Tablesetters: A Baseball Podcast

Guest: Ryan Bass (FanDuel Sports Network Sun) | Rays’ 2025 Outlook, McClanahan Injury, Caminero’s Ceiling & Tampa’s Stadium Saga | 74

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.

2025 MLB Predictions: Postseason, Awards & World Series Picks! | Dodgers vs. Cubs in Tokyo | Who Shines in October? | 73

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

AL East Preview 2025: Red Sox Resurgence, Yankees Reloaded & Orioles at a Crossroads | 72

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!
 

NL East Preview 2025: Braves Bounce Back, Phillies & Mets in Hot Pursuit | 71

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!

AL Central Preview 2025: Can Detroit Take the Crown? | 70

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!
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NL Central Preview 2025: Can Anyone Stop the Cubs? | 69

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!
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AL West Preview 2025: Is Houston’s Dominance Finally Over? | 68

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!

NL West Preview 2025: Can Anyone Challenge the Dodgers’ Reign? | 67

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.

10-Team H2H Points Draft Recap! Best Picks, Biggest Busts & Key Takeaways to Dominate Your 2025 Draft | 66

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.
Follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod for more fantasy tips, draft strategies, and all the latest buzz!
💬 Who’s the one player you’re hesitant to draft this year? Drop your thoughts in the comments or hit us up on social!

Guest: Chris Marx (Campbell University) | Nobodies from Nowhere, Fightin’ Camels & College Baseball’s Evolution | 65

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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