2011 Topps Value boxes at Target: Yeah, I bought one

I want to say I went to Target simply to buy toilet paper and hand soap, but CVS is much closer and I get reward bucks there. Obviously, I had other reasons for going to Target.

I don't think I would have bought anything either. Really, I just like looking.

But I couldn't help myself when I saw a new packaged product on the shelf:

2011 Topps Value Box. $14.99. Sold.
- One of three exclusive chrome refractors (Either Mickey Mantle, Jackie Robinson or Babe Ruth)
- Five packs of Topps Series 1
- Two hobby packs of Heritage
- Two Diamond Anniversary giveaway cards

Here are some of the goodies from Heritage (I can never seem to pull my own guys).

And, lucky me, I got a double of this. I'm sure the dog would love a new chew toy.

Here are some of the cooler inserts from the Topps packs.

I've grown a new respect for these History of Topps cards. While they are not the prettiest of cards, I like the idea of Topps informing collectors on the history of baseball. In Series 2, it has Before They Were Topps inserts.

What's also fun about opening these packs is that even though they are Series 1 from this year, there are still some fun cards you can find.

Remember us?

The exclusive chrome refractors are very nice. I like the design a lot. Out of three, I also got the player I wanted most.

There was a nice little surprise in the box: A collector's guide for 2011 Topps products. I haven't read it yet, but I fully intend on going through this and reviewing the guide.

Sunday Question

Who wants 2011 Topps base cards?

I created a pile here of cards I don't want or need. So I am giving them away in a contest.

I have a blaster full (with more than a blaster worth) of 2011 Topps base cards. Who wants them?

To enter the contest, leave a comment on this post saying you want in. On Tuesday night, I will randomize the winner on random.org and let everyone know who won.

BTW, there are few other cards in the blaster that were just hanging out I didn't want either. A few base Bowman Platinum and some basketball cards.

1st Diamond Embedded 1/1 Card Hits eBay

I got an email earlier today from a reader pointing out something that came up when he was looking for something completely different. He thought I would find it interesting... I sure do. While I have no interest in the player on the card, this is an interesting card to say the least. This is the first diamond embedded redemption card to hit eBay. It has 6 offers to date.

What do you think it will sell for? Would you bid on one of these of your favorite player?

I would bid, but I am way to cheap to ever win one.

Can't find the Sparkle? Craig is here to help

The Topps 60th anniversary is all about diamonds. Topps confirmed several days ago there were 60 sparkle variations in the set.

I can tell, we're all seeing a theme here.

It was difficult to find some of the sparkles on many of the cards. I must have looked at a David Price card for about five minutes until I determined the “sparkle” was just something on the Rays' jersey.

Craig's Topps Baseball card site has made it easier for collectors to spot the sparkle variants. He has pictures of all the variations and shows exactly where collectors should look for the card.

If you're trying to build the set, good luck. Some of these cards are going for high dollars, including the one of my main man Derek Jeter.

Derek Jeter – we're talking the $50 range.
Shin-Soo Choo – around $30
David Wright - $20-$25
Albert Pujols – You'd be lucky to get it for $60.

But there are the easier pickups

Martin Prado - $20 or less
Desmond Jennings - $15-$20
Mat Latos - $12-$20
Manny Ramirez (as a White Sox) – around $15

Anyone chasing these cards? By the way, thank Craig if you get a chance for supplying pics of all the cards.

Mail Day: Autograph style.

In our case break there weren't many cards that I had hoped to pull from either the Yankees or the Cardinals. While there weren't many I wanted, there weren't really any inserts of my guys in the case. So I turned to my dear old friend, eBay.

Me and eBay go way back. We go back to the good old days of when I didn't even think to buy cards on there. eBay has never let me down, he's always there with stuff I want and ready to take what little money I am willing to part with for an autograph.

I got my first Robinson Cano autograph of 2011. I waited for one that had a signature that I liked, and not a rush job from the end of a long sticker sheet. I got it at a decent price, and of course I love it.

2011 Topps 60 Robinson Cano auto



I still want to get my hands on the dual relic/auto /50 of Cano but I really don't see myself spending $50 on that right now. I think they will eventually come down to around $30 or $40 at most. If not, I'll do without it until a time where I can afford a $50 auto.

I need the following cards from 2011 Topps and have some Diamond Anniversary cards I can trade and some golds, also.

Robinson Cano gold
Robinson Cano black
Robinson Cano Diamond Anniversary
Robinson Cano dual relic/auto
Robinson Cano Leather Name Plate Black

Albert Pujols Gold
Albert Pujols LL gold
Albert Pujols Diamond Anniversary
Albert Pujols LL Diamond Anniversary
Albert Pujols Leather Name Plate
Albert Pujols Leather Name Plate black

Please let me know if you can trade any of those cards.

Like a good neighbor...

one of you will be there with 2011 Topps Cano/Pujols cards.

I have been scouring eBay for what I need from this set, and I feel like I will be able to trade for some of the cards before I buy them. There is one card that I reaaaalllllllyyyyyyyy want but I am still on the fence about what it is worth to me.

I made a somewhat low ball offer on this Cano dual relic auto /50, but I feel like I could go a little higher except for the fact that this guy is kind of on crack thinking he will get anywhere near that for Cano. I've purchased Pujols auto's for that money, and Cano is no Pujols that's for sure.

Maybe you guys can think of a fair price for this card that I can offer. There is one for auction, and that started at $49.99 which is a little more reasonable. I still feel like that's alot of money based on what I have paid for auto's /50 recently.

Has anyone pulled a Cano or Pujols anniversary or gold card yet? I am definitely looking for those so if you have any please let me know.

I am working on getting the cards out from the case break by early next week, the card shop was out of 200 count boxes last time I was there, so I am still short a few boxes and will pick up more on Monday. All the cards are sorted and I actually mailed out a few teams today already. I really understand why big sellers on eBay pay people to sort cards, I can't imagine sorting more than one case at a time.

P.S. How did I not know about this card?!!!

Sunday Question ... looking at 2011 Topps Series 1

Whenever you want to see the latest cards, the best place to always go us eBay. Not Target, not your local shop, but eBay because inevitably the cards always show up there a few days early than the release date.

I was at Target today – no 2011 Topps Series 1.

But they are on eBay.

There are too many auctions up yet, but I can't help but look at the diamond parallel cards. Just look!

I think I am kind of in love with them, however, you have to see the cards in person to get a better feel of them. But, for right now I think these diamond refractors are very nice. I know it's the 60th anniversary and that is why Topps is using these cards, but I wonder if they will keep them around after this year.

Likely it depends on the success of the card, but I think they are better than xfractors. I was never a fan of xfractors because sometimes you get that terrible line running through the card.

What do you think the cards so far?
Do you think diamond parallels should stick around?

2011 Topps Wrapper Redemption

This morning Topps announced that they will be doing a wrapper redemption program with the 2011 Topps hobby and jumbo wrappers.

Since we are doing a case break of 2011 Topps Series 1 Jumbo, we will be eligible to get 6 5 card packs. The cards in the pack we redeem will be randomized to the teams with no hits. For a list of teams still available please click on the link on the sidebar.

Here is the information from Topps:

TOPPS ANNOUNCES SERIES 1 WRAPPER REDEMPTION

To launch and celebrate the 60^th Anniversary of Topps Baseball Cards, the company is pleased to announce a special Hobby-Exclusive Wrapper Redemption Program for 2011 Topps Baseball Series 1. (image attached)

Collectors sending Topps 36 Hobby wrappers or 10 HTA Jumbo wrappers of 2011 Topps Series 1 will receive a special 5-card pack of 60^th Anniversary Black Diamond cards (collect all 60!).

In addition, Topps is seeding 34 different on-card Autograph cards (#’d to 60), featuring subjects from the original 1952 Topps set, into these 5-card packs.

Collectors should send wrappers to:

PO BOX 2008

Duryea, PA 18642

ATTN: Topps Baseball Series 1 Promotion

*Collectors are encouraged to group their wrappers and send in 1 package.

*Promotion ends August 1, 2011.

Topps gets Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez in 2011 Topps Series 1

When the email came over with the press release that Topps was able to get Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez in Red Sox unis for 2011 Topps Series 1, I had a good laugh on the inside, and not in a mean way.

I am not laughing at the magic of Photoshop. I think it's a good idea, especially for people who want to see their newest players in uniforms. I think it's a solid idea to get them in the product.

I laughed because over the years Series 1 has had guys who were free agents and wound up with another team during the offseason only for them to be shown in uniform with their former club. Then, would leave out guys who you knew weren't going anywhere - specifically Derek Jeter - and not include them until Series 2.

I'm happy to see that Topps is moving in the right direction when it comes to these types of scenarios.

But because the product is essentially coming close to being finished, the Crawford and Gonzalez cards will be short-prints and numbered as variations.

Is there a way to tell which stadium Crawford is actually in? Does anyone know?

I don't think the Red Sox uniform is very becoming of him, by the way. ;-)

2011 Topps Baseball Preview

As you all know 2011 will be Topps Diamond Anniversary and they are celebrating in a huge way from what we can see so far. Topps released new images today so you have to check them out. I think they look pretty good, and I am hoping that this new design of things will be something that will be going on from here on out.

Gallery:

Josh Hamilton

Roy Halladay

David Wright

Stephen Strasburg

Ichiro

Derek Jeter







Derek Jeter

Miguel Cabrera

Tom Seaver

Joe Mauer


I really like the parallels and inserts for the set, the base set I could take or leave just as any other year. I noticed the stickers appear to be clear or non-existent in early previews which is great, next they have to get rid of the manufactured patches.

I am actually looking forward to this release and pre-ordering seems like a fun idea...