Matt Kemp is Chrome-atic

I have making smaller purchases lately, focusing primarily on my Matt Kemp PC. I was able to secure three new cards for my growing Kemp PC earlier this week, all from different sellers on eBay.

What a glorious sight. I have a slight affinity for these colorful refractors from Topps Chrome, and my itch for new cardboard got the best of me this time.

The orange and purple refractors are shiny, but they aren't numbered. The other black refractor, which looks pretty freaking sharp, is #'d 17/100.

But the fun doesn't stop there.

I also picked this bad boy up a few weeks ago. I completely forgot about it until I checked my scans folder, but here it is. It is #'d 64/75, and features the man who should have been awarded NL Comeback of the Year. (Awards are stupid). 

I spent around eight bucks for all the group of four cards as a whole. Not bad considering they came from four different sellers. Although it looks like I am going for the rainbow, I can assure I am not. Though it is fun, it isn't cheap. If anyone has any of the other refractors, please let me know. I would be more than happy to trade for them.  

Breaking Down the Box Break

I meant to get to this post out on Thursday, and then again yesterday, but here we are. I have everyone's cards packed up, they just need to be loaded into mailers and sent out. That will happen sometime early next week. Please send me your address if it has changed or if you don't think I have it.

The break was a success in the sense that I pulled quite a few good cards for myself. Of course, I had the Dodgers, but I also picked up the Nationals and received the Padres as my random team. My other random team went to Gavin of Baseball Card Breakdown, who chose the Angels. Unfortunately for him, there was no Trout auto. Next time.

Anyway, let's take a look at some some of the Dodgers I pulled.

I'll start with my favorite card I ended up with. I believe this was pulled from the second box we opened, but I am not positive. We pulled another Topps Shelf insert in the first box and I mentioned that I really wanted to pull a Kershaw one. A short time later my wish was granted and here it is. I really enjoy this card for a multitude of reasons: mainly the slick design and great choice of colors. I am really considering saving up for one of the auto versions of this card, but a few things have to go my way for that to happen. We'll see.

My good fortune continued on as we pulled a couple of sweet diecuts from the boxes. I am not a huge fan of these cards, but I can't deny shiny new Kershaw and Puig cards for my collection.

As if I didn't pull my fair share of cards already, this beauty dropped into my hands. I am a big fan of the 1989 Topps design, and it looks soooo much better on these chrome cards. Seriously, I love chrome. 

This man has 40 saves, and now I have his refractor card.

This man has a long name, and now I have his refractor card. 

Here are some of the better base cards from the Dodgers. I did get the entire base set, and a couple of dupes are headed out to fellow Dodger bloggers sometime next week.

I also pulled a Yasiel Puig Blue Refractor #'d/199, and an Onelki Garcia base auto. However, I pulled off a quick trade with Dodger Penguin and now they are his. In return I picked up his Braves cards from the break.

In addition to the Dodgers cards, I pulled some sweet Nationals cards. Specifically great Bryce Harper cards.

I really, really like these 89 inserts from Chrome. I considered myself lucky when I pulled the Kershaw insert, but I guess luck was on my side that day. 

Especially since I pulled another Harper insert, this time of the diecut variety. I like the shot they used for this card. Though I don't think there is a bad Bryce Harper card. Please let me know if you can find one. 

I finally pulled this shiny Bryce Harper refractor to go along with his base card. My Harper binder got some serious play the other night. 

My luck didn't stop with the cards above. I also received a few x-fractors of National players, as well as a Stephen Strasburg diecut. I don't know any Nationals collectors, so those may head to eBay unless someone wants to trade. 

Thanks again to those who participated for the opportunity to do the break. Although there were a few problems on my end, and apparently commercials in the middle, it was pretty successful. Some people were lucky enough to get some autos, inserts, and #'d cards, whereas a few of you seemed to get the short end of the stick. I tried to toss in a few cards to make up for the lack of cards for a few of you, but I didn't have cards that fit everyone's collections. Hopefully you all enjoyed it, and we can bust some more Chrome next year.

Box Break Reminder

The Topps Chrome Box Break is scheduled for tomorrow at 6pm PST. 

It is not required to be there, and I will be posting the videos to the blog shortly after. I would recommend making an account on Ustream before the break so you can chat during the break. I will post the link to the stream 15 minutes prior to the break tomorrow evening. The break will begin at 6pm, and there will be a five minute break between in box.

Leave a comment or email me if you have any questions. Let's pull some big names!

Randomization Results

Might as well just copy and paste from the mass email I sent out. Well, a couple of changes. 

That was pretty crappy. 

I did not have a good understanding of how to use the streaming software.  I will definitely need to figure out how to properly use it when the box break rolls around next week. I NOW HAVE THE VIDEO! OMGGG!

Skip to the 4:15 mark to see the randomization, or just save the time and look at the results below. 

Anyways. I randomized both the list of names, and the list of teams 4 times. I then just matched up the spots. I have attached pictures of both the random list of names and teams. I will also list the teams everyone received below.  

Thanks again, and sorry for the bad broadcast. 

1. Caitlin - Rays
2. Tony - Phillies
3. Adam - Orioles
4. T.J - Indians
5. Judson - Marlins
6. Kyle - Rockies
7. Matthew - Twins
8. Brady - D-Backs
9. Brady - Royals
10. Matt - Reds
11. Justin - Yankees
12. Caitlin - A's 
13. Dikran - Padres
14. Matthew - Braves

Box Break Randomization Time Announcement

I just wanted to drop by and give another update on the randomization process. I will be live streaming the randomization tomorrow night (Wednesday 8/27/14) at 9pm PST. Or, you know, around that time. It is a bit late, but it is the best I can do tomorrow considering my school and work schedule. I will send out an email with the link to see the broadcast shortly before going life, so just watch your inbox's in the evening. 

Enjoy some more cards from my favorite product of the year!

Topps Chrome Box Break Announcement

I just wanted to drop in and give a quick announcement on the Topps Chrome Box Break I am hosting here. I will probably be dropping another one or two posts on the break in the coming days, so be sure to check in or message me with any questions. 

I will be randomizing the remaining teams sometime between now and Thursday. I will record it using Ustream. This will give me a little practice using the program before the break, and it will allow you to see the randomizing with your own eyes. I plan on figuring out a time for the randomization tomorrow, but I will give notice on here and set up for live viewing online. 

Feel free to trade your teams. If something is agreed upon, I need both parties to notify me so I can make the change in my spreadsheet. 

The boxes will be coming in between Thursday and Friday (hopefully), so the box break is tentatively set for Friday evening. However, I want to make sure that this will be seen by as many people as possible, so let me know if that works for you. Should the boxes not arrive on time, or Friday doesn't work, we will move the break back to Sunday evening. I am unavailable because of work on Saturday, but I am sure we will figure it out.

Again, feel free to email/DM/Tweet at me with any questions. Until then, enjoy some of the new pictures released by Topps. 

2014 Topps Chrome Box Break Is Now Filled

My buddy Dikran decided to go ahead and claim the last spot, so the 2014 Topps Chrome Box Break is now full. Which means it is time to send your money my way. 

I am currently accepting payments through Paypal (email me if this is an issue), and my email address is alexmarkle@hotmail.com.

Please be sure to send the $25.00 per team as a gift. 

If you have questions regarding the break, or need to know the total for some reason, just shoot me an email. 

I want to get these boxes ordered asap, so I am hoping to have all payments in by this Friday night (8-22-14). However, that is not a "hard date" by any means, just email me if you need to work out payment arrangements. 

I will probably be sending out an email to everyone tonight or tomorrow as an extra reminder.  I will also be sending email updates on the break, times, rules, etc.. sometime soon. 

Thanks again!

One Spot Left in the Topps Chrome 4-Box Break: Come and Get It!

The title says it all, really. We are down to just one spot left in the Topps Chrome box break I will be hosting here in a couple of weeks. I promise this will be the last post about it. 

The final spot costs $25.00 and gets you a team of your choice, as well and an additional team which will be randomized on the day of the box break. I will be busting 4 hobby boxes of 2014 Topps Chrome. Shipping is included (international is extra), and I'll even throw a free card your way if you buy the last spot. Just pick something out from my Trade Bait page. Leave a comment or send me an email if you are interested. 

I also need all participants that I have not yet contacted over the past week to send me an email. My email address is chavezravining@hotmail.com. I need to make sure that you are still planning on buying into the break, and we should discuss payment info. 

Here are all 30 teams, and the current participants. 

1. DBacks
2. Braves
3. O's
4. Red Sox - (Caitlin)
5.Cubs - (Brady Umfleet)
6. White Sox - (Dodger Penguin)
7. Reds
8. Indians
9. Rockies
10. Tigers
11. Astros - (Kyle B.)
12. Royals
13. Angels - (Gavin)
14. Dodgers - (Alex)
15. Marlins
16. Brewers - (Tony L.)
17. Twins
18. Mets - (Justin L.) 
19. Yankees - (Dodger Penguin)
20. A's
21. Phillies 
22. Pirates - (Matt S.)
23. Padres
24. Giants - (Adam S.)
25. Mariners - (T.J. Villarrubia Jr.) 
26. Cardinals - (Brady Umfleet) 
27. Rays
28. Rangers - (Judson)
29. Blue Jays - (Caitlin)
30. Nats


Thanks again! 

Kershaw, Some Other Guys, and The Final Box Break Announcement

I was perusing the bay for an A&G relic of my favorite left-hander when I came across a lot of A&G relics. The highlight was Clayton Kershaw of course, and there were a few other names mixed in. Considering the Kershaw relic alone was selling around the 6 to 10 dollar range, I decided to put in a lowball bid on the lot in hopes I would win. 

Turns out my lowball bid won, and I walked away with seven new relics for about 11 bucks shipped. 

But wait, some of these relics could be yours! Just be sure to read to the bottom.

This was what I was aiming for, but I was luckily able to add some more pieces for pretty much the same price as this card alone. It may be a boring grey swatch, but one day those boring grey swatches will add up and I will stitch my own game-worn jersey. 

This was the other big name in the lot. Tulo was on pace for a monster season, but injuries prevailed once again. Tulo was the front runner for the MVP for a while, but his injury opened the door for Kershaw to take home the award. It is doubtful the voters will vote for a pitcher, even someone as deserving as Kershaw, but I can dream. 

Edwin Encarnacion isn't necessarily a big name, but he is still solid player. Power from the right side is becoming harder and harder to find, and Encarnacion is one of only a few righty power hitters. Too bad it is a boring white swatch. 

I was also able to grab a Matt Adams bat relic. With the amount of Cardinal fans out there, this shouldn't be hard to move.

These on the other hand......sheesh. I would honestly open a pack of 1987 Fleer, than pull on of these things. They have no resale value, and nobody seems to be interested in acquiring them. Anybody want them?

I also picked up a Ryan Braun mini framed relic in the deal, but that is already packaged up for Tony over at Off Hiatus Baseball Cards. 

In the end I got a fantastic deal, but the two duds kind of made me depressed. I'm really hoping Topps doesn't sell out to another dumb blogging website next year. 

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In related news, lets talk about the Topps Chrome Box Break I hope to hold here in a couple of weeks. 

I still have 5 spots to fill to get this thing off and running. I will be busting 4 hobby boxes of 2014 Topps Chrome.  The price is $25.00 and that includes shipping. You get one team of your choice, and a random team after the break is filled up. Pretty simple. 

BONUS: If you sign up for one of the remaining slots, you will get your choice of any of the relics (except Kershaw) above. If you sign up for more than one spot, you will get to choose one of the relics above AND any card from my Trade Bait page. I will ship these with your cards from the break.

Here is what is left. Please be sure to comment if you are interested. 

1. DBacks
2. Braves
3. Orioles
4. Red Sox - (Caitlin)
5.Cubs - (Brady Umfleet)
6. White Sox - (Dodger Penguin)
7. Reds
8. Indians
9. Rockies
10. Tigers
11. Astros - (Kyle B.)
12. Royals
13. Angels - (Gavin)
14. Dodgers - (Alex)
15. Marlins
16. Brewers - (Tony L.)
17. Twins
18. Mets - (Justin L.) 
19. Yankees - (Dodger Penguin)
20. A's
21. Phillies 
22. Pirates - (Matt S.)
23. Padres
24. Giants - (Adam S.)
25. Mariners - (T.J. Villarrubia Jr.) 
26. Cardinals - (Brady Umfleet) 
27. Rays
28. Rangers - (Judson)
29. Blue Jays - (Caitlin)
30. Nats

Reminder About My 2014 Topps Chrome 4-Box Break

I've talked about this before, but now that we are just three weeks away from it's release, it is time to bring up my box break of 2014 Topps Chrome Baseball.

The product comes out on August 27th, and I will be (hopefully) busting 4 hobby boxes. Jump in on the action for the low cost of $25.00 bucks (shipping included). That 25 bucks will get you the team of your choice, plus one random team after all 15 spots have been filled. The sooner this thing fills up, the cheaper it is for me to purchase the boxes. 

If you are interested, just leave a comment below. If you know someone who is interested, have them comment below. 

Here is who is signed up for what so far.

1. DBacks
2. Braves
3. O's
4. Red Sox - (Caitlin)
5.Cubs - (Brady Umfleet)
6. White Sox - (Dodger Penguin)
7. Reds
8. Indians
9. Rockies
10. Tigers - (Dodger Penguin)
11. Astros - (Kyle B.)
12. Royals
13. Angels - (Gavin)
14. Dodgers - (Alex)
15. Marlins
16. Brewers - (Tony L.)
17. Twins
18. Mets - (Justin L.) 
19. Yankees 
20. A's
21. Phillies 
22. Pirates - (Matt S.)
23. Padres
24. Giants - (Adam S.)
25. Mariners - (T.J. Villarrubia Jr.) 
26. Cardinals - (Brady Umfleet) 
27. Rays
28. Rangers - (Judson)
29. Blue Jays - (Caitlin)
30. Nats

Thanks again! Let me know if you have any questions!

Back in Black

I took a small break in my pursuit of cards for my Topps Chrome Rainbow. For those unfamiliar with my pursuit, I am attempting to complete the rainbow for every Dodger in 2013 Topps Chrome. It was sort of my big project upon my entrance to collecting, though I know completing it will be next to impossible. However, that is only due to my card budget. I may win the lottery next week and finish the entire thing off. But I guess I'd have to buy lottery tickets for that to happen.

I decided to hit up eBay in search of some more of the black parallels #'d /100 that I needed. I was able to pick up the Paco card (#'d 11/100) for just a few bucks shipped. Now if only the Dodgers would DFA Paul Maholm and Chris Perez, then bring up Paco and Yimi Garcia.Doing so would vastly improve the bullpen for the Dodgers. Frankly, anybody could probably put up better numbers than either Maholm or Perez. 

I also picked this up for less than two bucks shipped. The card, featuring the recently re-instated from DL Carl Crawford, is #'d 52/100.Crawford may be on the outside looking in in the Dodgers crowded outfield. Matt Kemp has been hitting the ball well over the past month, and shouldn't be benched. Puig will be a starter as long as he is healthy. And Ethier and Van Slyke form a nice platoon in center. The Dodgers (and Crawford) would probably benefit by trading him, but there aren't many teams that could truly use him. The outfield situation will have to be monitored over the next few days and weeks, but hopefully egos don't get in the way of productive play. 

With the addition of both cards, my Topps Chrome Rainbow sit at 54/120 cards (45% complete). I am now up to 6 out of 10 black parallels, but still have the tougher ones (Kershaw, Puig) to acquire. A COMC purchase I made last week is in route, so that will take care of a few more parallels. I guess slow and steady wins the race. 

Of course, I couldn't use that title without linking to one of the better AC/DC songs. 

2014 Topps Chrome Box Break

I've been planning this for awhile, but now that we are finally getting close to the release date  (August 27th) I feel comfortable to announce it.

I already spilled the beans when I announced a spot was up for grabs in my latest contest. Of course, the first place winner might not necessarily choose the spot in the break, but I feel confident they will. 

Product Details 

• 24 packs per box, 4 cards per pack (96 Total)
• 2 Autographs per box (on average)
• "Besides basic Refractors, randomly inserted in hobby packs are X-Fractors, Blue Refractors (#/199), Black Refractors (#/100), Sepia Refractors (#/75), Gold Refractors (#/50), Red Refractors (#/25), Atomic Refractors (#/10), Printing Plates and SuperFractors (1/1). Variation Short Prints featuring different photos are also randomly inserted." (Courtesy of Cardboard Connection)

There will be 14 spots available (I am giving one away and I am taking the Dodgers).

We will be busting 4 hobby boxes. Each slot will be $25 dollars and will get you the team of your choice AND a random team after all the spots have been filled. You will receive all the cards for both of your teams that are pulled. In the event a card with multiple players is pulled, the card will go to the person with the a) the most teams on the card; b) the player on the top (vertical); c) player on the left (horizontal). I have not figured out the exact details, but the break will be streamed live for those who want to watch me talk to myself and open packs for a couple hours. 

Shipping is included in the cost, but those outside the US will need to add on a couple of bucks for shipping. Feel free to message me individually for details on that front.

The sooner I can fill all 14 spots, the cheaper we can get the boxes for. If it takes a while to fill up the break, then I may need to adjust the price by a buck or two, but I will let everyone know before doing so. You can always help me out by pimping the break on your blog. Depending on how fast (or slow) the break fills up, I may be pushing for this later.

Below is a list of available teams. Just leave a comment with the name of the team you would like to claim.

Available Teams:
1. DBacks
2. Braves
3. O's
4. Red Sox
5.Cubs
6. White Sox - (Dodger Penguin)
7. Reds
8. Indians
9. Rockies
10. Tigers
11. Astros 
12. Royals
13. Angels - (Gavin)
14. Dodgers - (Alex)
15. Marlins
16. Brewers - (Tony L.)
17. Twins
18. Mets - (Justin L.) 
19. Yankees - (Dodger Penguin)
20. A's
21. Phillies 
22. Pirates 
23. Padres
24. Giants - (Adam S.)
25. Mariners
26. Cardinals
27. Rays
28. Rangers - (Judson)
29. Blue Jays
30. Nats

I feel I covered everything that might come up during the box break, but let me know if you have any questions. Hat tip to Judson (My Cardboard Habit) for the helping me figure out the details! 

Time for Another Contest!

I've been meaning to hold more contests recently, but it seems to slip my mind whenever I start to draft a post. My birthday is coming up this weekend, so I figured now would as good a time as ever to hold another contest.

I am doing this contest a little bit differently this time around, as I really enjoyed the method that Gavin from Baseball Card Breakdown used in his recent contest.

Here are the prizes.

1 & 2. 1982 Topps K-Mart 20th Anniversary MVP Series 44-Card Complete Set (x2)

I picked up two complete sets of this fabulous set from my LCS a few months back. It was just one of those posts that I never got around to. I didn't realize that I had two complete sets until I was double checking that I had one complete set. This prize is up for grabs twice.

3. Purple Refractor Paradise

Another winner will enjoy these Barney colored refractors from various players and products. The Adam Dunn and Kris Hall cards are #'d /199.

4. NBA Hits

Everything here is #'d, with the exception of the Shane Battier relic. 

5. USA Baseball Relics

Cool cards. Not the biggest names. 

6. Carl Crawford Jersey/Auto

Hard to see, but the card is #'d 40/75. 

7. 2013 Topps US Robinson Cano Photo Variation

I had this card on my eBay for so long that I forgot about it. I eventually remembered and now you have the opportunity to take it home. 

8. Bowman Mini Lot

Finally, a 5-card lot of various mini refractors from 2013 and 2014 Bowman products. 

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That means there will be 9 prizes this time around, with a little something for everyone. (The grand prize will be announced below.)

How to Enter
(1 entry) - Subscribe to the blog. You must comment that you are a subscriber to earn the entry. There is a nice blue button over to the right, so feel free to click on it. 

(1 entry) - Comment on this post. I don't really care what you comment, so but be sure to include that you are a subscriber to earn that entry.

(1 entry) - Pimp this contest on your blog. Make sure you comment the link to the contest. 

(1 entry) - Pimp this contest on Twitter. Either comment with a link to the tweet, or tag me (@chavezravining) in it. 

(Even more entries) - Like Gavin's contest, send me cards for additional entries. You can send me cards I don't already have from: my primary guys like Kemp and Kershaw, Ryu, or Beltre and Green; my secondary or tertiary PC's; Topps Chrome Rainbow; Topps Team Set Project or any of my other Set Needs. 

There will be a 10 entry max. Any cards you send me will count as 1 entry each, up to 10.

The contest will run until 11:59 pm PST on 7/15/14. Any and all cards you send my way for extra entries must be here by that date to receive extra entries. 

GRAND PRIZE
The grand prize is your choice of team (except the Dodgers) in a box break plan on holding for 2014 Topps Chrome when it is released. I have not yet churned out a post for that, but you can probably expect something on that in the next week or so. If you are interested already, simply leave a comment so I can email you with details and questions of my own.

I Went to Jarrod!

About a week and a half ago I posted about some cards I received from reader Jarrod. You can check that out by clicking this fancy blue text. Shortly after posting that, I decided to browse Jarrod's eBay page in the hopes of finding some more Dodger goodies. I came across an auction full of Yasiel Puig cards. Though I want to get my hands on all things Puig, one particular card in the lot stood out. 

Considering this was a card desperately needed for my Topps Chrome Rainbow, I messaged Jarrod expressing my interest in it. The auction came and went with no bids, so Jarrod decided to offer it up to me. We settled on a price (I didn't pay enough in hindsight) which also included some other cards that I will get to in a minute. 

Though I am not normally a big fan of orange cards, especially Dodgers cards, I love the look of these orange refractors from 2013 Topps Chrome. This orange refractor is not only my first colored Puig refractor, but it is my eighth orange refractor out of the ten needed. Carl Crawford and Matt Magill are the only ones I am missing. 

STOP: Check out Jarrod's eBay page here and see what he has to offer!

Of course, I did say I got some other cards in this purchase, so let's get to it. 

The first card I saw when opening up the package was this beauty. Julio Urias is the Dodgers uber-talented pitching prospect. He is quickly becoming one of my favorite prospects, but Corey Seager has a solid hold on the top spot for now. As much as I enjoy this card, it depresses me a bit. I am only 20 years old, but the fact that this kid is only 17 makes me feel like an old man. Though I am sure many of you probably despise both me and Julio :)

Next up is this fantastic card featuring The Bison. I am surprised that I did not already have this card. I have always done my best to stay on top of blue parallels of my favorite player, but I guess this one slipped though the cracks. Thanks Jarrod!

Jarrod wasn't done with blue bordered Dodgers though, as he added this bad boy to the mix. The blue on these Opening Day cards tends to look a bit more electric than most blue parallels. I really enjoy these blue borders from Opening day.

Jarrod also sent over this sweet Opening Day insert of the Dodgers young stud. I haven't bought a ton of Opening Day, so these inserts are greatly appreciated.

Now here is where the surprises started. The first being this totally awesome Steve Garvey auto. This is my first Garvey auto, and I could not be happier. I don't pick up a ton of autos/relics of Dodger legends, so anything I can acquire through trade, or eBay purchases like this one, is a bonus. I will gladly add this to my pile of Dodger hits. A pile of cards that will be uploaded to the blog sometime soon. 

Finally, Jarrod sent over one last card that was probably the biggest surprise of all. 

The scan did not come out as well as I would have liked, though it still works. At first glance, I thought this was an in-person auto. It took me a second to see the numbering at the top and the sticker on the back that said 2004 Topps Originals Baseball. I took a quick look into the set, but was unable to find out a ton. I did find out that these cards were sold 1 card per pack with 6 packs per box. Regardless, this is a fantastic addition to my growing stack of Dodger hits. 

Thanks again Jarrod! I am sure we will be dealing again very soon.