Cards & Categories

In our 78th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer analyze Pete Alonso's return to Queens before discussing the biggest baseball card release of the year – 2025 Topps Series 1! The 2025 baseball card products have officially launched so tune in for a deep dive on this release, available for purchase on Feb. 12.

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:

• Pete Alonso re-signs with Mets

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

Cards Discussion – 2025 Topps Series One (link to Razzball post)

• Beckett preview and checklist
• Chasing Majors checklist with odds and print runs and separate rookie checklist
• Page to order from Topps on Feb. 12
• Card Numero Uno goes to Shohei Ohtani
• All Aces design for 2025
• Player Number Variation examples
• Dancing Dodgers parallels

In our 77th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer are joined by Joe Orrico of FanGraphs and FantasyPros, to discuss the latest MLB moves and preview the NL East 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:

• Jack Flaherty returns to Detroit with two-year pact
• Max Scherzer joins the Blue Jays
• Jorge Polanco re-signs with Mariners
  • Mike Petriello’s piece on T-Mobile Park
• Twins agree to deal with Harrison Bader
• Orioles bring aboard Ramon Laureano
• Mookie Betts autos are back
• Diamond Icons Liquid Silver

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 2/5: 2024 Topps Diamond Icons
• 2/12: 2024 Panini Three and Two
• 2/15: 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 – NL East Preview (23:37)

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

• Atlanta Braves
  • Buy: Ozzie Albies, Spencer Schwellenbach, Ian Anderson
  • Sell: Sean Murphy, Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuna Jr
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Drake Baldwin, Didier Fuentes, Royber Salinas 

• Miami Marlins
  • Buy: Sandy Alcantara, Connor Norby, Liam Hicks
  • Sell: Sandy Alcantara, Xavier Edwards, Max Meyer
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Deyvison De Los Santos, Thomas White, Ronny Simon

• New York Mets
  • Buy: David Peterson, Clay Holmes
  • Sell: Juan Soto, Mark Vientos, Sean Manaea
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Luisangel Acuna, Brandon Sproat, Jonah Tong 

• Philadelphia Phillies
  • Buy: J.T. Realmuto, Orion Kerkering, Aaron Nola
  • Sell: Jordan Romano, Zach Wheeler, Jesus Luzardo
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Justin Crawford, Aidan Miller, Moises Chace

• Washington Nationals
  • Buy: DJ Herz, Jose Tena
  • Sell: CJ Abrams, James Wood, Nathaniel Lowe
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Jarlin Susana, Travis Sykora

In our 76th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer are joined by Taylor Corso of the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast and Prospects Live, to discuss the latest MLB moves and preview the NL 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!

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• Jurickson Profar inks three-year deal with Atlanta
• Rays set to sign Ha-Seong Kim
• Closer chaos:
  • Ryan Pressly dealt to Cubs, likely to close
  • Royals bring in Carlos Estevez

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 2/12: 2024 Panini Three and Two
• 2/15: 2025 Topps Series 1
• TBD: 2024 Topps Heritage High Number

Categories Discussion – NL West Preview (14:40)

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

• Arizona Diamondbacks
  • Buy: Alek Thomas, Brandon Pfaadt, Justin Martinez 
  • Sell: Jake McCarthy, Corbin Carroll, Josh Naylor 
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: JD Dix, Pavin Smith, Gino Groover  

• Colorado Rockies
  • Buy: Jordan Beck, Michael Toglia, Hunter Goodman 
  • Sell: Michael Toglia, All Pitching, Nolan Jones 
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Chase Dollander, Cole Carrigg, Yanquiel Fernandez 

• Los Angeles Dodgers
  • Buy: Andy Pages, Tommy Edman
  • Sell: Hyeseong Kim, Roki Sasaki, Freddie Freeman 
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Joendry Vargas, Zyhir Hope, Jackson Ferris  

• San Diego Padres
  • Buy: Xander Bogaerts, Michael King, Tirso Ornelas 
  • Sell: Jake Cronenworth, Luis Arraez, Fernando Tatis Jr. 
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Cobb Hightower, Leodalis De Vries, Eguy Rosario  

• San Francisco Giants
  • Buy: Hayden Birdsong, Ryan Walker, Kyle Harrison 
  • Sell: Camilo Doval, Willy Adames
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Jhonny Level, Luis Matos, Hayden Birdsong 

In our 75th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer are joined by Matt Frank aka Marmosdad, Razzball's Top 100 Pitchers writer, to discuss Roki Sasaki joining the Dodgers and preview the AL East 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!

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• Dodgers continue reign of terror:
  • Roki Sasaki joins Dodgers
  • Tanner Scott inks four-year deal with LA
  • Kirby Yates lands with Dodgers
• Blue Jays to sign Anthony Santander
• Shotaro Morii bypasses NPB, signs with A’s in international free agency

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 1/22: 2024 Topps Transcendent
• 1/25: 2024 Topps Diamond Icons
• 2/12: 2024 Panini Three and Two
• 2/15: 2025 Topps Series 1
• TBD: 2024 Topps Black & White
• TBD: 2024 Topps Definitive
• TBD: 2024 Topps Heritage High Number

Categories Discussion - AL East Preview (27:40)

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

• Baltimore Orioles
  • Buy: Tyler O’Neill, Heston Kjerstad, Cedric Mullins
  • Sell: Felix Bautista, Adley Rutschman
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Jordan Westburg, Dylan Beavers

• Boston Red Sox
  • Buy: Wilyer Abreu, Trevor Story, Connor Wong
  • Sell: Garrett Crochet, Nick Pivetta, Ceddanne Rafaela
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Kristian Campbell, Nelly Taylor

• New York Yankees
  • Buy: Austin Wells, Clarke Schmidt
  • Sell: Jazz Chisholm Jr., Devin Williams
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Spencer Jones, Ben Rice, Jorbit Vivas 

• Tampa Bay Rays
  • Buy: Yandy Diaz, Taj Bradley, Christopher Morel
  • Sell: Taj Bradley, Ryan Pepiot, Shane McClanahan
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Junior Caminero, Aidan Smith, Colton Ledbetter

• Toronto Blue Jays
  • Buy: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Will Wagner, Ernie Clement
  • Sell: George Springer, Andres Gimenez, Jeff Hoffman
  • “Prospect” Pick to Click: Bowden Francis, Ricky Tiedemann, Arjun Nimmala

In our 74th episode, Mike Couillard is joined by special guest, Derek VanRiper of The Athletic and host of the Rates & Barrels podcast, to discuss the nuances of draft-and-hold leagues like NFBC's 50-round Draft Champions and Gladiator formats. What strategies and players archetypes get a boost in these non-traditional formats that don't have in-season moves?

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:

• Sign up for Razzball subscriptions using this link
• DVR's bluesky profile
• The Rates & Barrels YouTube page
• Topps 2025 Series 1 design released, pre-orders open
• The iconic 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card
• 1983 Topps set info on TCDB

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 1/15: 2024 Bowman’s Best
• 1/17: 2024 Bowman Draft Sapphire
• 1/22: 2024 Topps Transcendent
• 1/25: 2024 Topps Diamond Icons
• 2/12: 2024 Panini Three and Two
• 2/15: 2025 Topps Series 1
• TBD: Topps Black & White
• TBD: Topps Definitive

Categories Discussion

NFBC Draft formats (our discussion focuses on Draft Champions and Gladiator)

Players discussed:

• High-floor pitchers:
  • Tobias Myers
  • Sonny Gray
  • Frankie Montas
• Utility bats:
  • Tyler Black
  • Spencer Horwitz
  • Isiah Kiner-Falefa
  • Hunter Goodman

In our 73rd episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by bantering about the latest and greatest MLB moves and baseball card news. Then we examine the Razzball 2025 Player Rater projections for players with the largest value swings from 2024 and analyze accordingly.

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:

• Sign up for Razzball subscriptions using this link
• Hyesong Kim signs with Dodgers 
• Gavin Lux dealt to Reds for prospect and a comp pick 
• Charlie Morton inks one-year deal with O’s 
• Justin Verlander lands with Giants 
• Rangers enlist Chris Martin, a Top 12 AL Pitcher 
• Josh Rojas joins the White Sox
• 2025 Topps Series 1 hobby box design is out 
• The shirtless autos PC

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 1/8: 2024 Topps Archives
• 1/15: 2024 Bowman’s Best
• 1/17: 2024 Bowman Draft Sapphire
• TBD: Topps Black & White
• TBD: Topps Definitive

Categories Discussion (45:54)

Razzball 2025 Preseason Player Rater (15-team 5x5 Roto)
Razzball 2024 Final Player Rater (15-team, 5x5 Roto)

Players discussed:

• Gainers:
  • Julio Rodriguez
  • Austin Riley
  • Garrett Crochet
  • Joe Ryan
  • David Bednar
  • Jhoan Duran
• Losers:
  • Shohei Ohtani & Aaron Judge
  • Jurickson Profar
  • Willy Adames
  • Brent Rooker
  • Marcell Ozuna
  • Seth Lugo
  • Ronel Blanco
  • Tobias Myers
  • Luis Gil

In our 72nd episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by memorializing Rickey Henderson and discussing the bevvy of holiday MLB transactions including Corbin Burnes signing with Arizona. Then we pick six of our favorite Rickey cards to induct into the podcast PC.

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:

• Rickey Henderson passes away at 65
• Corbin Burnes signs mega-deal with Arizona 
• Teoscar Hernandez returns to LA
• Sean Manaea re-joins Mets
• Buehler to Bean Town
• Astros bring in Christian Walker
• D-backs trade Slade Cecconi for Josh Naylor
• Paul Goldschmidt heading to the Bronx
• Guardians bring home Carlos Santana
• Gio Urshela to the A's
• Nats ship Robert Garcia out for Nathaniel Lowe 
• Josh Bell returns to Nationals
• Tigers land Gleyber Torres on one-year deal
• Phils add Jesus Luzardo
• Rangers ink Joc Pederson
• Cutch back in 'Burgh
• Barry Bonds autos are back in Topps products

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 1/3: Topps Luminaries
• 1/8: 2024 Topps Archives
• 1/15: 2024 Bowman’s Best
• TBD: Topps Black & White
• TBD: Topps Definitive

Cards Discussion (1:00:15)

The Rickey PC (link to Razzball post)

• 1980 Topps #482 RC
• 2004 Upper Deck #188
• 1977 Chong Modesto A's "Ricky" Henderson
• 1994 Collector’s Choice #131 Silver Signature
• 2020 Topps Stadium Club Chrome #399 wave refractor
• 2024 Topps Chrome Update #CLA-RH auto /50

In our 71st episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by discussing the Kyle Tucker, Devin Williams, and Cody Bellinger trades along with other MLB transactional and baseball card news. Then we analyze offseason trade targets in Ottoneu (a fantasy baseball format hosted by FanGraphs) along with general strategies.

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:

• Cubs land Kyle Tucker in blockbuster, send Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski, and Cam Smith to Houston
• Yankees trade for Devin Williams, ship out Nestor Cortes and Caleb Durbin
• Cody Bellinger heading to the Bronx via trade
• Tomoyuki Sugano signs with Orioles
• A's acquire Jeffrey Springs via trade
• View of the John Elway Bowman cards
• Link to the Reggie Jackson retrofractor auto superfractor that was pulled

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 12/19: Topps Triple Threads
• 12/20: Panini Prizm
• 12/27: Bowman’s Best
• 1/8: 2024 Topps Archives
• TBD: Topps Luminaries
• TBD: Topps Black & White

Categories Discussion (56:27)

Ottoneu Omnibus

• Ottoneu rules
• Player archetypes discussed along with names considered:
  • 1B/OFs - Michael Toglia
  • Bullpen targets - Griffin Jax, Edwin Uceta, Jason Foley, Cade Smith
  • MI saviors - Jordan Westburg
  • OF studs - Kerry Carpenter, Trevor Larnach, Pete Crow-Armstrong
  • Aces-in-waiting - Hunter Brown, Bryce Miller
  • Converted relievers - Kris Bubic

In our 70th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by discussing Juan Soto's $765 million deal with the Mets along with other recent MLB transactions. Then we make PC (personal collection) additions with some great cards of the 2024 MLB Awards Winners and new Hall-of-Fame inductees, Dick Allen and Dave Parker.

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:

• Dick Allen and Dave Parker elected to the Hall of Fame
• Juan Soto signs record deal with Mets
• Garrett Crochet moves to Bean Town
• Giants land Willy Adames
• Max Fried will be a Yankee
• Shane Bieber re-ups with the Guardians
• Rangers trade for Jake Burger
• Tyler O'Neill joins the O's
• Eovaldi returns to Texas
• Severino surprisingly signs with the A's
• Andres Gimenez dealt to Blue Jays
• Further Gimenez fallout - Spencer Horwitz to Pittsburgh and Luis Ortiz to Cleveland
• Dodgers ink Michael Conforto to one-year deal
• Clay Holmes signs as a starter with Mets
• Phillies add Jordan Romano to closer mix
• Alex Cobb finds new home in Detroit
• Mike Tauchman stays in Chicago, but with Sox
• Rox ink Thairo Estrada, slated to be starting 2B
• Cooper Bowman moves to Cincy in Rule 5 draft

Cards Discussion (1:29:43)

2024 Awards Winners plus new HOFers PC (link to Razzball post)

• Link to listing of all MLB 2024 Awards Winners

• Aaron Judge
  • M: 2017 Topps Heritage #214 SP solo variation 
  • J: 2020 Topps Dynasty On-Card Autograph Game Used LOGOMAN 1/1 
• Shohei Ohtani
  • M: 2013 BBM Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters #f83 
  • J: 2018 Shohei Ohtani & Mike Trout Bowman’s Best Atomic Auto /10
• Tarik Skubal
  • M: 2020 Bowman Chrome Sapphire #BCP-108 orange #/75
  • J: 2020 Topps Heritage Minors 1971 Black Nickel Relic /99
• Chris Sale
  • M: 2024 Topps Series 2 #484 Golden Mirror SSP
  • J: 2024 Topps Update All Star Game Jumbo Patch Relic 1/1 #ASJP-CS 1/1
• Luis Gil
  • M: 2019 Bowman Chrome #CPA-LGI 1st auto
  • J: 2020 Topps Heritage Minors Blue /99  #145 
• Paul Skenes
  • M: 2024 Topps Now #264 “Big On Big” Showdown card with Ohtani
  • J: 2024 Topps Update Rookie Debut Patch
• Dave Parker
  • M: 1975 Topps #29
  • J: 2022 Leaf Lumber 1/1 Bat Knob
• Dick Allen
  • M: 2023 Topps Heritage 1974 Topps Original Buyback
  • J: 2000 Topps Golden Anniversary

In our 69th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by discussing catching up on the news we've missed over the past few weeks including non-tender decisions, new signings, and the Golden Batter rule proposal. Then we overview the newest baseball card release hitting shelves this week, 2024 Bowman Draft, available on Dec. 4.

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:

• Qualifying offer decisions have been made
• List of non-tendered players
• List of players added to 40-man rosters to avoid Rule 5 draft
• Rob Manfred's proposal of the Golden Hitter
• Blake Snell joining the Dodgers
• Yusei Kikuchi signs with the Angels
• Reds and Royals swap Jonathan India and Brady Singer
• Mets ink Frankie Montas to two-year deal
• Matthew Boyd to the Cubs on two-year pact
• Aroldis Chapman is a Red Sox
• Rangers add Kyle Higashioka
• Hyeseong Kim to be posted, opening 30-day negotiation window
• MLB teams interested in Socrates Brito, who is currently in the KBO
• Topps MVP Buyback is in full swing
• Loads of MLB Debut patches have been pulled from Topps Chrome Update
• Paul Skenes autographed superfractor has been pulled
• Details on the bounty for the Skenes MLB Debut card

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• 12/4: Bowman Draft
• 12/6: Allen & Ginter X
• 12/11: Topps Definitive
• 12/13: Panini Prizm
• 12/19: Topps Triple Threads
• 12/27: Bowman’s Best
• TBD: Topps Chrome Sapphire
• TBD: Topps Luminaries

Cards Discussion (1:20:39)

2024 Bowman Draft Overview (link to Razzball post)

• Beckett checklist
• Checklist with details and odds on print runs
• Details on the special "variety packs"