The Easy Life

2010 Topps Heritage 2 Box Break Packs 14/15

2010-03-10T10:05:00.003-05:00

Here we are on most of your Hump Days, but my Friday (I work Sun - Wed). So I am in a great mood - you - hopefully also great - A few more packs as now I am committed.

Jackie Robinson
Brett Cecil
Francisco Liriano - Looking super tough
Gavin Floyd
John Smoltz

In 2nd grade I had to write a paper on my hero. Of course this was really just a paragraph that you tried to fit onto a whole piece of paper. I decided to write about my hero Jackie Robinson for being the first black baseball player in the major leagues. The only thing is, the only thing I remember writing in the paper was that I wrote that REGGIE JACKSON was the first black player. Whoops.

2009 NL HR Leaders
Albert Pujols
Prince Fielder
Ryan Howard
Mark Reynolds

If I had to choose I think its an easy choice that I would want Albert on my team.

2009 NL ERA Leaders
Chris Carpenter
Tim Lincecum
Jair Jurrjiens
Adam Wainwright

I'd have to go with Lincy if starting a team here.

Tommy Manzella SP!

Tommy Manzella sounds the like the name of an ex boyfriend on a sit com.

Josh Johnson

Jeremy Bonderman

Bobby Cox

Blastings Thrillage

I remember when Lastings could have gotten us Manny Ramirez. ugh

Victor Martinez

Rick Porcello

Tobi Stoner

Wandy Rodriguez

V-Mart is on the dynasty fantasy team that I talk about - traded for him by sending Brian Wilson away this winter. Hope that works out for me. Tobi Stoner is a nice guy who spells his name like a girl. If by the slim chance he establishes himself as a regular his jersey sales will be out of this world.

See ya'll later!

2010 Topps Heritage 2 Box Break - Pack 13

2010-03-09T09:23:00.002-05:00

Just gonna keep rolling on the Heritage Train

B.J. Upton

Torii Hunter

Jim Thome

Michael Cuddyer

Adrian Gonzalez

I've always wondered what they called blow jobs 25 years ago? Why would you give your kid that to deal with in high school? Adrian Gonzalez is going to get an incredible trade package for San Diego this season, he is too good and too cheap not too.

Breaking News - Ty Cobb is an Asshole!
Franciso Rodriguez SP

I still cannot decide if I LOVE these All-Star kids or think they are terrible - it's one or the other - what do you think?
Matt Cain Refractor 32/561

I like how some of the color actually came through on this scan. Good times. See you tomorrow or Thursday!

2010 Topps Heritage 2 Box Break - Pack 11/12

2010-03-08T09:03:00.004-05:00

How was everyone's weekend? I had my Dynasty League draft on Saturday - I needed relief pitching (which was too expensive, so I didn't really get anything good there) and on offense I needed Steals and Average which led to really boring acquisitions of Todd Helton, Placido Polanco, Carlos Gomez, Scott Podsednik, and Nick Johnon. They all fit my needs and my budget, so hopefully last years 2nd place turn will be a first this year.

Oh thats right, you want to see cards.

Brandon Phillips

Manny Acta

Kosuke Fukudome

Andy Pettitte

Bob Geren

Emilio Bonifacio

New Age Performers Justin Upton

This was a guy I ended up in a bidding war for at least years draft but ran out of money - but I had Adrian Beltre! oh bother.

Adam Wainwright Chrome 1845/1961

I used to not really get into the chrome cards, but for some reason this season, I really like them - not sure why.

Shin-Soo Choo

Andrew Bailey

Kevin Millwood

Chad Billingsley

Which Billengsly are we going to see this year? The young ace or the kid who just can't put it all together? Or worse, will we end up with the same enigma we've had for the last few seasons where there is just no consistency.

JAMES Loney

Jeremy Guthrie

Orlando Cabrera

Nate McLouth

We all agree that James Loney's first name is James right?

Well Topps didn't get the memo - Jeff Loney just doesn't sound right.

2010 Upper Deck Box Break Pack 3

2010-03-06T11:23:00.004-05:00

Today is my Dynasty league draft meaning that I have 15 guys on their way over to drink lots of beer so this will be brief - not much analysis - just scans of my favorite 4 cards of the pack.

Kevin Gregg

Chris Johnson

Fernando Perez

Ryan Spilbourghs

Fu-Te Ni

Brian Tallet

Ron Villone

Brian Fuentes

Todd Helton - biography

Josh willingham - Biography

Kazuo Matsui

Rick Romero

Jose Valverde

Curtis Granderson

Austin Kearns

Michael Wuertz

Nyjer Morgan

Yadier Molina

Coors Field

Rajai Davis

Wish me luck! I should have a draft recap up in a few days!

2010 Topps Heritage 2 Box Break - Pack 10

2010-03-05T16:00:00.003-05:00

Keeping up with the Heritage - still got a ways to go - but at least for those of you who choose not to collect this set you are getting to see most of it!

Beast of the East - Josh Beckett and Johan Santana

Carl Crawford

Russel Martin

Between Beckett and Johan I think I would have to take Johan - of course I am skewed being a Mets fan and all, I have just never been a big Josh Beckett fan although he has done nothing to deserve that. Carl Crawford finally had that superstar season last year and there is lots of talk that the Mets are going to push real hard to get him on the team next year - a 1 2 of Reyes then Crawford would really be pretty insane. Finally we have Russel Martin who is looking to rebound from a lost season last year.

Derek Lowe

Mark Buerhle

Joe Saunders

Scott Podsednik

Man the Mets dodged a bullet in not signing Lowe last year. He went from ace to untradeable in about 6 months, thats pretty impressive. Mark Buerhle somehow keeps performing at all star levels.

Finally we have a card commemorizing Justin Morneau's 2006 MVP year - he helped me win my first ever fantasy baseball league that year, so I have always been greateful.

I think we will look at some more Upper Deck tomorrow.

2010 Topps Heritage 2 Box Break - Pack 9

2010-03-05T10:57:00.003-05:00

Wow - I am going to breeze right though this pack because it is without a doubt the most boring back in the boxes to date.

Matt Carson - RC

Jed Lowrie

Nick Punto

Johnny Cueto

Next we have a few players in the new uniforms

Melky Cabrera

Mark DeRosa

Jake Peavy

Jim Riggleman

I really think that Peavy is going to be huge this year - He was super strong at the end of last year and I hope he puts it together, great pitcher, great teammate.

I will have what is hopefully a better pack up this afternoon

If Baseball Cards Were Women, This is Where Boners Would Go To Die

2010-03-04T10:25:00.003-05:00

So while organizing my cards I cam across 5 cards that i never remember buying - because I never would have (with 1 exception). Here, I bring you the abomination that is 1996 Topps Laser.

I am all for a little die cut action but I don't think these cards could look any worse if they tried.

First up we have Mark Wohlers about to be hit by a baseball asteroid. If you look carefully you will see that not only is the flame die cut, but there are many holes inside the flame as well. I didn't scan the backs, but they do not have a stat listing for the players just a few highlights like "1.37 - ERA in last 57 appearances of 1995". Thrilling.

Next is the only card of the lot that I would have purchased, and the only card I have any intention of keeping - My favorite all time player, Robin Ventura. There is one problem with this card though - it's ugly like Helena Bonham Carter - I know that the mid 90's were a free for all with card design, but you really have to question the decision makers that green lit this product.

Here is John Smoltz and his own asteroid.

Finally, it's hard to make a card set like this boring, but somehow Topps managed to do so with the Ryne Sandberg and Brian McRae.

Anyone out there want any of this shit? I've got 2 of the Ventura card so all is available - just let me know!

2010 Upper Deck Box Break Pack 2

2010-03-03T18:45:00.003-05:00

Here were on the pack 2 of the superior base product this year, Upper Deck!

I know all about the complaints that this is a "sideways" set, but so far I have not grown tired of looking at these cards at all. It's really like UD is broadcasting in HD while Topps is still going black and white.

No stars, but here are some of my favorites from this pack.

Kendry Morales

Neil Walker

Jose Lopez

Seth Smith

Angel Pagan - Looking forward to really seeing what we have while Beltran is hurt

Troy Tulowitzki

Chone Figgins

Jamie Moyer

I said in last UD post that the biography cards I think work really well as a "one a day" insert. It's able to capture the big moments from the season along with smaller stories you may have missed if you don't follow each team all year.

Finally we have a Nick Markakis Baseball heroes card. These cards are really nice I think and unlike like the biography cards (which # 200 I think) I hope to one day finish off this insert set - I think they will look pretty sweet in a page.

By the way, I have finally finished arranging and filing my collection - approx 25k cards all in number and set order - 3 months working on it - feels great to be done.

2010 Topps Heritage 2 Box Break - Pack 8

2010-03-02T18:30:00.003-05:00

The one thing about set building is that it makes packs like this one fun - it's nice when David DeJesus can really serve a purpose for you is it not?

Glen Perkins

David DeJesus

Nick Markakis

Ozzie Guillen

Really, the Perkins and DeJesus cards are pretty boring - boring players looking bored. Wow! Markakis is at least a rising star and has a bitchin' beard and Guillen swears a lot when you can actually understand him.

Next up we have three pretty Young and somewhat exciting players.

Elvis Andrus

Asdrubal Cabrera

Jose Reyes

I think in looking at these players Jose Reyes is what Elvis Andrus dreams of being - an all time stolen base threat who is good with the glove - the one thing Jose has is more pop and a more dangerous all around game. Hopefully Jose can stay healthy for both the Mets and my Dynasty Team.

Wrapping things up is an SP of Carlos Gomez, the man partially responsible for bring Johan Santana to the Mets! So thank you Carlos for that. When he was dealt I was kinda sad to see him go as I had seen him play quite a bit while here in Binghamton and grown in to quite a fan - but when you can get the best pitcher in baseball - it makes it easy to say goodbye.

Something different tomorrow - see you then!

2010 Topps Heritage 2 Box Break - Pack 7

2010-03-01T18:16:00.000-05:00

I am writing this in Saturday while the wife is a purse party -

Since MLB The Show comes out tomorrow - I realize I will need to get a few of these queued up so I can spend my time in front of the TV. Also have my first fantasy draft here at the house on Saturday (a live draft beats the shit out of computer). Now that I have my justification for not doing something social - here are some new cards made to look like old ones!

Ozzie's Aces - Mark Buerhle and Jake Peavy

Oakland A's Team Card

2009 AL Batting Champs - Mauer, Ichiro, Jeter, Cabrera

Steve over at White Sox Cards must be looking forward to having a rotation fronted by these 2 hurlers. I thought it was a classy move earlier in spring when Peavy said that Buerhle should be the opening day guy. It's that kind of selflessness than can make you a clubhouse hero. Onto the leaders card - can you imagine if the top four of your lineup went like so

1 - Ichiro

2 - Jeter

3 - Mauer

4- Cabrera

Wow - that lineup would easily the best top 4 ever put together - I know it would never happen, but still kinda neat to think about.

Next we have a 2 dudes and 2 cups - gold cups - and our first double - I've heard a lot of mix feelings about Nolan Reimold from some birds fans - some seem to think he's going to be a stalwart in the outfield while others seem to think he's really just a 4th outfielder at best - what do you O's fans out here think?

Josh Beckett

Tim Wakefield

Michael Brantley

It's safe to say the Red Sox have 3 aces in the form of Beckett, Lacey, Lester - a healthy Dice -K ain't so bad either. I wonder if Wakefield is going to be the long man this year since Bucholz seems to be ready to be a part of a MLB rotation.
Here is Curtis Granderson again, this time in the form of a Chrome Refractor #'d 104/561 - any one of you ever send out a chrome card for a TTM? How did they turn out? I know that Curtis is a pretty prolific TTM signer so I am tempted to try him out.

By the way - thanks to the Cardboard Junkie for the shout out on what may end up being the longest box break ever - We will see if I have the stamina to keep going pack by pack!

2010 Upper Deck Box Break Pack 1

2010-02-28T12:08:00.004-05:00

Here we go - I have not seen many other bloggers go on record with this, but I will again - HAIL UPPER DECK! While in the scans something is lost when looking at the cards in bunches (Hey, you expect me to pay to put up more photos? who am I Night owl?) Card for card this Upper Deck set blows Topps out of the water. I don't care if there are or aren't logos - honestly, if I had not known there was an issue with logos, I never would have once thought of it in this set - so who cares really? I have said it before since I started this blog - I love a crisp full bleed photo, I love the sun shining on the players. On a day like today (tons of snow sitting outside, just waiting for spring training games to start) If I need a touch of summer I will always reach for one of my recent Upper Deck sets first.

Stephen Drew

Nick Green

Joe Thatcher

Augie Ojeda

Esmil Rogers - RC

Francisco Cordero (I cannot justify why I love camo jerseys in MLB)

Franklin Morales

Josh Outman (what a fantastic name for a pitcher - like Ted Power)

Aramis Ramirez

Nelson Cruz

Asdrubal Cabrera

Ian Stewart

Dan Wheeler

Joe Nathan

Torii Hunter

Citi Field

Boston Checklist

I will go on record as not being a fan of these ballpark cards. Checklist cards aren't kicking my ass either, but at least they don't look just like the base cards this year.

Torri Hunter

Mark Teixiera

Hated biography as a set idea - as a subset, I think its fine, just fine. Sure, its a large set @ 200 cards - but I bet its a pretty neat walk through of last season if you complete it.

Finally we have the Chien Ming Wang All World card. I love that UD went with die cuts for their inserts this year - Something different that really hasn't been done too much in recent history besides Timelines.

There we go, first pack done. Not the best pack, but it is a pretty good box, I was very happy with the hits that I received and you will be seeing them all shortly!

2010 Topps Heritage 2 Box Break - Pack 6

2010-02-27T11:46:00.003-05:00

Good Saturday! Today's prick brings you the first chrome card of the boxes.

Chris Gochlan

Derrek Lee

Chris Davis

Lance Berkman

A lot of power here - we have the reigning NL ROY in Coghlan - This was a guy who all last year you just kept waiting for him to come back to earth and just never did. Good for him though - hard to not to root for a kid who wasn't even on the 40 man and won the job in spring training. Derrek Lee came back to superstar level production last year with 35 HR and 111 RBI - really great numbers for a guy a lot of people had started writing off.

Chris Davis is the new Rob Deer - when he hits it - it goes VERY far - this dude has power that very few can rival - unfortunately he's slow in the field with hard hands and couldn't hit .300 in a video game. Finally, the Big Puma or Fat Elvis Lance Berkman - This is a guy I have always liked - just seems to go about the game in the right way with the right attitude - I have to think if he plays 4 or 5 more seasons with 25/100 production he will be a Hall of Famer.

Here we have the Cincy Sluggers Juan Francisco, Jay Bruce, and Joey Votto. I don't know too much about Francisco, but did watch him play some on the Caribbean World Series on MLB Network. Seems like a nice young bat. I think Joey Votto is going to take over this league in the next three years - I can see him perennially going .300/30/100/90 - thats a hell of a player.

Finally on the card is Jay Bruce - I hope all of the pundits are right in calling for a big year from him - I heavilly invested in Jay in my Dynasty League and he could very easily cost 3 points in a roto league if he doesnt hit at least .260.

Snore - Babe anyone?

Finally we have the first Chrome card from the box in the form of Mariano Rivera #'d 1673/1961. As a Mets fan I hate this guy - as a baseball fan - he is totally incredible - no doubt about it! Looking at his stats this is amazine - in 1090 career innings Mariano has only walked 256 people. When knowing that he is always pitching in high pressure situations this dude is always one cool cat. Good for him.

A pack of 2010 Upper Deck to switch things up tomorrow.

2010 Topps Heritage 2 Box Break - Pack 5

2010-02-26T17:00:00.003-05:00

Moving right along -

Having now really spent time with this set I have to say I am really happy with it - Although you may not have seen all of the different inserts, other than the Ruth series - I think Topps nailed it with this set - beats the shit out of the abomination that is the Topps base set this year - I will be waiting for cheap series 1 and 2 purchase on Ebay - same with the updates - Topps will be getting me to get this set in whole this year though - so thank you for that.

Brandon Inge

Scott Kazmir

Mike Scioscia

Felix Hernandez

This is the first card that I have seen of Kazmir as an Angel. It's too bad the Mets traded him because of perceived makeup issues and a little bit of pot smoking. You trade Kazmir and keep Tony Tarrasco? God - for those of you who are not Mets fans 1) you are lucky - at least Pirate fans expect their team to suck 2) Screw you - Mets rules! I Think that the Mariners made a great deal in locking up King Felix long term - this kid is young and scary good.

John Lackey

Luke Hochevar

Yuniesky Betancourt

Matt LaPorta

Boston acquired their third ace in Lackey and here he is in what I think is the first card of him as a member of the Sox. Many pundits (see the fabulous fangraphs.com) would have you believe that Yuniesky Betancourt is the worse everyday player in baseball. I am not going to try to convince you otherwise. Matt LaPorta I think will have a nice season, and I think the fact that both Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez were traded takes a lot of pressure off the kid for having to be great immediately since he was the main haul in the Captain Cheeseburger deal.

You've seen many scans by now - what do you think of the set?

2010 Topps Heritage 2 Box Break - Pack 4

2010-02-26T11:16:00.003-05:00

Good Friday - Hope you are all faring well - Here in NY we've a shit ton of snow so I'm staying in again! By the end of this day I will be playing "Carry On My Wayward Son" on my guitar with much proficiency (I hope). But, before I get there, I do believe I promised you more Heritage!

You'll probably get another pack today, and 1 each Saturday and Sunday depending how long I want to sit here and scan - Anyway - onto the the dudes!

Daniel McCuthen RC

Checklist

These Checklists are pretty nice I guess - and it must be nice to be a young player on a shitty team - sure you will lose a lot, but you really do get to go out there and learn the game, get your reps, and hopefully be ready to really succeed once you hit your prime years and free agency.

Willy Tavarez

Brandon Webb

Mike Jacobs

Howie Kendrick

I hate Willy Tavarez - I think most fantasy owners wish that he would just always bunt. If he bunted every time up, he would still probably only hit .212, but there is nothing more frustrating than a player like him popping out to the third baseman. Brandon Webb could be in for a big year after surgery and if so Arizona will have a sweet 1/2 after Dan Haren was named the opening day starter.

Mike Jacobs is back with the Mets now - funny story about him is while he was with Florida on Hebrew heritage night they gave away Mike Jacobs shirts - nothing really funny there - but Mike isn't Jewish - I remember him giving a very confused interview before the game not knowing why they chose him.
Carlos Delgado - Los gets his own scan due to his SPness - I kinda just said penis - good for me I guess.
Here is the back of the card, you will notice the SPs are lighter backed than the normal cards - just like Carlos's palms.
I hate these fucking Babe Ruth cards - anyone like these? I'll trade for other inserts or SPs (really I am just talking big here - if you hold out I'll trade for a french fry or Marvin Freeman RC)
See ya in a few hours.

2010 Topps Heritage 2 Box Break - Pack 2

2010-02-25T20:00:00.000-05:00

Away we go!

First up

Rafael Furcal

Gio Gonzalez

Curtis Granderson

Now Granderson was the first big trade of the offseason and I think Topps did a nice job of getting all of the big news in their new uniforms, but you can really tell that this one is shopped - of all of the times they did this that I noticed my first run through the packs, this was by far one of the worst.

Drew Stubbs

Paul Maholm

Casey Blake

Here we have a trio of players that you would like to have on your team, but don't really care either way about. Stubbs looks like he could turn into a 15-25 type guy and is the new Willy Tavarez in Cincy. Casey Blake has a very workmanlike beard. This I do appreciate.

Finally a couple of manager cards making their first appearance on the blog.

Jim Leyland

Dave Trembley

I cannot have any man named Jim cross my path without wanting to put the word "Hacksaw" in front of it.

Jim Leyland

"Hacksaw" Jim Leyland

See - it's totally cooler - not that JL needs help being cool - this man smokes like a chimney and I cannot wait to see him navigate his teams new no smoking on stadium property rule.

There we go - more coming!

2010 Topps Heritage 2 Box Break - Pack 1 (Hit)

2010-02-25T16:00:00.000-05:00

So here we go - Normally I don't posts up back to back, but I will do a few here today since I don't see a lot of breaks out there just yet - let you all see how the cards are falling - Quick note - the packs from 2 boxes got mixed up, so if the other hit shows up soon, I didn't beat the odds on anything. Got the right amount of SPs and everything else, just threw all the packs in one place to make them easier to carry.

Garret Jones

Josh Johnson

Jason Varitek

J.J. Hardy

Of this group the only player I feel is really noteworthy is Josh Johnson - To think we are going to have to go against this guy 3-6 times a season is a tough proposition as he is already in the conversation for best starter in the NL East after Santana and Halliday.

Here are 2 rookie gold cups and an actual rookie. I think we all know that Tommy Hanson might already be in the same class as Josh Johnson - a dude who you do not want to see on the mound if you don't have an A on your hat. I got to watch him a few times on the extra innings package last year and it really was a treat to see him pitch.

We also have our 2nd photoshop job of the pack - Hardy was in his Twins uni and now we have Chris Getz in his Royal Blues - I think that Chris came over w/ Josh Fields in the Mark Teahan deal - is that right? Finally we have Boston rookie Dustin Richardson and the new rookie card logo - cool I guess.

Finally, we have our first hit of the 2 boxes - now I think we can all agree that the relic hits in the Heritage series are usually something along the lines of hot garbage covered in baby shit. Something no one really ever wants. Anyway, I was able to get an auto of Rocky Bridges. I don't know anything about this dude, just that he looked about the age of 63 in his playing days and this card is numbered 52/61.

There you go! More on the way today/tomorrow rest of your goddamn lives.

2010 Topps Heritage 2 Box Break - Pack 3

2010-02-25T13:59:00.000-05:00

On we go with another pack of 2010 Topps Heritage and what will be the last of the day - I will have some more tomorrow.

Ricky Nolasco

Chris Young

Denard Span

Ricky Nolasco was the third pick my Dynasty Leagues expansion draft this winter - if he can perform like he did at the end of last season, Florida has a very nice 1/2 punch with him and Josh Johnson. Young and Span are 2 more players who should be entering their prime and while they may not be all stars, you can do a lot worse than running them out there every day/5 days.

Michael Saunders

Justin Morneau

Mike Fontenot

Justin upton

Now we are talking pulling 2 of the best young sluggers in baseball in the form of former MVP Justin Morneau and Justin Upton - 2 Justin's, how about that? Upton is my biggest regret from my dynasty draft last year - I didn't call him until very late then let myself get outbid because I still needed a closer (Joel or Jack Hannahan from Washington - fuck my life). Rumor has it this Saunders kid has quite a bat - I wonder what kind of PT he will get in Seattle since they seem to be going for the gold this year instead of running with the kids - time will tell.

Here are some Giants.

I was hoping that you would just see Randy Johnson peeking through some people in the back row not using a riser - that would have me happy.

See ya tomorrow!

2010 Heritage 2 Box Break - Toppers and Buyback

2010-02-25T10:14:00.003-05:00

Good afternoon - ahem - morning - Sorry for another absence - the flu just killed me last week and then when I felt better, had many other things that needed to be done. I should be able to focus more time here in the near future - I am appox 6000 cards away from being 100% organized and filed - so that big project is almost done!

Anyway - grabbed 2 boxes of the 2010 Heritage and just to get this started Here are the box toppers and buy back card I got.

I've seen a few places where these stamp sheets were called boring - while they are not super exciting, I feel they make for an interesting piece to try to get some TTM autos going. Even if you do not want a Sizemore or Choo auto - really any Indian would work - Something I might have to look into. I didn't scan the back, but it is pretty neat - Has a list of where they played in 1961 and then a career list of all hitting and pitching records for the team. I like.

Next topper has a Met on it, Mr. John Maine (who was recently dubbed the fastest ((or one of)) talkers in major league baseball). Next up is Mat Latos who I am trying to trade for daily in my dynasty league but I cannot get Chuck to let him go - one of these days - I really don't understand how Yovani Gallardo is not enough for Brad Lidge and Mat Latos - fucker. Finally there is Jackie Robinson who was the first African American to get a seat at Denny's.

I was happy to get a buy back card - don't really know what I am going to do with it yet though - I bring you Eddie Bressoud who (and I did not research this anymore than turning the card over) had a very average career. Stuck around for a few seasons playing at what appears to be replacement level. Good for him.
Here is the proof of mediocre stats.

There was still something really cool back here that I have not seen on a card before and bet was pretty common back in the days of war - Eddie sat out 1953-1954 for military service. Good on you Eddie - both of my bros are veterans - (I couldn't hack it) so its pretty sweet to see.

More packs to come over the next few weeks - also grabbed a box of Night Owls favorite cards 2010 Upper Deck. Leggo My Ego man!

Off With Their Heads!

2010-02-09T09:52:00.003-05:00

Tonight I took a few hours off of work to head over to Endicott to check out a great pop punk band Off With Their Heads. Every tune has a great hook, sounds like the singer is chewing on gravel - pretty sweet tunes. Here is my favorite song by them - enjoy!

Hail Troll! Hail Troll!

2010-02-08T10:01:00.002-05:00

I think by now each of us bloggers have had an experience with another blogger that really blew your mind as far as generosity is concerned. Whether it be rookie cards, autos, memorabilia, the giving level of this community (without asking much in return often) is by far above and beyond that of any other community I have ever been a part of.

When I returned recently, I made a mention in a post about Robin Ventura being my all time favorite player. Well our favorite bridge-dweller the Collective Troll told me that I had won a contest that nobody else even entered! Holy Shit! While his description of the prize was a bit vague - I thought I knew what was coming - "I may have a sweet spot auto of a former Mets third baseman I was going to use for a contest prize that you may have just won". Now - this could have been HoJo or Edgardo Alfonzo - 2 of my other favorite all time Mets - but I was really hoping for Robin.

I go to my mail on Saturday and I find this.

Robin Ventura sweet spot auto on official American League Baseball - looks like the ball was even practice used (small smudges of dirt) which I love that totally gives the ball more appeal to me! That means that maybe - just maybe - Robin actually did more than sign this ball, he may have actually played with it. Pretty fuckin' awesome if you ask me.

So Troll - I have you on the list for some major repayment as soon as I can come across some sweet Rays stuff to get you back. Or you can take any of the following

1) third born child

2) Topless photos of me eating pulled pork sandwiches

3) a ZJ (if you have to ask you can't handle it)

Let me know and thank you!

Strike Anywhere/Blacklisted

2010-02-05T10:44:00.003-05:00

So just putting this out there as a quick something before I have to clean a house, do laundry, and who knows what else will come up. Next Thursday the 11th I will be heading down Wilkes Barre PA to catch my first non Binghamton punk/hardcore show in a long time. I believe that Blacklisted is headlining (2nd video) my buddy is really into them, I think its okay.

I am going for Strike Anywhere - These guys I've been fans of since 2001 when I almost booked a show for them, but had to cancel when it would have been up against Hellfest (legendary hardcore metal show in Syracuse). As a promoter cancelling this show is my biggest regret seeing as I've grown to really love this band. Intelligent, often political punk rock with a definite catchy pop edge to it. check it out and if you dig it, check out the tour dates.

Audio Bipping?

2010-02-04T12:52:00.000-05:00

Saty tuned - someone's gonna get it.

Hell Yeah Upper Deck

2010-02-03T11:05:00.003-05:00

So after getting (finally) a good look at the 2010 Upper Deck over @ the Cardboard Junkie I am willing to put round one of the base set battles to Upper Deck. I will not steal Dayf's scans, I'm sure everyone looks there first anyway - so I will just say this -

1) UD has once again done what it always does well. Full bleed photo, clean, non-obtrusive design, focus is on the player and the photography once again is better than Topps - even while somewhat not showing any logos....sometimes?

- Note - I thought that being unlicensed would make the set lame - totally wrong - I wish I wasn't poor as shit until my next paycheck of I would be grabbing a box or two - maybe come tax time?

2) Inserts - I feel like a dickhole because I don't remember where I just saw these and have to go to work in a few minutes, so I am not going back to look - sorry sir! Anyway - I think for the most part we all agree that the inserts in the Topps base set this year are a snore - yeah some of the tales of the game are cool - but the design is like the English Patient - boring as shit. However, a die cut Joe Mauer engulfed by flames? Fuck yeah!

3) Lastly - with all the hullabaloo going around with the lawsuits and such - Topps is your wife - you love her and things are great - She has almost everything you look for in a woman - she's a classic, she's familiar, she has logos. Upper Deck is like your girlfriend - exciting, dangerous, a little more limber... I don't think that any of us are going to leave our "wives" (Topps) for our "girlfriends" (UD) but I know this is one guy who is going to be "working late this year" (ie...buying UD boxes and just grabbing a complete Topps set off the bay).

I'm sure by now you have all seen the scans, some probably have the cards in hand - what do you think? Will you be ignoring UD (again for a lot of you - seems that UD has not always been a really popular base set on the blogs) or will you say what the hell - I'll just put the tip in? Let me know!

Kings of the Common Box - Cory In the Sky With Diamonds

2010-02-02T10:39:00.006-05:00

One thing I wanted to do on my break was learn to appreciate the smaller things on the hobby - I often found myself building the set, pulling the hit, but not really taking the time to look at and really learn to appreciate the card.

It's a lot like dating. At first you love the girl with the sweet rack and that's enough, but eventually, when she keeps making cat noises, you realize that you'd rather be kicked in the dick by a toddler then spend another minute with her. Once you get over that plain white swatch in a card (which turns out to be that crazy laugh every time she watches "The Nanny"), you realize that you are probably not holding anything that special.

So, one of the reasons that my collation has been taking so long is that I have been making a concerted effort to really take the time to appreciate what I have - the kings of the common box you.

Our first "King of the Common Box" is non other than Cory Snyder. Cory had himself a very nice career on the strength of having good pop from the right side and a hell of an arm from the outfield. While never being a superstar, Cory enjoyed a very nice career. Unfortunately for Cory, the best parts of his career happened before his time in Major League Baseball. Cory was

a 3 time All-American @ BYU and was named to the Olympic team.

Cory did finish in the top 10 in homers a few seasons during his peak, but never fully realized all of his potential. Another reason to be a fan of Cory is that he does sign through the mail, and you can bet for sure that eventually this card will be making its way to him.

Now what is it that makes this card so kick ass? Well first, Cory is a doppelganger for Clay Morrow (or whoever the actor is that plays him) on the incredible FX show Sons of Anarchy. Next is the super obvious photo shopping of a beautiful summer sky behind him. They took what would have been a nice sliding shot of the man, stuck up a few clouds, and made themselves a very memorable card.

All Hail Cory! Hopefully the first of many.

That's Clay for the record - compare for yourself!

Redeemed

2010-02-01T11:07:00.002-05:00

The problem with redemptions, and really pulling hits from boxes/packs is that the likelihood you are getting anything you really care about - is quite slim. It's always a thrill to pull something you love - I've been lucky enough to pull a David Wright relic before - that was pretty sweet - but usually I end up with Melvin Mora or Aramis Ramirez - (really, I've pulled 3 Aramis relics - what the hell). Now this are nice players, and there is a part of me that wants to keep these cards and just have a super relic/auto collection of anyone I can get. The rest of me says thats a super whack idea.

I've found since I have been collecting, that I value my TTM autographs a lot more than I do my certified issues. I am not sure why this is, maybe its because the TTM graphs are more personal. With that said, in the past 4 months I have gotten these 2 redemption cards back from Topps - both are totally available to anyone - I would like get a similar Mets item in return if at all possible!

First we have Jhoulys Chacin Red Hot Rookie from last years Topps set. This guy has some good buzz, and I am partially inclined to hang onto it - then I remember he pitches for Rockies. He may as well be a one legged man in an ass kicking contest - not gonna work out. I also need to dust my scanner as a 4 months of inactivity have taken its toll it appears. I promise the card is in perfect shape and not dustier than that ladies giner in Beetlejuice.

Next up is a Jed Lowrie photographer's proof auto 78/99 from 2008 Stadium Club. this is a really nice card - Simple design, nice photo, nice looking auto - problem is - it's Jed Lowrie - hell even if it was David Ortiz or Dustin Pedroia I still wouldn't be overly enthused about it.

So please - anyone interested in these cards? I would like to find them a better home where they will be loved! Looking for anything Mets (Game used, relic, redemption) or Robin Ventura in return if you have it!

Sometime I'm Unimpressed

2010-01-31T10:21:00.003-05:00

So a lot has happened in 4 months. Recently on the card from Bipping has become the new "oh my god my daughter has a webcam" moment each time a package is opened (and per usual the rest of us are the only ones who can derive any enjoyment from said happening) and it seems Upper Deck has sent a big ole Fuck You to the powers that be - we will have hats and all!

Anyway - When I signed off a little more than 4 months ago, I had the following goals.

1) Spend time with another hobby
2) Get my collection fully sorted
3) Pay a bunch of shit off.
4) Get some tattoos.

So how have I done?

1) I've been playing my guitar about an hour a day and can say with a good amount of certainty I've gotten back into the playing shape I was in from about 1999-2002 when I was consistently playing shows and writing tunes. I still can't find my writing sea legs yet, but who knows, maybe someday that will come back and I can bring more mediocrity to the world!

2) Collection is about 65% sorted. Getting there - 30 minutes a day about - slow and steady other than gettin burned out.

3) Car loan - Paid
Student Loans - Paid

You have no idea how good if feels to know that I don't have those loans anymore - Of course I still have the wife's car and student loans, but baby steps. The plan was to pay off wifey's car with taxes, but both cars need about $2500 worth of work between them, so that's not happening.

4) Got the Mount Friendmore tatoo started - This thing is a beast - across my formidable back - 2 more sessions to go. Story and pics will show up once its all complete.

So yeah - that's whats been happening. 24 has been setting new limits of suckitude so far as every story line where Jack is not involved has eaten rotten assholes. We can just hope that Lost can bring it all together.

I've bought 2 boxes of cards since I went away - 09 Updates and Highlights and 09 Heritage high Numbers. Both sucked.

I did also get 5 packs of the 2010 Topps from Target - and that is why I am writing today - and unimpressed.

I really think that the photography has taken a step back this year - too many shots of asses and really not a fan of the franchise history cards. I want manager cards! (for the record I never once thought that I would say that).

Below are some of the base cards of stars I pulled. I'm glad I got the Wright card, but really, I don't want to look at a baseball card and feel like I need to put a jacket on. This must the coldest dingiest day recorded on a baseball card from last season. These cards are supposed to break the doldrums of winter, not remind you what April in NY is really like.

Here we have some of this years inserts. The only ones of these that I like are the Peak Performance and Cards Your Mom Threw Out. The thing with the CTMYO is that haven't they been a bit overdone in the last few years? Yea, granted they were using new players on a bunch of old designs, but I don't know, the idea no longer seems fresh - I don't want shiny glossy vintage. These History and Tales inserts are ugly, and while a nice idea - poorly executed. The when they were young set is I think 58 cards? really? Gimme a break - hate these, remind me of the old Donruss Triple play cards.

Topps Town is Topps Town - good enough I guess.

I hate minis. Who wants em?

And finally a question for those of you who have busted a bit more of this stuff. This your Pujols MVP card - you will see everything makes sense - Listed as 1B - nothing really of note here except the best player of our era.

But how come on the back is he listed as a outfielder? Are they all like this? Please let me know.

So yeah - I will not be buying anymore packs or boxes of this garbage this year - I will go on the bay and but a complete set of the base and the 2 subsets that I care about for less than 2 blasters and then move on to hopefully better things.

I haven't done so yet, but once everything in my collection is collated I will get all my want lists in order and in turn really start looking at all of yours.

I wanted to give a shout out to Steve @ White Sox Cards who sent me an awesome package just as I shut my doors - about 25 sweet Robin Ventura cards, a lot from eras when I was not collecting. So Steve - Thank you very much!

I am not ready to come back here on a day to day basis, but until everything is sorted I might show up from time to time so you don't forget about me. Thanks for leaving me on your blog rolls, and here's hoping to a good collecting year for all of us.

I Think I'm Done - yeah I'm done

2009-10-01T22:33:00.002-04:00

I started this blog a little more than a year ago, just before Halloween, actually looking back, it was on Halloween. I've had a great time, I've loved reading all of the blogs, I've loved trading, loved the stories and the friendship - the kind words and the inspiration.

Just don't think I'm really all that into it anymore. Now who knows - maybe in a few months I'll be inspired again. I think I am still going to collect, but its going to slow down quite a bit. I made a humbling trip through the bill drawer this weekend, and really, its getting hard for my justify even $20 a week on this hobby when I still have a lot of bad decisions from college to make up for.

I've got a few posts that are in the queue - they'll pump it out for a few more days and then I'm out. If I get inspired, or greedy I may throw a want list up here or there, but I really don't think that will be happining any time soon.

Thanks for the inspiration Dayf, Chris, Ben, and Steve From WSC

Thanks for the constant reminders of what great blogging is Night Owl

Thanks for the new voices and the fun Beardy, Troll, Travis @ PRP

I'll still be reading, lingering in the comments of all of you, and like I said, hopefully sometime sooner or later - I'll be able to rededicate myself to this hobby. Maybe I did too much to soon and burnt myself out. I'm not going to do a crazy card purge or anything, just put them all in the closet for the time being and hope that I find that I miss it too much, and am able to rediscover my collection again.

I hope that you were all able to get something out of reading this and that in some way some time I was able to make you laugh or kill 5 minutes of work. It was a pleasure writing this for this last year and I thank you for all the comments and hits (over 1k a month, not so bad).

For now I'm going to enjoy being responsible, taking care of myself and my wife, learning a few sweet riffs, and reading all of those books that I've been meaning to. The blog will remain up for posterity and maybe be revisited from time to time.

Thanks everyone...It's been fun.

Take it easy now

The Last of the Goodwins (Until Next Week)

2009-09-29T11:22:00.000-04:00

And onto the last pack -

First off a few cards I can do without - neither of these really grab me as cards that should be in this set - Samaradiza (I'm not going to check how to really spell it) pretty much blows and if you are going to use a champion basketball player - where is Bird, or David Robinson - Beasley - meh.

This card has already been discussed at length on other blogs. It's a fuckin' sweet card. Thats all the analysis you will be getting from me!

Now this is a neat if not very Ginter-like subset - the citizens of the day w/ Mr Cap Anson. I was hoping that the back would tell some wonderful tales of civic duty but it just says he was a good hitter. I no longer thing that this is neat.

Mini Snore

Scene.

Goodwins Hobby 3 out of 4

2009-09-28T11:10:00.001-04:00

So this was my favorite pack of the 4 that I got - I really do like the legends cards that are put in.

Here we have Carlton Fisk and Nick Markakis -

The original "Pudge" I remember that he was one of my favorite players as a kid when I was partial to the White Sox as my AL team. I also remember just waiting for Ron Karkovice to carry on the legacy - I guess we can't win them all. I really like seeing Fisk in Red Sox gear as due to my age, I really do remember him as a White Sock.

Nick Markakis - I've got a feeling that this guy has a Mattingley-esque career in front of him - where he will always be good, occasionally great, but never really be the guy and never hit those HOF numbers - hopefully I am wrong, because I do enjoy watching him play - I just dont see that next level from him.

Next up we have Curtis Granderson and Ryne Sandberg -

Now Ryno has a world class moustache here - Thats really the most noticeable aspect of this card - I hope i get a double at some point to send this out for an auto - I know its a darker card so probably won't come out great if at all - but I still want what I want.

Curtis is a nice player - not the savior of a franchise though.

Peggy Flemming - I'd much prefer this to be Peggy Bundy

For the record - she is great in Sons of Anarchy and still looking pretty hot.

Goodwins Champions Pack 2 of 4

2009-09-27T11:00:00.001-04:00

So I decided that I do like this set very much - I will be getting a hobby box in a few weeks although I do not have the money. My wife wants jewelry, I want cardboard - we all have our vices.

I've decided that I will never acknowlege the UD 20th century cards any longer - they all go into a pile that will one day be on its way to Rob VOTC - probably after my box is ripped - those cards are the definition of sucky.

Anyway, we've got Fausto Carmona and Miguel Cabrebra hanging out with us below. I am really excited to take a look at how this set looks in a binder all together - I really think it will pretty. I mean, I think it will look bad-ass and cool.

Now the minis - Got the normal Jordan - I'm wearing his underwear! No, I'm not, I wish I was Wayne Brady though - that would have to be fun at a bar. The Posada is the Gypsy Queen back - anytime I hear Sterling say "Jorge Juiced ONE! I cannot help thinking that Jorge just had sex with a very large woman - I should have never left college.

2 more packs on the way

2009 UD Goodwin's Champions Pack Rip

2009-09-26T10:13:00.001-04:00

Now there have been a few times where I mentioned how stoked I was for this product, unfortunately now that it is out - I'm way broke. I was able to grab a few packs which I will be showing off over the next few posts. I may be getting a box next week, we will see how the cash flows.

While I am not as impressed by these cards in person, I still really like them, they remind me of a bad blow j - it can't REALLY be bad - so thats what these are, not the best I've had, but you will never find me complaining.

Roy White and Todd Helton - Yesterday I mentioned about Pujols and the decade triple crown - for Helton to meet him in batting average he would have to go 30/60 in his next at bats and Pujols would have to go 10/60 - yeah - not happening - good on you though Todd

Now the minis - Bailey black border Gypsey Queen back - cool I guess and Ryan Ludwick

I'm just not a mini guy - don't really know why - I am going to eventually collect the whole set of this that is normal size - no interest in the minis - that makes the minis available for any of you who are working on them - let me know

Thats that - more tomorrow

A 2nd Retail Pack Of UD Icons

2009-09-25T09:56:00.000-04:00

Here is the last pack of 2009 UD Icons that I will probably ever be purchasing - making this almost an important mile stone in my life, but not at all really. In this pack we have a lot people who are better at baseball than I am (better than you too probably).

Roy Oswalt - Dude got a bulldozer as part of his contract - thats a manly fucking gift. Speaking of manly - anyone here see the newest Rambo that came out a few years ago? the first 20 minutes is him just doing to manliest shit you've ever seen. Catching snakes barehanded, fishing with a bow and arrow, blacksmithing, I bet the dude just builds traintracks for leisure.

Maggio Ordonez - I would kill for this haircut for just one week. Or one of his paychecks

Jon Lester - the reason you cannot read this card is that its all extra chromey/shiny - is this an insert or parallel? There are no other markings or indications that this is anything special - but I think it just might be.

John Lackey - Memo to NY Mets - Please do not sign an injury prone ace. Ie... John Lackey

The best hitter in the American League, Ichiro.

Speaking of best hitters - did anyone else see the article on ESPN showing that Pujols is about to win the decade triple crown? Yeah, first guy since TED WILLIAMS! We truly are blessed to be able to witness what he is doing. Don't take it for granted.

A Retail Pack of 2009 Icons

2009-09-24T11:01:00.000-04:00

So when I purchased those 2 packs of X, I also grabbed 2 packs of Icons... and there is just something missing. I know from reading the other blogs that the football cards have the portrait and other little additional features, but I thought those were a little too busy - So I guess if I dont have a solution, I cannot complain about the problem, what do you all think? I think the set is close to being a nice looking throwaway set, but what do you think could be done to improve it working off what is already there?

The Wanger - That is a face only a mother could love - I get it - action shots exertion etc... but man he looks like he just watched 2 Girls 1 Cup

Jake Peavy - If the Sox don't make a run next year - this could end up being a big bust - dude needs to get back on the mound and give them at least 180 innings

Matt Holliday - Love the colors on this card - easily my favorite in the pack. It's nice to see him really stroke it again now that he is a Cardinal - maybe the AL just wasnt for him.

Hanley Ramirez - he's pretty good.

Carlos Beltran - Nice to get a Met - especially one who was having a really nice year before the injury bug hit him too - although I wish he wasn't playing now, as I want him good to go next year - it's nice to see that he was really working hard to get back on the field - gotta love a gamer.

So this set is okay - like X if I ever see a cheap full set on the bay, I might grab it, but really nothing I NEED to have here. As always - anything you want is your except Carlos - he's in the Mets box now.

Another Pack of 2009 UDX Retail

2009-09-23T10:20:00.000-04:00

So yeah, I grabbed 2 packs of these - I know what they are and cannot really stand by my decision - if I saw a cheap set put together I might pick it up just to have the set, but really - meh - trade bait and team fodder really.

Miguel Cabrera - Even with the train wreck that is Dontrelle Willis these days, so far Detroit has totally raped on that deal that got Miggy on board.

Prince Fielder die Cut - Favorite non Mets players - Prince and Chase Utley - I know, I'm a bad Mets fan - throw Chad Billingsley in there too.

Dice K - I wasted 6 million bucks on you in March - dickhole

Paul Konerko - I find it hard not to root for this dude - Just seems like he's always there. Thats an underrated feature of a player being noted by many Mets fans this year.

Chase Utley X-Ponential - Chase and Big Prince in 1 pack - I'm pleased

Josh Hamilton - I wish he still did drugs, then I'd really be impressed

So that is that - nothing really too great about this set - I guess it has a few pluses, but really not enough to consider this for anything more than a random Target pickup

So, after more than a month away I bring you...

2009-09-22T09:47:00.002-04:00

A retail pack of 2009 Upper Deck X...

But first an explanation of my absence.

I'm not sure I care anymore - Lately, I have just found myself wanting to play the guitar, go on walks, read, really do anything but this - I've bought a few packs here and there - but my motivation is waning - I may get re inspired and post regularly, or I may just use this as a glorified want list/ trading page - we will see. More on that as I know it.

Onto the cards

King Felix - Can you image this dudes numbers if he were on a good team, or Jesus, the National League? Unreal

Derek Holland - He's had his struggles this year, but he won't be 23 until October 9 - so there is still plenty of time to get it together - the Rangers have a real nice set of young arms and bats - they may be contenders for years to come if they keep making the right moves.

Francisco Rodriguez - I think I hate him. Really - He's just not that great and you don't realize it unless you watch him everyday - maybe the Mets just suck so bad I'm clouded

Jimmy Rollins die cut - Yup, it's shaped an X - fucking incredible.

Carlos Zambrano X-Potential - I always kinda dug these cards last year - really the best thing that this set has to offer - That said, there have been a lot of Mets/Cubs rumors lately involving some bad contracts ala Luis Castillo/Oliver Perez and Zambrano/Bradley - let's hope that we don't match up anywhere - I'd rather lose with the assholes I've grown to love - not the ones who may be better players that I already hate.

Carlos Quentin - I really wonder if he's got it. I would like to see what he can do playing 150 games - how do you White Sox fans feel about him? Do you feel he's the answer to the middle of the lineup or is he more a 25 Hr guy, not the big time masher of 2008?

Well, that wasn't so bad, getting my feet back in the water a little bit - for, blogging is a go. Anything here is available if you want it except K Rod - on his way to the Mets box.

Music - Strokes - 12:51

10 Cent Bin - The Rookies

2009-08-29T08:39:00.002-04:00

This is the last of the posts of what I was able to acquire after a few hours looking through commons boxes - Some nice rookies!

1989 Topps Gary Sheffield - Sure he's a surly dick, but he's a dick who can knock the cock of the ball - Hall Of Fame? A case could be made - gotta love the Gold Fronts.

1992 Topps Chipper Jones - I didn't pick this one up for Manny Alexander, thats for sure - this like the Sheffield is a card I have many of, but for 10 cents, why not? Chipper is first ballot HOF no doubt.

2009 Allan and ginter BobbyParnell - Yeah he sucks, but this is pretty

2001 Topps Grady Sizemore - If you were to ask someone this year who would be the biggest prospect, I'm not sure who they would have said - but I dont know if anyone would have predicted that one day Grady Sizemore would be the face of his franchise - If this dude would just learn how to hit .290 - he could be a perennial All Star

2001 Topps Adrian Gonzalez - I remember a bit of hype of this guy when he was Texas and is now tearing up the league with the piss poor Padres. One could argue although he is not as good a player that he might have higher trade value than Albert Pujols due to his contract being so affordable.

2001 Topps Roy Oswalt - Grabbed this one at first to look and the failure that is Pat Strange, but then noticed Mr. Oswalt hanging out on the left -gotta love a guy who has a bulldozer as part of his contract demands. He's a pretty damn good pitcher too.

2003 Topps Mark Teixeira - This fucker is nasty. Thats really all there is to say. Hank Blalock is not so bad either.

Tales From the 10 Cent Bin - Rockers

2009-08-26T10:21:00.000-04:00

Now I have no idea what set these are from - well I guess I do - it seems now that I look that they are a part of 2008 Football Heroes - that would make these the first "football" cards I have bought since I had pubes - sweet I guess.

Anyway - I'm not really a fan of any of the bands these dudes play for, but I just thought they were too cool to not get for a dime a piece - I will post the write up for each dude below.

Toni Iommi - Black Sabbath

Widely regarded as the creator of the heavy metal genre. Toni Iommi co-founded Black Sabbath in 1969 along with schoolmates Terry "Geezer" Butler, Bill Ward, and Ozzy Osbourne. Iommi's gloomy, thunderous, guitar riffs combined with Osbourne's haunting vocals drove the quartet to international superstardom and paved the way for countless hard-rock acts to follow.

Steve Vai -

Like jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen before him, Vai is not only one of rock guitar's all-time great virtuosos, but one of the genre's most influential innovators. His Unique signature style fuses jazz, classical, and rock influences into an incendiary mix that has inspired countless guitarists and made him one of the most celebrated musicians of all time.

Justin Hayward - Moody blues

As the voice, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter behind classic rock's legendary The Moody blues, Hayward led the British supergroup to stardom in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s with a string of hit singles. Hayward's multi-textural compositions on such classics as Tuesday Afternoon, Your Wildest Dreams, and the bands signature classic Nights in White Satin helped the Mood Blues sell over 60 million albums worldwide.

Tom Morello - Rage Against the Machine

Morrelo's unique style and radical politics have made him of the most original and innovative guitarists in rock. In Rage Against the Machine, he fused hard rock and hip hop, and in Audioslave he continued pushing the boundaries of the guitar. Morello currently performs firebrand folk music as "The nighwatchman".

These were pretty cool - I might need to grab the whole set.

Tales From the 10 Cent Bin

2009-08-25T10:13:00.003-04:00

As some of you already know - Robin Ventura is my favorite player. Ever. I know he had a short lifetime as a Met, but I always like him when he was with the Sox, and was the first Yankee I actively rooted for. While helping my buddy Joe root through commons boxes to help finish out some sets - I made sure to pull at least a few cards aside for myself - this is part 1 of a 3 part series - And off we go with all the Robin Ventura cards I could find.

Below we have

88 Topps Traded
2 89 Toppps
91 Toppps
2 92 Toppps
93 Topps
03 Topps
03 Topps Traded

99 Topps
98 Bowman
95 Studio
2 96 Toppps

Of all of these, my favorite are the 88 Topps Traded, and the 96 Topps - These are pretty sweet and I'm happy to add any Robins to my collection - if anyone out there has any that they are not attached to, then I am your man! Tomorrow will be some rock and rollers.

1992 Upper Deck CHallenge - Who Are They?

2009-08-23T08:54:00.000-04:00

So since there is nothing inherently exciting about ripping a pack of 1992 upper Deck High numbers I thought it would be fun to play a little game - there is no prize, but this will be good way to kill 5 minutes - I promise

So what i did is I went ahead and scanned each card missing something - the players names - so what I want you to do is too look thought and see if you can figure out who they all are! Just leave it in the comments - an no peeking - lets see what you ya'll can do on your own - I'll give the winner a little love and who knows, maybe I will throw something together for them - I didnt get enough sleep last night to be able to determine it all this morning.

Some will be very easy

Others - not so much -

So let's see what you've got!

09 Chrome Pack 2 (W/Hit)

2009-08-22T11:33:00.000-04:00

So here we are with my 2nd pack ever of Topps Chrome - this of the 2009 Variety

Joakim Soria - he's good - love the power blue unis - they don't translate well in chrome though I don't think

Adam Dunn - I've grown to like him this year thanks to owning him in a fantasy league for the first time ever. He hits it far a lot.

Mariano River - I hate that he is the best ever - and with only one pitch which makes it way more impressive

And we have the hit - a Will Venable Auto Refractor 334/499 - I don't know much about this dude except that he is one of the Padres top prospects - he's got a sweet sig too -

All in all pretty happy with my 2 packs - might be inclined to pick up a few more someday if I've got some extra dough - wish it was more than 4 cards a pack though.

New Addition to Autograph Collection

2009-08-21T11:57:00.001-04:00

Recently while I was a cripple mess Ike Davis - Mets 1st round pick in the 08 draft did a signing at the local card shop - LJ (owner/pusher) was kind enough to have Ike sign a photo for me in my absence - I think it's a nice shot and I'm stoked to get a frame for it some day (I'm way too lazy to assume it will be anyday soon) and hang this duder up - Just thought I would share!

Brad Holt was supposed to be there to but didnt show up with some BS excuse apparently - rumor has it he is not very fan friendly - your nobody yet Brad - let's not get too big for your own britches yet.

09 Topps Chrome Pack Rip

2009-08-21T11:13:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I swing by my card shop to grab a few random packs - the only 09 stuff he had that was 1)in my price range and 2) something I had not ripped before were Chrome and Icons.

Now he had the hobby Icons - which was $11 bucks - no thanks, if I get the urge, I'll go retail - so I grabbed me 2 packs of Chrome and went on my way - these are the first 2 packs of this product from any year that I have ever ripped - this pack was okay - but I was able to pull a hit out of the 2nd pack which should be up in a day or 2. From worst to first - here we go

Nick Swisher - I hate this card - hated it in the Topps base set - hate it now too - this is not a card that will be staying in my collection very long.

Walter Silva RC - This was the dude they signed after the WBC - turns out he sucks - but since it is a rookie he beats out Swisher for worst of the pack

Vladimir Guerrero - a legitimate superstar but who really cares? He's not the player he was, and is just one slide away from losing his career.

Joe Nathan Pink 16/25 - Finally the hit of the pack - my wife liked it - I do too I guess - trade bait most likely though.

The next pack will be better - I promise

4/5 Of A Pack of 1986 Sportflics, Some Trivia, Some Art

2009-08-20T08:28:00.006-04:00

So my man Bird came over a few weeks ago with a few random packs of cards to drink a few random cans of beer and play a few random songs on rock band - A good night if you ask me! Now bird is a very casual sports fan who really loves wrestling and beards. So - the reason this is only 4/5 of the pack is that Bruce Sutter went home with him. Bird is also an artist - you should check some of his shit out here (he also likes to do a lot of 80s wrestling and basketball stuff - there are a few classic Charles Barkley/Godzilla drawings. I'll scan a picture he did for me below - if you are in the NYC area keep an eye for his shows - hes a cool dude.

So here we go with the 2 cards left in the pack - on the right is Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd and on the left is actually three different people - Richard Dotson, Juaqin Andujar, and Doyle Alexander. All three of those dudes ad a very sexy 1984 season - Rich was 22-7, Juaqin 20-14, and Doyle 17-6.

Has anyone figures out a way to scan a sportflic so you get each image? I think it may be impossible.

Next up - we have the 2 trivia cards - I'll let you guys leave the answers in the comments - I won't even give what the choices are- let's see what you can do off the tips of your heads.

What player holds the record for most RBIs in one season?

What Current player (in 1985) shares the record for consecutive seasons leading the majors in runs scored? Who is he tied with?

And a random basketball player slam dunking a ton of tits. Enjoy!

He Certainly is Average- Take My Word For It

2009-08-18T15:04:00.003-04:00

So a few weeks ago - yes weeks - James Fuller of The Average Joe made good of his promise to help fill out some of my want lists - here are the spoils (if you can call these cards spoils - I'd like to think that I love All cards equally, but, I dont)

First we have 3 2008 Topps Series 2 cards - Brian Bass, JJ PUTZ (pronounced as in "he's a fuckin' Putz who is hurt all the time and cannot throw strikes), and Randy Winn - one laziness subsides - these will find their way into their respective pages - please if you have a moment - check out my 2008 Topps want lists because I am very very close t finishing those dudes out! Thanks!

We have some 1989 Donruss cards of Tommy Gregg and Keith Brown - They both suck!

Next up we have one of the ugliest sets ever, 1991 Fleer - they really did struggle in the early 90s didnt they? We have

Scott Bankhead
Bob Boone
Ken Oberkfell
Craig Wilson
Andy Van Slyke (ive always heard he's an asshole... is this true?
Ken Patterson
Beau Allred

Wow - I really meant to write more but its fucking hot up here - sorry kids - I'm far too obese for the upstairs w/o the AC these days

Some 92 UD - thanks dude!

A Tasteless Joke and an Update

2009-08-13T14:04:00.002-04:00

What are Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett getting for Christmas?

Patrick Schwayze!

Went to see the surgeon today for some x rays - he's calling it severe back spasms - is very confident we can beat it with - physical therapy and some weight loss - so thats that - there will be good days and bad days - Today happens to be a good one - but im not home to scan or post anything of significance -

Thank you all for the kind words and well wishes - they are greatly appreciated and really did cheer my up quite a bit when I saw them!

Reason For My Absence

2009-08-09T22:39:00.001-04:00

Hey All -

Sorry about the lack of posts - I'm afraid it is a situation that may persist for a little while.

2 years ago (approx) I had a herniated and 2 bulging discs fixed in my back - on Wednesday - it started feeling like it did exactly then - I'm still waiting to get into to see the neuro surgeon who did the surgery to let me know what is up - but sitting in a computer chair is not where I want to be. I am doing this from work right now - where I have no choice - but at home - its the recliner for me. So I'm still here reading (Sun - Wed 1-midnight) but other than that - I'm nowhere near a computer until it stopps hurting. Take care -

Hopefully I'll be back up and writing sooner than later.

Pack Break - 1988 Fleer - Pretty sweet pack

2009-08-03T09:02:00.000-04:00

Reaching back into the repack case for a break of 1988 Fleer. I know that this set is ugly - but I love it - I can't explain why - but when I reached into the repack case (I had forgotten what packs were in there) and saw this I was very happy - and really, I can't imagine a much better players being pulled from any pack in 1988 - this one really was (is?) star studded

First of course - the sticker - I should put this on my lunch box

Get ready to see a star at every turn folks

Mike Maddux
Greg Gagne
Don Mattingly Headliners

the Mattingly was the first Headliner card from this set that I had ever pulled or owned - that was exciting on its own - so now in the first 3 cards we have a perennial All Star that all Yankee fans think is a HOFer - not really quite there, but a very nice player and card nonetheless

Tried and True Sluggers - Mike Schmidt and Gary Carter
Barry Larkin
Joe Carter

ok, 3 cards, 2 Hall of Famers , one of the 10 best shortstops of all time, and a feared slugger with a World Series walk off homer - not too shabby

Andre Dawson
Fred Manrique
Dave Meads

I think Andre is HOF bound next year - just a hunch

Dave Valle
Tom Glavine
Rob Deer

A nice everyday catcher - an all or nothing slugger - and a future first ballot HOF - again - not bad

Carlos Martinez
Kirk Gibson
Eddie Milner

its not too bad when out of every three cards pulled that the worst "best" card is of Kirk Gibson who was a great slugger in his era

See what I mean? Really from a pack from this era - this really was a great pack - I would have been thrilled to rip this when I was 7.

The Cy Young Winners

2009-08-02T08:21:00.000-04:00

Moving on to the 1985 TMCA Cy Young winners now - only the MVPs to follow!

Catfish Hunter - 1974 - Took the award by going 25-12 with a 2.49 ERA - Catfish started 41 games that year with 23 of them complete pitching 318 - yes - 318 innings. Can you imagine someone having that season now?

Sandy Koufax - 1963 1965 1966 - Lets take a look at his lines

1963 - 25-5 1.88 306k
1965 - 26-8 2.04 382k
1966 - 27-9 1.73 317k

As a younger fan who knows a bit about the players - but I never really ever go back and look at their numbers so when I do - I really see the greatness - Is there anyone out there who actually got to watch Sandy pitch during these years? What was that experience like?

Vernon Law - 1960 - Vern led the Pirates to the pennant in 1960 with a 20-9 record over 271 2/3 innings and a 3.08 ERA - he only walked 40 batters - thats like Bob Tewksbury control.

Denny McLain - 1968 1969 - The back to back winner (who tied Mike Cuellar for the award in 1969) put together 2 magnificent seasons in a row.

1968 - 31-6 1.96 in 336 innings
1969 - 24-9 in 325 innings with 9 shutouts

Warren Spahn - 1957 - Spahn and Sain and pray for rain - The modern era leader in career wins for a lefty Warren went 21-11 with a 2.69 era to take the Cy Young in 1957. He has an all time record of 363-245 with a 3.09 ERA and 13 twenty win seasons

Anything you like? Let me know.

In case you missed it - Sugar

2009-07-31T10:41:00.000-04:00

Saw this movie a few weeks ago and forget to let you all in on it -

It's the story of a young Dominican player making his way through the minor leagues in a different world than he is used to. It's hilarious at parts and heartbreaking at others. This is definitely worth seeing if you are a baseball fan. You will not be sorry that you did.

The MVPs

2009-07-30T10:25:00.001-04:00

The next stack of cut outs or whatever these cards were is of the MVPs - some all time greats here

Maury Wills - 1962 - Set the then record (over Ty Cobb) by stealing 104 bases beating out teammate Tommy Davis for the award. Maury hit .299 and scored 130 runs.

Stan Musial - 1943 1946 1948 - "The Man" is one of the iconic players of his era. The people of St Louis are spoiled to have had him for his career and now they get Pujols too - Musial won seven batting titles during his career.

Roy Campanella - 1951 1953 1955 - I never realized until this moment how good this dude really was - When he won his 3rd MVP in 1955 he joined Musial as only the third player ever to win 3 NL MVP awards - Lets take a look at his 3 winning seasons

1951 - .325/33/108

1953 - .312/41/142

1955 - -.318/32/107

Those are some pretty gaudy numbers - especially out of your catcher.

Roberto Clemente - 1966 - A wonderful player and better man - died in a plane crash after collecting his 3000th hit - won 4 batting titles in his career - to win the MVP he put up a line of .317/29/119 and led the league in OF assists.

Dick Groat - 1960 - His name sounds like something you try to avoid in college - hit .325 to take the award in 1960 and led the league in total chances per game at short stop. career .286 hitter.

Ernie Banks - 1958 1959 - was the first player to win back to back MVP awards in the NL. 1958 .313/47/129

1959 .304/45/143.

Ernie hit 512 career bombs.

Johnny Bench - 1970 1972 - Formerly the best hitting catcher of all time (ahem - Piazza) Johnny was a force

1970- .293/45/148

1972 - .270/40/125

Thats production you would take out of any player - let alone your catcher who doesn't play everyday.

Harmon Killebrew - 1969 - in 1969 hit 49 hrs and drove in 140 runs - hit 573 career homeruns and drove in 100 runs 9 times.

Again - want anything here? let me know

The Home Run Champs

2009-07-30T08:33:00.002-04:00

Finally we have the Home Run kings - man would these guys make for a fun home run derby to watch

Duke Snider - 1956 - Duke hit 40 HRs 5 seasons in a row leading the league with 43 in 1956. He has 407 career dingers.

Al Rosen - 1950 1953 - hit 37 in 1950 and 43 in 1953 - almost won the triple crown in 1953 losing out on the batting average title by .001 points to Mickey Vernon.

Larry Doby - 1952 1954 - The first black player ever to appear in the American League, Doby became one of its most feared hitters. hitting 32 HR each year 952, 54) to take the homerun crowns, larry had a career total of 253 long balls and twice led the league in RBI

Ralph Kiner - 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 - yup - 7 straight years of winning the HR title - twice he hit more than 50 - in his career Ralph averaged 1 homer ever 14 at bats - incredible. Also - as a man recalled to me on the 7 train last year -

Once while doing the call for a Mets game that was really lopsided, Ralph kept commenting on a young couple making out in the stands before letting out this beauty of a quip

"I figured it out - he's kissing her on the strikes and she's kissing him on the balls"

yup - thank you Mr. Kiner for saying the dirtiest thing ever spoken during a baseball broadcast

Eddie Mathews - 1953 1959 - Part of the most potent 1-2 punch when teamed with Hank Aaron for most of his career, Eddie took the title with seasons of 47 homers in 536 and 46 homers in 59. Eddie hit 512 career blasts.

Hank Aaron - 1957 1963 1966 1967 - amazing the real record holder only led the league 4 times - from 1955-1973 Hank never hit less than 24 hrs in a season leading the leagues with 44 in 1957, 44 in 1963, 44 in 1966, and 39 in 1967.

Joe DiMaggio - 1937 1948 - Can you imagine the damage he would have done left handed? Joe led the league with 46 homers in 1937 and 39 in 1948. Has a career total of 361 bombs hitting more than 30 seven times.

Once again - anything you like? it's yours, just let me know.

You knew last time - so what are these?

2009-07-29T10:12:00.002-04:00

You can blame my lack of posting on fight Night for the PS3 - you are looking at a the new world champion - I know impressive right!

Anyway - So in that box that had a bunch of stuff I don't remember, I found these cards - they have the same TMCA copyright on the back with the year 1985. The edges are awful - some look like they are perforated, some look like they were just regular cut out cards - either way they are neat.

I have 4 groupings coming up - Rookies of the year - MVPs - Cy Youngs - Home Run Champs - Today we will take a look at the Rookies.

Herb Score - ROY 1955 - One of the greats that never were thanks to a line drive to the face - in his rookie year Herb was 16-10 and struck out 245 hitters in 227 1/3 innings. In his 2nd season he was 20-9. This guy had everything - except the luck to avoid Gil McDougald's batted ball.

Billy Williams - ROY 1961 - Made his mark right away with a rookie season line of .278, 25 HR, and 86 RBI - over the next 13 seasons he never hit lower than .276 or hit less than 20HR or knocked in less than 84 runs - A model of consistency

Luis Aparicio - ROY 1956 - Stole 21 bases while playing stellar defense to take home the ROY - led the league in steals 9 straight seasons - I'm sure there is another Steve out there who could tell you more.

Frank Howard - ROY 1960 - Frank is one big son of a bitch - 6'7 and 255 lbs. in 117 games his rookie year Frank hit 23 bombs and drove in 77 runs. He was one of the most feared sluggers in the game.

Harvey Kuenn - ROY 1953 - Won the award for getting 209 hits and hitting .308 his rookie year. Played 15 years in the bigs leading the AL in hits 4 times and winning 1 batting title.

Again - these are neat but I'm not too attached to them - anyone see anything you want - let me know.

Best album I've hear all summer

2009-07-27T23:39:00.004-04:00

Ok - everyone there - if you are fan of singer/songwriter type stylings - or like the Pogues if their singer was a bit more of a pussy check out the stream of his new(ish) album "Love, Ire, and Song" here

http://www.punknews.org/bands/frankturner

I'm halfway through the stream here at work and am mightily impressed with this album thus far. If you played this for me when I was 15 I would have thought you were so lame - does this make me old or lame now? Not sure - but check it out if you have a few.

1980 TMCA HOF cards - the last 4

2009-07-23T11:06:00.004-04:00

Hopefully you all have enjoyed these cards as much as I have - I'm looking forward to digging into the 1983 set in the next week or so.

Bucky Harris - 2nd Base - Washington Senators - A slick fielder who took over managing the Senators @ the age of 27 - went on the win 3 pennants and 2 world championships - HOF 1975

Jesse Haines - Pitcher - St. Louis Cardinals - career mark of 210-158 - pitched for the Cards for 18 years and threw 1 no-hitter - HOF 1970

1927 New York Yankees - There were a couple of good players on this team

Billy Evans - Umpire - I found Billy to be the most interesting man of this entire set (of the cards that I have). Billy was regarded as the American League's best umpire from 1906-1927. After he stopped being an umpire - he went on as Manager of the Cleavland Indians for 6 years, Farm Director for the Red Sox for 5 years, and then became the GM of the Tigers. How about that - umpire to manager to front office - pretty frickin' cool - HOF 1974

That was good. Again - if any of you out there collect any of these men or teams and need these cards for your collections, let me know.

1980 TMCA Hall of Famers Part 3

2009-07-22T10:57:00.000-04:00

Only 8 more to go - But don't worry - I found another bunch of cards from a similar set from 1983 for next week.

Waite Hoyt - Pitcher - New York Yankess - Lifetime record 237-182 - After playing career was over he was an announcer for the Reds - HOF 1969

Charlie Grimm - 1B - Chicago Cubs - "Jolly Cholly" was a career .290 hitter in 20 seasons who went on to be a player/manager and then manager for 19 more seasons - When he died - his wife was granted permission to spread his ashes on Wrigley Field

Branch Rickey - Manager - St. Louis Browns - Will always be remembered for bringing Jackie Robinson to Major League Baseball - HOF 1967

Judge Landis - Commisioner - Commish of baseball for 24 years until he passed away in 1944 - elected to the HOF that year.

How awesome would it be to be able to get these cards autographed? I really think they would look sharp.

Last 4 cards tomorrow.

1980 TCMA Hall of Famers part 2

2009-07-21T10:49:00.000-04:00

Here we are with the next 4 Hall of Famers from the mystery TMCA set.

Joe Sewell - 2nd Base - Cleaveland Indians - This stat is amazing - in 7,132 career MLB at bats - Joe struck out only 114 times - un-fucking-believable - HOF 1975

Walter Johnson - Pitcher - Washington Senators - 110 career shutouts, 413 wins, 3,499 strikeouts - really - the "Big Train" needs no help from me - one of the best all time - HOF 1936

Rabbit Maranville - Shortstop - Boston Braves - 23 year career - never great with the bat, but from all accounts a great fielder - HOF 1954

Hack Wilson - OF - New York Giants - hit 56 homers in 1930 and also drove in 190 (yes, 190) runs. HOF 1979

Not a bad core there to start a team - we got the pitching, the hitting, the slick up the middle defense - I'm loving going through these cards.

Again - any players or teams here you like - let me know - They will probably mean more to a collector who may not have these cards than me.

I Don't Really Know What These Are, But I Have A Feeling They Are Pretty Awesome

2009-07-20T10:28:00.000-04:00

Last week I was digging into a giant box of cards (probably about 3000) that I really cannot recall the origin of. Really, I don't know where they came from, if they were mine from childhood? There were cards from the late 70's to early 90's and some odd balls that I don't ever recall seeing. Here are the first group of odd balls.

According the the backs, the date is 1980 TCMA - they are made by the Renata Galasso Inc - "The World's Largest Hobby Card Dealer" out of Brooklyn. All of the cards feature players from the early 1900s to about the late 1930s - most of them Hall of Famers - A lot of them are new to me as I have never REALLY delved into the archives to learn a lot about some of these guys before today.

Tris Speaker - OF - Cleaveland Indians - "The Grey Eagle" hit over .300 18 times - HOF 1937

Harry Heilmann - OF - Detroit Tigers - "Slug" led the American League in hitting 4 times .394 in 1921, .403 in 1923, .393 in 1925, and .398 in 1927. HOF 1952

Dazzy Vance - Pitcher - Brooklyn Dodgers - Led the NL in k's 7 straight years, Victories twice, ERA 4 times and shutouts 3 teams - HOF 1955

Burleigh Grimes - Pitcher - Brooklyn Dodgers - The last legal spitball pitcher - 20 game winner 5 times, career 270-212 record - HOF 1964

I've got 12 more of this set and will be rolling them out 4 at a time the rest of the week. Let me know if you know anything else about these cards - they are sorta neat - if any of you see any players that you collect or teams you like - let me know and I'm sure they can find their way to you.

Linking Up

2009-07-17T23:58:00.000-04:00

Wow - so I just spent 45 minutes updating links - I think I got most of you! If you are not showing up - shoot me a line and let me know - I did not update the blog roll yet due to time constraints - that will come later - maybe days or months - I don't know - I've been meaning to do this for about 3 months so -- that shows you my motivation level. don't take it that I don't like or read your blogs - because I often check em all out - I'm just a poor webmaster

Bastards of Young

2009-07-17T16:09:00.000-04:00

Here is Against Me! covering the classic Replacements song Bastards of Young. This is hands down one of my favorite all time tunes - great to see a newer band whom I like cover and do quite a good job - sticking to the original tune and still kicking its ass all at once. Don't know who that Giusseppie Franco look a like helping them sing is though.

Thoughts?

O Pee Chee Suckfest

2009-07-17T09:12:00.002-04:00

When O Pee Chee was getting ready to launch I was pretty excited - a nice base set w/ big checklist and no gloss - a modern old school? I dunno - whatever. Once the details were released - 600 cards - 100 not really short printed short prints and 6 cards a pack - I was a bit frustrated - it would take too much chasing - 125 perfect packs actually, to get this set complete - too rich for my bones and this point in time.

So I thought, hey - I will just live vicariously through all my blogging brethren (much like I have been A & G less 2 packs). Looking at all the scans - thought you know this set is kinda nice - I don't love it, but I could see myself trying to score a complete set off the 'Bay. Well last night in target for light bulbs and dish detergent, I said "what the shit - I'll grab 2 packs".

I shoulda got some douche bags.

Robinson Cano and Ben Francisco

boring

Rich Aurilia and Ryan Theriot

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Team checklists - Rays and D Bags

Dreaming by now...

Maybe pack 2 is better?

Derosa Posada Anderson

Nope

Johan Santana and Carlos Zambrano Highlights

At least Johan can go into my Mets collection

Finally - a David Eckstein black border

who cares

I know that these would have been back packs of a great set - but even in UD Series 2 the royals cards were really sweet - the pictures were nice - I just don't think this set is really any good. It took having them in my hands to get who sucky they really are into my head. Sorry O Pee Chee - we are breaking up. Anyone want any of this? I'm only keeping Johan.

Sweet Mail Day

2009-07-16T15:48:00.003-04:00

A while back, reader Greg let me know he was interested in a 09 Ud Chase Utley that was numbered to 99 - although I do like Chase Utley (I like Victorino too - I know what kind of Mets fan am I?), I was willing to let him go when Greg let me know he had an Eddie Kunz Auto he wasn't too in love with. So I sent him some Phillies base cards and inserts along with the Chutley, and here are the highlights of what I received.

Here is the first card I own of the 09 O Pee Chee set - a New York New York insert of Jeremy Reed. I like it - this is my first Reed card as a Met that I can think of - anyone else think its weird that they dont have the pic of Citi Field behind him? He never played in Shea. Oh well - I'm diggin' it anyway.

Next is what looks like a 1999 Fleer Brilliants Shining Stars card of Mike Piazza - Man - I missed a lot not collecting this era of cards - I don't know if I think this card is awesome, or awful - at least there isn't a rap on the back.

A couple of chrome Jose Reyes cards - which poses the question - if you really love chrome cards are you a Chromo? I don't know if I am there yet - just chrome curious for now -

Here is the big gun of the trade - the Kunz career best auto with all minor league stats - what a lame idea to include him in this subset - but I am very glad to have the card - I met Eddie a few times last season while he was in Binghamton and was always very nice and very approachable.

A Topps Star of David Wright and a couple goldies!

Next up is a Gary Carter Hall of Fame Heroes card from 2005 Donruss Diamond Kings - anytime I come across these old Diamond Kings sets I want more more more... but I am too poor poor poor.

Finally - there were 2 complete minor league team sets - first up are the 1983 Lynchburg Mets - Here are some funny looking dudes - some stoned, some kid toucher-esque - some jolly

And the 1984 Jackson Mets! Now in color!

So all in all a really cool package of stuff I did not have before - lots of great stuff for the Mets collection too! Thank you very much my friend for a wicked rad and generous package! Make sure to go help him out in his search for Pat Burrell cards (god knows why) http://insearchofpatthebat.wordpress.com/

My Last Pack of 09 A & G (unless I come into money which is very unlikely)

2009-07-14T09:49:00.002-04:00

2nd verse, worse than the first

So here are the results of the 2nd and from the title, last pack of 09 A & G I will be buying. Again, not quite sure if these are trade bait or not yet - I could always pursue them in the winter before the base sets for 2010 come out - we'll see.

James McDonald
James Loney
Manny Parra

I have McDonald in a long term keeper league - but I think he is going to lose his minor league eligibility so I don't know what do really do with him.

I had Loney in the same league but dealt him away in this deal

I get: Ryan Zimmerman, Lance Berkman
I Give up - James Loney, Phil Hughes, Matt LaPorta, Jake Fox, Scott Downs

I'm going for the win this year

Ervin Santana
The modern game of baseball inventor Cartwright
BJ Upton

Black border Mini of Cantu

National Pride El Caballo - Carlos Lee

I got a pretty sweet package in the mail yesterday too that will be coming up in the next few days.

The first of 2 Packs of 09 A& G

2009-07-13T11:02:00.002-04:00

I Think that I mentioned it here before that I really don't have the money to collect any more than 1 more set this year (excluding Topps U & H). It was a toss up between A & G and the UD Goodwin's Champions set out in September. Since it's something new and the price point is more my speed, I am going to go with the Goodwin's, but that doesn't mean I can't pick up a few backs of the Ginter's to see what the fuss is all about.

Joe Saunders
Joakim Soria
Victor Martinez

So far, I like these better than the past few years. Bigger picture, more color - more .... better? Yes, more better

Prince Albert Pujols
Mark Teixeira

2 horizontal cards of 2 dudes who can really club it.

They are good hitters too, not just good dancers.

Randy Johnson who's age allowed Jonathan Sanchez to become a part of baseball history and the National Pride card of Yunel Escobar.

I scanned the mini bigger than any of the regular cards - not sure why, but here is the riot.

Ginter back!

Another pack should find its way on here tomorrow.

I'm not sure if I will be pursuing this set or not yet... I do really like it - but I am poor. I think I will just stash these for the time being before throwing them out in trade bait.

Pack Battle! 2007 Topps Series 2

2009-07-08T10:20:00.003-04:00

Going back into the repack box I bring you 2 packs of 2007 Topps Series 2 - 6 cards in each pack - let's see who is less crappy out of this awful looking set.

Jeremy Brown V. Jamie Moyer

While Jeremy Brown is a fat catcher who can take a walk and was featured in the Moneyball book, Jamie Moyer is an ageless warlock who makes the mets look like a bunch of children.... well who knows, he's old enough that some of the Mets could BE his children.

Edge: Moyer

Pack 1 - 0
Pack 2 - 1

Edgar Gonzalez V. Jared Burton

wow -don't know anything about these dudes really - gotta flip the cards over and do some research.

Ok - The both aren't really that remarkable - the D-Bags are a way lamer team so Burton gets the nod.

Pack 1 - 0
Pack 2 - 2

Jason Marquis Trading Places V. Placido Polanco

A battle between an insert of a good player. Reliable inning eater if not remarkable. Polanco is a career 300 hitter who spends his time at the most important infield position.

Edge - Polanco

Pack 1 - 1

Pack 2 - 2

Opening Day Nationals Park V. Hit Parade Manny Ramirez

At least the Nationals don't cheat - and if they do they are awful at it because they never win.

Edge - Nationals

Pack 1-2

Pack 2 -2

all even now.

Jeff Suppan V. Paris Hilton

oh wait - thats not Paris Hilton - you say its Khalil Greene? Well he looks like a giant douche.

Edge Suppan

Pack 1-3

Pack2-2

Taylor Tankersley V. Chase Utley

I hate both teams and this is still really no contest - utley is the best 2nd baseman in the game - he wins this one easily

Pack 1 - 3

Pack 2 - 3

Uh oh - we have end up with a tie - so I guess its a push?

Which pack would you have preferred? Let me know - and if you can give me a compelling reason why and send me your address - both packs are yours.

2007 Topps Opening Day Pack Rip

2009-07-07T10:38:00.002-04:00

Reaching deep into the repack box to give you something other than youtube videos - I bring you a fresh hot pack of 2007 Topps Opening Day. Now is there anyone else out there who really prefers the white design to the black that was the base set from this year? Really, when I look at baseball cards in the winter - I want sunny, bright - a reminder of whats to come and not whats happening (remember I am in upstate NY here). I really feel this set would have been better received all around if they had swapped the Opening Day color for the Base color. The design still isn't great, but the white just looks better I think. What do you think?

Onto the cards...

There were 7 cards in the pack, I've broken them up a bit. First up are the 2 rookies.

Drew Anderson
Fred Lewis

Now any pack with 2 rookies is pretty good. Drew Anderson hasn't done all too much at the big league level, but Fred Lewis has made himself into a nice major league ball player - I bet he would be a bigger name if he wasn't stuck making his name out in SF. Even if they are a playoff contender this year, I still don't think too many outside of California are paying attention.

Next up in the pack were 4 starting pitchers and this is how I would run them out there if they were my 4 man rotation.

1) CC Sabathia
2) Chad Billingsley
3) Francisco Liriano
4) Freddy Garcia

Honestly, I think Chad is the best of the bunch here, I think the Night Owl would be happy to know I do have a severe man crush on that dudes abilities. I would trade almost anyone in the Mets organization to get him. Captain Cheeseburger is a nice player, but I'm afraid that he just won't live up to the contract (who really could). Liriano needs to get and stay healthy and I bet he can regain a bit of his 2006 form. Finally Freddy Garcia sucks on choads.

Finally, scanned big for the Dayfs and Canucks of the world is Bian McCann. I want to hate him - I really do, but alas I don't. Here is is large and in charge.

All of these cards can be had, just let me know

RoboCop in minutes - Rapped

2009-07-06T23:49:00.001-04:00

This blew my mind.

Anyone who watches this will hate me for a while

2009-07-06T11:05:00.001-04:00

because now you too will have this stuck in your head

Steve Summer 2k - Drunk Baseball

2009-07-01T10:27:00.002-04:00

So back from 1999-2005 every Sunday afternoon me and my friends would get together and play a game of pickup baseball - we usually had about 25 people show up - so we had 5 outfielders and such, but we just wanted to play and have fun - one day a conversation about Micky Mantle got us thinking about how hard it would be to hit a baseball drunk.

My friend Andrew just found these photos of me that day - Just wanted to share. I'm looking pretty good to say the least.

It all starts innocently enough

This is probably many beers in - the shirt is off, the shorts are off, the cooler is... on?

Keeping my weight back - thats some good form

And just a sexy shot here. I wonder what happened to that hat?

Remember kids - Don't drink and (line) drive

A Much better Pack of 91 Donruss Series 2

2009-07-01T09:38:00.002-04:00

So I made the decision this morning to allow 91 Donruss to redeem itself and reached back in the pile of repack packs and pulled out this pack, that really, was awesome. This is just about as good as you can hope to get with getting 10 (give or take) players that could have been considered stars in their time. Lets take a look

David Wells
Francisco Oliveras
Pete Incaviglia

Already we have a 239 game winner (and 3x AS), and a guy with 200 career homeruns. Sorry Frankie - You didn't really do all that much. But thanks for playing.

Dennis Rasmussen
Ken Griffy Sr
Terry Pendleton

Dennis stuck around for 12 seasons, Ken has some of the best sperm in baseball history, and Terry Pendleton might have won an MVP for one of those crappy Braves teams in the 90s.

Now it starts to get real good (if we don't count off the field issues)

Mel Hall

Barry Bonds

Kirby Puckett

Mel had a nice career, but also molests children. Barry had a great career but is a world class asshole and a cheater. Kirby once sawd through a door to hit his wife - but he is HOF anyway

And the hits keep coming

Dale Murphy

Greg Vaughn

Ron Darling

A Border Line HOF and NL MVP, a slugger who once belted 50 Jacks in a season, and a Met hurler who had a very nice career and is far more tolerable than Mex when calling games on SNY.

And the good mojo doesnt stop

Fred McGriff MVP

Danny Tartabull

Tim Raines

2 borderline HOF and Danny Tartabull? Great way to end the pack - I really dont think (w/o looking at the checklist anyway) that this pack cuold have gone much better.

So there we go - a redemption song if there ever was one

Another Crappy Pack Break staring 1991 Donruss

2009-06-29T09:16:00.002-04:00

So this morning I dedicded to reach back into my repack box and pull out another crappy pack for you all to enjoy - and guess what? I found a doozy - here we go with 1991 Donruss Series 2. Are we all ready for some hot garbage? Here is the pack rip in order pulled.

Gleen Davis

Dave Parker MVP

Carlos Martinez

Luis Quinones

Bert Blyleven

Mike Harkey

Carlos Martinez

Luis Quinones

Bert Blyleven

.... wait...

did I just pull doubles of three dudes consecutively? oh yea - think I did

Mike Harkey

Fernando Valenzuela Highlight

Scott Cooper

Yup - another Harkey

Andres Thomas

Ben McDonald

Todd Burns

So yea - another shit stain of a pack of baseball cards.

Glenn Davis was a nice player in his time as was Valenzuela - Blyleven had a great career as did Dave Parker in his heyday - but none of these guys make this pack a success. Just awful

A really shitty pack of 2003 Series 1 Topps

2009-06-26T10:14:00.005-04:00

So I bought a repack box who knows how long ago and I still have half of those packs chilling on my desk - So sitting here, after realizing my hit count - I figure maybe I shouldn't be so lazy - give the people what they want - A Bad Wax pack break - Then once I grabbed a random pack and started scanning, I remembered why this wasn't posted yet - it was just such a shitty pack.

I think we all know that 2003 Topps is the Rocky Dennis of baseball cards - Cher probably loves it, but the rest of us just think its really ugly and want to know why nobody just got rid of it at inception.

I figured that I would start the post with the "best" card of the pack - Harmon Killebrew Record Breaker - now don't get me wrong - he has one of the most bad ass names I can think of and was a hell of hitter - but much like this set - Harmon has never been accused of being terribly good looking.

and
its
all
downhill
from here

We've got a former Met/All Star (I think he was an all star once or twice at least) Melvin Mora - Interesting fact on the back - he hit lead off homers in consecutive games once - but the fact about Brady Anderson is more interesting - Brady achieved the same feat on both ends of a double header! Exclamation points make it seem more exciting.

Next up we have Jon Lieber - I know - you thought I said this was a shitty back - you must be stuck in 2001 when Jon was 20-6. Hey even I got laid before high school was over - we all have our moments of greatness.

A "Fat Toad" (Thanks George)

Other than ole Harmey, We have now reached the best player in the pack - and he has a ladies name. Can this dude still play outfield at all? If that answer is no - please Mets - do not trade for this guy.

Mario Likes this one, but he's the only one

See guys? Just wasted 2-5 minutes of your time that you will never get back. Blogging is dangerous - now go do something risky to make your day better... something like

- Pee standing up with your eyes closed
- Blow a line of coke off something that really should be sanitized
- See Transformers 2

And with that - I'm outta here

Take it easy

10K

2009-06-26T10:04:00.003-04:00

Wow -

Over 10,000 hits now. In less than 7 months 10,000 times this site has been looked. that means 10,000 times people have come here and thought "Wow, that's a cool card", "I'll see if he wants to make a trade", "This is a good place to masturbate" and so on...

And thank you all for that. I'm very happy that through everything that has happened that I have found my little place in this community. I know that everyday I look forward to the time I get to spend reading all of the blogs - I know I don't comment a lot - but rest assured, I'm out there taking it all in - and I am thrilled that you all do the same.

Take care now

Stephen

09 Topps From JayBee

2009-06-24T09:48:00.002-04:00

A few weeks back I sent JayBee the Steve Carlton SP from the Series 2 of Topps - you can help him out with that pursuit here. In return he sent me 30 cards towards my Series 2 st - they are all (1 omission) as follows.

First up are the base cards. Topps really did redeem themselves this year with a super nice looking card that is both modern in look and feel while not being to flashy or crowded. Kudos Topps

Chad Qualls - This guy has been merely good for one of my fantasy teams - That league I am completely sucking ass in though, so what does it matter?

Oliver Perez - speaking of sucking ass...

David Murphy - I don't know too much about this guy - decent hitter, some pop - serviceable outfielder - but this is a great shot of him heading back to the dugout after scoring a run - like the full stadium in the background.

Chris Iannetta - A disappointing season thus far for a guy who seemed to finally turn a corner

Donald Veal - yup - nothing to say about this dude

Chris Young - I feel like this dude will never really harness his star potential - just cannot make consistent enough contact.

Trevor Cahill - hot Shot rookie with Oakland - something tells me he will have a good career - most of these young dudes from Oaktown usually do

BJ Ryan - Thank you for sucking and allowing me to pick up Scott Downs in a few leagues.

Freddy Sanchez - is one of the best hitters in the league that no one could care less about?

Edwin Moreno - I remember watching him the first week of the season against the Mets _ I do not however remember anything he did

Yovani Gallardo - my my this guy is going to be good isn't he?

Johnny Damon - He just keeps on hitting doesn't he? I still like him better with a beard - but then again, I like everyone better with a beard

Kenshin Kawakami - Am I right that he is really frustrating to have on your team - so many times I feel like I have seen him pitch really well one inning then completely screw the pooch the next - hes the Asian Ollie!

Next up are the Topps Town cards - I did not scan Daisuke Matsuzake because fuck him and his shitty pitching. Thats why

We'll play a little a game seeing who of these dudes are on pace to be in the Hall of Fame - assuming the keep pace of their careers

Daisuke - No way
Mark Teixeria - I say yes
Todd Helton - yes
David Ortiz - no
Chase Utley - yes
Dustin Pedroia - too early to tell
David Wright - too early to tell but I am leaning to yes - so I am biased - whatever
Justin Upton - too early to tell
Manny - before the scandal - yes - now - no way
Jimmy Rollins - don't think so

Next up we have a group of Turkey Reds

Cy Young
Ryan Howard
Ryan Doumit
Matt Kemp

Finally we have some career best cards of some guys who were pretty good.

Walter Johnson - yup pretty good
Honus Wagner - yup, pretty good
Lou Gehrig - went to work everyday
Jackie Robinson - he was notable for something...

Speaking of Jackie Robinson - in first or 2nd grade I had to write a small report on who my hero was - I wrote that Reggie Jackson was my hero for being the first black baseball player in the Majors - whoops.

So thank you JayBee! The want list is now updated for anyone who is inclined to help!

09 Upper Deck Series 2 Box Inserts & Autogamers

2009-06-23T09:06:00.003-04:00

So I didn't realize that I had not posted in a week. Blogger has been a pain in my ass of late and my patience has been very low - anyone else have this issue? I have to do all of my posting in the Edit HTML box - if I got to compose, it will not allow me type anything - also, I keep getting locked in at the log in page -

Whatever - I got it to work now.

So anyway, I picked up a second box of UD series 2 - missing only 2 cards from that set now which is very nice - here are all the inserts and hits from said box,

The team USA cards received are for Tommy Mendonca, Mike Minor, and Micah Gibbs - The only one of these dudes I know of is Mike Minor who was the 7th pick of the Braves - who really I don't care about anymore because they aren't good - Congrats Atlanta - you are now LESS hated than Philly!

Next up we have the O Pee Chee preview cards. You know I like this set - its classic, clean - nice design, classic card stock - but 6 cards in a pack? I have no choice but to call bullshit - I'll just buy a completed set on ebay in a month after someone busts a few cases for the 6 hits that won't be worth $14.

So we got Johan Santana, Mark Teixeira, Josh Hamilton, and Jonathan Papelbon. As a Mets fan I am of course digging the Johan. Tex has come up huge after (another) slow April. Josh - did anyone else see the article on The Onion about how his former drug dealer is upset that he is now playing baseball becuase he had so much "Junkie Potential"? It was fantastic - I'm all for guys quittin the shit, but I wish he wasn't all about the God stuff. Finally - Papelsmear - any card that doesn't have that "I just won the World Series, I'm gonna shit on the field" picture is good by me.

Carlos Villanueva gold 95/99

Who said nothing exciting ever happens?!

20th Anniversary Buy Back Rich Gedman - wow between this and the Carlos Villanueva card I've not gotten 2 corner stone collection hits in one box!

All right now - time for the good stuff -

oh wait - its UD Series 2?

The hits are gonna suck?

Really?

Yup.

AJ Griffin Auto
Ryan Lipkin Table Cloth
Alex Romero ball gag slice
Charles Johnson Spankerchief

Ugh

Adrian Gonzalez and Robin Ventura GU Cards

2009-06-16T11:00:00.001-04:00

When I went to grab my 2nd box of 09 UD series 2 I took a quick look at my dealers binder of game used and autos binder and found a couple of cards for a pretty sweet deal.

First up is my favorite all time Player Robin Ventura - This is my first game used card of his and comes from a 2001 Upper Deck set - This is great because it has a piece of a White Sox Jersey and a Mets Jersey with a stripe - I am really happy about having this card in my collection now!

The Next card is Adrian Gonzalez from a 2004 Topps Set - Don't know much of this card besides its a minors jersey it looks like - really just thought it was a neat card so I grabbed it - this one is up for trade if anyone is interested.

So grand total for these 2 cards - $6 - can't go wrong with that

Some B Mets Autos

2009-06-15T10:45:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday I spent 4 innings with the Binghamton Mets on their way to a 16-2 loss in the pouring rain. All of that kinda sucked - it was 1030 AM - the beer wasn't very cold and it wasn't Yuengling - the Hatfield deli was not open, so no pulled pork breakfast - the lines for hot dogs were about 40 kids long each - all in all not a good morning to be a 28 year old dude alone at a minor league baseball game.

But I was able to get a few cards signed (cards courtesy of Paul's Random Stuff). Paul will be getting his own copy of each of these cards plus Shawn Bowman who I lost the 2nd card of, so I only had him sign the one for Paul -

Here they are in the order received
First up was Josh Thole - he remembered be from the bowling day and again, was a real pleasure - got to talk to him for a few minutes about getting a day off and Brad Holt - He signed for everybody and really is the nicest guy I can remember on one of these B Mets teams - Murphy and Carp were always nice, but you can tell that with Thole he really enjoys all of everything

Next up is Stephen Clyne who pitched poorly and wasn't nice, wasn't mean - just kinda grunted and moved on - but he was still nice enough to sign

Finally Roydrick Merrit - This dude didn't even grunt... but still - nice enough to sign.

I will be getting more players as the opportunity presents itself. Thanks again for the cards Paul!

2009 UD Series 2 box packs 12-16

2009-06-14T09:39:00.000-04:00

to wrap up the worst box break in blogging history (this is the last time I scan all the cards then do posts a week later - feel so disconnected from the cards now) we see the final hit of the box which is Matt Kemp - This guy is earmarked for GCRL whom I am still indebted to. I am going to be picking up a 2nd box in hope of finishing my set on Friday - I will probably just do a hits scan out of that box since we really have seen what this set is about - so thanks for everything ya'll

Upper Deck Series 2 box packs 7-11

2009-06-13T09:27:00.001-04:00

Here we go with scans from packs 7 - 11 - a couple things of note -

We have Alex Rios shown below - if you go to you tube and search Alex rios Fans there is clip of him telling a middle age man heckling him to fuckoff. it won't let me embed.

the Chutley card below is numbered /99

Ryan Jackson is projecting as a 2nd round pick - and now I have a piece of his shirt.

So now we have seen half of the box - what do you all think of the cards? I know my analysis isnt all that good, but I know the scans look nice - what do you think?

2009 Upper Deck Series 2 Want List

2009-06-12T12:50:00.001-04:00

2 boxes down - lets see what I need

905, 1002

Wow - only 2 cards missing - let me know if you can help!

2009 Upper Deck Series 2 Box Packs 3-6

2009-06-12T09:17:00.001-04:00

Here we are with packs 3 through six of the Upper Deck Series 2 box.

The first cards we see here are a team USA guy not named Strasburg and 2 guys that are toiling on the mound of my random fantasy teams, Chad Billingsly and Johnathan Sanchez. I've been on the billingsly train for about 3 years now, so it's nice to see him really succeed.

The first traditional hit of the box is a dual auto/GU card of Team USA's Mike Minor - I did a very little amount of research on him and it looks like he is going to be a first round pick this year - so thats good - maybe a team collector out there will be happy when I trade this one away after you draft him!

Finally - a bunch of scans from the set - I love that almost all of the Royals cards have them in those blue unis - They are hands down my favorite ones in the set. At the bottom you will also see another O Pee Chee card - this one of Ichiro and this one not boring - a definite step up from that last one we saw.

2009 Upper Deck Series 2 Hobby Box Packs 1 & 2

2009-06-11T08:59:00.000-04:00

Few weeks back I picked up box 1 (of 2) that I will be busting of 09 Ud Series 2. I dont know what it is - but I love this set. The quality control does suck as I had 4 mangled cards in the box that are on their way to be replaced, but once these cards are in pages - I love looking through this set. This takes me to a question before we get to the cards?
How do you prefer your cards to be sequenced in a set? Do you like the randomness or Topps or do you like the team set a la Upper Deck? I think that I favor the UD approach by team/rookies/checklists etc...It's almost like reading a story about the season. What do you think?
The first package in the box was a buyback auto of Jim Morris from a 99 UD product - My dealer said this was the old dude that the movie "The Rookie" was about. Keep in mind that I get this card while the guy who opened 2 boxes of this stuff while I was also in the store got a Tim Hudson GU/AUTO and a Griffey Auto as his bonus hits. This card is certainly on the block. At least its an on card auto.Just a few base cards here - Chipper for Dayf and the Captain, Tex for people who like boring Yankee cards and backdrops, Nate Mclouth for Dayf and the Captain, and Carlos Pena for his family back home - your little boy made the show!Next up we have our first met - the most aptly named man in history of sport, JJ Putz (yeah I mean like that slang for cock). I was excited for him but 20% of me thought it could be a huge failure - and so far he has been. Now - I scanned all of these Team USA guys and dont know why - none of them are named Strasburg. I did pull my one buyback card and at least it was a Met - Take a look at Nails, Lenny Dykstra. Does anyone else think these are stupid? It's not like 1089 Ud is so hard to come by that these buybacks are a treat or anything. Finally, we have from pack 2 a Carlos Beltran Award Winner card and the first O Pee Chee preview card - a boring ass shot of Matt Holliday playing grab ass in the outfield. Nothing makes me excited for a set like shitty photography!More to come! Also - Packages just went out to anyone waiting except you Jeff - that goes out on payday cause its gonna be a few bones to ship.

Presents from the Troll

2009-06-10T14:28:00.000-04:00

A week back or so I received an email and subsequent package from Marck @ the Collective Troll. Mark was VERY generous in sending me a bunch of cards needed for my 2007 Bowman heritage, 2008 Topps Heritage, and 2007 Topps 52 Rookies Sets. Let's take a look.

First up for the original set that won't die - 2008 Topps Heritage We've got base cards of Preston Wilson, Dan Wheeler, and Phil Hughes. You will also see a New Age Performer of John Lackey (who is pitching really well as I type this - it's 6/4/09 as this is being written) and a Then and Now card featuring Orlando Cepada and Magglio Ordonez.

Next up was a group of 07 52' Rookies - This is a set that I am getting closer and closer to finishing - I would officially say that the end is in sight. Of the cards here, the only player of I have even really heard of is Jack Cassel - but I love them all for the spots in the binder they will fill.

Now Mark didn't only base cards - there were also a handful of inserts. There were 2 Diamond Flashacks - Maggiol Ordonez and Paul Lo Duca. I miss Paul as a Met if for no other reason than he was the only guy on the team you could always count on to play with a little fire. Next up there were some Dynamic Duo inserts. Lets pit them against each other.

David Murphy and Jarrod Saltalamacchia - I'll take Salty for position scarcity
Alex Gordon and Billy butler - Again, I'll take Gordon for position scarcity - 1st baggers like Butler are a dime a dozen
Tim Lincecum and Nate Schierholtz - No contest gotta go with Lincey

Next there were a bunch of 07 Bowman Heritage cards - of the ones received I chose to highlight 3 pitching aces and some rookies.

Of the Rookies received 3 have come on to really make impacts for their teams - josh Hamilton, John Danks, and Glen Perkins - and actually Michael Bourne too - Dallas Braden and Curtis Thigpen are still working on sticking at the Big Show. Three pitchers who not only have stuck, but could be perennial Cy Young award winners are Roy Oswalt, Dan Haren, and Rich Harden - I would love to have any of these arms in a Mets uniform.

Finally, a bunch of prospects I don't know anything about - so I just scanned three of each color. Enjoy

So Marck - Thank you very much - some heritage and Rays are on their way to you!

A suprise from the Night Owl

2009-06-09T11:20:00.000-04:00

I can;t help but think that when writing "Surprise from the Night Owl" that what follows should be something like a letter to Penthouse.

Fortunately tough, thats not how Greg rolls over. How he does roll is by being in humble estimation - the creme de la creme of all baseball card bloggers and supreme amounts of generosity.

Greg recently parted with a handful of 2009 Topps Heritage cards for me to help finish off the set that will never die. Thanks to Greg though, its now on life support as I get closer and closer to finishing. Greg was even kind enough to part with some dear Dodgers for me. I chose to scan the ones below by the scientific means of choosing every other card. Isn't that wild?

I have to set my favorite card of the bunch is the Utley New Age Performers. I really like the set and I think that Utley is the best 2nd baseman in baseball (sorry Ian Kinsler).

So Greg - Thank you kindly and once I get my shit together I Promise to reciprocate.

Suprise package from over yonder!

2009-06-08T10:49:00.000-04:00

A few weeks back I received a surprise package from john over at the Pursuit of 80s Blog across the sea. John was kind enough to let go of a few Mets cards for my team collection. While there were a lot of cards in the lot I didn't have - Here are a few that I thought were extra awesome.First up anyone who has been reading this blog for a while knows that I love me some Robin Ventura (to the tune of him being my all time favorite player). Unfortunately - while Robin was playing I was not collecting (ahem, while he was playing for the Mets) so I don't have many cards of him in a Mets uniform. Now I have a 2000 Fleer Focus and a 1999 Topps Finest (with UV coating) to add to the player collection. Next up we have Mike Pizza chillin' in front of a scroll from 200 Fleer Showcase. This is really an ugly card. How does this happen? What does a scroll have to do with baseball? Because this a Consummate Prose card? The back calls mike a "Master of wooden Disaster" - hardly groundbreaking stuff there. I would like to relay a small Piazza story here if I could though. The singer Meatloaf is a huge Mets fan from all accounts I have heard. In an interview of Meat I read when he released Bat out of Hell III he stated that the first song "The Monster Is Loose" came to him while at a Mets game. Piazza was coming up to hit and was slumping when Meat heard the equipment manager yell to Mike "C;mon Mike, the Monster is loose!". Good stuffNext up is a 1999 Fleer Ultra John Olerud card. I am a sucker for the Ultra line and wish that UD would do something about bringing some Fleer back into our lives. Just a nice card of John at the plate doing what he did best. A fact about John that I did not know is that according to the back of his card, John never played in the minors after he was drafted. hmmm.Next we have a 2008 Bowman Fernando Martinez. Another player I am invested in due to his time here in Binghamton. It's been great to see him play up at Citi Field although i don't think he is destined to stay there this season - something tells me once Church is off the DL Fernando will find himself back in Buffalo.
Finally, we have a 2007 Bowman Heritage prospect card of mike Devaney - This card is going straight into my Bowman Heritage Binder as it was needed for me set.
So John - Thank you for the kindness of just sending these my way - I know my recent self well enough to say that I will get something back out to you - but it probably will be a bit of time until that happens. My card room right now is a mess and its a bit tough for me to get trades together unless its out of a se ttha tI have already in order and such - but I will keep ya in mind for any Jacoby's or other cool Red Sox stuff for you!

Last Card Show Addition

2009-06-07T10:41:00.000-04:00

I mentioned yesterday that I picked up one Non Heritage card at the recent card show and here it is. A 2009 Topps Finest Rookie Patch Auto of Mets lefty Jon Niese. While he is struggling he is still a favorite of mine since getting to spend some time watching him here in Binghamton last year. I really think that he will be a good player down the line - just needs to get control of his off speed pitches, but I guess that can be said for most minor league pitchers.

Eventually I would like to collect his whole last name - same for the Parnell cards from the same set - but that's a down the line goal - nothing I am going to pursue too heavily.

Card Show Goodies

2009-06-06T11:28:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I went to the card show with one goal - 2009 Heritage. I ended up doing very well, in fact, I only bought one card that was not Heritage which I will scan at a later date. At this point, I think it would be prudent to let you all know I am about 40 cards away (including inserts/sps) from finishing this set that I never planned on collecting in the first place. First up we have a bunch of base cards that I needed - Longoria and Beltran being the obvious highlights.I was able to grab a few inserts as well - I got the last News Flashback card - which is good, because I hate those. Also grabbed the Papi Mayo and few sharp new Age Performers.When going through the SPs I picked up I realized it must suck to be a Twins collector because there were 4 of them out of the 20 or so that I bought -Punto, Slowey, Perkins, GomezThere were also a few "stars" in the other base sps I picked up - Tulo, Posada, Dye - nice group of playersI love these creepy floating head coach cards - I was really happy to get the Mets one - I would still like to grab another one to get signed.Finally we have some of the All Star SPs - funny how out these 5 Chipper is the only one who seems like a legitimate star anymore - Sheets is always hurt, Manny is Manny, Soto and Kosuke are terribly inconsistent... so good for ChipperHopefully soon this set will be all done with and I can move on to something else because it surely is a chore to finish up. If anyone has anything off the want list, I greatly appreciate it!

A couple of Turkeys

2009-06-05T12:40:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago new dad Scott over @ Hand Collated was kind enough to send me 2 more Turkey Red cards to help out with my Series 1 Topps set.

I know I keep saying it, but these cards work so much better as an insert than a set on their own I think. Of the 2 I think I like the Johnson best. If I had to pick one of these guys to be on the Mets, I would probably go Pence, but they are both nice players. Not stars, but very nice players.

Who wants some free hockey cards?

2009-06-04T16:24:00.002-04:00

I've got a box of approx 200 90 Topps and 90 Pro Set hockey cards here - haven't really looked through them, don't know if the cards are really any good or not - they seem to be in fine shape - I just dont know shit about hockey or why I have these. So here we go

First person to email me Stephenbrown1980 .at. hotmail.com with your address gets the cards - help me clean my closet please!

Thank you.

Also - if you are the first or think you are - leave a comment here too so people know that the cards are claimed. Thanks again.

2009 Topps Jumbo Box - Last pack

2009-06-04T11:10:00.002-04:00

Finally - we have come to the end...

Fantasy Teamers -

Taylor Teagarden - he's in a dynasty league so I am not giving up on him yet
Willy Tavarez - I play him about once every 2 weeks for a steal here and there - he does not let me down

Inserts

ROH -- Bobby Cox - ugh

Jorge Posada Gold 768/2009 - finally a good player -- albeit one I dont really like

WBC - Ichiro - ok

Legends of the Game Ryne Sandberg - I must disagree with Mario - I like to look of these cards

Topps Town - Ian Kinsler - very nice

Turkey Red - josh Hamilton - am I the only one who doesn't care this dude used to be a junkie?

And the last relic - Aroldis Chapman - cool . who wants it?

All told - I am okay with this box - the Braun Auto is really cool - We'll see how happy I really am when I break it down and see if the whole set was there or not.

2009 Topps Series 2 Jumbo box pack 9

2009-06-03T10:57:00.000-04:00

Down to the last 2 packs - does this one have the missing relic? - no - that would be pack 10 tomorrow - here is what 9 had for me

Fantasy Dudes

Jim Thome - Been a nice player in my points league

Jorge Posada - Before he got hurt was great - glad I drafted 3 catches (Napoli and Soto the others)

Adam Dunn - dude just hits homers

Nick Swisher - Waiver wire guy when I got sick of waiting for Travis Snider to play more

First Met in 3 packs is Jose Reyes - I do not like this card -why make a card of a guy when you cant even see his face at all? Just not that into this card

Insert wise we do OK this go around

Legends of teh Game - Tom Glavine - I grew to appreciate him while with the Mets although he wasnt very great with us.

Turkey Red - Jay Bruce - Have him in 2 of 3 leagues this year - doing ok - at least the power is there

Topps Town - Carlos Beltran - having a hell of a year

ROH Aaron Rowand - you know how I feel

WBC - Chris Denorfia - dont like these

Austin Kearns Gold 1704/2009 - meh

1 more

2009 Topps Series 2 jumbo box Pack 8

2009-06-02T10:42:00.000-04:00

We are winding down the pack breaks, which is great for me because I'm doing them all in one day then scheduling them out - As you can tell by the infrequency of posts - lately I haven't had too much time to be able to devote to this, so when I have an unfettered morning, I need to take advantage of it.

The only fantasy guy in pack 8 here is Huston Street - Thank goodness he got that closer job back - but I really didnt think that Corpas would hang onto it - so all is good.

Insert was this pack was lackluster

Topps Town - Vladimir guererro - Just not the player he was anymore due to injuries

Lgends of the Game - Trevor hoffman - for some reason I just never bought into this guy - I know he's great - but just doesn't do it for me

Turkey red - ryan zimmerman - I've been burned by him the past and stayed away this year - dumbass me

ROH -Dusty Baker - ok

Humberto Quintero gold 1721/2009

WBC Aroldis Chapman - Anyone know anything about this dude?

only 2 more to go

2009 Topps Series 2 Jumbo Box Pack 7

2009-06-01T10:22:00.000-04:00

Well 1 pack after wondering if I had cleared out all of my fantasy guys from this box, I get 5 mor from pack 7.

Joba - don't be hurt too long ok?

Lyle Overbay - Injury replacement for Carlos Delgado

Jason Bartlett - AL MVP? Don't snicker - if the Rays make the playoffs and no one else has an Incredible season - you will see this guy get some real votes

James Loney - For a dude this big he needs to hit for more power - I dont need 30 bombs, but would 20 be too much to ask?

Dan Haren - one of the best in the National League

Inserts -

ROH - Dave Justice - man - this set sucks

Doug Davis Gold 1615/2009

Jin Young Lee - WBc - uummm - ok

Legends of the Game - Chipper Jones - deservedly so - HOF all the way

Topps Town - Derek Jeter - Remeber the Wham song Jitterbug? in the intro the say "do the jitterbug"? well, me and my friends always call Jeter here
"Jeter-fag" to the tune of "Jitterbug". I know we arent funny. but really dont have too much to say about this dude unless its about all the ladies hes gotten to know intimately.

Turkey Red - Alfonso Soriano - another very classy card

And the relic - Angel Berroa Game Used Bat card - I honestly considreed throwing this cad away because I can't even imaging anyone wanting this card

3 more packs left

2009 Topps Series 2 Jumbo Box Pack 6

2009-05-31T10:04:00.001-04:00

Working on pack 6 of the break now and for the first time there was not a single player from any of my fantasy teams here - have I cleaned them all out? I doubt that, but we will see.

I did get one Met - Brian Schneider - not exactly waiting with bells on for his return - he's a nice player - he's exactly who we traded for - just so underwhelming though - I'd rather take my chances with Santos and Castro - but money says that Santos will take the trip to AAA when Brian comes back.

There was a nice batch of inserts in this pack that you can see below.

Legends of the Game Reggie Jackson - Man - these are really nice - Topps really nailed some of its insert sets this year.

Topps Town Ian Kinsler - a man who is helping my dynasty league quite a bit this year.

Turkey Red Mark Teixeira - he's finally hitting for the Yanks - so that sucks

Kurt Suzuki Gold 1656/2009 - man my gold cards have stunk this box

ROH - Chris Carpenter - meh

Red Hot Rookie Redemption #9 - when does the list come out? not until August right?

Thats a bit more like - there are now 4 redemption's I am waiting for from Topps dating back to November 2008