The Daily List - November 29, 2013

1. It's official - I'm starting an Anthony Rendon PC. I noticed over the weekend that I've got quite a few cards of the Nats' second baseman and I even have a saved search for him on eBay. Might as well go ahead an make it official. I have a few old girlfriends that would have appreciated that level of commitment. Ha!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
2. Speaking of "looking at cards over the weekend," I went back through my 2013 Bowman set from the early release this year. I thought I had that one finished; however, when actually thumbing through the cards, I found some holes. Help me out with these, please!
1. Pro set - 22, 48, 161
2. Prospects - 12, 25
3. Prospects Chrome - 1
3. Marcus over at all the way to the backstop is working on putting together the 50-card 1971 mini insert set from 2013 Topps Update. If you have some of the cards he needs, do him a solid and send them his way.
4. Lastly, I know that I'm not saying anything that hasn't already been shared, but what is up with this Topps Redemption nonsense??? I've been waiting for an eternity for a few cards. Last week, I checked the website, and it changed three times over the span of an hour. What the crap, man??

That's it for today's hit list. Again, I'm looking for feedback about how to make my blog better, more user-friendly and more reader interactive. Leave me a note in the comments! I'm going to a concert tonight, one of my favorite bands since high school called Taproot. So I leave you with this to melt your face!

The Daily List - November 26, 2013

So, I'm trying to think of new features for the blog. A lot of people do a random card of the day, random set, etc. etc., so I thought I would join in on the fun. I am going to attempt to have a daily list. This list can be about anything related to baseball, baseball cards or blogging so get ready.

So, without further ado, here is my first Daily List.

1. We've all heard about the old man that has a crazy card or memorbilia collection, but what about a relatively young older woman with a museum-worthy collection? Check out this story about Susan Plymel and her insane collection that once included a verified Babe Ruth autographed ball (it was stolen from her!)
2. Don't think there are enough blogs about the Dodgers? Here's one you need to check out - Chavez Ravining. A great read about cards related to the Dodgers, a.k.a. the "West Coast Yankees." (Sorry Alex, I couldn't resist!) Give it a look and subscribe to his site!
3. Speaking of blogs, mine has grown visually boring to me. Leave me a comment of what you would like to see changed, and design ideas you might have, or, if you are into graphic design, design my site for me!
4. I still have a few things up for sale via eBay for my Wounded Warriors project fundraiser. Go check it out and buy somehting. Reader Defgav has helped out - now it's your turn!
5. Lastly, on a related note, there are still plenty of teams available for my 2013 Bowman Draft Picks and Prospects two-box break to raise money for the WWP. Go here to sign up!

Well, there it is. Here's a thank you for reading through!

Sometimes, A Megabox Is Better Than A Blaster

Since Topps made the Chrome Update available only through retail "megaboxes," I went to Walmart to buy one yesterday. Fortunately, there was one left (side note - it seems that all of you have access to well-stocked Walmarts and Targets, I'm jealous).

So, I buy the megabox for the two packs of Update Chrome. The five packs of regular Update are pretty much useless, since I had completed the set minus one card, US11 Joakim Soria. But what are the odds I would actually get that card, right?

I get to my truck and tear open the box. I grab the two packs of Chrome and go to work. Three cards I need in the first pack along with a parallel. Speaking of which...Dear Topps: If you're going to drop a 55-card set on me that is only available at retail stores in boxes that contain on two packs with four cards each, for the love of God and everything holy, DO NOT PUT INSERTS IN THOSE PACKS. It's ridiculous and creates even more cost for the consumer because we are having to buy more boxes. I get it, that's your business model - but for once, go easy on those of us who are set builders.

I rip the second pack, two cards that I need, one that I don't. Oh, and this guy:

The Chris Davis gold parallel, numbered 219 of 250. Dig it! Normally, I would pack this up and send it to William for his Davis PC. But, since I'm trying to raise money for the Wounded Warriors Project, onto the Bay it goes. Sorry William!

So that's it for Chrome Update. Six cards that I end up using. Not too bad. Now I just have to open the Update, even though I know it will yield nothing for me.

First pack: BOOM! The Soria card I needed! Now my Update set really is complete.

There could be nothing else worthwhile in the remaining four packs, right?

WRONG!

Pack number three yielded this!

The player variation SSP for The Kid! Sick pull! This card is awesome - Griffey was my first "favorite player" - and I really, really want to keep it. However, the cause is greater than my want. So this one, too, will find it's way to eBay later today.

Well, there it is.  A megabox that was better than a blaster. Did not see that coming.

Come One, Come All!!!!

My box break for 2013 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects isn't coming along as well as I thought it would. You can still sign up here, as I would really like to do it. However, I can't rely on that as a way to raise money for The Wounded Warriors Project.

So, I am putting some of my collection on eBay. I don't necessarily want to sell these cards, but the money raised by selling them will go to the WWP, and that's always a worthy cause. After all, these are just cards - I can always reaquire them in the future.

So if you have a moment, head over to my eBay page and check out the goods. Most items are fairly priced, some are a little high, but all proceeds are going to WWP.

A Blaster Filled With Parallel Goodies, Part 2

Yesterday, I posted about a blaster I purchased that had a couple Puig parallels and a Rendon camo parallel.

Today, I sorted that blaster in order to collate it into my set. What I found was...interesting.

I had four different Ben Zobrist cards: the base and emerald, gold and blue parallels. That's kind of ridiculous. I also found out that I had 5 duplicates in the blaster. I hadn't noticed any duplicates until now.

Anyway, I'm slowly closing in on finishing the 2013 flagship set. I need only three cards from Series 1, 38 from Series 2 and 12 from Update Series. So please take a moment to look over my needs list and let me know if you have something I need. I'm more than happy to work out a trade with you!

Updated Bowman Needs

First and foreemost, PLEASE sign up for my 2013 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects box break here. There are plenty of teams left. All proceeds go to charity, specifically The Wounded Warrior Project.

With that out of the way, I've made a couple changes to the sidebar. ----------------->
I've added my needs for the remaining two Bowman products of the year, Chrome and Draft Picks & Prospects.

Look through there and see if you have anything I need. If you do, let me know and let's work out a trade!!!

A Blaster Filled With Parallel Goodies

I went to Walmart today to buy a blaster of Bowman Chrome. After telling myself that I wasn't going to chase the set....I'm chasing the set. I can't help it, I have to.

Sadly, after walking to the card section (which has way too many Magic and Pokemon cards, by the way), I discovered that they were out of the Chrome blaster. As a matter of fact, they had only one blaster remaining: 2013 Topps Update.

I bought it.

Boy, am I glad I did. I found three parallels that should suit me well. The first one I pulled:

I was pretty stoked about that. Again, I funnel Puig cards back to eBay because people pay stupid prices for his cards, which allows me to get a little money for future card purchases. Win - win!

Next up was an emerald parallel of...

...Yasiel Puig, AGAIN! Except this is an emerald parallel. Again, straight to eBay.  Lastly, I picked this up, perhaps I will be adding it to a new PC.

An Anthony Rendon camo parallel, nymbered to 99. When I saw the camo and the Nats logo, I really wanted it to be a Harper. Oh well, this will work.

Overall, a pretty nice blaster!

This Post Rated NC-17

Yup. I went there. I made up a goofy post title by pulling it straight off of a card I acquired for one of my personal collections.

Are you dying to see it yet?

Okay, I'll share.

It's from 2013 Triple Threads, and before you start letting your mind wander into "shadier" neighborhoods, the "NC-17" is merely Cruz's initials and number. The letters and numbers have a bat relic backing, while the dash is backed by a two-color jersey swatch.

I guess I never knew about the "one-year wonder" of the number 17 in Texas. Learn something new every day, right? This baby is numbered 2 of 9.

I also added another relic to my Cruz PC this week. From the 2013 Topps Tribute WBC edition, here's a three-color swatch from Cruz's Dominican Republic jersey.

Numbered 39 of 50, this might be one of my favorite pieces. It's clear that it comes from the lettering of the jersey. The card is extremely thick, too, which adds to its cool factor.

The only problem I have with Tribute-WBC are the autographs. It seems like all of the autographs I see from this line are of the sticker variety, and I can't stand it. Random complaint, considering I was talking about a card with no autograph on it, but that's what came to mind, so I decided to share.  Enjoy!

Loot From Andrew's Update Break

Andrew recently had a break for a Jumbo Box of 2013 Update. I bought in and jumped on the Nationals, hoping for a emerald parallel of the Bryce Harper All Star Game card (I already have the emerald parallel of the Home Run Derby Card).

Well, as fate would have it, my dream came true.

Aaaaaaand Boom goes the dynamite! This was killer - the one card I really hoped to get, I got. If that was the only card I got, I would have been happy.

But I also got these.

And these.

Thanks for the break Andrew!!!

Brad WAY Overpaid...

A few weeks ago, I posted a Laynce Nix silk card from 2013 Update and made it known that it was available if anyone wanted it. Later that day, I got a message from Brad of Brad's Blog saying that he was interested in acquiring the card. The card didn't fit anywhere in my collection and I had no real desire to hold onto it, so I sent it over to him with only the request that he send back a trade package that was, in his estimation, a fair one.

I received his return package today, and let me be the first to say it - they guy went above and beyond what would be considered "fair." Let's take a look.

First up was a stack of cards that fit into wither my personal collections or my Rangers Team Set collections. They are all needed. If this would have been the extent of the trade package, I would have been happy.

But it wasn't the end.

He also sent along this Upper Deck Fame Face Gear card of Alex Rodriguez featuring a game-used jersey swatch. Now, A-Rod isn't on my list of favorite players, but this is a card from his days as a Ranger, so I'll be more than happy to take it. Furthermore, I've never seen one of these cards before, so it's cool to now have one!

BUT WAIT - THERE'S MORE!!!!

The Icing on this wonderful trade cake is this 2002 Topps Stadium Club Pudge Rodriguez License to Drive bat relic! I have no relics or autos from Pudge, who I consider to be one of the greatest catchers of all time. My bias would even suggest that he is the greatest of all time, but that's a debate for later.

Wow, Brad - this was incredible! I owe you! Thanks for everything!

It's Been A While...

...Since I've posted anything. So let's post something.

I still have 11 spots open for the 2013 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects break Sign up for a good cause!

Available Teams:

1. DBacks
2. Braves
3. O's - Ryan H.
4. Red Sox
5.Cubs
6. White Sox
7. Reds
8. Indians
9. Rockies
10. Tigers
11. Astros
12. Royals
13. Angels
14. Dodgers
15. Marlins
16. Brewers
17. Twins
18. Mets - Stubby (PAID)
19. Yankees
20. A's
21. Phillies
22. Pirates - Nate Bell
23. Padres
24. Giants
25. Mariners
26. Cardinals
27. Rays
28. Rangers - Judson (PAID)
29. Blue Jays
30. Nats 

I also have a new card to add to my trade bait page.

This is a Hector Sanchez blue sapphire parallel, numbered 24 of 25. The base card was in Series 2, but, as with all of the blue sapphire parallels, I pulled this one from Update.

I have no real attachment to th is card, so make me a fair offer and it's yours!

I have a couple more cards to share for one of my PC's, but it will wait until later. Apologies for the brevity!

How Much Do You Love Your LCS? Part 2

First, sign up for my 2013 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects break! All proceeds go to the Wounded Warriors Project!!!
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A little while back, I wrote a post about how awesome my LCS owner, Jimmy, is. He always gives me a great deal, and if he knows that the hits have been pulled from a box, he will open a new for me.

I consider Jimmy my friend. So when he called me to tell me he was interested in selling a mineral interest he owned, I was more than happy to help him out and find a buyer for him. Today, I took him a check - my boss ended up wanting to buy the minerals. After signing all the paperwork, Jimmy told me he had a gift for me.

Knowing that I was a Nelson Cruz fan, he gave me this, a game-used Nelson Cruz autographed bat. I stare at it every time I went into his store, I just didn't have the cash to but it.

I tried to tell him that I didn't need anything for helping him, that I was more than happy to do it for how well he has treated me in the past, but he would have none of it. So, this is my newest piece to my Nelson Cruz PC.

The bat is split from the handle to almost the end. This piece of tape if holding the split tight to keep it from completely splitting out.

So there it is - Jimmy is officially the best LCS owner in the world. How awesome is your LCS owner? (And don't forget to sign up for my break!)

Your Chance To Help A Hero

Hello everyone! I just wanted to take a moment to remind everyone about my 2013 Bowman Draft Picks and Prospects Box Break to benefit the Wounded Warriors Project!

The cost is only $25 - this gets you a team of your choice and a randomly assigned team for two (2) boxes of BDPP! All proceeds go to the WWP!

Sign up now!!!

Available Teams:

1. DBacks
2. Braves
3. O's - Ryan H.
4. Red Sox
5.Cubs
6. White Sox
7. Reds
8. Indians
9. Rockies
10. Tigers
11. Astros
12. Royals
13. Angels
14. Dodgers
15. Marlins
16. Brewers
17. Twins
18. Mets - Stubby (PAID)
19. Yankees
20. A's
21. Phillies
22. Pirates - Nate Bell
23. Padres
24. Giants
25. Mariners
26. Cardinals
27. Rays
28. Rangers - Judson (PAID)
29. Blue Jays
30. Nats 

Sign Up, Please!!!!

So, only 1 person signed up for the charity break benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project that I mentioned yesterday.

I know there are more people interested. Again, the cost is $25 per spot (only 13 spots remaining) and that gets you a team of your choosing and a random team.

Please sign up. The proceeds are going to an amazing cause and you are going to get some sweet cards.

Available Teams:

1. DBacks
2. Braves
3. O's
4. Red Sox
5.Cubs
6. White Sox
7. Reds
8. Indians
9. Rockies
10. Tigers
11. Astros
12. Royals
13. Angels
14. Dodgers
15. Marlins
16. Brewers
17. Twins
18. Mets - Stubby (PAID)
19. Yankees
20. A's
21. Phillies
22. Pirates - Nate Bell
23. Padres
24. Giants
25. Mariners
26. Cardinals
27. Rays
28. Rangers - Judson (PAID)
29. Blue Jays
30. Nats 

2013 Bowman Draft Picks and Prospects 2-Box Break Benefiting Wounded Warriors Project

In my last post, I mentioned that I am going to be doing a box break to raise money for a military-oriented charity. The military is very close to my heart, as I've had family members serve in every major conflict since World War II. I know there are other like me who want to help but don't know how.

Well, here's your chance to help and get some sweet cards. I'll be busting two boxes of 2013 Bowman Draft Picks and Prospects. All net proceeds will go to the Wounded Warriors Project!!! What does that mean? It means that every penny collected on top of the cost of product will be donated to the WWP.

Here's the breakdown. Two boxes will be busted. Each participant will get one team of his or her choice and one randomly assigned teams. There are 15 spots up for grabs, with each spot costing $25. Yes, this is more than a break of this type normally costs, but this is an extraordinary opportunity to help those who protect us. If you are happy to help and feel that you can contribute more, then feel free to send more for your team. Every penny collected will go to the WWP.

Sign up below, then send payment via PayPal to judsonmeeks AT g mail DOT com. As soon as we get the 15 spots filled, I will order the boxes.

I appreciate your time and interest in helping me with this project. It means a ton to me, and I can't thank you enough for joining.

Available Teams:

1. DBacks
2. Braves
3. O's
4. Red Sox
5.Cubs
6. White Sox
7. Reds
8. Indians
9. Rockies
10. Tigers
11. Astros
12. Royals
13. Angels
14. Dodgers
15. Marlins
16. Brewers
17. Twins
18. Mets
19. Yankees
20. A's
21. Phillies
22. Pirates - Nate Bell
23. Padres
24. Giants
25. Mariners
26. Cardinals
27. Rays
28. Rangers - Judson (PAID)
29. Blue Jays
30. Nats 

I Don't Know What To Title This Post

And that's the truth.

Normally, I try to think of something witty or funny or reference a little-known movie or show. But today isn't the day for that.

In case you didn't know, today is the eleventh day of the eleventh month - Veteran's Day. All my life, this has been one of the most important days of the year in my household. My grandfather served in World War II as one of Darby's Rangers, the first of the Army Rangers. He was wounded multiple times - he would live out the remainder of his life with grade shrapnel in his leg and back - but never complained. He also saw time in Korea, again suffering wounds in battle. He passed away before I was born, but I've heard stories about him my entire life. My father was in the US Navy, serving in the Persian Gulf conflict. His best friend in the Navy was killed in the mid-80's after an Iraqi jet "accidentally" bombed the USS Stark.

I am also fortunate enough to share a birthday with the United States Marine Corps, November 10. My cousin, who is like a brother to me, served two tours in Iraq and was later a com operator on Marine One, the president's helicopter, serving under President George W. Bush and Barak Obama. He has told me stories of battle, and let me say that we are fortunate to have men and women volunteering to face and confront evil across the world so that you and I don't have to.

Take a moment to visit the links below. All of the pages I'm posting are organizations that help our servicemen and women, whether it be a Christmas card for the holiday or providing services for our wounded when they return home. If you know of any other services, please post the link in the comments below and I will edit this post to include it, too.

USO

American Red Corss Holiday Mail For Heroes

Operation Christmas Cards

The Wounded Warrior Project

The Boot Campaign

The Lone Survivor Foundation

Also, I am going to do a break for 2013 Bowman Draft Picks and Prospects, which releases this Wednesday. $25 will get you a team of your choice and a random team for two boxes. Yes, this is more than I would normally charge, but all proceeds are going directly to charity. I know not everyone is a fan of Bowman products, but this is a good way to give back and receive some cards.

All proceeds from this break will be donated to an organization to be determined that provides services to our men and women in uniform (I'm waiting to hear back from my cousin in regards to which charity he has had the most experience with - I want to make sure to donate to a group that will use the money wisely and efficiently). More details to come later today.

Marcus Comes Through...Again!

I've been fortunate enough to work out a couple trades with Marcus of all the way to the backstop in the past. The guy always sends me awesome stuff. Yesterday, however, I found a package from him that I was not expecting!

He sent me a boatload of cards to knock off from my 2013 Topps flagship set. He also kicked in that sweet Orange Kinsler refractor from this year's Chrome set!

Thanks Marcus! Today is my birthday and this is an awesome birthday present!!!

Trade Time!

A little while back, I sent Dhoff of Coot Veal and the Vealtones a few cards that he liked from my tradebait page. Today, I received a package with the cards I wanted from his tradebait page. I was only expecting three cards, so I was a bit surprised when I found all of this inside:

Here are the cards that I was expecting:

Also included were a literal ton of cards for my personal collections and my Rangers Team Sets project.

This was an absolutely incredible package! I can't thank you enough, Dhoff!!!

Last Call For 2013 Topps Triple Threads 9-Box Case Break

Well, time has come to face the truth: my 2013 Topps Triple Threads 9-Box Case Break is officially on life support. I really want to do this break, but I understand that a.) my break got started late and most who wanted to buy into a break already have, b.) prices are high for this product and that is a barrier to entry.

So here it is: if I can't fill the remaining teams by this coming Monday (11/11/13), the break is officially off. So please sign up. If for nothing else, sign up as a birthday present for me!

So pass the word around - sign up for the break by Monday!

Available Teams:

1. DBacks
2. Braves - Dutch
3. O's - William
4. Red Sox - Judson
5.Cubs - Matt P.
6. White Sox
7. Reds
8. Indians
9. Rockies
10. Tigers - Roger L.
11. Astros
12. Royals - Chris Ross
13. Angels - Jimmy
14. Dodgers - Nate
15. Marlins
16. Brewers
17. Twins - Kyle
18. Mets
19. Yankees - Matt P.
20. A's
21. Phillies
22. Pirates
23. Padres
24. Giants
25. Mariners
26. Cardinals - Jimmy
27. Rays
28. Rangers - Brian
29. Blue Jays - Chris R.
30. Nats - Judson

New Trade Bait

First and foremost, I have 16 spots open for my Triple Threads 9-Box Case Break. Sign up! Post it on your blog (even if you don't sign up)! I need to fill these spots!

Next, I have some new trade bait to offer. Let's get to it!

This is the 2013 Topps Update camo parallel of Henry Urrutia numbered 50 of 99.

This is the 2013 Bowman Chrome Gold Parallel of Allen Webster, number 1 of 50.  ONE!!!

Make me an offer, I know some of you want them!

Kyle Is CLUTCH!!!

A few weeks back, I gave away some Chrome refractors I had sitting around with no use for. Kyle from Nolan's Dugout stepped up and claimed the Yankees (I believe that's right) and I was more than happy to send them his way.

Fast forward to today. Along with my eBay disaster, I found a hulking package in my mailbox! Kyle was kind enough to send over some cards that I needed for various sets!

I wasn't thinking when I took this picture. It looks like a single card, but really, it's a pretty good stack, certainly more than I sent to Kyle. If this would have been all he sent, it would have been more than enough! But, as the commercials say, "Wait, there's more!"

Again, poor foresight to not realize the directly-from-above shot wouldn't show the entire stack of cards. Take my word for it - there were a ton of cards!

Thanks again, Kyle! Now start blogging again!!!

My First Bad eBay Experience

It's no secret that as a collector, I use eBay to add to my card collection. I'm pretty sure that's a statement that most of us could make. I browse every day, and when I find something I like, I always check the seller's rating before I bid. I've heard horror stories about transactions, and I want to avoid being in one of those stories.

Unfortunately, today I am in one of those stories. Last week, I checked one of my saved searches ("Nelson Cruz," to be exact) and saw that new items had been listed. A few 2012 Topps Triple Threads cards were listed by the same seller - a base card, a green parallel and an orange parallel - all for $1 a piece. The description said that the seller would combine shipping, so for $6.50, I bit. I added all three of the cards to my cart and went to checkout. In the past, I've simply paid for the shipping up front and the seller has issued a refund for the combined shipping. So, after paying, I sent a message to the seller. I said:

"I purchased three cards, just want to make sure the shipping gets combined."

Sunday night rolls around, I notice that the cards are marked shipped and I have heard nothing from the seller. So I shoot him another message, a little frustrated this time:

"I asked before and never received (an answer). I bought three nelson Cruz cards, and contrary to the item description, I did not receive combined shipping. Will that be fixed? Thank you."

The response was my first red flag. What follows is our conversation chain.

Seller: "FIRST THINGS FIRST YOU PAID FOR THE CARDS BEFORE I COULD SEND YOU A INVOICE. THAT MEANS YOU ALLREADY PAID YOUR CARDS ARE IN THE MAIL. LET ME KNOW WHEN YOU RECIEVE THE CARDS LET ME KNOW IF THATS OK. THANKS HUEYTIX" 

(All caps and bad spelling - clearly I'm being yelled at)

Me: "You didn't say don't pay for the cards first in the description, and I've had no trouble from other sellers with this issue. It's a simple paypal refund. Don't worry about it, I'll pay for it. But this is the last time I purchase anything from you. Thanks for getting back to me."

Me: "And for the record, I emailed you the same time I purchased the items. So clearly, I tried contacting you before the cards were sent."

Seller: "I SENT YOU CASH FOR YOUR REFUND AND A NOTE LET ME KNOW IF THAT IS OK WHEN YOU RECIEVE.THANKS JOHN"

Fast forward to today.

I check my mail and see that I've received the package of cards. Here's what I find when I open it:

First off, don't call me Jud. we aren't friends and you aren't family - don't act like we're buddies. Second, which Cruz card is missing???

Oh just the orange parallel, numbered to 125, the one I wanted most. FML. And what the hell is this?

Six bucks, cash. Really? How are selling stuff on eBay without a simple understanding of PayPal and its refund technology??? 

Needless to say, I'm pretty livid right now. This post is part venting and part asking for help. I have yet to leave feedback. He did give me a refund for more than just the price of the card and the associated shipping cost. However, he failed to communicate any of this to me from the get-go. I would rather have received a full refund.

So here's my plea for help: what do I do, in terms of feedback? He did give me a refund, but the communication is poor and misleading. I don't want to leave negative feedback and then have him post negative feedback about me in retribution (while I've done nothing wrong, I feel like this person is very vengeful and would tarnish my 100% rating as payback). What the hell do I do?

So, whatever you do, NEVER, and I mean NEVER, buy cards from hueytix on eBay.

Do Me A Favor...

...Head over to Nachos Grande and vote for my submission for the first round of his blogging contest! I would greatly appreciate it, AND you will get to read some great entries!

Now that that is said and done, I would ask that you also consider signing up for my 2013 Topps Triple Threads 9-Box Case Break! Prices for teams vary, so head over, check it out and sign up! The sooner the spots are filled, the sooner the break happens!