Cards & Categories

In our 88th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by talking about the myriad of prospect callups that occurred this past week along with other news and notes on injuries and roster moves affecting fantasy leagues. Then we discuss the newest baseball card set release from Topps, 2025 Heritage, in stores everywhere April 23.

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

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Links to things discussed in the pod:

• Nick Kurtz arrives in big leagues
• Twins promote Luke Keaschall
• Rays call up Chandler Simpson
• Jace Jung recalled in Detroit
• Agustin Ramirez joins the Marlins
• Tyler Soderstroom seeing time in outfield
• Jose Siri set to miss 8-10 weeks with broken leg, Jeff McNeil taking centerfield reps
• Spencer Strider lands on IL with hammy injury
• Luis Arraez suffers concussion after collision, placed on IL
• David Bendar back in big leagues
• Milwaukee brings Craig Yoho up from Triple-A

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 4/23: 2025 Topps Heritage
• 4/30: 2025 Topps Chrome Black 
• 4/30: 2025 Panini Stars & Stripes
• 5/7: 2025 Bowman
• 5/14: 2024 Panini Flawless
• 5/21: 2025 Panini Donruss Baseball
• June 2025: 2025 Topps Series Two

Cards Discussion (47:15)

2025 Topps Heritage Release & Overview (link to Razzball post)

• Beckett checklist and preview
• Chasing Majors checklist and print run information
• Link to order directly from Topps (possibly sold out by time of publishing)

In our 87th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by talking about the return of the man with power thighs and a glorious mustache along with the latest transactions and injuries. Then we overview which current minor leaguers are worth stashing in reserve spots on our fantasy teams before evaluating who might be next.

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!

Sign up here to get access to all of the Razzball tools to win your 2025 fantasy leagues!

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• Spencer Strider is back
• Logan Henderson promoted in Milwaukee
• White Sox promote Edgar Quero
• Matt Shaw shuttled back to Triple-A
• Justin Steele set to undergo elbow surgery
• Trevor Megill seeking second opinion on mysterious knee injury
• Twinjuries are mounting again, enter Brooks Lee
• Chase Meidroth called up in Chicago, breaks up Garrett Crochet no-hitter in debut weekend

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 4/16: 2024 Panini National Treasures
• 4/16: 2025 Topps Tribute
• 4/30: 2025 Topps Heritage
• 4/30: 2025 Topps Chrome Black 
• 4/30: 2025 Panini Stars & Stripes
• 5/7: 2025 Bowman
• 5/14: 2024 Panini Flawless
• 5/21: 2025 Panini Donruss Baseball
• June 2025: 2025 Topps Series Two

Categories Discussion (29:45)

Stashable minor leaguers, players discussed in detail:

• Roman Anthony
• Nick Kurtz
• Zebby Matthews
• Bubba Chandler
• Jac Caglianone
• Jace Jung
• Luke Keaschall
• Luinder Avila
• Juan Brito 
• Chandler Simpson

In our 86th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by talking about major extensions, crushing injuries, and a retirement from the latest MLB news. Then we overview how to evaluate hitters early in the season to determine whether significant changes have been made to their profiles along with a few hot or cold bats out the gate.

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!

Sign up here to get access to all of the Razzball tools to win your 2025 fantasy leagues!

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signs monster extension with the Blue Jays
• Jackson Merrill set to be a Padre through 2034, lands on IL with hammy injury
• Kristian Campbell inks eight-year extension with Red Sox
• Chase Dollander promoted to big leagues in Colorado
• Reynaldo Lopez out 12 weeks after shoulder surgery
• Victor Robles dislocates shoulder on amazing catch, out at least 12 weeks, could miss rest of season
• Justin Steele lands on IL with elbow tendinitis
• Lance Lynn announces retirement
• 2025 Bowman pre-order open on Topps

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 4/16: 2024 Panini National Treasures
• 4/23 (maybe): 2025 Topps Tribute
• 4/30 (maybe): 2025 Topps Heritage
• 4/30 (maybe): 2025 Topps Chrome Black 
• 4/30: 2025 Panini Stars & Stripes
• 4/30: 2024 Panini Flawless
• 5/7: 2025 Bowman
• 5/21: 2025 Panini Donruss Baseball
• June 2025: 2025 Topps Series Two

Categories Discussion (39:45)

Evaluating hot/cold starts, players discussed in detail:

• Rafael Devers
• Eugenio Suarez
• Nolan Arenado
• Tommy Edman
• Wilyer Abreu
• Ben Rice
• Tyler Soderstrom
• Brice Turang
• Luis Robert Jr.

In our 85th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by sharing their excitement for Opening Day before diving into transactions that are impacting our fantasy teams, including the promotions of Cam Smith and Kristian Campbell. Then we overview the latest and greatest baseball card release from Topps, 2024 Heritage High Number, which hit shelves on March 26.

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!

Sign up here to get access to all of the Razzball tools to win your 2025 fantasy leagues!

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• The Guardians and Rockies exchange Nolan Jones and Tyler Freeman
• Thairo Estrada suffers broken wrist, out 6-8 weeks
• Brewers ship Mark Canha to Kansas City
• Mookie Betts battling illness, has lost roughly 20 pounds
• Gunnar Henderson to start 2025 season on shelf
• Shane McClanahan leaves start, dealing “only” with nerve issue in left arm
• Jared Jones shut down for six weeks due to elbow inflammation
• Ranger Suarez to open season on IL with bad back
• Clarke Schmidt to open on IL, Carlos Carrasco selected in the Bronx
• Connor Norby to open season on IL with left oblique strain
• Parker Meadows dealing with nerve issue in throwing arm, to open on IL
• Zack Gelof out with hamate surgery, other Max Muncy makes A’s roster
• Jerar Encarnacion breaks hand, undergoes surgery
• The Cam Smith era begins in Houston
• Kristian Campbell makes Boston roster
• Alan Roden breaks camp with Blue Jays
• Victor Scott II wins centerfield job in St. Louis
• Evan Carter shipped to Triple-A
• Mitch Haniger cut in Seattle
• Kyle Gibson re-joins O’s
• Padres shuffle roster for Gavin Sheets, Jose Igelsias, Yuli Gurriel, and Martin Maldonado
• Rockies choose Nick Martini over Zac Veen
• Giants pick Hayden Birdsong and Landon Roupp (who gets final rotation spot), Kyle Harrison sent to Triple-A
• Paul Skenes MLB Debut patch 1/1 auto card sells for $1.11 million

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 3/26: 2024 Topps Heritage High Number
• 3/27: 2025 Topps Series 1 Celebration
• 4/16: 2024 Panini National Treasures
• 4/30: 2025 Panini Stars & Stripes
• 4/30: 2024 Panini Flawless
• April: 2025 Topps Tribute (pre-order opened on 3/24)

Cards Discussion (1:14:40)

2024 Topps Heritage High Number (link to related Razzball post)

• Beckett overview and checklist
• Chasing Majors checklist with odds and print runs
• Topps Ripped overview

In our 84th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by bantering about the Japan Series before delving into the latest and greatest MLB moves and baseball card news. Then we discuss some of the hottest hitters and sharpest pitchers in Spring Training action to determine if we believe their incredible stat lines.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!

Sign up here to get access to all of the Razzball tools to win your 2025 fantasy leagues!

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• Matt Shaw makes Cubs roster
• Roki Sasaki fills seat on the real fully operational Death Star
• Rays back in ballpark limbo
• Michael McGreevy forcing a six-man rotation in St. Louis?
• Sean Newcomb to rise from the dead and secure Boston rotation spot?
• Royce Lewis strains hammy
• Josh Rojas suffers hairline fracture in right big toe
• Topps and MLB team up for gold logo patches

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 3/21: 2024 Panini Select
• 3/26: 2024 Topps Heritage High Number
• 4/30: 2025 Panini Stars & Stripes
• TBD: 2024 Panini National Treasures
• TBD: 2024 Panini Flawless

Categories Discussion (28:17)

• FanGraphs Spring Training Leaderboard - Batters
• FanGraphs Spring Training Leaderboard - Pitchers
• Baseball Reference Spring Training stats - Batting
• Baseball Reference Spring Training stats - Pitching

Players discussed:

• Zac Veen
• Curtis Mead
• Alan Roden
• Ty France
• Rhys Hoskins
• Ivan Herrera
• Brady Singer
• Clay Holmes
• Corbin Burnes
• Cristopher Sanchez
• AJ Smith-Shawver
• Zebby Matthews

In our 83rd episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer are joined by Razzball's very own The Itch (Nick Roos) to discuss prospect buys for both fantasy and card purposes. The Itch will give background on what he loves about each prospect and then Jeremy provides a corresponding PC pick.

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!

Sign up here to get access to all of the Razzball tools to win your 2025 fantasy leagues!

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• Cooper Bowman returned to the Athletics
• Gerrit Cole undergoes TJ surgery
• George Kirby will open season on IL with shoulder injury
• Francisco Alvarez down for 6-to-8 weeks with hamate surgery

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 3/21: 2024 Panini Select
• 3/26: 2024 Topps Heritage High Number
• 4/2: 2024 Panini National Treasures
• 4/18: 2025 Panini Stars & Stripes
• TBD: 2024 Panini Flawless

Cards Discussion (17:20) (link to related Razzball post)

PC list: link

Prospect Buys

• Leodalis De Vries
  • Card: 2024 Panini Boys of Summer Five Tool Player Materials #FT-LDV /149 
• Jesus Made
  • Card: 2022 Panini Elite Extra Edition #DMS-JE Button Auto Relic /5 
• Cam Smith
  • Card: 2024 1st Bowman Draft Sapphire Auto #CPA-CS /199
• Lazaro Montes
  • Card: 2023 Bowman’s Best #92RJA-LM 1992 Bowman By Randy Johnson Auto /250
• Welbyn Francisca
  • Card: 2023 Bowman Inception #BPA-WF Auto /50 Gold Electricity Parallel
• Maximo Acosta
  • Card: 2021 Bowman Draft Chrome #BDC-139 Printing Plate Cyan 1/1 
• LuJames Groover
  • Card: 2024 Bowman - Chrome Prospect #CPA-GG Pearl Refractor auto /10

In our 82nd episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by bantering about the latest and greatest MLB moves and baseball card news. Then we overview player types and specific players that make for good baseball card investments going into 2025.

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!

Sign up here to get access to all of the Razzball tools to win your 2025 fantasy leagues!

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• Sign up for a Razzball Commenter League
• Kyle Finnegan back in the Nats closer seat 
• Brewers ink Jose Quintana to one-year deal
• Sean Murphy out 4-to-6 weeks with cracked rib
• Luis Gil felled with lat injury
• Jose Altuve slated to play “majority” of time in left field

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 3/7: 2024 Panini Prospect Edition
• 3/21: 2024 Panini Select
• 3/26: 2024 Topps Heritage High Number
• 4/2: 2024 Panini National Treasures
• TBD: 2024 Panini Flawless

Cards Discussion (31:40) (link to related Razzball post)

PC list: link

• Breakout Candidates:
  • Jordan Westburg
    • M: 2020 Bowman Draft #FFA-HW Franchise Futures Jordan Westburg / Heston Kjerstad dual auto orange parallel #/25
    • J: 2024 Topps Stadium Club #RDVA-JW Design Variation Auto /50
  • Tommy Edman
    • M: 2020 Topps Stadium Club Chrome #UATE rookie auto
    • J:  2020 Topps Chrome Rookie Auto Refractor USA-TE 
• Down Season Bouncebacks:
  • Mike Trout
    • M: 2019 Topps Chrome Sapphire #100
    • J: 2017 Topps Dynasty #AP-MT3 Auto Patch 02/10
  • Josh Jung
    • M: 2023 Topps Home Field Advantage #HA-16
    • J: 2023 Topps Reverence #TRAP2-JJ Patch Auto /5
• Young Players Reaching Potential
  • Connor Norby
    • M: 2025 Topps Series 1 #90A-CN 1990 auto
    • J: 2021 Bowman Chrome Draft #CDA-CN 1st Bowman Auto
  • Pete Crow-Armstrong
    • M: 2024 Topps #407 Golden Mirror SSP
    • J: 2024 Topps Chrome Sapphire #407

In our 81st episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer are joined by Sam Wirsching of the Pallazzo Podcast and The Dynasty Guru to preview the AL West teams. For each team in the division, we each pick a player that for fantasy purposes we would buy, sell, and pick to click.

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!

Sign up here to get access to all of the Razzball tools to win your 2025 fantasy leagues!

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• Yankees finally change facial hair policy
• Andrew Heaney added to crew in Pittsburgh
• Sean Manaea dealing with oblique strain, Mets rotation in trouble
• Mark Canha back with Brew Crew on minor league deal, coincides with Blake Perkins shin fracture

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 3/5: 2024 Panini Prospect Edition
• 3/21: 2024 Panini Select
• TBD: 2024 Topps Heritage High Number
• TBD: 2024 Panini Flawless
• TBD: 2024 Panini National Treasures

Categories Discussion – AL West Preview (12:20)

NFBC Draft Position link: https://nfc.shgn.com/adp/baseball

• Houston Astros
  • Buy: Isaac Paredes, Hunter Brown, Framber Valdez
  • Sell: Christian Walker, Ronel Blanco, Josh Hader
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Cam Smith, Luis Encarnacion, Brice Matthews
• Los Angeles Angels
  • Buy: Mike Trout, Kenley Jansen
  • Sell: Pitching staff (minus Yusei Kikuchi), Jo Adell, Logan O’Hoppe
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Christian Moore, Chris Cortez
• Sacramento Athletics
  • Buy: JJ Bleday, Brent Rooker
  • Sell: Zack Gelof, All Pitchers, Jeffrey Springs
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Nick Kurtz, Colby Thomas, Mason Barnett
• Seattle Mariners
  • Buy: Victor Robles, Matt Brash, Bryce Miller
  • Sell: Bryce Miller, JP Crawford, Luis Castillo
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Cole Young, Ryan Bliss, Logan Evans
• Texas Rangers
  • Buy: Adolis Garcia, Josh Jung, Nathan Eovaldi
  • Sell: Marcus Semien, Josh Jung, Wyatt Langford
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Kumar Rocker, Malcolm Moore

In our 80th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer are joined by Erik Halterman of Rotowire, to discuss the start(?) of spring training and the latest MLB moves, then preview the NL Central teams. For each team in the division, we each pick a player that for fantasy purposes we would buy, sell, and pick to click.

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!

Sign up here to get access to all of the Razzball tools to win your 2025 fantasy leagues!

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• Alex Bregman lands in Bean Town
• Nick Pivetta inks deal in San Diego
• Corner Corner
  • Ty France signs with Twins, set to start “a lot”
  • Justin Turner signs with Cubs
• Angels Atrium
  • Mike Trout moved to right field
  • Anthony Rendon likely to miss all of 2025 with hip injury
• Frankie Montas shut down for 6-8 weeks with lat strain

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 3/5: 2024 Panini Prospect Edition
• 3/21: 2024 Panini Select
• TBD: 2024 Topps Heritage High Number
• TBD: 2024 Panini Flawless
• TBD: 2024 Panini National Treasures

Categories Discussion – NL Central Preview (26:30)

NFBC ADP link: https://nfc.shgn.com/adp/baseball

• Chicago Cubs
  • Buy: Ian Happ, Porter Hodge, Dansby Swanson
  • Sell: Nico Hoerner x3
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Moises Ballesteros, Matt Shaw, James Triantos
• Cincinnati Reds
  • Buy: Gavin Lux, Nick Lodolo, Tyler Stephenson
  • Sell: Spencer Steer, Alexis Diaz
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Rhett Lowder, Cooper Bowman, Chase Petty
• Milwaukee Brewers
  • Buy: Garrett Mitchell, Christian Yelich, Aaron Civale
  • Sell: William Contreras, Freddy Peralta, Trevor Megill
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Caleb Durbin, Tyler Black, Cooper Pratt
• Pittsburgh Pirates
  • Buy: Jared Jones, Andrew McCutchen
  • Sell: Joey Bart, Paul Skenes, Oneil Cruz
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Braxton Ashcraft, Bubba Chandler, Sammy Siani
• St. Louis Cardinals
  • Buy: Willson Contreras, Lars Nootbaar, Michael McGreevy
  • Sell: Alec Burleson, Nolan Arenado, Ryan Helsley
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Quinn Mathews, Thomas Saggesse, Yairo Padilla

In our 79th episode, Mike Couillard is joined by Keelin Billue, Razzball's former Ambulance Chaser, and Jordan White, formerly of Pitcher List and Razzball, to discuss the latest MLB moves and preview the AL Central teams. For each team in the division, we each pick a player that for fantasy purposes we would buy, sell, and pick to click.

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!

Sign up here to get access to all of the Razzball tools to win your 2025 fantasy leagues!

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• Tommy Pham joins the Pirates
• Yoan Moncada lands with the Angels
• Kershaw officially returns to Dodgers
• Kenley Jansen bound for Orange County

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 2/12: 2024 Panini Three and Two
• 2/12: 2025 Topps Series 1
• 2/28: 2024 Panini Prospect Edition
• 3/21: 2024 Panini Select
• TBD: 2024 Topps Heritage High Number
• TBD: 2024 Panini Flawless
• TBD: 2024 Panini National Treasures

Categories Discussion – AL Central Preview (13:44)NFBC ADP link: https://nfc.shgn.com/adp/baseball

• Chicago White Sox
  • Buy: Miguel Vargas, Lenyn Sosa, Sean Burke
  • Sell: Luis Robert Jr., Andrew Benintendi
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Edgar Quero/Kyle Teel, Grant Taylor, Hagen Smith

• Cleveland Guardians
  • Buy: Cade Smith, Steven Kwan, Gavin Williams
  • Sell: Emmanuel Clase, Jhonkensy Noel, Lane Thomas
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Matt Wilkinson, Chase DeLauter, Juan Brito

• Detroit Tigers
  • Buy: Tyler Holton, Parker Meadows, Kerry Carpenter, Jack Flaherty
  • Sell: Tarik Skubal, Spencer Torkelson, Gleyber Torres
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Colt Keith, Jackson Jobe, Hao-Yu Lee

• Kansas City Royals
  • Buy: Kris Bubic, Vinnie Pasquantino
  • Sell: Jonathan India, Maikel Garcia
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Gavin Cross, Jac Caglianone, Noah Cameron

• Minnesota Twins
  • Buy: Griffin Jax, Trevor Larnach, Jose Miranda, Matt Wallner, Bailey Ober
  • Sell: Walker Jenkins, Royce Lewis, Willi Castro
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Emmanuel Rodriguez, Luke Keaschall