In A Funk

That's right. I'm officially in a collecting funk. Perhaps "crossroads" is more fitting. Or filled with indecision.

The bottom line is this: I'm struggling with both my collection and what I want to collect.

For instance, I still want to collect Rendon, but my Topps Chrome Auto Rainbow quest has essentially fallen by the wayside. Not as in, "I grab one when I can," but more like "I should just sell these so I can get other cards I want."

And my Matt Derosier Bowman Chrome Rainbow? Not interested anymore.

My fear is that all of my collections will go through this cycle. Does anyone else ever go through something like this? If so, what did you do? I know this all sounds silly, but it is a genuine concern for me at the moment.

There are some player collections that I have no problem with though, and I have been steadily adding to those. For instance:

I haven't added a card to my Harper player collection in a while. I found this one on COMC for a good price and I had to have it. It might be my favorite card, which is really saying something considering how much I dislike Panini. The black background is awesome, but the scan did something crazy. In reality, below the Panini name, there is a black box with Harper's name in silver leaf, like so:

I stole this image from eBay. My card isn't the cracked ice/atomic version like this one, but it is exactly the same in every other way. It's strange that my scanner weirded out on the name plate. Regardless, awesome card, glad to have it.

I also added a few cards to my Jordan Zimmermann, Anthony Rendon, Ryan Zimmerman and Nelson Cruz PC's. Go check those out of you want.

I also picked up this card because the price was awesome:

Two things about it. First, the seller charged $2.50 to ship. It arrived two weeks after I bought it in a Christmas card envelope with a $.66 stamp on it, half-way hanging out of the top loader it was in. I was pretty livid over the whole ordeal.

Second, I don't know why I bought it, other than the fact that it was relatively cheap. I'm not collecting Beltre, so I don't have a purpose for it.

Anyway, that's my obligatory post for the day. Hopefully, you can offer up some advice on my dilemma.

Jordan Zimmermann Player Collection

2014

2014 Topps Series 1 Trajectory Relic

2014 Topps Tribute Forever Young Relic Blue Parallel #'d 9/50

  

2013

2013 Bowman Chrome Red Refractor #'d 2/5

2013 Bowman Chrome Canary Yellow Refractor #'d 5/10

2013 Bowman Chrome Orange Refractor #'d 1/25

2013 Bowman Chrome Canary Yellow Refractor #'d 31/35  

2013 Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor #'d 23/50

2013 Bowman Chrome Purple Refractor #'d 175/199

2013 Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor #'d 58/250 

2013 Bowman Chrome Retail Green Refractor  

2013 Bowman Chrome Xfractor

2013 Topps Triple Threads TTUJR-JZ1 Sepia Unity Jumbo Relic #'d 4/27

2013 Topps Triple Threads TTUJR-JZ1 Base Unity Jumbo Relic #'d 7/36

2013 Topps Triple Threads UAJR-JZ1 Emerald Unity Auto Jumbo Relic #'d 11/50

2013 Topps Triple Threads UAJR-JZ1 Sepia Unity Auto Jumbo Relic #'d 30/75

2013 Topps Triple Threads UAJR-JZ2 Unity Auto Jumbo Relic #'d 50/99

2013 Topps Triple Threads UAJR-JZ4 Unity Auto Jumbo Relic #'d 48/99

2013 Topps Triple Threads UAJR-JZ5 Gold Unity Auto Jumbo Relic #'d 10/25

2013 Topps Update Series All Star Stitches

   

   

Today on "In My Mailbox"...

I haven't posted in a few days. I realized this weekend that I pretty much stay away from my computer. I get enough of it during the week, I don't need it on the weekend.

Back to what's important: mail! I snagged a few cheap cards for some of my PC's on eBay. None of these cards cost me very much. So, without further ado, here we go!

First up, let's talk Jordan Zimmermann.

The canary yellow rerfactor for my 2013 Bowman Chrome rainbow! This beautiful lady is numbered 5 of 10. Love it.

I'm shocked to see that a Topps product used the same picture on this card, too! Oh well, I'm certain that it was an unintentional mistake. Either way, I snagged this beauty for just a few bucks. This 2013 Triple Threads Sepia Unity Jumbo Relic is numbered 4 of 27.

What the hell??? The same picture? ...okay.... Anyway, this Auto Unity Jumbo Relic is numbered 50 of 99.

All kidding aside, I do get frustrated by the lack of originality in some of Topps products. At the absolute minimum, Topps should have different pictures for different products. I know some of you have voiced this complaint before, I'm just finally voicing my displeasure as well.

Enough with Invader Zim (think that will stick?), let's see what else the mail brought me.

This 2013 Bowman Draft Picks and Prospects gold refractor is numbered 27 of 50 and adds to my slow-growing Matt Derosier rainbow. It's a nice addition.

Last, but certainly not least, Mr. Rendon makes an appearance:

This is no refractor; rather, it is an atomic orange paper parallel from 2013 Bowman Platinum that was a National Convention exclusive. This baby is numbered 103 of 125. I dig it.

So there you have it: my acquisitions for my PC. I hope you like them as much as I do. Have a great day e'erybody!

PS - Enjoy this Primus video, one of my nominees for Creepiest Video of All Time!

Absolutely MASSIVE Mailday! It's Like A Second Christmas!!!

I was on the road for work this morning, so my secretary was kind enough to grab my mail for me when she went to the post office. Here's what I had on my desk waiting for me when I returned this afternoon:

That is six bubble mailers, one PWE and one Priority Mail box! SWEET!

The bubble mailers and PWE were mostly cards that I bought on eBay for some of my PC's. For instance:

My Anthony Rendon PC picked up a couple additions, in the form of the Bowman Chrome Pink refractor (magenta, pink, whatever) numbered 35 of 35 (top). I also snagged the red wave refractor from Draft Picks and Prospects, numbered 13 of 25.

I need to admit to myself that I have a mancrush on Jordan Zimmermann and officially start a PC for him. I snagged this 2013 Triple Threads auto/relic, numbered 48 of 99, for less than $7. I also added a Bowman Chrome XFractor for my rainbow.

Sticking with the theme of Nats and rainbows (pretty sure that sounds awkward), I snagged this Matt Derosier black refractor, numbered 5 of 35:

While I'm talking about Derosier, I'm going to transition into a couple of packages I received in response to my cry for help last week. Alex from Chavez Ravining sent me this Matt Derosier Chrome Base card (which I didn't have, oddly):

Along with 29 other cards from my needs lists. So he has 30 entries into my contest for the blaster. Also picking up entries was Kenneth from cardboardhogs.com. He sent me this:

That is 179 cards from my Heritage needs list. Boom! The man picks up 179 entries in my contest! In the process, he knocked out my remaining Heritage needs except for six cards. So get on that and help me out!

I Need Your Feedback!

I've made a purchases on COMC since I've started collecting again. They have all been relatively cheap cards or cards that I thought were listed at a price that was fair.

My question is this: what is the best way to go about making an offer on COMC? I don't want to offend anyone, but there are cards that I would like to have for my various collections that are, in my opinion, overpriced.

Thoughts?

Trade Mail!

Today I received three trade packages, and they were killer. Here they are in no particular order.

First, I received a package from Kyle D. over at Nolan's Dugout. I sent him some Topps Chrome White Sox, and he went way above and beyond in sending me a return package:

What you see before you are 55 cards for my miscellaneous set needs! Thanks for the incredible help, Kyle!

I also received a package from William over at foul bunt. A couple weeks ago, I sent him a card I found at my LCS that I thought he needed. In return, he sent me some set needs AND a card that I have been wanting to knock off my top 10 list for a while:

This is the photo variation of Yu Darvish's card from 2013 Gypsy Queen. It is beautiful.  I can't thank you enough, William!

Last, but certainly not least, I received a couple cards from Weston of Fantastic Catch. He contacted me about a couple Heritage Minor League autos that I had, and this is what he sent in return:

That beauty on top is a 2013 Pro Debut Joey Gallo Gold Parallel, numbered 18 of 50! How sick is that?! He also included the awesome 2012 Nelson Cruz Gold Sparkle...I forgot how much I liked those cards.

That's it for now. I will have more cards to post about as the week progresses...I went on an eBay and COMC bender last week. Stay tuned!

My First Contest (Since The Last One)

Everybody else is having a contest, so I guess I should have one, too. The last (and first) contest I had saw me giving away some of my 2013 Gypsy Queen hits. Ironically, this contest also has ties to Gypsy Queen, but for the 2014 offering instead of 2013.

So here it is: 2014 Topps Series One is about a week and a half from streeting. In an effort to tie up my 2013 set collection loose ends, I am pulling a card from Tom at Waiting Till Next Year's playbook.For every card that you send me (that I need), you will receive one entry. So, send me 100 cards, you'll get 100 entries. I still need (click link to see needs list):

• 37 cards from 2013 Bowman Chrome
• 44 cards from 2013 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects
• 1 card from 2013 Bowman Platinum
• 9 cards from 2013 Topps Update Chrome
• 5 cards from 2013 Heritage Minor League
• a SH*T TON of cards from 2013 Heritage

So this is how it will work. I will accept cards until all the sets are complete. HOWEVER, the last day to get an entry per card will be February 7, three weeks from today. The drawing will be held at noon Central time on February 8. If all card needs are filled before February 7, I will post on my blog and the drawing will be held the next day. 

A quick note to keep organized. Please post what cards you are sending in the comments section of this post. Not only will this help me keep organized, it will also let fellow bloggers what is being sent so that they don't waste their stash to send me duplicates. If you don't want to do this, I understand - I will still accept your cards and count your entries. But it sure would be helpful!

What will you win? One winner, and one winner only, will receive a blaster of 2014 Topps Series 1, as well as some assorted cards from my collection. Furthermore, if you are the winner and you are signed up for my 2014 Gypsy Queen Half-Case Break, I will give you $20 off your team price! You will get two teams from 5 boxes for $20!!!!

This Week's Additions, Trades and More!

First and foremost, I sent the Mystery Box that I received from P-Town Tom off last week to Plaschke, They Sweater Is Argyle. He has posted about it already, so I can mention it. I had an excess of Dodger cards, and seeing as he had mentioned to me in the past that he wanted one of them, I sent the lot off to him as my surprise. So keep your eyes out, I'm sure someone else will be getting it soon!
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I need one stinkin' card for my 2013 Bowman Platinum set - BPP19 Byron Buxton. If you can get me that card, you will be rewarded!!!
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The last couple of weeks have seen a few additions to some of my personal collections. I complained about Topps earlier this week in regards to my 2013 Topps Chrome Anthony Rendon base auto. Yesterday saw the arrival of two more redemption autos for my Rendon PC:

This black refractor numbered 4 of 100, and:

This blue sapphire refractor auto numbered 191 of 199. The scan makes it look green, but I assure you, it is a beautiful card in hand.

I was also able to add a pink and blue refractor to my Bowman Chrome Jordan Zimmerman rainbow. And while we are talking about Zimmermans, I scanned in my 2013 Triple Threads Ryan Zimmerman parallel:

This card makes me nauseous. Let me explain. The Saturday before Christmas, I decided to buy a spot in a 9-box break of Triple Threads, choosing the Nats as my team. I always wait until the last few seconds to place a bid on an auction. I was outbid but still had 5 seconds to make a new bid. My number was $43.90...my fingers missed the decimal and I ended up bidding $439. I ended up paying roughly $72 for my winning bid. I was raised to understand that actions have consequences, so rather than attempt to retract my bid, I just ate it and went along for the ride. In 9 boxes, I received this card, a Gio Gonzalez base and two Gary Carter cards (I also got the Expos). Four cards - none of them memorabilia or autographs - for $72. FML.

Let's talk about something that doesn't make me sick. I was able to snag a yellow printing plate 1/1 for under $18 shipped to go in my 2013 Bowman Matt Derosier collection. It took the seller a week and a half to get it to me, but I finally got it today:

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I also got some trades in the mail these last couple of weeks. The Metal Attorney, a.k.a. the Red Sox Fan in Nebraska, sent me some awesome cards to fit in my collection, as did Marcus from all the way to the backstop. Unfortunately, as I sometimes do, I collated all of these cards before I scanned and/or photographed them for my blog. I'm sorry guys! But they were all greatly appreciated!!!

Ryan, the author of "O" No!!! Another Orioles Blog also sent me the Nick Tepesch camo parallel for my rainbow:

 It's a beauty!
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Lastly, I still have SEVEN spots open for my 2014 Gypsy Queen five-box break! You can ge tin for only $0 - that gets you a team of your choosing, a randomly assigned team AND shipping! Each box contains two on-card autos, a full size relic and a mini relic! And we have a 50/50 shot of pulling a case hit since we will be breaking a half-case Go here to see what teams are still available and to sign up!

Even When Topps Succeeds, They Fail

So, this post was going to begin with a rant about how I waited more than a month to receive one of my Rendon redemptions. Then I opened the package to find this:

Really, Topps? You're going to be one of those people who use regular office tape to securely close the top loader? I realize this is trivial, but when you hear how long it took for me to receive this card, you'll understand that this was just the straw that broke the camel's back.

This is the card at the top of the list. It shipped out on December 4th, or so it says. In reality, it shipped December 5. No big deal - I get it. But the journey gets interesting here.

The package finally gets to Fort Worth, at which point it is returned to sender because it must receive adult signature. My post office will not do this, evidently.

So the card makes the trip back to Pennsylvania, getting there on the 20th. I call and complain with Topps. The woman tells me that the card shouldn't have been shipped that way. She apologizes. Not her fault, obviously, but I'm still pissed because I had to wait, on hold, for 43 minutes before I talked to anyone. Finally, she tells me that they will send the card again. I change my address to my office address so that someone can sign for it. It just got here today...THREE WEEKS LATER. This card shipped exactly one month and ten days ago...and I just freaking got it.

So seeing the tape on the top loader was my last straw for the day. Topps, I'm so over you. I wish MLB would pull their heads out of their asses so that other companies such as Panini could give Topps quality competition. Then maybe we, as customers, wouldn't get treated like crap.

As for the other cards that are shown on the shipped page, their ship dates are incorrect. They were just shipped on January 7th. How in the hell they got that wrong on my redemption page is beyond me.

Anyway, enough complaining. Here's the picture of the card sans tap, top loader and penny sleeve!

2013 Triple Threads Ryan Zimmerman Rainbow

Onyx 13/50

Amber 54/125

Emerald 40/250

Amethyst 7/650

Base