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Tablesetters: A Baseball PodcastAuthor: Tablesetters: A Baseball Podcast
Welcome to Tablesetters, the podcast where Devin and Steve bring you everything you need to know about Major League Baseball (MLB) and then some! Join these two baseball enthusiasts as they break down the latest games, analyze player performances, and serve up spicy commentary on all the MLB drama. With their witty banter and deep dive into the sport, Devin and Steve are here to satisfy your baseball cravings, whether youre a die-hard fan or just tuning in. So grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks, and join the conversation at Tablesetters Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Guest: Shawn Spradling (World Baseball Classic Coverage) | 2026 WBC Preview, Global Stakes, & Team USA’s “Stacked” Era | 14
Episode 141
Monday, 16 February, 2026
Welcome to Episode 141 of Tablesetters! With the 2026 World Baseball Classic just 17 days away, we’re joined by one of the most trusted and consistent voices covering the tournament — Shawn Spradling. Shawn is an international baseball writer and content creator who has built a passionate following through his detailed roster projections, commitment tracking, and in-depth breakdowns of global storylines. His work approaches the game through an international lens, spotlighting the growth, culture, and competitive identity of baseball far beyond the MLB bubble. In this full WBC preview, we start at the beginning — what first drew Shawn into the Classic and whether he ever imagined becoming the go-to English-language voice for tournament coverage. From there, we turn to the present moment: the most pivotal storylines with roster decisions looming, player availability shifting, and injury updates that could reshape the field before first pitch. We dive into the insurance denials that have sidelined several high-profile players and examine whether those issues are simply growing pains — or something that could hold the tournament back from taking its next step globally. Then we zoom out. How has the WBC reshaped player development? What role does it play in strengthening international talent pipelines? And how much has it accelerated the global growth of the sport? With baseball returning to the Olympics in 2028 — and two additional Americas teams earning spots based on their WBC finish — we explore how Olympic qualification raises the competitive stakes and how that tournament compares to the Classic itself. Of course, we get into the layers that make this event unique: Which underrated country, player, or tradition deserves more attention in 2026? Who has the best uniforms? And why does this year’s Team USA feel truly “stacked,” blending elite young stars with established veterans? We discuss whether this level of participation becomes the new standard for the U.S., and how fans should adjust expectations for pitcher usage given the communication between MLB clubs and manager Mark DeRosa. We also revisit what the WBC means in Japan — and whether any nation matches that intensity — before examining why Japan has dominated three of the last five Classics and who can realistically challenge them this time around. From building a hypothetical dream rotation behind Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal to unpacking the strategy behind the Designated Pitcher Pool, we cover both the competitive chess match and the cinematic moments that define this tournament. We talk about the most electric moments in WBC history, surprising fan reactions to roster debates, the impact of the pitch clock, and which nation could be this year’s surprise deep-run contender. It’s a comprehensive preview of the 2026 World Baseball Classic — where it stands, what’s at stake, and why this edition may be the most globally significant yet. And we close with where you can follow Shawn’s coverage throughout the tournament and what to expect as the Classic gets underway. 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.
