Ep. 80 : NL Central Preview With Erik Halterman

Ep. 80 : NL Central Preview With Erik Halterman

Author: Mike Couillard February 20, 2025 Duration: 2:29:08
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 cardscategories@gmail.com.

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:
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

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. 94 : 2025 Topps Series 2 Overview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:38
In our 94th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by discussing how to navigate the latest devastating wave of injuries in fantasy leagues along with some recent promotions. Then we review the latest baseball ca…
Ep. 93 : Breakout Bats [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:27
In our 93rd episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by discussing Ronald Acuna Jr.'s return along with the news of latest injuries and roster machinations. Then we review eight young hitters that have performed at…
Ep. 92 : Time To Drop These Bats? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:33
In our 92nd episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by determining how doomed the Baltimore Orioles are before discussing the latest round of MLB injury and call-up news. Then we review seven hitters that required…
Ep. 91 : April Players Of The Month PC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:21
In our 91st episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by sending off Bud Black along with chatting about the latest callup and injury news. Then we review the MLB April Players of the Month and pick cards to place i…
Ep. 90 : 2025 Bowman Release Overview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:47
In our 90th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by chatting about the latest MLB moves and injuries to consider in fantasy leagues. Then we overview the latest and greatest baseball card release from 2025 Bowm…
Ep. 89 : What We Got Wrong [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:11
In our 89th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by chatting about a contender for the greatest catch ever along with discussion on the latest MLB moves and injuries, plus a new Bowman card buyback program. The…
Ep. 88 : 2025 Topps Heritage Overview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:43
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 leagu…
Ep. 87 : Stashable Minor Leaguers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:20
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…
Ep. 86 : Assessing Hitter Hot/Cold Starts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:44
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…
Ep. 85 : Opening Day, Release Of Topps Heritage High Number [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:44:22
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 Krist…