Best Cooperstown Podcasts (2026)

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The Big Boring Off-Season, World Baseball Classic Rosters, HOF voting so far - Ep. 642 - 12.29.25 25:04

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1h ago25:04

25:04

Send us a text Free agent hitters Cody Bellinger, Alex Bregman, & Kyle Tucker have still not yet found a team for the 2026 season as the dog days of winter continue. Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen are also still out there as starting pitchers along with Chris Bassitt. But relief pitchers are off the board with Pete Fairbanks the last one to sign - h…

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Starkville | Best Of Edition-CC Sabathia & Billy Wagner talk about their path to Cooperstown 1:08:51

15d ago1:08:51

1:08:51

Starkville | We bring you a Hall of Fame Best of edition of Starkville. CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner talk about their paths to Cooperstown. Follow Jayson on Twitter: @jaysonst Follow Doug on Twitter: @DougGlanville Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville Guests: CC Sabathia & Billy Wagner Producer: Brian Smith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo…

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Edwin Díaz to Dodgers, Schwarber Stays in Philly, Kent to Cooperstown & White Sox Win the Draft Lottery | 123 1:04:19

17d ago1:04:19

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The offseason really planted its flag this week, and Episode 123 of Tablesetters is loaded. The Dodgers doubled down on their super-team bullpen by landing Edwin Díaz on a record-setting three-year deal, instantly changing the late-inning landscape and raising the bar yet again on what an all-in contender looks like. In the same tier of aggression,…

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Jeff Kent Heads to Cooperstown + Moses Malone: The Life of a Basketball Prophet with Paul Knepper 1:14:53

17d ago1:14:53

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Jim first covers yesterday's election of Jeff Kent to the Baseball Hall of Fame (1:12). Then, Jim welcomes author Paul Knepper to discuss his latest book, “Moses Malone: The Life of a Basketball Prophet." Jim and Paul cover a number of topics, including Moses Malone playing pickup basketball inside a prison (40:12), the various reasons Malone somet…

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LIVE Mini-Reaction!: Tatsuya Imai Lands in Houston, Astros Reset the Rotation & the Post-Valdez Era Begins | 127 29:50

41m ago29:50

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Episode 127 of Tablesetters is a mini reaction pod, breaking down one of the winter’s most surprising pitching moves and what it immediately tells us about how teams are positioning themselves for 2026. We open with the Houston Astros signing Tatsuya Imai to a three-year, $54 million contract that can reach $63 million through performance incentive…

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Starkville | Best Of Edition- 2 of the games best Managers- Pat Murphy & John Schneider 54:02

1h ago54:02

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Starkville | We bring you 2 of our favorite interviews of the season- Brewers Managers Pat Murphy & Blue Jays Manager John Schneider. ENJOY! Follow Jayson on Twitter: @jaysonst Follow Doug on Twitter: @DougGlanville Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville Guests: Pat Muprhy & John Schneider Producer: Brian Smith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy …

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LIVE Special!: Imai’s Clock Ticks, Orioles Re-Sign Eflin, A’s Lock Up Soderstrom & Pirates Add O’Hearn | 126 1:58:14

4d ago1:58:14

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Episode 126 of Tablesetters breaks down a stretch of offseason moves that didn’t rely on shock value, but clearly revealed how several teams are positioning themselves for 2026. We open with Tatsuya Imai nearing the end of his MLB posting window with a January 2 deadline and, by his own admission, far less clarity than expected. Despite an elite ré…

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Our Best Guest Moments of 2025 (Part 2) 34:10

4d ago34:10

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If you haven't listened to part one yet, STOP and go back one week and start with that episode. The best moment from each of our interviews from this year especially made just for you. These include Joe West, Harold Reynolds, Hall of Famers Chipper Jones and Billy Wagner, plus so many others. Make sure to let us know who you would like to join us i…

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Alex Gordon with Jeffrey Flanagan 42:08

4h ago42:08

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Jim is joined by former Kansas City Royals beat reporter for MLB.com and Hall of Fame voter Jeffrey Flanagan to break down the HOF candidacy of Royals left fielder Alex Gordon. First, Jeffrey and Jim cover the 2014 and 2015 Kansas City Royals and try to determine who the best player on those back-to-back American League Championship teams was (11:0…

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Starkville | Best Of Edition- Max Scherzer talks ABS, Robo umps and much more 46:14

1d ago46:14

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Starkville | We bring you a conversation with one of the great pitching minds in MLB, Max Scherzer. They talk about his thoughts on ABS/robot umps/challenging pitches, what he still wants to accomplish in his career and much much more. Follow Jayson on Twitter: @jaysonst Follow Doug on Twitter: @DougGlanville Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville Gu…

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Our Best Guest Moments of 2025 (Part 1) 29:57

11d ago29:57

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Merry Christmas and a belated Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrated! We’re excited to bring you part one of our two-part year-end recap, featuring some of our favorite moments with our incredible guests this year. Cal Ripken Jr. joined us with his son around Father’s Day, Andy Kurkjian (Tim’s oldest brother) stopped by to talk about their late broth…

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Ep. 641 - Author Stephen Dittmore "Jim Gilliam The Forgotten Dodger" 12.22.25 42:55

3d ago42:55

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Send us a text Dr. Stephen W. Dittmore has written a book that needed to be written about Jim "Junior" Gilliam. Gilliam followed HOFer Jackie Robinson through Montreal to Brooklyn and was signed by Branch Rickey. Not quite a HOFer himself, Gilliam was a member of four Dodger World Series winning teams - one in Brooklyn and three in Los Angeles. He …

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Brad Daugherty with Kelly Dwyer 1:02:58

3d ago1:02:58

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Jim is joined by Kelly Dwyer, pioneer of the NBA blogosphere, to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former center Brad Daugherty. First, Jim and Kelly cover the ill-fated 1986 NBA Draft, which featured Daugherty, Len Bias, and Chris Washburn (7:13). Next, they discuss Daugherty's performance in the 1992 playoffs and how he compares to other i…

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LIVE Special!: Murakami to the White Sox, Brandon Lowe to Pittsburgh, Orioles Add Shane Baz & USA 1B Debate | 125 1:36:23

12d ago1:36:23

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The offseason continues to take shape, and Episode 125 of Tablesetters brings together a week where the market didn’t explode — but it definitely shifted. We open with Munetaka Murakami landing with the White Sox, a short-term signing that reflects how teams are weighing upside against risk and flexibility. It’s a move that raises questions about f…

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The Roundtable | What we will remember from the 2025 MLB seaason 43:23

6d ago43:23

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Welcome to The Roundtable! Grant, Andy and Sam are here to talk about all the big MLB news and stories. The guys talk about what they will remember the most from the 2025 MLB season. It could be funny, it could be serious, it could be crazy... -Follow Grant on X/Twitter: @GrantBrisbee -Follow Andy on X/Twitter: @ByMcCullough -Follow Sam on X/Twitte…

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Guest: Dominic Leone (Former MLB Pitcher) | Mental Health, Bullpen Reality, Identity After Baseball & Life Beyond the Stat Line | 124 1:06:49

16d ago1:06:49

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Welcome to Episode 124 of Tablesetters, and today’s conversation goes well beyond wins, losses, and box scores. We’re joined by Dominic Leone, a former Major League reliever who pitched professionally from 2012 through 2024, navigating more than a decade inside big league clubhouses during one of the most transformative periods in modern baseball. …

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Merry Christmas Steve 39:58

18d ago39:58

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Tim and Jeff Kurkjian are back with another offseason podcast, breaking down a few of the biggest moves teams made following the Winter Meetings. But the real highlight? They kick off the holiday spirit early with a special Team Tim Christmas celebration. After spending some quality time together, the duo recaps everything from shoveling snow to ha…

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The Roundtable | Are the Blue Jays winning the offseason? 46:25

10d ago46:25

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Welcome to The Roundtable! Grant, Andy and Sam are here to talk about all the big MLB news and stories. The guys talk about if they think the Blue Jays are winning the offseason, so far. Also, they discuss the impact for the Orioles of signings Alonso, why they think Tyler Rogers is a really good player and Jeff Kent making the Hall of Fame. -Follo…

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Tigers bolster bullpen, Mets are confusing their fans & notes from Met fan event Ep. 640 - 12.15.25 37:37

10d ago37:37

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Send us a text Closer Robert Suarez goes to Braves who only need to figure out shortstop to be a juggernaut once again. The Tigers signed future HOFer Kenley Jansen & re-signed Kyle Finnegan. Sure doesn't look like a team about to trade 2 time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. Pete Alonso leaves the Mets and goes to the Orioles! Wow. Kyle Schwarber …

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Cole Hamels with Steve Gardner 56:31

10d ago56:31

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Jim is joined by USA TODAY sports reporter and Hall of Fame voter Steve Gardner to break down the HOF candidacy of former pitcher Cole Hamels. First, Steve and Jim cover just how devastating Hamels' changeup was throughout his career (9:42). Next, they discuss his historic 2008 postseason performance, compare Hamels career to CC Sabathia, and debat…

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The Roundtable | What is going on with the Mets in Free Agency? 46:01

13d ago46:01

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Welcome to The Roundtable! Grant, Andy and Sam are here to talk about all the big MLB news and stories. Grant is heading back from the Winter Meetings, so Andy & Sam are here to recap what happened during the Meetings down in Orlando. They mainly talk about what is going on with the Mets in Free Agency and is David Stearns to blame for so many big …

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Kent Stop The Feeling 41:10

25d ago41:10

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Tim and Jeff Kurkjian dive into the election of Jeff Kent to the National Baseball Hall of Fame—plus the players who just missed the cut, the steroid-era debates, and more. It’s a deeper dive than you usually hear from these two, but a warranted one, offering an interesting contrast between Jeff (born in 1993), who grew up watching these players, a…

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Episode 35 - 2025 Contemporary Era Ballot Recap - Jeff Kent elected to HOF 25:09

17d ago25:09

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Russell recaps the 2025 Contemporary Era Ballot vote and discusses what the future brings for the fan movement to induct Dale Murphy into the Baseball Hall of Fame.By Russell Christian

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Jeff Kent is a Hall-of-Famer, Barry Bonds & Roger Clemens are not Ep. 639 - 12.8.25 25:46

18d ago25:46

25:46

Send us a text 2nd baseman & one-time NL MVP Jeff Kent got into the Hall-of-Fame which few expected including us. Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens did not get 25% of the votes to return to the Contemporary Era ballot in 2028 and now will have to wait until 2031 for what could be their final chance. Kent was great and has the most HRs for a 2B in MLB h…

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The Roundtable | Winter Meetings Preview 43:58

20d ago43:58

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Welcome to The Roundtable! Grant, Andy and Sam are here to talk about all the big MLB news and stories. The guys preview the upcoming MLB Winter Meetings that take place in Orlando, Florida next week. Also, they talk about how some of the early signings are very interesting, why the Giants are acting poor and free agent contract predictions. -Follo…

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Episode 34 - The 2025 Contemporary Era Ballot 1:41:09

20d ago1:41:09

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The 2025 Contemporary Era Ballot includes 8 players: -Barry Bonds -Roger Clemens -Carlos Delgado -Jeff Kent -Don Mattingly -Dale Murphy -Gary Sheffield -Fernando Valenzuela Russell makes the case for all 8 players and discusses "The Faces of 1980's Baseball". Will this FINALLY be the year Dale Murphy makes the Hall of Fame?…

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LIVE Special!: Winter Meetings Preview, Mets Add Devin Williams & Orioles Strengthen Bullpen with Helsley | 122 1:33:10

26d ago1:33:10

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The league is not easing into the Winter Meetings. Everything is already moving. Episode 122 opens with a full preview of the Winter Meetings in Orlando, where front offices, agents, and scouts spend four days accelerating conversations that normally take weeks. We lay out what the schedule looks like, why teams such as Seattle, the Mets, the Dodge…

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Starkville | Will Sammon & Matt Gelb talk about an interesting NL East Offseason 1:00:40

29d ago1:00:40

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Starkville | The Athletic's Will Sammon and Matt Gelb join us this week in Stakville to talk about an interesting NL East Free Agency and Offseason. Will talk about about a busy start for the Mets with a few signings and a trade. Matt talks about how the Phillies are waiting to sign some of their own free agents before seeing what else they need to…

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Winter Is Coming 42:19

1M ago42:19

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Tim and Jeff Kurkjian recap their Thanksgiving trip to Florida, including the results of their big golf match (though one of them wasn’t eager to offer many details). Tim also shares a bold move he made at the airport. With the Winter Meetings beginning this weekend, Tim reflects on some of his favorite stories from his early days as a young writer…

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The Roundtable | What to make of the Dylan Cease deal 43:01

24d ago43:01

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vWelcome to The Roundtable! Grant, Andy and Sam are here to talk about all the big MLB news and stories. The guys give their thoughts on the Blue Jays giving big money to Dylan Cease and if they overpaid. Also, they talk about how some small market teams claiming that they are going to spend money this Free Agency. -Follow Grant on X/Twitter: @Gran…

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9 new MLB managers for 2026 & Mets off-season Ep. 638 - 12.1.25 41:27

25d ago41:27

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Send us a text We began by talking about the best HOFers that did not make the HOF. Not hitting as many home runs hurt the chances of Derek Jeter, Wade Boggs, and Tony Gwynn all of whom did not win an MVP. Manny Ramirez did hit a lot of HRs never won an MVP, but he's also not a HOFer. Mike Piazza never won an MVP finishing second twice. Dylan Cease…

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Philip Rivers with Fernando Ramirez 50:51

24d ago50:51

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Jim is joined by Fernando Ramirez, Chargers reporter for The Sporting Tribune, to break down the HOF candidacy of former quarterback Philip Rivers. First, Fernando and Jim debate whether Rivers belongs on Chargers Mount Rushmore and how he stacks up against Dan Fouts (12:48). Next, they cover his one appearance in the AFC Championship and examine j…

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Guest: Jim Allen (jballallen.com) | Imai & Murakami’s Transition to MLB, Posting System Realities, NPB’s New Wave & Japan’s WBC Passion | 121 44:14

1M ago44:14

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Welcome to Episode 121 of Tablesetters — and today we’re joined by one of the most essential voices in global baseball storytelling. Jim Allen, longtime NPB writer, analyst, historian, and the force behind jballallen.com and its weekly newsletter, sits down with us for a deep, far-reaching conversation about the heartbeat of Japanese baseball and i…

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LIVE Special!: Dylan Cease to Toronto, The Nimmo–Semien Blockbuster, Sonny Gray to Boston & Blind Rankings: Free Agent Tag Teams & Ballpark Fits | 120 1:46:00

1M ago1:46:00

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The offseason didn’t take a warm-up lap — it jumped straight into real movement. Episode 120 starts with two Blind Rankings games: Devin puts together eight random free-agent tag teams, pairing two available players who would be a fun combo for any club to sign together, while Steve works through eight free-agent ballpark fits to see which hypothet…

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Exploring Manchester, UK 35:02

1M ago35:02

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This week's Eye on Travel Podcast with Peter Greenberg - from Manchester in the United Kingdom. A lot of people visit London and bypass Manchester, and they are missing out on a city with not just robust British history but also world history. Peter sits down with Esme Ward - Director of Manchester Museum at The University of Manchester - to chat a…

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Jimmy Gobble Gobble Gobble 34:00

1M ago34:00

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Tim and Jeff Kurkjian are bringing you fresh content every week throughout the offseason—every move, every storyline, all the offseason action. They’ve got it covered. You’ll also get the classic segments you love, including On This Date in Baseball History and Team Tim. And since it’s Thanksgiving, we couldn’t resist giving this episode a festive …

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Only 4 of 13 Accept Qualifying Offer - This week in baseball Ep. 637- 11.24.25 25:18

1M ago25:18

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Send us a text The four that accepted the $22M Qualifying offer from their teams - Gleyber Torres, Shota Imanaga, Trent Grisham, and Brandon Woodruff all made sense for them and their teams. But for #Rangers one-time star Adolis Garcia, he was non-tendered a 2026 contract along with his teammate Jonah Heim. It's a 'what have you done for me lately'…

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Don Mattingly with Not Gaetti 1:03:04

1M ago1:03:04

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Jim is joined by baseball Twitter personality Not Gaetti to break down the HOF candidacy of former New York Yankees first baseman Don Mattingly. First, they cover the lack of postseason success Mattingly experienced despite playing for the New York Yankees for 14 years (8:42). Next, they discuss his 8-game home run streak in 1987, just how dominant…

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Episode 33 - Kenny Lofton 1:13:04

1M ago1:13:04

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During his prime years of 1992-1999 Kenny Lofton was one of the top leadoff hitters and defensive centerfielders in baseball. The speedster retired in 2007 after 17 MLB seasons with a 68.4 bWAR, 1528 runs and 622 stolen bases. Does Kenny Lofton deserve a spot in Cooperstown?By Russell Christian

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Guest: Eno Sarris (The Athletic) | Media Rights Shakeup, Stuff+ Mastery, Postseason Truths & The Future of Baseball Analytics | 119 1:08:16

1M ago1:08:16

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Welcome to Episode 119 of Tablesetters—and today we’re joined by one of the most influential minds in modern baseball analysis. Eno Sarris, Senior MLB Writer at The Athletic, co-host of Rates & Barrels, creator of Stuff+, and a driving force behind how the sport understands pitching, pitch design, and player value, sits in with us for a conversatio…

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Exploring the state of Maine and beyond 37:56

1M ago37:56

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This week's Eye on Travel Podcast with Peter Greenberg - from all over the state of Maine. Peter chats with Richard Wiese - President of The Explorers Club - about the history of the club and its iconic members. Then, Peter journeys to Maine and takes to the water with “Queen of the Kennebec” Suzie Hockmeyer and Drew Lyman - CEO of Lyman-Morse Boat…

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LIVE Special!: Naylor Signs 5-Year Deal with M's, Orioles Trade Grayson Rodriguez, QO Surprises & Padres Ownership Shake-Up | 118 1:44:25

2M ago1:44:25

1:44:25

Welcome to Episode 118 of Tablesetters. The offseason opened with a major move, as Josh Naylor signed a five-year deal with the Seattle Mariners, immediately reshaping the first-base market. His return reinforces Seattle’s lineup core and removes one of the most dependable bats from free agency. We break down why the deal came together quickly, why…

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Oh Geez, MVPs 31:17

2M ago31:17

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Tim Kurkjian, an expert on all things baseball, is joined by his son Jeff for Is This A Great Game, Or What? If you’re new to the show—welcome! Be sure to follow or subscribe wherever you’re listening, and thank you in advance. For our regular members of the family, welcome back to our offseason run of the podcast. Expect weekly episodes—sometimes …

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One minute on each of the 30 MLB teams' off-season needs - Ep. 636 32:16

1M ago32:16

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Send us a text Hot stove season in #MLB is fully in gear but the deals are yet to commence. That will happen and probably in December as the Winter meetings are often the kickoff for wheeling and dealing. We did one minute on every team in Major League Baseball and what they should be doing. What did we say about your favorite team? Intro & Outro m…

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The Roundtable | How baseball has changed in the last 10 years 45:18

1M ago45:18

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Welcome to The Roundtable! Grant, Andy and Sam are here to talk about all the big MLB news and stories. The guys talk about how baseball has changed over the past 10 years. Also, Andy gives his thoughts on the GM meetings and the State of Boras press conference. -Follow Grant on X/Twitter: @GrantBrisbee -Follow Andy on X/Twitter: @ByMcCullough -Fol…

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Fernando Valenzuela with Adam Darowkski 1:40:24

1M ago1:40:24

1:40:24

Jim is joined by Adam Darowski of Sports Reference to break down the HOF candidacy of former MLB pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. First, Adam and Jim discuss Valenzuela's unique pitching delivery and devastating screwball (8:41). Next, they cover "Fernandomania" from start to finish and take a deep dive into the best pitchers of his era (16:15). Finall…

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Guest: Will Klein (World Series Champion, Los Angeles Dodgers) | 18-Inning Heroics, Dodgers Dynasty, & The Mindset Behind Greatness | 117 1:18:10

1M ago1:18:10

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Welcome to Episode 117 of Tablesetters! Today we’re joined by Will Klein, one of the breakout stars of the 2025 postseason and a pitcher whose performance will be remembered as a defining moment in Dodgers history. A fifth-round pick out of Eastern Illinois in 2020, Klein’s path to the majors was anything but straightforward — marked by perseveranc…

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In-depth conversations with the CEO of Marriott International, the CEO of Frontier Airlines, and more from the WTTC's Global Summit in Rome, Italy 59:28

2M ago59:28

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This week's Eye on Travel Podcast with Peter Greenberg - from The World Travel and Tourism Council’s Annual Global Summit in Rome, Italy. During this gathering of travel leaders, ministers, heads of state, and CEOs from across the globe, Peter gets the latest from many movers and shakers including: Anthony Capuano - CEO of Marriott International, F…

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Starkville | Dodgers President Stan Kasten talks about if they are ruining baseball by winning so much 1:16:46

1M ago1:16:46

1:16:46

Starkville | Dodgers President Stan Kasten joins us this week in Starkville. He talks about the Dodgers winning back-to-back titles, how it still hasn’t sunk in yet, if they bought a World Series, if anything Ohtani does surprises him anymore, what might the team look like next season and much much more. The Dougout: Doug talks about what he did 1 …

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Guest: Keith Raad (New York Mets on WCBS 880) | 2025 Collapse, Alonso & Díaz Decisions, Tarik Skubal Speculation, and the Soto-Led Future | 116 1:17:02

2M ago1:17:02

1:17:02

Welcome back to Tablesetters, your home for deep-dive baseball conversation and analysis. Steve and Devin are here, and we’re thrilled to welcome back Keith Raad, the play-by-play broadcaster for the New York Mets on WCBS 880, returning to the show for the first time since Episode 37. Keith works alongside Mets Hall of Famer Howie Rose, bringing fa…