Bad Wax Box Busters June Break

As I sit here scanning these cards in I'm drinking a Great Lakes Commodore Perry India Pale Ale. Grady Sizemore is off the DL and back in center field. The Tribe snapped a losing streak that treatened my very sanity. My wife is upstairs asleep and since I'm off tomorrow morning she won't have to get up tonight at all. I'm playing with my baseball cards and I'm listening to my son Grady snore his little baby snores through the monitor. Life might get better than this at some point...but I don't see how.

*Shysterball (I think) said something about hearing his kid through the monitor a few days ago. I don't know if I'd appreciate this seemingly insignificant moment in my life without him...so thanks dude.

OK now on to the important stuff...the cards. 4 packs from Bad Wax.


2002 Upper Deck Vintage





#64 Ruben Sierra
#99 David Ortiz
#76 Carl Everett
#244 Brian Giles
#242 Nick Punto/Carlos Silva
#209 Brad Penny
#289 Postseason Scrapbook Derek Jeter
#18 A's Team Checklist
#DP1 Day At The Park - Ichiro
#25 Shannon Stewert

Analysis: Overall not too bad. I have a feeling that I could have done better on the rookie card than Punto and Silva. But I did get a Carl Everett, and that means I get to think about how he believes that Dinosaurs sisn't exist and scientists made their bones in a lab. Good Times. I'm always happy to pull an Ichiro card too.



2002 SPX




#41 Mike Mussina
#15 Freddy Garcia
#90 Todd Helton
#64 Hideo Nomo

Analysis: Not a bad pack with the Mussina and Helton. I have to respect Mussina for striking out 30 Indians in 2 games...even though the Indians won both. Still impressive.


1999 SP Top Prspects




John Patterson - High Desert Mavericks
Juan Pena - Pawtucket Red Sox
George Lombard - Greenville Braves
Dernell Stenosn - Trenton Thunder
Mike Lincoln - New Britain Rock Cats
Glenn Davis - Vero Beach Dodgers
Ken Griffey Jr Retrospective
Matt Clement Checklist

Analysis: I have mixed feelings here. On the one hand, the cards are very shiny gold and look quite awesome. Really kick ass looking. On the other hand I don't know who any of these people are, and considering it was a decadeago, I probably should't hold out too much hope.


2004 Fleer Platinum





Chipper Jones Big Signs - folded and unfolded
John Olerud
Placido Polanco
Johan Santana
Greg Myers - Unsung Heroes
Sidney Ponson
Mike Cameron

Analysis - This is a really nice pack. I have no idea what the odds on pulling that Chipper Jones travesty they are caling a card, but I do know someone who might liek it and it's going in his pile. Johan Santana is good too.

My favorite here is the John Olerud for a couple of reasons. 1: I like to think about the story (unfortunately not true, but still funny) about Olerud and Henderson. B: I think he looks a little like that guy who plays the bad South African in Lethal Weapon 2.

Overall - Nothing too great here. Just some normal packs of baseball cards. Nothing wrong with that.

2 Flap Syndicate: Chip Hale

Consider Chip Hale, born Walter William Hale in 1964, the newest member of the 2 Flap Syndicate (formerly known as the Council On The Double Ear Flap*). Chip glares at us from his shiny new 1990 Upper Deck card with a mixture of fear and confusion that I have trouble understanding.

Chip was no doubt the best player in his high school, probably in the whole league. He went from there to the University of Arizona where he was part of a national championship team. In 1987 he was drafted by the eventual World Series champion Minnesota Twins. Two years later he had worked his way through the minors and landed on the Twins bench for 28 games in 1989. He sat in that dugout with the likes of Danny Gladden, Kirby Puckett, Gary Gaetti, Kent Hrbek, and the immortal Carmen Castillo. If this wasn't the exact plan, it had to be pretty damn close.

So what is there to be leery of? Let me offer a guess. They wouldn't stop calling him Chip. Chip is the name of the high school star. Chip is the name of the guy that gets a lot of babes on campus. Chip is the name of the teenager that everyone wants to be like. Chip is NOT the name of a major league ballplayer. Chip Chippendale proved that conclusively way back in 1951.

But they wouldn't stop calling him Chip. They even gave him his old 2 flapped high school batting helmet with a Twins sticker on the front in a vain attempt reclaim that old high school magic.

But Walter William knew the score. And, there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it. They plastered Chip all over the place. On his locker, on his jersey, and on his baseball cards, he couldn't escape it. Hence the look. Maybe Chip knew better than anyone else how this was going to end up.

Chip hung around for about 7 seasons compiling about 1 full season's worth of replacement level stats.

He emerged a few years later as the manager of the manager of the Missoula Osprey, a minor league affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He's worked his way through the minors in much the same way that he did as a player. He managed the Tuscan Sidewinders to the Pacific Coast League Championship in 2006 followed by a promotion to the major league staff. He's the third base coach of the Diamondbacks.

Even though his nickname doomed him as a player, maybe a "Chip" can be a manager. It worked for Sparky. I wouldn't count him out.

Welcome to the Syndicate Chip.

*I decided that I hated "Council On The Double Ear Flap" 2 Flap Syndicate is much better. I doubt I need to elaborate more than that.

APTBNL Post

For everyone clamoring to see some cards pulled from a pack of Super Mario Galaxy your prayers have finally been answered.

Here is my post on A Pack To Be Named Later.

Yes, this is just a convenient excuse to update my blog.

Breakin' Off 2007 Masterpieces

I always liked Masterpieces. Not as much as Turkey Red, but still really cool looking cards. I never really considered getting a box until I was brainwashed into it when I Am Joe Collector busted what seemed like 8 cases of the stuff. I would go to his site to see box after box of cool parallels and Game Used cards and autos. This set was really nice. So, I got a box.

Here it is:

Box Topper:Ken Griffey Jr.

This is really nice, but I still have no damn idea what the heck I'm supposed to do with these things. For now it's just kicking around and getting in the way, right along with my Johan Santana Cabinet card.


Base Cards:
Roberto Clemente
Ozzie Smith

I wanted to get a few of the base cards that I liked in there. I'll have to check but I think this may be the only Clemente card that I have. Imagine that, a baseball card collector without a single Clemente. I'm glad that wrong is now righted.

The Ozzie Smith card is cool because he is in mid flip.




Green Linen:
Chase Utley
Dice-K
Albert Pujols
Babe Ruth
Cal Ripken Jr

I got 5 of these Green Linen cards and did really well. It's tough to argue with the 5 guys I pulled.


Akinori Iwamura - Black Linen 62/99

Nothing to say here.


Alex Rodriguez - Blue Steel 43/50

How funny is it that UD stole a parallel card name from Zoolander. I have mixed feelings about this card. On the one hand, it's A-Rod. On the other hand, there are probably a lot of people who would want it so maybe I could trade it for something cool.

At least they made him look a little douchey.


Fransisco Liriano - Captured On Canvas Game Used

These are really cool game used cards. This one even has a little line going down the patch, which is nice.


Bobby Crosby - Captured On Canvas Game Used

Nothing to say about Bobby


Bobby Abreau - Captured On Canvas Game Used

Or this Bobby

And now the moment you've all been waiting for. The awesome auto card. Who did I get? Pujols? Sizemore? Jeter?....






Sean Henn - Stroke of Genius Auto

I looked at the checklist and I couldn't find a worse pull than this. It isn't really even close. How the heck did this chump get a card? Not only is he a Yankee, but he's a Yankee that nobody's ever heard of. For crying out loud he was released last year from the Padres.

Look at him there smiling that "I can't believe they are giving me an auto in this set" smile. Bummer, man. This is a bummer.

Oh well, as Gallagher said: "Reggie Jackson don't hit a home run every time."

That's right, I just quoted Gallagher. I think he's funny.

Over all I still like these boxes. I'm glad I got it. At around $45 bucks a box you can't beat it for 3 GU and an auto and some cool parallels. I would not hesitate to get another box or 2. I figure I can't to any worse on the auto, right?

The Best Card In 1982 Topps

I like 1982 Topps. It looks exactly 1982, if that makes any sense. Like a lot of kids I played soccer and baseball in the city leagues. I don't have my jerseys any more, but if I did I would bet that the numbers on the back are the 2-3 line variety, a lot like the borders to these cards. Enough of you probably know what I'm talking about.

Well, this set reminds me of that time. Those were good times. Therefore, I like this set, more than the other early 80's sets. Not that I don't like those, I just like this one more.

Now I have the best card in the set. It's a super rare variation SP of the Cleveland Indians Team Leaders card, #559B. It was sent to me by Travis over at the esteemed blog Punk Rock Paint.

It's pretty sweet isn't it? I defy anyone to find a better card in that set.




Look at Grady on the right there. That kids means freakin' business, doesn't he? He's not there to screw around.

Thanks Travis. Awesome card, dude.

Bad Wax Break: 2003 Fleer E-X

Here is my break of 2003 Fleer E-X. If I had known they were this cool looking, I might have gotten more than 1 pack

Tom Glavine #44

Tom just doesn't look right in the Mets uniform. Of course he might prefer that to the Braves uniform right now, but I have a feeling he'll be over it in 5 years when he wears his Braves cap to the HOF ceremony.













Bernie Williams #47

And my streak of pulling a Yankee in 21,573 straight packs remains intact.

















Rocco Baldelli SP #84 (46/84)

Cool SP card. It's a shade of blue and numbered 46/84...which makes it a 1/1.


No, I've told you before I will not stop making that joke.














Not a bad pack. You can't complain when you get an SP, right? Probably not the best pack in the break but again, far from the worst.

Turk Off Prize From Beardy!

My payday has arrived. I recently got my prize from Beardy for winning the Turk Off. You might have read about in on ESPN.com or seen the 60 Minutes story.

It was truly a battle to the death that we somhow both survived, which I suppose means it wasn't really a battle to the death. Whatever. I'm calling it a battle to the death because if my wife kills me, this may have a lot to do with it.

I got some really fantastic cards as my prize and I will present them here. There are a few autos, a couple serial numbered, a lot of Indians (not all of which are posted here), and of course Grady Sizemore.

Let's get to it.

Nate Robertson Auto 24/99 - 2008 Stadium Club Beam Team

This is my favorite card that Beardy sent. Not because I love Robertson in particular (I have no strong feelings for him one way or the other), but because the card is so cool. First of all, I love the design. A hear a lot of people complain about black borders because they are so easily dinged, but I like them. This card has a perfect border anyway. And the tranparent stained glass window effect is really nice. I hadn't seen any cards like this. Didn't know they existed in this set.

Also, Nate has one of the best autos around. The vast majority of players just make a scribble, like they can't be bothered. Nate took enough time to make a complete, and very cool looking, auto. I just became a much bigger Nate Robertson fan after getting this card.


Ervin Santana Auto - 2008 Allen & Ginter

Ervin was lights out last year. I know. I picked him up cheap on my fantasy team. It's always very satisfying to do that. I haven't heard much about him this year. I think he's hurt, or something.

I really like these autos in the A & G with the loose mini inside the cool border card. Ervin has a nice auto too. I'm not sure if it's abreviated or not, but it fits the space perfectly and it's more than just a scribble.


Grady Sizemore 045/100 - 2008 UD Timeline

Ah...Grady. My main man. Serial numbered even. I think Beardy pulled this out of the Timelines box he just busted. As you well know I'm a fiend for Sizemore cards. This one is very much appreciated.


Ken Griffey Jr Chrome 0800/1999 - 2007 Turkey Red

I don't believe that this was pulled during the Turk Off. Beardy knows what I like, and I likes me some Turkey Red. Actually, my long term plan is to collect every Turkey Red card and parallel starting with the 2005 set. It will take years, decades even, and almost certainly won't ever be complete. But, it will be fun trying and it will give me something to focus on.


Dry Guy - 1986 Garbage Pail Kids

I'm not sure what series this is. Probably 2 or 3. On the back is a part of a puzzle. I have no idea where Beardy comes up with this stuff. My GPKs were gone a long time ago. I love these things.


Chuck Lofgren - 2007 Bowman Chrome

Chuck is on the Indian's short list of potential starters for this season. So far we have Lee, Pavano, and a hodge-podge of starters filling in the last 3 spots. With Fausto Carmona going all Dontrelle Willis on us, there is an even greater chance of seeing Chuck sometime soon. The reports on him are good. I'd be astounded if he doesn't get a shot sometime in the next few months.

Victor Martinez - 2009 Spectrum

This must be from Beardy's recently busted box. He seemed less than impressed with this product. This is a cool card, though. Martinez has cooled off a bit recently but he's still hitting around 350. This guy is an great player. A few weeks ago rumors had him going to the Red Sox for a package including Bucholz. I'd be sad to see him go but I'd love to add Clay. Probably never happen, though.



Bob Feller - 2006 Upper Deck all Time Legends

In Cleveland we love Feller. When he wasn't terrorizing American League hitters, he was terrorizing fascists as an ace pilot. We built a statue for him outside the Jake.

I love the card. The photo is black and white so you can't see Bob's red ass.

Bill Clinton - 2007 Masterpieces

I love this card. I didn't know there was a card with him in Tribe gear. This one is from when he threw out the first pitch when they opened the Jake. I'm a big fan of the former pres. Not to get all political, but he just always impressed me when he was interviewed and I heard him talk. Whether you agree with him or not, I think it is tough to deny that he has a well reasoned, thoughtful opinion on most subjects. Basically, he's not a dummy.


Ryan Garko - 2007 Bowman Heritage

I always liked Garko. He hasn't turned into a premier slugger first baseman type, but he has his moments. The back of his card says that he was born in Pittsburgh. I wish I hadn't read that.

Victor Martinez - 2007 Goudey Mini

The more Goudey I see, the more it grows on me.


Eric Wedge - 2009 Topps

I hate this card. I hate it because that man you see on the front is an imposter. I like Wedge. The ranks of Wedge appologists dwindles with each consecutive horrible April, but I still can't convince myself that it's Wedge's fault. But this isn't Eric Wedge. Eric Wedge does not smile. Ever.

This is not my manager.

Andy Marte - 2009 Topps Walget

For some reason I cannot keep it straight which ones are Target and which are Walmart. In any case, I like these black ones better. And this is a sweet looking card of Marte.

I can't belive that he is still with the Tribe. He was so bad the last 2 years that this once top flight prospect made it through waivers. He's back in AAA, and guess what? He's hitting the crap out of the ball again.

Is it time to give this guy another chance?

Travis Fryman - 1998 Finest

The protective coating is still intact here which means so is the book value. Thank god for that.

I loved Fryman in Cleveland. If I'm not mistaken he's still with the organization as the manager of the Mahoning Valley Scrapers.

Coco Crisp - 2005 Turkey Red

I love this card. I love all things Turkey Red (as you all well know). I was actually at the Tribe game last night. An endodontist I know (root canal dentist) had some tickets and called me last minute. Good times. That's actually why this post didn't go up last night.

The Tribe won it in extra innings when Choo drove in the winning run off of Kyle Farnsworth (The Royals fans are shocked by this, I'm sure). The hit clipped a seagull and got by Clisp.

It was high comedy watching Clisp act all indignant about it, as if he would have definately gunned down DeRosa at the plate, what with that cannon he has bolted onto his shoulder. If not for that crazy bird they might still be playing right now.


Lou Boudreau, Bob Lemon, Bob Feller - 2007 Legendary Cuts.

I don't have any of these cards. I had no idea they were so awesome looking. These 3 are good ones to end on. The scan does NOT do them justice.

Thank you Beardy. The Turk Off was great. I got lucky.

You were definately a Worthy Faqin Adversary. The Beard in the black Pajamas.