Cards & Categories

In our 68th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by discussing the Roki Sasaki posting along with awards and Angels news. Then we overview two Topps sets releasing this week, Chrome Update and Holiday, which hit shelves on Nov. 13 and Nov. 15, respectively.

You can find us on bluesky at @cardscategories.bsky.social, @mcouill7.bsky.social, and @jbrewer17.bsky.social. Email the pod at [email protected].

We have Cards & Categories swag for purchase here!

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• Roki Sasaki expected to be posted this offseason
• Great piece on the nitty gritty of the Sasaki transaction from Dodgers Digest
• Silver Slugger award winners announced
• Zach Neto undergoes surgery on right shoulder
• Angels ink Travis d'Arnaud to two-year deal

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 11/13: Topps Chrome Update (still some Mega Boxes available as of recording!)
• 11/13: Panini Impeccable
• 11/15: Topps Holiday
• 11/20: Topps Gilded
• 12/4: Bowman Draft
• 12/6: Panini Prizm
• TBD: Bowman Chrome Sapphire

Cards Discussion (42:30) (link to Razzball post)

2024 Topps Chrome Update Overview

• Beckett checklist
• Checklist with details and odds on print runs
• Jackson Holliday/Billy Ripken dual auto
• Triple auto of the Jacksons
• Cam Booser MLB Debut patch auto
• Paul Skenes MLB Debut patch auto
• Base Skenes superfractor already pulled
• First Rickey Henderson Topps Chrome base design auto

2024 Topps Holiday Overview

• Beckett checklist
• Checklist with details and odds on print runs

In our 67th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by recapping the World Series, Gold Glove awards, qualifying offers, and initial offseason moves. Then we overview our favorite annual baseball card release, Topps Stadium Club, which hit shelves everywhere on Nov. 6.

You can find us on twitter (X) at @cardscategories, @mcouill7, and @jbrewer17 and on bluesky at @cardscategories.bsky.social and @mcouill7.bsky.social. Email the pod at [email protected].

We have Cards & Categories swag for purchase here!

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• Dodgers' "scouting plan" against the Yanks
• Ohtani undergoes surgery on his torn left shoulder labrum
• List of 2024 Gold Glove winners
• List of qualifying offers handed out
• Michael Wacha re-ups with the Royals
• Angels and Braves swap Jorge Soler and Griffin Canning
• Zack Minasian promoted to GM role in San Francisco
• Skip Schumaker joins the Texas front office as Senior Advisor

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 11/6: Topps Stadium Club
• 11/13: Topps Chrome Update
• 11/20: Topps Holiday
• TBD: Bowman Draft (preorder link)

Cards Discussion (51:41)

2024 Topps Stadium Club Overview (link to Razzball post)

• Beckett checklist
• Checklist with details on odds on print runs
• Beam Team leverages '92-'93 basketball design
• Special Forces is back!

In our 66th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by discussing the latest happenings in the World Series (pre-Dodgers victory) and the White Sox hiring a new manager. Then we dive into some of the standout performances and breakouts from the Arizona Fall League.

You can find us on twitter (X) at @cardscategories, @mcouill7, and @jbrewer17 and on bluesky at @cardscategories.bsky.social and @mcouill7.bsky.social. Email the pod at [email protected].

We have Cards & Categories swag for purchase here!

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• Shohei Ohtani suffers subluxation of left shoulder
• Will Venable tapped to be next manager of the White Sox

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 10/30: Topps Allen & Ginter
• 11/6: Topps Stadium Club
• 11/13: Topps Chrome Update
• TBD – Topps Holiday

Categories Discussion (25:24)

Arizona Fall League Standouts

• Batter stats from AFL
• Pitcher stats from AFL
• Players discussed:
  • Andrew Painter
  • Josh Stephan
  • Josue Briceno
  • Moises Ballesteros
  • Robert Hassell III
  • Zyhir Hope
  • Tre' Morgan
  • Thomas Saggesse
  • Niko Kavadas

In our 65th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by previewing the 2024 World Series to break down the strengths and weaknesses on the Dodgers and Yankees. Then we overview Allen & Ginter, Topps newest baseball card release that hits shelves on Oct. 30.

You can find us on twitter (X) at @cardscategories, @mcouill7, and @jbrewer17 and on bluesky at @cardscategories.bsky.social and @mcouill7.bsky.social.

We have Cards & Categories swag for purchase here!

Email the pod at [email protected].

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• New York Yankees roster
• Los Angeles Dodgers roster
• Link to related Razzball post with card pics
• 2024 Allen & Ginter checklist
• "Got The Itch" scratch-n-sniff inserts

In our 64th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by discussing the outstanding playoff theatre so far before diving into MLB and baseball card news and notes. Then we overview the hottest baseball card relase of 2024, Topps Update.

You can find us on twitter (X) at @cardscategories, @mcouill7, and @jbrewer17 and on bluesky at @mcouill7.bsky.social. Email the pod at [email protected].

We have Cards & Categories swag for purchase here!

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• Clayton Kershaw set to return in 2025
• Jerry Reinsdorf considering selling White Sox

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 10/16: Topps Update
• 10/30: Topps Allen & Ginter
• 11/6: Topps Stadium Club
• 11/13: Topps Chrome Update
• TBD - Topps Holiday

Cards Discussion (28:09)

2024 Topps Update Series (link to related Razzball post)

• Link to checklist from Beckett
• Production run numbers from @toppsbb
• First Paul Skenes Golden Mirror SSP ebay listing (originally posted at $3k during recording)

In our 63rd episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by discussing the outstanding playoff theatre so far before diving into MLB and baseball card news and notes. Then we revisit our Razzball staff preseason picks to see what went right, what went wrong, and which fellow writers had some of our favorite calls.

You can find us on twitter (X) at @cardscategories, @mcouill7, and @jbrewer17 and on bluesky at @mcouill7.bsky.social. Email the pod at [email protected].

We have Cards & Categories swag for purchase here!

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• Brent Rooker undergoes extensor repair surgery on right arm
• Jeremy's highly scientific search for the next Rooker
• Tomoyuki Sugano to be posted this offseason
• Reds hire Terry Francona
• Bud Black gets one-year extension in Colorado
• Paul Skenes gifts Livvy Dunne a card of their dog for her b-day

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 10/9: Bowman Sterling
• 10/11: Topps Cosmic Chrome
• 10/16: Topps Update
• 10/30: Topps Allen & Ginter
• 11/6: Topps Stadium Club

Categories Discussion (36:23)

Razzball Staff 2024 Preseason Picks (link)
Players discussed in detail:

• Kerry Carpenter
• Leody Taveras
• Nico Hoerner
• Nick Pivetta
• Sonny Gray
• Ezequiel Tovar
• Mitch Haniger
• Anthony Rizzo
• Hunter Brown
• Sean Manaea
• Tommy Pham
• Sean Murphy

In our 62nd episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by discussing the opening round of the playoffs and one of the greatest regular season games in recent memory. Then we choose the cards to enter the POTM PC Pantheon for the September award recipients.

You can find us on twitter (X) at @cardscategories, @mcouill7, and @jbrewer17 and on bluesky at @mcouill7.bsky.social. Email the pod at [email protected].

We have Cards & Categories swag for purchase here!

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• Sam Miller's piece on Francisco Lindor's cWPA (sub required)
• Cardinals are shaking up the front office
• Farhan out of San Francisco, Buster Posey in
• Skip Schumaker officially becomes a free agent manager
• Topps Ohtani 50/50 set link
• Details on Topps Dynasty Black

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 10/2: Panini Prizm
• 10/2: Bowman Chrome Mega Boxes
• 10/9: Bowman Sterling
• 10/16: Topps Update
• 10/30: Allen & Ginter (preorder: https://www.topps.com/pages/topps-allen-ginter-baseball)

Cards Discussion (46:00)

September POTM PC (link to POTM award winners)

• Link to related Razzball post (link)
• Wyatt Langford
  • J: 2024 Topps Debut #PTDA-SCL Skenes/Crews/Langford Triple Auto #/10 (link)
  • M: 2024 Topps Debut #PDDA-LW red foil #/10 (link)
• Shohei Ohtani
  • J: 2023 Topps Now #455A base relic #/99 (link)
  • M: 2018 Bowman Chrome #1 SSP Carrying Bag variation (link)
• Nick Martinez
  • J: 2014 Topps Supreme Supreme Stylings #SSNM black auto #/5 (link)
  • M: 2014 Topps Update #US-304 red foil (link)
• Corbin Burnes
  • J: 2019 Panini Chronicles #APS-CB patch auto printing plate 1/1 (link)
  • M: 2024 Topps Pristine #193 orange refractor #/25 (link)
• Paul Skenes
  • J: 2023 Bowman Draft #CDA-PS 1st auto (link)
  • M: 2023 Bowman Draft #BDC-14 SSP image variation (link)
• Emmanuel Clase
  • J: 2024 Topps Chrome #166 Frozenfractor #/0 (link)
  • M: 2020 Topps Stadium Club Chrome #391 X-fractor (link)

In our 61st episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by discussing the greatest game ever played by one Shohei Ohtani before diving into the latest moves and injuries impacting our player pools. Then we discuss and analyze players that have not met their projected expectations to uncover whether they can bounce back or there are larger issues at hand.

You can find us on twitter (X) at @cardscategories, @mcouill7, and @jbrewer17 and on bluesky at @mcouill7.bsky.social. Email the pod at [email protected].

We have Cards & Categories swag for purchase here!

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• Razzball historical Player Rater
• 50/50 Ohtani Topps Now card with record print run
• Bo Bichette's season ends with fractured finger
• Rafael Devers shelved with shoulder injury
• Sonny Gray hits IL with flexor tendinitis
• Max Scherzer shut down with hammy injury
• CJ Abrams optioned to minors after all-night casino bender
• Jackson Jobe joins the Detroit bullpen
• David Bell dismissed in Cincy
• Charlie Blackmon announces his retirement at season's end

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 10/2: Panini Prizm
• 10/2: Bowman Chrome Mega Boxes
• 10/4: Topps Five Star

Categories Discussion (56:09)2024 DisappointmentsRazzball Preseason Player RaterRazzball current year-to-date Player RaterPlayers discussed:

• Julio Rodriguez
• Matt Olson
• Randy Arozarena
• Paul Goldschmidt
• Adolis Garcia
• Zac Gallen
• Alexis Diaz
• Chris Bassitt

In our 60th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by discussing the developing playoff races before diving into the latest moves and injuries impacting our player pools. Then we discuss and analyze players that have had hot second halves to determine what's going on and whether their performances are sustainable.

You can find us on twitter (X) at @cardscategories, @mcouill7, and @jbrewer17 and on bluesky at @mcouill7.bsky.social. Email the pod at [email protected].

We have Cards & Categories swag for purchase here!

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• Ohtani to pitch in the postseason?
• Francisco Lindor dealing with back issue, paving way for Luisangel Acuna
• Tyler Glasnow out with right elbow sprain
• Daulton Varsho slated to undergo right shoulder surgery
• Steven Kwan hits IL with back issue/general fatigue
• Craig Kimbrel released by the Orioles
• Lance Lynn out with knee injury... bah gawd, that's Michael McGreevy's music
• Matt "Jumbo Pepsi" Adams officially retires
• NY Times piece on huge 20 million card collection
• Story on history of Jackson Merrill's Bowman 1st featuring another player's photo

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 10/2: Panini Prizm
• 10/2: Bowman Chrome Mega Boxes
• 10/4: Topps Five Star

Categories Discussion (53:10)

Second Half Breakouts

Players discussed:

• Lawrence Butler
• Brent Rooker
• Eugenio Suarez
• Matt Wallner
• Framber Valdez
• Yusei Kikicuchi
• Pete Crow-Armstrong
• Otto Lopez
• Sean Manaea
• Bowden Francis
• Tyler Holton
• Michael Kopech

In our 59th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by celebrating Pavin Smith's recent accomplishments before diving into the latest moves and injuries impacting our player pools. Then we discuss and overview the latest baseball card release, 2024 Bowman Chrome, which debuted on Sept. 11.

You can find us on twitter (X) at @cardscategories, @mcouill7, and @jbrewer17 and on bluesky at @mcouill7.bsky.social. Email the pod at [email protected].

We have Cards & Categories swag for purchase here!

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• Justin Verlander's Stuff+ game log
• Jasson Dominguez called up in the Bronx
• Kumar Rocker set to debut with Rangers
• Thomas Saggesse arrives in St. Louis
• Matt Chapman signs six-year extension with Giants
• Jacob deGrom set to return Friday
• Trevor Story activated from shoulder injury
• Rich Hill cut by Boston
• Luis Castillo placed on IL with strained hammy
• Gavin Stone shelved with shoulder inflammation
• Alec Bohm hits IL with hand strain
• Jo Adell's season is over

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 9/10: Topps Chrome Sapphire
• 9/11: Bowman Chrome
• 10/2: Panini Prizm
• 10/2: Bowman Chrome Mega Boxes
• 10/4: Topps Five Star

Cards Discussion (57:22)

2024 Bowman Chrome Overview (link to checklist) (link to related Razzball post)

• Retrofractors are back, featuring Sandy Koufax and Lou Gehrig
• Players signing their first Bowman cards with special auto
• Detailed listing of prospects with a Bowman 1st in the set