Cardboard from Stumptown

The last few months have been crazy, but I have some good news:

1. Moving is finally in the rearview. We're in the new apartment (I don't advise driving through Brooklyn in a Uhaul) and completely unpacked. Let's hope this is more permanent--it's my fifth move since August of 2017. 
2. With moving done, I can finally turn my attention back to cards. They were boxed up for the last several months, so it's good to get them out in the open again.
3. I finally have a scanner again. I've been so looking forward to scanning cards since I rejoined the hobby (taking pictures on my phone just isn't the same); this should help me stay on top of posting. 

With that news out of the way,  let's catch up on a trade I from way back in April. I'm severely behind on trade posts, so this will be the first of many of the next several weeks. First up, some cards from Gavin at Baseball Card Breakdown.

Gavin runs one of my favorite card blogs out there, so when it was time to move on from some Archer cards earlier this year, I knew he might be interested.

In exchange for the Archer set, Gavin sent quite a bit of fun--and vintage--cardboard my way. The Furillo and Alston above (from 1960 and 1969, respectively), as well as the LA Dodgers team card (below) from 1962, inch me closer to building complete Dodgers team sets. I'm nowhere near close completing any vintage sets, so this will take some time. Fun fact: this is the first 1962 card in my collection. 

Would it really be a trade with Gavin without customs though? 

He sent along a pair of fantastic custom Dodgers, including a card from Big League Baseball that never was. I feel there is potential for an Orel Hershiser/Bulldog connection here. The Kersh is nice as well; it's refreshing to see cards featuring the Dodgers blue tops they wear in Spring Training. 

Gavin's package contained a number of other great cards (including an autograph of failed Dodger prospect, Tom Windle), but it's not so often I add new Shawn Green cards to the PC. I was devastated to learn Green was traded to the D-Backs in the winter of 2005 (for Dioner Navarro and a handful of other prospects who never panned out, if you were wondering). It's still tough to see him in that purple pinstriped jersey. 

Thanks for the wonderful deal, Gavin! 

Weird Stats

One of my favorite aspects of the young baseball season is the cherry-picking of absurd baseballer stats that, in most cases, are highly unlikely to continue.

Oh, the Seattle Mariners started the season 6-1? Of course they'll carry a .857 winning percentage all year. (They won't--and they're 12-16 since that hot start.) Cody Bellinger carries a .415 batting average and 14 homers into the second week of May, but he's not going to knock out 76 dingers or end the year with the third-highest single-season batting average of the live ball era.

These stats need time to stablize, of course, but let's take a closer look at the two players below: Dee Gordon and Zack Greinke.

Known speedster Dee Gordon has never been a bat-first type of player, and he's certainly not known for his power. Indeed, his highest single-season homerun total was just last year when he managed to push four balls over the wall (a feat he also accomplished in 2015). He's otherwise scattered seasons of zero, one, or two homers since his debut in 2011. Yet, 32 games into the 2019 season, Gordon already has two homeruns. Is this the year he can break five?

Zack Greinke, on the otherhand, has not been his sharpest this season. He's rebounded a bit after a terrible Opening Day start against the Dodgers, but his best years are definitely behind him. While Greinke's pitching prowress is well-known, it's his bat that has me watching these days. Just read this short excerpt from Devan Fink at Fangraphs:

In 13 plate appearances, Greinke has slashed .500/.545/1.300 (361 wRC+). He has hit two home runs, two doubles, and a single, all while drawing a walk without registering a single strikeout. That’s better than Barry Bonds‘ slash line after 13 plate appearances (.400/.538/.900) in 2004, when he went on to post a ridiculous 1.422 full-season OPS.

While we all know Greinke won't go on to become the next Bonds, anecdotes like these are a blast to discover. Dodger cards I need from Topps Heritage are also a blast to discover, and the Gordon and Greinke cards above come from a recent trade with Chris over at Nachos Grande. 

For as long as I've been in the hobby, player collecting has perhaps been the area I've been most invested. I've had a number of player PCs over recent years, Matt Kemp, Chad Billingsley, and Adrian Beltre just to name a few. And while adding to these collections is certainly rewarding, it becomes more difficult to committ to once that player is traded, released, or if they've signed with another club. My collection of Matt Kemp cards was the reason I started blogging (I needed somewhere to show that collection off), but he's since been on four teams (Dodgers, Padres, Braves, Dodgers again, and Reds) and was released by his latest team just yesterday. A few years ago I would have been thrilled to add another Kemp card to the PC, but today I'm just happy to add cards that help me build up my Dodgers flagship sets. This pair from 2015 certainly helps. 

In fact, this paif of Dodgers ups the total 2015 cards I have to 6. With 45 Dodgers in the 2015 set, I'm sitting at a measely 13% of the set. With every other set from the decade at over 60% complete, 2015 is definitely an outlier. 

Even worse, this pair of cards from 1998 were my first two cards from that year. It's a much smaller set (17 cards), but I'm sitting at just 11.8% complete. I should focus on the 90s soon.

This package from Chris also included some wonderful 1953 reprints from a recent Topps Archives set. I've never been a big collector of Archives, but I certainly do like these reprints. If only they were the real deal. 

But what's more fun then reprints? Customs! This Clayton Kershaw custom was created by a friend of Chris's, and I'm happy to add it to my Kershaw PC--a PC I won't ever tire of. 

I've been working hard behind the scenes to better catalog my cards, though I've never really thought about counting up my customs. I probably only have a handful, and most of those have probably come from Gavin over at Baseball Card Breakdown (who also recently sent me a package of cards.) I'll post about that swap soon enough, and maybe I'll have some numbers on custom cards at that point. 

Thanks again for the trade, Chris!

An Ode to Clayton Kershaw

#16: Clayton Kershaw - Los Angeles Dodgers

A (Crappy) Ode to Kershaw

Oh, Clayton!

How I miss Uncle Charlie

When the count's 0 and 2.

How I miss you on the hill

In that clean Dodger Blue.

And, Clayton!

When you no hit the Rox,

Boy that was great

And when you relieved Kenley

and racked up your first save. 

Oh, Clayton!

Now you're all broken,

You're on the DL,

But all of us fans

Need you to get well. 

(Seriously. I want you to win the World Series.)

Los Angeles Dodgers: An In-Depth Look Using Customs

I have been tinkering around with my use of custom cards. For a while, I was releasing them one by one. I then moved to a voting system using two customs. Once again, I have altered my custom posts, and I have decided to move in a new direction. I will now posts customs one team at a time. The posts will not only include the fantastic customs done by me (self-promotion for the win), but a look back at the 2014 season, and a look ahead into 2015. 

What went right in 2014?
The Dodgers won 94 games and took first place in their division. They were led by a strong starting pitching staff headlined by Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, and Hyun-Jin Ryu, allowing them to have a cumulative starting pitcher ERA of 3.20, second in the league. The Dodgers also had a sound offense, ranking number one in OBP% and WAR, and second in WRC+. For fans of the more traditional stats, the Dodgers ranked in the top 10 in runs, RBI's, stolen bases, and batting average.

Clayton Kershaw and Josh Beckett also threw no-hitters, so yea, that was pretty cool too.

What went wrong in 2014?
The Dodgers were hampered by consistently inconsistent bullpen. The bullpen ranked 21st in ERA, 26th in BB/9, and 25th in WAR. The lack of a bullpen was on full display in the NLDS against the Cardinals, with Dodgers relievers allowing 6 runs in only 8.1 innings. Additionally, the Dodgers bowed out of the playoffs after only winning once in the NLDS. That was definitely not the outcome most Dodger fans were hoping for.

What has the club done to improve this off-season?
A lot. Andrew Friedman and company went on a trade binge earlier this off-season (perfectly timed right before my finals, thank you very much), dealing Dee Gordon, Dan Haren, Matt Kemp,  Andrew Heaney, and some minor leaguers for the likes of Jimmy Rollins, Howie Kendrick, Yasmani Grandal, Joel Peralta and others. Needless to say, the team's defense should be vastly improved, both in the infield, outfield and behind the plate. The trades also opened up the door for Joc Pederson in center, though Friedman has not publicly committed to this.

In addition to all of the trades, the Dodgers signed Brandon McCarthy and Brett Anderson to solidify the back of the rotation, though it looks like the Dodgers will still be looking for at least one more starter. Can anybody say Chad Billingsley?

What should we expect in 2015?
Although a ton of casual Dodger fans may be viciously berating the Dodgers new front office, the club should be greatly improved in 2015. The defense up-the-middle has been improved dramatically. While Gordon was serviceable at second, watching Hanley play defense was like stepping on a LEGO while watching the Giants celebrate another World Series. It was seriously that bad. Rollins and Kendrick will be replacing Hanley and Gordon; and Joc Pederson, while not a great center fielder, has shown that he can handle the position rather well. Furthermore, Grandal is a huge improvement behind the dish, both on offense and on defense. While the Dodgers are losing the powerful bats of Matt Kemp and Hanley Ramirez in the middle of their lineup, they have lengthened it quite a bit with Kendrick and Grandal.

Overall, the Dodgers starters should be phenomenal once again. The bullpen is far from perfect, but it has improved greatly. The offense might take a step back, but there is quite a bit of break-out potential (Grandal and Pederson) and a ton more depth (Hernandez, Heisey, Guerrero). Expect another first place finish, and, hopefully, a deeper run in the playoffs.

Who's my favorite player in the organization's history?
Shawn Green.

I'm interested in hearing what you think about the team heading into 2015? Did you like their moves? What would you have done? Who is your favorite player in the organization's history?

While you think that over, take a look the rest of the Dodgers customs I created. 

Custom Winners: Cole, Miller, Torres

Week One Winners

I kind of threw this post together at the last second. The first week of customs was okay, but it could definitely use a few improvements. A good start would be for me remembering to update the polls. I am in the midst of writing a 3500-word essay, so I won't do a write up on each player or card, but you can expect that next week. 

New battle will appear tomorrow at 10am. Thanks again!

Battle of the Customs: Alex Torres

#15: Alex Torres - San Diego Padres

I've decided to take a different approach to the rest of the customs I post here. They will no longer be daily posts, more like 2-3 a week. Each card will have two versions. It is up to you to decide which one you like better. The polls will be posted in the sidebar on the right. At the end of the week, the winners will be revealed and the cards will receive their own post. Happy voting!

Poll closes on 11/21 at 11:59 pm. 

New battle will appear on Saturday at 10:00 am.

vs.

(Photo Credit: Not found)

(Photo Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports)

Battle of the Customs: Andrew Miller

#14: Andrew Miller - Baltimore Orioles

I've decided to take a different approach to the rest of the customs I post here. They will no longer be daily posts, more like 2-3 a week. Each card will have two versions. It is up to you to decide which one you like better. The poll should automatically pop up on your screen. At the end of the week, the winners will be revealed and the cards will receive their own post. Happy voting!


Okay. Maybe this time I will remember to actually post a poll to my blog. Should work now.

Poll closes on 11/18 at 11:59 pm. 

New battle will appear on Wednesday at 10:00 am.

vs.

(Photo Credit: Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun)

(Photo Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images North America )

Battle of the Customs: Gerrit Cole

#13: Gerrit Cole - Pittsburgh Pirates

I've decided to take a different approach to the rest of the customs I post here. They will no longer be daily posts, more like 2-3 a week. Each card will have two versions. It is up to you to decide which one you like better. The polls will be posted in the sidebar on the right. At the end of the week, the winners will be revealed and the cards will receive their own post. Happy voting!

Poll closes on 11/15 at 11:59 pm. 

New battle will appear on Sunday at 10:00 am.

vs.

(Photo Credit: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America)

(Photo Credit: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America)

#12: Josh Hamilton

#12: Josh Hamilton - Anaheim Angels

Josh Hamilton is the first Angel in this set. You may notice I went a different route with the Angels, compared to every other team/card I have displayed so far. I still call them the Anaheim Angels. I cannot think of any sane reason as to call them the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and that is too long to stick on a card anyway.

That said, I believe this is the first 'walk-off' card in the set so far. The picture came out particularly blurry this time around, but I still dig it. Hopefully you do as well.

(Photo Credit: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images North America)

#11: Jon Lester

#11: Jon Lester - Oakland Athletics

I don't know too much about Jon Lester. I know he is an excellent pitcher and should command top dollar this winter. Some say he will go back to Boston. Others say he will wind up in Los Angeles. I'm not confident either of those would happen, but it does make for an interesting off-season.

(Photo Credit: Ed Zurga/Getty Images North America)

#10: Paul Molitor

#10: Paul Molitor - Milwuakee Brewers

The following passage comes from the great Tony L. of Off Hiatus Baseball Cards

Molitor spent only 64 games in the minor leagues in 1977 after being drafted in the first round out of the University of Minnesota by the Milwaukee Brewers with the 3rd pick overall in the 1977 June Draft. In 1978, while Robin Yount either was holding out or was honestly deciding whether to become a professional golfer instead of a baseball player, the Brewers needed a player to start at shortstop. As a result, Molitor jumped directly from the Midwest League to the major leagues and never returned except for injury rehab.  As a Brewer, Molitor racked up nearly 2300 hits over 15 years with a .303/.367/.444 slash line. After the 1992 season and in the wake of acrimonious contract dealings when he signed his previous contract, Molitor left and went to Toronto where, at the age of 36, he won his only World Series Title and won the World Series MVP award. After three seasons in Toronto, Molitor finished his career with his hometown team, the Minnesota Twins.  He finished his career with 3,319 hits and a .306/.369/.448 slash line in 21 seasons, and he was deservedly inaugurated into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2004, the first time he appeared on the ballot, with 85.2% of the vote.

(Photo Credit: Not Found)

#9: Ben Zobrist

#9: Ben Zobrist - Tampa Bay Rays

We're moving on from one of my least favorite cards to one of my favorites - so far. The first Rays card from the set features the man that plays all over the field: Ben Zobrist. It didn't take me long to settle on the picture for this card, I mean, it has it all. Throwbacks. A sweet action shot. There is actually a baseball present. I really, really, dig this card. Hopefully you do as well.

(Photo Credit: J. Meric/Getty Images )

#8: Joe Mauer

#8: Joe Mauer - Minnesota Twins

I've been cruising right along making these customs, yet I have been unhappy with one. The Joe Mauer custom you see below would be that one. I have been meaning to go back and edit a few things, mainly the picture, but I though I had some more time. It's currently half past midnight and I don't have the energy to go back and make any adjustments. As such, we are left with a card that I am not incredibly happy with. But hey, at least I made sure I noted that he was a first baseman, not a catcher. Still gonna have to get used to that.

(Photo Credit: Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

#7: Justin Verlander

#7: Justin Verlander - Detroit Tigers

I imagine this was somewhat close to Verlander's initial reaction when few raunchy photos were released of him sometime last month. Well, the pictures were released because they featured his gorgeous girlfriend Kate Upton, but enough about that.

I have always been a fan of Verlander, though he did deny Kershaw the title of best pitcher on the planet for a year or two. Verlander has since declined and is now a middling pitcher in a dominant Detroit rotation. I guess you can say the card also depicts his reaction after his fall from grace.

(Photo Credit: Tom Hagerty)

#6: Tanner Roark

#6: Tanner Roark - Washington Nationals

It may have taken me six cards to realize this, but talking about every player in this set is going to be difficult. Here is what I know about Tanner Roark.

• He throws right-handed
• He plays for the Nationals
• He solidified my Fantasy Baseball team after I lost Jose Fernandez for the year

That's pretty much it. Glad you made an appearance Mr. Roark. 

(Photo Credit: USA Today Sports Images)

#5: Paul Goldschmidt

#5: Paul Goldschmidt - Arizona Diamondbacks

I promise there will be posts with real cards soon. Until then, enjoy another custom. 

I despise the Diamondbacks. I love Kirk Gibson (at least the 1988 version of Kirk Gibson), but I hate the Diamondbacks. Maybe it's because they always seem to give the Dodgers trouble (not so much in 2014). Maybe it's because they use opposing teams players for human target practice. Maybe it's because they have a pool in their outfield. It's probably a combination of those things, but it certainly isn't their first baseman. 

As much as I dislike the D-Backs, I enjoy watching Paul Goldschmidt play. Here's to many more years of watching you kill Dodger pitching. 

(Photo Credit: NorthJersey.com)

#4: Anthony Rizzo

#4: Anthony Rizzo - Chicago Cubs

Let me be straight with you. I'm pretty scared of the Cubs. 

Well, I will be in about two years. They have an excellent GM in Theo Epstein, an excellent young core of players in Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro and an excellent farm system full of guys with superstar potential. I don't want to think about the Cubs right now. Let me just Rizzo out of the way early. 

(Photo Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports)

#3: Giancarlo Stanton

#3: Giancarlo Stanton - Miami Marlins

There are few players out there that I would trade Yasiel Puig for if I were the Dodgers GM. Giancarlo Stanton is one of them. The dude can flat out rake. As such, he is deserving of a nice home run trot around the bases. Get well soon, Giancarlo!

(Photo Credit: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

#2: Derek Jeter

#2: Derek Jeter - New York Yankees

I'll be honest. I got quite annoyed with the amount of coverage that was devoted to Derek Jeter in 2014. Jeter is one of the greatest Yankees of all-time, and perhaps one of the greatest players of this generation, but it just went a little overboard for me. That said, I still have tremendous #Re2pect for the guy, no matter how cheesy the hashtag. The Yankees won't be the same without Jeter, and baseball will lose an icon. 

Thanks for all of the great memories you've supplied us Derek. Enjoy your retirement; you know you've earned it. 

(Photo Credit: The Associated Press)

#1: Bryce Harper

#1: Bryce Harper - Washington Nationals

Card number one in the set goes to one of my favorite players in the game: Bryce Harper. The cards lose a little bit of their quality during the upload to the blog, but I still feel they look solid. I am a big fan of the "back" shots, so you may want to get used to them. 

(Photo Credit: Alex Brandon, AP)