Cards & Categories

In our 70th episode, Mike Couillard [https://razzball.com/author/couillard/] and Jeremy Brewer [https://razzball.com/author/jeremybrewer/] 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 [https://bsky.app/profile/cardscategories.bsky.social], @mcouill7.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/mcouill7.bsky.social], and @jbrewer17.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/jbrewer17.bsky.social]. Email the pod at cardscategories@gmail.com. We have Cards & Categories swag for purchase here [https://my-store-efeb10.creator-spring.com/]! Links to things discussed in the pod: * Dick Allen and Dave Parker elected to the Hall of Fame [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/dick-allen-dave-parker-elected-to-baseball-hall-of-fame.html] * Juan Soto signs record deal with Mets [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/mets-to-sign-juan-soto.html] * Garrett Crochet moves to Bean Town [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/red-sox-on-the-verge-of-garrett-crochet-trade.html] * Giants land Willy Adames [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/giants-to-sign-willy-adames.html] * Max Fried will be a Yankee [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/yankees-max-fried-agree-to-eight-year-deal.html] * Shane Bieber re-ups with the Guardians [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/guardians-to-re-sign-shane-bieber.html] * Rangers trade for Jake Burger [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/rangers-to-acquire-jake-burger.html] * Tyler O'Neill joins the O's [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/orioles-to-sign-tyler-oneill.html] * Eovaldi returns to Texas [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/rangers-to-re-sign-nathan-eovaldi.html] * Severino surprisingly signs with the A's [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/athletics-to-sign-luis-severino.html] * Andres Gimenez dealt to Blue Jays [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/blue-jays-guardians-finalizing-trade-for-andres-gimenez.html] * Further Gimenez fallout - Spencer Horwitz to Pittsburgh and Luis Ortiz to Cleveland [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/pirates-to-acquire-spencer-horwitz-from-guardians.html] * Dodgers ink Michael Conforto to one-year deal [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/dodgers-to-sign-michael-conforto.html] * Clay Holmes signs as a starter with Mets [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/mets-to-sign-clay-holmes.html] * Phillies add Jordan Romano to closer mix [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/phillies-to-sign-jordan-romano.html] * Alex Cobb finds new home in Detroit [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/tigers-to-sign-alex-cobb.html] * Mike Tauchman stays in Chicago, but with Sox [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/white-sox-to-sign-mike-tauchman.html] * Rox ink Thairo Estrada, slated to be starting 2B [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/rockies-sign-thairo-estrada.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky] * Cooper Bowman moves to Cincy in Rule 5 draft [https://www.mlb.com/news/rule-5-draft-results-2024] Cards Discussion (1:29:43) 2024 Awards Winners plus new HOFers PC (link to Razzball post [https://razzball.com/cards-categories-ep-70-soto-megadeal-awards-and-hof-pc]) * Link to listing of all MLB 2024 Awards Winners [https://www.mlb.com/awards] * 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 [https://razzball.com/author/couillard/] and Jeremy Brewer [https://razzball.com/author/jeremybrewer/] 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 [https://bsky.app/profile/cardscategories.bsky.social], @mcouill7.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/mcouill7.bsky.social], and @jbrewer17.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/jbrewer17.bsky.social]. Email the pod at cardscategories@gmail.com. We have Cards & Categories swag for purchase here [https://my-store-efeb10.creator-spring.com/]! Links to things discussed in the pod: * Qualifying offer decisions have been made [https://www.mlb.com/news/2024-25-qualifying-offer-candidates-and-decisions] * List of non-tendered players [https://www.mlb.com/news/non-tendered-mlb-free-agents-2024-2025] * List of players added to 40-man rosters to avoid Rule 5 draft [https://www.mlb.com/news/rule-5-draft-prospects-protected-on-40-man-rosters-2024] * Rob Manfred's proposal of the Golden Hitter [https://www.si.com/mlb/rob-manfred-buzz-golden-at-bat-rule-baseball] * Blake Snell joining the Dodgers [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/11/dodgers-blake-snell-agree-to-five-year-deal.html] * Yusei Kikuchi signs with the Angels [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/11/angels-to-sign-yusei-kikuchi.html] * Reds and Royals swap Jonathan India and Brady Singer [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/11/reds-royals-agree-to-trade-involving-brady-singer-jonathan-india.html] * Mets ink Frankie Montas to two-year deal [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/mets-sign-frankie-montas.html] * Matthew Boyd to the Cubs on two-year pact [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/cubs-to-sign-matthew-boyd.html] * Aroldis Chapman is a Red Sox [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/red-sox-progressing-in-talks-with-aroldis-chapman.html] * Rangers add Kyle Higashioka [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/rangers-kyle-higashioka-making-progress-on-deal.html] * Hyeseong Kim to be posted, opening 30-day negotiation window [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/posting-window-for-hyeseong-kim-likely-to-begin-wednesday.html] * MLB teams interested in Socrates Brito, who is currently in the KBO [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/11/multiple-teams-expressing-interest-in-socrates-brito.html] * Topps MVP Buyback is in full swing [https://ripped.topps.com/2024-topps-mvp-buyback-program/?utm_campaign=20888_MVP%20Buyback%20Email&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Dotdigital&dm_i=7OJQ,G48,5UMSE,1Z5T,1] * Loads of MLB Debut patches have been pulled from Topps Chrome Update [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseballcards/s/9CVPSZJCTi] * Paul Skenes autographed superfractor has been pulled [https://www.reddit.com/r/baseballcards/s/KyWYBz3WX5] * Details on the bounty for the Skenes MLB Debut card [https://x.com/Pirates/status/1857460548515893253] 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 [https://razzball.com/cards-categories-ep-69-2024-bowman-draft-release]) * Beckett checklist [https://www.beckett.com/news/2024-bowman-draft-baseball-cards/] * Checklist with details and odds on print runs [https://www.chasingmajors.com/release-schedules/baseball/2024-bowman-draft-baseball-checklist-and-odds] * Details on the special "variety packs" [https://www.instagram.com/share/__wpihXFW]

In our 68th episode, Mike Couillard [https://razzball.com/author/couillard/] and Jeremy Brewer [https://razzball.com/author/jeremybrewer/] open by discussing the Roki Sasaki posting along with awards and Angels news. Then we overview two Topps sets releasing this week, Chrome Update and Holiday, which hit shelves on Nov. 13 and Nov. 15, respectively. You can find us on bluesky at @cardscategories.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/cardscategories.bsky.social], @mcouill7.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/mcouill7.bsky.social], and @jbrewer17.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/jbrewer17.bsky.social]. Email the pod at cardscategories@gmail.com. We have Cards & Categories swag for purchase here [https://my-store-efeb10.creator-spring.com/]! Links to things discussed in the pod: * Roki Sasaki expected to be posted this offseason [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/11/npbs-chiba-lotte-marines-to-post-roki-sasaki-for-mlb-clubs.html] * Great piece on the nitty gritty of the Sasaki transaction from Dodgers Digest [https://dodgersdigest.com/2024/11/11/everything-you-need-to-know-about-roki-sasaki/] * Silver Slugger award winners announced [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/11/mlb-announces-silver-slugger-winners.html] * Zach Neto undergoes surgery on right shoulder [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/11/zach-neto-could-miss-start-of-2025-season-after-undergoing-shoulder-surgery.html] * Angels ink Travis d'Arnaud to two-year deal [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/11/angels-sign-travis-darnaud-to-two-year-deal.html] Upcoming baseball card release schedule: * 11/13: Topps Chrome Update (still some Mega Boxes available as of recording! [https://www.topps.com/pages/topps-chrome-update-series-baseball?utm_campaign=19378_111324%20Topps.com&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Dotdigital&dm_i=7OJQ,EYA,5UMSE,1TQS,1]) * 11/13: Panini Impeccable * 11/15: Topps Holiday * 11/20: Topps Gilded * 12/4: Bowman Draft * 12/6: Panini Prizm * TBD: Bowman Chrome Sapphire Cards Discussion (42:30) (link to Razzball post [https://razzball.com/cards-categories-ep-68-sasaki-posting-and-two-topps-releases]) 2024 Topps Chrome Update Overview * Beckett checklist [https://www.beckett.com/news/2024-topps-chrome-update-series-baseball-cards/] * Checklist with details and odds on print runs [https://www.chasingmajors.com/release-schedules/baseball/2024-topps-chrome-update-baseball-checklist-and-odds] * Jackson Holliday/Billy Ripken dual auto [https://www.instagram.com/p/DCIJsKTSiuC/?igsh=NGNocWl1ejE1M3Y3] * Triple auto of the Jacksons [https://www.instagram.com/p/DCKfjfRStzn/?igsh=bThsZW50bXUwdHM0] * Cam Booser MLB Debut patch auto [https://www.instagram.com/p/DCK44VTyM8A/?igsh=MWR0YTNraHJva3B2NA==] * Paul Skenes MLB Debut patch auto [https://www.instagram.com/p/DCMtBFxOOZy/?igsh=bGM4amxnc3l0d3ht] * Base Skenes superfractor already pulled [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCU4qFwygUR/?igsh=czZycjM1NWR3NTdu] * First Rickey Henderson Topps Chrome base design auto [https://www.instagram.com/topps/p/DCNAXa7SlvQ/?img_index=1] 2024 Topps Holiday Overview * Beckett checklist [https://www.beckett.com/news/2024-topps-holiday-baseball-cards/] * Checklist with details and odds on print runs [https://www.chasingmajors.com/release-schedules/baseball/2024/2024-topps-holiday-baseball-checklist-and-odds]

In our 67th episode, Mike Couillard [https://razzball.com/author/couillard/] and Jeremy Brewer [https://razzball.com/author/jeremybrewer/] open by recapping the World Series, Gold Glove awards, qualifying offers, and initial offseason moves. Then we overview our favorite annual baseball card release, Topps Stadium Club, which hit shelves everywhere on Nov. 6. You can find us on twitter (X) at @cardscategories [https://twitter.com/cardscategories], @mcouill7 [https://twitter.com/mcouill7], and @jbrewer17 [https://twitter.com/jbrewer17] and on bluesky at @cardscategories.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/cardscategories.bsky.social] and @mcouill7.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/mcouill7.bsky.social]. Email the pod at cardscategories@gmail.com. We have Cards & Categories swag for purchase here [https://my-store-efeb10.creator-spring.com/]! Links to things discussed in the pod: * Dodgers' "scouting plan" against the Yanks [https://www.si.com/mlb/dodgers-simple-scouting-report-to-beat-yankees-in-world-series-rang-true] * Ohtani undergoes surgery on his torn left shoulder labrum [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/11/shohei-ohtani-undergoes-arthroscopic-shoulder-surgery-expected-to-be-ready-for-spring-training.html] * List of 2024 Gold Glove winners [https://www.mlb.com/news/2024-25-qualifying-offer-candidates-and-decisions] * List of qualifying offers handed out [https://www.mlb.com/news/2024-25-qualifying-offer-candidates-and-decisions] * Michael Wacha re-ups with the Royals [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/11/royals-sign-michael-wacha-to-three-year-deal.html] * Angels and Braves swap Jorge Soler and Griffin Canning [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/10/braves-trade-jorge-soler-angels.html] * Zack Minasian promoted to GM role in San Francisco [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/10/giants-to-name-zack-minasian-general-manager.html] * Skip Schumaker joins the Texas front office as Senior Advisor [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/11/rangers-hire-skip-schumaker-as-senior-advisor-expected-to-hire-luis-urueta-as-bench-coach.html] Upcoming baseball card release schedule: * 11/6: Topps Stadium Club * 11/13: Topps Chrome Update * 11/20: Topps Holiday * TBD: Bowman Draft (preorder link [https://www.topps.com/pages/bowman-draft-baseball?utm_campaign=18495_110624%20Topps.com&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Dotdigital&dm_i=7OJQ,E9R,5UMSE,1QFS,1]) Cards Discussion (51:41) 2024 Topps Stadium Club Overview (link to Razzball post [https://razzball.com/cards-categories-ep-67-topps-stadium-club-release]) * Beckett checklist [https://www.beckett.com/news/2024-topps-stadium-club-baseball-cards/] * Checklist with details on odds on print runs [https://www.chasingmajors.com/release-schedules/baseball/2024/2024-topps-stadium-club-baseball-checklist-and-odds] * Beam Team leverages '92-'93 basketball design [https://ripped.topps.com/first-look-2024-topps-stadium-club-baseball-beam-team-product/] * Special Forces is back! [https://ripped.topps.com/first-look-2024-topps-stadium-club-baseball-special-forces-product/]

In our 66th episode, Mike Couillard [https://razzball.com/author/couillard/] and Jeremy Brewer [https://razzball.com/author/jeremybrewer/] open by discussing the latest happenings in the World Series (pre-Dodgers victory) and the White Sox hiring a new manager. Then we dive into some of the standout performances and breakouts from the Arizona Fall League. You can find us on twitter (X) at @cardscategories [https://twitter.com/cardscategories], @mcouill7 [https://twitter.com/mcouill7], and @jbrewer17 [https://twitter.com/jbrewer17] and on bluesky at @cardscategories.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/cardscategories.bsky.social] and @mcouill7.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/mcouill7.bsky.social]. Email the pod at cardscategories@gmail.com. We have Cards & Categories swag for purchase here [https://my-store-efeb10.creator-spring.com/]! Links to things discussed in the pod: * Shohei Ohtani suffers subluxation of left shoulder [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/10/shohei-ohtani-suffers-shoulder-subluxation.html] * Will Venable tapped to be next manager of the White Sox [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/10/white-sox-to-hire-will-venable-as-manager.html] Upcoming baseball card release schedule: * 10/30: Topps Allen & Ginter * 11/6: Topps Stadium Club * 11/13: Topps Chrome Update * TBD – Topps Holiday Categories Discussion (25:24) Arizona Fall League Standouts * Batter stats from AFL [https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=bat&id=0e7661c4] * Pitcher stats from AFL [https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=pitch&id=0e7661c4] * Players discussed: * Andrew Painter * Josh Stephan * Josue Briceno * Moises Ballesteros * Robert Hassell III * Zyhir Hope * Tre' Morgan * Thomas Saggesse * Niko Kavadas