Cards & Categories Ep. 97: Hitting Category Helpers

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, Yanquiel Fernandez. Then we discuss players that can help in specific categorical needs for grinding out roto points down the stretch.

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:

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

7/16: 2025 Panini Impeccable
7/23: 2025 Topps Chrome
8/8: 2025 Panini Boys Of Summer

Categories Discussion (52:22)

Hitting Category Helpers

Home runs
- J: Austin Hays
- M: Michael Toglia
RBI
- J: Alec Burleson
- M: Brent Rooker
Steals
- J: Trevor Story
- M: Luis Rengifo
Average
- J: Bo Bichette
- M: Jordan Beck

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martin rostoker

20 days ago

Hi Mike,

With the fourth coming up and a terrible week by my pitchers especially starting Kelly, Wacha and Warren and even poor showings by Carlos Rodon and Max Fried, thought it be smart to take a step back and review my approach regarding 1) the makeup of my team and 2) my decision criteria to start or sit a pitcher:

Hitters: Seems solid

C: Cal Raleigh
1B: Josh Naylor
2B; Brandon Lowe
3B:Austin Riley
SS Lindor
LF: Yelich
CF: Buxton
RF: Jo Adell
DH Manny Machado
Bench:
Ben Rice (1B)
Ozuma (LF)
Pena (SS): IL

Pitchers
SPs
Framber Valdez
Carlos Rodan
Max Fried

Streamers:
Merrill Kelly
Casey Mize
Seth Lugo
David Peterson
Eduardo Rodriguez
Ryne Nelson
Matthew Liberatore
Will Warren
Reese Olson-IL
Shane mCClanahan IL Slot

1. Any summary comments would be appreciated.

2. Are any of these streamers are ones that you would start regularly?

3. Which of these Streamers would you cut?

4.The following pitchers are on the wire;

Jose Soriano vs Texas
Chad Patrick @ Miami
Nick Martinez vs Miami
Michael Soroka vs Boston
Sandy Alcantara vs Mil

5. Would you pick up any of these five pitchers either because of their next start or their potential upside?

Regarding trades (my other managers do not make trades), would you try and target
Eury Parez
Ryan Pepiot

8. Who would you make an offer to get either one?
For example, Would you trade Ben Rice and Ozuma for get one of these SP?

9. I was going to start Seth Lugo at Seattle. Agree?

10. I was going to sit Peterson vs Mil. Thoughts?

Have a great 4th and thanks for your patience with these questions!

Thanks so very much!

Mike Couillard

Author

Reply to martin rostoker

1 – That’s a pretty solid squad, should sustain well down the stretch.
2 – That’s a great collection of guys to play matchups/home parks with. Lugo could be bumped up to the always play tier. Hard to think of a scenario I wouldn’t use him in.
3 – Nelson would be first on the chopping block for me.
4 – Patrick @ Miami is my fave.
5 – Would prefer to target Pepiot.
6 & 7 – Going to have to assume these were Yanquiel-related, and you knew I would be very biased.
8 – Yeah, that’s a reasonable offer for Pepiot.
9 – Yes.
10 – I’d start Peterson against MIL.

Last edited 20 days ago by Mike Couillard

[email protected]

Reply to Mike Couillard

Thanks so much for taking your time to answer all these questions!

I really am so grateful for all your help!!