One More 2009 Topps Factory Set...All-Star Game Exclusive

The MLB All-Star Game and ensuing festivities are only four plus weeks away. I can't believe I didn't see this until now. While there hasn't been any news about what exclusive cards Topps will have in store at the annual MLB FanFest, MLB.com and other sites already have for pre-sale the 2009 Topps All-Star Game exclusive factory set (see picture).

Yes, there will be bonus cards, this time of five current Cardinals players:

• Albert Pujols
• Chris Carpenter
• Ryan Ludwick
• Khalil Greene
• Rick Ankiel

along with the 660 regular cards. According to the item description, the bonus cards are going to have a different design (why??? This year's Topps design looks great! Hopefully they mean different pictures) and the ASG logo stamped onto the cards.

All-Star Game Managers Joe Maddon and Charlie Manuel have already named their coaches (managers from the other teams to go along with their respective coaching staffs). Charlie Manuel is bringing in loads of ASG managerial experience by getting both Joe Torre of the Dodgers and Tony LaRussa of the hometown Cardinals to sit on the NL bench. On the other hand, Joe Maddon has invited Trey Hillman of the Royals and Don Wakamatsu of the Mariners, to join him on the AL bench. It would be the first time for both Hillman and Wakamatsu to be a part of the ASG in any capacity.

I know that I haven't posted a lot lately, but rest assured that the Series 2 cards that were purchased over the weekend have been sorted and scans of the hits will be coming soon. And if you were here last year, as the ASG comes closer, there will be a lot more posting. Why??? Because I live for the All-Star Game!!!

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama