2011 Topps Baseball Series Two

Another five packs from the Alley Family, this time the Series 2 variation. I need only two Red Sox from the Series 2. Looking for a better showing than the seven packs of Topps Series 1, which produced 'zero' Red Sox cards. The two cards I need are:
#480 Dustin Pedroia
#610 Josh Beckett

Pack 1:
#342 Jorge De La Rosa Rockies
#359 Checklist 2/5
#370 Matt Garza Cubs
#424 New York Yankees
#430 Trevor Crowe Indians
#502 Jeff Baker Cubs
#508 Homer Bailey Reds
#537 Jake Peavy White Sox
#553 Kyle Lohse Cardinals gold border 1662/2011
#584 Jason Bartlett Padres
#BTT3 American Tobacco T201
#T60-92 Alfonso Soriano Cubs

Pack 2:
#342 Jorge De La Rosa Rockies
359 Checklist 2/5
#424 New York Yankees
#430 Trevor Crowe Indians
#432 Matt Harrison Rangers
#474 Jeff Mathis Angels
#475 Phil Hughes Yankees
#537 Jake Peavy White Sox
#561 Luke Gregerson Padres
#578 Willy Aybar Bay Rays
#60YOT-114 Hanley Ramirez Marlins
#RDT23 Adam Dunn White Sox

Pack 3:
#334 St. Louis Cardinals
#374 Washington Nationals
#377 Esmil Rogers Rockies
#505 Tommy Hanson Braves
#541 John Jaso Bay Rays DP
#594 Jose Valverde Tigers
#605 Brandon Belt Giants
#633 Aaron Crow Royals
#634 Mitch Moreland Rangers
#649 Joba Chamberlain Yankees
#KG57 Tom Seaver Mets
#TT2-3 Cliff Lee Phillies

Pack 4:
#336 Chris Heisey Reds
#389 Carlos Quentin White Sox
#451 Livan Hernandez Nationals
#459 Frank Francisco Blue Jays
#465 Yovani Gallardo Brewers
#471 Tim Collins Royals
#506 Aneury Rodriguez Astros
#514 Kelly Shoppach Bay Rays
#538 Jason Motte Cardinals
#625 Ruben Tejada Mets
#60YOT-61 Warren Spahn Braves
#T60-79 Rickey Henderson Athletics
Pack 5:
#369 Wilson Betemit Royals
#375 Matt Kemp Dodgers
#443 Brian Roberts Orioles
#455 Logan Morrison Marlins
#464 Daniel Bard Red Sox
#478 Mike Minor Braves
#543 Texas Rangers
#547 Checklist 2/5
#567 Dallas Braden Athletics
#615 Shaun Marcum Brewers
#DD-27 Johnson/Verlander Marlins/Braves
#TT2-10 Justin Upton D-backs
Five packs 1 Red Sox- Seriously?

2011 Topps Series 1

Some more packs from the Alley Family. Seven 2011 Topps Series 1, 12 cards per pack and another chance to pick-up some Kimball Champions and wipe those last two Red Sox I need from Series 1.
#123 Mike Lowell
#218 Victor Martinez

Pack 1:

#69 Brett Gardner Yankees

#81 Omar Infante Braves

#100 Albert Pujols Cardinals

#145 Freddie Freeman Braves

#182 Jeremy Bonderman Tigers

#213 Brandon Snyder Orioles

#224 Milton Bradley Mariners

#279 Nick Swisher Yankees

#303 Emilio Bonifacio Marlins PD

#316 Chris Young D-backs

#CMGR-1 Babe Ruth Orioles

#TT-44 Ubaldo Jimenez Rockies

Pack 2:

#58 Edgar Renteria Giants

#59 Gaby Sanchez Marlins

#87 Daniel Descalso Cardinals

#130 Robinson Cano Yankees

#136 Jason Marquis Nationals

#150 Miguel Cabrera Tigers

#170 David DeJesus Royals

#209 Carlos Santana Indians

#256 Tyler Colvin Cubs

#TDG-1 Mickey Mantle

#TT-12 Mat Latos Padres

#T60-38 Ryan Braun Brewers

Pack 3:
#45 Hunter Pence Astros
#66 R.A.Dickey Mets
#80 Desmond Jennings Bay Rays
#88 Brian Bogusevic Astros
#163 Carlos Pena Bay Rays
#172 Lyle Overbay Blue Jays
#206 Chase Headley Padres
#275 Clayon Kershaw Dodgers
#301 Seth Smith Rockies
#60YOTLC-5 Stan Musial Cardinals
#DD-HF Hayward/Freeman Braves
#TT-23 Evan Longoria Bay Rays

Pack 4:
#121 Brandon Inge Tigers
#129 Lucas Duda Mets
#131 Kevin Kouzmanoff Athletics
#145 Freddie Freeman Braves
#174 Roy Oswalt Phillies
#261 Alexei Ramirez White Sox
#270 Ubaldo Jimenez Rockies
#279 Nick Swisher Yankees
#305 James Loney Dodgers
#KG30 David Wright Mets
#TDG-7 Derek Jeter
#TT-46 Joey Votto Reds

Pack 5:
#35 Shin-Soo Choo Indians
#39 Ian Kennedy D-backs
#83 Greg Halman Mariners
#121 Brandon Inge Tigers
#197 Aaron Hill Blue Jays
#199 Jimmy Rollins Phillies
#260 Freddy Sanchez Giants
#270 Ubaldo Jimenez Rockies
#318 Home Run League Leaders
#T60-45 Hanley Ramirez Marlins
#TDG-5 Derek Jeter
#TT-13 Chase Utley Phillies

Pack 6:
#35 Shin-Soo Choo Indians
#121 Brandon Inge Tigers
#131 Kevin Kouzmanoff Athletics
#146 Roy Halladay Phillies
#174 Roy Oswalt Phillies
#270 Ubaldo Jimenez Rockies
#292 Darren Ford Giants
#305 James Loney Dodgers
#319 Atlanta Braves
#RDT1 Babe Ruth Yankees
#T60-28 Billy Butler Royals
#TT-49 CC Sabathia Yankees

Pack 7:
#1 Ryan Braun Brewers
#7 Mickey Mantle Yankees
#21 Michael Cuddyer Twins
#23 Jaime Garcia Cardinals
#37 Vicente Padilla Dodgers
#44 Martin Prado Braves
#91 Luicas May Royals
#118 Howie Kendrick Angels
#155 checklist 3/5
#299 Chris Carpenter Cardinals
#CMGR-27 Ty Cobb
#TT-36 Robinson Cano Yankees

Seriously, two Babe Ruth's, two Mickey Mantle's, THREE Brandon Inge's, but not one single Red Sox. That just sucks.
On the plus side, a Kimball Champion. Oh joy.

2011 Bowman Jumbo

In the past these Jumbo packs have thrown in a few surprises and the following 2011 Bowman Jumbo is no exception. There is also the slim (very slim) possibility of a Bryce Harper card. This jumbo came through the Alley family, who recently bequeathed some more 2011 packs. A very generous bunch the Alleys from North Carolina.

I have yet to obtain a base card from the Red Sox , I have one a blue bordered Dustin Pedroia, so I still need:

#26 Dustin Pedroia
#46 Jon Lester
#87 Adrian Gonzalez
#92 Josh Beckett
#119 David Ortiz
#126 Jacoby Ellsbury
#129 Carl Crawford
#130 Clay Buchholz
#186 Kevin Youkilis
#192 Lars Anderson RC

Enclosed within:
#13 Matt Kemp Dodgers
#24 Mike Pelfrey Mets
#41 Shin-Soo Choo Indians
#97 Mitch Moreland Rangers
#99 Roy Halladay Phillies green border 045/450
#113 Billy Butler Royals
#144 Yovani Gallardo Brewers
#150 Michael Cuddyer Twins
#159 Michael Young Rangers
#170 Alex Rodriguez Yankees
#194 Konrad Schmidt D-backs gold border
#BP49 Phillip Cerreto Cardinals
#BP57 Angel Castillo Angels
#BP58 Adrian Salcedo Twins
#BP109 Darin Mastroianni Blue Jays
#BP110 Jonathan Villar Astros blue border 434/500
#BCP29 Johermyn Chavez Mariners
#BCP50 Mychal Givens Orioles
#BCP71 Evan Crawford Cubs
#BCP78 Cole Figueroa Bay Rays
checklist 4/4

So the surprise...no Red Sox but two numbered cards.

2011 Kimball Champions

2011 Topps Kimball Champions Insert
The 'Kimball Champions' insert set consists of 100 mini sized cards. The set is produced in the style of the 1888 Kimball Champion cards, which featured stars from a wide range of 'sports'.
The first 50 cards (#1-#50) are inserted in 2011 Topps series 1 packs ,the next 50 cards (#51-#100) are inserted in 2011 Topps Series 2 packs and a final 50 cards(#101-#150) are inserted in 2011 Topps Update packs.

My aim is collect the whole 150 card mini set. I still need 0 more:
TOPPS SERIES 1
completed

TOPPS SERIES 2
completed

TOPPS UPDATE:
completed

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.