If This is His Topps Card, Then What Card is This?: Brandon Inge

You know what, he's got a point. I want to thank friend of the blog the drizz for setting me straight. With all the stuff that's been going on lately, whether it's with the Hobby, or the people who cover it, I've decided to back to my roots. Gellman is up and running the sixth edition of the Blog Bat Around (it's his baby, you know), and his topic made me think long and hard about my place in the blogosphere.

To that end, I am bringing back a popular segment on this blog called, "If This is His Topps Card, Then What Card is This?" For those new to the blog and are wondering what the heck I'm talking about, basically, I present the Topps card of a certain player. Then I present a second card of the same player, with the same design, but there is a significant difference in the picture. The card could come from a traded set, it could be a bonus insert, it could be a variation, it could be from a totally different set. Whatever. It's up to you the reader to figure it out (leave comments...ego...)

This time around, we head back to 2006 (again???) and feature a player who for all intents and purposes, could be compared to Craig Biggio, if it weren't for the fact that

• A. He plays for Detroit
• B. He's a long way away from 3000 Hits
• C. Did I mention Detroit (just kidding drizz, just kidding)

Realistically, I think the only thing they both have in common is that both are willing to play any position their manager asks of him. That certainly is the case with our subject today...Brandon Inge.

Brandon Inge started his big league career as a catcher (just like Biggio). From 2001-2003, he was their go-to-guy behind the plate. Then the Tigers signed Ivan Rodriguez to catch for them. So did that mean that Inge would be out of a job? Would he be relegated to back up duty? Nope. He was asked to play third base for the team, which turned out to be no big deal (he signed on with the team as a shortstop, so making the move to third was simple). So while Pudge claimed the back stop, Inge played for three seasons (2004-2006) as their hot corner man. He has also been asked to play in the outfield a few times. Anything, just put him in the lineup has been the mindset.

So enclosed is Brandon Inge's 2006 Topps card:


Sweet looking card. Had to have been taken during a critical time in the ball game. Everyone in the Tiger's dugout is standing, possibly hoping that Inge would drive in the tying or winning run. This actually is an error card because his position is listed as Second Base, but during this time, he was the team's third baseman. The back of the card has him with the correct position. So if this is his Topps card...


Hmmm, the position is correct. But the picture is different. It shows him fielding, possibly just tossing the ball around after a strikeout. So now, here comes the all important question...

What Card is This???

Answer to come later. Post your guess in the comments section. And drizz, I looked long and hard for a Tigers player to use for this segment as a tribute to you. Thanks again.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

UPDATE: Monday, May 25, 2009.

And again, I forget to update this a week later. That's what happens when your team is slumping (big time...8 games??!). Anyway, both packaddict and friend of the blog (who will get big props when this card he says he got will be mailed over) the drizz got it right. The second card is from the 2006 Topps Tigers 14-card team set. jba