Custom autograph from Chris at Nachos Grande

I have a backlog of completed trades scattered on my desk that I need to get to, but lately, it feels like I just don't have the time. I had mentioned previously that I've begun working on some new sets, the first of which being the 2013 Gypsy Queen Minis. It's always tough to start working on a set a year after the fact as most people have moved on to the current year issues. However, thanks to the magic of trade lists, I was able to see that Chris at Nachos Grande had 3 of the minis I was still looking for. Chris and I had previously helped each other out, so I knew that we would be able to quickly come to an agreement. The PWE arrived this past week and so did the minis.

Being able to knock off a big name like Machado is always a relief, though sometimes it feels like the common players are the hardest ones to find.  I'm down to 19 minis for the set now as I slowly chip away.

Chris added a few surprise cards in the PWE, all being custom Ginter cards including an autograph of Mr. Nachos Grande himself!

I know I should be more thrilled with being able to mark off a few set needs, but I can't help but admire that custom autograph card. Totally awesome and definitely my favorite card in the package. At a card show, I once joked to a dealer that there should be autographed cards made of every person in the world. That would be something to collect. Thanks much Chris. At the end of the day, cards should be enjoyed and your custom autograph card really put a smile on my face.

2nd trade with Ryan at "O" No!!! Another Orioles Blog

Since the cards from my wantlists are getting harder to find, it was time to start working on some new uncompleted sets. The first of these was the '13 Topps Gypsy Queen Minis. In terms of trades, I will always first seek out those who've I've already dealt with in the past. I was able to go back to the well with Ryan at "O" No!!! Another Orioles Blog a week or so ago and knock off two from my wantlist.

Apparently there are SP minis in this set as well, which I will have to do some research on. In addition to the Freeman and Votto, I also picked up three additional cards from Ryan.

I really like the look of these Bowman Chrome Blue Wave Refractors. Lucas Sims isn't a local guy, but he is a top prospect with the Braves. It will be interesting to see how his career goes.

I'm not too familiar with Nolan Sanburn, but he's currently listed on the A's Stockton roster. I hope to get the card signed when the Ports visit Southern California later this year. The Brandon Belt Bowman International is for my Giants buddy.

Thanks Ryan for another trade. Keep those wantlists and tradelists updated and I'm sure we'll trade again.

Last pack - '13/14 Panini Basketball

Opening up the last Panini basketball pack from the previous post while watching the Angels/Rangers game. Here are the goods:

#68 Tiago Splitter
#88 Tony Parker
#8 Tony Allen

#67 Goran Dragic All-Panini insert
#199 Phil Pressey
#182 Ricky Ledo
#145 Tyler Hansbrough
#103 Thomas Robinson

More of the same in terms of the base cards, but I like the shiny look of the Dragic insert card. As a whole though, basketball cards just don't appeal to me. While this set is ideal for a completist, there are just too many players that I've never heard of. Maybe if I were watching the NBA playoffs instead of a regular season baseball game, I might feel differently . 

March Madness winnings - '13/14 Panini Basketball

Topically, this post is about a month late, but at work today, the manager finally handed out the prizes for our Final Four basketball pool. Each employee who drew a Final Four team received a bag of goodies, among the items, a pack a '13/14 Panini Basketball cards. Given that no one at work has interest in trading cards, I was the true winner as I ended up with the cards. One of the packs was already opened, so I will only list the packs I did open.

Pack 1

#2 Brook Lopez
#58 Wesley Matthews
#78 Jeff Green
#14 LaMarcus Aldridge



#192 Shane Larkin - son of Reds HOFer Barry!
#6 Kyrie Irving Knight School insert
#150 Greg Monroe
#154 Brandon Knight

Pack 2

#12 Serge Ibaka
#90 Paul Millsap
#62 Monta Ellis
#37 Mario Chalmers

 

#16 Jeremy Lin Preparation insert - could it have been only a few years ago that Lin-sanity swept the nation? Now Lin is coming off the bench for the Rockets.
#197 Allen Crabbe
#132 Marc Gasol
#148 Gerald Green

These cards are pretty "eh" in the sense that the photos pretty much all look like the Larkin card above. Some variety would've been welcome. The most interesting card from the two packs was the Lin which is horizontal and thematically at least, matches the look on his face. I have one more pack left which I will save for the weekend. As 99% of the cards I get are singles at card shows, I should probably string out the packs when I get them.