2011 Topps Opening Day

Topps Opening Day card sets are like Marmite. you either like it or hate it.(For those unfamiliar with Marmite, it is a thick, black, runny yeast based product that you spread on toast, have in sandwiches or use a dip). There doesn't appear to be any middle ground., possibly because there is little or no chance of pulling a 'hit' from the packs. My interested is based on the inclusion of a Jacoby Ellsbury card.
There are 220 base cards, blue border parallel of the base cards and a number of interesting inserts. I have a blaster, containing 11 packs, that was given to me by the head of my school- purchased from Target.


Pack 1:
#1 Carlos Gonzalez Rockies
#81 Jay Bruce Reds
#104 Victor Martinez Tigers
#174 Buster Posey Giants
#187 Brandon Phillips Reds
#205 Carlos Quentin White Sox
#PFP Barack Obama

Pack 2:
#43 Jered Weaver Angels
#87 Zack Greinke Brewers
#120 Roy Halladay Phillies
#140 Derek Jeter Yankees
#153 Kendry Morales Angels
#190 Elvis Andrus Rangers
#TTOD9 Jered Weaver Angels

Pack 3:
#3 Jon Lester Red Sox
#84 Brian Matusz Orioles
#92 Nick Markakis Orioles
#137 Joel Pineiro Angels
#169 Felix Hernandez Mariners
#211 Ricky Nolasco Marlins
#PFP4 Ronald Reagan


Pack 4:
#56 Brain Bogusevic Astros
#114 Ervin Santana Angels
#129 Ike Davis Mets
#129 Ike Davis Mets blue border 1686/2011
#157 Adam Lind Blue jays
#162 Gordon Beckham White Sox
1/10 Mark Teixeira Spot the Error

Pack 5:
#11 Jaime Garcia Cardinals
#90 Chase Utley Phillies
#192 Dustin Pedroia Red Sox
#197 Kelly Johnson D-backs
#217 Andy Pettitte Yankees
#TTOD4 Jose Batista Blue Jays
#UL1 Joe Mauer Twins

Pack 6:
#21 Martin Prado Braves
#41 Aubrey Huff Giants
#98 Angel Pagan Mets
#165 Carlos Zambrano Cubs
#171 Yovani Gallardo Brewers
#182 Troy Tulowitzki Rockies
#SC22 Cliff Lee Rangers

Pack 7:
#54 Ian Stewart Rockies
#70 Freddie Freeman Braves
#126 Brian Duensing Twins
#154 Dan Harden Angels
#216 Jose Reyes Mets
#M18 Pirate Parrot !!!!
#ODS3 Alex Rodriguez Yankees
Pack 8:
#27 Andrew McCutchen Pirates
#45 Desmond Jennings Bay Rays
#103 Jose Bautista Blue Jays
#119 Alexei Ramirez White Sox
#163 Chad Billingsley Dodgers
#204 Carlos Beltran Mets
#SC6 Evan Longoria Bay Rays

Pack 9:
#46 Yadier Molina Cardinals
#91 Andres Torres Giants
#119 Alexei Ramirez White Sox blue border 1416/2011
#143 Jeremy Guthrie Orioles
#148 Kevin Youkilis Red Sox
#220 Alfonso Soriano Cubs
7/10 David Wright Spot the Error
Pack 10:
#13 Carl Crawford Red Sox
#35 Vladimir Guerrero Rangers
#92 Nick Markakis Orioles
#180 Colby Rasmus Cardinals
#188 Justin Verlander Tigers
#198 Adrian Gonzalez Red Sox
#SC14 David Wright Mets
Pack 11:
#64 Miguel Tejada Giants
#67 Johnny Cueto Reds
#78 Garrett Jones Pirates
#141 Brent Morel White Sox
#149 Tommy Hansen Braves
#183 Jacoby Ellsbury Red Sox
#M9 Paws
A late showing from the Red Sox. Two Red Sox newcomers in the second to last pack and a Jacoby Ellsbury, only the second time I have pulled him from a pack.
Overall 6 Red Sox, so not too bad.
For the record- I hate Marmite. Much prefer Vegemite, the Australian equivalent.

2008 Upper Deck Timeline

The head of my school has visited the USA again. I wasn't specific this time around about cards that I would like, although I did say anything with Allen+Ginter written on it would be fine. She was unable to find any A+G, but made some super choices. Purchased from a Dollar-Tree in a Florida Mall (would I love to spend a few hours looking around one of these places!) were 8 packs of 2008 Upper Deck Timelines. There was an interesting insert in the Timeline series, which were printed in the style of the 1994 UD All-Time Heroes. I made a half-hearted attempt to collect this black and white set, after picking up a large number on e-bay. It is a nice looking set, so I may go back to it.
There are a large number of Red Sox available in this set, plenty of rookies (6 Clay Buchholz's)and frustratingly, many short prints. They are:
#15 Jason Bay
#30 David Ortiz
#32 Daisuke Matsuzaka
#53 Clay Buchholz (RC)
#66 Jed Lowrie (RC)
#67 Justin Masterson RC
#72 Jonathan Van Every RC
#120 Jonathan Van Every 92 ML RC
#136 David Ortiz 94 ATH
#144 Josh Beckett 94 ATH
#168 Daisuke Matsuzaka 94 ATH
#176 Clay Buchholz 94 ATH
#186 Chris Smith 95 STP (RC)
#222 Jacoby Ellsbury 04 TT
#223 David Ortiz 04 TT
#225 Daisuke Matsuzaka 04 TT
#226 Clay Buchholz 04 TT (RC)
#227 Jed Lowrie 04 TT (RC)
#228 Justin Masterson 04 TT RC
#288 Jason Bay 04 TT
#315 Clay Buchholz 93 SP (RC)
#335 Jed Lowrie 93 SP (RC)
#340 Clay Buchholz 94 SP (RC)
#346 Justin Masterson 94 SP (RC)
#365 Clay Buchholz 95 SP (RC)
#385 Jonathan Van Every 95 SP (RC)

Pack 1:
#26 Randy Johnson D-backs
#30 David Ortiz Red Sox
#35 Roy Halladay Blue Jays
#44 Frank Thomas Atletics
#105 Clay Timpner Giants
#244 Carlos Gomez Twins
Pack 2:
#10 Chase Utley Phillies
#28 Derek Jeter Yankees
#32 Daisuke Matsuzaka Red Sox
#46 Torii Hunter Angels
#115 Fred Lewis Giants
#283 Greg Smith Athletics
Pack 3:
#18 Ryan Braun Brewers
#45 Vladimir Guerrero Angels
#50 Erik Bedard Mariners
#122 Matt Joyce Tigers
#196 Joakim Soria Royals
#297 Erik Bedard Mariners

Pack 4:
#14 Derrik Lee Cubs
#15 Jason Bay Red Sox
#19 Prince Fielder Brewers
#33 B.J.Upton Bay Rays
#69 Mican Hoffpauir Cubs
#241 Travis Hafner Indians
Pack 5:
#1 Jose Reyes Mets
#17 Ken Griffey JR. White Sox
#37 Grady Sizemore Indians
#79 Josh Banks Padres
#135 Ryan Braun Brewers
#204 Rich Hill Cubs

Pack 6:
#12 Jimmy Rollins Phillies
#31 Manny Ramirez Dodgers
#48 Ichiro Mariners
#127 Rico Washington Cardinals
#170 Ryan Howard Phillies
#194 Jeff Keppinger Reds

Pack 7:
#8 Chipper Jones Braves
#11 Ryan Howard Phillies
#38 Travis Hafner Indians
#88 Burke Badenhop Marlins
#153 Hanley Ramirez Marlins
#6168 Andy Pettitte Yankee Stadium Legacy

Pack 8:
#3 Carlos Beltran Mets
#21 Tim Lincecum Giants
#29 Chien-Ming Wang Yankees
#39 C.C.Sabathia Brewers
#70 Jeff Niemann Bay Rays
#144 Josh Beckett Red Sox

Not bad for $8, plenty of Red Sox and 1994 All-time heroes reprints.
I would seriously love a 'Dollar-Tree' just down the road.

2011 Topps Series 1

These packs came from the Alley family in North Carolina and I should have posted these weeks ago, but then I found that there were some Red Sox variations in the series 1 set and wanted to find out a little more.
Besides the 'Diamond Sparkle' parallel cards, there are two cards showing Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford in the Red Sox uniform.
The #25 Carl Crawford comes in three variations:

#25A Carl Crawford in a Bay Rays uniform,
#25B Carl Crawford in a Red Sox uniform,
#25C Carl Yastrzemski (in a Red Sox uniform).

The Adrian Gonzalez card is #350, which makes it unique as the series 1 set is #to 330.
So what do these five packs bring forth...
Pack 1:
#93 Paul Konerko White Sox
#176 Daniel Hudson D-backs
#178 Heath Bell Padres
#207 Angel Pagan Mets
#250 Carlos Gonzalez Rockies
#254 Lars Anderson Red Sox RC
#268 Jake McGee Bay Rays
#290 Ike Davis Mets
#327 Cristian Guzman Rangers
#HOT2 1951 trading cards
#RDT11 Roy Halladay Phillies
#TT29 Carlos Gonzalez Rockies

Pack 2:
#26 Neftali Feliz Rangers
#54 Brian Fuentes Twins
#80 Desmond Jennings Bay Rays
#197 Aaron Hill Blue Jays
#238 Pedron Ciriaco Pirates
#242 Brad Lidge Phillies
#260 Freddy Sanchez Giants
#305 James Loney Dodgers platinum diamond
#326 Ozzie Martinez Marlins
#60YOT52 Cliff Lee Indians
#TDG6 Roy Halliday Phillies
#TT16 Nick Markakis Orioles

Pack 3:
#37 Vicente Padilla Dodgers
#96 Zach Duke Pirates
#97 Carlos Gomez Brewers
#117 Brett Sinkbeil Marlins
#196 Jose Ceda Marlins
#215 Edwin Encarnacion Blue Jays
#228 Scott Rolen Reds
#264 Ryan Perry Tigers
#321 Jeremy Guthrie Orioles
#DDBW Berkman/Wallce
#KG22 Victor Martinez Red Sox
#TT46 Joey Votto Reds

Pack 4:
#3 Jon Lester Red Sox
#29 Josh Hamilton Rangers
#69 Brett Gardner Yankees
#84 Roger Bernadina Nationals
##182 Jeremy Bonderman Tigers
#210 Brian Wilson Giants
#214 Chase Utley Phillies
#239 Jhoulys Chacin Rockies
#298 Jeff Keppinger Astros
#60YOT56 Troy Tulowitzki Rockies
#T60-49 Josh Hamilton Rangers
#TT49 CC Sabathia Yankees

Pack 5:
#38 Ryan Dempster Cubs
#49 Angels
#166 Josh Johnson Marlins platinum diamond
#198 Buster Posey Giants
#224 Milton Bradley Mariners
#233 Ramon Hernandez Reds
#244 Mike Aviles Royals
#278 Marco Scutaro Red Sox
#311 James Shields Bay Rays
#60YOT7 Pee Wee Reese Dodgers original back
#RDT4 Josh Hamilton Rangers
#TT42 Kevin Youkilis Red Sox

So no diamond sparkles or short print Red Sox, but a good selection from 5 packs.The Platinum diamond cards are a little extreme but I really like the Kimball Champions set, I really am a sucker for the vintage look.

2000's Red Sox Wants list 2006-2010

Red Sox Wants list:
2006
Allen +Ginter 32, 104, 153, 154, 277, 284, 287
Bowman 76, 113, 155, 168
Bowman Heritage 148, 221, 253, 276
Fleer 195, 255, 303
Fleer Tradition 148, 153
Topps complete
Topps Heritage 1, 15, 125, 180, 282, 287, 320, 322, 371, 458
Topps Rookie '52 5, 21, 40, 70, 191, 214, 218, 294, 301, 303
Topps Turkey Red 330, 416, 430, 463, 519
Upper Deck 37, 69, 73, 74, 81, 84, 143, 144, 148, 452, 537, 538, 543, 893, 909, 910
2007
Allen+Ginter 37, 107, 126, 161, 294
Bowman 210
Bowman Heritage complete
Fleer 277, 280, 281, 284, 374, 404, 405
Goudey Green Backs 29, 67, 229, 235, 236
Goudey Red Backs complete
Topps complete
Topps Heritage 167, 312, 410
Topps Turkey Red complete
Topps Update complete
Upper Deck 348, 501, 574, 575, 579, 581, 585, 588

2008
A Piece of History 19, 106
Allen+Ginter complete
Bowman 221
Bowman Chrome 47, 85, 117, 193, 210
Finest 52 Curt Schilling, 76 Josh Beckett
Goudey 205 Carlton Fisk, 256 David Ortiz, 271 Carl Yastrzemski, 303
Heroes complete
Masterpieces complete
SP Authentic complete
Spectrum complete
Sweet Spot complete
Topps complete
Topps Chrome complete
Topps Heritage 327, 389, 409, 474, 486, 498
Topps Opening Day complete
Topps Update complete
Upper Deck complete
Upper Deck First Edition 183, 190, 259
UD Timeline 108, 176, 223, 288, 315, 335, 340, 346, 365
UD X complete

2009
Allen+Ginter complete
Bowman complete
Bowman Chrome 20, 22, 38, 49, 56, 69, 89, 115, 174, 188, 194, 205
Finest complete
O-Pee-Chee 34, 150, 370, 392, 502
Legendary Cuts 138, 140, 142, 145
SPx 5, 56, 63, 65
Topps complete
Topps 206 complete
Topps Chrome complete
Topps Attax Beckett, Lester, Lowell, Masterson, Ortiz, Pedroia, Youkilis
Topps Heritage 439, 456, 481, 483, 605, 702
Ticket to Stardom 220
Topps Unique 14, 156
Topps Update complete
UD A Piece of History complete
Upper Deck complete
Upper Deck First Edition 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318
Goodwin Champions 22, 153, 155
Goudey 227, 237, 239, 276, 277, 287, 295
Icons 106
Spectrum complete
Sweet Spot 45, 68, 97
UD X complete
2010
Allen+Ginter 330, TDH62
Bowman 141
Bowman 1972 Throwbacks BT26, BT55, BT59, BT60, BT63, BT75, BT85
Finest 51, 54, 72, 73, 75, 105
National Chicle 4, 27, 53
Topps MTO9, MTO46, MTO52, MTO56, MTO72
Topps Chrome complete
Topps Turkey Red 5, 14, 30, 57, 84
Topps Opening Day PP63, PP98
Topps Attax Bay, Beckett, Drew, Ellsbury, Lowell, Ortiz
Topps Heritage 457, 476, 491
Topps 206 4, 29, 66 ,73, 76, 85, 90, 132, 191, 286, 305
Topps Update complete
Upper Deck 8, 97, 101, 104, 106

2010 Topps Update

Generous friend of 'Pursuit of 80's(ness), the Alley Family from North Carolina, have sent another of their surprise packages this week. Heavily laden with packs of baseball cards. All they ask in return is some Match Attax and other Everton related items for their son.
The first items are 9 packs from the 2010 Topps Update Series.

The Red Sox available in the base set are;
US28 Bill Hall
US63 David Ortiz
US80 David Ortiz
US122 Darnell McDonald
US136 Jarrod Saltalamacchia
US142 Mike Cameron
US144 Eric Patterson
US145 Adrian Beltre
US163 Marco Scutaro
US190 John Lackey
US192 Daniel Nava RC
US220 Jon Lester
US284 Josh Reddick
US311 Felix Doubront RC
US323 Ryan Kalish RC
US328 Adrian Beltre
Short Print variations;
US220 Boston Americans
US317 Babe Ruth

There are 12 cards per pack, these are the exclusive packs which could contain the 1951 Topps Red Back inserts.

Pack 1:
#36 Omar Vizquel White Sox
#86 Matt Guerrier Twins
#199 Jhonny Peralta Indians
#239 Gabe Gross Athletics
#253 Mike Minor Braves
#274 Checklist 1/10
#292 Kelly Shoppach Bay Rays
#293 Pat Burrell Giants
#326 Miguel Cabrera Tigers
Attax David Price Bay Rays
#TR147 Frank Robinson Reds
#VLC47 Jimmie Foxx Athletics

Pack 2:
#63 David Ortiz Red Sox
#73 Torii Hunter Angels
#118 Jose Bautista Blue Jays
#160 Josh Johnson Marlins
#162 Hong-Chih Kuo Dodgers
#210 Ubaldo Jimenez Rockies
#215 Checklist 7/10
#230 Robinson Cano Yankees
#280 Alex Rodriguez Yankees
Attax Jason Heyward Braves
#37 Tom Seaver White Sox '51 Topps
#TMC22 Gary Carter Expos

Pack 3:
#16 Felipe Paulino Astros
#28 Bill Hall Red Sox
#55 Stephen Strasburg Nationals
#148 Peter Bourjos Angels
#164 Gaby Sanchez Marlins
#181 J.P. Arencibia Blue Jays
#226 Scott Podsednik Dodgers
#231 Gabe Kapler Bay Rays
#270 Vladimir Guerrero Rangers
#328 Adrian Beltre Red Sox
Attax John Lackey Red Sox
#TMC22 Gary Carter Expos (that's two)
Pack 4:
#48 Geoff Blum Astros
#80 David Ortiz Red Sox
#82 Emmanuel Burriss Giants
#103 Matt Tuiasosopo Mariners
#151 Kerry Wood Yankees
#234 Matt Downs Giants
#257 Joel Hanrahan Pirates
#289 Adam Kennedy Nationals
#322 John Ely Dodgers
Attax Brian McCann Braves
#TR109 Brandon Phillips Reds
#VLC32 Reggie Jackson Athletics
Pack 5:
#42 Conor Jackson Athletics
#46 Colby Lewis Rangers
# 116 Brandon Morrow Blue Jays
#145 Adrian Beltre Red Sox
#146 Peter Bourjos Angels
#David Wright Mets
#Robinson Cano Yankees
#Rod Barajas Mets
#321 Jason McDonald Indians
#479 Dodgers/Mariners Interleague Preview
Attax Ubaldo Jimenez Rockies
#MTOG6 Intercity Sweep
Pack 6:
#4 Alex Cora Mets
#13 Max Scherzer Tigers
#35 Ryan Braun Brewers
#85 Starlin Castro Cubs
#101 Jake Westbtrook Cardinals
#139 Jorge Cantu Rangers
#150 Hanley Ramirez Marlins
#173 Lorenzo Cain Brewers
# 205 Ben Sheets Athletics
Attax Roy Halliday Phillies
#CMT146 Ozzie Smith Padres
#LL71 Palmer/Matusz Orioles
Pack 7:
#27 Koyie Hill Cubs
#39 Kila Ka'aihue Royals
#50 Mike Stanton Marlins
#72 Milton Bradley Mariners
#120 Brennan Boesch Tigers
#148 Josh Hamilton Rangers
#163 Marco Scutaro Red Sox
#177 Chris Heisey Reds
#300 Cliff Lee Rangers
Attax Buster Posey Giants
#TR124 Ryan Doumit Pirates
#VLC40 Tom Seaver Reds
Pack 8:
#15 Ike Davis Mets
#110 Curtis Granderson Yankees
#129 Gregor Blanco Royals
#192 Daniel Nava Red Sox
#246 LaTroy Hawkins Brewers
#265 Ryan Howard Phillies
#288 Jonny Venters Braves
#305 Cliff Lee Rangers
#325 Ian Kinsler Rangers
#319 Joey Votto Reds 2008 Topps
Attax Stephen Strasburg Nationals
#MTOG3 Triple Billing
Pack 9:
#66 Ronnie Belliard Dodgers
#68 John Danks White Sox
#70 Jonathan Broxton Dodgers
#87 Trevor Plouffe Twins
#114 Kenley Jansen Dodgers
#133 Javier Vazquez Yankees
#241 Joey Votto Reds
#260 Andre Ethier Dodgers
#209 Bengie Molina Rangers
Attax Josh Hamilton Rangers
#TMC23 Bob Gibson Cardinals
#40 Vladimir Guerrero Rangers '51 Topps

That is a very good showing for the Red Sox, eight cards from nine packs. Two of the '51 Topps inserts, which I think are super cards.

2008 Tristar Prospects Plus

My friend Mark went on a trip to the USA last year and took his son, an avid Red Sox fan, to a Pawsox game at McCoy Stadium. He did the same thing the year before and his son left the game loaded with all sorts of goodies and he was able to 'run the bases' after the game as well. I am impressed with the way the affiliated clubs treat the future fans, unfortunately he didn't go the night Jacoby Ellsbury bobbleheads were being given away.

There is a healthy number of Red Sox prospects available in the 2008 Tristar sets, so there is a good chance of pulling one from this solitary pack of cards.There are six cards per pack with the tantalising promise of 'Farmhand' Autographed cards and 'Potential' game used Memorabilia. Buster Posey and Tim Beckham feature prominently on the pack.

The Red Sox cards available from this set are:

17 Casey Kelly PD
18 Ryan Westmoreland PD
29 Tyler Wilson PD
41 Pete Hissey PD
51 Tim Federowicz PD
55 Bryan Price PD
61 Jonathan Hee PD
82 Derrik Gibson PD
83 Pete Ruiz PD
95 Stephen Fife PD
102 Hunter Cervenka PD
104 Ryan Lavarnway PD
105 Kyle Weiland PD
107 Christian Vazquez PD
109 Mike Lee PD
137 Bryan Price, Stephen Fife, Kyle Weiland
138 Pete Hissey, Ryan Westmoreland, Bryan Peterson
139 Tim Federowicz, Christian Vasquez
140 Mike Lee, Mitch Herold
141 Lance McClain, Kyle Weiland
147 Pete Ruiz, Tyler Wilson, Seth Garrison, Alex Hale
148 Bryan Peterson, Tyler Yockey, Jonathan Hee

This pack contained:

#24 Reece Havens Brooklyn Cyclones
#55 Bryan Price Lowell Spinners
#74 Josh Lindblom Great Lakes Loons
#89 Tyler Chatwood Angels
#104 Ryan Lavarnway Lowell Spinners
#149 Chicago's future pitching Bristow/Leverton/Matchulat
So there you have it. Two Spinners and 'a Loon'. I just wish I knew more about Minor League ball.

2010 Topps Series 2

2 packs of 2010 Topps that have sat my shelf for a while and need to be desposed of. Where they came from I am not sure, as to the Red Sox I still need from this set,
369 David Ortiz
CMT9 Carl Yastrzemski
CMT46 Pedro Martinez
CMT52 Kevin Youkilis
CMT56 Dustin Pedroia
CMT72 Carl Yastrzemski
CMT126 Carl Yastrzemski
CMT138 Louis Aparicio
CMT145 Carl Yastrzemski
CMT148 Wade Boggs
CMT164 Nomar Garciaparra
I don't usually go after inserts but I like these.

So what do these packs hold Red Sox wise?

Pack 1:
#409 Kosuke Fukudome Cubs
#489 Russell Martin Dodgers
#520 Randy Wells Cubs
#539 D-backs
#553 Marlins
#557 Aaron Hill Blue Jays
#654 Collin Balseter Nationals
Attax Max Scherzer Tigers
#LL38 Ripkin/Ramirez Orioles/Marlins
#TMC20 Carl Yastrzemski

Pack 2:
#389 Trot Tulowitzki Rockies
#390 Ervin Santana Angels
#481 Scott Rolen Reds
#476 Yadier Molina Cardinals
#506 Jose Lopez Mariners
#533 Gary Matthews Mets
#641 Chase Headley Padres
#643 Michael Young Rangers
Attax Yovani Gallardo Brewers
#PP69 Ryan Zimmerman Nationals

Zip, except for the Yaz giveaway. Oh Well.