Trade with Plaschke, Thy Sweater is Argyle: PC Madness Pt. 1

I recently completed my first trade with fellow Dodger fan and collector, Greg of Plaschke, Thy Sweater is Argyle. Hopefully not the last though because, Greg hooked a brother up. So much so, that I am splitting this into two separate posts. Check back for Part 2 tomorrow.

Greg decided to go straight after my PC's in this trade, hitting four of my Primary PC's in this post alone. Let's start with Matt Kemp.

Five new Kemp's, three of which I've never seen. The UD Icons card is pretty sweet, and it is a set I may put together one day.  Directly below that we see a 2009 UD SP Legendary Cuts #90. It has the appearance of a stamp, and is a fantastic card all around. Probably my favorite of the five above. With these five cards, my Matt Kemp PC sits at a modest 107 cards. Greg has nearly triple that amount, so I still have a ways to go before I catch him.

In addition to the Kemp cards, Greg sent over a heavy dose of Kershaw goodiness. Anytime I can add seven new Kid K cards to the PC, I'm having a good day. The gold Bowman on the top left is undoubtedly my favorite card of the bunch. The other are wonderful as well, but Kershaw is pitching in a USA jersey and you can't top that. 

Also included in this fantastic trade were four cards of the former Dodger/Mariner/Red Sox, Adrian Beltre. I now have six Beltre cards from his time in Seattle, and he is wearing the road jersey in every single one. No big deal, but it is a little strange.

Because Shawn Green is my favorite Dodger of all-time, I get giddy when I see new cards of his. The '91 Draft Classics card on the right is a new one for me and features Green in his high school jersey. How often do you see an aluminum bat on a baseball card? The card on the left will be mailed to Green in hope he returns it with his John Hancock. I guess I'll have to pick his address up from a fellow blogger. 

Russell Martin does not have a PC of his own in my collection, but he should. I may add him as a secondary PC in the next few days, though I'd have to go through all of my Dodger's again to pull his cardboard. These four cards are a good place to start a PC, but the Bowman Chrome on the top left may never be beat. It is instantly an all-time favorite Dodger card for me and if Greg wouldn't have sent it, I would bought it on eBay myself. WBC/Olympic jersey's are quickly becoming a favorite of mine, but we'll discuss that in a few days. 

I haven't even gotten to my favorite card of the trade, but this already rates as one of the best trade packages I've ever received. Thanks Greg!

Expanding On My Mini Collections: Pimping Dingers

Last week I introduced my plans for mini collections to the blogosphere. There has since been some questions about the specifics of what fits into each collection. I will go over each mini collection over the next few days in the hope to clear up any questions. 

'Pimping Dingers'

Chicks aren't the only ones that dig the long ball. I love watching moonshots and I wanted to translate that onto cardboard. 

I usually go to the park with my friends in the summer for pickup baseball games. It's team pitch so balls are flying all over the place. Let me tell you, there is no better feeling than crushing a ball over the outfielder's head. An instant smugness comes across me as I circle the bases on my way to home plate. Unlike Brian McCann, I like when big leaguers show that same smugness. 

There are three ways we can categorize the 'Pimping Dingers' cards:

Bat in Hand

Bat Not in Hand

Close Ups

Technically, Alvarez has a bat in his hand, but I did not notice that until after I added the picture to this post. All five cards are great examples that fit into this mini collection. 

Some players are shown pimping their dingers more than others. Just check out Russell Martin below.  

Both are great shots of the former Dodger backstop and are perfect examples of what I am looking for. 

I have been going through my 2013 and 2014 Flagship cards over the past few days, and I have noticed a number questionable cards. If you think it fits in this collection, I'd love to have it. If it seems too close to call, then we will put it up to vote here on the blog. 

Expanding On My Mini Collections: Celebrating on the Mound

Last week I introduced my plans for mini collections to the blogosphere. There has since been some questions about the specifics of what fits into each collection. I will go over each mini collection over the next few days in the hope to clear up any questions. 

'Celebrating on the Mound'

Criteria: Pitcher celebrating on the mound/infield.

Celebration cards should be filled with emotion. This card is pretty much the perfect example of the card I am looking for. Technically the pitchers mound is missing in this shot, but the idea is still the same. 

This shot is slightly different than the previous card, but again, the idea of the pitcher celebrating on the mound is still there. A lot of emotion in these cards so far. 

Sure, I could just collect the celebration cards that Topps has been increasingly been adding into their sets, but I wanted to capture the emotion from the pitcher rather than the batter. Papelbon and Perez are certainly making sure that it's possible.

Other pitchers aren't as intense as Papelbon and Perez, but show emotion by pointing upward when closing out games. It is a more reserved form of emotion, but the celebration factor is still there. 

Of course, celebrating on the mound is not just confined to closers. Starters occasionally throw the complete game and are able to meet their battery mate in celebration just in front of the mound. We can't see the mound on this card, but it gets the job done. 

Celebrations are usually a team wide thing, but we rarely see cards with the players together on the mound. In fact, this is the only card I've shown that actually has the mound visible. 

Finding these "Celebration on the Mound" shots should not be too difficult. Considering how Topps has moved toward more celebration shots, I expect a ton of modern cards in this binder. If it looks like there is some type of celebrating by the pitcher going on, I want it. 

If you have any questions about whether a card fits into this collection just let me know. I plan on being pretty lenient at the beginning with the expectation that the cards will eventually create criteria for me. 

2014 Series One Dodger Parallel Needs

I have mentioned what my plans for flagship in 2014, though it was scattered into a few different posts. I will try and make those ideas a little more organized here.

I will keep this list updated, and add a link to this post on my Set Needs page.

I plan on going after every parallel I discuss below from Series 1 and 2, as well as Update Series. I am not as concerned about completing the yellow and green parallels, but if you have any Dodgers I'll take them off your hands. 

Walmart Blue Parallels (6/13)
6 Josh Beckett

40 Hyun-Jin Ryu
72 Michael Young
111 Mark Ellis
113 NL ERA Leaders
142 Zack Greinke
173 Brandon League 
193 Ricky Nolasco
197 Onelki Garcia
204 Adrian Gonzalez
294 NL Wins Leaders
314 Hanley Ramirez
331 Yasiel Puig

Target Red Parallels (3/13)
6 Josh Beckett
40 Hyun-Jin Ryu
72 Michael Young
111 Mark Ellis
113 NL ERA Leaders
142 Zack Greinke
173 Brandon League 
193 Ricky Nolasco
197 Onelki Garcia
204 Adrian Gonzalez
294 NL Wins Leaders
314 Hanley Ramirez
331 Yasiel Puig

Red Hot Foil Parallels (2/13)
6 Josh Beckett
40 Hyun-Jin Ryu
72 Michael Young
111 Mark Ellis
113 NL ERA Leaders
142 Zack Greinke
173 Brandon League 
193 Ricky Nolasco
197 Onelki Garcia
204 Adrian Gonzalez
294 NL Wins Leaders
314 Hanley Ramirez
331 Yasiel Puig

Gold Parallels (2/13)
6 Josh Beckett
40 Hyun-Jin Ryu
72 Michael Young
111 Mark Ellis
113 NL ERA Leaders
142 Zack Greinke
173 Brandon League 
193 Ricky Nolasco
197 Onelki Garcia
204 Adrian Gonzalez
294 NL Wins Leaders
314 Hanley Ramirez
331 Yasiel Puig

Green Parallels (1/13)
6 Josh Beckett
40 Hyun-Jin Ryu
72 Michael Young
111 Mark Ellis
113 NL ERA Leaders
142 Zack Greinke
173 Brandon League 
193 Ricky Nolasco
197 Onelki Garcia
204 Adrian Gonzalez
294 NL Wins Leaders
314 Hanley Ramirez
331 Yasiel Puig

Yellow Parallels (1/13)
6 Josh Beckett
40 Hyun-Jin Ryu
72 Michael Young
111 Mark Ellis
113 NL ERA Leaders
142 Zack Greinke
173 Brandon League 
193 Ricky Nolasco
197 Onelki Garcia
204 Adrian Gonzalez
294 NL Wins Leaders
314 Hanley Ramirez
331 Yasiel Puig

A Thank You From Dodger Penguin

As you may know, I recently finished a up a contest promoting Matthew's, aka Dodger Penguin, blog. Well, I was surprised yesterday when I received a PWE from Matthew.

I have since talked to Matthew on Twitter, and he said the cards are a thank you for the contest. If you haven't followed him yet, now is as good as a time as ever. He is great guy and posts awesome cards. He is also currently holding a contest for a Paco Rodriguez autographed card, with more contests planned in the future. 

The first thing inside was this Yasiel PUIGGGGG card from 2013 Bowman Chrome. I am pretty sure there are two variations of this card, but my memory is failing me. I sent over a similar card to Matthew a few weeks back in a trade, however I sent the pricier refractor version. This is one of my favorite cards from 2013, and I suppose a Top 10 cards from 2013 should be a priority for me. Considering we are already a month and a half into 2014, I don't see it happening.

Behind the Puig was another great card that I've had my eye on for a while. It is #'d 121/199, and is a fantastic addition to my Beltre PC. But this wasn't the only Beltre in the PWE.

In fact, I got some matching Shawn Green cards to go along with my new Beltre's. These come from 2003 UD Victory, and feel more like playing cards than baseball cards. I think these are also my first "Green Goatee" cards. With these two additions, my Green PC now sits at 43 cards, yet these are the only cards in which he is rocking facial hair. 

Thanks for the cards Matthew. I appreciate the love. 

Trade with Cubs Cardboard: More Walmart Blues and Set Needs

I completed my first trade with Kalib of Cubs Cardboard yesterday. I messaged him about a Walmart blue parallel he had, and we went from there. If you haven't check put his blog yet be sure to do so. 

Let's start with some 2014 Blue parallels. I have decided to complete the team set with the blue, red, red hot foil, and gold parallels. I may later choose to go after the green and yellow parallels, but they are a little harder to find right now. With the addition of these two, I have 4/13 blue parallels.

 6 Josh Beckett

40 Hyun-Jin Ryu

72 Michael Young

111 Mark Ellis

113 NL ERA Leaders

142 Zack Greinke

173 Brandon League 

193 Ricky Nolasco

197 Onelki Garcia

204 Adrian Gonzalez

294 NL Wins Leaders

314 Hanley Ramirez

331 Yasiel Puig

In addition to the 2014 blues, I got a couple of 2013 blues. I plan on putting together the entire 2013 team set with the blue parallels, but I don't have the checklist handy. I'll probably be adding it to my Set Needs page sometime in the next few days, so any help there is appreciated. I only have 5 of the 36 cards for 2013.

It seems like I am able to add another card or two to one of my PC's everyday. Today was no exception, as Kalib threw in these great Gonzo cards. I really dig the UD Icons card on the left, though some Dodgers garb would look nice. The uni UD chose for this cards works well with the color scheme of the card though, seemingly perfect. 

Buried beneath a barrage of set needs, I found this great Shawn Green UD card from 1992. I have a copy of this card already, but I had it autographed my the man himself. You can see that card below. 

I do find his auto to be a little strange. His auto is completely different these days, though I did find a few cards with the same auto for sale on eBay. 

I also got my first blue bordered Dodger from a trade. I have a few stacked up to show off this weekend, but we'll wait for the weekend before I discuss those.

My favorite card from the trade is this beauty. It features four of the best outfielders in the league, though the two guys on the bottom did not play a whole lot last year. I believe this is a four part sticker, with each player being a single sticker. I wish Topps more cards like this. 

In addition to the cards seen above, Kalib sent a ton of needs from 2014 S1 and 2013 Bowman, as well as a few other misc. Dodgers.

Thanks for the trade Kalib! I hope your cards arrive safely. 

Trade With Foul Bunt: A Handful of Dodger Goodies

I completed my third trade with William from Foul Bunt. If you haven't seen William's blog yet, be sure to check it out. I just sent out his card from our last trade, so some more cards will be packaged up for him soon.

There was a large variety of Dodgers this time around, but I'll just go over a few of the standouts.

I was extremely happy to see this card mixed in for a couple of reasons. This comes from 2005 Topps, my absolute favorite set from the 2000's. I started buying my first cards in '05, so these cards hold a special place with me. Secondly, who doesn't love Hideo Nomo? I never got to really experience The Tornado, but I have a a large stack of Nomo cards I have been through numerous times. 

Up next is a new card for the Sandy Koufax PC. Like all my PC guys, the first card goes into the player binder, and the second goes toward the set. Therefore, I will need another copy of this card. I will be posting my Sandy PC sometime this week, but it will come across as a post. Blogger won't allow me to make any new pages, so I am making all of my new pages as posts ans simply linking the new page to that post. 

Two new Hanley parallels. I am debating building the team set around these parallels. I am already already building the blue and red team sets, but it's not like these will be that hard to track down. I am leaning toward building them, so If you have any let me know. 

While we're on the subject of new cards, I was able to add a new Puig to my PC. This happens to be The Future is Now insert, surely a very unique name for a card, right?

Wrong. Upper Deck released their own "The Future is Now" cards back in '94. If the future was now, then, then what does that make today? I guess if the future is now, now, then these cards are the past is now, now? Inception!

I was also privileged enough to receive these three Shawn Green cards. I already have the top '94 UD Star Rookies, but the bottom Electric Diamond version is new to me. I don't know anything about the whole Electric Diamond thing, so feel free to spread some knowledge. The '95 Pinnacle is also a new addition to the Green PC, which now sits at 40 cards.

Thanks for the cards William. Expect some O's soon. 

My Best eBay Purchase Ever ft. Matt Kemp Card #100

Late last week I was browsing the Bay when I came across an interesting auction. The picture showed six different Dodger hits, and the BIN/BO price was pretty darn low. Sometimes people post pictures of multiple cards, but in reality are only auctioning of one of them. This is probably done to deceive buyers on purpose, as some buyers bid without really taking a look at the description. So when I ran across this auction, I initially thought  it was one of those. I took a closer look but found that I really would receive all six cards. I shot the buyer a best offer, even though the price was already low, and a few hours later I was the proud new owner of the following six cards. 

I won't reveal the price until the end, so make sure you read all the way through. 

This is my first on-card auto of my one-time favorite Dodger. I'm currently asking my self why I haven't gone after more of his stuff, though I should have another new Billingsley addition in the coming days. This card comes from 2003 Bowman Heritage,  the same year CBills was drafted. I'm still a big fan of his, so hopefully he comes back strong this year and sticks around with the Dodgers a little longer.

When this product was released in 2008, there is no doubt this was one of the pricier cards. Loney never did live up to the hype a lot of Dodger fans were expecting after he hit .380 with AAA Las Vegas in 2006. He was a solid player his first few years in the league, but his lack of power and declining stats forced him out of LA when the Dodgers made the trade for Nick Punto back in August of 2012. 

This is my first Loney auto, and it comes on a nice looking manu-patch. I don't plan on completing the whole name thing, but this is a cool card to have around. 

Moving onto another Dodgers lefty, though this one still plays in LA. This Andre Ethier relic is #'d 17/36, and is my second relic of the slugging outfielder. The Dodger Stadium backdrop is a nice touch.

This is what I was searching for when I ran across the lot. I wasn't specifically searching for this card, but "Matt Kemp Auto" brings up some unexpected results sometimes. I was planning on acquiring a new Kemp auto for card number 100, but this deal was too good to pass up. There is nothing wrong with a relic #'d 17/27 though, as this is a welcome addition to my Kemp PC. 

This is probably my favorite card to come from the lot, though the next one gives it a run for its money. This is my first Hanley auto, and comes from his days in Miami. It is from 2007 Bowman's Best, a product I am unfamiliar with, but something I like a lot. This happens to be card #42, which is an added bonus for me. 

This card is only last because I have been enjoying screwing with Greg. Told you it wasn't anything fancy! 

This is my first Russell Martin auto as well as my first Martin relic. It also features Victor Martinez, but Martin is the selling point here. Russell was a favorite of mine, like a lot of Dodgers, but was non-tendered a few years ago. Thanks Frank McCourt! If there is a gold lining, it's that he was replaced by another fan favorite, A.J Ellis. 

This card is an absolute beauty. It feels a little heavier than a card like this normally would, and it appears to have been made with black cardboard. I guess that's where UD Black comes from. Upper Deck did a fantastic job hiding the sticker autos, something Topps could take a lesson on. I also love the addition of the colored wood grains behind each player. Each is the team's respective color, a great look. 

As you can see, I came across an awesome lot of cards. To make it all the better, I paid $15 bucks to have these beauties shipped to my door. Only 15 dollars. If you take out the 3 bucks from shipping, we are looking at 2 dollars a card. If that isn't a good deal, I don't know what is. 

I probably won't come across a deal this good again anytime soon, so I will just bask in these cards warm glowing, warming glow. 

Trade with Need More Cardboard: The Walmart Blues and Trying to Finish 2013

I completed my first trade with Andrew of Need More Cardboard. I asked about a blue bordered Gonzo card he had, and we quickly agreed to send some cards to each other. 

I have decide to put the Dodgers team set together with the blue and red parallels. (Walmart and Target) I picked up the blue Puig in a trade with Marcus over the weekend, which leaves me with 11 blue parallels left.  I have a few heading my way now, so an updated need list will be added sometime near the end of the week. I'll have more about the red parallels tomorrow. 

Andrew was also able to knock off a ton of 2013 Flagship needs. This Prince Fielder diecut stands out over the rest. These diecuts are probably my favorite cards from Flagship last year, though I still need quite afew of them to build the entire subset. In fact, I need a lot from 2013 still. If you have some unneeded inserts from 2013 let me know. My insert needs checklist is here. I also need a few more cards from the base set. That checklist is here. 

Thanks again Andrew. I feel I owe you a bit more, so expect some extras in the next trade we pull off.

Trade Bait Tuesday

I've been going through my cards and need to get more organized. I have a ton of cards I'd love to trade, but keeping track of them is difficult sometimes. So, I have decided to create Trade Bait Tuesday. I will post a scan with a page full of cards for trade. If you are interested in any of the cards just let me know in the comment section. Expect this every Tuesday and some Thursdays.