You have to invite Cinderella to the ball, another reason to enjoy the expanded MLB postseason Opening Day – March 28 Minor League Season – April 2nd Rosters have to be made out Durham Bulls Stadium – great atmosphere, has the look and feel of Major League in Florida Grapefruit League Would a struggling & hungry Tampa Bay Rays fight more to the playoffs – we don’t need 13 straight wins to have a good season Don’t sleep on the Red Sox could squeeze off a playoff position  Keep up to date with Mat’s tweets on X.com @Mat_Germain_Thanks to Mat Germain for bringing the knowledge, wit and wisdom to the show. You can catch his commentary & advice on Twitter x.com @Mat_Germain_   Mark can be found on Twitter @TheBaseballBiz & at http://www.baseballbizondeck.comJust remember to subscribe, follow and rate the show. Thank you.