Showing posts with label sell sheet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sell sheet. Show all posts

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Everything You Want to Know about 2015 Topps Update Series


Because work has been really busy, I have not had much time to write about my thoughts about the sets that I'm really looking forward to now that the regular season is a distant memory and the playoffs are in full swing.

But before we get to next year's eponymous (and borderless) set (which I'll discuss in another post...when I can get to it), let's talk about everyone's favorite end-of-the-year set, 2015 Topps Update Series.

This year's set consists of 400 cards (up from 330 cards from the previous 11 years). It was announced that there will be 73 players making their Rookie Card debut in this set, including Topps' newest exclusive, Carlos Correa of the Astros. Check out the image of the card of the Astros' shortstop that Topps released online today along with the upcoming checklist (it's further down...trust me).


One thing I did forget to post on this humble, little blog, was the set of images from the "sell sheet" for Update. For those who missed them when they first came out this past May, or for those who want to see them again, here you go:







As always, it's nice to see how the images that we had all seen when the set was first announced come into play on the sell sheet.

Now, the set is supposed to come out on October 21. I say supposed to. Why?

Courtesy of Facebook

There was another image I wanted to find, but I think this works as well.

So, what do we see here:

  • A Kris Bryant All-Star Game card (which means that he's part of the All-Star Game subset)
  • A Rookies Rising card (probably a checklist, sharing the space with fellow super-rookie Addison Russell)
  • A Kris Bryant Rookie Debut (which we knew was coming...look on the sell sheets)
  • And what's this? A Kris Bryant throwback card with the old Topps logo? With Bryant wearing a Throwback Jersey?
So the checklist came out earlier this week. Let's see if what is below can clarify the four-card lot of Kris Bryant cards, shall we?:

BASE:

US1 Aaron Thompson Minnesota Twins
US2 Wilmer Difo Washington Nationals Rookie
US3 Tyler Wilson Baltimore Orioles Rookie
US4 Jean Machi Boston Red Sox
US5 Ryan Vogelsong San Francisco Giants
US6 David DeJesus Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
US7 Brad Miller Seattle Mariners
US8 Alex Claudio Texas Rangers Rookie
US9 Shane Greene Detroit Tigers Future Star
US10 Bobby Parnell New York Mets
US11 Evan Gattis Houston Astros Future Star
US12 Travis Ishikawa Pittsburgh Pirates
US13 Tommy Pham St. Louis Cardinals Rookie
US14 Joey Gallo Texas Rangers Rookie Debut
US15 River City Rakers Pittsburgh Pirates
US16 John Axford Colorado Rockies
US17 Manny Machado Baltimore Orioles
US18 Michael Blazek Milwaukee Brewers
US19 Erasmo Ramirez Tampa Bay Rays
US20 Cole Hamels Texas Rangers
US21 High-Voltage Battery San Francisco Giants
US22 Jake Diekman Texas Rangers
US23 Kevin Plawecki New York Mets Rookie
US24 Chris Young New York Yankees
US25 Byron Buxton Minnesota Twins Rookie
US26 Jack Leathersich New York Mets Rookie
US27 Nathan Eovaldi New York Yankees
US28 Miguel Cabrera Detroit Tigers
US29 Ben Paulsen Colorado Rockies
US30 David Phelps Miami Marlins
US31 Gordon Beckham Chicago White Sox
US32 Blake Swihart Boston Red Sox Rookie
US33 Alex Rodriguez New York Yankees
US34 Matt Andriese Tampa Bay Rays Rookie
US35 Justin Bour Miami Marlins Rookie
US36 Roberto Perez Cleveland Indians
US37 Luis Avilan Los Angeles Dodgers
US38 Michael Lorenzen Cincinnati Reds Rookie
US39 Potent Padres San Diego Padres
US40 Sam Dyson Miami Marlins
US41 Travis Shaw Boston Red Sox / Allan Dykstra Tampa Bay Rays Rookie Combos
US42 Madison Bumgarner San Francisco Giants
US43 Randall Delgado Arizona Diamondbacks
US44 Tim Cooney St. Louis Cardinals Rookie
US45 Ryan Lavarnway Atlanta Braves
US46 David Price Toronto Blue Jays
US47 Jeremy Jeffress Milwaukee Brewers
US48 Carlos Perez Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Rookie
US49 Mark Canha Oakland Athletics Rookie
US50 Alex Guerrero Los Angeles Dodgers
US51 Yasmani Grandal Los Angeles Dodgers
US52 Cody Anderson Cleveland Indians / Phil Klein Texas Rangers Rookie Combos
US53 Daniel Norris Detroit Tigers Rookie
US54 Tyler Ladendorf Oakland Athletics / Max Muncy Oakland Athletics Rookie Combos
US55 Hank Conger Houston Astros
US56 Kevin Siegrist St. Louis Cardinals
US57 Nick Ahmed Arizona Diamondbacks
US58 Josh Donaldson Toronto Blue Jays
US59 Rafael Martin Washington Nationals / Matt Grace Washington Nationals Rookie Combos
US60 Branden Pinder New York Yankees Rookie
US61 Dallas Keuchel Houston Astros
US62 Brian Dozier Minnesota Twins
US63 Kelvin Herrera Kansas City Royals
US64 David Price Detroit Tigers
US65 Todd Frazier Cincinnati Reds
US66 Neftali Feliz Detroit Tigers
US67 Leonel Campos San Diego Padres Rookie
US68 Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
US69 Zach McAllister Cleveland Indians
US70 Vance Worley Pittsburgh Pirates
US71 Joakim Soria Pittsburgh Pirates
US72 Brett Gardner New York Yankees
US73 Tyler Saladino Chicago White Sox Rookie
US74 Giovanny Urshela Cleveland Indians Rookie
US75 Ross Detwiler Atlanta Braves
US76 Lorenzo Cain Kansas City Royals
US77 Joe Smith Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
US78 Kris Bryant Chicago Cubs
US79 Rookies Rising Chicago Cubs
US80 Juan Uribe New York Mets
US81 Pat Venditte Oakland Athletics Rookie
US82 Francisco Lindor Cleveland Indians Rookie
US83 Mason Williams New York Yankees Rookie
US84 Sean O'Sullivan Philadelphia Phillies
US85 Justin Nicolino Miami Marlins Rookie
US86 Chris Colabello Toronto Blue Jays
US87 Zack Greinke Los Angeles Dodgers
US88 Marc Rzepczynski San Diego Padres
US89 Kendall Graveman Oakland Athletics
US90 Jacob deGrom New York Mets
US91 Brad Boxberger Tampa Bay Rays
US92 Justin Upton San Diego Padres
US93 Sonny Gray Oakland Athletics
US94 Shane Victorino Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
US95 Elvis Araujo Philadelphia Phillies Rookie
US96 Ben Zobrist Kansas City Royals
US97 Josh Ravin Los Angeles Dodgers Rookie
US98 Josh Fields Houston Astros
US99 Daniel Fields Detroit Tigers Rookie
US100 Andrew McCutchen Pittsburgh Pirates
US101 Jumbo Diaz Cincinnati Reds
US102 Chi Chi Gonzalez Texas Rangers Rookie
US103 Joey Gallo Texas Rangers Rookie
US104 Steve Cishek St. Louis Cardinals
US105 Brandon Moss St. Louis Cardinals
US106 Shelby Miller Atlanta Braves
US107 Carlos Gomez Houston Astros
US108 Adonis Garcia Atlanta Braves / Jefry Marte Detroit Tigers Rookie Combos
US109 Anthony Ranaudo Texas Rangers Rookie
US110 Andrew McKirahan Atlanta Braves / Sugar Ray Marimon Atlanta Braves Rookie Combos
US111 Todd Cunningham Atlanta Braves
US112 Conor Gillaspie Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
US113 Eric Campbell New York Mets
US114 Jason Garcia Baltimore Orioles / Scott Copeland Toronto Blue Jays Rookie Combos
US115 Stephen Vogt Oakland Athletics
US116 Miguel Castro Colorado Rockies Rookie
US117 Enrique Hernandez Los Angeles Dodgers
US118 Jason Frasor Atlanta Braves
US119 Jacob Lindgren New York Yankees Rookie
US120 Brandon Cunniff Atlanta Braves Rookie
US121 Alexi Ogando Boston Red Sox
US122 Marlon Byrd Cincinnati Reds
US123 Felix Hernandez Seattle Mariners
US124 Preston Tucker Houston Astros Rookie
US125 Ben Revere Toronto Blue Jays
US126 Tyler Olson Seattle Mariners Rookie
US127 Eduardo Rodriguez Boston Red Sox Rookie
US128 Brock Holt Boston Red Sox
US129 David Ross Chicago Cubs
US130 Jonathan Villar Houston Astros
US131 Jordan Pacheco Arizona Diamondbacks
US132 Gerardo Parra Baltimore Orioles
US133 Vinnie Pestano Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
US134 Steven Matz New York Mets Rookie Debut
US135 Jason Heyward St. Louis Cardinals
US136 Byron Buxton Minnesota Twins Rookie Debut
US137 Andrew Romine Detroit Tigers
US138 Dellin Betances New York Yankees
US139 Mike Moustakas Kansas City Royals
US140 Mark Melancon Pittsburgh Pirates
US141 Glen Perkins Minnesota Twins
US142 Kendrys Morales Kansas City Royals
US143 Tommy Hunter Chicago Cubs
US144 Delino DeShields Jr. Texas Rangers Rookie
US145 Yasmany Tomas Arizona Diamondbacks Rookie Debut
US146 Aaron Harang Philadelphia Phillies
US147 Chris Archer Tampa Bay Rays
US148 Taylor Featherston Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Rookie
US149 Thomas Field Texas Rangers
US150 Eric Sogard Oakland Athletics
US151 Colby Lewis Texas Rangers
US152 J.R. Graham Minnesota Twins Rookie
US153 Archie Bradley Arizona Diamondbacks Rookie Debut
US154 Paul Goldschmidt Arizona Diamondbacks
US155 Yoenis Cespedes New York Mets
US156 Amazing Astros Houston Astros
US157 Noah Syndergaard New York Mets Rookie
US158 Jason Kipnis Cleveland Indians
US159 Darren O'Day Baltimore Orioles
US160 Slade Heathcott New York Yankees Rookie
US161 Jeff Samardzija Chicago White Sox
US162 Jorge Soler Chicago Cubs Rookie Debut
US163 Andrew Heaney Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
US164 Johnny Giavotella Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
US165 Seth Maness St. Louis Cardinals
US166 Severino Gonzalez Philadelphia Phillies Rookie
US167 Derek Norris San Diego Padres
US168 George Kontos San Francisco Giants
US169 Max Scherzer Washington Nationals
US170 Mike Foltynewicz Atlanta Braves Rookie
US171 Jhonny Peralta St. Louis Cardinals
US172 Adrian Gonzalez Los Angeles Dodgers
US173 Salvador Perez Kansas City Royals
US174 Carlos Correa Houston Astros Rookie
US175 Edinson Volquez Kansas City Royals
US176 Austin Hedges San Diego Padres Rookie
US177 Matt Holliday St. Louis Cardinals
US178 Zach Duke Chicago White Sox
US179 Adam Liberatore Los Angeles Dodgers Rookie
US180 Tyler Collins Detroit Tigers
US181 Jimmy Paredes Baltimore Orioles Future Star
US182 Scott Van Slyke Los Angeles Dodgers
US183 Justin Turner Los Angeles Dodgers
US184 Sean Rodriguez Pittsburgh Pirates
US185 David Murphy Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
US186 A.J. Pollock Arizona Diamondbacks
US187 Heart of the Order Toronto Blue Jays
US188 Young & Relentless New York Mets
US189 Adam Warren New York Yankees
US190 Shelby Miller Atlanta Braves
US191 Royals Crush Kansas City Royals
US192 Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
US193 Angel Castro Oakland Athletics / Arnold Leon Oakland Athletics Rookie Combos
US194 Chris Rearick San Diego Padres / Cory Mazzoni San Diego Padres Rookie Combos
US195 A.J. Ramos Miami Marlins
US196 Paulo Orlando Kansas City Royals Rookie
US197 Wandy Rodriguez Texas Rangers
US198 Brett Anderson Los Angeles Dodgers
US199 Troy Tulowitzki Colorado Rockies
US200 Adam Jones Baltimore Orioles
US201 Jose Altuve Houston Astros
US202 Manny Machado Baltimore Orioles
US203 Jesse Hahn Oakland Athletics
US204 Jeff Francoeur Philadelphia Phillies
US205 Andres Blanco Philadelphia Phillies
US206 Mike Pelfrey Minnesota Twins
US207 Chris Young Kansas City Royals
US208 Addison Russell Chicago Cubs Rookie Debut
US209 Prince Fielder Texas Rangers
US210 Yunel Escobar Washington Nationals
US211 Tommy Milone Minnesota Twins
US212 Scott Carroll Chicago White Sox
US213 Home Run Halos Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
US214 Yadier Molina St. Louis Cardinals
US215 Jonathan Papelbon Washington Nationals
US216 Carlos Peguero Boston Red Sox
US217 Franklin Morales Kansas City Royals
US218 Pedro Ciriaco Atlanta Braves
US219 Michael Morse Pittsburgh Pirates
US220 Addison Russell Chicago Cubs Rookie
US221 Francisco Rodriguez Milwaukee Brewers
US222 Arquimedes Caminero Pittsburgh Pirates
US223 Kevin Jepsen Minnesota Twins
US224 Ezequiel Carrera Toronto Blue Jays
US225 Keone Kela Texas Rangers Rookie
US226 Josh Donaldson Toronto Blue Jays
US227 Mike Trout Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
US228 Geovany Soto Chicago White Sox
US229 Hector Gomez Milwaukee Brewers
US230 Shawn Tolleson Texas Rangers
US231 Felipe Rivero Washington Nationals Rookie
US232 Hansel Robles New York Mets Rookie
US233 Danny Muno New York Mets Rookie
US234 Noah Syndergaard New York Mets Rookie Debut
US235 Anthony Rizzo Chicago Cubs
US236 Angel Nesbitt Detroit Tigers Rookie
US237 Craig Kimbrel San Diego Padres
US238 A.J. Cole Washington Nationals Rookie
US239 Michael McKenry Colorado Rockies
US240 Jonathan Papelbon Philadelphia Phillies
US241 Sluggers Supreme Boston Red Sox
US242 Kris Bryant Chicago Cubs
US243 Austin Adams Cleveland Indians
US244 Colby Rasmus Houston Astros
US245 Rubby De La Rosa Arizona Diamondbacks
US246 Blaine Hardy Detroit Tigers
US247 Ryan Braun Milwaukee Brewers
US248 Lance McCullers Houston Astros Rookie
US249 Anthony Rizzo Chicago Cubs
US250 Danny Valencia Oakland Athletics
US251 Carlos Correa Houston Astros Rookie Debut
US252 Francisco Rodriguez Milwaukee Brewers
US253 Trevor Rosenthal St. Louis Cardinals
US254 Billy Burns Oakland Athletics
US255 Sean Gilmartin New York Mets Rookie
US256 Darrell Ceciliani New York Mets / Danny Dorn Arizona Diamondbacks Rookie Combos
US257 Josh Hamilton Texas Rangers
US258 Vincent Velasquez Houston Astros / Ryan O'Rourke Minnesota Twins Rookie Combos
US259 John Jaso Tampa Bay Rays
US260 Andrew Miller New York Yankees
US261 R.J. Alvarez Oakland Athletics Rookie
US262 Eric Young Jr. Atlanta Braves
US263 Pedro Strop Chicago Cubs
US264 Brock Holt Boston Red Sox Future Star
US265 Brett Lawrie Oakland Athletics
US266 Ike Davis Oakland Athletics
US267 Joe Ross Washington Nationals Rookie
US268 Troy Tulowitzki Toronto Blue Jays
US269 Burke Badenhop Cincinnati Reds
US270 Craig Breslow Boston Red Sox
US271 Mike Leake San Francisco Giants
US272 Matt Duffy San Francisco Giants Future Star
US273 Justin Upton San Diego Padres
US274 Tucker Barnhart Cincinnati Reds
US275 Casey McGehee Miami Marlins
US276 Alex Wilson Detroit Tigers
US277 Yasmani Grandal Los Angeles Dodgers
US278 Rene Rivera Tampa Bay Rays
US279 Juan Nicasio Los Angeles Dodgers
US280 Mike Bolsinger Los Angeles Dodgers Future Star
US281 Manny Banuelos Atlanta Braves Rookie
US282 Jose Iglesias Detroit Tigers
US283 Kris Bryant Chicago Cubs Rookie Debut
US284 Matt Wisler Atlanta Braves Rookie
US285 Josh Rutledge Boston Red Sox
US286 Francisco Lindor Cleveland Indians Rookie Debut
US287 Jim Johnson Los Angeles Dodgers
US288 Matt Joyce Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
US289 Williams Perez Atlanta Braves Rookie
US290 Zach Britton Baltimore Orioles
US291 Eddie Butler Colorado Rockies Future Star
US292 Chad Qualls Houston Astros
US293 Cesar Ramos Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
US294 Mark Trumbo Seattle Mariners
US295 Russell Martin Toronto Blue Jays
US296 J.B. Shuck Chicago White Sox
US297 Wade Davis Kansas City Royals
US298 Rey Navarro Baltimore Orioles / Dusty Coleman Kansas City Royals Rookie Combos
US299 Mikie Mahtook Tampa Bay Rays Rookie
US300 Max Scherzer Washington Nationals
US301 Carlos Villanueva St. Louis Cardinals
US302 Chris Sale Chicago White Sox
US303 Asher Wojciechowski Houston Astros Rookie
US304 Johnny Cueto Kansas City Royals
US305 Ryan Tepera Toronto Blue Jays Rookie
US306 Vidal Nuno Seattle Mariners
US307 Hector Santiago Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
US308 Joey Butler Tampa Bay Rays
US309 Howie Kendrick Los Angeles Dodgers
US310 Clayton Kershaw Los Angeles Dodgers
US311 Carlos Martinez St. Louis Cardinals
US312 Scott Oberg Colorado Rockies / Deolis Guerra Pittsburgh Pirates Rookie Combos
US313 Jose Urena Miami Marlins Rookie
US314 Rafael Betancourt Colorado Rockies
US315 Kyle Kendrick Colorado Rockies
US316 Tyler Clippard New York Mets
US317 Luis Sardinas Milwaukee Brewers
US318 Phillippe Aumont Philadelphia Phillies
US319 Will Harris Houston Astros Future Star
US320 Josh Donaldson Toronto Blue Jays
US321 Chris Heston San Francisco Giants Rookie
US322 Mat Latos Los Angeles Dodgers
US323 Joc Pederson Los Angeles Dodgers
US324 Carlos Rodon Chicago White Sox Rookie
US325 Matt Kemp San Diego Padres
US326 Jonathan Herrera Chicago Cubs
US327 Ryan Webb Cleveland Indians
US328 Brandon Morrow San Diego Padres
US329 J.D. Martinez Detroit Tigers
US330 Nate Karns Tampa Bay Rays
US331 Orlando Calixte Kansas City Royals Rookie
US332 Matt Boyd Detroit Tigers Rookie
US333 Mark Reynolds St. Louis Cardinals
US334 Clint Barmes San Diego Padres
US335 Norichika Aoki San Francisco Giants
US336 Mark Teixeira New York Yankees
US337 Martin Prado Miami Marlins
US338 Pete Kozma St. Louis Cardinals
US339 Jose Alvarez Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
US340 Fernando Salas Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
US341 Eddie Rosario Minnesota Twins Rookie
US342 Todd Frazier Cincinnati Reds
US343 A.J. Burnett Pittsburgh Pirates
US344 Aramis Ramirez Pittsburgh Pirates
US345 Blaine Boyer Minnesota Twins
US346 Brandon Crawford San Francisco Giants
US347 Joe Blanton Pittsburgh Pirates
US348 Jonathan Broxton St. Louis Cardinals
US349 DJ LeMahieu Colorado Rockies
US350 Didi Gregorius New York Yankees
US351 Mike Fiers Houston Astros
US352 Jose Reyes Colorado Rockies
US353 Michael Wacha St. Louis Cardinals
US354 Brandon Finnegan Cincinnati Reds Rookie
US355 Gerrit Cole Pittsburgh Pirates
US356 Miguel Montero Chicago Cubs
US357 Joe Panik San Francisco Giants
US358 Nolan Arenado Colorado Rockies
US359 Enrique Burgos Arizona Diamondbacks / Oscar Hernandez Arizona Diamondbacks Rookie Combos
US360 Joc Pederson Los Angeles Dodgers
US361 LaTroy Hawkins Toronto Blue Jays
US362 Rick Porcello Boston Red Sox
US363 Chasen Shreve New York Yankees
US364 Mike Trout Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
US365 J.P. Howell Los Angeles Dodgers
US366 Kelly Johnson New York Mets
US367 Frank Garces San Diego Padres Rookie
US368 Aroldis Chapman Cincinnati Reds
US369 Cory Rasmus Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
US370 Prince Fielder Texas Rangers
US371 Carson Smith Seattle Mariners Rookie
US372 Alex Wood Los Angeles Dodgers
US373 Mitch Harris St. Louis Cardinals Rookie
US374 Tyler Moore Washington Nationals
US375 Mark Lowe Toronto Blue Jays
US376 Joc Pederson Los Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Dodgers Rookie Debut
US377 Taijuan Walker Seattle Mariners Future Star
US378 Devon Travis Toronto Blue Jays Rookie Debut
US379 Cameron Maybin Atlanta Braves
US380 Buster Posey San Francisco Giants
US381 Sergio Romo San Francisco Giants
US382 Dan Uggla Washington Nationals
US383 Nelson Cruz Seattle Mariners
US384 Melvin Upton Jr. San Diego Padres
US385 Collin Cowgill Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
US386 Alcides Escobar Kansas City Royals
US387 Jonny Gomes Atlanta Braves
US388 Kevin Pillar Toronto Blue Jays Future Star
US389 Seth Smith Seattle Mariners
US390 Donovan Solano Miami Marlins
US391 Clayton Richard Chicago Cubs
US392 Odrisamer Despaigne San Diego Padres Future Star
US393 Dan Haren Chicago Cubs
US394 Scott Kazmir Houston Astros
US395 Dexter Fowler Chicago Cubs
US396 Ichiro Miami Marlins
US397 Bryce Harper Washington Nationals
US398 J.T. Realmuto Miami Marlins
US399 Jace Peterson Atlanta Braves
US400 Logan Verrett New York Mets Rookie


Quick breakdown and some notes:
  • 193 Veterans
  • 74 Rookies with the Rookie Card Logo. This should not include the two pairs of Kris Bryant and Joc Pederson cards, which should be their Home Run Derby and All-Star Cards that were listed on the checklist as Rookie Cards
  • 72 All-Stars. Each league had 38 players named to its respective All-Star teams in 2015 including injured players. Four players who were excluded were injured All-Stars Jose Bautista, Alex Gordon, Dee Gordon, and Giancarlo Stanton
  • 14 Rookie Combo cards. Apparently, to fit an extra 28 players who qualify for rookie card status into this set, Topps is returning to the multiple-player cards.
  • 13 Rookie Debut cards. Topps way of appeasing those of us (okay, me only) who want to bring back the Major League Debut set.
  • 11 Future Stars. Those players who already have cards and will have the words Future Star above them
  • 10 Veteran Combos/Team cards. This year's subjects include the Pirates, Giants, Padres, Cubs, Astros, Blue Jays, Mets, Royals, Angels, and Red Sox
  • 8 Home Run Derby cards, featuring the eight players who participated in this year's Derby
  • 5 Highlight cards/checklists (which were not listed in the checklist, but that should be the number.
Oh, yes. Check who gets card #396...ICHIRO!!!

Now on to the insert sets. There are seven regular insert sets appearing in Update Series. One will conclude the year-long series that were included in both Series 1 and Series 2 (Highlight of the Year). The other six are unique to this year's Update set. And of course, get ready to visit your local big box store for a couple of retail-exclusive inserts. Now, as usual, I'm only listing the regular insert cards. If you want to see the lists of autograph, relic, auto-relic, manufactured relic, and other cards, click here:

HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR
H-61 Babe Ruth New York Yankees
H-62 Lou Gehrig New York Yankees
H-63 Babe Ruth Boston Braves
H-64 Joe DiMaggio New York Yankees
H-65 Bob Feller Cleveland Indians
H-66 Ted Williams Boston Red Sox
H-67 Red Schoendienst St. Louis Cardinals
H-68 Bob Lemon Cleveland Indians
H-69 Hank Aaron Milwaukee Braves
H-70 Hoyt Wilhelm Baltimore Orioles
H-71 Sandy Koufax Los Angeles Dodgers
H-72 Tom Seaver New York Mets
H-73 Tom Seaver New York Mets
H-74 Harmon Killebrew Minnesota Twins
H-75 Willie Mays New York Mets
H-76 Hank Aaron Atlanta Braves
H-77 Reggie Jackson New York Yankees
H-78 Lou Brock St. Louis Cardinals
H-79 Dwight Gooden New York Mets
H-80 Fernando Valenzuela Los Angeles Dodgers
H-81 Robin Yount Milwaukee Brewers
H-82 Ken Griffey Jr. Seattle Mariners
H-83 Jackie Robinson Brooklyn Dodgers
H-84 Randy Johnson Arizona Diamondbacks
H-85 John Smoltz Atlanta Braves
H-86 David Ortiz Boston Red Sox
H-87 Ivan Rodriguez Detroit Tigers
H-88 Ubaldo Jimenez Colorado Rockies
H-89 Albert Pujols St. Louis Cardinals
H-90 Yasiel Puig Los Angeles Dodgers

ROOKIE SENSATIONS
RS-1 Hanley Ramirez Florida Marlins
RS-2 Ichiro Seattle Mariners
RS-3 Mike Trout Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
RS-4 Mike Piazza Los Angeles Dodgers
RS-5 Carlton Fisk Boston Red Sox
RS-6 Nomar Garciaparra Boston Red Sox
RS-7 Troy Tulowitzki Colorado Rockies
RS-8 Jose Fernandez Miami Marlins
RS-9 Jacob deGrom New York Mets
RS-10 Fernando Valenzuela Los Angeles Dodgers
RS-11 Dwight Gooden New York Mets
RS-12 Ted Williams Boston Red Sox
RS-13 Jeff Bagwell Houston Astros
RS-14 Jose Abreu Chicago White Sox
RS-15 Dustin Pedroia Boston Red Sox
RS-16 Jackie Robinson Brooklyn Dodgers
RS-17 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles
RS-18 Derek Jeter New York Yankees
RS-19 Neftali Feliz Texas Rangers
RS-20 Tom Seaver New York Mets
RS-21 Albert Pujols St. Louis Cardinals
RS-22 Bryce Harper Washington Nationals
RS-23 Buster Posey San Francisco Giants
RS-24 Livan Hernandez Florida Marlins
RS-25 Mark McGwire Oakland Athletics

RARITIES
R-1 Frank Robinson Baltimore Orioles
R-2 Shawn Green Los Angeles Dodgers
R-3 Daniel Nava Boston Red Sox
R-4 Ted Williams Boston Red Sox
R-5 Roberto Clemente Pittsburgh Pirates
R-6 Mariano Rivera New York Yankees
R-7 Anibal Sanchez Detroit Tigers
R-8 Mike Mussina Baltimore Orioles
R-9 George Brett Kansas City Royals
R-10 Rod Carew Minnesota Twins
R-11 Asdrubal Cabrera Cleveland Indians
R-12 Don Mattingly New York Yankees
R-13 Randy Johnson Arizona Diamondbacks
R-14 Ken Griffey Jr. Seattle Mariners
R-15 Billy Williams Chicago Cubs

WHATEVER WORKS
WW-1 Mark Teixeira New York Yankees
WW-2 Tim Lincecum San Francisco Giants
WW-3 Wade Boggs Boston Red Sox
WW-4 Nomar Garciaparra Boston Red Sox
WW-5 Craig Biggio Houston Astros
WW-6 Max Scherzer Washington Nationals
WW-7 Joe DiMaggio New York Yankees
WW-8 Roger Clemens New York Yankees
WW-9 Richie Ashburn Philadelphia Phillies
WW-10 Jim Palmer Baltimore Orioles
WW-11 Mike Napoli Boston Red Sox
WW-12 Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers
WW-13 David Ortiz Boston Red Sox
WW-14 Chipper Jones Atlanta Braves
WW-15 Alex Gordon Kansas City Royals

TAPE MEASURE BLASTS
TMB-1 Jose Canseco Oakland Athletics
TMB-2 Andres Galarraga Colorado Rockies
TMB-3 Mark McGwire St. Louis Cardinals
TMB-4 Reggie Jackson Oakland Athletics
TMB-5 Mike Trout Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
TMB-6 Ryan Howard Philadelphia Phillies
TMB-7 Giancarlo Stanton Miami Marlins
TMB-8 Adam Dunn Arizona Diamondbacks
TMB-9 Bo Jackson Kansas City Royals
TMB-10 David Ortiz Boston Red Sox
TMB-11 Mark McGwire Oakland Athletics
TMB-12 Roberto Clemente Pittsburgh Pirates
TMB-13 Albert Pujols St. Louis Cardinals
TMB-14 Ted Williams Boston Red Sox
TMB-15 Josh Gibson

MLB ALL STAR GAME ACCESS
MLB-1 Mike Trout Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
MLB-2 Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
MLB-3 Brock Holt Boston Red Sox
MLB-4 Yadier Molina St. Louis Cardinals
MLB-5 Madison Bumgarner San Francisco Giants
MLB-6 Joc Pederson Los Angeles Dodgers Rookie
MLB-7 Joe Panik San Francisco Giants
MLB-8 Kris Bryant Chicago Cubs Rookie
MLB-9 Jacob deGrom New York Mets
MLB-10 Adam Jones Baltimore Orioles
MLB-11 Manny Machado Baltimore Orioles
MLB-12 Zack Greinke Los Angeles Dodgers
MLB-13 Andrew McCutchen Pittsburgh Pirates
MLB-14 Anthony Rizzo Chicago Cubs
MLB-15 Clayton Kershaw Los Angeles Dodgers
MLB-16 Sonny Gray Oakland Athletics
MLB-17 Prince Fielder Texas Rangers
MLB-18 Max Scherzer Washington Nationals
MLB-19 Todd Frazier Cincinnati Reds
MLB-20 Lorenzo Cain Kansas City Royals
MLB-21 Alcides Escobar Kansas City Royals
MLB-22 Nelson Cruz Seattle Mariners
MLB-23 Jose Altuve Houston Astors
MLB-24 Josh Donaldson Toronto Blue Jays
MLB-25 Bryce Harper Washington Nationals

PRIDE AND PERSEVERANCE
PP-1 Buddy Carlyle New York Mets
PP-2 Curtis Pride Detroit Tigers
PP-3 George Springer Houston Astros
PP-4 Jake Peavy San Francisco Giants
PP-5 Jason Johnson Baltimore Orioles
PP-6 Jim Abbott California Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
PP-7 Jim Eisenreich Philadelphia Phillies
PP-8 Jon Lester Chicago Cubs
PP-9 Pete Wyshner Gray St. Louis Browns
PP-10 Sam Fuld Oakland Athletics
PP-11 William Hoy Washington Senators
PP-12 Anthony Rizzo Chicago Cubs

FIRST HOME RUN (RETAIL EXCLUSIVE)
FHR-1 Ernie Banks Chicago Cubs
FHR-2 Brandon Belt San Francisco Giants
FHR-3 Adrian Beltre Los Angeles Dodgers
FHR-4 Craig Biggio Houston Astros
FHR-5 Wade Boggs Boston Red Sox
FHR-6 Kole Calhoun Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
FHR-7 Roberto Clemente Pittsburgh Pirates
FHR-8 Jacoby Ellsbury Boston Red Sox
FHR-9 Edwin Encarnacion Cincinnati Reds
FHR-10 Nomar Garciaparra Boston Red Sox
FHR-11 Carlos Gomez New York Mets
FHR-12 Ken Griffey Jr. Seattle Mariners
FHR-13 Jonathan Lucroy Milwaukee Brewers
FHR-14 Starling Marte Pittsburgh Pirates
FHR-15 Edgar Martinez Seattle Mariners
FHR-16 Willie Mays New York Giants
FHR-17 Devin Mesoraco Cincinnati Reds
FHR-18 Paul O'Neill Cincinnati Reds
FHR-19 Brandon Phillips Cleveland Indians
FHR-20 Dalton Pompey Toronto Blue Jays
FHR-21 Hanley Ramirez Florida Marlins
FHR-22 Jackie Robinson Brooklyn Dodgers
FHR-23 Ryne Sandberg Chicago Cubs
FHR-24 Mike Schmidt Philadelphia Phillies
FHR-25 Mark Teixeira Texas Rangers
FHR-26 Kennys Vargas Minnesota Twins
FHR-27 Kolten Wong St. Louis Cardinals
FHR-28 Mike Zunino Seattle Mariners
FHR-29 Ichiro Seattle Mariners
FHR-30 Kris Bryant Chicago Cubs

The one insert set that grabbed my attention is called "Pride and Perseverance." The subjects include players who did not let disabilities, diseases, or being Deaf get in the way of pursuing the major league dreams. I am especially excited not only to add my Curtis Pride collection, but I am looking forward to add a card of a guy that many in the Deaf community should be in the Hall of Fame, William Ellsworth "Dummy" Hoy, to my collection.

There will be short-prints, and super-short print cards added to the mix, much to the dismay of a certain Twitter former-card blogger. One that should make his blood pressure rise is one that replaces the card of Philippe Aumont (#US318):


Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it's a Squirrel card!!!

The product is due to arrive next Wednesday, on October 21. But as you can plainly see, some retailers already have put the product onto the shelves. One group of short-printed cards that looks to be retail exclusive are the throwback cards with players in throwback uniforms. I did pictures of cards of other players similar to the Bryant card. Supposedly, the card numbers are the same as their base card in the set but have the words "Update Series" above the card number instead of "Series One" or "Series Two."

There are also the sparkle variations, the rainbow of color parallels, and the return of the Sabermetric Stat cards (if you get one, and want to know what some of the stats mean, click here.)

I'm going to see if some of the stores in my area managed to get these cards on the shelves. I doubt it, but you never know. It'll keep me distracted while my nerves go on edge during tonight's NLCS. The Cubs may have swept the Mets during all 7 games in the regular season, but that was before the Mets' pitching staff figured themselves out and that was before Yoenis Cespedes showed up. Keeping my fingers crossed. The Cubs should win at least one game in NY. Hoping for two. Go Cubs!!!

And, oh yes, let the hunt continue. Good luck.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Hey, Did I Mention That the Sell Sheets for 2015 Topps Series 2 Were Live? I Didn't?

So it's been a busy month, well it's been a busy year for me. The Hobby and this humble, little blog took a bit of a backseat as other things took priority. But apparently in the madness of it all, Topps released images of the sell sheets for 2015 Topps Series 2.

Take a look at what we get to look forward to just a bit after the 2015 baseball season gets underway:








Wait, wasn't the S1 sell sheet 10 pages? This is only 7.

Series 2 also contains 350 cards, meaning that the base set now stands at 700 cards, the first time the base set has surpassed 660 since 2006. That's 40 more players (possibly) getting cardboard love (that, or it's a 40-card retrospective of Derek Jeter's career...in the base set...don't quote me on it). Gold, Rainbow foil, Snow Camouflage, Black, Pink, Framed, Clear, Red, Blue, Platinum, and other color parallels will be thrown in for those who love that sort of thing.

I'm starting to like the look of the base cards. While it isn't a white bordered set (the first since 2007), it looks like each player's card will utilize his team's base colors. I can't wait to see these cards up close:





Of the six insert sets being included with Series 2, only one carries over from the first, that being the Highlight of the Year set (30 cards). The rest are new for 2015, and they focus on more on baseball's history (maybe that's the theme for 2015 as I don't really see anything close to a unifying idea):
  • Eclipsing History (15 cards), record breakers. The two-player card features the player that set the record, and then the guy that broke it.
  • Heart of the Order (20 cards), featuring sluggers and the players who bat in front of and behind him.
  • Stepping Up (20 cards), clutch moments...another baseball history concept
  • 'Til It's Over (15 cards). Taking the famous line from Yogi, "It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over" this set features "Legendary comebacks."
  • Baseball Royalty (25 cards) is a Hobby and Hobby jumbo pack exclusive (translation, you're not going to find these at your big box store). This year's edition of the legends set.
Autographs, relics, and the like for each of the above insert sets will be included.

With all of the off-season transactions, it will be interesting to see many of the players with their new teams. It kind of makes sense to do this in Series 2, not so much in Series 1. Of course, they could just save it all for the Update set.  Which, if we follow the timing of the release of the first two series' sell sheets, we will probably see previews for some time in March.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Sunday, September 14, 2014

So the 2015 Topps Series 1 Sell Sheets Have Been Live For a While Now...

Eventually I can devote a bit more time to this humble, little blog. For those who have stuck around, waiting to see if I'm ever going to post again (or have asked if I'm even alive), thank you for the support. I am hoping that when 2015 comes around, and the prospects that Theo and company have been raising start fulfilling their potential, that it would be a great year in the Windy City for baseball.

Anyway, I've been quite busy work wise. Lots of things happening since the big conversion and it looks like things are finally starting to settle down. There are major advantages to working at home, but there has to be a balance and after reading some articles on LinkedIn (that's the social media site for professionals...or at least a way to keep tabs on former co-workers), I think I can get into a better rhythm when it comes to balancing my work time and my "out-of-office" time.

Okay, to the point.

Not long after Topps posted images of the wildly anticipated 2015 Topps cards, the sell sheets came were posted on certain sites. To save time (and to keep you from leaving to see them), here are the images:











It's always nice to see the sample images in this setting. It's too bad that they no longer distribute actual sell sheets. I would have loved to see this up close.

So it seems that the Baseball History insert set will consist of pairs of cards, not just one card reviewing a particular year. That should make things interesting. Will people only want the baseball half? Will there be a market for the "History" half? Will cards be sold in pairs? Who knows?

I don't collect them, but you have to admit, the relic cards look better and better every year. The manufactured stuff seems to be a big hit as well.

September is normally a busy time for the blog. We look at top rookies in anticipation of the annual Topps All-Star Rookie contest (which nobody won last year...sorry), as well as prepare for the announcements for the End-of-the-Year All-Star Teams. With the way this 2014 season has played out, all positions 70 positions are up for grabs.

Until next time.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

2014 Topps Update Series Sell Sheets are Live!!!

I don't have to change many of the words below because I'm in the same situation I was just last year at this time. But, it's the truth, so here goes. Because I was so far behind with the Random Card of the Day posts (due to poor planning ahead on my part), in my rush to catch up, I had little to no time (or energy) to post these images when they first came out a couple of weeks ago. For consistency's sake, I am posting these now. For those who have been bombarded with previews, or for those who have been busy getting every pack of Topps Archives you can find, let me (finally) announce that for quite some time now...

the 2014 Topps Update Series sell sheets are now live!!!










Once again, the Update Series will consist of 330 cards. There is no breakdown (seems to be a disturbing trend from Topps lately that they don't provide one. I guess it's to soften the blow of the "subject to change deal" which Topps has now managed to put on the sell sheets) as in previous years, but you can expect the same number of cards reserved for the following subsets:
  • 247 player cards, the heart of the product, consisting of those players and rookies who didn't make the first two series of the eponymous product.
  • 10 "Rookie Debut" cards featuring ten rookies and what they did in his major league debut.
  • 8 Home Run Derby participants (TBD of course)
  • 5 Checklists (featuring the top five plays from the first half of the season)
  • 60 All-Stars (not necessarily the ones on the active roster, as we've seen in previous years).
I have gotten used to the situation regarding including the players named to the All-Star Teams in July (which I promise I'll be more active then). Doesn't mean I like it one bit. The problem here is that unless MLB plans on increasing or decreasing the number of players on each roster, there will be 68 All-Stars on both rosters. Eight guys, possibly more, will be missing in this subset. At least Topps is being honest with by not saying "everyone will be included."

You can bet that there will be short-prints aplenty in this product. Maybe they'll continue last year's trend of including SP's of players at the ASG, and maybe some legends too. What will be disappointing for insane set collectors is that we won't know which card is an SP and which will be SSP'd.

The usual rainbow of parallels make their continued run here for those who have been actively collecting them: Gold, Green Camo, Black, Pink, Platinum, Red Hot Foil, Clear, Red (Target), Blue (Walmart) Purple (Toys R Us), the printing plates, will all return in Update, which if you are a player collector, should have a grand old time searching for them.

I love reprints. Fans (whatever are left of them) know I love collecting them since 2001. You know the drill:
  • Mickey Mantle was featured in 1996
  • Willie Mays in 1997
  • Roberto Clemente in 1998
  • Nolan Ryan in 1999
  • Hank Aaron in 2000
  • Topps' 50th Anniversary reprints in 2001
  • Players from the 1952 Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Yankees in 2002
  • Cards Your Mother Threw Out in 2010 (original backs)
  • Topps' 60th Anniversary reprints in 2011 (original backs)
Lately Topps has been including "framed" reprint cards as box toppers in hobby boxes. Nice touch, using reprints of rookie cards from Topps' 60+ year history. I'll be honest, I would have preferred that if they were to continue to include reprint cards that they just flat out do it without the frames and the "original back" variations. Just stick them in packs.

Just like everyone else in MLB, Topps will be honoring Derek Jeter with a 21-card reprint set of all his base cards from 1993 through 2013 (would you like a reprint of this 2014 Topps card? Not in 2014 probably.) But they will be framed and inserted as box toppers, one per Hobby case. Makes it kind of hard to collect, but then again, you can probably get all 21 of this Real cards (not including the Bush/Mantle variation from 2007) for a much cheaper price than trying to get all 21 of the reprints.

The Power Players continuity insert series concludes in Update, although I don't think they'll count for the Power Players game that Topps is running this season. The set of mini cards honoring 1989 Topps cards will conclude in this product. The Future Is Now set also concludes its run in Update Series. Two new insert sets make their debut here as well: World Series Heroes (celebrating players and their heroic feats during the World Series) and Fond Farewells (another way to honor that shortstop in New York...and fourteen other guys...when they retired from the game). The 2013 set will also feature autos and relics from the All-Star Game. And all the insert sets mentioned in this paragraph will have autos and relics to boot.

No checklist has been provided (from what I can see). but as repeated constantly (I can't stress it enough), it is always subject to change.

Bring on November!!! Really. The Cubs aren't going anywhere, and the White Sox aren't doing it for me again.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

2014 Topps Series 2 Sell Sheets Have Been Live...for Quite Some Time Now!!!

With one week to go before 2014 Topps Series 1 becomes live (you're counting down the days...I know you are...), why not post this now since it's been a couple of months since they were first announced.

Back in December, Topps released images and basic information for the second series of their eponymous Topps release. As promised, here are the images of the sell sheets for 2014 Topps Series 2:










Topps has been posting pictures on their Twitter account (@toppscards) and have set up a brand spanking new Instagram account (toppssports) to show off pictures. On one hand, it's great to see what cards are going to look like. On the other hand, it takes a bit of the joy out of seeing cards for the first time from a pack. I like previews as much as the next guy, don't get me wrong. The sell sheets are enough for me. But last year, after seeing 30 base cards (one from each team), when I was opening packs of cards, I wasn't really paying too much attention because it seemed like I saw all of these cards already, even though I was holding them for the very first time.

The 1989 Mini Die-Cut insert set continues in Series 2, and that seems to be (if you follow the sell sheet) the only insert set that carries over from Series 1. The other insert sets are new to the second series, and the themes are very unique:
  • The Future is Now (30 cards), this year's slogan, featuring 30 young stars and their greatest moments to date,
  • Saber Stars (25 cards). Topps finally gets around to recognizing more sabermetric statistics (where RC means Runs Created instead of Rookie Card, and WAR is actually a good thing, depending on how high the number is) and the players who excel in these new-fangled statistics.
  • Future Stars that Never Were (25 cards). With Topps bringing back the "Future Stars" subset, they are also going to be including cards of "older players" and what their "FS" cards would have looked like (although, if you believe the sell sheet, it looks like they're just going to re-print the rookie card and add the words "Future Star" to the card. I could be wrong, and maybe the set will include a 2007 Topps Evan Longoria card instead of the 2008 mock-up.
In seven days, Series 1 will be upon us.

Are you ready???

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Things I Have Not Yet Done in 2014

We are already half way through the month of January, and I am sitting at the mechanic's lounge again (I seem to do my best writing when I'm here for some reason), and I realize that other than trying to catch up to the Random Cards of the Day segments (I'm almost there...I think), I haven't written a darn thing here other than the Hall of Fame announcements.

Which reminds me, there are other things I have yet to have written about since I took on the new job, including:
  • a preview/review of the 2014 Topps Series II sell sheets (which should have been done in December)
2014 Topps Series 2 Sell Sheet Page 1. Coming soon to the blog.
  • updating the Sports Card Blogroll
  • adding to the All-Time All-Star team blog now that the Cyber Museum has images of 2013 Topps Update Series cards
  • waiting ever so patiently for 2014 Topps to show up at the store
  • Announce the winners of the All-Star Rookie Team contest back in November
With the whirlwind of things happening in my personal life (oh yeah, including getting sick last week...couldn't even move), I really have left this place to the wolves. And I'll have to fix that.

I received the first email request to add a new blog to the Sports Card Blogroll. So the first order of business will be to update the site to 2014 standards. Let's do that now.

We ended 2013 with 334 active blogs on the SCBR. The following blogs will now be removed due to 6-9 months of inactivity (yes, it's been that long):
With the above nineteen blogs off the active roster, that brings the total of active blogs in the SCBR down to 315 blogs. Last year at this time, I was hoping that the big blogroll would be host to 400 blogs about the Hobby of Sports Card Collecting. But with everyone now taking to twitter and other social sites, that might now be a dream. It's a good thing that many are able to find a balance and are continuing to maintain their sites with fresh content and new insights. It is my hope that 2013 was just a hiccup and that 2014 will see more blogs about the Hobby, especially with baseball in the horizon.

As always, if you or someone you know has a site about collecting sports cards, please send me an email at bdj610@hotmail.com and let me know about it. If you had a blog that hasn't been updated in a while and was removed previously from the active roll and you plan on bringing it back to the masses, let me know as well. 

I am going to go through the emails now and see who won the contest now. Check back and I'll make the announcement eventually,

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama