Topps Value Packs Are Back In Stores

I had some good luck with “value packs” last year, so I was  happy to see them make a return for 2012.   This year’s value pack is basically the same as the first value pack that came out last year:  5 packs of Topps Flagship, 2 Hobby Packs of Heritage, a code card and a special chrome card (either Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr. or Mickey Mantle).  I saw some today at my local Walmart and couldn’t help myself, even though I’m not especially interested in building either set.    He are the highlights:

 I love this Hamilton card, and I'm glad to get the gold sparkle parallel.

 Nothing too interesting.  The Golden Moments set is sort of interesting to me.

Here was the Chrome card- Willie Mays

Other than these two cards, my Heritage packs didn't provide squat.  The Vogelsong is the Chrome parallel.

So, nothing earth shattering.  I got 2 total code cards which yielded 2 ridiculous coins.  I’m really due for a big hit in wax.  I’m also due for a Die-Cut card from the code redemption program.  I am 0-9 so far this year, with only a bunch of fictional worthless coins to show for my efforts.

Everything is for trade except the Hamilton Gold parallel.

Topps Heritage Opens Old Wounds

Like many of you, I have tested out Topps Heritage recently.    Unlike many of you, I burst into tears when I opened one of the packs in the blaster I bought.

I totally forgot that Heritage runs these World Series cards.  What a painful reminder of that horrible turn of events.  Sure, this is a card of game two, which the Rangers won, but all I can remember about that World Series is the disastrous game 6.   In fact, when I first saw this card, I thought it was referring to Feliz coming in with the lead in game 6 and blowing it.  Now THAT would have been mean.  

From a marketing standpoint, wouldn’t it have made more sense to feature the ALCS instead of the World Series?  Isn't the ALCS a bigger deal than the World Series?  I know it was in 2011 anyway.  Wouldn't we all have enjoyed that?  Or maybe a great Rangers Moments from 2011 set?  Topps really blew it on this one.

It kind of ruined the whole box for me, and I have no interest in building this set.  But here are some other cards I got in my blaster.  Nothing really great:

 The Adam Jones is a Chrome refractor which is fine I guess, and the McCutchen mini sticker is ok.  

What a downer.  I guess I’m not over last season yet.  At least the new season is almost upon us and a new opportunity will arise.  I think the Rangers have a realistic shot of going 162-0 this year, barring any bad luck.  Let’s say 152-10 just to be safe.

If anyone is building Heritage, I’ve got some for trade.  Other than the Cliff Lee and Ian Kinsler cards, everything is available.  Especially the cruel World Series card.