Denny’s 1996

I am total sucker for gimmick cards.  I love motion and hologram cards, and anything that looks like some effort went into it.   That’s why I’m a fan of the Denny’s card sets from the 90’s.  I just bought the 1996 set on eBay, and I think it’s a nice little set.  You have to angle the cards just right to get the full effect though, and I’m sure my lovely wife thought there was something wrong with me as I contorted my arms and head trying to watch the action unfold on the cards. 

The scan won’t show it obviously, but every hologram is actually a little “video” of a significant play or moment for each of the 28 players.  There is a write up on the back notating the event.  I especially like the Ozzie Smith opening day back flip, and the home run from Cal Ripken’s 2,131st consecutive game.  By my count, there are a dozen current or future Hall of Famers in this set.

From a Historical/Americana standpoint, I even like the Denny’s logo being on the cards.  The 1997 set is even nicer, as Baseball Cards Come To Life points out in this post.    Denny’s put out sets almost every year in the 90s.  A collector could put together a pretty interesting master set of Denny’s cards without spending too much money. 

Booknotes- Ron Shandler's Baseball Forecaster

The Borders Bookstore in my area is closing,  all of their books are at least 60% off , and I was able to grab a couple of books I normally would not have bought.  I went in hoping to find a 2011 Baseball Prospectus, or the newest Baseball Card Catalog, or the book Mint Condition (anyone read this?) but no such luck. 

I did get my hands on a 2011 Ron Shandler Baseball Forecaster, which I was always curious about but never bought.  I typically by a Baseball Prospectus every year, and that is usually enough for me.

I was blown away by this book and it would have been worth buying at full price.  Perhaps my report on this book is untimely, since this type of book is geared toward fantasy baseball players, and the season is a week underway.   However, even though I am not playing fantasy baseball for the first time in 15 years, I am already finding this book useful from a fan perspective ( take Alexi Ogando's first start for the Rangers, as well as this book's hint that he has some strong upside, and I am already feeling better about the Rangers pitching this year).  I also am getting value from it from a collector/investor perspective (buy Mike Stanton).  There is a nice section on top Minor League prospects, and I was happy to see some nice write ups for former Naturals/ Royals prospects Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and Mike Montgomery.

A big part of book is dedicated individual player historical stats and 2011 projections.  There is also a brief, efficient comment about each player as well.  Part of the fun of books like this is to revisit them as the season plays out, and see if the authors were on target or not. 
 
There are also several top shelf analytical essays at the front of the book that are really impressive if you are into that sort of thing.   I did think it was interesting that in the introduction, there basically was an acknowledgement of, "Hey the more we learn, and the more sophisticated our tools become, the more we realize, these players are humans and we're just not going to ever nail this stuff."  To me, that gives the book credibility.

Simply put, The Ron Shandler's Baseball Forecaster is a must for any baseball fan's library and I am glad I finally opened up to it.

Cyber Monday- Etopps T206

Ok, so I'm late on my Sunday book review, and early on my etopps preview.  The book review will be up probably tomorrow.  I happened to be looking around on etopps tonight and saw they had the "coming soon" cards up earlier than normal, so I thought I would bang out the "heads up" now.

I hope Etopps has it's stuff together this week better than last week.  I was bummed that the Buster Posey we were expecting was never offered, and by the looks of it, never will be.  I hope the same thing doesn't happen for these two:

Monday's offerings will be Joe Dimaggio and Walter Johnson.  I am all over these two, especially the DiMaggio!  I do not know what the cost or print run will be, but for DiMaggio, it won't matter.  Again, if you are interested, be sure to be online at 1 pm est when these are posted.
I assume 2011 Baseball is not far behind.

Thank you Rangers!

For the great start this season.  I really wanted to post something after the 3 game brain-beating-bashing of Boston, but I was able to stop myself when I realized that my not posting is the reason they had started so well!  So I held off while they swept the Mariners.  I was thinking 162-0 was not only possible, but highly likely.  But maybe that was expecting too much.  Now that they have lost a game, I can start up my Rangers posts and not feel guilty about it.  Rangers fans, feel free to thank me for holding out as long as I did.    And standing on an uncompromising history of heterosexuality, let me just say to all of the Rangers, especially Nelson Cruz and Ian Kinsler:  I love you.

I didn't realize it until I scanned it, but that 2010 silk card of Cruz is numbered with his jersey #17!  That's got to be a sign!  Texas Rangers, World Series Champions 2011, 2012 and 2013!!!!!

Big Fun Game Final Pick #10

hiflew takes a chance and picks the last door, #4

Etopps in hand 2008 Peyton Manning.  If you've never had an etopps card in hand, I think you will be pleased with how this looks.

Please be sure to email me your addresses, and I will get the packages out early next week.

Here are the final results:

1) Mariner1- Topps 2009 Sterling Lot
1) Mariner1- Topps 2009 Sterling Lot
2) Steve D-  Andy Ashby Auto
3) Ryan G- 2010 Triple Threads #d lot
4) Matt Pederson- Topps HD Rodriguez Cutting Edge Di Cut Card
5) Lost Collector- Topps Debut 2010 #d Lot
6) SpastikMooss - Terrell Davis Jersey Card- Frozen w/ SpastikMooss after 2 steals
7) BA Benny- Octavio Dotel Auto
8) Dimwit- Justin Upton Lot
9) dawgbones- 2011 Topps Young Stars Lot
10) hiflew- Etopps Peyton Manning in hand card


Thanks for playing and I hope everyone had fun!  I will definately do this again, so please let me know if you have any suggestions for the next time.

Big Fun Game Pick # 9

dawgbones passes on the steal, and selects door #6:

Topps 2011 young stars lot:  Strasburg, Stanton, Hellickson, Price, Prado and McCutchen

hiflew can either steal or take the final door #4.

You can cut the tension with a knife people....

Big Fun Game Pick #8

The Dimwit is tempted but passes on stealing and chooses door #9:

6 card lot of Justin Upton

dawgbones is next and can steal (except for the T. Davis jersey card) or choose from remaining lots 4 or 6...

Baseballcardsrule rules!

Received a nice package of cards from Ben at Baseballcardsrule.com.  This is one of my favorite blogs, and he does some cool things over there.
I sent him a card he wanted, and he shot back with some nice cards of two of my favorite players, Mike Piazza and Tony Gwynn:

I'm very excited to get the Holoview Piazza, as it is a new set I have added to my Super Duper Checklist and don't have this important part yet.  Also happy to see the 2nd year Bowman card which I didn't have.

He also threw in some Tony Gwynn's and I'm happy to say that 3 of 4 of these I don't have.  The Fleer Limited Edition is one I have, but it is tucked away in with the rest of the set, so now I have an extra for my Gwynn pages.

Thank you so much Ben!

Big Fun Game Pick #7

Mariner1 chooses door #3:

Topps 2009 Sterling lot #d to 250 - Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Joe Morgan and Tom Seaver

The Dimwit is up and can steal anything but the Terrell Davis card, or can pick from doors 4,6,9

Big Fun Game Update

Here is where we are after 6 picks and a handful of steals:

1) Mariner1 Dotel was stolen by BA Benny, so Mariner 1 is up to pick
2) Steve D-  Andy Ashby Auto
3) Ryan G- 2010 Triple Threads #d lot
4) Matt Pederson- Topps HD Rodriguez Cutting Edge Di Cut Card
5) Lost Collector- Topps Debut 2010 #d Lot
6) SpastikMooss - Terrell Davis Jersey Card- Frozen w/ SpastikMooss after 2 steals
7) BA Benny- Octavio Dotel Auto
8) Dimwit
9) dawgbones
10) hiflew

Remaining lots are (3, 4, 6, 9)


This has been fun so far, thanks to all the participants!

Naturals Night

What a fun evening last night!  It was my first game of the season, and it was just about perfect.  The weather was a nice 80 degrees, and a couple of big time prospects were on the hill.  Some highlights of the evening.

- The guy from Jag was in town promoting his new movie, and threw the first pitch.  I don't remember his name or the movie, and didn't take his picture.  But not a bad celebrity to throw out the first pitch at a AA game.
- John Lamb and Casey Kelly were on the hill for the Nats and the San Antonio Missions (San Diego's AA team).  Prospectors and Red Sox fans probably recognize Casey Kelly's name.  He was the central piece to the Adrian Gonzalez trade.  Both looked pretty good early, but both started struggling after a while. 
- I was thrilled to be able to once again partake in Funnel Dogs.  Yes, it's a hot dog wrapped in funnel cake.  Yes, it's delicious.

- Wil Myers (Baseball American Top 100 prospect)  is young (20) and pretty skinny.  But he hits the ball... hard. At least he did his first at bat.  Then he walked and struck out and I don't remember what he did his fourth time up.  These pics are with my camera phone, and it stinks.

- Christian Colon, the Royals #1 pick last year had some nice hits as well, and few nice plays at short.  I wouldn't be shocked if he is called up late this year. 
- The Missions left fielder, Jaff Decker, was throwing lasers out of left field all night.  He is listed as one of the Padres top prospects.
- Last, but certainly not least, SHE was at the game:

That's right, Miss Arkansas, and runner-up Miss America, Alyse Eady was at the game.  I got a big old crush on Alyse, and my wife doesn't even care.  Not only is she ultra hot, almost on par with my lovely wife, this is what she did for her talent show at the Miss USA pageant:



That is seriously the most awesome thing a Miss USA contestant could possibly do, and I'll fight anyone who says otherwise.

Jag guy, MLB prospects, funnel dogs and Miss Arkansas.  What a night!

I'm somewhere cooler than you...

On an absolutely perfect night, watching John Lamb and Casey Kelly go at.  BA Benny steals the Dotel auto so Mariner1 gets to steal or pick. 

Big Fun Game Pick #6

With Spastik Mooss stealing the Davis jersey card, Matt chooses door #1:

2001 Topps HD Cutting Edge Alex Rodriguez (a personal favorite insert of mine)

Also,  I am headed out to a Naturals game, so I won't be able to update anything until around 11 pm tonight.

BA Benny is up and can steal anything but the Davis jersey card, which belongs to SpastikMooss after 2 steals,or can choose from doors 3,4,6 or 9.

SpastikMooss, you can email me your address and I'll get the card in the mail to you.

Will a package going from someone named Napkin Doon to someone named SpastikMooss raise any red flags?

Big Fun Game Pick #5

After having his Terrell Davis card stolen, Ryan G selects door #10:

2010 Triple Threads Lot- Ozzie Smith and Adrian Gonzales #d to 525 and a Chase Utley #d to 99.

SpastikMooss is up next and can steal any item, or pick a new door (1,3,6,4,9 still available)

***UPDATE*** SpastikMooss steals the Terrell Davis jersey card from Matt, so the card is frozen and the property of SpastikMooss!

Matt can now choose any of the revealed items, or choose a new door.

Big Fun Game Steal!

The Lost Collector steals Matt's Topps Debut lot.  Matt can now either steal from any other revealed lot (other than the Topps Debut Lot) or can pick another door.


***UPDATE*****
Matt has stolen Ryan G's Terrell Davis card.  Ryan can now either steal anything but the Davis card (if he steals the Topps Debut lot, it's his since that will be the second steal of it) or he can pick from the remaining available doors.

Big Fun Game Pick #4

Matt also declines to steal as well and picks door #7:

A lot of Topps Debut Series Two Blue Border Cards #d to 369

The Lost Collector is up, and can steal from the previous 4 picks or select a new door (available doors are 1,3,4,6,9,10)

Big Fun Game Pick #3

Ryan G declines to steal the Dotel or Ashby autographs and takes door #2:

Terrell Davis Stadium Club game used jersey.  This was an item I received from etopps and was encased and sealed with an etopps sticker.

Matt Pederson is up now, and can steal from the three previous picks or go out on his own.

Big Fun Game Pick 2

Steve D passes on the steal and selects door #5:

Andy Ashby Donruss Signature Series Autograph

Ryan G is up, and can either steal the Dotel or Ashby autos, or pick another door.

Big Fun Game Pick #1

Mariner1 selects Door #8:

Octavio Dotel SP Signature

Steve D can either steal this or take his chances with another Door.

Napkin Doon's Big Fun Game Pick Order:

Here is the randomly set pick order:

1) Mariner1
2) Steve D
3) Ryan G
4) Matt Pederson
5) Lost Collector
6) SpastikMooss
7) BA Benny
8) Dimwit
9) dawgbones
10) hiflew

Mariner1 is on the clock.  Once he picks from lot 1-10, I will reveal the prize and it will be Steve Ds decision to steal the prize or pick something else.  I will check back in an hour or so,  now I really have to put the kids to bed. 

Have fun!

Napkin Doon's Big Fun Game!!!!

So help me, I am going to generate some buzz on this blog.   One thing I think would be fun to do is a “White Elephant” card giveaway.  I am going to select 10 decent-to-good card “gifts” and let the first 10 people to sign up play a game of “White Elephant” to claim them.   I think this game has several names, but this is how I know it.  Here is how it will work:

After I have 10 readers sign up for the game, I will randomly set a pick order.  Whoever has the first pick can choose any lots #1-10.  I have already determined the prizes and assigned numbers to them.  Rest assured, there won’t be anything crappy, like a 1990 Donruss common.  Some prizes will be better than others though.  There will be a few single cards, a few player lots, and few autos, and some other surprises.   Keep in mind I am doing this on my dime, so don’t expect a vintage Mantle.

After player 1 picks their prize, I will identify the prize and cue player 2 to pick.  Player 2 can either steal that prize or pick from the remaining lots.  Player 3 can then either steal one of the known prizes, or can steal from the remaining lots.  It will go that way all the way until player 10 chooses their prize.    If player 10 however,  chooses to steal a prize from another player, that player will then have the option of taking the final unknown prize,  or stealing from someone else.  We’ll keep going until all prizes are claimed.  A couple of rules to keep in mind:

Prizes can only be stolen twice.  Once an item is stolen twice, it is frozen.

Players cannot steal back from someone who just stole from them.  You must wait at least one round to steal an item back if you get the opportunity.

Once the game is over, please email me your address and I will send out your prize.

Signups are first come first serve, and the game will begin as soon as I have 10 contestants.

Hopefully this makes sense, and if it goes well, we’ll do it again sometime.


****UPDATE***** The game has been filled.   I have a feeling we will do this again sometime, so keep checking back!

T206- Lena Blackburne

“What do you do with them?”  This is the question I get the most from friends and family who are curious about why I collect baseball cards.  It’s the question I have the most trouble answering.  I don’t really do anything with them once I have them.  Sure, I trade a few, and read the backs, and flip through the albums I put together.  But the enjoyment for me is in the process of collecting.   The enjoyment is in going back through the previously sorted cards and finding the star that came out of nowhere, or the HOFer that I missed the first pass through.  The enjoyment is in chasing down and completing a big (or small) set after time and watching my super duper checklist spreadsheet give me that lovely 100% complete approval.   The enjoyment is in getting something cool when opening a pack.

The enjoyment is also in finding a card with a story, which may be my favorite aspect of the hobby.  As an aside, I highly recommend Bob Lemke’s blog.  His “Uncommon Commons” feature that appears regularly is a great source of information and stories behind the cards.

With that in mind, I was especially happy to finally win an eBay auction for this Lena Blackburne T206 card.

 I love T206 cards, especially when I can get them at a good price, and when they have some sort of historical significance.  I have been hunting this Blackburne card for a long time, and could never score one for under $20.  This one I did, even though it is not in the greatest shape.  I don’t care about that when it comes to T206, however.

Here’s what’s cool about Lena Blackburne:  his contribution to baseball is tied to every ML game, inning, out and pitch that has occurred over the past 60 years.  Back in 1930s it was common for pitchers to rub baseballs with all sorts of substances to take the shine off the ball.   Blackburne found a source of mud close to home that he liked and used it.  Apparently it caught on, because soon he was supplying the entire American League with rubbing mud.   He refused to supply the National League until the 50s, apparently out of loyalty to the AL.  This is the same mud from the same source that is still used today on every major league baseball.  The location has been kept a secret, but if you are so inclined, you can go to the Lena Blackburne Rubbing Mud Website and learn more, or even order a can for yourself.  I have been very tempted to order some and incorporate it into the flower bed in our front yard.  (I’ve incorporated field turf from Razorback Stadium in my lawn, so why not some baseball mud in my flower garden?)     

Wax Wednesday - COMC Haul

I don't know why I insist on calling this feature "Wax Wednesday."  I think I've actually shown pack breaks maybe twice since I've started blogging.  Of course, my ridiculous decision to not-buy-cards-for-lent-except-for-when-I-really-really-want-them has a little to do with it.  It's kept me from buying wax, but I still can't help myself when I see a good eBay auction or something on Sportlots.com or Checkoutmycards.com.  And recently I found some cards on COMC that for my super duper checklist that I couldn't pass up:

The Pujols was the best deal, coming in at a sweet $1.25 per card, so I grabbed 2.  These are part of 2002 Stadium Club set , and I am now 85% complete of this insert set, with only cards 9 (Piazza), 10 (McGwire), and 13 (Thome) to go.  If anyone has those three that are willing to part with them in trade, please drop a note.  I've already completed the base and Stadium Shots insert sets.  One of these days I will get my act together and set up a page of what I have for trade.

Naturals Night

Last night at the Fayetteville Mall, the entire NW Arkansas Naturals team was signing autographs, so I packed up the family and we headed out.  As a father, it was exciting to see my son getting a baseball and a few cards signed.  He’s five, so I don’t think he was all that stoked about it to begin with, but as we went around the table, and he was more comfortable talking to the players, he really began to enjoy himself.  When we were done and his ball was completely covered with signatures, he was very excited!  I was too, thinking, “This is the year he really becomes a baseball fan, and we can really enjoy the game and the cards together.”   Then he saw the Cookie Co., handed his ball off to his mother and didn’t mention the Naturals the rest of the evening while he savored every bite of his true prize of the evening.   

Overall, the players were very pleasant and gracious.  Most took a moment to look my boy in the eye and say hello. A few just took the ball, signed it and passed it down without looking up, which as a father kind of ticked me off.  But I imagine this kind of event kind of gets to be a grind for a player, especially with how pushy and obnoxious some fans can be.  But come on, talk to my boy just a bit.  He is, after all, the cutest 5 year old on the planet.

I would like to mention John Lamb in particular as someone who was very gracious with my son.  He is considered a top 100 Major League prospect, and a good bet to be on the Royals roster in the next year or two.  As a card hobby enthusiast, I was thrilled that he signed a couple of cards that will mean more to my son over time, and I wish him the best.  I also found cards of Derrick Robinson and Christian Colon who were very nice as well.  One player I could not find a card of was Wil Myers, who is a top hitting prospect, and supposed to be on par with Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer.  I know I have his Bowman 2010 card somewhere, but couldn’t locate it.  At least we got his signature on the ball and poster.

Here are some of the fruits of our evening:

Cyber Monday- Big Etopps Week!

Etopps continues it’s T206 offering this week, and it’s a big one!  It’s been a long time since they have offered 4 cards at IPO, and the cards this week are outstanding!

 Sandy Koufax

 Buster Posey

Ryan Howard

Walter Johnson is the fourth card, but no image is available yet.

The Koufax and Posey are must buys, regardless of print run, and I’ll wait and see what the prices and print runs are for the Howard and Johnson.    I’m pretty sure I’ll get the Johnson too.

Be sure the order at 1 p.m. est, as these will likely be hard sellouts.

****UPDATE******
Looks like the Posey and Johnson will not be offered this week. 

Booknotes: Slouching Towards Fargo: A Two-Year Saga Of Sinners And St. Paul Saints At The Bottom Of The Bush Leagues With Bill Murray, Darryl Strawberry, Dakota Sadie And Me

Neal Karlen, 2000

Sometimes a book comes out that ties several interests of mine together, and immediately becomes a must read for me.  My hero (George Will) writing about my favorite sport (baseball), Men at Work: The Craft of Baseball, is one example of that happening.  Another example is Slouching Towards Fargo.    Combining subject matters of Darryl Strawberry, Bill Murray and Independent League Baseball, I was all over this one and gobbled it up quickly once I got my hands on it back when it was released in 2000.  I dusted it off again last night and skimmed through it.  It would make a great movie, and I wish someone would think about doing it. 

As I mentioned in my very first post, Darryl Strawberry was the first baseball player I followed, and I collected the heck out of his cards.  Additionally, I used to live in Lubbock, Texas and at the time there was an independent league called the Texas/Louisiana Association.  The Lubbock team was called the Crickets, named after Buddy Holly’s (Lubbock native) band.  The games were cheap, the baseball was actually not bad, and the atmosphere was odd.  It felt a little like a mix of minor league baseball and roller derby.    So a book that combined these two subject matters was right up my alley.

The book is based on a two season run of the St.Paul Saints, probably the most well known independent league team out there, who were partially owned by Bill Murray and Bill Veeck, and trotted out such players as J.D. Drew, who at the time was holding out for more money after being drafted by the Phillies, Jack Morris, and Darryl Strawberry.  Strawberry at this time had been kicked out of baseball, broke, on probation, and trying to find a way back to the big leagues. 

The author of the book was sent to cover this potential hot mess by Rolling Stone Magazine.  He intended to do a “hatchet job” on Murray and Strawberry and write a buzz worthy article for the magazine.  The book is the story of what he saw in that two year run and his fast changing views of the subject matters.

I am sorry to say, this book is no longer in print, and the only copies I see available are used copies on bn.com and amazon.com.  The good news is these copies are dirt cheap.   

Embarrassment Avoided…

I had every intention of writing something about the day after opening day.  It has actually always been my favorite baseball day, because the bandwagoners and the misty eyed poets have had their say and have moved on once opening day is done. 

Thankfully, I saw that an actual writer beat me to it and did it much better than I could.  I will avoid posting and suffering by comparison.  If you are a baseball fan and not reading Joe Posnanski, trust me, you should.   I especially love his Buck O'Neil story...

GO RANGERS!!!!!

First pitch for Rangers and Red Sox is just moments away.  Got it set up in the DVR so I will be avoiding looking at scores for the rest of the day at work.  It is so nice to buzz through commercials, pitching changes and mound visits.  How did I ever live without a DVR?  The combination of DVRs and HD television has completely spoiled me.      Here is the ideal scene for me:

Me+ HD Television + Rangers + couch + 2-3 Coronas + 2-3 Johnsonville Stadium Brats + 2011 Baseball Prospectus (which I have not picked up yet-shame on me!)  + cards to sort= Napkin Doon Bliss

Here’s what will happen:

Me  + urgent work emails + incessant attention request pleas from 5 year old boy  + incessant attention request screams from the 1 year old girl + no problems from my elegant, lovely wife (she does read this blog and I am not stupid) + dinner out=  Napkin Doon catching the highlights later in the evening

 Come to think of it, I’d rather go with the latter anyways….

Speaking of Napkin Doon Bliss, here are some nice looking 2005 Topps Gallery Artist Proofs I picked up on EBay last week.  I’m about 35% through with the 05 Gallery Artist Proof set,  which is fast becoming one of my favorites:

Wax Wednesday Topps HD 20/20

No wax openings this week, since I am sort of trying to hold off for lent.  I don't know why I bother though since I have been buying stuff at a cool local weekly auction, as well as online.  I was able to knock off one more set from my monster checklist:

This is from the 2001 Topps HD Set, and is a 10 card dicut set.  Actually, a few of these are the aluminum parallels, but sometimes they come cheaper than the base, so I don't care.  Does this mean that I technically don't have a complete set?  Well, excuse me, but my super checklist says otherwise:

Opening Day...

For my redesigned blog.  Not that my changes are any big deal.  My wife is actually the expert at this stuff so hopefully she will help me put something decent looking together.  There are several opening days I am looking forward to over the next few weeks:

- MLB Opening Day Thursday
- Rangers Opening Day Friday
- NW Arkansas Naturals Home Opener April 7th

I am also stunned to say that this will be my first year in 15 years that I have not played fantasy baseball.  Yes, I actually played in the late 80s before the Internet.  We drafted, made trades and were updated on standings all by mail.  At the time I thought it was the coolest thing ever.  Once fantasy leagues started showing up on the Internet, I didn't know whether to crap or go blind.  But last year, with the Rangers, Razorbacks and Naturals all doing so well and taking my attention, I let my fantasy team slip out of my consciousness.  I think I wound up making the playoffs anyway.  Not sure what that says about my managing skills.  So I am going to forgo a team this year and see if I miss it.

I guess I'll go on record with my homer predictions for the season, and see how I do:

AL West -  I refuse to pick this division as I do not want to jinx the Rangers. 
AL Central- The Royals, with the help of some young ultra talented Naturals are 2 years away I think.  And I can't get a feel for this division at all, so I'll pick the Twins.
AL East-  I'll take the chalk and pick the Red Sox.  Although, I think the Orioles will make some noise this year. 

NL East-  Even with the injuries, I'll go with the Phillies.
NL Central-  The Brewers look good to me on paper, but I've said that before about them.
NL West-  Giants again, but the Rockies will be tough I think.

World Series-
What the heck:  Brewers vs. a team whose name I will not mention so that I do not jinx them.

AL MVP:  Someone who plays in the outfield with last year's MVP whose name rhymes with Pelson Pooze.
NL MVP: Ryan Braun

AL CY Young:  Felix Hernandez
NL CY Young:  Roy Halladay

Checklist Chip Away: Diamond Kings 2003 Evolution Insert Set

From a collecting perspective, there is not much more satisfying feeling than entering the last remaining cards from an almost complete checklist and watch the % Complete field of my super awesome spreadsheet change to 100%.  I can then delete that set from the checklist.  Unfortuately, I just wind up adding another set. 
One of the master sets I am working to complete is the 2003 Donruss Diamond Kings set.  I've finished the base set and am whittling away the inserts.  I am pleased to say that the Evolution insert set is now done!  The last one I needed was Barry Bonds, and I finally found it for a great price.  This is one of those "sportflixy" sets that I am typically drawn to:

This is a fantastic checklist of HOFs, stars, roiders and... Kerry Wood.

Etopps 3/28 Offering- T-206 is Back!

Love, love, love etopps T206 cards.  These are beautiful cards, especially in hand!  For those who are not etopps members, this may be a great week to get started.

This week:

Hank Aaron

Tim Lincecum

More information here:

Lent is officially over for me!

Booknotes: Crazy '08: How a Cast of Cranks, Rogues, Boneheads, and Magnates Created the Greatest Year in Baseball History

Cait Murphy, 2008

One of the silver linings to traveling so much lately is that I have been able to catch up on some reading.   A recent trip to Toronto gave me plenty of time to read “Crazy ‘08” by Cait Murphy.  If you are at all interested in baseball in the early 1900’s, or the history of baseball at all for that matter, this book is must reading.    It is extremely detailed, researched, well written and funny.    

The bulk of the book focuses on the three team race for the National League Pennant in 1908, which was fought between the Pirates, the NY Giants and the Cubs.  Yes, the Cubs at that time were not only perennial contenders; they were a juggernaut featuring the famous double play combination of Tinker, Evers and Chance and the pitching of Mordeci “Three Finger” Brown.   The Giants were also a perennial power, starring the gentlemanly pitcher Christy Mathewson and the un-gentlemanly manager, John McGraw, as well as the ill-fated Fred Merkle.  The chapter about the “Merkle” game is enough to warrant reading the book.   The Pirates, meanwhile, were not necessarily a great team, but had perhaps the greatest player of the time, Honus Wagner, who carried them on his back.   Being a card nerd, I know all about the famous T206 Honus Wagner card , and had an idea of how good of a player he was.  Crazy ‘08 really sheds light on not only what an incredible all around player he was, but also one of the decent men of the game, which after reading this book, looks like was the exception and not the rule.

 It seemed like every other page of this book included a fight, threat of a fight, or some sort of heated argument.    These were wild, agitated people:  players, coaches, umpires, fans and all.   1908 was a significant year in the history of baseball, and after reading Crazy ‘08, it’s hard to argue it wasn’t baseball’s greatest. 

Man Crush

Despite what the Mrs. thinks, I would not be star struck if I ever met a Major League player, unless it was Cliff Lee.  Or Tony Gwynn.  Maybe Mike Piazza.  Probably Darryl Strawberry.  Nelson Cruz?  Yeah, ok him too.  And yeah, definitely Michael Young and Josh Hamilton and Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus.  Of course, Stan Musial.  Willie Mays?  Who wouldn't.  It goes without saying, Albert Pujols and Ichiro and Derek Jeter.  But no one else.  Except David Wright.  And Bob Gibson. 

I will concede however, I might get a little giddy if I ever ran into Brett Eibner.  Not only is he a highly rated prospect, he is the author of one of the great Razorback baseball moments of all time.  I vividly remember jumping off the couch when he hit the above home run a few years ago in the College World Series. 

I was also excited he was drafted by the Royals, meaning he will likely come through the AA affiliate in NW Arkansas at some point.  From what I hear, that may come sooner rather than later.  I wonder if we'll become friends and hang out...

So when his first trading cards came out I spied one I couldn't do without:

My wife asked if I was going to sleep with this card under my pillow.  I couldn't believe the gall.  Like I would do that...  Not until I get that sucker tucked away in a 130 pt. magnetic snap case, baby doll.  Remember the name baseball fans.  I think this guy is going to be a star.  And my future buddy.

Napkin Doon Tip of the Hat: Society for American Baseball Research

My wife noses around my blog quite often and gives me her feedback whether I want it or not.  She is begging to post comments on this blog(undeniably to make fun of me) , but I won’t let her.  She has her own blog that covers our family, and I don’t want my baseball card life and regular life to mix.   I am trying to maintain a secret identity.  Like Batman.  But I digress…

So my wife reads my succinct, yet informative post about Etopps.  “Don’t you think these people know about Etopps already?  Do they need a lesson from you?” were her eyebrows-raised rhetorical questions to me. 

“Probably they are aware, but I never see posts about Etopps, and one can never assume,” was my patient response.   So using that logic, let me give a nod to one of my favorite websites:  www.SABR.org  I assume readers are familiar with this organization, but I wanted to give them a shout anyways.  Like the guys over at Baseball Time In Arlington, I concede that these folks are way out of my league in terms of intelligence and understanding of the game.   But I like to visit the site and see some of the innovative thinking going on over there.    They even have a yearly convention that I am much too intimidated to attend, but hope to one day. 

Is anyone reading this a member of SABR?  Have you been to a convention?  How was it?

Wax Wednesday- Confession Time

To no suprise to anyone who knows me, I caved on my vow to give up buying cards for lent. It didn't take much temptation either I have to say:

I didn't purchase any wax, which I suppose is something, but these cards out of the local dealers bargain box were too tough for me to refuse.   I am a sucker for hologram and motion cards, so I am digging the Denny's Jackie Robinson and the 2 Holoview cards of Ripken and Gwynn.  I don't collect Tulowitzki, but this refractor was begging me to buy it.  I guess I could get back on the wagon, but I don't really want to.

Cyber Monday: E-Shopping Arrivals

Even though I gave up purchasing cards for lent, thankfully, I had ordered enough product online before this ridiculous promise went into place.  I would like to pat myself on the back for being so disciplined so far.    I did put in a couple of low-ball bids for some items on eBay that I don’t expect to get, but if I do, I will have to fess up about breaking my vow.  Placing a bid doesn’t count does it?  Here are some of the goodies I got last week:

I don’t know how I managed to get that Pujols SPX card, #’d to 50 by the way!  No way did I think I would win that auction, but I am thrilled I did.  I am very slowly trying to complete this wonderful set, and that one was one I assumed I would have trouble getting.  I’m also thrilled with the 2 Sterling Base cards, as I am now about 75% through building this set.  I’ve listed the cards I am still lacking at the top of my blog.  I will post the few doubles I have for trade if anyone is interested in trading.

This was a small lot from http://www.sportsbuy.com/  It knocked out a little from my monster checklist, including a nice 2003 DK auto of Joe Borchard.  I picked up a couple of cheapies of two of my favorite Rangers as well.

Cyber Monday- Etopps

After reading many of the wonderful baseball card blogs out there, I detect a similar collecting pattern history from many bloggers:   Heavy collecting in the 80s and 90s, a drop off in the early 2000’s, and a recent re-entry to the hobby with gusto.    That’s pretty much my story, except from 2004-2009, while I didn’t really collect much cardboard, there was one product that I paid a lot of attention to:  Etopps.com.  I thought then and now that this was an exceptional evolution of the hobby, and could be enjoyed with limited resources.  I assume most of you are familiar with Etopps, but for those not in the know, here is a quick overview:

·         Every Monday at 1 p.m. eastern, Etopps.com posts a handful of new card “IPOs.”  They list the cost per card and the maximum print run.   Right now, Etopps is offering Minor League Baseball, and in a few weeks will start the 2011 Baseball offering.

·       Once the offerings go online, Etopps members can select which cards they would like to purchase and place  order requests.  The sooner you enter your order, the better your chance of getting a card.

·         The following Monday, Etopps allocates the cards (and lists a new offering).  If the card has a maximum print run of 799 cards, the first 799 people who ordered get one card each.  The folks in line after that do not get a card, but can try to acquire one later through various means.  If say, only 350 people order cards, then the print run will be only 350.  However, if cards are still available, Etopps will snake around again to the front of the queue and start fulfilling orders for people who requested multiple copies of a card.  Typically, cards are sellouts, and each person only gets one card.  The folks who order latest are the ones who get left out.

·         Once your card is in your portfolio, you have several options:  sell it on Ebay, cardtarget.com, put it up on the trade market, or take the card for delivery.  Or you can just keep it in your portfolio.  It usually takes several months before a new card is actually printed and ready for delivery.

·         All cards are sealed in a thick plastic card holder and kept in the Etopps warehouse until the buyer requests delivery.

There are a lot of other nuances with Etopps.  There is a “point” system where you can obtain points from players performances over the course of the season, daily jackpots (for example, if a player in your portfolio from the current season offering hits a grand slam, you receive 5 points for each card you have), or you can trade cards for points .   These points can be traded for other cards, used in a weekly merchandise catalog (I have purchased several factory baseball sets, additional Etopps cards, and wax boxes with my points), or used to pay for deliveries of cards.     

This past year,  I gutted my Etopps collection pretty hard to give my self funds for getting back into cardboard.  But I still have a decent portfolio.  I also have taken a lot of these cards in hand.  They are pretty slick cards.

If you read the message boards on Etopps.com , there seems to be a lot of negativity toward the Etopps program.  For all of its flaws, I am still a big fan.  So each week, I will post the upcoming offering as soon as I can before the IPO begins.  A rule of thumb:  most of the IPOs can be purchased later on Ebay or Cardtarget.com for less than IPO price.... eventually.   But sometimes, it’s best to get in at IPO to take advantage of the points opportunities. 

Here are this week’s offerings:
Gary Sanchez

Jonathan Singleton

Trade Post: 1st Trade!

I was thrilled to execute my first trade as a blogger last week.  Big thanks to Nachos Grande for helping out with a big missing piece to my Topps HD 2001 set:

I love the HD set, and I wish Topps would reprise the offering.   I look forward to many more trades!

Booknotes: The Universal Baseball Association, Inc, J. Henry Waugh, Prop.

Robert Coover, 1968

If CSPAN can dedicate its weekends to books and literature, so can this blog.  I’ll kick off this what- I- plan- to- be-weekly-category with what I think is one of my favorite books ever (Blood Meridian will always be number one, with no close second,) but am certain is my favorite baseball themed work of fiction:  The Universal Baseball Association, Inc, J. Henry Waugh, Prop.

In brief, it’s the story of 56 year old accountant, Henry Waugh, who has developed a table top baseball dice game, (think Strat-O-Matic).  He’s expanded the game to include a fully realized fictional world enveloping the games that are played out nightly on his kitchen table.    The players are all creations of Henry’s imagination, and each has their own backgrounds, stories and nuances.   From the beginning, the reader understands that Henry is having more and more trouble separating his banal, but real life from the fantasy world he has created.   Written in 1968, the book is relevant today.  It is darkly funny, sad and at times, frightening as the lines blur between fantasy and reality for Henry.    

I read this book about 10 years ago, and recently re-read it with a whole new understanding of the story.  You could easily equate the dice game Henry created with so much of the modern technology that gives us the chance to be a god controlling our own little worlds.     There is a lot of scholarship about this book out in cyberspace that can break the book down more eloquently than I can, so I won’t try to write an essay about it.  But I do highly recommend the book.