Tablesetters: A Baseball Podcast

LSU’s Omaha Dynasty, Padres-Dodgers Chaos, Cal Raleigh’s MVP Case & Chase Burns’ MLB Debut | 90

Welcome to Episode 90 of Tablesetters, where the game’s biggest stories collide with scorching heat, late-June pressure, and postseason implications already beginning to brew.
We begin in Omaha, where the LSU Tigers didn’t just win their eighth College World Series — they secured their place as the defining force in modern college baseball. From the dynasty built by Skip Bertman to the edge honed by Jay Johnson, LSU’s legacy now spans three decades, multiple eras, and a standard no one else in the sport has matched.
Then we shift west, where the Padres and Dodgers turned a simmering rivalry into a full-blown powder keg. Benches cleared, stars got plunked, and managers were tossed in a four-game series that saw eight hit batters and more bad blood than baseball. This wasn’t just a tense series — it was personal. And the aftermath could define the rest of the NL West race.
In New York, the Mets and Braves meet again — both clubs in search of clarity and consistency as they open a four-game set under the oppressive Queens heat. Atlanta may have swept New York last week, but both teams are still trying to find themselves in a season that keeps asking questions they can’t quite answer. From Chris Sale’s injury to Frankie Montas’ high-stakes return, we break down what’s at stake in a pivotal series.
We also head to Cincinnati, where the Reds are turning the page — and turning to fire. Chase Burns, one of the most hyped pitching prospects in recent memory, will make his major league debut against the Yankees. With the rotation in tatters and the Reds hovering around .500, this isn’t just a call-up — it’s a bet on the future. We unpack Burns’ meteoric rise, what makes his arsenal electric, and why his debut feels like a potential franchise reset.
Elsewhere around the league, big names are coming and going. Max Scherzer returns to the Blue Jays. Shota Imanaga and Nathan Eovaldi are nearing activation. Adley Rutschman hits the IL. And the Padres and Mariners move on from veterans Jason Heyward and Rowdy Tellez.
We close with a look at the surging and the slumping — a segment spotlighting players heating up or going ice cold. And in the AL MVP race, Cal Raleigh’s historic first half behind the plate has Mariners fans fired up — but Aaron Judge is quietly putting together one of the best seasons of his career. Who has the edge as July approaches?
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Rafael Devers to the Giants, Ohtani Returns to the Mound, & Gage Wood Throws a CWS No-Hitter | 89

Welcome to Episode 89 of Tablesetters! Devin and Steve are back with a loaded show covering the biggest headlines across the baseball world. We open with the shocking trade that sent Rafael Devers from Boston to San Francisco — what it means for the Red Sox’s direction, why the Giants finally stepped up, and whether Boston just repeated the Betts mistake all over again.
Then: Shohei Ohtani returns to the mound for the first time since elbow surgery — we break down the stuff, the mechanics, and why one inning was enough to get excited again.
Also on tap:
Dave Martinez deflects blame as the Nationals spiral
Aaron Civale debuts with the White Sox after demanding a trade
Giancarlo Stanton is back — but the Yankees’ bats are still missing
The Mets lose Senga and Megill — is pitching depth running out?
The red-hot Rays keep rolling with dominant wins over the Mets and Orioles
And Arkansas’ Gage Wood throws a 19-strikeout no-hitter in the College World Series — one of the greatest performances in Omaha history.
Plus, we check in on the Sub-2.00 ERA club — featuring Senga, Skenes, Skubal, and more.
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Guest: Jack McMullen (Miami Marlins, Just Baseball) | The Road to the Show, Broadcast Life, & Baseball’s Next Generation | 88

Welcome to Episode 88 of Tablesetters! Today’s guest is one of the most insightful and articulate voices in baseball media today. Jack McMullen is a radio broadcaster for the Miami Marlins and the Director of Podcasting and Host at Just Baseball, where he’s played a key role in building one of the most forward-thinking platforms in the sport.
Whether he’s breaking down a top prospect’s swing mechanics, calling dramatic walk-off wins in the big leagues, or guiding nuanced conversations about the future of the game, Jack brings a rare blend of clarity, passion, and storytelling that resonates across generations of fans.
We dive into:
– The origins and evolution of Just Baseball, and how Jack’s role has shifted since joining the Marlins broadcast team
– What it was like calling Paul Skenes firsthand in Triple-A
– The wild start to his MLB career with three walk-offs in four days
– Inside perspective on Sandy Alcantara’s struggles, Eury Pérez’s return, and how the Marlins are building around elite pitching
Then we get into the big-picture questions:
– Is there a future face of the franchise among the position player group?
– How has Peter Bendix’s vision reshaped Miami’s roster philosophy?
– What’s the outlook for bats like Kyle Stowers and Agustín Ramírez in Miami’s long-term plans?
– Could complementary pieces like Dane Myers or Cal Quantrill be moved quietly at the deadline?
Plus:
The Marlins’ attendance question — is fan energy finally turning a corner?
Around-the-league storylines Jack finds most surprising
How new rules, faster pace, and divisional chaos are reshaping the season
Favorite ballparks and road cities so far — and one standout postgame meal
And we wrap it all with Jack’s thoughtful advice to the next generation of broadcasters trying to break in—plus a few behind-the-scenes gems from his journey through the minors to the big leagues.
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Guest: Bryce Whitlow (The Hall of Pretty Good) | @MLBHallofGood, Underrated Legends, & Baseball's Most Random Memories | 87

Welcome to Episode 87 of Tablesetters! Today we’re joined by Bryce Whitlow, the creator of the wildly popular Instagram account @mlbhallofgood, a page dedicated to honoring baseball’s most criminally underrated legends. With sharp humor, heartfelt nostalgia, and a deep love for the game, Bryce has built a digital shrine to the players who may not be in Cooperstown, but who will always have a place in fans’ memories.
We dive into how the Hall of (Pretty) Good came to life, who qualifies for induction, and why the page has resonated so strongly with baseball fans across generations. Bryce shares stories of players reacting to their surprise enshrinement, talks about his first pitch with the Portland Sea Dogs, and updates us on the growing movement to buy the Pittsburgh Pirates.
We also get into current MLB storylines: – Who’s the real World Series favorite right now (besides the Dodgers)? – Which young stars would Bryce build around today? – Which current players are quietly building their case for the Hall of Pretty Good?
Plus: • Blind Rankings of 2010–2015 position players • A “Did They Really Play There?” journeyman challenge • Lightning Round: Name as many Edwin Jackson teams as possible in 60 seconds • And yes… we tried to get an early scoop on this Thursday’s inductee.
This one’s full of laughs, nostalgia, and a genuine love for the guys who made baseball feel personal — even if they didn’t make the Hall of Fame.
Follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod for bonus content, updates, and more. Subscribe and join us each week — Tablesetters is where stories shape the season.

Tigers Roar to 40 Wins First, Caglianone Arrives, Padres Have Interest in Duran, & Omaha Dreams Alive | 86

Welcome to Episode 86 of Tablesetters, where Devin and Steve return to unpack a week that offered a little bit of everything: momentum shifts, breakout performances, and the early rumblings of trade season.
The Detroit Tigers have become the first team to 40 wins this year. It’s not a mirage. The offense is firing on all cylinders, the rotation has a clear leader, and the numbers back it all up. Kerry Carpenter, Spencer Torkelson, and Riley Greene are rewriting the franchise’s history books, and for the first time in years, the question isn’t “what’s the ceiling?”—it’s “how far can this team go?”
Meanwhile, the most-watched Sunday Night Baseball in seven years drew 2.7 million viewers for Dodgers-Yankees, a clear reminder that when baseball is presented the right way, fans show up. And yet, this moment lands like a farewell. With ESPN’s flagship baseball broadcast set to disappear after 2025, MLB’s relationship with legacy media feels like a story slipping into the rearview. The demand is still there. But has the sport moved too far from the stage that helped define it?
Injuries and transactions are starting to shape the middle third of the season. The Yankees lose a trusted bullpen arm in Luke Weaver, and must now juggle roles behind Devin Williams. Out west, the Dodgers continue to wait on Tyler Glasnow, whose recovery isn’t progressing as hoped. Add in Mike Trout’s return to form and the Brewers riding an eight-game heater, and it’s clear the playoff picture is already shifting.
San Diego is reportedly targeting Jarren Duran to fix their revolving door in left field, while Boston faces tough decisions with a crowded outfield and Roman Anthony waiting in the wings. And speaking of new faces: Jac Caglianone has officially arrived in Kansas City. Forget the noise—this call-up wasn’t reckless, it was earned. And if the bat plays like we think it can, the Royals just added a middle-of-the-order anchor.
College baseball’s road to Omaha is heating up. The SEC stumbled through regionals, while the ACC thrived, and programs like Coastal Carolina, UTSA, and Murray State are flipping the script. It’s a field full of dangerous underdogs and future pros, and the chaos has only just begun.
As the episode wraps, we spotlight a few players scorching hot (hello Jeremy Peña), others in deep funks (Jarren Duran, Luis Severino), and take your mailbag questions—from New York’s ultimate superteam to the biggest surprises and letdowns of 2025 so far.
Whether you’re watching the playoff races, following prospect call-ups, or just here for the best stories in the game—we’ve got you covered.
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Underdogs to Watch in NCAA Tourney, Skubal’s 13-K Maddux, & Rays Go Streaking in Tampa Heat | 85

Welcome to Episode 85 of Tablesetters, where Devin and Steve guide you through another compelling week in the world of baseball — from postseason pushes in college ball to standout performances in the majors.
We begin with the NCAA Tournament field, where the headlines may favor the SEC, but the most intriguing stories lie elsewhere. Programs like East Carolina, Northeastern, UC Irvine, and Kansas State enter the regionals with proven track records in tough environments — built not on hype, but on experience and resilience. Campbell’s near-comeback against Charleston in the CAA Tournament is just one example of how postseason grit can’t be measured by seeding.
In the majors, it was a week defined by contrast. Tarik Skubal delivered a complete-game gem, striking out 13 on just 94 pitches — a rare blend of power and efficiency that continues to elevate his standing among the game’s best arms. Meanwhile, we discuss the broader picture across the league: win streaks gaining momentum, lineups showing life, and a few clubs that may be entering make-or-break territory.
The Rays have quietly turned a corner, stacking wins and finding consistency in a temporary home. On the other end of the spectrum, one franchise’s struggles could lead to a historically low win total by the end of June.
We also spotlight a top prospect making a strong first impression in Triple-A — and explore what his rise could mean for a club looking for answers.
As always, we close the show with Red Hot/Ice Cold, our weekly picks for players and teams on the move, and Coming Around 3rd, where we highlight what we’ll be watching closely in the days ahead.
Whether you follow the game through a fantasy lens, root for your team through every pitch, or just want to stay informed on the stories that matter — you’re in the right place.
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Let’s set the table.

Subway Series Sparks Fireworks with Soto’s Return to the Bronx | Orioles Fire Hyde | Time to Trade Paul Skenes? | 84

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.
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Let’s set the table. ⚾️

Guest: Tim Dillard (Former MLB Pitcher & FanDuel Sports Wisconsin) | Remembering Uecker, Brewers’ Identity Shift, & Chourio’s Rise | 83

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.

Pete Rose & Shoeless Joe Reinstated Posthumously, Yankees Erupt Offensively, & Cardinals Catch Fire | 82

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 runs
Oswaldo Cabrera’s injury scare and DJ LeMahieu’s return
Rafael Devers says no to first base—and responds by raking
Evan Longoria signs a one-day deal to retire as a Ray
Manager firings in Pittsburgh and Colorado — who’s next?
Ronald Acuña Jr. begins rehab, Jordan Lawlar gets the call, and Brandon Woodruff hits another setback
The 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 2023
The 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!
 

Devin Williams Implodes, the Athletics Won’t Go Away, & Stars Drop Like Flies | 81

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 Texas
Jake Burger sent to Triple-A
Leody Taveras claimed by the Mariners
Evan Carter gets the call back
Lance 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?
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