Guest: Matt Devine (Devine Sports Gospel) | Roki Sasaki, Padres Offseason, Ownership Drama, Cease Trade Rumors, & Machado vs. Tatis vs. Merrill MVP Futures | 55

Welcome to Episode 55 of Tablesetters! Today, we’re joined by Matt Devine, one of the voices behind Devine Sports Gospel, your go-to source for all things San Diego Padres. Known for his humor and sharp takes, Matt is a must-follow for Padres fans. Be sure to check out his Instagram @DevineSportsGospel and X @DevineGospel for all the latest updates and bold opinions.

We kick things off with a look at how Devine Sports Gospel came to be. Matt takes us behind the scenes of the platform’s origin story and what makes it such a unique voice in Padres fandom. From there, we dive into the recent Roki Sasaki signing. Just before the deal with the Dodgers went down, Devine Sports Gospel stirred up some conversation about how Dodgers fans would feel if they missed out on Sasaki. With the signing official, we reflect on the drama that led to Sasaki’s move to LA.

Next, we pay tribute to the late Peter Seidler, whose impact on Padres fans and the San Diego community was immense. Matt shares his thoughts on Seidler’s legacy and what it means for the Padres' future. Speaking of the future, we discuss the Padres’ ongoing ownership drama and what it could mean for the team’s direction.

We shift gears to the 2024 NLDS, where the Padres led the Dodgers 2-1. Matt shares his thoughts on the thrilling energy and the decision to start Dylan Cease on three days’ rest in Game 4. Then we dig into trade rumors surrounding Dylan Cease and Robert Suarez and how these moves could affect the Padres' 2025 roster. Plus, Matt gives his take on whether the Padres are better off with Luis Arraez after watching him up close.

The Padres’ offseason has been tough, with WAR projections remaining flat. Matt talks about the moves he hopes for before Spring Training and whether he sees a silver lining. Then, we play a fun "life depends on it" game: Who’s more likely to win an MVP in the next few years—Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., or Jackson Merrill? Matt’s answer is sure to spark some debate!

We also look to the future of the Padres, with Matt sharing which prospect excites him the most. Plus, we discuss the rumored tension between Juan Soto and Manny Machado—was it well-known locally? Matt offers his perspective.

In a lighter moment, Matt shares the hilarious backstory behind his comment about throwing Lemonheads at Brian Giles after a social media comparison with Juan Soto.

Finally, we reflect on Joe Musgrove’s iconic shiny ear moment from the 2022 playoffs. Matt gives his take on that unforgettable sight.

We wrap it all up with a fun question: who makes Matt’s Mount Rushmore of San Diego athletes and why?

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