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  • Welcome to Episode 84 of Tablesetters, where Devin and Steve break down a loaded week across the baseball landscape.

    We open with the Subway Series, which gave us tension, star power, and plenty of narrative fuel. Juan Soto made his much-anticipated return to Yankee Stadium — and the reaction was loud. Devin and Steve unpack how the series played out, from Soto’s quiet weekend at the plate to Max Fried’s dominance and Cody Bellinger’s statement performance. The Yankees took two out of three, but the bigger story was what this matchup revealed about where both New York teams stand in 2025.

    Then we go around the league:

    Brandon Hyde fired — The Orioles pull the plug on their manager and DFA Kyle Gibson as their season spirals. What’s next for Baltimore?Jose Alvarado suspended 80 games for a banned substance reportedly tied to a weight loss drug. He’s out for the postseason. How do the Phillies respond?Twins win streak snapped at 13, thanks to a highlight-reel robbery by Brewers rookie Jackson Chourio.Angels sweep the Dodgers at Chavez Ravine for the first time since 2010. Is this the spark they needed?More bad news in Pittsburgh — Tommy John likely looms for Jared Jones, and Jeff Passan says the Pirates might want to trade Paul Skenes now while his value is highest. A bold take — but does it make sense?

    We also dig into the Sub-2.00 ERA club, debate the results of our Twitter poll on breakout players, run through this week’s Red Hot/Ice Cold picks, and wrap with what we’re watching next in Coming Around 3rd.

    Whether you’re locked in on the pennant races or already dreaming about October, we’ve got your baseball conversation covered.

    Follow us for more content on Instagram and X @TableSettersPod, and help the show grow by subscribing, rating, and sharing.

    Let’s set the table. ⚾️

  • Welcome to Episode 83 of Tablesetters! We’ve got a phenomenal guest joining us today — Tim Dillard, a beloved figure in the baseball world whose personality is as electric as his insight.

    A former MLB pitcher with an 18-year professional career, Tim spent the bulk of his playing days in the Milwaukee Brewers organization, earning respect not just for his durability on the mound but for his unmatched clubhouse presence and deep love of the game. Since hanging up his cleats, Tim has seamlessly transitioned into the broadcast booth, where his humor, storytelling, and unique player perspective have made him a fan favorite all over again.

    Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on his journey — from reinventing his delivery mid-career to finding his voice on the mic — and getting his candid thoughts on the 2025 Brewers. We discuss what feels like a season in transition for Milwaukee, a team still searching for consistency but loaded with potential. Tim shares his perspective on what needs to click, which young arms could provide a jolt, and why he believes this group can still make a run.

    We also reflect on the passing of Bob Uecker and what he meant to the Brewers family, both on and off the field. Plus, we dive into Jackson Chourio’s growth, the rise of Jacob Misiorowski, and what it’s really like balancing levity and analysis in today’s media landscape. And yes — we wrap it up with some fun bracket talk, including the legendary N64 games showdown Tim stirred up back in spring.

    It’s a wide-ranging, heartfelt, and hilarious conversation that blends baseball, broadcasting, and perspective.

    🎧 Follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod for bonus clips, updates, and more. Subscribe and join us each week — Tablesetters is where stories shape the season.

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  • Welcome to Episode 82 of Tablesetters! Devin and Steve dive into a loaded week of MLB headlines, starting with Commissioner Rob Manfred’s historic decision to remove Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe Jackson, and others from baseball’s permanently ineligible list. What does this mean for Hall of Fame eligibility and the legacy of the game?

    We also break down:

    The Yankees’ offensive tear: Judge is hitting .414, Grisham mashes his 12th homer, and New York leads the league in runsOswaldo Cabrera’s injury scare and DJ LeMahieu’s returnRafael Devers says no to first base—and responds by rakingEvan Longoria signs a one-day deal to retire as a RayManager firings in Pittsburgh and Colorado — who’s next?Ronald Acuña Jr. begins rehab, Jordan Lawlar gets the call, and Brandon Woodruff hits another setbackThe Cardinals' 9-game win streak and how they’ve surged into the NL Central race

    Plus:

    A Twitter stat deep-dive on the 40+ Quality Starts Club since 2023The growing list of sub-2.00 ERA arms—who’s legit and who might come back to earth?

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod for extra content, polls, and all your weekly MLB breakdowns!

  • Welcome to Episode 81 of Tablesetters! Devin and Steve are back with a fast-moving, stat-packed dive into a wild week across Major League Baseball.

    We start in the Bronx, where the Yankees handed the game over to Devin Williams with a 3-0 lead in the 8th… and he handed it right back. Two outs, then chaos—after a hit and two walks, Luke Weaver gave up back-to-back two-run hits to cough up the lead entirely. Williams blamed the rain, but his ERA now sits above 10, and Yankee fans are losing patience.

    The Padres continue their surge despite losing both Fernando Tatis Jr. and manager Mike Shildt to ejections—they’ve now rattled off six straight wins. Over in Queens, the Mets are falling apart: AJ Minter (1.64 ERA) is out for the season with a lat tear, Danny Young needs Tommy John, and Jesse Winker’s oblique strain will sideline him 6–8 weeks. Brett Baty’s back, and Genesis Cabrera joins the pen—but the depth is running thin.

    And how about the Athletics? With a walk-off win over Seattle, they’ve gone 7-3 in their last 10 and sit just one game out of first place at 20-16. The Royals are also heating up, led by Cole Ragans, who returned from a minor groin issue and struck out 11 in his comeback start. KC has won three straight and is right in the AL Central mix.

    We also dive into a brutal round of IL stints across the league—Trout, Yordan, Imanaga, Jazz, Glasnow, Buehler, Casas, and Teoscar all out. We debate which loss is the toughest to absorb.

    Elsewhere:

    Bret Boone is now the hitting coach in TexasJake Burger sent to Triple-ALeody Taveras claimed by the MarinersEvan Carter gets the call backLance McCullers makes his first start since the 2022 World Series

    Plus, the Sub-2 ERA Crew continues to deal: Yamamoto (0.90), Max Fried (1.01), Mahle (1.19), Senga (1.38), Brown (1.67), Luzardo (1.94), and Kris Bubic (1.98) are all under 2.00.

    And in Take a Pitch/Swing Away, we take our swings at three big topics:

    Is Pete Crow-Armstrong’s hot start sustainable?Could Aaron Judge actually chase a .400 Triple Crown?Is Sandy Alcantara’s trade value completely shot with an 8.42 ERA?

    Follow us for more:

    Instagram: @TablesettersPod X: @TablesettersPod Like, subscribe, and share to support the show—we appreciate you!

  • Welcome to Episode 80 of Tablesetters! Today we’re joined by Jack Wilson — former All-Star shortstop, 12-year MLB veteran, and one of the most respected infielders of the 2000s. He anchored the Pirates through a key stretch in the franchise’s history and now brings that same passion to coaching the next generation as the manager of the Greeneville Flyboys in the Appalachian League.

    But Jack’s baseball story doesn’t stop there — it continues through his son, Jacob Wilson, who’s off to a phenomenal start in his rookie season with the A’s. We talk about what it’s like watching his son succeed on the biggest stage, how their games compare, and the moment Jack knew Jacob was built for the big leagues.

    Jack also shares his approach to coaching today’s players, what he looks for in great infielders, and how player development has changed since his days in the Pirates and Cardinals systems. And we look back at his time in Pittsburgh — the teammates, the fans, and what it would take for the organization to truly move forward under Bob Nutting’s leadership.

    This episode is a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about baseball’s past, present, and future and the powerful role family plays in all of it.

    Follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod for bonus clips, updates, and more. Subscribe and join us each week — Tablesetters is where stories shape the season.

  • Welcome back to Tablesetters for Episode 79! Devin and Steve are here with a packed episode, and tonight they’re joined by a special guest — Ben Weaver from Skippers View and Tomahawk Talk — to dive deep into all things Atlanta Braves.

    We start with Ben’s story: how he began covering the Braves and what he’s learned covering the team daily. From there, we break down all the major storylines, including:

    The fallout from the Jared Kelenic-Ronald Acuña-Brian Snitker dramaThe Braves' 0-7 start and what fueled their recent turnaroundSpencer Schwellenbach’s rise and growing concerns about the pitching staffChris Sale’s struggles and Raisel Iglesias' rough start at the back end of the bullpenWhether the Braves are feeling the absence of a leader like Ron WashingtonWhat Alex Anthopoulos might need to address at the trade deadlineAnd Ben’s picks for his Mount Rushmore of Atlanta Braves

    We had a great conversation with Ben — make sure to follow him on X @weaver_cards for more Braves coverage.

    Stay connected with us for more baseball conversations and updates: 📸 Instagram: @TablesettersPod 🐦 Twitter: @TablesettersPod

    If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share — every inning brings a new story, and every pitch sets the stage for baseball’s best moments. Let’s play ball!

  • In Episode 78 of Tablesetters, the pressure’s rising — and not just in the standings.

    We begin in Atlanta, where the Braves were riding a four-game win streak but dealing with tension off the field. After Jarred Kelenic was thrown out for not hustling, Ronald Acuña Jr. took to social media with a since-deleted post suggesting he wouldn’t have gotten the same leniency. The moment revealed cracks beneath the surface — a team starting to win games, but juggling injuries, double standards, and clubhouse dynamics.

    That sets the stage for a bigger conversation around leadership and accountability — one echoed in Pittsburgh, where Paul Skenes didn’t hold back after another wasted gem. His words? “We owe something to the city.” The fans responded in kind, chanting “Sell the team!” at PNC Park — and maybe, just maybe, the culture is starting to shift.

    Elsewhere, the future is arriving fast: five top prospects made their MLB debuts this week — Nick Kurtz, Luke Keaschall, Agustín Ramírez, Edgar Quero, and Chandler Simpson. From high-profile sluggers to chaos creators on the basepaths, these call-ups aren't just placeholders — they're impact pieces with staying power.

    Meanwhile, in Queens, the Mets are red hot, powered by a resurgent Francisco Lindor and breakout pitcher Tylor Megill, who’s become one of the best stories in the league. Add in the Marlins' Max Meyer’s historic 14-K performance, Hunter Brown’s extended scoreless streak, and a growing list of starters under a 2.00 ERA — and suddenly, there’s a wave of young arms reshaping the power structure.

    We also dive into the crowded AL Rookie of the Year race, where Kristian Campbell, Jackson Jobe, Jacob Wilson, and Kameron Misner have emerged as early leaders in what may be the most competitive rookie field in years.

    And yes, the Twins might already be cooked. We'll explain why Minnesota's collapse is worse than it looks.

    Plus: – Who’s real in the Sub-2.00 ERA Club – Red Hot: Who's scorching? – Ice Cold: Which players are struggling? – And a fiery “Take a Pitch / Swing Away” debate: Is the NL’s dominance bad for baseball?

    Follow us on Instagram and X @TableSettersPod — and let us know which story has you more intrigued.

  • Aaron Judge is officially bound for the 2026 World Baseball Classic — and he’ll be doing so as the newly appointed captain of Team USA. In this episode of Tablesetters, Devin and Steve reflect on the significance of Judge’s commitment, the symbolism of Mike Trout’s endorsement, and what this leadership role says about Judge’s evolving legacy in the game.

    The conversation then turns to a week filled with standout performances and sobering setbacks. The Cubs suffer a major blow as Justin Steele is ruled out for the season with a flexor tendon injury, raising real questions about how Chicago can sustain its strong start without its ace. Meanwhile, Garrett Crochet nearly no-hits his former team, striking out 11 White Sox over 7 1/3 innings — continuing a dazzling breakout that’s reshaping expectations in Boston.

    Jung Hoo Lee continues to command attention with a breakout series in the Bronx, helping the Giants win the series at Yankee Stadium. Michael King tosses his first career complete-game shutout as the Padres continue their dominant stretch at home, while Hunter Greene extends his scoreless innings streak and is suddenly making a real case as one of the top arms in the league.

    The Dodgers drop their third consecutive series, while Pete Crow-Armstrong shines for the Cubs, flashing star potential and drawing early contract extension buzz. Spencer Strider is now set to return for his first start in over a year, after undergoing internal brace surgery on his UCL, and with the Prospect Promotion Incentive (PPI) deadline officially passed, we ask: why are so many top young players still stuck in the minors?

    We wrap with our Red Hot / Ice Cold picks, and share what we’re watching as the week unfolds in Coming Around 3rd.

    Follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod, subscribe wherever you listen, and join us as we continue to explore the stories shaping the season ahead.

  • Welcome to Episode 76 of Tablesetters! Devin and Steve are back at the mics to bring you everything happening across the baseball landscape — from monster contracts and rising stars to organizational missteps and real-life tragedy.

    We begin with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s jaw-dropping 14-year, $500 million extension — the third-largest contract in MLB history — and discuss what it means not just for the Blue Jays, but for a league that’s fully leaning into early-career investments. With extensions this past week for Garrett Crochet, Ketel Marte, Jackson Merrill, Cal Raleigh, and Kristian Campbell, it’s clear that locking in young stars is the model. Which leads us to a central question: Will the Orioles follow suit? With talent like Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Jackson Holliday blossoming, it’s time for Baltimore to decide whether it wants to ride the wave — or get caught chasing it later.

    Next up, we pivot to injuries shaping the early season. Key arms and contributors are already shelved, including Blake Snell, Spencer Arrighetti, Zach Eflin, Reynaldo López, and Victor Robles. We assess the impact of those absences and who might rise to fill the void.

    From there, we spotlight the scorching start of Sacramento’s Tyler Soderstrom, who’s tied with Aaron Judge atop the MLB home run leaderboard. His success is forcing a conversation about top prospect Nick Kurtz, who’s dominating Triple-A. The Athletics may have a good problem on their hands — but one that demands a creative solution soon.

    We also cover two sobering off-the-field stories. First, the resignation of Tigers Assistant GM Sam Menzin following serious allegations of misconduct — a reminder of the cultural accountability still needed in front offices. And second, the devastating nightclub collapse in Santo Domingo, which claimed 66 lives, including beloved figures from both music and baseball: Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Rubby Pérez, and Nelsy Cruz.

    In one of the week’s most powerful and human moments, Jarren Duran opened up about a suicide attempt he survived during a dark period in his career. His story, shared in a Netflix docuseries, is raw, courageous, and a vital reminder of the mental health challenges facing athletes today.

    And we close out with a look at Chase Dollander’s MLB debut — 5 innings, 6 strikeouts, and his first career win — and Zac Veen’s red-hot start in Triple-A. Colorado might not contend this year, but the future is taking shape.

    Plus, we take a few quick swings in Take a Pitch/Swing Away — including jersey etiquette at games, Kyle Tucker’s potential contract value, and whether Mets players should be publicly name-dropping Sandy Alcantara.

    All that and more in this week’s episode. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @TablesettersPod, subscribe wherever you listen, and keep the conversation going — we’re just getting warmed up.

  • Welcome to Tablesetters! Episode 75 kicks off with a full breakdown of Opening Weekend across Major League Baseball—and we’ve got a ton to cover. Devin and Steve dive into the biggest stories making headlines just three games into the 2025 season.

    The Yankees stormed out of the gate with a 3-0 sweep of the Brewers, launching 15 home runs and tying an MLB record in the process. Behind their record-setting start? The debut of the much-hyped “Torpedo Bat,” designed by an MIT-trained physicist to increase barrel contact and reduce weak hits. Anthony Volpe, Cody Bellinger, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. are all in on the new tech—but Giancarlo Stanton is already on the IL, and speculation is swirling about whether his elbow issues could be linked to this unique bat design.

    Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani threw a bullpen session for the first time in over a month, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says there’s still no clear timeline for his return to pitching. With L.A.’s stacked rotation, the club has the luxury of taking it slow—but how long will that last?

    Roki Sasaki, one of the most hyped international signings in years, is also drawing attention—but for the wrong reasons. Through his first two MLB starts, he’s walked nine batters in under five innings, with fewer than 50% of his pitches going for strikes. We break down what’s going wrong and why it may just be part of the growing pains.

    The Mets’ offense was one of the biggest disappointments of Opening Weekend—just five total runs and 12 hits in a sweep by the Astros. Francisco Lindor is still hitless, and the lineup looks completely out of rhythm despite the addition of Juan Soto.

    And in Boston, Rafael Devers made unwanted history by becoming the first player in MLB history to strike out 10 times in his team’s first three games. He’s now 0-for-16 with 12 Ks through four games as the full-time DH—and Red Sox fans are already holding their breath.

    We also look at the biggest surprises across the league: the Cardinals and Padres sweeping the Twins and Braves, respectively, and which winless team—Atlanta, Minnesota, Detroit, or Milwaukee—should be most concerned. Plus, injury updates on Max Scherzer, Josh Lowe, and Gleyber Torres, and what we’ll be keeping an eye on heading into Week 2.

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod.

  • Welcome to Episode 74 of Tablesetters! We’re joined by a multi-platform voice in Tampa sports—Ryan Bass, who covers the Rays for FanDuel Sports Network Sun, reports nationally for NewsNation, and hosts with the Orlando Magic.

    We dive into everything shaping the 2025 Tampa Bay Rays season, starting with the unfortunate injury to Shane McClanahan and what it means for the Opening Day rotation. Ryan gives us the latest on McClanahan’s status, clubhouse morale, and how the Rays plan to pivot.

    We explore the emergence of Curtis Mead after a scorching spring, Junior Caminero’s slow start (despite the power), and whether the Rays will pursue a long-term extension for this potential cornerstore. Plus, Ryan breaks down Drew Rasmussen’s comeback, Joe Boyle’s upside, and the futures of Chandler Simpson and Carson Williams.

    We also step back to assess the AL East: Who’s the team to beat? How do the Rays stack up against the Yankees, Orioles, Jays, and Red Sox in what may be baseball’s most brutal division?

    From the front office’s prospect-heavy trades to ongoing ballpark drama and ownership tensions, Ryan offers behind-the-scenes insight into a franchise at a crossroads. And we close with a fun one—Ryan’s Mount Rushmore of Tampa Bay athletes, with some surprises in the mix.

    Follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod for exclusive clips, polls, and extended content. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation—this is TableSetters, where every pitch sets the stage.

  • The 2025 MLB season has arrived, and Episode 73 of Tablesetters delivers our full postseason and award predictions—breaking down the road to October glory and who takes home the biggest individual honors.

    We start with Dodgers vs. Cubs in Tokyo, a global event filled with intrigue: Shohei Ohtani’s emotional homecoming, a Dodgers debut that could shape their season, and an early battle between two World Series contenders. But L.A. had a rocky start—Mookie Betts sat out due to an unspecified illness after losing 15 pounds, and Freddie Freeman was a late scratch. Should Dodgers fans be concerned?

    Then, we put the entire postseason picture under the microscope, bringing together everything from our divisional previews to predict the full playoff bracket:🏆 Who punches their ticket to October?⚔️ Which teams are built for a deep postseason run?💥 Who could emerge as this year’s biggest surprise?🔥 What’s the dream World Series matchup?👑 And who raises the trophy as the 2025 champion?

    But the season isn’t just about teams—it’s about the stars who define it. We dive into our award predictions:🌟 MVP Favorites – Can a new face take the throne, or will a superstar cement their legacy?🔥 Cy Young Battle – Is there a clear-cut ace, or will an under-the-radar arm dominate?⚡ Rookie of the Year Watch – Which highly anticipated prospect is ready to make an immediate impact?

    With bold predictions, key X-factors, and some hot takes that just might come true, we’re setting the stage for an unforgettable season.

    The journey to a champion starts now. Let’s talk about it. 🎙️⚾

    🔔 Subscribe & Follow:🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & YouTube📲 Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @tablesetterspod

    👀 Who’s YOUR pick for MVP and the 2025 World Series champion? Drop your predictions in the comments!

  • Welcome to Episode 72 of Tablesetters! Devin and Steve are here with a comprehensive breakdown of the AL East heading into the 2025 MLB season. Can the revamped Boston Red Sox, led by new additions Garrett Crochet and Alex Bregman, reclaim the division crown? The New York Yankees look to overcome major injuries by adding Max Fried and Cody Bellinger, but is it enough after losing Juan Soto? Are the Baltimore Orioles ready to make a leap, or will front-office hesitation stall their rise? Plus, we analyze Toronto’s aggressive offseason, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s future, and whether Tampa Bay’s calculated gamble on young talent pays off. Join us for detailed predictions, projections, and division X-factors. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod for more insights!

  • Welcome to Episode 71 of Tablesetters! Devin and Steve dive deep into the NL East ahead of the 2025 MLB season. Can the Atlanta Braves regain their dominance with a healthy Ronald Acuña Jr. and reigning Cy Young winner Chris Sale? Will the Philadelphia Phillies' veteran roster featuring Bryce Harper and Trea Turner prove resilient enough for a playoff run? Plus, the New York Mets make a splash by adding Juan Soto—will it pay off? Also, what's the outlook for the young and rebuilding Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins? Tune in as we break down each team's offseason moves, strengths, weaknesses, and X-factors. Stay connected for more exclusive content by following us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod!

  • Welcome to Episode 70 of Tablesetters! The AL Central has been baseball’s most unpredictable division over the past decade, and with three teams making the playoffs in 2024, the gap between contenders and pretenders has never been thinner.

    But as we enter 2025, the question remains: Who will rise above the chaos?

    Devin and Steve break it all down, taking a deep dive into each team’s strengths, weaknesses, offseason moves, and playoff outlook.

    🔹 Detroit Tigers – They made a shocking playoff push last year. Now, with Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal leading the rotation, can they finally reclaim the AL Central crown? 🔹 Cleveland Guardians – They’re always in the mix, but losing Josh Naylor and Andrés Giménez has created lineup questions. Will their elite pitching staff be enough to carry them? 🔹 Kansas City Royals – Bobby Witt Jr. is a superstar in the making, and with Jonathan India and Carlos Estévez joining the mix, is this team a dark horse to win the division? 🔹 Minnesota Twins – Can Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton stay healthy? If so, this team could surprise people, but if injuries strike again, is it time to tear it down? 🔹 Chicago White Sox – They lost 121 games in 2024. Will 2025 be any better, or are they still locked in one of the worst rebuilds in MLB history?

    🔥 Are the Tigers ready to take over? 🔥 Can Cleveland’s pitching carry them again? 🔥 Is Bobby Witt Jr. the biggest X-Factor in the division? 🔥 Buyers or sellers at the trade deadline?

    This division is as wide open as it’s ever been, and we’re here to break down who’s legit, who’s falling behind, and who might just be a few moves away from shocking everyone.

    Join the conversation and let us know who YOU think will come out on top in the AL Central!

    Follow @TablesettersPod on Instagram & X for exclusive updates, hot takes, and interactive fan polls!
  • Welcome to Episode 69 of Tablesetters! The NL Central has been one of baseball’s most competitive and chaotic divisions over the past decade, but as we enter the 2025 season, the Cubs appear poised to reclaim dominance. With Chicago making the biggest offseason splash and other teams either retooling or rebuilding, the question is: Can anyone keep up?

    In this episode, Devin and Steve break down the division from top to bottom, analyzing each team’s strengths, weaknesses, and offseason moves, as well as whether they’ll be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.

    🔹 Chicago Cubs – Trading for Kyle Tucker was a massive statement. With a deep lineup and a revamped bullpen, is this the best Cubs team since 2016? 🔹 Milwaukee Brewers – Back-to-back division titles were nice, but losing Willy Adames and Devin Williams stings. Do they still have enough firepower to three-peat? 🔹 Cincinnati Reds – The Terry Francona hire was huge, and adding Brady Singer & Gavin Lux gives them depth. But are they ready to truly contend? 🔹 St. Louis Cardinals – They leaned on veterans again, but is this a Wild Card team or just a franchise in denial about needing a rebuild? 🔹 Pittsburgh Pirates – Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds are exciting, but with Paul Skenes waiting in the wings, are they still a year away?

    🔥 Did the Cubs officially take control of the Central? 🔥 Who’s a real contender, and who’s just pretending? 🔥 Buyers or sellers at the trade deadline? 🔥 Biggest X-Factor in the division?

    The NL Central might not have a clear juggernaut, but that makes it all the more interesting. Who’s primed for a deep run, and who’s in danger of fading fast? Join the conversation and let us know YOUR thoughts!

    Follow @TablesettersPod on Instagram & X for exclusive content, breaking news, and behind-the-scenes discussions!

  • Welcome to Episode 68 of Tablesetters! For nearly a decade, the Houston Astros have controlled the AL West—but the tides may be shifting. With key departures, an aging core, and resurgent rivals, could 2025 mark the end of their reign?

    We’re breaking down the biggest storylines, offseason moves, and division outlook for every AL West team:

    ⚾ Astros – Losing Kyle Tucker, Justin Verlander, and Alex Bregman. Can Christian Walker’s bat, Isaac Paredes & Yainer Díaz’s emergence keep Houston on top?⚾ Mariners – Elite pitching, shaky offense. Is Julio Rodríguez ready to lead them to their first division title since 2001?⚾ Rangers – Injuries derailed their World Series title defense—but with a healthy Corey Seager & Wyatt Langford, are they primed for another deep run?⚾ Athletics – Now officially Sacramento’s team, they’ve locked up Brent Rooker & Lawrence Butler while adding Luis Severino & Jeffrey Springs—is this rebuild finally turning a corner?⚾ Angels – It’s Trout, Soler, and a whole lot of question marks. Are they making a last-ditch playoff push or delaying the inevitable rebuild?

    We’ll also debate:🔥 Did the Astros do enough to hold the division?🔥 Are the Mariners truly the team to beat?🔥 Buyers or sellers at the trade deadline?🔥 Who’s the biggest X-Factor in the AL West?

    This division is as unpredictable as ever—who do YOU think comes out on top? Join the conversation and follow us @TableSettersPod on Instagram & X for more exclusive content!

  • Welcome to Episode 67 of Tablesetters! The NL West has been the Dodgers’ playground for over a decade—but could 2025 finally be the year someone knocks them off their throne?We’re diving deep into the division’s biggest storylines, breaking down who’s built to compete, who’s falling behind, and which teams are gearing up for a postseason push:🔹 Dodgers – Ohtani. Betts. Freeman. Roki Sasaki & Blake Snell. Is this juggernaut simply too stacked to fail? 🔹 Diamondbacks – After their Cinderella run in 2023, adding Corbin Burnes proves they’re serious. But is their bullpen still a liability? 🔹 Padres – A strong rotation led by Dylan Cease & Michael King, but with a quiet offseason, can they keep pace? 🔹 Giants – Willy Adames & Justin Verlander bring firepower, but will it be enough to truly contend? 🔹 Rockies – Young stars like Charlie Condon & Chase Dollander give hope, but is there a real plan in place?We’ll debate: ⚾ Did any team do enough to unseat the Dodgers? ⚾ Who’s buying and who’s selling at the trade deadline? ⚾ Is Shohei Ohtani the biggest X-Factor in the entire NL West?Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts! Follow @TablesettersPod on Instagram & X for more exclusive content.

  • Welcome to Episode 66 of Tablesetters! The For the Fame fantasy baseball draft is officially in the books, and we’re here to break it all down—highlighting picks we loved, the ones that made us raise an eyebrow, and what it all means for YOUR upcoming draft.

    This league is packed with seasoned fantasy veterans who know how to read the board, grab value, and push ADP to the absolute limit. So, whether you're preparing for your own draft or just looking for insights, this is your chance to see the trends and discover what it’ll really cost to land your favorite players.

    Here’s what we’re diving into:

    🔥 Draft Strategy & Trends – Which picks went earlier than expected? Which players slid way too far? We’ll break down how the board shaped up, where managers prioritized power vs. speed, and what strategies truly paid off.

    💰 Best Values & Biggest Overpays – Some players were absolute steals, while others? Well, let’s just say there could be some serious buyer’s remorse down the line. Did the market get it right?

    🔄 Keeper Impact & Market Shifts – Keeper decisions made a huge difference here—some teams had studs locked in, while others had to get aggressive right from the jump. We’ll talk about how those keeper picks influenced the draft’s overall flow.

    📉 Bust Watch & Buyer’s Remorse – There were definitely some high-risk, high-reward picks, and a few names that might turn into landmines. Who went higher than they should have? And who might cause regret in the coming weeks?

    📊 ADP Check-In & What It Means for Your Draft – This draft serves as a real-world gauge of player value. Where are players actually going? Who’s climbing? Who’s falling? We’ll help you figure out where you might need to reach and where you can afford to wait.

    💎 Late-Round Sleepers & League-Winning Picks – We know the early rounds get all the hype, but the middle and late rounds are where championships are truly won. Who found diamonds in the rough? We’ll highlight the picks that could make all the difference.

    If you’ve got a draft coming up—whether it’s a redraft, keeper, or points league—this is your go-to episode for an edge. Packed with insights and practical advice, this episode is designed to help you make smarter, more informed decisions in 2025.

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    💬 Who’s the one player you’re hesitant to draft this year? Drop your thoughts in the comments or hit us up on social!

  • On this episode of Tablesetters, we’re joined by Campbell University Head Baseball Coach Chris Marx for an in-depth look at his first season at the helm of the Fightin’ Camels. With a strong start to the 2025 campaign—including statement wins over East Carolina and a thrilling victory against Duke—Coach Marx breaks down what he’s seen from his team so far, the adjustments they’re making, and what lies ahead for Campbell this season.

    Coach Marx’s journey to this role has taken him through various stops in college baseball, including stints as a pitching coach, hitting coach, and recruiting coordinator. We discuss his return to Campbell, where he previously served as an assistant, and how his time away prepared him for this opportunity. He also reflects on his long-standing relationship with former Campbell coach Justin Haire, now leading Ohio State, and how their connection has shaped his coaching philosophy.

    The Fightin’ Camels kicked off 2025 with a challenging road series against top-25 UC Santa Barbara before settling into their home schedule, highlighted by their recent upset of Duke. Coach Marx details how his team executed against the Blue Devils, what aspects of their game have been most promising, and where they need to improve to reach their full potential. With Campbell now competing in the CAA after years of dominance in the Big South, he discusses the biggest differences in competition and what it will take to thrive in their new conference.

    Campbell has embraced the "Nobodies from Nowhere" mentality, proving year after year that they can compete with the best despite not being a traditional baseball powerhouse. Recruiting is always a battle, and Campbell finds itself in a talent-rich but highly competitive region. We dive into what sets the program apart, how they’ve expanded their recruiting footprint across the country, and the impact of NIL and the transfer portal on mid-major programs. Plus, we get Coach Marx’s thoughts on the ongoing evolution of college baseball, including potential rule changes and the recent controversy in the Stetson vs. Florida game involving the first base safety bag.

    Campbell made history in 2024 with five former players appearing in MLB games—Cedric Mullins, Zach Neto, Ryan Thompson, Allan Winans, and Seth Johnson. Coach Marx shares his insights on what that MLB presence means for recruiting and which current Fightin’ Camels have the potential to follow in their footsteps. We take a closer look at Dalen Thompson, a dynamic talent with power and speed who has already impressed early this season.

    As a former pitching coach, Coach Marx also weighs in on the alarming rise in elbow injuries across the sport, discussing the balance between player development and arm health. We wrap up the conversation with a fun debate on the best team names in college sports (besides the Fightin’ Camels, of course) before Coach Marx gives his picks for the Mount Rushmore of Campbell University Athletics.

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