Sunday Question

Many of you over the years of us writing this blog have expressed that there is more value in purchasing packs or boxes of other sports. Clearly, we are just baseball card collectors but I decided this week to heed your advice and try something new, like the Panini Limited Basketball. Well, I did enjoy that immensely but it also had to do with the fact that I manged to get a card of a guy I like, Lamar Odom.

While at Target the other day I saw rack packs of Panini Prestige basketball, and noticed that you get 40 cards per rack pack. That seemed cool, but when I read that in a single pack for $2.99 you get 10 cards, I nearly fell over. So for $4.99, you get 40 cards vs. $2.99 for 10 cards? Sold. I was willing to give it a whirl. Now, if someone can show me a baseball rack pack that delivers that value in a rack pack to retail pack ratio, I would love to hear it. Topps Chrome, for example, you get 3 packs plus 3 cards for $8.99. So, you pay the same price as buying 3 individual packs (well, 3 cents less) and you get a whole 3 cards as an "added value"? Not so much.

Here is a sample of the base cards and what was in the rack pack of Panini Prestige basketball.




Greg Oden Prestigious Pros /499 "Oh, cool. A serial numbered card," I said...

Mickael Pietrus GU /99 When I saw the thick white edged card in the pack, I assumed it was a dummy card. Yes, exactly my reaction. A game used jersey card in a rack pack, and it's serial numbered?! While I will admit I don't know much about the dude, it is still pretty freaking cool.

By now you are probably wondering what the question actually is here. Well, what I want to know is where do you think you get the most value for your dollar these days when buying cards? Do you feel that one company gives you more cards for the money in a "value pack", or one company gives you more "mojo" per box for the money?

I would love to hear what you guys are buying that isn't baseball, and who knows, maybe we will open something else that is non-baseball to take a crack at it.

I have to admit for $4.99 for a rack pack with 40 cards, 2 serial numbered cards and one of those 2 being a game used card, there is a good chance Panini will get another $4.99 from me sometime soon.

'10-'11 Panini Limited Basketball box break

I have had the itch recently to give basketball cards a whirl, so I contacted a friend over at Panini to see if he had anything fun to review on the blog. He sent over a sweet product, '10-'11 Panini Limited. I know you are all gasping that I caved and tried a new sport, but I used to collect basketball cards as a kid so I feel like it's kind of okay... I did not expect a high end type of product to end up in my mailbox and considering I can never buy stuff like this, I practically danced when I saw what it was.

I opened it quietly like a little church mouse, and saw that the pack is indeed clear when you open up the box, so I saw who the top and bottom cards were instantly. However, I did notice that there was only one thicker card, which could have meant 2 auto's in the pack.

Here is the loot:

Carl Landry /199
I scanned the back of this card just to give everyone an idea of how eye catching the back of the cards actually are. I rather like them.


Marcus Camby /49

Jerry West /149

Calvin Murphy /49

Willie Warren RC auto /99
This card reminds me of the old school Dream Team cards from the mid 90's.


Derrick Rose GU /49
Reason to love this GU card: The red swatch is from the logo area of the shorts, not just some white jersey. Love.


Glass Cleaners Signatures #6
You'll have to click to see who it is. This is by far my favorite card in the pack, and one that I was debating trying to buy on eBay as well. I honestly can not wait to get this card in the mail.


I had never seen a price on these boxes before, and I just looked them up for this post. The box seems to go for somewhere around $85 +/- a few bucks. I guess depending on what is inside will determine if it's worth that price, just like anything else. Honestly though, I really feel like this product is worth the gamble if you like basketball cards and can spare the cash.

The design of the cards is great, but my basis for comparison is rather limited since I collect baseball cards. I always liked Leaf/Donruss products so it's only fitting for me to fall in love with some other sort of cardboard. I wish Topps would take notice of some other product designs, especially when it comes to game used (like actually used, not manufactured) and getting stuff signed by the players on card. People are going to bitch and moan no matter what companies do, but I would rather bitch about waiting for an ON CARD auto redemption than have a crooked silver sticker staring me in the face.

Two thumbs up, Panini. I will be back for more. (Sigh.)

I'm jealous --- of Canada

The 2010 Fall Expo kicked off in today – in Canada.

I’m a little jealous of this event. I went to the National and enjoyed it, but the giveaways at the Fall Expo are better than what was given out at the National.

Look at some of these promos:

Upper Deck – The Priority Signings by Upper Deck are pretty cool.

You can get a Wayne Gretzky autograph. Does it really get better than that?

By bringing an unopened box of 2010-11 NHL Artifacts or 2010-11 Upper Deck Series 1 NHL to the Upper Deck booth, you will get an autograph card. Some autos are better than others, but there are some serious hockey players in the checklist including Sidney Crosby, Gordie Howe and Bobby Orr.

Panini – Part of the wrapper redemption includes possible autographs by NHL rookies Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin. Included in the six-card redemption pack could be autographs Panini representatives Kobe Bryant, Evan Tuner or John Wall.

Of course, there’s a chance of getting some Sam Bradford or Tim Tebow cards.

All the promos at the National were over-shadowed by the Stephen Strasburg card given out by Topps. I got on line to get mine.

But I couldn’t tell you any of the other promos from that weekend.

If anyone goes and writes up a trip report, let us know!

Opening my world to hockey cards

I'm trying to broaden my horizons when it comes to card collecting. For last 15 or so years, once baseball season was over, I usually just stared out the window waiting for the spring. I really just wanted baseball to come back and my interest in baseball cards would be renewed.

But there are other sports out there. One thing I learned from NFL trading cards this season already is that they are so much better than baseball cards are right now.

So, I am looking at everything coming out. Not just baseball.

Most recently, 2010-11 Upper Deck Hockey Series 1.

As I scanned listings of the cards, this one popped right out at me.

Taylor Hall

The action photo is great on this card. It's up close, right in your face. I love the look of concentration on his face. So, it got me to check out more cards. 

Typical type of inserts, but still great photography.

Here's one of the base cards, which is also typical Upper Deck. They used this design with baseball. It's crisp and clean, but I think there were problems viewing the silver lettering - if I remember correctly.

Here are the jersey cards, which to me has always been a bit lacking. What more can you do with jersey cards? I don't know. But plain colored jerseys, no matter what color, or always a little on the boring side to me.

I can't really tell the size of the jersey based on the picture, but I would be surprised if it was bigger than a quarter.

 Another Upper Deck exclusive card

Overall, I like the product. I think hockey fans should be happy with a set like this. I know hockey fans are some of the most passionate out there and I think this should appeal to them.

However, I would like to hear from the hockey fans. What do you guys think?

Topps teases 2011 Pro Debut

Topps released a bunch of photos today on Twitter for 2011 Pro Debut Series 1, their minor league card set.

I have nothing special to say about these guys except, Go Mike Trout.

So here are the photos.

Matt Moore/Mike Montgomery

Matt Dominguez

Eric Hosmer

Manny Machado

Jesus Montero

Mike Trout

James Taillon

Mike Moustakas