2012 Topps Heritage Preview

I snarfed a couple of images off of Topps twitter account so everyone can check out what some of the hits from the 2012 Topps Heritage are going to look like. I'm not sure based on these two images if there is any real change to this set, but there really shouldn't be one. Looks like the auto's will be on card (at least some of them) which is always a plus.

Check out the preview images.



I look forward to Topps Heritage every year so I'm betting this year will be no different. This set rarely disappoints collectors and is always consistent.

2011 Topps Tier One Preview

Today on Twitter Topps decided to leak some preview images for their upcoming Tier One release due out in November. I thought you guys would like to take a look at the cards. They look pretty nice and the auto's are on card! Finally.







I did notice the foil on the bottom of the Martinez auto seems to be chipped already... Probably not a good sign. Dual auto is reminiscent of Upper Deck SP duals, but anything on card is okay by me.

What do you guys think of the design of the auto cards? I'm dreaming of a Robinson Cano on card auto.... Sigh.

I need help

I know what you are all thinking, but no not mental help this time. I am wondering if anyone purchases supplies online, and if so where. I need to pick up a couple of binders, some hinge cases to send out trades, team bags, etc. I was purchasing stuff on eBay from Columbia Sports or something like that, and was wondering if anyone consistently purchases from one seller or one website.

I also feel like it is my duty to track down all Pujols cards from the Goudey set. So you can add that to the list of things I need help on. I found a couple of 99 cent cards on eBay ending tonight so I am crossing my fingers that no one bids. Slim chance, but I can dream.

I have no new cards since Target and K-mart didn't have any new products in the last week or two. It is killing me that they have nothing, but I should be glad because I really don't have the money to be spending. I want to take a ride to the hobby shop that one of our readers suggested in Midland Park, NJ as soon as I figure out where it is on Mapquest. We never made it to the card show this weekend, which was a bummer but it will be back in a month or two so it's ok.

I got a bunch of YSL cards in the mail today from Matt over at HBC (Heartbreaking Cards), thanks s bunch!! I will be getting myself motivated tonight to find you some cards, I'm a little slow...

(A little Burnett for all the pies he has been making...)

Hobby vs. Retail

I've noticed a trend in some of the blogs we visit are comparing hobby vs. retail and I felt the need to add my 2 cents. I work part-time in a store that sells hobby only packs of everything, and coincidentally is about 50 yards from Target and retail. I am not going to say how many days (all) that I have left the mall with one or the other, or both.

Right now the store I work in is selling UD Timeline packs for $4.29 up from $3.99 a week ago, and is also selling UD Masterpiece Baseball for $6.99... Masterpieces for $6.99! I did make an attempt to purchase 2 packs from fresh boxes and see what happens. I ended up with 2 YSL cards, and crap. We have like 7 of every card from this set, and I have two blasters which makes me an idiot for buying two hobby packs for that price. In Target you can get UD Timeline for $1.99 a pack (way more fun), and they haven't had the Masterpieces in a while. We also just got in the Ballpark Collection at $49.99 per pack (3 GU and 1 AU per pack on average). Needless to say, I will not be purchasing any of those.

My other issue with this debate is the problem with the pricing of retail blasters. They are marked from the card companies at $19.99, however Modells and Sports Authority like to charge $24.99 for them. They can go scratch unless I am getting a sale price. The same stores also charge a dollar or two more for rack packs as well.

2008 Stadium Club... we could go on and on about what was Topps thinking releasing yet another product with a price tag not conducive to what most collectors can afford in this economy, or are willing to spend with the economy in a downward progression. Anyway, point is I got a blaster and a ton of base cards and 1st day Issues AND ONE SP AUTO for $19.99. One pack of hobby is $24.99 vs. one pack of retail for $2.99 if you are just trying to get your favorite players or set build. Topps can get bent for that pack.

I buy both hobby and retail, and often in one trip. It depends on my mood and what I feel like opening at the time. I honestly feel like if you are just trying to build sets or pull players, there is just as good of a chance at that in the cheaper retail versions of the packs. However, if you collect Albert Pujols or Derek Jeter you more or less have no chance at getting them in either pack. (I still do not have all the UD Timeline, or the Stadium Club cards)

We will be going out on Sunday together, which means we will end up on some wild goose chase for baseball cards and have something interesting to report, I hope. Until then, you may have to cross your fingers that I open one of my bargain blasters from K-Mart (that is the 2 for 1 08 Masterpieces). I am working all day tomorrow so God knows I will have purchased something dumb by this time tomorrow.

I'm done for now.
Stay tuned.