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