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.

2010 Topps Series 2 blaster

Another of these Series 2 blasters, which may be a little late in the day, since 2011 has been out for a number of weeks now. There are some great inserts and this blaster should contain two packs of Target Parallel variation.
There are no Red Sox base cards that I still need, however there are a number of inserts such as Cards your mother threw out and Turkey Red that I aimed to collect.

The first pack will contain the manufactured patch. What a beauty it turns out to be from my birth year.

Pack 2:

#479 Chris Carpenter Cardinals

#498 Sergio Santos White Sox

#562 Carlos Quentin White Sox

#624 Carlos Beltran Mets

#641 Chase Headley Padres

Attax Zack Greinke Royals

#HWS18 Paul Molitor Blue Jays

#VLC18 Johnny Bench Reds

Pack 3:

#384 Chris Gordon Astros

#490 Michael Bourn Astros

#491 Rafael Furcal Dodgers

#502 Jhoulys Chacin Rockies

#596 Brendan Ryan Cardinals

Attax Justin Morneau Twins

#CMT77 Johnny Bench Reds

#TR94 Kurt Suzuki Athletics

Pack 4:

#418 Aaron Laffey Indians

#454 James Loney Dodgers

#463 Carlos Marmol Cubs

#524 Dusty Hughes Royals

#611 Josh Outman Athletics

#619 Mike Napoli Angels

Attax Yovani Gallardo Brewers

#VLC24 Pee Wee Reese Dodgers

Pack 5:

#378 George Sherrill Dodgers

#399 Matt Garza Bay Rays

#531 Matt Cain Giants

#637 Checklist 3/5

#655 Tyan Madson Phillies

Attax Ryan Zimmermann Nationals

#T2 Gordon Beckham White Sox

#VLC22 Roy Campanella Dodgers

Pack 6:

#354 Evan Longoria Bay Rays

#395 Jenrry Mejia Mets

#451 Michael Saunders Mariners

#571 Brandon Lyon Astros

#659 Nick Blackburn Twins

Attax Chase Utley Phillies

#LL57 Yogi Berra/Jorge Posada Yankees

#T8 Buster Posey Giants

Pack 7:

#356 Angels

#358 Mark Buehrle White Sox

#439 Emilio Bonifacio Marlins

#469 Alex Burnett Twins

#646 Trevor Crowe Indians

Attax Derek Lee Cubs

#LL34 Eddie Matthews/ Chipper Jones Braves

#HWS22 Alex Gonzalez MarlinsPack 8:
#364 Trevor Hoffman Brewers
#421 Doug Fister Mariners
#435 Nelson Cruz Rangers
#453 Jesse English Nationals
#599 Jay Bruce Reds
#634 Casey Kotchman Mariners
Attax Jason Bay Mets
#TR100 Derek Jeter Yankees
Pack 9:
#501 Jake Peavy White Sox
#526 Carlos Guillen Tigers
#544 Kevin Kouzmanoff Athletics
#565 Franklin Morales Rockies
#591 Fernando Rodney Angels
Attax Max Scherzer Tigers
#CMT89 Steve Carlton Phillies
#PP52 Lance Berkman Astros

The final two packs are the Target Parallel Version

Target Pack 1:
#412 Giants
#478 Conor Jackson D-backs
#590 Ryan Howard Phillies
#633 Daniel Bard Red Sox
#643 Michael Young Rangers
Attax Torii Hunter Angels
#PP53 Ubaldo Jimenez Rockies
Sketchcard Target Pack 2:
#369 David Ortiz Red Sox
#480 Red Sox
#497 Edgar Renteria Giants
#541 Jason Motte Cardinals
#581 Chris Dickerson Reds
Attax Alex Rodriguez Yankees
#PP85 Justin Upton D-backs
#100 Topps 1999 Alex Rodriguez Mariners ???
So I had to wait until the Target packs to even see a Red Sox and ended up with 3. The last card, a2010 reprint of the 1999 Topps Alex Rodriguez card has really thrown me though.

2010 Topps Series 2 blaster

There are so many parallel and variations in the Topps set that it makes my brain ache a little try to keep up. Other collectors have taken the time to list them all, so if your still here and are interested go to baseballcardpedia to get the full list.
The Series 2 Topps set was numbered #331 to #660.
The Red Sox cards available are;
369 David Ortiz
380 J.D. Drew
473 Jason Varitek
480 Boston Red Sox – Team Card
483 Daisuke Matsuzaka
499 Michael Bowden
534 Hideki Okajima
569 Jacoby Ellsbury
572 Clay Buchholz
595 Mike Lowell
627 Jeremy Hermida
633 Daniel Bard
650 Dustin Pedroia
656 Jon Lester
It should be noted that on the side of the blaster I am informed that there are 2 Exclusive black background parallel cards.

Pack 1:
Historical Manufactured patch card
MCP89 Jimmie Foxx 1933 All-star patch

Pack 2:

#332 Brad Hawpe Rockies

#459 Joel Zumaya Tigers

#503 Austin Jackson Tigers

#513 Scott Sizemore Tigers

#580 Ian Snell Mariners

~TA Grady Sizemore Indians

#PP79 Matt Kemp Dodgers

#TMC15 Mickey Mantle

Pack 3:

#376 Esmil Rogers Rockies

#483 Daisuke Matsuzaka Red Sox

#528 Brian Bannister Royals

#629 Oliver Perez Mets

~TA Joey Votto Reds

#CMT102 Babe Ruth
#CMT 108 Mariano Rivera Yankees (original back)

#TR58 Joey Votto Reds

Pack 4:

#383 Derek Lowe Angels

#384 Chris Johnson Astros

#399 Matt Garza Bay Rays

#431 John Raynor Pirates

#635 Carl Pavano Twins

~TA Alexei Ramirez White Sox

#HWS25 Nick Swisher

#LL55 Henderson/Upton

Pack 5:

#334 Jayson Werth Phillies

#362 Travis Snider Blue Jays

#422 Vin Mazzaro Athletics

#460 Aaron Cunningham Padres

#J.R.Towles Astros

~TA Zack Greinke Royals

#CMT82 George Brett Royals

#LL33 Fisk/Martinez Red Sox

Pack 6:

#469 Alex Burnett Twins

#$76 Yadier Molina Cardinals

#535 Andy Sonnanstine Bay Rays

#549 Derek Jeter Yankees

#626 Glen Perkins Twins

~TA Torii Hunter Angels

#CMT91 Ryne Sandberg Cubs

#VLC1 Lou Gehrig Yankees

Pack 7:

#337 Carlos Zambrano Cubs

#416 Ruben Tejada Mets

#432 A.J.Burnett Yankees

#473 Jason Varitek Red Sox

#551 Everth Cabrera Padres

~TA Tim Lincecum Giants

#T16 David Wright Mets

#VLC7 Tom Seaver Mets

Pack 8:

#415 Cincinnati Reds

#538 Travis Hafner Indians

#540 Sean Rodriguez Bay Rays

#609 Jeff Suppan Brewers

#644 David Purcey Blue Jays

#653 Nolan Reimold Orioles

~TA Pablo Sandoval Giants

#TR100 Derek Jeter Yankees

Pack 9:

#336 C.J.Wilson Rangers

#339 Jose Reyes Mets

#530 Steve Pearce Pirates

#602 Kansas City Royals

#625 Grady Sizemore Indians

~TA Jason Bay Mets

#HWS21 Derek Jeter

#VLC16 Thurman Munson Yankees

Pack 10:

#364 Trevor Hoffman Brewers

#378 George Sherrill Dodgers

#465 Chien-Ming Wang Nationals

#490 Micharl Bourn Astros

#520 Randy Wells Cubs

#607 Ubaldo Jimenez Rockies

~TA Stephen Drew D-backs

#TR73 Chad Billingsley Dodgers

Pack 11:

#381 Miguel Montero D-backs

#408 Detroit Tigers

#555 B.J.Upton Bay Rays

#579 Trevor Cahill Athletics

#623 Miguel Cabrera Tigers

#647 Alfonso Soriano Cubs

~TA Felix Hernandez Mariners

#PP86 Justin Verlander Tigers

sketch card

These packs didn't really advance the Pursuit of Red Sox far. (only 3 Red Sox)

I'm not sure I can tell which of these packs were the 'special' black background cards either.

2010 Topps National Chicle

Way back in May 2010, Cardboard Junkie showed some of the portraits from this set, sorted by artist. I was determined to my hands on some. It has taken a while but finally here is a blaster of an interesting set. This is definitely a love them/hate them sort of set. There is an excellent preview of this set at Sports Card Radio.
There are 330 cards in the base set consisting of : 205 baseball vets (#1-205), 50 retired players (#206-255), 20 rookies (#256- 275), 25 retired stars SP (#276-300), 10 vintage veterans SP(#301- 310), and 20 rookie renditions SP(#311- 330).

There are a number of parallel back variations consisting of Bazooka, National Chicle and Umbrella backs. There are Artist proofs and simulated cowhide variations as well.

There are 19 Red Sox available:
4 Daisuke Matsuzaka
22 Tim Wakefield
27 Jacoby Ellsbury
46 Kevin Youkilis
50 David Ortiz
53 Marco Scutaro
76 Victor Martinez
82 Josh Beckett
112 Dustin Pedroia
128 Michael Bowden
147 Jon Lester
162 Jonathan Papelbon
165 Jed Lowrie
171 Mike Cameron
192 J.D. Drew
218 Carlton Fisk
221 Dennis Eckersley
223 Carl Yastrzemski
308 Dustin Pedroia

There are 6 cards per pack and 8 packs in the blaster.

Pack 1:

#14 Mariano Rivera Yankees

#17 Ken Griffey Jr. Mariners

#40 Johnny Damon Tigers

#62 Chad Billingsley Dodgers

#69 Jose Reyes Mets

#267 Tobi Stoner Mets

Pack 2:

#20 David DeJesus Royals Topps back 12/25

#145 Kurt Suzuki Athletics

#192 J.D.Drew Boston Red Sox

#222 Lou Brock Cardinals

#244 Eddie Mathews Braves

#274 Ian Desmond Nationals

Pack 3:

#11 CC Sabathia Yankees Bazooka back

#127 Kyle Blanks Padres

#144 Jhoulys Chacin Rockies

#167 Ryan Ludwick Cardinals

#174 Marlon Byrd Cubs

#240 CY Young Cleveland Spiders

Pack 4:

#42 Robinson Cano Yankees

#50 David Ortiz Boston Red Sox

#162 Jonathan Papelbon Boston Red Sox

#179 Carlos Quentin White Sox

#202 Ian Stewart Rockies

#224 Al Kaline Tigers

Pack 5:

#15 Brad Hawpe Rockies

#52 Nick Swisher Yankees

#59 Wandy Rodriguez Astros

#82 Josh Beckett Boston Red Sox

#134 Felix Pie Orioles

#154 Derek Lowe Braves Chicle back

Pack 6:

#67 Mark Buehrle White Sox

#197 Dan Harden D-backs

#209 Juan Marichal Giants

#259 Henry Rodriguez Athletics

#265 Neil Walker Pirates

#325 Tommy Manzella Astros

Pack 7:

#53 Marco Scutaro Boston Red Sox

#72 Jorge Posada Yankees

#117 Jason Marquis Nationals

#130 Elvis Andrus Rangers

#249 Nolan Ryan Mets

#323 Tobi Stoner Mets

Pack 8:

#44 Jason Bay Mets

#75 Kendry Morales Angels

#102 Adam Wainwright Cardinals

#124 Carlos Zambrano Cubs

#156 Luke Scott Orioles Chicle back

#157 Jimmy Rollins Phillies

5 Red Sox is pretty good going, a numbered umbrella parallel, 2 short prints and a few back variations. No autographs or relics, pity the relics look very nice.

2010 Allen and Ginter Blaster

A blaster is not the best way to try and complete a 350 cards set, however it will further the cause a little.
Just to remind- I am attempting to collect the base set of 2010 Allen +Ginter. I have 292 cards left to go, laugh if you like, but I will conquer it eventually.
8 packs containing 6 cards- 5 if a relic is enclosed.

Pack 1:

#69 Clay Buchholz Boston Red Sox

#131 Tyler Flowers White Sox

#267 Martin Prado Braves

#350 Alcides Escobar Brewers

#TDH28 Jose Reyes Mets

#51 Matt Holiday Cardinals mini A+G back

Pack 2:

#50 Jason Bay Mets

#122 Yadier Molina Cardinals

#164 Kyle Blanks Padres

#272 David Blaine Celebrity Weirdo

#TDH38 Jim Thome Twins

#MM1 Tyrannosaurus mini

Pack 3:

#3 Ryan Braun Brewers

#178 Josh Hamilton Rangers

#230 Brian Roberts Orioles

#308 Adrian Beltre Boston Red Sox

#TDH135 Josh Johnson Marlins

#125 Hideki Matsui Angels mini A+G back

Pack 4:

#94 Luke Hochevar Royals

#113 Billy Butler Royals

#185 X-Rays

#198 A.J.Pierzynski White Sox

#TDH60 Roy Halladay Phillies

#NA39 New Zealand Sheep (snigger, snigger)

Pack 5:

#37 Daniel McCutchen Pirates

#65 Andre Ethier Dodgers

#135 Ken Blackburn paper aeroplane record holder

#322 Gary Matthews Mets

#TDH73 Ian Kinsler Rangers

#43 Yovani Gallardo Brewers mini

Pack 6:

#1 Adam Lind Blue Jays

#30 Rafael Furcal Dodgers

#173 Jimmy Rollins Phillies

#AGH57 Carl Crawford Bay Rays

#TDH6 Brian Roberts Orioles

#LO15 Demeter mini Pack 7:
#118 Eric Young Jr Rockies
#144 Stuart Scott Sportscaster
#281 Kurt Suzuki Athletics
#319 Austin Jackson Tigers
#TDH14 Justin Verlander Tigers
#125 Hideki Matsui Angels mini black border
Checklist 1/4
Pack 8:
#8 Miguel Tejada Orioles
#296 Barry Zito Giants
#TDH22 Grady Sizemore Indians
#330 Jonathan Papelbon Boston Red Sox mini
#AGR-ML Mat Latos Padres Relic
Three Red Sox-nice one! A monster card- nice one! A relic card -nice one. A New Zealand sheep, a paper aeroplane champion and a guy who suspends himself in a box above the Thames. Nice one Topps.