Another drubbing

Week 5 of the first round of the "What's Next?" tournament has come to a close, and another large defeat goes in the books.

'76 Topps moves on to the elite 8 with a convincing 16-4 win over 1970 Topps.  I had a feeling that '76 would win, but not this handily.  It also is tied for the 2nd most votes received, only trailing the '65 set.

The tournament page has been updated for your viewing pleasure, and tomorrow starts the 6th match of the tournament, with the widest gap in terms of age being featured.  '60 Topps vs '79 Topps could be another blowout, but as I've learned over the first few weeks, you just never know what people like!

What I really do appreciate so far in this tournament is the comments; many of you have been very descriptive in what you like and don't like about a lot of the sets.  That has made this tournament even more enjoyable for me, and I hope that everyone continues on this path.

thanks for reading, Robert

Crossing some vintage Blue Jays off the list

The latest envelope to hit the mailbox arrived today from Tony over at the Off Hiatus Baseball blog (his trade post is linked).  Tony managed to do what I haven't been able to do over the years, put a dent in a few of the older Jays want lists.

The '77 Topps set is one set that I should never have had a want list for.  I spent so much time putting that set together last year that I could have easily bought the Blue Jays I needed at the same time.  So much for that....

Dave Roberts was drafted 1st overall by the Padres in 1972.  4 years later, he is part of a three player purchase by the Blue Jays.  Roberts was then traded back to the Padres 4 months later before even suiting up for the Jays.  In the top right corner, Larry Anderson was another player who never saw the field for the Jays, as he became the player to be named later in the deal that saw Phil Roof come from the White Sox to the Jays. 

The '82 Donruss want list is a lot lighter now due to Tony's generosity...14 cards lighter as a matter of fact.  I split the two scans into pitchers...

and position players.

I originally thought when looking through the envelope that the Griffin and Bell cards on the bottom row were the same card.  Danny Ainge never did step on a ball field in 1982, since he played 53 games with the Boston Celtics during the 81-82 season.  The '82 season was also the last that Otto Velez would be in a Jays uniform.  Otto didn't play very much that season, having just 52 ABs with 1 HR. 

Finally, the lone '82 Topps card I needed to complete the team set was in there.   No more Willie Upshaw on the list.

1982 was the first full season that Upshaw played first base for the Jays, finally unseating John Mayberry at the position.  Willie fared quite well, hitting .267 with 21 HRs and 75 RBIs.  1st base would be occupied by Upshaw for the next 5 seasons until another power hitting left hander came along by the name of Fred McGriff. 

Tony, thank you for the cards, they are great and really appreciated!!

thanks for reading, Robert

My how time flies

Gotta love the unexpected PWE's that arrive on your doorstep, especially those filled with a handful of cards that hit various needs.

I received such an envelope while I was away for the weekend from Doug at Sportscards from the Dollar Store.  Doug not only hit a couple of my hockey wants, he also knocked off a couple of serial numbers that I needed for the insanity set.

I updated the list this evening, and couldn't believe it had been 4 weeks since I had removed anything from the list. 

Behold, the 53rd and 54th cards from the 2013 Topps base set that are now part of SNI:

Evan Gattis on the left is the 40th Braves card out of the 50 required.  It looks as if Evan is going to surpass all his rookie totals in hits, HR, RBI and batting average.   Not sure if he's making Braves fans forget Brian McCann yet, but it appears as if over time he will.  Gattis' card is serial number 1074.

Not sure how I missed Juan Nicasio's card in my top 5 for the 2013 Topps set.  What an amazing facial expression that Topps captured on his card!  Nicasio was sent down to AAA a week ago to make room for 24 year old Kyle Parker (0 for 6 with 4K's so far).  Nicasio's card is the 27th card for the Rockies out of 50, and is serial numbered 885.

Just 368 cards to go to reach the 1500 mark!  Still need help with the Rockies, Orioles and Astros.  All 3 of those teams are still under the 30 card plateau.

Doug, thank you for the envelope, all the cards are great and really appreciated!!

thanks for reading, Robert

Raising the Delabar

It's so easy to say that it always bears repeating.  As far as the card collecting universe goes, there are none more generous than those I've encountered in the blogosphere.  For nearly 3 years I've been a part of it, and it's almost as if everyone is trying to top the other. 

I reached out to Judson over at My Cardboard Habit when he asked everyone to send him their series 2 doubles towards building the set.  A lofty goal, and one that I can completely admire.   If I could build a set on trading alone, I'd be all for it.  Anyhow, I had 10 doubles to start him off, and I offered to send the cards to him, no questions asked, nothing expected in return.

Who doesn't want to move the doubles out of their collection, right?  It's even better when the cards get into the hands of someone who wants them.  I didn't need anything in return, nor did I ask.  As of yesterday, because of Judson's appreciation, I now am the proud owner of this beauty.

Yes, I know that my play on words is horrible, but when I score a Blue Jays certified auto in trade (appreciation was the word Judson used) for 10 series 2 cards from Topps, I have to say that the bar has been raised in terms of blogger generosity. 

Delabar has had a tough time this year in Toronto, so much so that they optioned him out recently to Triple A Buffalo.  It's not too often that a 30 year old pitcher gets optioned to the minors.  I'm hoping that he can regain his all star form of 2013 and get back to the Jays to help maintain their slim lead in the AL East.

Judson, from one habit to another habit, thank you very much for this card!!  It is really appreciated.

Thanks for reading, Robert

What's next? Round of 16: (4) 1976 Topps vs (13) 1970 Topps

When looking over the cards I have already for each of these two sets, for some reason I decided to show off a card from teams that no longer play in their respective cities.  Seattle of course has a team now, and I'm still surprised by the rumors that Tampa Bay could end up moving to Montreal.  This is another match that intrigues me; I'm very curious to see how the votes will play out.

Tale of the tape:

1.  Set Size:  1976 has 660 cards.  1970 has 720 cards
2.  Key RCs:  1976  Dennis Eckersley, Ron Guidry  1970 Thurman Munson, Darrell Evans
3.  Cost of complete set in NM condition:  1976  $250      1970  $2000
4.  Number of cards with high book at $100 or more: 1976: 0   1970: 2 

Blogs:  1976 Topps vs   1970 Topps

Both blogs that I have linked are written by veteran writers.  1976's is courtesy of Matthew R, while Jim from Downingtown makes another appearance with his '70 Topps blog.