Triple Threads wouldn't be complete this year without this baseball icon

I feel we're ragging on Triple Threads this year, but I really don't hate the product. It just lends itself to being scrutinized because of the price. You get so few cards for the amount of money you are paying.

But Topps really did well by including this baseball icon in its set this year.

Of all the people that had to be in Triple Threads, I am sure this was the one.

/end sarcasm

By the way, don't forget to enter our contest to win a Brandon Belt patch/auto. The contest ends at 3 p.m. today. 

What is off on this Triple Threads card?

There have been some very pretty cards (like this one) to be pulled out 2011 Triple Threads this year. There have also been some duds.

Then, there is this card (which I found on this auction courtesy of @JuddFamilyStone on Twitter).

First glance, I was floored. The design is great. The bat knob is fantastic (the bat is about 70 years old). And the jersey ... Wait.

What the hell is that?

Here's a closer look at the jersey from a picture in the auction.

According to the back of the card, "The relics from this card are not from any particular game, event or season."

Here's a card that didn't need this jersey on it. The bat knob is such a good piece that it could have stood on its own without anything added to it.

So, what is this jersey then? Any guesses?

2011 Triple Threads is live ... sort of

The newest version of Triple Threads is out. 

I just want to put it out there that I have never bought a hobby box of this product in my life. I don't normally go for high-end stuff, but I like looking at it every year - usually for the wrong reasons. 

For the person that could find me the funniest Triple Threads card out there, I will give them a prize. I am not sure what it is yet, and it will probably be a pick of several cards I have in my collection. 

Meanwhile, let's go to the Bay to see what Triple Threads has in store for us this year.

Oh look! One of the latest rookies we are all in love in the set. ERIC HOSMER! It's great big white card that you need to redeem in order to actually get the Auto Relic Gold Parallel.

Alright. Let's see if we can do better. Let's find something that is actually in hand. 

Well, for that, I actually have to go all the way to the Blowout Cards forum. One collector there got some Triple Threads cards in hand. They look pretty decent this year compared to years past and I know one person who going to be running down that Mitch Moreland.

When these cards starting hitting eBay over the next couple of days, I'll be intrigued to see what they look like. 

Topps teases Triple Threads (Say that three times fast)

As we twiddle our thumbs this season waiting for a new baseball product - is it just me or does it feel like forever until something comes out - Topps put up some pictures on their Twitter account showcasing some of the hits from this year's Triple Threads.

Triple Threads is set to release at the end of the month, and it's product I have never bought.

Frankly, I cannot afford it. This year, the boxes are going for $190 each.

Here are some of the highlights.

The biggest difference between this year's edition from years past are the sticker autographs. Stickers are still there but they are clear instead of silver.

On most of the cards, I like the new edition. My favorite are these booklets, especially the Reggie Jackson. That one seemed to catch my eye right from the beginning.

But I wonder how many goofy sayings we are going to see in Triple Threads this year.

I will check out the ebay listings when they come out of Triple Threads. Since I can't ever afford these cards, it's my favorite thing to do once this product comes out.