What's in a Case 2nd half begins! (Box 7)

We've hit the over halfway mark of the 288 packs sitting in my living room. It has been an eye opening and inspirational journey (kind of running out of descriptive words).

Let's get to it!

 

The first gold refractor of the break! They are really sharp looking cards this year (and most years to be honest) I have a sepia set in 2012, if I had the funds I would love to chase a gold set one year it would look great in a binder all together. Also, hit the first sepia refractor of the break! One of my personal favorite refractor colors. This one is of rookie Solarte formerly of the Yankees, now Padres.

 

The 2 autos are just base, but happy to hit the Schoop. He's one of the guys I'd want among some other names I haven't seen (Taveras, Abreu). The Dean Anna.. not sure.. any interest Lost collector in adding it to our future trade?

Thanks for reading!

What's in a Case halfway mark! (Rarest hit of the break!)

We have officially reached the halfway point of my favorite (only?) series of the year that I post on my blog. I am excited to finally hit something rarer then the black auto! Although any color auto is nice, I'm not complaining about something else cool!

While my Fiance was sorting she found that the pictures didn't match! Check out the Starlin Castro photo variation! One in 1400 packs!

 

Starlin Castro looking cold at Wrigley in April most likely. I've been to Cubs and White Sox games in April and its usually in the 30 degree range. People from Chicago can attest to that (I lived there for 2 years but I am not from there)

 

A nice Chapman black refractor! Always nice to hit a good name. I like most guys that throw 100 MPH's, who doesn't? A nice Tanaka Refractor RC! Hope his elbow heals well and he comes back. I am not a Yankee fan but I am a fan of expanding baseball and he was good for the game. 

Finally hit a Met auto that I can trade over to Home Run Apple. I like Jose Ramirez's sig. It was like he wanted to use the entire card if they would let him!

Thanks for reading, 6 more to go!

What's in a Case Box 5!

Almost halfway there! I do enjoy opening these at a slower pace because its really my only big big purchase of the year. (Definitely my only case unless I hit the lottery) This year isn't nearly as colorful as last year so Topps must have produced more.

Onto the cards!

 

 A few dodgers in this box. I like cheering for Ryu but its mostly because I like Street Fighter. He's the best in that game! Machado needs to stop injuring his knee. Kid's got talent just needs to stay on the field.

The Stefan Romero is a refractor auto! Always nice to see a non base auto! The JR Murphy is a Yankee.. so someone must want it? Right? Onto the next box later today!

Thanks for reading!

What's in a Case Box 4!

Now if I had more money I would do what's in a case series for every kind out there! When I hit the lottery and open my own non profit baseball card store you can count on it! Still waiting to hit that Abreu superfractor that will pay for my wedding!

Onto the cards!

 

Hit a Phillies Ethan Martin Black refractor. That's nice, goes straight into the PC. I'm thinking of going after the Topps Shelf insert set. They are nice. The 1989 reprints are nice too but they'll most likely be up for trade. I don't feel the need to go after all of them. Some big name base refractors Harper and Kershaw! 

The Jimmy Nelson is a refractor out of 499. The Erik Johnson is the base auto (Erik Johnson hot box! (hit a blue refractor above) The rarest card according to pack odds is still the Black auto of Odor, hopefully that will change in the near future!

Thanks for reading!

What's in a Case Box 3!

Onto more breaking fun! Had a lot of comments on the last post, much appreciated! I'm always up for trading at the end (seeing as how most of the boxes are still sealed so I have no idea what's in them) (Hopefully 4 or 5 superfractors)

Onto Box 3!

 

Some more color! Yay! Topps eliminated the Pink refractor and camo from this year's rainbow. Every year I try and collect the Ryan Howard rainbow (if you find the super let me know!) so 2 less colors is ok with me. The pink's were difficult to find last year (numbered out of 5) The lowest this year is atomic out of 10. (Already have a Howard on the way!) The Red Sox guy is Will Middlebrooks if you can't read the name. I like Billy Hamilton's game this year. He's up over 50 steals and could easily reach 60 or 70 by the end of the year. He had a real rough April so I'm glad he bounced back. 

Another color auto! Nice to see, Mr Tommy Medica. The Pinto is a base version but one of the better pictures I've seen. No big Rangers in this box sorry guys!

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for Box 4 probably a bit later!

Whats in a Case Part 2!!!

Thanks for the comments so far! Mr Judson will be happy with this next box, hopefully we can work out a deal!

It definitely improved on Box 2! None of the base cards have been sorted so I'm not sure of the collation yet. I'm a bit tired so lets get to it!

 

A Ryan Howard base card! A color refractor of Michael Cuddyer the first of the break! A nice Miggy Topps Shelf insert. 

Rarest card so far! Rougned Odor black refractor auto! Numbered out of 100. He's a 20 year old player on the Rangers so lots of future left.

Onto box 3 tomorrow!

Thanks for reading!

What's in a Case Returns!!! (Part 1 Box 1!)

My fiance and I decided to start ripping some packs when she got home from work last night. As usual we took turns going back and forth until the box was empty! Shows how much I pay attention to dates.. my blogaversary was on August 12th! Totally missed it! Onto year 3 of this fun and interesting endeavor. I will say I've truly enjoyed writing and talking to people and trading throughout the last few years. Thanks to all who have made this possible.

Onto the cards..

Box 1 was less then good.. but hey there's 11 more to go! (I'm mostly optimistic in everything I do in life)

 

Not a single color refractor.. but the odds are crazy this year. No guarantees you'll hit any color in every box. I hope some boxes are loaded to make up for the lack of color. It was nice to see Abreu and Tanaka Rookies so at least there's that. The 1989 inserts are pretty cool. I like the look of them. As well as the 1 per box Top Shelf inserts. The design works in my opinion. The Diecuts are ok, slightly better then last year (no sharp edges like last years). 

 

The 2 autos to start the break was Michael Choice and Yangervis Solarte (on the Padres now). I like Solarte's penmanship. Nothing spectacular obviously but On card no redemptions (last year I hit 8-10 redemptions in the case) 

Well thats the start, more to come if I have time today! 

Thanks for reading!

A trade completed with reader Scott!

I recently completed another trade with a fellow blog reader Scott (I read blogs too). He is kind enough to throw any Frank Thomas's he finds my way and I send him a random assortment of stuff he likes. It's been working well now for about a year and a half or so (wow go blog!)

Check out some cool cards!

 

A whole lot of Big Hurtedness (made up a word!) I really like Prizm refractor and the playing card thing! 

 

A random Philly assortment. Randall looking suave in his photo shoots. I'm still mad at Gary Andersen for missing his first kick of the season to go the super bowl against the Falcons. He should've made that and we would've gotten to see Moss and Cunningham in the big game. Would've been fun! Eddie Jones is a big fan favorite around here. He was great at Temple with Aaron McKie as his running mate. 

Fun Fact: the year before Iverson won the MVP (2001) the Sixers tried to trade him for a package centered around Eddie Jones. The reason the trade did not go through was Matt Geiger (Sloth) did not want to leave Philly and refused to waive his no trade clause. That's probably the biggest contribution of Gieger's career! 

 

Some more Mr Thomas! Always a good mail day when 18 cards are added to my list!

Thanks for the trade look forward to the next one!

Also.. CHROME IS HERE!!!!!!! I e-mailed the store last night (atlanta sports cards) because I could not find my invoice (my bad I deleted it). Give props to them they were super responsive and gave me a tracking number in no time. Not so much props to the UPS guy who decided to leave the case at my front step (I live in an apartment complex) Thankfully I got home from work normal time and nothing was amiss. That was a bit nerve wracking to say the least. At least it is here. Have a busy few days ahead so not sure when What's in a Case will begin!.. But maybe a box here or there before the weekend!

Thanks for reading!!!

Chrome is coming!!!!

I believe Chrome has arrived in retail stores (see some on ebay) but soon the hobby side will be unleashed into this world! I am anticipating receiving my case Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. The auto checklist looks a little large this year but we'll see how it goes. Either way I expect opening 288 packs will be a lot of fun! The card above is from 2009 Topps Chrome! A nice gold refractor. Ryan Howard is on the checklist this year so please if you pull any rare ones keep me in mind! (Still searching for the Super from last year)

Can't wait! Exciting week ahead.. Fantasy draft season and Topps Chrome!

Thanks for reading!

So Much to do, So Much to Say

No reason for the title, just have the song stuck in my head. I am about to watch Philly vs. Vegas in the LLWS. It's been fun to watch a local team make it far in a tough tournament (I think its tough?). I quit playing little league in 6th grade. I was ok at baseball but I wanted to play hockey. I ended up playing Hockey, Basketball and Soccer through high school. Played 2 years of D3 soccer in college. That was my best sport because back then I could really run and I was fearless. Who knows how many concussions I actually had.. haha.

Onto card related musings.. Have some cool pickups that I made in the last month or so that I haven't had the opportunity to show!

This one is cool! I went back and forth with the seller a few times but it was a civil negotiation and I ended up with this patch out of 5 of Sebestain Valle (he threw in the base card for free, much appreciated)

What's nice about this patch is on the back, the disclaimer (can't think of the word atm) says it was game used in the futures game. It is not from some random game. It fits in well with some of the other patch type stuff I have shown. Collecting cards is fun! Chrome is a week away!

Fantasy football draft season is here as well! I have 6 drafts, 5 leagues (helping a buddy out who can't make his draft) Thankfully all of my drafts landed on different days! Also, 2 of them are in person which will be a lot of fun. If anyone wants to talk football I'm always up for it!

Thanks for reading!

A rookie auto!

I recently added my 3rd Bowman's best rookie auto of none other then Ryan Howard. This one is already encased which is fine with me (I don't like paying grading fees but if it's already done and the card is the right price I don't care)

Nice looking card. I could probably clean the surface and get it bumped up, but meh that's not a priority. If anyone wants to sell me these graded for under 30 bucks I'm cool with it! The Phillies unfortunately have been disappointing this season. Ruben Amaro isn't exactly inspiring in his ability to run the team either. I hope they get some new blood in here and get some fresh ideas on how to get back to their 2008 levels.

On a side note, the Phillies are bad, tickets are cheap! I went to a game last weekend for 15 bucks and got a Roy Halladay bobble head doll which is a nice give away.

On a semi football related note, I went to Fantasy Football fest on Saturday at the Xfinity center in Philly. That was a good time. A little crazy in the beginning with the amount of people that were there (tickets were free) but I thought it was well organized and they gave away a ton of stuff. Got a frisbee and a new hat!

Thanks for reading!

Some More Ginter--- Minis!

I do collect some Ginter.. but mainly Ryan Howard. I was able to snag a few of the rarer minis early on.

 

The one on the left is the No number mini (out of 50). The one on the right is the new ones inside some box toppers this year numbered out of 33!

This is quite obviously the flag back numbered out of 25! I was happy to snag this one because its tough to find after release. Seems like people hold onto them but thats cool!

Gint A Cuffs is over, already looking forward to next year! I'm not in last place which is nice. Finest has been released but only one Philly card in the base set. I don't plan on partaking in the wax ripping. My next endeavor is Chrome! What's in a Case series will return!

Thanks for reading!

Gint A Cuffs Last 4 packs!

I have not taken the selfie pic yet. I've been quite busy doing life stuff, which is fun but I have not had time to upload a selfie with my favorite card for +5. Depends how my total looks whether that will happen or not!

Onto the remainder packs!

Pack 21!

Starting at +138

 

Joe Morgan Pastime's Pastimes +2

Natural Wonders +2

Brett Gardner -1

Little Lions Sphynx +3

Running Total: +144

 

 Jackie Robinson FT +1

Jose Canseco A&G back +2

Paul Konerko SP +2

Running Total: +149

 

Sandy Koufax Pastime's Pastime +2, +1

World's Capitals +2

Running Total +154

Mark McGwire Pastime's Pastime +2
Natural Wonder +2

Running Total +158

That wraps up Gint A Cuffs! Fun as always! Selfie (maybe) to follow! I doubt I can win with 158 but hopefully I won't be in last place!

Greg the Heyward is put aside for you.
Chris if you want some inserts let me know or SP's etc.

Anyone else let me know if you want something!

Thanks for reading!

Gint A Cuffs Part 4 (Packs 15-20) May the points continue!

 

So far doing pretty decent, I think! I don't remember what I scored last year, will have to look it up! Let's continue on with the fun!

Starting Total: +115

Carl Crawford FT +1

Snoop Lion -1

Matt Cain SP +1

That's all the points

Running Total: +116.. one whole point more! 

 

The Iron Horse -1
Pastime's Pastime Hank Aaron +2
Air Supremecy F-22 +2
Jose Abreu RC +500!
Mariano River A&G Back -1, +2

Running Total +120 or the real score +620!

 

Hit alert! Number 3! Good Ole Jason Heyward!

Jason Heyward Relic +8

Michael Cuddyer Mini A&G back +2

Running Total +130

Pastime's Pastime Gehrig -1, +2
Air Supremacy  V-22 +2
Nolan Arenado Mini SP +3

Running Total: +136

Juan Gonzalez SP +2

Don't see any other point cards in this pack. Not the most eventful note to end on!

Running Total: +138 with 4 packs to go!

Stay tuned for the conclusion probably sometime this weekend! Enjoy Friday!

Thanks for reading!

Onward and Upward Gint A Cuffs Part 3 (Packs 11-15)

We will continue the 5 packs at a time theme. Thanks to those that are following along. Always fun(at least to me) to see what gets pulled! Maybe (most likely) we will see the first hit of the break! (3 are promised, c'mon Topps)

Pack 11:

 

It's a hit!!! A rarer one.. framed mini's aren't guaranteed like in year's past. This one happens to be 1 in every 174 packs! A very nice one for points as well!

I started this post at +61 

Elvis Andrus Mini Framed Relic +20

Tanaka Yankee -1

CJ Wilson SP +2

Where Nature Ends Botticelli +3

Running Total: +85

 

That was an exciting pack.. onto the next one!

Carlos Beltran -1

Anthony Bourdain -1

Ryu SP FT +2, +1

Wacha Mini SP +3

Running Total: +89

 

Chuck Klosterman +1

Pastime's Pastimes Ty Cobb +2

World Capital's Brazil +2

A&G Back Don Mattingly +2, -1 Edit: The Mattingly is actually a No number Mini.. so it should have been +6, -1, which increases my score to +162!

Running Total: +95

 

Pastime's Pastimes Harmon Killebrew +2

Festival's and Fairs Holi Festival +2

A&G Back Ted Williams +2

Running Total: +101

Hit #2 alert! Not quite as big as the first one but I like the design and Carlos Gonzalez is pretty good.

Carlos Gonzalez Full Size bat relic +8
Elvis Andrus SP +2
Rickey Henderson Black Mini +3
Duke Snider FT +1

Running Total: +115

Not too bad after 15 packs. One hit to go. Not sure it's going to be enough to win but I'd like to not be in last place! Unrelated note, I lost in my mini golf tournament in the semi finals. Was tied going into 17 and ended up losing by 2 (needed a hole in one on 18, hit a great shot.. hit the cup and bounced out unbelievable!) Regardless, it was fun, looking forward to next year's tournament!

Anyways, hope you guys and gals have enjoyed my box so far!

Thanks for reading!

Gint-A-Cuffs Part 2 (Packs 6-10)

Thanks for the comments on the previous post. Mr Nachos Grande we can certainly work out a trade for your ginter needs. Maybe we'll get our first hit on these next batch.. then again maybe not! The suspense is intense! (that rhymes!)

Pack 6:

Seems that the inserts get clumped together in Ginter. Seems that Topps does that with most products though so no big deal.. onto the points!

Jackie Robinson Pastime's Pastimes FT: +2, +1
World Capitals Tokyo Japan: +2

Running Total: +37

 

Ichiro (I liked him more as a Mariner): -1

Air Supremacy Hornet: +2

Larger then Life Davy Crockett Mini: +3

Pastime's Pastime Bob Gibson: +2

Running Total: +43

 

 

Pastime's Pastimes Tom Glavine: +2

Don Sutton FT: +1

Festivals and Fairs Lantern Festival: +2

Outlaw's Bandits Robin Hood: +3 

Running Total: +51

Iron Sheik: +1
Pastime's Pastime Lou Brock: +2
World Capitals Buenos Aires: +2

Running Total: +56

Joe Kelly SP: +2
Where Nature Ends Diego Valasquez: +3

Running Total: +61

All things considered not horrible. No hits yet but not a ton of minus's either. I even scanned the big question mark card. Does anyone know if last year's Ginter code was ever solved? I read about the previous years and they were interesting would like to hear about last year's.

Completely unrelated notes: Saw Guardians of the Galaxy today, really enjoyed it. Good action, fun story, great characters. I thought it lived up to the billing. Also, I am in the semi final of my work sponsored mini golf tournament (72 people entered this year so its quite large) I have a very tough opponent tomorrow so gotta bring my A game to pull it out! Cheer for me from afar if you can!

Thanks for reading, stay tuned for Part 3 tomorrow or the next day!

Welcome to Gint a Cuffs Part 1! (Packs 1-5 and boxloader!)

I decided to open the box loader first because I couldn't take the anticipation anymore. I had this sealed box sitting next to me for a few days before the rules were posted.. all day at work I'd day dream about the 24 rip cards I was about to pull! Needless to say the days were good! (spoiler alert, I did not pull 24 rip cards)

Let's get this party started!

Boxloader:

 

It was a nice start to the box seeing the Bo Jackson. Always been a fan! 

Bo Jackson Box Loader: +8

 

 

Very first card is of course a Yankee. None other then not playing this year A-Rod.  

A Rod : -1

Andy Pettite Short Print: +1 (damn Yanks) 

Black Mini Carl Crawford FT: +1, +3 

Running Total: +12

 

Chris Sale FP: +2

Jeff Samardzija SP: +2

Jim Calhoun Black Mini: +3

Running Total: +19

 

Festivals and Fairs Day of the Dead: +2

Pastime's Pastimes Rickey Henderson: +2

Mini A&G Back Chris Sale FP: +3, +2 

Running Total: +28

 

A Dreaded Yankee Mariano Rivera: -1

Nolan Arenado SP: +2

Weak pack..

Running Total: +29

 

Clayton Kershaw FT: +1

Jayson Werth SP: +2

Running Total: +32

5 packs and a box loader down. Not the best average in the world. Still all 3 hits remain! 

I scanned every card so please check my math and make sure I didn't miss a point card. 

Everything is for trade as usual, I don't go after the Ginter set but it's a fun box to open. 

Thanks for reading, stay tuned for Part 2!