Pack Break Week 2: 2011 Topps Attax

We now return to Pack Break Week. Thanks for your patience.

So last week, I decided to go ahead and open one pack of cards that I bought last weekend at Target. Las Thursday, I opened my first pack of Topps Lineage.  Today, it's time to open a pack of 2011 Topps Attax.

Ah yes, Topps Attax.  For the third straight year, Topps put out a card game for kids to play.  This product does not count towards MLB Properties 17-product quota.  It's a simple game really, it puts Pack Wars in a baseball game-type setting.  Higher number between batter vs. pitcher determines if a run "scores" or if the batter is out.  Most runs after "three innings" (or all nine batter cards are used once), wins. 

But this year, Topps added a bunch of extra features and conditions so that the Attax game can be played a bit more like a real baseball game.  It's got strategy, it's got drama...it's got mascots (woo hoo).  The more complex rules can be found in every starter kit of Topps Attax (still available at your local big box store).

Okay, back to the break.  Here is what was waiting for me when I opened my pack of 2011 Topps Attax:

The cards that came out of the pack are (in the order of how they were packaged):

• #165 Nick Markakis
• #76 Drew Stubbs
• #25 Bobby Abreu
• #66 David Ortiz
• #177 Ricky Romero
• #117 Jonathan Papelbon

• #213 Dinger (Rockies Mascot) Refractor???
• #112 Joe Mauer
• #47 Chase Headley
• #167 Omar Infante
• #124 Josh Hamilton
• #41 Carlos Peña

My thoughts. It's a decent booster pack.  Dinger gives the batter a +10 boost when "entering the ballpark" (whatever that means).  The diamond theme is prevalent as there are diamonds at the bottom right corner of every card (I think depending on the gem, it determines rarity...not sure).  Got a Cub (Peña), so I'm thrilled.  I have to, eventually, sort out what I actually have and then decide if I want to go for it (a complete set) or not.

The pack also came with a checklist or all 258 cards (206 players, 25 mascots, and 27 stadiums). A couple of questions.  The checklist does not name every mascot (like Dinger, or Billy the Marlin).  Was Topps not allowed to include the names of the Athletics, Blue Jays, Braves, Diamondbacks, Orioles, Royals, and White Sox mascots?  And where is Lou Seal (the Giants mascot)?  I know the Cubs, Angels, Dodgers, and Yankees don't have mascots, so I'm not worried about them. But where's Rosie Red's card?

Also, there are 27 stadiums listed (the Marlins, Athletics, and Rockies parks are excluded). Progressive Field, the home of the Indians, has a card here.  So why doesn't it have a card in the 17-card retail set? 

The next pack to be opened will be the pack of Series 2.  Can't wait to see what it includes.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

2010 Topps Attax: Battle of the Ages. Like the Concept, But...

I mentioned this past Thursday that I bought Topps' first Topps Attax "theme deck" called "Battle of the Ages." While I don't have the complete regular set either Topps Attax product, (from either year...that is something I'll be working on...one of these months), I thought getting this product, especially because of the idea of "retired legends vs. today's stars" really appealed to me. Imagine, pitting Nolan Ryan against Ryan Howard in an Attax battle (you know how the game is played right???)

Photo gratuitously borrowed from Beckett Media. Thanks.
I first saw the set about a week ago at Meijer's, and didn't think much of it, only because I wasn't sure what was going to be in it. I mean, there was no checklist anywhere, and who was to say that this wasn't a glorified "starter kit." And that there would be a whole slew of cards relegated to this product that would have more legends to seek out in packs and on the bay. So I put it back on the shelf and went back to work. Then this past Wednesday, the boys and girls at the number one source of the Hobby wrote about it. After reading it, I gave the product a second look. With Meijer's selling the tins at under $10.00, "what's the harm?" I thought. With the tin in one hand, and a couple of packs of 2010 Topps in the other hand, I proceeded to the parking lot (paid for the cards first of course), and opened the tin.

It's a really large tin, and there is a lot of black foam used to protect the cards. I don't know how environmentally friendly that would be (and I don't know why I even bothered writing that bit of information now...), but the cards were well protected. There were two separate decks inside, one of the legends, and one of the modern day superstars. Each deck contained 17 cards, 15 regular cards and two foil parallels (I'm guessing that each player in the deck gets one and that these are seeded randomly...don't quote me on it). There is also a game "mat" (all trading card games have some kind of mat or playing board), that also doubles as the instructions on how to play the game. For those that want to know how the game is played, here are the rules:

1. Pick your players. Each player (2) will need 13 cards for the game: 9 batters and 4 pitchers.
2. Player 1 selects a pitcher and places the card face up in the "pitcher match up space" (the pitchers mound. Player 2 selects a batter and places the card face down in the "batter match-up" space (the batter's box).
3. Player 1 calls out a pitch and player 2 turns over their batter. Compare ratings. If the batter's rating is equal or higher, he scores, and goes to the "runs" stack (no running to first base, no hitting a home run...it's a run). If it's lower, he goes to the "outs" stack. So it's either you get a run or your out. That's it.
4. Repeat step 3 two more times. Use a new pitcher and batter each time. Remember, you can only use each pitcher once per inning. After player 2 has been at bat three times (no three outs required if he scores a run, any combination of runs or outs totalling three), the side is retired. Now player 1 is the batter and player 2 is the pitcher. Battle it out three more times. This will complete the first inning. There are two more to go.
5. Once all 9 batters have been used by both players, the game is over. Count the number of cards in the "runs" pile. The player with the most runs wins. In case of a tie, players can go into extra innings by picking three batters and three pitchers. Play a complete inning to break the tie.

That's all there is to it. Now, when I bought this stuff last year, and I taught my daughter how to play, I made sure that she picked one player from each position (1b, 2b, 3b, ss, 3 of, 1 c, 1 dh), and then at least 2 starting pitchers and 1 reliever (the extra pitcher could be a starter or a closer...didn't matter). At least this way the "lineups" used has some semblance of a regular starting lineup. So after looking at the rosters on both sides, I was thoroughly disappointed. Nothing wrong with the players chosen, but take a look who made each of the squads...

(ignore the space)

Legends Lineup Stan Musial, 1b, Cardinals Jackie Robinson, 2b, Dodgers Mike Schmidt, 3b, Phillies Cal Ripken, Jr., ss, Orioles Ty Cobb, of, Tigers Rickey Henderson, of, Athletics Bo Jackson, of, Royals Reggie Jackson, of, Yankees Mickey Mantle, of, Yankees Babe Ruth, of, Yankees Legends Pitching Staff Bob Gibson, Cardinals Jim Palmer, Orioles Nolan Ryan, Rangers Tom Seaver, Mets Cy Young, Spiders

Modern Stars Lineup Prince Fielder, 1b, Brewers Ryan Howard, 1b, Philles Albert Pujols, 1b, Cardinals Evan Longoria, 3b, Rays Alex Rodriguez, 3b, Yankees David Wright, 3b, Mets Derek Jeter, ss, Yankees Manny Ramirez, of, Dodgers Ichiro Suzuki, of, Mariners Joe Mauer, c, Twins Modern Stars Pitching Staff Zack Greinke, Royals Jon Lester, Red Sox Tim Lincecum, Giants CC Sabathia, Yankees Justin Verlander, Tigers

Neither team has a complete lineup. The legends lack a catcher (what, no pictures of Bench, Fisk, or Campanella???) The modern stars lack a second baseman (take your pick with Pedroia, Hill, Utley, Phillips), missing a third outfielder (take your pick...anybody would have worked). Neither team has a closer (Eckersley, Sutter, Fingers, Hoffman, Rivera, Cordero). That's just being nitpicky...the rules do not say that you HAD to have a player for each position. You just needed 9 batters.

Some of the choices of players that did make the cut leave me scratching my head. Of the fifteen "legends" one is not a Hall of Famer. Don't get me wrong (and don't send me nasty e-mails about it), I'm not dissing his achievements. But presently, I don't see why Bo is even in this set (Bo knows somebody at Topps...dig on an old commercial slogan...). Jon Lester? Really??! What, Cliff Lee or Roy Halladay not available??? No Buehrle? No Ubaldo? Is Lester even the ace of his staff???

Overall, if you like Topps Attax, this is a great variation to play. And this does put the "legends vs. modern day players" concept to life in card form. But if you were hoping for more players, or more legends to play with (or modern day stars for that matter...I guess you could use regular Topps Attax cards but the backs of these are so different...whatever), you will be seriously disappointed.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

So What Does This Mean for NHL Puck Attax???

Well, the news of the day is that Panini has now been granted a license by both the NHL and the NHLPA to produce NHL Hockey cards starting next season, currently sharing the market with UD (which, if the rumors are true could be losing something more damaging...further spiraling the company to the brink of oblivion...but let's wait and see shall we?).

It makes sense...again...that Panini enters the market. They are an internationally recognized brand name, and many of the players in the NHL are based in Europe, where Panini's name is as recognized there as Topps' is here in North America.

But Topps put out a product that was licensed by both the NHL and NHLPA this year...Topps Puck Attax. And although it is more of a trading card "GAME" product than it is a trading card product, the product used players' names, teams' names, logos, and all the bells and whistles. And from the few packs that I received (a prize from VOTC's contest a while back), the cards look fantastic (although hard to store).


Does this mean that Topps blew their shot at regaining a license? Will they even be allowed to make Puck Attax again?

With the recent troubles at that other card company, will the NHL reconsider?

Although I don't really collect hockey cards, I certainly would love it if Topps got back into the NHL card business again, something they've been away from since the strike cancelled the season. And I thought that with Puck Attax, the door was slowly opening for a shot (pun intended) at it.

Sadly, it doesn't appear that way (unless something happens).

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

2010 Topps Attax Sell Sheets are Live!!!

Sell sheets for 2010 Topps Attax, the card game that swept the nation last year, are now live!!!




As a game, it's really easy to play. As a set, it's a challenge to complete. But my kids and I had fun playing the game last year, and can't wait to get our hands on this product next year. Who knows, we might take a shot at completing the set. And who knows if there will be a surprise card included in next year's edition of Topps Attax.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Is Topps Back in the Hockey Game with the NHL???

Yes, I know this is not a baseball card post. But I thought this was kind of interesting.

I don't know if it's because this product is more of a CCG (collectible card game) than it is a trading card (although it can be argued as such since it's predecessor in baseball is not included in the 17 product limit with MLB). But with Topps putting out a hockey version of Topps Attax known as Topps Puck Attax, fully utilizing NHL Players and NHL Logos, and is licensed by both the NHL and the NHLPA, does this mean that Topps is back in the NHL Hockey trading card business?

I guess it would make sense since they are no longer licensed to produce NBA trading cards. And when I started collecting 22 years ago, Topps only made baseball, football, and hockey cards. But there has been nothing formally announced about a deal with Topps and the NHL. And I'm pretty sure that the other company isn't going to stand for this if they still have the official "exclusive" license to produce NHL trading cards. Then again, their five-year agreement ends coming into this season right???

You have to admit, these cards looks pretty cool, even if they are round. But how does one store them???

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Live From Palatine, It's Topps Attax!!!

It's Thursday night, and as usual, my family and I are having dinner with my parents in Palatine, IL. The good news is that before coming to dinner, I went to the local Target, and lo and behold, starter boxes and blister packs of Topps Attax. Needless to say, I bought a box and a couple of blaster packs and when I get a free moment, my daughter and I will demonstrate to her cousins how to play this baseball card game.

Results of the first game ever coming soon.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

UPDATE: 9:29 PM CST.

The game is mercifully over, and unfortunately, we couldn't get break the 4-4 tie in extra innings.

jba

A Quick Thank You to the Girls at Dinged Corners

I have to get to work in a couple of minutes, so I'll make this really quick.

I received a package from the Patricia and Lucy at Dinged Corners last night. You see, a few months ago, I sent them a David Wright card that I knew they would like. And sure enough, they did. They posted on their site later on that they got one of the 2009 Topps Shortprints in a pack that they opened for the blog. I had contacted them, asking if they were willing to trade for it. They agreed.

So the card(s) arrived last night (will explain in a second). Here is the card they sent to me:

Roy Campanella #210.
Along with the Campy card, they included 10 cards from the new 2009 Topps Attax set, all of which my daughter nabbed and asked if she could keep them. In the spirit of giving, I let her have them. Amongst the ten was a John Lackey foil card, David Ortiz, Aaron Rowand, and seven other players I can't think off the top of my head (she put them in her binder and wants to know where I can get more...)

So to Patricia and Lucy, on behalf of my daughter, thank you very much for the cards.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

This Makes Me Want to Go and Buy a Webcam!!!

Courtesy of the New York Times.

Since the beginning of my internet life, I've been dead set against buying a webcam. Why??? I think the last thing anybody would like to see is me on a video. Or worse, my kids messing around with one (every parent's nightmare...and their both under 10).

Anyway, this news would make me change my mind:


Now I've seen previews of this on ToppsTown, and I thought it had something to do with the new Match Attax cards. Please read this story and catch the video...

Then, click here:


I guess those ToppsTown cards are worth holding on to after all...

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

2009 Topps Attax is on the Bay!!!

I read today from the Card Junkie (not to be confused with the Cardboard Junkie) that 2009 Topps Attax is now live. As mentioned in a previous post, I said I'd be interested in going after a full set, since I'm not going to into the same frenzy I did when Hot Button Baseball came out a few years back.

Anyway, there is one complete, full, set on the Bay right now. The BIN on it is $350.00. Too expensive for now. I'll wait. But that isn't what got my attention.

If you collected Pokémon cards a decade ago, you'd remember that while the most expensive card was the Charizard, the most powerful card was Mewtwo (and before you ask, I have a nephew who grew up on this stuff in the late 90's, early 2000's. I know this stuff...to a point). Get enough Mewtwo's, and 40 Psychic cards and you'd be unstoppable (and your friends would never talk to you again...but that's beside the point...stop looking at me funny).

Anyway, guess what the most powerful card in the whole deck is???

No, it's not Mantle. It's not Ruth. Heck, it's not even A-Rod. Please take a look at this stock eBay photo, and take a look at the card on the bottom left corner...

Could that be???

I can't get a bigger picture up, and heck no, I don't have this card...but, yes, it's a Topps Attax card of the President of the United States...Barack Obama!!!

And look at those scores. I don't know what the rules are of the game yet, nor do I know if the POTUS is here as a pitcher or a batter, but check out those numbers. All in the triple digits. He's either a powerful pitcher, or the heavy hitter in this game. If I had this card, be sure he'd be in my lineup. I'd be unstoppable.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha.

Wait, I don't even have the cards yet...

I think I'll wait for the hysteria to die down. I'm sure I can get a full set for $100 if I'm patient enough...

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

2009 Topps Match Attax Sell Sheets are Live!!!

I previously discussed this product here. Today, the sell sheets appear online:







I'm sure if you click on the pictures, the checklists become a bit clearer. There are going to be 320 cards in this set featuring 230 players. Each of the thirty teams will have at least one player featured as gold cards and "code cards" to use so you can play online at ToppsTown. Eight exclusive legends cards will only be found in the starter packs (interesting that Greg Maddux is now amongst the legends). Ignore the checklist, it has Mickey Mantle, Honus Wagner, and Lou Gehrig as Red Sox players (sacrilage!!!), Nolan Ryan as a Brave, and Maddux and Jackie Robinson as Angels. Big error don't you think?

As always, the checklist is always subject to change, and you never know if there will be exclusive cards only found at certain stores. This is beginning to look like an interesting set to collect. Product arrives in stores in February.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

2009 Topps Attax...For Those Who've Outgrown Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh!

In my attempt to find anything Topps Baseball related for today, I stumbled upon something that is scheduled to come out next year called "2009 Topps Attax Baseball." Please see picture below for packaging and card design:

Below is the description found on the website pre-selling the product:

"Baseball meets the Gamer head on - perfect for Fantasy Baseball nuts, as well as the child who has grown up and out of Pokemon or YuGiOh! Each starter pack contains 14 Topps Attax Baseball batter cards, PLUS 4 pitcher cards, PLUS 6 code cards, PLUS 1 Gold foil card, PLUS 6 silver foil cards for a total of 31 cards. Each blister pack contains three (3) 5-card packs containing: 2 Topps Attax Baseball batter cards, PLUS 1 pitcher card, PLUS 1 code card, PLUS 1 silver foil card for a total of 15 cards per blister. A TOTAL of 61 cards plus your album and pages!"

By the looks of things, this seems to be Topps attempt to join the Collectible Card Game (CCG) market (again). The starter kit being presold on MLB.com and other places includes 2 booster packs, a Topps binder with 10 Ultra-Pro sheets. It looks like you can play this game in person, and online (on Toppstown).

Now this is not Topps first attempt at a CCG. I can recall 2005 Topps Total having a CCG type game within it. But more importantly, in 2005, Topps introduced the world to Hot Button Baseball.

Remember Hot Button Baseball??? Sure you do. You take two cards (a batter and a pitcher) put them into a machine, hit the "Hot Button" and based on where the lights stopped, that was the at bat. There were 140 transparent cards in that set. I remember the day I first laid my eyes on them, at a Toys R' Us while buying my daughter her birthday present. It looked awesome, and I still have the game, the complete set, the machine, my homemade scorecards, card numbers by position (to pick teams randomly), my excel spreadsheet that could generate teams by randomly...YES, I'M A GEEK!!!

Ahem...

This looks like this game is going to be a bit more challenging than Hot Button. It might be something to look forward to getting. I don't know. But where did they come up with the name "Topps Attax?" Well, we have to go across the Atlantic if we want to look for clues.

It seems that it's a big hit over in the UK. Topps Match Attax (the football...soccer to us in the US) game has been around since 2007, and features teams and players from the Barclay's Premier League. Going on the website: http://www.matchattax.com/, it gives you all the rules, on how to play the game (defense vs. attack), how goals are scored, and such. But this is baseball, and I'm sure the playing mat (there has to be a mat in any CCG) is going to include an entire playing field, not just the pitcher and batter. It looks to be a huge deal in the United Kingdom. And Topps seems to be hoping that the success will carry over here.

I, for one, might want to take a stab at this set. It looks like something my kids and I can get into (there goes my wallet). But I worry. If Topps didn't continue the Hot Button Baseball game (due to lackluster sales I'm guessing), what's the odds that this is going to survive a second year??? I'm pretty sure this is not going to count towards the 17-product cap imposed by MLB Properties. Whatever. When it comes out, I'll buy a couple of packs, and then probably more, and then probably buy everything in sight just to complete a set...okay, getting ahead of myself. But based on the above design, and the possibility of game play, it can't be all that bad...right???

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama