We’re back with a full solo episode this week, no interview, after a much-needed winter break. I kick things off by talking about the reset: time to rest, recharge, visit family, get organized, and officially upgrade the podcast setup with new gear. Let me know how the new mic sounds.

From there, we dive into the main event: my Top 5 MLB players at every position from 2000–2025, with honorable mentions included for each group. This list is unapologetically shaped by my childhood, my experiences watching the game, and my own baseball opinions. It’s not just rankings, but I break down accolades, statistical dominance, longevity, postseason impact, and what made these players special during their era.

The episode moves position by position:

• Catcher

• First Base

• Second Base

• Shortstop

• Third Base

• Outfield

• Designated Hitter

• Starting Pitching

• Bullpen Arms

Each section includes an honorable mention and context for why players landed where they did. From Joe Mauer and Albert Pujols, to Chipper Jones and Barry Bonds, to legends on the mound like Randy Johnson, Greg Maddux, Pedro Martínez, and Mariano Rivera, this episode is a full walk-through of 25 years of MLB greatness.

Whether you agree or disagree with the rankings, this episode is meant to spark debate, nostalgia, and appreciation for an incredible era of baseball.

Sit back, enjoy the breakdown, and let me know where you think I got it right... or completely wrong.

In this episode, we sit down with Hadara Katarski to explore the silent battles college athletes face. The challenges that often go unseen but heavily impact performance, confidence, and well-being. Drawing from her firsthand work with athletes during the Fall 2025 semester, Hadara breaks down the three most common issues she observed: coach–athlete communication breakdowns, injury recovery struggles, and declining confidence.

We begin with the complexities of coach–athlete communication, unpacking how misinterpretation, tone, timing, and feedback style can quietly erode trust and confidence. Hadara explains how well-intentioned coaching messages can land differently than expected, creating a cycle of frustration, anxiety, and performance decline. Additionally, she provides listeners with what both coaches and athletes can do to prevent these issues from escalating.

Next, we dive into injury recovery, focusing on the psychological toll injuries take beyond physical rehab. From identity loss and isolation to pressure to return too soon, Hadara sheds light on the emotional timeline athletes experience and offers strategies to rebuild trust in the body, maintain confidence, and stay connected to the team during recovery.

Finally, we address confidence, pressure, and motivation, examining how high expectations—especially self-imposed ones—can lead athletes into negative thought patterns and burnout. Hadara shares practical tools to rebuild confidence, reframe internal dialogue, and shift from fear-based performance to competitive freedom.

This episode provides valuable insight and actionable takeaways for athletes, coaches, and parents, offering a deeper understanding of the mental and emotional challenges athletes face, and how intentional communication, support, and mindset work can make a lasting difference.

In this episode, we sit down with Trey Daly, General Manager of the Dirtbags and one of the most respected voices in player development across the Carolinas. A New Bern, North Carolina native, Trey has spent nearly two decades in the game as a coach, leader, and evaluator, helping shape one of the premier travel baseball organizations in the country.

Trey takes us through his baseball journey, from playing under legendary coach Gary Smith to beginning his coaching career at a young age, working across the high school ranks, and running tournaments for the Dirtbags as a coach. We explore his path into the Dirtbags organization, how the program’s culture was built, and what it takes to develop players capable of competing at the national level.

The conversation dives into Trey’s transition into the General Manager role, his day-to-day responsibilities, and the leadership lessons he’s learned while helping guide the organization’s long-term vision. We also discuss his work as an Associate Scout for the Miami Marlins, including how professional evaluation has shaped the way he identifies talent and prepares players for the next level.

We close with practical insight for players and parents navigating the recruiting and development process. What truly separates athletes who stand out, what families often overlook, and how to approach growth with intention and perspective.

This episode offers an inside look at player development, scouting, and leadership from someone who has lived every level of the game.

In this episode, we sit down with Shaine Carpenter, the newly appointed Head Baseball Coach of the Lake Erie College Storm, a Division II program in the GMAC. Representing a new wave of detail-oriented, relationship-driven coaches in college baseball, Shaine joins us to share his journey through the game, his coaching philosophy, and the vision he’s building at Lake Erie as he enters his first season leading the program.

Shaine takes us through his playing career, beginning at Saint Anselm College and later Mercy College, discussing the recruiting process, the realities of college baseball, and the lessons that shaped the coach he is today. We walk through his coaching stops at Emmanuel College, Bridgeport, and Washington College, where he developed players, led recruiting efforts, and gained the experience needed to take over his own program.

From onboarding as a first-year head coach to establishing culture, communication, and standards, Shaine breaks down what Lake Erie Baseball is becoming in the short term and what he hopes the Storm will represent in the years ahead. We close with a deep dive into recruiting, what he values, what players often misunderstand, the advice he gives families navigating the process, and what separates someone who fits the Lake Erie model.

Whether you’re a player, parent, or coach trying to understand the modern college baseball landscape, this conversation delivers perspective, process, and practical insight from a coach building a program with intention.

Our first-ever guest is back! In this episode, we reconnect with Logan Scheider, founder of LS Mental Performance, former Washington & Jefferson College baseball player and Cal U Baseball coach, and one of the rising voices in the world of athlete mental training.

Logan joins us to break down his recent work with Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper, including the approach, strategies, and mindset tools featured in The Denver Post article highlighting their partnership. We dive into how that relationship began, what the behind-the-scenes process really looks like, and how mental performance work can elevate professional athletes competing at the highest level.

From there, we shift the conversation to baseball, where Logan explains how these same mental frameworks translate directly to hitters, pitchers, and baseball players of all ages. We discuss how mental performance is being used across the baseball landscape, including at the Major League level, and why developing mental skills early can transform a player’s long-term growth.

We wrap with a look ahead at what’s next for LS Mental Performance, from expanding into more pro and college athlete partnerships to broader initiatives Logan is building.

This is an episode filled with insight, real-world application, and a fascinating look at how mental performance training shapes athletes in every sport.

Want to book a session with Logan? Here is the link to LS Mental Performance: https://www.lsmentalperformance.com/book-online

Check out the article in The Denver Post: https://www.denverpost.com/2025/11/01/jonathon-cooper-broncos-nfl-fastest-rusher/

This week on Behind The Lineup, we’re recapping the end of fall ball across college baseball and breaking down why this reflection period is so crucial for players. From setting the tone for the spring to taking ownership of mistakes and exit meetings, we dive into what separates the productive from the unprepared.

We also touch on MLB award season: Judge and Ohtani take MVP honors, Skubal and Skenes dominate the Cy Young race. Plus a wild story from WVU Women’s Basketball and a lesson in accountability from Keon Coleman’s benching.

No episode next week, enjoy your Thanksgiving!

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This week’s guest is no stranger to the grind. Dr. Carmen Jansante PT, DPT, CSCS, EIM-1, founder of Undefeated Physical Therapy and Performance, joins the show to talk about his unique journey from college baseball player to Doctor of Physical Therapy, and how he’s changing the way athletes approach health, recovery, and performance.

A former JUCO and NCAA Division III athlete, Dr. Jansante saw firsthand how the traditional physical therapy model often falls short for competitive athletes. So he built something better: a hands-on, athlete-first clinic rooted in individualized care, education, and long-term performance.

In this episode, we dive into:

• His playing career and path to founding Undefeated PT

• What’s broken about the traditional PT system — and how he’s fixing it

• The pillars of holistic care for today’s athletes

• How to build smarter routines for arm care and injury prevention

• The mindset piece: empowering athletes to take control of their body and their performance

• What’s next for Undefeated PT and the legacy he hopes to build

Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with practical insight on staying healthy and performing at your best.

Want to learn more about Undefeated PT or book a session? Following this link to learn more: https://www.undefeatedpt.com/

In this episode of Behind the Lineup, we dive into a jam-packed week across the baseball world. First, we break down a dramatic World Series that lived up to the hype, but ended just shy of our Blue Jays in 7 prediction. From an 18-inning marathon to Trey Yesavage’s clutch Game 5 gem, and the brilliance of World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Who went 3-0 with a 1.02 ERA; we cover it all. Game 7 alone delivered iconic moments, from Miguel Rojas' shocking game-tying homer to Will Smith’s walk-off bomb.

We also discuss Tennessee baseball's decision to promote Josh Elander as their new head coach and the overwhelming support that move has received from the Volunteer community.

Then, we head to Gainesville to unpack the coaching carousel at Florida. With Kevin O’Sullivan on leave, Tom Slater steps in as interim head coach, bringing a deep résumé across both college and pro baseball.

It’s a little bit of everything—postseason drama, leadership shifts, and the moments that define baseball culture. Let’s get into it.