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].

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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.