RaysUp it's All-Star Week, Draft, Home Run Derby & Canadian Baseball v Hockey

Mat Germain discusses the concentration of baseball greats
during All-Star Week and critiques the allocation of All-Star
games.

Rays' All-Star representatives, including a ball boy, Braden
Coles & Home Run Hitter, Isaac Paredes



All-Star Game Festivities:


Mr. and Mrs. Met on the Red Carpet

Mat highlights the evolving fan engagement activities during
All-Star Week, including future stars games, celebrity games, and
skills competitions



Home Run Derby 


Alonso's hardest hit ball, discussing its significance.

Teoscar Hernandez's performance and career stats.

Power numbers at Dodger Stadium and Hernandez’s potential.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s support for Teoscar Hernandez plus
Shohei Ohtani shares advice.

Question - Blue Jays’ decisions on Guerrero Jr., Hernandez,
& Lourdes Gurriel.

Toronto Blue Jays future and the impact of their pitching
staff.



Rays' Midseason Performance:


Tampa Bay Rays successful series against the Cleveland
Guardians.

Rays needs - focusing on catchers and relief pitchers.



Rays' Draft Strategy:


Mat breaks down the Rays' draft picks, highlighting their
focus on position players and their strategy.

Rays drafting Canadian players, including Emilien
Petrie, 

Mat shares insights from the University of Kentucky on
Emilien Petrie’s growth and potential.

Focus on position players for sustainability & the
development of pitchers.

Emilien Pitt and other high potential draftees like Theo
Gillian.

Concerns over Gillian's injuries but high potential if he
remains healthy.

Focus on high ceiling talents despite risk



High School vs. College Draft Picks:


High school draftees have access to professional training
earlier

Risk of injuries remains a concern for young draftees



  Successful Draft Picks from High Schools:


Plant High School (Pete Alonso, Kyle Tucker).

High schools like Westlake producing multiple high-level
draftees.



  Synergy & Confidence in Player Development:


Teams and players feeding off each other's success.

Confidence and mental strength play a crucial role in player
performance.

Role of faith and belief systems in maintaining player
confidence.



  All-Star Game and Potential Changes:


Discussion on the All-Star game, its importance, and the
risks of injury.

Suggestion to potentially move the All-Star game to the end
of the season.

Benefits of combining the All-Star game with Hall of Fame
inductions.



  Rob Manfred Draft Announcements


Rob Manfred faces boos from the crowd during player
announcements

Comparison to other sports commissioners like Gary Bettman

We should have had Taylor Swift announce the draftees



  Celebrity Influence in Baseball:


Discussion on increasing the appeal of baseball through
celebrity involvement.

Examples of how other sports leverage celebrities to draw
attention



Limited Baseball Season for Canadians:

Canadian players have limited opportunities to play baseball
compared to Americans.

Short season in Canada necessitates traveling or playing
other sports.

Example: Larry Walker had minimal baseball experience before
being trained professionally. 


All-Star Game and Hall of Fame Induction:
Mat Germain believes the Hall of Fame induction should be tied
to the All-Star Game, either just before or after, to create a
more significant event where fans can interact with baseball
greats.


Potential Change for the All-Star Game Timing:

Mat suggests moving the All-Star Game to th