BaseballBiz On Deck – Rays & Junior Caminero Rising
- Rays rebound to reach .500, winning 8 of last 10 games
- Mariners series pivotal in reigniting playoff hopes
- Roster shakeups pay dividends:
- Carson Williams’ call-up sparks momentum
- Tristan Gray contributes key hits
- Josh Lowe heating up after struggles
- Junior Caminero shines:
- Hits 40th HR of the season, joins elite Rays company
- Reaches 100 RBIs milestone
- Emerging as the face and future cornerstone of the team
- Pitching & Team Performance
- Adrian Houser dominates early with efficiency on the mound
- Shane Baz & Drew Rasmussen showing strong form down the stretch
- Rays bullpen management critical
- Waivers & Roster Moves
- Ha-Seong Kim waived, picked up by Braves - Rays free up future payroll flexibility
- Full confidence in Carson Williams
- Junior Caminero projected for $250M+ deal
- Rising energy from young players: Chandler Simpson, Jake Mangum, Richie Palacios
- Veteran anchors Yandy Díaz & Brandon Lowe guiding the youth
- Lou Piniella spotted at game, connecting Rays & Mariners history
- Current Mariner’s manager ejection during the game
- MLB Ejections
- Rafael Devers first-inning brawl with Rockies
- former Ray Willy Adames and Matt Chapman ejected
- Jose Caballero (Yankees) ejected again for fiery exchange with umpire
- Broader trend of ejections, intensity rising in September playoff races
- Rays sit just 2.5 games back of Mariners in Wild Card race
- Rays outscored opponents 60–28 since Aug. 22, with MLB-best extra-base hit margin (+26)
- Little League World Series -- Williamsport Experience:
- Mark & Chris traveled 600 miles to Williamsport, PA, for the LLWS semifinals.
- U.S. teams included Connecticut, Las Vegas, Sioux Falls (SD), & South Carolina.
- International teams featured Venezuela, Chinese Taipei, the Caribbean, & Japan.
- Standout performances: Connecticut’s squad, and dynamic brothers excelling at multiple positions.
- Pitch count limits (85 pitches max per game) and how teams manage all-star rosters.
- Little League field dimensions (46 ft. mound-to-plate, 60 ft. bases) and how size/athleticism impacts play.
- Chinese Taipei fans brought instruments and chants, creating a WBC-like atmosphere.
- Players bowing to umpires and catchers.
- Dormitory living fosters camaraderie across teams.
- Sportsmanship award highlighted as a tradition of the LLWS.
- LLWS History & Trivia:
- Tournament founded in 1947, always hosted in South Williamsport, PA.
- Ages 10–12, with many future MLB players coming through.
- Trivia: 15 players have won both the Little League World Series and the MLB World Series, including Cody Bellinger, Michael Conforto, Dwight Gooden, Gary Sheffield, Jason Varitek, and more.
- Off the Field:
- From ballpark classics to international cuisine on “the hill.”
- Visit to the Little League Museum featuring Cy Young memorabilia, “Girls with Game” exhibits, and mascot Dugout.
- Chris recommends everyone attend at least once—affordable, family-friendly, and unforgettable.
- Best insider tip: watch at least one game from the outfield at Lamade Stadium for a unique fan experience
You can find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark at baseballbizondeck@gmail.com BaseballBiz on Deck, at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com
Special Thanks to Scott Holmes for the music Stomps & Claps
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