Ep. 31 : 2024 Topps Series One Release & NL Central Preview

Ep. 31 : 2024 Topps Series One Release & NL Central Preview

Author: Mike Couillard February 14, 2024 Duration: 2:21:54
In our 31st episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer overview the NL Central to wrap our 2024 divisional preview series. Over the past six weeks weeks, we analyzed our favorite buys and identified sells on each team in a given division. However, before the NL Central preview, we open discussing the biggest baseball card release of the year - 2024 Topps Series 1! The 2024 baseball card products have officially launched so tune in for a deep dive on this release, available for purchase on Feb. 14.

We now have Cards & Categories swag for purchase, visit our shop here!

You can find us on twitter (X) at @cardscategories, @mcouill7, and @jbrewer17. Email the pod at cardscategories@gmail.com.

Links to things discussed in the pod:

Cards Discussion
Upcoming baseball card releases:
  • 2/14: Topps Series 1
  • 2/21: 2023 Topps Five Star
  • 5/8: Bowman
Players discussed in our NL Central preview:
  • Chicago Cubs
    • Buy: Cade Horton, Matt Shaw
    • Sell: Nico Hoerner, Justin Steele
  • Cincinnati Reds
    • Buy: Nick Lodolo, Jeimer Candelario
    • Sell: Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer
  • Milwaukee Brewers
    • Buy: Tyler Black, Robert Gasser
    • Sell: Rhys Hoskins, Sal Frelick
  • Pittsburgh Pirates
    • Buy: Ke'Bryan Hayes, Andrew McCutchen
    • Sell: Oneil Cruz, Mitch Keller
  • St. Louis Cardinals
    • Buy: Sonny Gray, Lars Nootbaar
    • Sell: Ryan Helsley, Tommy Edman

Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer have a shared obsession that branches in two fascinating directions: the strategic depths of fantasy baseball and the nostalgic, tangible world of MLB card collecting. Their Cards & Categories podcast sits right at that unique intersection, creating a space where lineup decisions and auction values are debated with the same passion as rookie card prospecting and vintage set completion. It’s a conversation built for those who find equal joy in analyzing a player’s on-base percentage and the crisp corner of a mint-condition insert. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair at a local card shop or diving into a lively fantasy league chat, blending statistical deep dives with personal stories from the hobby. You’ll hear them break down weekly player performances for fantasy relevance while also discussing the cultural and financial currents within the sports card market. This isn’t just another baseball podcast; it’s a dedicated look at how our fandom manifests, both in digital leagues and in physical collections, all through the informed and often humorous perspective of two genuine enthusiasts. Tune in for a regular dose of actionable advice, collecting trends, and the simple pleasure of talking about the game from these two distinct, yet beautifully connected, angles.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 134

Cards & Categories
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 104 : First Pitch Arizona Overview With Brent Hershey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:26
In our 104th episode, Mike Couillard is joined by Brent Hershey (@brenthershey.bsky.social‬) of BaseballHQ (@baseballhq.com) to talk about First Pitch Arizona, an annual fantasy baseball conference that happens each year…
Ep. 103 : Prospect Savant Overview With Duke Hill [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:57
In our 103rd episode, Mike Couillard is joined by Duke Hill (@oriolebird.bsky.social), creator of Prospect Savant (@prospectsavant.bsky.social) to talk about all things about his site - how to use it for fantasy and card…
Ep. 102 : Deadline Roundup & July POTM PC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:19:14
In our 102nd episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer discuss the how the trade deadline has impacted the fantasy futures of players dealt along with those stepping into new roles before diving into the standard injury…
Ep. 101 : Wave One Of The Deadline [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:46:04
In our 101st episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer discuss the avalanche of latest baseball news and its impacts on the fantasy realm including Emmanuel Clase's suspension, callups, injuries, and trades (up through m…
Ep. 100 : Keeping It 100 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:51:33
In our 100th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by discussing the the latest MLB injuries and transactions impacting fantasy teams. Then we discuss hitters we expect to be in the Top 100 in 2026 before making…
Ep. 99 : Schwarbombs And Topps Chrome Release [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:30
In our 99th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by discussing the All-Star happenings along with the latest MLB injuries and transactions. Then we overview the upcoming release of 2025 Topps Chrome, hitting sh…
Ep. 98 : June Players Of The Month PC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:00
In our 98th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by discussing the All-Star rosters along with the latest MLB injuries and transactions. Then we review the June Players of the Month and make selections for each…
Ep. 97 : Hitting Category Helpers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:11
In our 97th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by trying to determine what on earth is happening with the medical staff in Houston along with other transactions, including the call-up of Mike's favorite, Yanq…
Ep. 96 : Prospects We Love [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:21
In our 96th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by discussing the latest wave of injuries hitting the player pool, including Corbin Carroll, and freshest callups, including Chase Burnes. Then we discuss prospe…
Ep. 95 : May Players Of The Month PC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:40
In our 95th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by discussing the implications of the deal that sent Rafael Devers to San Francisco along with other news and notes from around MLB and card collecting. Then we…