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].
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.
Podcast (cards-and-categories): Play in new window | Download
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Thanks with your patience with all theses questions.
I came across two interesting names in an article in the Atlantic
1.One was Tyler Mahle who next start is home vs LAA.
2.The other SP was Easton Lucas whose next two starts are at Baltimore and then home vs Seattle. Your thoughts would be much appreciated.
Are they just streamers who could they have significant upside?
Would you pick them? Are any or both SPs must additions?
Thank you!
I am interested in Mahle for rest of season after his recent good start.
Lucas is more of a flash-in-the-pan that feels like the league will figure out soon, but does make him streamble in the right matchup (honestly, isn’t too different from Mitchell Parker). I wouldn’t stream Lucas against Baltimore, but Seattle could be interesting.
Hi Mike,
Always enjoy your column!
Would you start or sit:
1.Bowdon Francis at Baltimore
2. ASJ at TB
3. Mitchell Parker has an interesting start at Miami. To get Parker, I would have to
a.cut ASJ or
b. cut Wesneski whose next start is home vs LAA
3. pass on Parker.
Thanks so much!!
Martin
Hey Martin!
Perfect! Thanks Mike!
Would you try and trade Anthony Santander to get Drew Cease?
I so agree all your help!
Martin
Yes, would absolutely move Santander for Cease. Our Player Rater for rest-of-season has Cease at $20 and Santander at $14.
Thanks Mike!!
Really appreciate all your help!
1. If you had to compete the trade for Dylan Cease, would you also add Yelich or Carpenter besides Santander to get Cease?
2. Would it be a mistake to cut RP Fairbanks to pick up Bubba Chandler? Would you do it?
As always, your help is very very much appreciated!!
No to both questions. Too rich of a trade for a pitcher to throw in another solid bat. And you can wait on Chandler a bit – Fairbanks is in a solid saves situation and finding saves is no easy task right now.
This is so helpful!!
1. In order to pick up Mahle, I would have to cut AJ Smith-Shawver or Wesneski. Based on your advice, I will keep Fairbanks. Therefore of AJS, Wesneski or Mahle, which two would you prefer? I would hold Wesneski until his LAA start.
2. of George Springer or Kerry Carpenter, who do you prefer?
I can’t thank you enough for all this help!!
I can’t thank you enough for all your help and for taking the time to educate me!! it
As you would of expected, the other manager turned down my offer of Santander for Dylan Cease. Can you think of other SPs to try and get in a trade in exchange for Santander or even a SP for Santander and Fairbanks?
I am so grateful for all your help!!!