Advertise on podcast: Rays Your Voice: A Tampa Bay Rays Podcast

In this episode, Brett Rutherford and Darby Robinson discuss the recent press conference led by Governor Ron DeSantis regarding the Tampa Bay Rays' stadium plans. They analyze the significance of DeSantis's support, the involvement of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, and the role of Hillsborough College in the project. The conversation also covers the new ownership and the important role of CEO Ken Babby. Brett and Darby also discuss recent trade for Ben Williamson, and how he fits into the Rays lineup. Additionally, they touch on the changes in the Rays' broadcast and viewing options for the upcoming season.Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Press Conference 11:48 Ken Babby's Leadership and Community Engagement 17:55 Funding Discussions and Next Steps 30:31 Tampa's Evolving Sports Landscape and Infrastructure 35:32 Trade Analysis: The Rays Acquire Ben Williamson 01:01:21 Rays' Future Strategy and Roster Decisions 01:06:18 Changes in Rays' Broadcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Rays Your Voice, hosts Brett Rutherford and Darby Robinson discuss the recent announcement of a new stadium deal for the Tampa Bay Rays at Hillsborough Community College. The conversation begins with Darby's hopeful reaction to the news, despite the cautious optimism of many fans who have experienced previous disappointments. Also, last week the Rays completed a three-team trade that saw them acquire second baseman Gavin Lux and right-handed pitching prospect Chris Clark, while sending former first round pick Josh Lowe to the Angels. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:09 Initial Reactions to the Stadium Deal 10:02 The New Ownership Group's Approach to Buillding a Ballpark 17:12 Looking Ahead: Financial Considerations 23:16 Cautious Optimism for the Future 43:55 Gavin Lux's Role and Performance 01:00:02 The Impact of the World Baseball Classic 01:09:50 Financial Disparities in MLB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, hosts Brett Rutherford and Darby Robinson discuss the recent trades involving Brandon Lowe and Shane Baz. They analyze the players involved, the potential impact on the team's performance in 2026, and the future of the Rays' roster. The conversation also touches on the state of the AL East, the importance of pitching prospects, and the overall direction of the Rays as they head into the new season. 01:24 Brandon Lowe Trade Breakdown 10:51 Lowe's Place in Rays History 17:16 Roster Construction Challenges 30:32 Evaluating the Return for Shane Baz 39:39 Comparing Team Trajectories in the AL East 42:38 The Rays' Long-Term Vision and Roster Decisions 45:50 Ketel Marte Trade Considerations 50:01 Addressing the Second Base Dilemma 55:58 Concerns Over Starting Rotation 59:55 Future Outlook and Team Direction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, hosts Brett Rutherford and Darby Robinson discuss the recent signings of Cedric Mullins and Steven Matz, and how they fit in on the Rays roster. They analyze the implications of these moves for the team's roster, focusing on Mullins' potential to provide veteran leadership and stability in the outfield, as well as Matz's versatility as a pitcher. The hosts also discuss the recent Winter Meetings in baseball, highlighting the excitement and rumors surrounding potential trades. Specifically, the Brandon Lowe was rumored to be on the market, and the Rays are reportedly in trade talks with the Diamondbacks about Ketel Marte. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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In this episode of Rays Your Voice, hosts Brett Rutherford and Darby Robinson discuss the latest offseason moves for the Tampa Bay Rays, including the decision to pick up the options of Brandon Lowe and Taylor Walls, while declining Pete Fairbanks'. The conversation delves into the financial aspects of these decisions, the performance of key players, and the overall strategy for the upcoming season. In this episode, the hosts also begin their 2025 season autopsy, starting with the catchers and infielders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, hosts Brett Rutherford and Darby Robinson discuss the recent introductory press conference for the new ownership group of the Tampa Bay Rays. They share their initial reactions, emphasizing the importance of the new ownership's commitment to building a new stadium and improving fan experience. The conversation delves into financial aspects, public-private partnerships, and the future of baseball operations under the new management. The hosts express cautious optimism about the team's direction while acknowledging the challenges ahead, particularly regarding payroll and stadium development. The show concludes with predictions for the postseason and reactions to all the games thus far. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to new ownership and reactions to press conference 05:54 Building a ballpark 14:47 Return to Tropicana Field 20:43 HCC Dale Mabry Campus 38:57 Baseball Operations outlook under new ownership 57:48 Playoff Baseball Insights and Series Predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Raise Your Voice, hosts Brett Rutherford and Darby Robinson discuss the significant changes surrounding the Tampa Bay Rays, including the sale of the team and the legacy of former owner Stuart Sternberg. They explore the implications of new ownership under Patrick Zalupski, expectations for payroll and team strategy, and the future of the Rays, including potential stadium developments and branding refreshes. The conversation reflects on the complexities of ownership in Major League Baseball and the challenges the Rays face moving forward. 00:00 Introduction and Season Reflections 01:27 Ownership Change: The Sale of the Rays 05:18 Stuart Sternberg's Legacy 08:07 Cautious Optimism for New Ownership 14:28 The Future of the Rays: Stadium and Branding 33:59 The Importance of a Rays Hall of Fame 38:54 Ownership Changes and Payroll Expectations 57:46 Future Strategies for the Rays Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context of Carson Williams' Call-Up 03:02 Evaluating Carson Williams' Potential and Expectations 05:53 The Importance of Managing Expectations for Young Players 08:54 Discussion on Ian Seymour's Performance and Future 11:55 The State of the Rays' Pitching Rotation 14:53 Future Prospects and Player Development Strategies 29:09 Pitching Prospects and Future Uncertainties 32:40 The Evolution of Pitching Strategies 35:49 Caminero's Home Run Chase 48:05 Junior Caminero: A Rising Star in Baseball 52:43 Contract Negotiations and Player Extensions 58:57 Identifying Extension Candidates 01:09:59 Future Prospects and Team Strategy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Current State of the Team 02:55 Disappointment and Expectations for the Season 05:51 Prospects and Future Outlook 08:49 Injuries and Roster Management 11:43 Offensive Struggles and Key Players 14:47 Pitching Challenges and Team Strategy 17:54 Bob Seymour's Impact and Future Role 27:20 Evaluating Player Depth and Future Prospects 28:53 Emerging Talents: Tre' Morgan and Carson Williams 30:58 Assessing Team Strategy and Player Utilization 34:22 The Importance of Player Development and Exposure 38:37 Pitching Prospects: Yoniel Curet and Future Options 48:55 Looking Ahead: Impact Players for Next Season 50:46 Injury Concerns and Rotation Dynamics 54:06 Pitching Challenges and Future Strategies 01:00:03 Evaluating Trades and Team Direction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brett Rutherford and Darby Robinson discuss how the moves at the trade deadline serve as a primer for what's ahead this offseason. 02:50 Looking Ahead to 2026: Future Prospects for the Rays 05:48 2026 Starting Rotation: Who Stays and Who Goes? 11:41 Evaluating the Bullpen: Key Players and Potential Trades 19:39 Analyzing the Catching Situation: Will Anyone Stick? 33:20 Infield Dynamics: The Future of Brandon Lowe and Yandy Diaz 41:05 Is it Time to Reshape the Rays' Outfield? 01:04:27 Final Thoughts and Predictions for the Offseason Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brett Rutherford and Darby Robinson discuss all the moves the Rays made ahead of Thursday's trade deadline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brett Rutherford and Darby Robinson discuss the trade that sent catcher Danny Jansen to Milwaukee and the decision to option young right-handed pitcher Taj Bradley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brett Rutherford, Darby Robinson, and special guest Brian Menendez of DRaysBay and Baseball Prospectus discuss the Rays plans ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. One move has already been made, bringing in Bryan Baker from Baltimore to try and sure up a struggling bullpen, but there could be more incomings and outgoings from that group. Specifically, is now the time when the Rays trade closer Pete Fairbanks? The Rays are poised to trade one of their starting pitchers, who have stayed healthy and all made their starts to this point in the season. Shane McClanahan will rejoin the rotation at some point in the second half, and Joe Boyle has earned an opportunity based on his performance in AAA and in limited big league work this year. Zack Littell and Taj Bradley seem like the most likely options to be moved. Brett, Darby, and Brian discuss which they think will remain on the team, and how that impacts the Rays rotation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brett Rutherford and Darby Robinson discuss the Rays three All-Stars, including Home Run Derby participant and starter at third base, Junior Caminero. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices