Tablesetters: A Baseball Podcast

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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Guest: Cole Wright (Marquee Sports Network) | Cubs’ 2025 Season Preview, NL Central Outlook, & Sammy Sosa’s Homecoming | 64

Welcome to Episode 64 of Tablesetters! We’ve got a special one today as Cole Wright, studio host for Marquee Sports Network, joins us to break down the Cubs’ 2025 season, the state of the NL Central, and a long-overdue moment in franchise history.
We kick things off with a deep dive into the Cubs’ season opener in Tokyo against the Dodgers—a global spectacle featuring Shohei Ohtani and Seiya Suzuki’s return to Japan. Cole shares his thoughts on the significance of this international showdown and how it could set the tone for the Cubs’ season.
From there, we analyze what needs to go right for the Cubs to push into playoff contention after falling just short last season. We discuss the impact of Kyle Tucker’s one-year deal, Cody Bellinger’s departure, and how their stacked farm system—headlined by Matt Shaw, Cade Horton, and Owen Caissie—fits into the team’s long-term plans.
We also get into some of the biggest question marks for 2025, including the Cubs’ ongoing third base situation, Justin Turner’s veteran presence, and how close they really were to landing Alex Bregman. Plus, we break down the pitching staff, the closer role, and what Pete Crow-Armstrong needs to do in his first full MLB season. And with Craig Counsell at the helm, how will his leadership shape the team’s identity moving forward?
Of course, we can’t talk Cubs history without touching on one of its most talked about figures—Sammy Sosa. After years of uncertainty, the franchise is finally embracing one of its all-time greats. We reflect on what this moment means for Cubs fans, Sosa’s legacy, and how Cole sees his place in the team’s history.
Join us for an insightful and lively conversation, and be sure to follow Tablesetters on Instagram and X @TableSettersPod for more exclusive content. Enjoy the episode!

Guest: Greg Mamula (University of Delaware) | UD’s Move to C-USA, Early Season Challenges, and the Future of College Baseball | 63

Welcome to Episode 63 of Tablesetters! University of Delaware Head Baseball Coach Greg Mamula joins us for an in-depth conversation about the state of college baseball and the evolution of UD’s program. Now in his third season leading the Fightin’ Blue Hens, Coach Mamula reflects on his coaching journey, Delaware’s recent success, and the transition from the CAA to Conference USA.
Coach Mamula is just the fourth head coach in Fightin’ Blue Hens baseball history. We discuss his path to the position, his previous stops, and what it means to lead this program. Delaware posted its best record since 2017 last season, finishing 31-26 overall and 15-9 in the CAA while making a deep run in the conference tournament. He shares what led to last year’s success and how they plan to build on it.
The Fightin’ Blue Hens opened this season with a tough series at FAU, followed by a postponed matchup with Maryland. With another Florida series ahead against FIU, Coach Mamula explains how he’s keeping his team focused and what excites him most about this year’s roster.
Delaware is set to leave the CAA at the end of the season and transition to Conference USA. Coach Mamula details how the move came about, what changes it will bring, and how it affects recruiting, scheduling, and competition. Recruiting is always a challenge, especially for a northern school competing against powerhouse programs in the South. We ask what Delaware’s biggest selling points are for attracting top talent and how they navigate those challenges.
Delaware has long been known for its offensive firepower, but Coach Mamula has emphasized pitching development since taking over. He shares his approach to building a more complete team on both sides of the ball. We also get his thoughts on the impact of NIL and the transfer portal, how those factors have reshaped college baseball, and whether mid-majors are at a growing disadvantage.
If given the power to change anything about college baseball, what would he tweak? Whether it’s rules, scheduling, recruiting, or the presentation of the game, we get his take on the sport’s evolution. As a former pitching coach, he also weighs in on the rising number of arm injuries and how programs can better balance player development with long-term health.
With MLB prospects making the jump to the big leagues faster than ever, does college baseball deserve more credit for preparing them? We discuss how the college game has influenced professional development and what trends could continue.
We also take a look at the University of Delaware’s deep connections to pro baseball. Blue Jays manager John Schneider is a former UD catcher, and alumni like Chad Kuhl, Ron Marinaccio, Brandon Walter, and James Meeker have made their mark in the pros. Coach Mamula shares his relationships with UD’s MLB connections and his experience coaching future major leaguers like Ian Happ, Nolan Schanuel, and Joey Wendle.
Finally, we wrap up with a Mount Rushmore of University of Delaware Athletics, where Coach Mamula gives his picks for the most influential figures in UD sports history.
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Guest: Jared Sandler (Texas Rangers on 105.3 The Fan/RSN) | Rangers’ 2025 Outlook, deGrom’s Health, & Carter/Langford’s Impact | 62

Welcome to Episode 62 of Tablesetters! Today, we’re joined by Jared Sandler, one of the radio and TV voices of the Texas Rangers on 105.3 The Fan & Rangers Sports Network. As the Rangers prepare for the 2025 season, Jared takes us behind the scenes with insight into the team’s biggest storylines, fresh faces, and high expectations.We discuss Jared’s journey from multi-sport athlete to broadcaster, his experience working alongside Ford C. Frick Award winner Eric Nadel, and what he learned from legends like Bob Uecker. Jared also shares what it was like being part of the Rangers' 2023 World Series-winning season and how last year’s team differed from the championship squad.The conversation shifts to key players, including Jacob deGrom’s return from injury and how critical he is to the Rangers' rotation. We examine Evan Carter’s back issues and whether he can regain his 2023 form, as well as Wyatt Langford’s next step in his development. Jared breaks down how additions like Joc Pederson and Jake Burger could impact the lineup and whether the Rangers' offseason moves have positioned them for another deep postseason run. We also discuss the closer situation following the losses of Kirby Yates and David Robertson, the potential role of Kumar Rocker in 2025, and which returning stars need bounce-back seasons for the Rangers to contend.Jared shares his thoughts on the Rangers' new streaming deal with Victory+ and how it affects the broadcast team. We also dive into broader baseball topics, including the biggest threats in the AL West and whether the Yankees are still the team to beat despite losing Juan Soto. To wrap things up, we discuss Jared’s work with the Sandlot Children's Charity, his relationship with the passionate Rangers fanbase, and his personal broadcasting goals moving forward.Follow Jared on X @JaredSandler and catch him on Rangers broadcasts all season long. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Tablesetters and follow us on Instagram and X @TableSettersPod for more exclusive content.
 

Bregman Joins Red Sox, Devers Won’t Budge, Stroman’s Future in Question, & College Baseball Chaos | 61

Welcome to Episode 61 of Tablesetters! The MLB offseason is still delivering major moves, and we’ve got plenty to dive into. The Red Sox finally landed their coveted right-handed bat, signing two-time World Series champion Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million deal. But there’s one problem—Rafael Devers isn’t budging from third base. With Bregman’s defensive versatility and Boston’s need for a more stable infield, how will Alex Cora manage this potential logjam? Could Bregman shift to second base, or will the Red Sox have to make a tough decision?
Meanwhile, the Yankees have a dilemma of their own as Marcus Stroman is making it clear he won’t accept a bullpen role, stating, “I’m a starter.” But with Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt already in the mix, where does Stroman fit in? With trade speculation heating up, we break down what the Yankees’ next move could be.
The Padres made another splash, signing Nick Pivetta to a four-year deal to solidify their rotation. With Pivetta joining a staff featuring Dylan Cease, Michael King, and Yu Darvish, does this signal a looming trade? San Diego is flirting with the luxury tax threshold, so we’ll analyze whether they’re making an all-in push or setting up for another move.
College baseball is officially back, and Opening Weekend delivered absolute chaos. Six Top 25 teams lost to unranked opponents, exit velocities soared to MLB levels, and aces delivered elite performances. We break down all the biggest moments, from No. 4 Virginia falling to Michigan to Clemson and Oklahoma State putting on a power-hitting clinic. Florida ace Liam Peterson looked dominant, striking out 11 in six scoreless innings—does this set the tone for a breakout season?
Plus, quick hits:
John Means signs with Cleveland
Frankie Montas shut down 6-8 weeks with a lat strain
Royals extend GM J.J. Picollo and exercise Matt Quatraro’s 2026 option
Mike Trout moving to right field—what does this mean for his future?
Geraldo Perdomo gets extended in Arizona
There’s a ton to break down, so don’t miss this episode! Make sure to follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod for all the latest updates.